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Specialized
S Works FSR XC
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Submitted by
Hud
a Racer
from Steamboat
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Strawberry Park/Red Dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sore Saddle | | Strengths: | Pretty light, suspension works pretty well, good race bike, but also good trail bike, climbs well and descends pretty well too. | | Weaknesses: | Durability issues. I have had a never ending stream of problems with the rear suspension. The ti bolts in the linkages have all snapped at some point or another (huge pain out on the trail), the bushings have had to be replaced multiple times, even with new bushings and standard bolts (stay away from ti!!!) there is still play in the linkage which causes a lot of creaks and other unbecoming noises. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Marzochi x-fly, Crossmax, XT/XTR, mostly Thompson parts | | Bottom Line: | It's a fast bike and sweet ride, but Specialized decided to shave a few too many grams and the rear suspension is underbuilt. Before even bothering to ride it, replace all the ti bolts with standard bolts. At some point or another the ti will break and its a huge pain in the neck when it does. Extracting broken bolts is no fun. The design is solid and the frame is light and efficient, and much quicker than a hard tail when you point it down hill. ( I realized this after riding my old homegrown all last week as my specialized was in the shop getting new bushings. again.) Buy it to race, look elsewhere for a bike that will take a lot of abuse. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noel Salazar
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada, Colorado, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail with steep ascent. Who needs downhill? | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheat Ridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very light bike and an excellent downhill climber
| | Weaknesses: | Change the stock tires A.S.A.P they are very lite but very dangerous and unpredictable. (S-Work Rocksters) | | Similar Products Used: | Test road Fuel 100, Sugar Team, Several others in same category. | | Bike Setup: | Sid Race Ti ork,Chris King Ti Head set, Moots Ti stem, Titec 118 Ti handle bars, Egg Beater Triple Ti pedals, Roll-X PRO tires with Stans no Tubes on Mavic CrossMax UST Tubeless weels. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike for about a year now and I love it. If you’re looking for a way to define perfect full suspension handling this is the bike. What ever the riding technique the S-Works responds. If you jump out of the saddle and start thrashing wildly it remains stable and shoots forward like a V12 Ferrari. The Four-Bar linkage tends to find traction in the most unlikely of places while keeping the rear suspension very stable and energy efficient. As for the price I got it right when the new Epics where introduced to the market so I got a good discount. But theirs nothing to complain about even at full price, with a $600+ Rock Shox SID Race Ti shock and pure Shimano XTR where it counts the most. Not to mention the strength of M5 ORE tubing with a Ti bolt kit the stock $3460 is really not to much to pay for the performance and pleasure you will get out of this dream machine. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dupont state park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | mtb review classifieds | | Strengths: | light weight, very little peddle bob, quality construction, excellent handling | | Weaknesses: | low bottom bracket height | | Similar Products Used: | stumpjumper pro (ht), fat chance buck shaver, independent fabrications deluxe | | Bike Setup: | xtr with xt shifters and front derailleur, sid sl, thomson stem & post, chris king hubs/mavic 3.1 and headset, avid cps disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is one excellent trail bike. I have it set up with disc brakes and nothing super light and it's still only 25.5 pounds. The new stable platform bikes are all the rage, but this bike hardly bobs at all and the suspension is always active. You could always add a spv shock to help out with bob if you wanted. The bb is a little low and you will hit your cranks occasionally on the ground. My bike is almost 2 years old and it's as quiet as the day that I bought it. The only problems that I've had were very minor. The bushing on the fox rear shock wears quickly and causes A small clunk in the rear end. It doesn't affect the performance it's just a little annoying and you only notice it when you pick the bike straight up by the seat. The other problem that I have had is that the ti bolt that attaches the shock to the gold swing arm link bends. Specialized is aware of the problem and tells you to replace it with a steel one. I just ride with the bent bolt and have had no problems. SIDs and disc brakes don’t really mix that well. There is a lot of flex when you hit the front brake. Overall, a great cross country rig. Very sweet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim, Wasatch Crest, Fischer Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Eats up Terrain | | Weaknesses: | Swing arm bolt backs itself out. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis dakar sport, Cannondale 9000 | | Bike Setup: | Standard except saddle (went cushy) and pedals went to Speedplay Frog which rock! | | Bottom Line: | Anyone ever notice that you can't plant your outside pedal all the way down on the outside of a turn while standing? There's not enough clearance between your crotch and the seat. On my hard tail I can plant the pedal down at the bottom of the stroke on the outside side of a turn (to "stick" the tires firmly) and I have 2-3 inches of clearance between the seat and my nads. But not on my S-Works FSR. I'm struggling with this. What's the proper technique to hammer hard into a turn on this bike? Anyone know please email me: itsdeep2@aol.com Thanks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Mills
