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Submitted by
JaySC
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Depends on the day | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Good | | Strengths: | This thing is solid! After six years of use, the only I've had to do is change out the cables and keep it lubed. The weight isn't bad for its price range, and the components have held up better than I could've asked. Despite what others seem to have experienced, the front shocks have been great for me! | | Weaknesses: | Wheels went out of true very quickly. The rear shock has no lock so you bounce everywhere you go (shock quality isn't too terrible though). I wish that the rear triangle was alloy and not steel. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel, Cannondale Rush, Raleigh hardtail, various other Huffy/Mongoose type bikes in my younger days. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you can find one cheap, don't mind the extra weight for the price, and don't mind a bike that you know you'll be upgrading from in a short amount of time, go for it. I'm on a Scalpel now, but I still have this bike for others to use, and for those days that I feel like a heavier ride to really get my heart pumping. Its held up great! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks | | Strengths: | For the price, you couldn't beat it at the time. Most components can take as much of a beating as a new rider can give it, but you will outgrow the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Stock forks suck. They lasted 3 real rides before they were bent. Weighs a ton, but for the price, not really a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with Rock Shox Judy forks. | | Bottom Line: | For the money it was a great bike. Still have it for bad weather and beater rides. Anyone knew to the sport that can still get one cheap, go for it. As for upgrading, better off just getting a better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benny
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacko Heights NY
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | favorite tail? | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Weight (cmon, for this price range?) Components are pretty good. i flipped (still don't konw where those steps came from?) several times and i can tell you this bike can take a beating, even tho i weigh 240 lbs. And last but not the least, the rear hubs are QUIET. i have a jamis dakar sport now but i really miss not having to hear those annoying tick ticks. (once you get use to not hearing them, those tick ticks intensify once you use a bike that has normal hubs) | | Weaknesses: | damn good looks got it stolen from me. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i can't praise this bike enough...its perfect for entry level bikers who have thin wallets. Once again, the rear hub is great in that they are extremely quiet. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lankey
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | It has a really great price for what you get.It is also extremly durable. The two years i've had it I have only needed to replace the cables for the brakes and shifters. I have used it on some pretty rough XC stuff (Logs,rock,etc.) and have had very few problems with the chainring bending. this is one tough cookie. | | Weaknesses: | The fork isnt anything special. Damage from chain slaping.
And of course the stock tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the cables, nashbar clipless pedals and Mavic 517/Shimano LX Wheels. Getting disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the price. The suspension will get you hooked on full-suspension bikes if you have never riden one.If you're looking for a cheap, but reliable bike this should definetly be one that you should consider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesus
a Cross Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hmm.. lots of them. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop near me. | | Strengths: | Looks good.. Nice stock components for a lower priced bike. (Acera Comp. Group ain't all that bad)
Strong as hell frame that Only weighs one pound more than a very expensive Santa Cruz frame.
Easy to upgrade, no hassle. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock, tires and front fork..(when you progress in a sport you figure stuff out for yourself) | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback X20, Cannondale Gemini | | Bike Setup: | This bike aint what it used to be. not by a long shot..
Marzocci Z1 FreeRide 2002
Fox Vanilla RL (Lockout)
SunRims SingleTrack Disc Rims
Avid Mechanical Disc 6" w/ Full Metal Jacket
Shimano XT Front/Rear Derailleur
DeoreXT Disc Hubs
XT Crankset
WTB Wierwolf 2.5 Front Tire
WTB MutanoRaptor 2.24 Rear Tire | | Bottom Line: | This was my first full suspension bike.. and its still my only full suspension bike.. except its a lot different now.. i rode this thing for about 8 months completly stock and it was great while i was new to full suspension.. As i got further into full suspension stuff, i wanted more... this bike was so easy to upgrade... I've turned this bike into a nice bike for hardcore XC and Freeride.. no 15 foot drops.. the most ive ever done is 5 or 6 feet.. but there has not been one bit of product failure in the frame, everything is still right, the joints are fine and its in great condition.. Check it out at http://www.fearthefuom.com/thebike.jpg if you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Naptron
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | sports authority | | Strengths: | Frame, that's all i kept | | Weaknesses: | swingarm is too heavy, however it seems heavy is good for downhilling. so... whatever | | Similar Products Used: | ? | | Bike Setup: | Judy XL long travel front shock. sun ryno lite disc rims, fox vanilla 01' rear shock. zoom 40mm stem,Kenda IRC 2.35" tires, shimano disc brakes, fenders front and rear.nashbar clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | awful if you keep the stock stuff on it. the only things left that i haven't replaced are the frame itself(soon enough) the cassette,crankset,chain, and saddle. if your looking for an extensive rebuild on an alright bike, buy this if it's still out there, or you can buy mine. email me at naptron@yahoo.com if you want to make an offer. it's pretty bad ass after all i've done to it. works wonderfully now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Downhiller
from Providence, RI
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Stock, its a good bike to do a lot of things with.. mainly XC.. i used it for about 2 months before overhauling it..
