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Mountain Cycle
San Andreas DHS
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Submitted by
chowderbutt
a Weekend Warrior
from springfield va
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | mountain cycle | | Strengths: | 6 inch travel version of classic rides singletrack like the 4 inch version on rails but downhills like a bighit bike. | | Bike Setup: | lx and xt mix, pyslo | | Bottom Line: | great bike extremely versital | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgetown,co usa
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | wont tell you | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | adrenlinebikes | | Strengths: | Timr tested design,strong construction,mountaincylce quality,go anywhere do anything frame | | Weaknesses: | small tire clearence rear swingarm,limited travel only 6" | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 san andreas dhs(no bearings) | | Bike Setup: | fsa headset/wolrdforce stem/worldforce handel bar/Jr.t/XTR rear derailuer/xt sift pod/tru vativ husslefelt cranks/mrp chaingiude/ryhno lites/ | | Bottom Line: | The best all around frameset you can do anything with this
frame and the knew redesign shock mount and bearing and
intergated fork stop just bring this old dog into the next
century | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from bolton
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 stages | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | rail lazers | | Strengths: | burly frame, looks great, elevated swingarm | | Weaknesses: | cheesy cable mounts | | Similar Products Used: | had a balfa belair which i bent the rear swingarm | | Bike Setup: | minute air fork 135mm, spv air rear shock, xtr discs, spinergy wheels, the rest standard stuff | | Bottom Line: | built up to true 29lbs, which is pretty good for a 6" travel bike. it's my do everything rig, race cross country, urban, epic, free ride, even road rides. it pedals quite well all things considered. though its no light weigh cross country bike it can still hold its own against all those light weight shaved leg keeners. but once the trail turns down hill it flies. your only problem is yelling to the keeners to get out of the way... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Maniatis
a Downhiller
from Athens,Greece
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Everything on Mt Imittos | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Cycle | | Strengths: | This bike gives an unbelievable ride! Incredibly strong and stiff frame,no noticable bob,climbs almost like a hardtail,you can tune it in so many different ways in seconds by changing shock or subframe positions,ease (or absense!) of maintenance through grease ports on the swingarm and THAT LOOKS!!!! One of the (if not THE) best looking bikes on this planet.Absolutely a piece of art! | | Weaknesses: | So far,after 3 1/2 years of owning this bike,the only thing I could point out as a weakness,would be the occasional creaking from the cranks or the seatpost, amplified by the monocoque main frame.But that`s something I can live with,and actually it`s a good thing cause it lets me know when my cranks need tightening!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-33,Mongoose,GT STS,Cannondale Super-V | | Bike Setup: | When I first built it up,I went for an all-around performance using Marzzochi Z1,Mavic 317,Ritcey 2.35 and after a year or so,I switched towards freeride/dh set up:White Bros DH2,Rhyno Lites,Maxxis 2.7f 2.5r,Amazing Pro-stop disc brakes,Easton handlebar+seatpost,Sram 9.0sl Der+shifters | | Bottom Line: | SAN ANDREAS ROCKS!!!No matter the setup,this bike always amazes me(and everyone that has ridden it).Absolutely stable on high speeds,eats singletrack for breakfast and jumps like a rabbit! I`ve built mine up to 38 lbs,but riding it,feels like half its weight.I`ve raced downhill,went on recreational 5-hour tours,climbed really steep hills,and jumped on bmx-like tracks,all on the same bike! What more can you ask for? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bradley Reece
a Downhiller
from Laguna Hills
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods right now... | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | All over the place | | Strengths: | The frame itself just looks bad-ass. The whole set up is extremely robust and can take a beating. It's a true jack of all trades, but I would not call it a master of none by any means. I don't see too many of them (2 so far) so it's cool by virtue of its rarity. It handles very well--very nimble for how burly it is. It's lighter than many bikes of its class. It climbs quite well. I am a tall rider and I find it very comfortable so that's a strength for me personally. | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes the bike gets sort of creaky--it'll make a lot of racket after going through water and then drying a bit (big deal). My brakes rub a lot since I upgraded to 8" rotors, but I am sure that can be adjusted. I find that I get a good deal of ghost shifting when climbing through steep, bumpy terrain. Again, that is probably more of a tuning issue. | | Similar Products Used: | A GT Zaskar way back when. My brother's San Andreas which is why I bought mine. A Huffy DungBlaster that I rode in the aisle at Walmart. | | Bike Setup: | 02 Psylo 20mm thru-axle; XTR front/rear der.; Hayes hydr. w/ 8" rotor upgrade; XT shifters; Race Face Prodigy XC with upgraded rings; Ritchie wheels; Easton MonkeyBar; Race Face seat post; Time Atac Z pedals; and so on... | | Bottom Line: | I love this thing. I can't get enough time on this bike. Since I got it I have been putting in at least 4 days a week, 5 or 6 if I'm not too beat. There is a fairly diverse offering of riding conditions where I live so I needed something that would allow me to climb, bomb, jump, and jam single track in a very balanced fashion. I think the set up I have does an excellent job in all arenas with very little compromise. I have felt very confident in every situation I have been in so far because I trust the rig. I have put it through a lot rigors and it has held up beautifully so far. The only real problems I have had has been little stuff getting bent or broken--chain rings, rear hanger, severed break lines--all the results of crashes. You gotta pay to play and crashing is hard currency!