a Weekend Warrior
from San Clemente, CA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | If there's dirt... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Rock N Road | | Strengths: | Light Frame, components | | Weaknesses: | None yet, other than the price... | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpy, Enduro, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Pricey - but if you can afford it, its an awesome ride. I love this bike. All I think about now is riding. Climbs that used to kill me are a breeze. Downhills are not quite what I imagine the Enduro would have provided, which made my decision between the two difficult, but since climbing occuppies way more of my riding time - I went for this bike. I will write again after I have had some time to abuse it. Re where to buy:I can't recomend Rock N Road enough. They were flexible on price and other accessories bought at same time. I heard a lot about SuperGo, having just moved to OC. However, their customer service sucked. Their manager rudely refused to even consider matching the price they sold this bike to two friends about 6 months earlier. They likewise refused to offer any concessions on the many other things I was purchasing at same time - unlike Rock N Road. If your LBS comes anywhere close to SuperGo's price (which I am sure it does) I would NOT buy anything from SuperGo! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
delta stephens
a Cross Country Rider
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | amazing ride, stability, cornering, 4bar is the best,frame is awesome | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain, enduro, zaskar, superlite | | Bike Setup: | xtr grouppo, easton carbon: stem mg,seatpost,bars,king hs, oldschool crossmax, | | Bottom Line: | beautiful frame, setup, and amazing ride, no problems ever on the trail or at a race. sad that they didnt keep this bike for another year. 2002 s-works fsrxc m5 has to be the best frame out there period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Racer
from Reno
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Wieght, geometry and the ability to handle any kind of trail. I can race this bike and turn around and take it on a burly Free Ride Trail. My Free-Ride bike doesn't get much use any more. | | Weaknesses: | I got a screamin deal so I can't complain about price, Sid fork (I dumped it after three rides and got a Fox even though it wieghs more there is NO flex). Some of the Specialized components are kind of cheesy, but I got rid of them too. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100, Trek 8700, SC Super light, Trek STP 400, Bontrager HT, K2 Razer Back | | Bike Setup: | Fox 100mm front, Chris King HS, XT cranks, XTR everything else, Easton Carbon Riser, | | Bottom Line: | Best damn bike I've ever pedaled. I can climb (standing or seated) better on this ride than any other, even hardtails. This bike can take a beating and still comes back for more. Super light, pretty strong and great on all types of rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | Handling, weight, suspension travel, lockout, build quality. Am 5'7" and the medium size frame fits great. | | Weaknesses: | Have yet to find one! | | Similar Products Used: | Test rides around parking lots - Id, Truth, Tracer & Superlight. Felt more at home on the S-Works. | | Bike Setup: | Purchased as a frameset and had it built up:
Manitou 2002 Mars Super (great candy red color)
XT drivetrain
Easton MonkeyLite Lo Riser
XTR / X517 wheelset
Avid Arch Supreme brakes
Avid SD Ultimate levers
Thomson seatpost & stem
WTB Podium Ti saddle
King Headset | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike!!! Took a long time researching full suspension bikes before getting the FSR-XC S-Works. The handling and suspension are great! Can ride longer and more confidently with no saddle pain at all. The XT transmission is almost as light as XTR, smooth shifting and a lot cheaper. Would recommend the Arch Supreme brakes to anyone. The Mars Super is light, well suited to the 90mm rear, and has smooth travel.
Is it worth the extra money over a regular FSR-XC?? To me yes, but the lower models are probably better value for money.
Would recommend it to anyone who wants the best light weight cross country bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bonkler
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga Springs NY
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | SMBA Stable | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Swapped for Warranty Issue | | Strengths: | Simply put, this bike is a rocket. Best XC rig I've ridden. The frame is torsionally stiff and light, but consider what I've written below first. | | Weaknesses: | Soft, malleable M5 metal this frame is made from, It's best left for race specific applications, not for endured, or prolonged use. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Specialized FSR XC. The bottom bracket on this bike stripped out on me. I got the 2002 S-Works as a $200 frame upgrade offered by the factory. I also had a friend of mine who purchased the same 2000 FSR-XC that had the exact same problem occur to his. I weigh around 175 lbs. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Next LP crankset, '02 Marzochhi Atom Race 100mm, Fox Float RL set at 90mm, RF air alloy riser bars, Selle SanMarco saddle, Hayes HMX1, DT Hugi Hubs laced to old school Mavic 121 rear and 217 front. | | Bottom Line: | As much as I enjoy riding this bike, it is simply melting underneath me! The first week after I put this bike together I found that unless I wrenched down the rear skewer to what I would consider unnecessary levels of tension just to keep the wheel fixed to the bike! I ended up figuring out that it was slipping mostly on the drive side so I turned the skewer around so the meatier (lever) end of the skewer was biting into the frame. The deraileur hanger does not come into play with the way this bike is designed here.