The rear shock is not too good but its cool for a beginner. Front forks are also not too good but theyre good for a beginner.. Everything else on the bike is cool, no crap on it, its very sturdy... i was even suprised with the stock rims.. they hold up very well even with some freeride and downhill action. | | Weaknesses: | front fork, rear shock.. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback x20 | | Bike Setup: | Well, i completley overhauled this bike and turned it into a nice freeride machine.
Marzocchi Z1FreeRide(plush), CaneCreek Cloud nine rear
WTB MutanoRaptor front/rear, mavic 521's, Hayes Disc, King Headset | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike stock, really nice bike when upgraded, its also very easily upgradable.. great for beginners or great for someone who wants to upgrade for no reason like i did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Killeen
a Weekend Warrior
from West Milford, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stephens Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Value! Decent components for $250. Great price for beginners to try the trails. | | Weaknesses: | Tires(traction and flats), grips, rear shock, and stock chain is one link too long | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock- removed one chain link, Velox rim tape, pedal clips | | Bottom Line: | The buying experience from Sports Authority sucked, but the bike is ausome. They included pedal clips (riding the trails without was a pain) even though the bike didn't come with them. I spent hours adjusting the front Alivio derailleur until I checked the chain length per Shimano's directions and found that I had one link too many. Since I removed the link, I haven't experienced any further problems. The tires don't offer much traction or protection from flats. The grips, tires, seat, and rear shock could be better, but what do you expect for $250 full suspension bike. I also considered the Trek 4500 for $430 at my LBS and the IBEX Alpine 450 for $330. The Zero G2 components were comparable to the Trek 4500 for a lot less $$. The IBEX hardtail bikes appear to be the best components available in there price range and they spent an hour on the phone helping me decide to go for full suspension. The new IBEX full suspension bikes were too much $$ for me so I went with the Mongoose Zero G2. The Zero G3 has better components yet, but I will just upgrade the G2 as funds become available. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bootleg Canyon Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$249.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | Aggressive looking frame, great price, very sturdy frame. Forks are pretty good, as are the wheels | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock and seat SUCK!! I had some probs with the front deraileur as some of the other riders. I replaced the large sprocket with a bash ring and haven't had any more problems since.The stock tires have to go ASAP!! | | Similar Products Used: | none, my other bike is an old Lotus Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | stock frame and suspension. Geax Blade front tire, Panaracer Trailblaster rear tire. Yeti Grips, Titec Hellbent riser bars, RaceFace bash ring, Sram X.0 rear deraileur and shifters, Shimano Levers, Avid Mechanical Disc front brake | | Bottom Line: | For the money, I think this is a great first full susp. bike. I made a few more $'s of mods, and still came up with a great XC bike for $100's less than similar production bikes with similar equipment. If you do anything, replace the tires before you hit the trail for the first time. The stock Hutchinsons have ZERO grip!! Not a pro bike, but it's not suposed to be. A lot better for a beginner than going to Wal-Mart or TArget to buy a MTB! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve D
a
from South Orange NJ USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | random junk | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | This bike looks GREAT. The fork is decent, climbs well, light. This bike is just incredible especially when priced so low. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock is BAD. I dont know if its just me(130lbs.) or if this shock is just way too stiff. I like to ride rocky trails and jump etc. This will be the 1st component I replace. | | Bike Setup: | Stock+ gell seat. Mmmm gell seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike at a good price, not a fair price, much better than fair. Light, can take up to 7 foot drops(so far tried). Rear shock sucks tho. If your looking for an Inexpensive and good bike this is for you. its nice all around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Forney, TX
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none, yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | dicks sporting goods (online) | | Strengths: | looks cool; hell, i don't know what to look for. i'm a rookie. the suspension is pretty nice. the first ride was great, until . . . . | | Weaknesses: | FRONT DERALLIEUR IS ABSOLUTE CRAP RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. Would not upshift into largest chainring 10 minutes into first ride. Spent 5 hours trying to adjust it, and it still will not shift!! I need to replace it, but don't know what will work. ?? Shimano Deore XT top pull???