Speaking of money, I consider this rig a great value. Just go out and do some comparisons. Look at the builds. You're not going to find too many bikes with as many good reviews, with as many good parts, and as exotic at this price point. If you're a spendy entry level rider you can rock one of these bad boys and grow into it. If you're pretty core you can go big without bottoming out your wallet.
So for what it's worth, I highly recommend this bike. The newer models have the Progressive rear suspension which is supposed to be dope. I think the SA frame is a great core to work with. It's obviously a proven design--you see the ratings. The SA is just a sexy beast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a
from Woonsocket RI USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Beefy frame, but surprisingly light! Its easy to clean too. Accepts a front derailleur. SMOKES on the downhills. Clean on the drops. | | Weaknesses: | With the way i set it up, its got really bad pedalling effeciency. Its bad because the cockpit is just a tad bit to cramped. Hard to pedal uphills. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first full susser, and i love it. | | Bike Setup: | ATC double crown fork (6"), stratos helix shock (6"), azonic double wall handle bar, beefy stem, 8 speed xt/xtr drive train, truvativ splined cranks and crankcase bashgaurd, tioga XL saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Great if you wanna drop your bike off things and downhill it, but start doing your squats if you wanna push it uphill with a six inch double crown fork. GREAT bike however. I recommend it alot. im 6 feet tall and feel a lil cramped though. But i recommend it to the entry level freerider looking for a lower priced AWESOME bike. Save yourself 1000s! GO EBAY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gray Coops
a Downhiller
from Liverpool Uk
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nannerch Scouse Track, North Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Cycle UK | | Strengths: | When I got the frame in the post, I took it out of its box and though "WOOOOOOWW This is CHUNKY AS F**K" It has extra gusseting on the parts of the swingarm most likely to get stressed/flexed. The swing arm itself is MASSIVELY thick. The front triangle... er triangle??? its a box!!! anyway, the front box section is stiff as yer like too. The bike handles well. Its incredibly stable, moreso even than my mates 8.5" Club roost. Has a nifty stopper for dual crown forks, which stops you denting the monocoque. Some people have complained about the thickness of the walls... well if u campare it to a bike made with tubing... yeah the walls are thin. But if you consider the amount of surface area, amount of folds in the metal - its as rigid as the get - it aint going anywhere.
The bike pedals well up hill, infact this was one of my major concerns when I was building it. As I was adding more n more of the parts I started thinking "my god this thing is gonna be heavy" and it is heavey at 38lbs. But its bombproof and I havnt really had a problem getting it up the hills, even with dual crown forks. OK its slower to ascend than my old scott g zero, but it will get you there... and lets face it, whats the point of buying a bike that climbs all day but is not much fun on the knarly descents????? Handles really well in the air and lands even better. Oh yeah, its really adjustable too... | | Weaknesses: | some complain of not enuff tyre clearance.... but this isnt really a full on DH rig by todays standarsd... so a 2.5 inch high roller will do JUST FINE for ALL freeride duties.