So, this was not a real big deal to me despite the noticable amts. of frame that had been stripped away in this crucial area. The rim and skewer were still able to hold their place, but only with an excessively tightened skewer.
Two weeks ago, I'm out on my favorite trails in 'Toga and notice this loud rubbing noise coming from the area of my cranks. I'm feeling resistance to my pedal stroke so I look down and see the bolt holding the suspension linkage together had come loose to the point where it wasn't biting onto any threads any longer. I managed to get it socked back down so I could leave and take it back to my workshop to fit it again with Lok Tite.
When I pulled the bolt out, I took a cotton swab and moved it into the hole and pulled out many MANY stripped out threads! Thinking there was some thread left in there I attempted to reattach the bolt but it wasn't biting. ON top of this, I also noticed that the pivot bearing this bolt was placed thru is destroyed.
Overall, I think this is a great frame if you're sponsored, or if you are capable of using several different frames for your race specific needs. Otherwise, spend your money elsewhere. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Moss
a Racer
from Novi, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowanami | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Town and Country in Northville | | Strengths: | Overall solid bike. Great technology, works much better than my AMP B3. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox SID leaked oil and needed to be rebuilt after three rides. Then after two more rides the fork legs were loose and needed to be sent back to Rock Shox for a complete re-build where they replaced the majority of the parts. The original fork brace and steerer tubes have a defect so they changed them out with their carbon upgrade. As a final slap in the face, after I received my fork back from Rock Shox I attempted to put pressurize the possitive leg and the morons didnt even tighten the air valve housing. Real good quality control happening over there. NOT!
To make matters worse, the rear shock by FOX had bad seals in it which also needed to be rebuilt since it would not hold it's air.
Lastly, the left crank arm continues to come loose. I have tightened it once and the bike shop has tightened it twice. | | Bottom Line: | NIce ride but between Rock Shox, FOX and Specialized they have some serious quality issues!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Racer
from Greenwich, CT
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Dave's Cycles and Fitness | | Strengths: | Light weight, looks cool, high quality components, great suspension. | | Weaknesses: | I'm still hazy about the S-Works Tires | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 1, Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Raceface crank, Spd 959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, the only bike you will ever need. It comes with high quality, durable, light parts. Buy this bike and you will be set for life. It looks cool, weighs less than most hardtails, and really climbs well. I'm happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from L.A, California
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Nice weight for a full suspension, cool color design, performs well under high stress, designed for XC but can take the occasional prolific drop off, nice sturdy wheelset, XTR is great, thanks for the brand name seat post specialized. | | Weaknesses: | They go the distance to give you a Thomson post, but where's the XTR crank or king headset, or selle seat, or thomson stem. But what the heck, most people at this level of biking already have these parts anyways. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Selle seat, XTR crank, the rest is all good | | Bottom Line: | Good job specialized! Do I feel like I got jipped because you gave me a list 3460 + tax bike without a good crank, stem or headset, a little but not enough to make me stop loving this bike. It is probably the lightest FS around, or you could make it the lightest, stock at about 23.5 lbs! I'm happy and that's all that matters. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from CHI-Town
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bens Cycle & Fitness, WI | | Strengths: | A full suspension bike that is so light. The bike is very quick into the turns, climbs anything without the pogo stick effect without locking the suspension. Some of the best parts on the market. The bike looks fast even when it's standing still! | | Weaknesses: | Nothing I have found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Extreme(pogo stick)Gary Fisher Joshua, | | Bike Setup: | Monkeylites, RaceFace Next LP's, RaceFace Titanium bottom bracket. And some other goodies. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a Bad A$$ bike buy one of these, but only one problem you won't find another 2002 is almost over and the New FSR will be out soon.. You’re too late!
Buy from Bens in Milwaukee Wisconsin, They area class act. Good All American Bike Shop!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. MTBDood
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Milwaukee River Trail - If you ever hit Milwaukee, Dude, Ride this trail....!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ben's Cycle on Lincoln (Much props to this shop!) | | Strengths: | This lightweight beast is awesome. This bike is light and beautiful. Nice paint Job and square bottom tubing. Suspension system is plush and responsive. I don't really use the lockout on the Fox RL. I am using a 2000 SID Race on the front which keeps the bike nice and light. I used to race, but now I am more into weekend warrior riding. As a result I put Hayes Comp Disc Brakes with Sun XC disc rims.
