Submitted by
SSGRUSSO
a Cross Country Rider
from Deltona FL/Rhineland Phalz Germany Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ramstein-Meisenbach
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Ramstein Outdoor Rec
Strengths:
The Fire Mountain Deluxe has a great frame that is completely upgradeable. As soon as I purchased this bike I put it through hell--800 Kilometers in two months, through gravel trails and mountain paths! If you are looking for your first bike or a decent priced bike to build off of--the Fire Mountain Deluxe is perfect.
Weaknesses:
I haven't experienced any problems with the shifters or brakes as mentioned in another review, but from a novice perspective I have little to compare against. I quickly replaced the pedals and the grips. Due to numbness in the hands I went with the Ergon GX2--pricey, but well worth it. This bike likes her maintenance. The Shimano chain stretched quick, and in the first 60 days I burned out two gears on the Cassette. I'm not racing so I switched to a SRAM chain and upgraded to a better quality Cassette.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Shred
Bottom Line:
This bike has a great frame, from what I had been advised the 08 Fire Mountain Deluxe frame is the same as 07 Cinder Cone. If you are looking for a great bike at a decent cost this one is it. It's good as is, but with minor personality tweeks you really make it your own.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aescottwatson
a Cross Country Rider
from Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa Date Reviewed: July 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
not fussy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Maverick Cycles, Hil
Strengths:
brilliant frame, can withstand a battering, brakes good, good stopping power, good weight for price, excellent for cross country
Weaknesses:
front shifter needs adjustment on a regular basis, front gears lost a few teeth in first 300km (possibly because of hard hills & rocky roads!)
Similar Products Used:
raleigh mtrax
Bike Setup:
2008 model comes with RockShox DART 2 with Turnkey 100mm, shimano pedals
Bottom Line:
Brilliant price for a bike that compares well to more expensive bikes, did a 55k race through Umfolozi game reserve in Zululand (home to the big five) very rocky bumpy jeep tracks, big hills and big descents, soft sand river crossings, lots of thorns, some long grass, bike went perfectly without missing a beat. Excellent for those on a budget or starting out. Bike is upgradable and whilst the components are decent, upgrades such as tubeless rims, front crankset & hydraulic brakes would give you a great spec level at minimal cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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