My only complaint is that the frame is noisy as hell. Ive stripped the f**ker part by part and discovered its actually the pivot that makes all that noise. So yeah, you gotta grease the pivot once a week with copper slip - ordinary grease doesnt seem to do the job. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott G Zero, Scott High Octane, Club Roost DH8, Orange Patriot, Marin Wolfridge | | Bike Setup: | Junior T's, Hope Biguns, D521s, 2.5" High Rollers, Fox Vannilla R, Bontrager crobars, FSA Vdrive Extreme isis cranks, FSA isis BB, FSA Headset (i hate shimano) FSA Chainrings (tripple set up) and unfortunately I had to use XT Rear mech and LX front with stx Shifters - I HATE SHIMANO!!!!!!!! oh yeah... the bike... er.... club roost blazing saddle, Azonic seat post, Yeti Lock Grips - its built to last! | | Bottom Line: | Amazing do anything bike! Name ANY other freeride bike and tell you why a San Andreas would be a better choice.
This bike changed my riding for ever.
I now do 6foot drops, I couldnt before. But the best part is that once you learn something on the san an, you can do it on anything.
BUY THIS BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Golden Birdies, Holmbury | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Second hand | | Strengths: | Very stiff, swingarm needs little adjustment, bolt-on seat tower allows you to change position easily, end to end cable routing saves mucky cables, variable shock mount allows you to experiment with different shocks. | | Weaknesses: | End to end cable routing looks ugly to some and makes changing the outers a bit of a pain; mud and rain can make all those bolted together bits and pieces creak noticably; weight is an issue to some riders. Slight inchworming effect if you're in the granny gear and not pedalling smoothly enough. If you know how to pedal a roadbike smoothly (or any bike for that matter) it's not a problem - only if you pedal squares or stomp down on the pedals all the time.
Very little clearance on the swingarm for large DH tyres. A Michelin Comp 16 fits fine, but leaves little clearance for mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit, older San Andreas for over a year, Giant ATX 990, Marin Attack Trail. | | Bike Setup: | '01 Psylo Races at 125mm travel setting, Fox Vanilla R coil over rear shock, Race Face cranks, Hope C2 disk brakes. XT / XTR bits | | Bottom Line: | After eight hellish months with a Marin Attack Trail (I'd sold my old San Andreas to buy it) I decided enough was enough, and bought an '01 Sannie second hand. I've not looked back.
This frame is excellent. It's stiff, responsive, and feels like it has more than six inches of travel. The Psylos work just fine for cross country, but I put DH wheels and some Stratos MX 6 forks on for racing in France this summer, and it made the bike even more solid downhill. Bear in mind I spent eight days riding the bike in XC mode from Morzine beforehand!
This bike does it all, as previous reviewers have pointed out. If you can live with the extra weight that 6" of travel pretty much demands, it's a great XC bike with quick handling and excellent climbing ability, too. And if you fancy doing a bit of DH, it'll more than handle it. Highly reccommended - after all, this is my second Sannie!
I would reccommend the San Andreas to casual downhillers, strong riders looking for a do-anything trail bike, and long distance riders, too. It's got tons of cush, it's built like a brick outhouse but doesn't weigh a massive amount, and climbs just as happily as it descends. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a Weekend Warrior
from Italy
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | the real bomb-proof frame, incredible agility, extra stability, the best bike in downhill. | | Weaknesses: | a bit small back tire clearance, the seat is too high in cross country setup | | Similar Products Used: | nothing similar, the san andreas is THE BEST. | | Bike Setup: | san andreas dhs frame 150 mm rear travel, bergman 180mm travel 20mm axle fork, xt-lx-sram transmission, mavic 321 front rim, magura clara disk brakes, aftershock ammo, specialized tires (i'll buy a nokian gazzaloddi 3'). | | Bottom Line: | i've setup the fork on the 145mm travel (the max travel is 180 mm, 7')and it is the best bike i've ever tried, the best in handling, it has an incredible agility, an excellent stability in jump, the frame is the best i' ve ever seen (except for the mc shockwave, my next bike). on uphill it is a little heavy, but it is not too hard.
the seat is too high, when i set it on xc-setup.
in downhill, it is the ultimate dh bike, you can do all that you want. it is one of the stiffer and stronger frame.
buy it and RIDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE IT!!!!!!
(ps excuse me for my english, i speak english only a little better than i ride...:-) ) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rory O C.
