Great value for the money. I love the spec and price, absolutely no problems to date. I have about 150 mile on rails to trails and technical single track, just love it.

Nothing to date, it's a bit heavy, but it's a big bike.

I have never written a review on anything I have ever purchased, but I wanted to get the word out about this bike.

I am a bike industry veteran, have worked for a big OEM that starts with a T in WI and done consulting for several other big companies that have struggled bringing carbon fiber frames on line in Asia.

I am a 54 YO Clydesdale, hard on frames and components, and can usually tell straight away if I have made a good purchase or not.

I love this bike, everything I need for my stage of riding. Simple, functional, confidence inspiring, and fun! We have had a crap winter in the PNW, and this bike takes on snow, mud, rain, mush without any issues.

When the trails are dry and solid, pump up to 20 psi and roll really quickly. This is the best value for money I have invested in myself in probably 10+ years. Great dog riding trail bike and all around fun. I have run into several trail buddies my age that are converting over from XC MTB to these because, well we are getting too old to crash going fast.

Any doubts or regrets about on line purchase vs local bike shop are null and void from my experience. I was on the trail quickly, but it's only about $50 if you want it to be professionally assembled, 4 mm 5 mm Allens, and Torx and you are away.

Similar Products Used:

Specialized FSR XC MTB, Trek 9.9 CF hard tail, Trek 5500 road bike

Value, Frame and fork seem well built, Avid BB7 brakes, Strong wheels, Long seat post,easy enough to work on.

Bottom bracket bearings, Alloy Free hub body gouges instantly, X-9 took alot of tinkering to shift well. New cable and an XT Cassette helped. Steering head bearings needed attention after and or during many rides but seem to have settled for now.

This bike seems to be an incredible value. Ignore the listed MSRP as it is really only $999.00. I got mine early and it was only $899. Be ready to tinker though, no problem for me as I am a part time mechanic at a bike shop. After nearly 600 hard miles I have not yet been stranded and I do abuse this bike. It has been ridden up and down stairs, frequently jumped and taken off short (big for me) drops. It took me awhile and some parts (see above) to get it to shift almost as good as lower level Shimano. The rear free hub makes loud clanking sounds at times. It took some time and creativity to get the rear brake caliper set properly. On the plus side the frame and fork seem well made and durable and the bike is a blast to ride. It is amazing what you can climb on this bike, even though my 22" is 40lbs. Super steep, technical descents are easy also with the easy to modulate BB7 brakes and tons of traction. I can't say much about how it handles snow as we either have no snow or 17" with a 4 inch base of slush and in that mess it was as useless as any other bike.