Tires a little sketchy... no nubs on sides of tires.
Seat is too hard! Bruised my freakin ass bone! | | Bottom Line: | The lousy front derallieur has really got me worried. Once I get it too work or replaced and get the seat replaced, it should be a pretty cool bike for the price. . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JUAN
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit,MI.
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Maybury State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | the sports authority | | Strengths: | I am new to off roading, but i love this bike. I used to hit the trails on a front susp. bike only, i did not know what i was missing. Although i would suggest that you replace the tires if you are a serious rider. | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn | | Bottom Line: | overall this is a great bike, it compares to my friends Gary Fisher. The cost of his bike $1100 U.S. the cost of the zg2, 250. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justo Andrejic
a Downhiller
from Cairns Qld Aus
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | resocior road | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Chilli BIke House | | Strengths: | Great Frame | | Weaknesses: | Shocks could do with some work but good for that set price | | Similar Products Used: | scorpio | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks now all i have to do is buy it. Anyone wanna lend me $380 US i will be very grateful and send you a fruitbasket. Can i acually purchae this in Cairns if so email me Loctar2jacker@hotmail.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a
from Yardville, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Kopps cycles | | Strengths: | Agressive looking | | Weaknesses: | Tires,seat | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80, Jamis Dakar Sport | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SXR fork, Fox Float rear shock, Lx rear derailluer, WTB saddle | | Bottom Line: | I must say,I am very impressed with the way this bike rides single track - even with the stock components. It may only be a small step up from a Wal-Mart bike, but it rides so much better. A test ride in the bike shop parking lot felt about the same as the Trek fuel 80. But I did not want to spend 1,000.00 to find out if I would like full suspension. Well,I love it. So instead of buying the Trek, I spent 200.00 on suspension and shifting upgrades (via the internet) and now I have a killer bike. Tires wash out a bit in loose conditions,but are otherwise great. Saddle made me numb. Climbs like a billy goat,very little bob. If you're low on cash but still want a good full suspension bike, Supergo.com has a Zero G-3 for 400.00. That bike needs no upgrades,except maybe the seat. Bicycling magazine gave it a very good rating for an inexpensive bike. It weighs only 2 pounds more than the Fuel 80. And you save 600.00. It may even be a better cross country bike -only time will tell. I'm 6'2",175 Lbs. If you're heavy, 200 lbs. and over,this bike might not work for you. It also will not work for DH or racing, and neither will the Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Smith
a Downhiller
from North Providence, RI
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | I make my own. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Strengths: | Light, very sturdy, handles really well, holds up to an incredible amount of punishment, suspension system is really nice.. Excellent bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Deraileur was sorta screwed up, it didnt like to shift into top gear...so i got a whole new drivetrain. thats really my only gripe. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback XSL | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XTR Drivetrain/hubs/shifters. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really nice compared to some bikes that would cost you 500 dollars. Its very sturdy.. its very easily upgradable and very easy to keep clean and in good fluid condition. Downhill it performs really well, offroad its great. It's a great all around bike for the price and its quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a
from Cicero,NY
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Neighborhood trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks | | Strengths: | Absolutely great value for the price, great suspension, mine came with aL pedals, and they grip my shoes really good. Adjustable suspension a plus also. | | Weaknesses: | Grips seem to be a bit hard, may develop blisters on longer rides. Saddle could be a problem on epic rides. Tires are slippery going next to slopes, be careful, Also, when riding in ruts be really careful to not try and get out because the tires don't generate enough pull and you'll just skid around. | | Similar Products Used: | Carrera something or other | | Bike Setup: | Stock, including Hutchinson Chameleon tires, metal pedals, Alex DH19 rims | | Bottom Line: | All in all, a great bike for the value. Nice ride for the beginner to intermediate xc weekend warrior. Adjustable suspension is really nice, but you might consider changing the grips as they seem to be blister builders. Also, be reeallly careful riding in a rut or next to a slope because the chameleon tires dont have side knobs to keep traction, so don't attempt to get out of a rut or ride a slope. Closing Comments: Definitely a great buy for the weekend warrior and maybe even the intermediate mountain biker! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred LaCava
a Weekend Warrior