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything on dirt. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | mountainbikes@net.com | | Strengths: | An excellent design.It's strong and solid,it handles beautifully on the trail and fly's through the air with great stability.Great adjustablity. | | Weaknesses: | If there was anything this wouldn't have been around for the last ten years,am I right? | | Similar Products Used: | Tested all the competion before buying this bike. | | Bike Setup: | Z3 long travel forks,Vanilla R,ESP 9 shifters,Turbine LP(two & bash gaurd),Arch Rival's,519 rims with Gazzalodi 2.3 tyres. | | Bottom Line: | All these new six inch Downhill/Freeride(hate that tag)bikes
available now.The Bullit,Joker,RM7,Shore,Uzzi,I.D.,Stinky, etc,etc,All great bikes make no mistake,but I don't think any can do it all like the San Andreas.This bike is light like the I.D.,strong like the Shore,pedals like the Joker rips like the Bullit and fly's like the RM7.And to top it all off it's comes in at a very reasonable price.
And when I save enough for a TMX I'll change the seat tower to a smaller one and pass the frame on to my girl friend,now thats as good as it gets.
Have a problem and you'll find Mountain Cycle an excellent company willing to help.
P.S. Big brands suck the small company's make you pay abit extra for your ride but it's so worth it.Top dollar for Value and Kudo's for function.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Venice,Ca USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Wilson | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeAttack | | Strengths: | Excellent bike. Takes hits well. falls off 30ft cliffs and not a dent. | | Weaknesses: | rear swing arm not big enough to fit fat boy tires | | Bike Setup: | hanebrink G7, Hope dh4(ft,rr), hope big u'ns, sram, MRP. Kona tires. Snake Bite rims. | | Bottom Line: | great bike. hard to beat this one. but i'm ready to move up the Shokewave. I want more rear travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Venice,Ca USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Wilson | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeAttack | | Strengths: | Excellent bike. Takes hits well. falls off 30ft cliffs and not a dent. | | Weaknesses: | rear swing arm not big enough to fit fat boy tires | | Bike Setup: | hanebrink G7, Hope dh4(ft,rr), hope big u'ns, sram, MRP. Kona tires. Snake Bite rims. | | Bottom Line: | great bike. hard to beat this one. but i'm ready to move up the Shokewave. I want more rear travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, England
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wharncliff side, Grenoside | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | Still the best and most desirable frame since its conception a long time ago. Mine is 6-7 years old and has been restored, powder coated and polished. It looks the Muts Nuts, rides fantastic and is well built. | | Weaknesses: | Lacks tyre clearance and swing arm. Mine has no adjustable shock mount due to its age but that's no problem on a new one. Its very nickable. I'd rather be out riding it than out with the missus. This gets me in trouble! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, FSR, Trek, GT STS, Hecker. ETC. | | Bike Setup: | Stratos MX6 up front, Full hope 2 pot pro's on floating arm at rear. Hope Big Un's, Mavic Disc rims, XT running gear, Tioga, Azonic. 'the' guards. | | Bottom Line: | Considering the age of the design it is still and always will be one of the best bikes of this type. It is the ultimate freeride bike, it can be used for just about everything, be it DH, Jump fests, or singletrack riding. Top Dog. By the way, mines for sale, either full bike or Frame only. I want to upgrade to a new 6" San Andreas DHS.
Offers via E mail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Downhiller
from Bracknell, UK
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalanche course, Morzine; Les Gets 2 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Very strong, stiff, pedals well but takes hit's too, looks amazing, lightweight and unique. | | Weaknesses: | ummm...could do with more tire clearance at the back, maybe a longer top tube? | | Similar Products Used: | Marin FRS DH, doesn't really compare though, Orange Patriot. | | Bike Setup: | Stratos FR4 (5inch), Hope pro's, XT, FSA Hollow cranks, 521 rims, World Force Shorty & bar. | | Bottom Line: | It pedals well, is comfortable, goes over anything, very adjustable, feels stiff and strong...unfortunately everyone stops you to ask you about the bike. Don't buy it to race XC on 'cause you won't enjoy it, it is best for hardcore freeriding and Dh, and it jumps well too. Buy one, it's a timeless design!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
I ran over
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | pine mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mtn. Cycle | | Strengths: | stiff, light, strong, plush, steering stop, multiple position shock system, precise handling, great coustomer service, looks | | Weaknesses: | People chase me when I ride it around town | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale super-v, treks, specialized | | Bike Setup: | Risse Trixxxy, Hayes, Shimano, SRAM | | Bottom Line: | This is the best frame I have ever seen. It is flawlessly made and has awesome performance. With the Trixxxy fork it handles great and it is like riding on a bed. You don't realize how fast you are going until you blow by your used to be competition. You can go up hills with it without blowing out a lung and when it is pointed downhill it is a dream. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Murray McDonald
a Downhiller
from Richmond,B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the circus on Grouse Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain&Beach | | Strengths: | DHS Strength is awsome I've used my Mountain Cycle for freeriding for years and it has out done all of the other bikes I've owned | | Weaknesses: | Wish the pivot area around where the swing arm connects was a little bit more stronger have broken a few DHS frames going off 10 foot drops though can't complain otherwise from the freeriding we do here on the North Shore... | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain RM9 Broke it in two months
Norco VPS1 broke it in three weeks
Intense 1 Awsome rig though too heavy for the North Shore..
Love my Mountain cycle BMX cause it too has a disc Brake hehe | | Bike Setup: | Boxxer,Chris king Hubs Frt& Rr, XTR Drive Train 24,32rockring
Hayes Disks Frt & Rr.,Bones Cranks,Chris King Head set, Chris King Spline BB,Azionic 2"riser bar and shorty stem,BMX pedals.Rissie Jupiter Shock... | | Bottom Line: | If you ever have the oppertunity to ride our trails here in Vancouver BC you'll realise that if it can't handle the North Shore then it's garbage we ride Mountain Cycle's here cause there freeride proofin by the best.I love my DHS cause it can handle just about everything I put it threw as well anytime there is a problem Mountain Cycle is just a call away too lend a greatful hand | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fernando Alonso
a Downhiller
from Yokosuka, Japan
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fujimi Panorama "A" course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | I cannot put in words how happy I am with my '99 San Andreas DHS and DH set up. It is a definite head turner where ever I go and it is not unusual to get stopped by at least 10 or 15 people wherever I am at. Going downhill on this bike is like riding on an easy chair with a set of monster truck wheels, all you need is a bag of popcorn and TV w/ surround sound. My bike has performed well time after time taking every beating I've given it. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good DH thrill or just a bike to pimp around on in the supermarket parking lot=). | | Weaknesses: | rear shock compatibility eventhough I was able to squeeze in a Fox shock that gives me a plush seven inches to tread on =) | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares to the San Andreas! Don't forget that! | | Bike Setup: | Race Face DH cranks and 48 tooth RF chainring, AC chainguide, 9/16 Odessey Black Widow platform pedals, XTR 9 speed rear derailluer/shifter/cassette, Hayes hydraulic f/r brakes, Hayes front hub and Novatec rear hub, Mavic D521 rims, Maxxis DH Mofo tires, Azonic handlebars and 75mm Shorty stem, Odi Lock Jaw grips, Fox Vanilla rear shock, Hanebrink LT-8 fork w/8" travel. Missing engine. | | Bottom Line: | Let's just say that if your not looking for a hot bike, look elsewhere. You will get your moneys worth in every ride!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KURT HURTZ
a Cross Country Rider
from SACRAMENTO CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any w/gain-loss | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | innovative and timeless design.the only full-suspension considered a classic.custom with over 100" of welds like an aircraft.single-pivot last through years of intense bashing like mine has endured.suspension firms up when in granny for efficient climbing yet still remains active allowing rear wheel to maintain traction.can build as light or as heavy-duty as you want with advent of long-travel air shocks.can take you anywhere you can handle,tough. | | Weaknesses: | getting the money-will accept upgrade donations | | Similar Products Used: | no need to try others- nothing on market compares. | | Bike Setup: | z-1 bam,helix pro,race face cranks/stem,thomsen post,xt/517 wheels,636's,berzerker dh seat,answer bars,avid v or pro stop 2 brakes, about 28 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | while their are many fine bikes with excellent designs, this bike is truly special.a motorcycle with out an engine (it's you)will make you make motor noises as you take serpentine single-track and eat it up.very versatile, will do anything-climbing, quick turning, full-on descents, epic all day'ers with lots of elevation.if you are happy with the ordinary or trust those thingys with all the little hinges don't get it. otherwise wait and save for the bike that can be your last full-suspension purchase, a bike that will last through years of serious bashing like mine has. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl McGregor-Ogden
a Weekend Warrior
from Knutsford, Cheshire, UK
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Looks, stiffness, weight, performance, adjustability | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | ProFlex Animal, Santa Cruz Bullitt | | Bike Setup: | ZZyZx forks, Sun Mammoth rims on Hope Big 'Un hubs, Tioga Factory DH tyres, Hope Discs, Stratos Helix Pro Shock, Azonics bars and stem | | Bottom Line: | One word says it all - AWESOME!!