from Valley Forge, PA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sporting Goods Store | | Strengths: | The price was right for this bike. Moderate components, nothing high-end but also no junk on it. This is my first mountain bike and I wanted to break into the sport without breaking the bank. This bike fit the solution. In the future, I will spend more money when purchasing a bike. I had to find out if I was going to enjoy it first. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are pretty much crap in loose dirt and mud. Work great on the trails though. The front derailer also isn't the greatest but works well enough for the way I ride. | | Similar Products Used: | my brothers Fuji Thrill SE | | Bike Setup: | I only added climbing bars and pedal clips to purchased bike. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to any beginner out there. I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. And in a world were this is a lack of customer satisfaction, it is nice to be able to say that I got my moneys worth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Thomasel
a
from Flushing, NY
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Alley Pond | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bellite Bikes | | Strengths: | All around great bike on any surface. Weight holds momentum on level ground and down hills. Looks sharp. | | Weaknesses: | Sprocket wore down on both sides of the crank, but isn't critical-yet. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Shock adjusted to maximum as I am 210! | | Bottom Line: | The bike is quiet and fast. The comfort level of the thing is the highest I've ever had with any bike, after adding a new Oasis seat and Zoom extention for the handlebars. I always look forward to riding it, and the price is certainly great. Will upgrade soon, but will very much miss this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Hee
a Weekend Warrior
from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Charles Darwin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Rossettoes Sports Centre | | Strengths: | Good entry leve bike, love the front shocks and frame. | | Weaknesses: | The 1.95 Tires are absolutely crap(no damn good!). I had to change it to 2.30 Off road tires. The Rear Shock I have found is crap too! As it squeeks like hell and there is no damping or rebound settings. As When I have done some jumps, the rear shock launch me into the air again, they are too springy.
You also need a Chain guard as the chain always get caught between the frame and the large cogs. Plus the rear shocks bounce abit when you rear in low gear. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first dual suspension bike.
But have rode briefly Mongoose Farlane and Gaint AC3 | | Bike Setup: | rear shocks tightened, and tires changed to 2.30 off road tires. | | Bottom Line: | The Bike is great, its worth the money to have a bike to bash around on a hard and muddy trail. Will do just about anything a $4000 bike will do.
I love riding on muddy trails and rocky ones with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Glen Burnie, Md USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Low price, good rims DHLs, confortable ride, fork decent, | | Weaknesses: | DERAILLEUR! front derailleur (Alivio) was defective, I don't know if I was the only person to have this problem but I'm guessing not-upgraded to TOP PULL Shimano XT and it works great, i DON'T KNOW HOW THIS DERAILLEUR WORKS ON OTHER BIKES BUT IT SOLVED my problems | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Zero G2, mostly stock except DERAILLEUR! | | Bottom Line: | GOOD BIKE ONCE YOU GET OVER THE DERAILLEUR PROBLEMs, PRICE IS GREAT FOR FULL SUSPENSION, AND COMPARED TO OTHER MORE HIGH END FS BIKES IT IS LIGHT (at 31 lbs. for Medium size) FOR ITS PRICE. IF YOU DON'T MIND "TEETHING" PROBLMES, THAT IS PROBLEMS YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH RIGHT AFTER YOU'VE BOUGHT THIS BIKE ITS A GREAT DEAL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Fork is great, handling is awesome, suspension quality for the money, just a good all around bike, nice red paint job, alot of frame support, cool looking frame also, you can use this bike for all types of riding | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain isn't up to par. Crank gets a little noisy sometimes, rear shock gets squeaky after alot of riding, tires arn't to great | | Bike Setup: | I got Michelin Widegripper Downhill Soft 2.2 tires on it. There really great tires. I bought a T.H.E. Downhill front fender, because these tires tend to kick up alot in loose conditions. I put Bar ends on it to give me some more climbing power. I also have Pedal clips on it, which help alot. The stock fork is really good, it has air/coil spring, with adjustable spring preload, so you can really tune your ride. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the money, i'm glad i bought it, still works like new after a year. Zokes fork is great. Rear shock works nice. Requires very little maintenance. Good for absorbing bumps, and still being able to crank it. Can climb good. This bike is worth alot more than it costs. Good for a rider who wants a all around bike. Don't buy if you want to race, or want to get really into a certain type of riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | beaudry | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Station--Highland Park | | Strengths: | 2001 model, air shock, good seat, nice red paint job, reat shock, Alex DH rims, fair Shimano transmission, can climb steep hills | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy, reat shock needs damping | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Zokes 80mm air shock, Shimano 8 sp, Tektro brakes, Alex DH rims, Mongoose stem, Suntour crankset, Mongoose seat and post. I upgraded tires to Michellin and upgraded shifters and brakes to Shimano XT. | | Bottom Line: | Handles great, easy to climb hills, is easily upgradeable, love that red paint job, nice seat and doesnt squeek like some bikes in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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