Nothing else comes close. Climbs well - descends better!
Buy one, it's the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Dayton,ohio
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong,over 6 inches of travel | | Weaknesses: | rear shock compatability | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose | | Bike Setup: | 99 DHS,XTR,Hayes disc,sun rhyno lite rims,hanebrink lt8 fork with 6 inches of travel,stratos helix pro, lp dh handlebars,raceface system stem | | Bottom Line: | Heh this bike rocks,the aftershock rear shock u get stock with the frame is very...basic.hehe With the right rear shock the travel is much better and plush,get one with rebound and compression!and with lockout i can climb some hills..if you get a good front fork and rear shock on this frame this makes a great freeride or dh bike.i give it 5 flamin dogs...the ones i ran over!hehe | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Downhiller
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mountain - National Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | I love this bike! I came from riding a 4" travel full suspension Gary Fisher and decided on a more aggressive bike. The geometry is very similar to the Fisher and the frame only weighs 6 lbs. But this bike will handle some big hits with ease. I can still run a triple chainring if I want to run Cross Country. With the Helix Pro shock on the rear is totally adjustable for most riding conditions. I can lock it out and climb or loosen it up and speed down the boulders of South Mountain. The pivot also has a grease port to keep it running smoothly. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is loud. I'm going to fill it with foam to reduce this. It's hard to ride around in the city without people stopping you to talk you about your sweet ride. This part isn't so bad. Also, when the cops tell you to stop riding in certain areas because you are trespassing, you can bet that they will remember your bike if they see you there again. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheetah 6" and 8" DH, Cannondale 6" DH, Foes DH, Gary Fisher Joshua Y | | Bike Setup: | Hanebrink 6" fork, Seismic hubs, 99 San Andreas frame, Helix Pro shock, V brakes, Kujo DH tires, Raceface cranks, MRP roller, Rhynolite rims, Azonic shorty stem and DH bars. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is great for jumping, downhilling, and cross country riding. I think it is kind of a hybrid frame. It can definately win DH races when setup right because it is fully active. For my style of riding it is perfect. You'll just have to get used to everybody starring at it. It is stiff, accellerates very well, and will save your a$$ when you hit something unexpected. It also turns on a dime, much better than my friends DH rigs. I can now ride up stairs as well as down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah Bodman
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jack's | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Stupid people look at it and say "oh, how pretty" | | Weaknesses: | The walls of the monocoque are about as thick as two ply tinfoil. My bike was on the rack next to my friends DHS, and my judy knocking up against the swingarm while driving caused it to dent in severly (about 1cm in, and the Judy just had a slightly scratched sticker). Also, the thing rides like a beast, even though it only weighs slightly more than my intense uzzi sl (best freeride bike in the world). Also, if you put 3 rings on it, its all but unrideable in the granny because theres so much peddle kick, and you need a granny to get this bike uphill. Also, the six inches of travel on this bike feels like less travel than the 4.5 on my intense, and way less than my other friends 6" lobo. And the stickers are ugly. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi Sl
Intense M1 SL
GT STS Lobo
Santa Cruz Super 8
Santa Cruz Heckler
Cannondale Super V DH
Outland VPP 5 | | Bike Setup: | UD 150, triple rings (raceface), Hayes Discs, XTR drivetrain, Mammoths laced to Hugis. | | Bottom Line: | This bike sucks no matter what you're doing. even if you set it up like a pure DH bike as I guess it was intended, the suspension movement on it is still awkward, and I don't trust the frame. It feels like one rock bouncing off it will rip a hole right through the walls. Its way overpriced too, for the price they're asking you could get a damn nice DH bike. I think an Uzzi DH is in the same general area, Kona's Stab is a much better design, a Karpiel Disco Volante is a little more expensive I think, but a very nice choice, and then of course theres the cream of the crop the M1, or possible a straight 8. If you want a freeride bike get a Uzzi Sl, or if you're on a budget get a Santa Cruz Heckler. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spork
a Racer
from ny
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the climb up to the top of mt snow | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | an excellent cross country race bike, mine has a sid up front and im running mavic 217's cause theyre the strongest. oh yeah titanium everything and carbon barends too. yeah she's a goat my friends.
alittle twitchy on the downhills though, but the races are won on the climbs right?? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david hill
a Downhiller
from burmingham
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
cheddar dh course | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
it looks like a reall full on downhill bike , it rides like one ,you can do anything on it and ride away with pride ,when matched up with good forks it absolutly rules if any one is concidering 1 do it now or you will be clueless as 2 how good a dh bike can get. if your pearents are concidering buying it for u show them its reviews it will not let you down at such a cheap price it cant be a thing u can let go of | | Weaknesses: |
it drives your friends wild and will make them very jelious | | Similar Products Used: |
gt lobo , kona stab dee lux | | Bike Setup: |
fox tc shock | | Bottom Line: | get it now it is really amazing and it rides so well u feel lke a pro just feeling it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stanley
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
woodcutter,s | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light for a dh rig like that, plush ,able to jump around regardless of the 6.5 inches oif travel at the rear | | Weaknesses: |
tyre clearance ,not enuff space 4 3.0 tyres | | Similar Products Used: |
mrazek dh bike
fsr dh replica
intense m1 | | Bike Setup: |
i use a stratos helix pro at the back n a marzocchi bomber Mr.t upfront, ionic cranks | | Bottom Line: | to all those ppl out there, if u got the moey to spare n looking for a dh boke be sure not to miss this awesome bike, it is a must get bike
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OLLIE
a Downhiller
from IN
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Southwest-way park dh | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Travel, strength, looks, adjustability, weight,versatility | | Weaknesses: |
availability,
price | | Similar Products Used: |
intense M1-sl
mtn cycle shokwave
Marin team dh | | Bike Setup: |
ZZYZX fork 6 inch
RISSE terminator shock
Sun dbl. wide rims
Prostop 2 disks
KORE elite 70mm stem
KUJO DH 2.35 tire
middleburn cranks | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the best dh bike. It soaks everything up and over roots it just floats over 'em. Jumps good and i dropped off 15 feet dropoff onto a flat concrete landing and the frame is still fine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
berg
a Downhiller
from baltimore, md.
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ski white-tail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
appearence,plushness,adjustability,strength,color opptions | | Weaknesses: |
weight,availability | | Similar Products Used: |
none similar | | Bike Setup: |
san andreas DHS w/ trixxy 6 triple fork,stratos helix pro shock | | Bottom Line: | SWEEEEEET!!!!, why spend the money on a tomac or an m-1 etc.,the DHS is everything you will ever need;and for half the cake. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo
a Downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wendover DH course, Aston Hill Bucks | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Solid. Loads of travel. Soaks roots, ruts wonderfully. Full on DH racer. Jumps and lands amazingly. | | Weaknesses: |
Too heavy for pushing uphill to start (Wendover is 45 degrees all the way up and down!) | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Stab DeeLux.
GT Lobo DH (factory setup).
Intense M1 SL (factory setup). | | Bike Setup: |
Full on DH racer. Similarily setup as in photo of DHS, except Marzzochi Monster T's upfront and Middleburn AM DH cranks | | Bottom Line: | Really good racer, lovely to ride DH, but a bit of a heavy bike to push back up! It is really nice once it gets going and handles really well when up to speed. Really godd value for money and with lots of maintenance, it will run really smoothly! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Jackson
a Downhiller
from Vegas, Nevada
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
looks
weight | | Weaknesses: |
shoddy workmanship | | Similar Products Used: |
Intense M1 | | Bottom Line: | I don't know what was goin on when they built this bike, but the frame cracked after only four rides. That wouldn't be so bad (I could have sent it back), except that I hadn't expected the thing to crap out so soon, so I was riding it until the crack actually split. The damn thing almost killed me!!!!. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a Downhiller
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Memorial Park | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This bike just simply kicks ass-period! It's a tuff bike that can handle anything-comma! and has saved my life many a times-exclamation point. | | Weaknesses: |
Has a higher survivability rate than I do | | Similar Products Used: |
the pink cruiser-(neon pink mongoose decade pro) - not very similar | | Bike Setup: |
San Andreas DHS with Manitou Xvert R, and a Helix Pro | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE RULES!!!!!! Magically grows wings when you sit on it. When you get on, you're no longer a rider-- you're a pilot!! This bike flies up hills and gets you going mach II with your hair on fire!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from New Ulm, Minnesota
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
It doesnt bottom out on the big hits. | | Weaknesses: |
It weights 35 f@$%*@!ing pounds. I need a motor on it to ger up a hill. | | Similar Products Used: |
Y-bikes and GT i-drives | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Z1 bam fork, shimano XT/XTR components. | | Bottom Line: | I can't go anywhere but downhill with this big bastard. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Momma
a weekend warrior
from State of Denial
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm the sean murphy guys friend. This bike kicks nuts. Go to my cool bike page
at http://warworld.cjb.net! I got a boner lookin' at this bike. This bike
fü°ˆ˜ing rules! Buy one at your local crack house immediatly! œ*´®ßå**߃·©¨¥ˆ£¢§*¢ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean murphy
a downhiller
from Spokeane Washington U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't have a DHS but i've ridden one and they rule i'm going to buy one to use
as my race bike. IF i had my way every one would have one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theo Howard
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the ultimate frame.. truly awesome. I use it for just about everything, DH, street thrashing, jumps, the occasional uphill grinder, I even lock the shock off and use it for trials!! Thats how versatile this bike is. The Stratos Helix Pro shock I got with it works well enough, but I've had minor technical problems with it.. get a Fox Vanilla TC, they rock!
The frame feels weird at first, especially in lower gears.. the pedal motion can actually push the swingarm down, causing a slight loss of chain tension. But smooth out your pedalling technique (like you should anyway!!!) and its fine. The only bad thing I could say about the DHS is the lack of a replacable hanger. Well its built fat, it aint gonna snap off anyway. Buy one, I say! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN JACOB
a downhiller
from LICKBELLYS
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i first like to take my pants off slowly. maximum erection is easy for me cause i m a pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp pimp | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john brown
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
One of the madest downhill rigs avaliable, buy one. You can jump, race and cruse on this made cool bike. Its silky smooth to ride and soaks up everything you throw in its way. It is also super stable at high speeds, making it one of the best bikes around for all purposes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff T.
a downhiller
from MN
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i love it the DHS is the best it rides as nice as a hot knife
though butter. All my friends want my bike, but their not
gitting it!!! I love racing downhill. when I go riding every
-one looks at my bike. I rate the bike 5 star its the best | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mad max
a weekend warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike is the best dh bike around. i don't race but it jumps like a purpose built jumping bike.....i rid edh trails and it is the fastest most reliable bike out there.....i suggest buy one if u want quality.....theses bikes kick but.....how many bikes can u ride off a house roof and not bottom out...the are insane bikes which look sic....i say just buy one.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donnatellio Vemagucci
a downhiller
from Tuscany, Italy
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi. I am courier here in Tuscany. Many bridges in Tuscany. When in Hurry I do big drop-offs from bridges to main land. This bike fitted with Hanebrink DH's and an SIS kit soakes up every thing. It also good on cobble stone. I notice that 8 in the back was not good enough. So I put MOXEY seat post with 2.5 of travel to help me. Now my bum not so sore.Good frame. Very Good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Peat
a downhiller
from Chapeltown, England
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After my brand new GT decided to break, I chose to ride the new Mountain Cycle, and boy was I surprised. This baby was plush! It was more like riding a motorcross bike than jumping on my DH rig to the local trails. I really liked this frameset, and when I coupled it with my brand new forks (Boxxer Pros's) they gelled real nice and made me win loads of competitions and come 2nd at a Grundig. Great! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Parkin
a downhiller
from Riverton, Utah
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had the mountain cycle sanandreas dhs for a bout six months and I have never had such a good racing season this bike kicks ass and i recomend that you bye it its not really that exspencive at a mear $2700 but it sure is worth every penney | | Overall Rating: |
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