On the trail this bike simply Rocks! It slices and dices the trail like a sharp filet knife. It is super fast for a XC full squish. It climbs like a billy goat. The nice thing I found about the climbs is that with the Fox RL unlocked, the back wheel seems to be pinned to the ground. This helps prevent slippage on crucial climbs. Although I wouldn't recommend that strategy for racing. | | Weaknesses: | Fox RL started loosing pressure. Fox sent new seal to fix the known problem. Little chain suck. Started to work it self out. Other than that everything else that is Specialized is working out Great! | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Stumpjumper FSR; 2000 M4 (FSR)S-Works; 1999 RockHopper; 1999 Cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | Monkey light low rise graphite handlebar. 2000 SID Race. Time ATAC pedals. Race Face headset, XY seatpost, cranks, bottom bracket. Shimano XT and XTR shifters. 2002 Hayes Comp Disk Brakes. Salle Italia Flite Titanium Rail. Sun Disc Rims. Huge Disc Hubs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the bomb. I received this bike as a warranty and upgrade! My previous 2000 M4 S-Works suffered the infamous chainstay stress crack. Specialized warrantied my frame and hooked me up with the M5. Specialized re-designed the whole rear triangle to fix the stress crack problem. I thought my 2k M4 S-Works was the beast, the M5 tops it. The rear titanium angled linkage gives more travel than the previous M4 and is adjustable via two different titanium linkage bars (75 mm and 90 mm). It looks like the same linkage used on the Intense Tracer.
Bottom Line, if you have the bank, buy this bike. It won't steer your wrong. I will recommend this bike to any of my friends and hardcore XC'rs!
If you are just riding the trails, you may want to go down to the 2002 M4 Stumpjumper (-$$). If you are a racer or simply have phat dineros, definately buy this rig!
I have tried both bikes and would agree with Mountain Bike Actions review (June 2002) of these two sleds.
In addition, Specialized has really done it this time. Good job and Thank you!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Ponte Vedra, FL USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ajax Bike and Sport | | Strengths: | Front/Rear suspension balance | | Weaknesses: | sock bar/stem combo | | Similar Products Used: | L-speed Owl Hollow, YZ250F, Cannondale Caad 5 team | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon 100S, SRAM X.0, 2.2 S-Works tires, Ritchey stem, Easton Carbon bar, Egg Beaters | | Bottom Line: | The thing works. If you ride somwhere where full suspension makes sense it's a great machine. With a 100 mm fork and something cushier than race tires you can really blast on the thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Barr Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Light
Fast
Looks Great
Plush Suspension ( for an XC bike )
Wins races | | Weaknesses: | Price
Tubeless tires are incredibly unreliable
Fork seals blown
Rear shock leaked | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Stumpie FSR-XC Comp | | Bike Setup: | Easton EC90 bars, SPD | | Bottom Line: | This damn thing hauls. I have won 3 of 3 races in the JR -X category this year on it, and I love having it. The tires leak and leak and leak some more. I have tried to have different bike shops put new ones on, but they still freakin leak. When they work: awesome. My fork leaks oil, and cracks. I've heard that rock shox has had problems with the new SIDs. My rear shock leaked fast too. My BB makes creaking noises. Happened with both of my Specializeds. I can put the power down, and holy crap this thing rockets away with ease. Most of my problems with the bike are because I bought from Bicycle Village. I HATE them. They don't know crap about bikes. I alone could do a better job than them on any part of any bike. DONT BUY FROM THEM!!!!! I love my bike! I was lucky enough to have parents that think I deserve this thing, so I didnt have to worry about the money. If you are fast and rich, get it , no other can top it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arturo Diaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one I dont fall on. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Go. | | Strengths: | It looks pretty,Xtr Rr der,brakes.Super Light wieght before/after mods. Did I mention it looks pretty fox rl shock.Nice wheelset Verdict is not in on the tires Yet. | | Weaknesses: | high price for a bike does'nt matter what kind. Xt frnt der and shifters(@least for price)No pedals For 3100 throw in at least a set of pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Ralegih special with a free kickstand this is a Great bike. Iron horse hollowpoint. Gt 1.0 Team and a older scwhinn | | Bike Setup: | Got them to change frt der. and crank to xtr.Lizard skin speedplay pedals.Dont get me wrong I think stock is fine but I wanted better and when buying a bike the most leverage you have is then so I worked out a deal. | | Bottom Line: | I got to be honest here there is no need in the world for me or people like me to buy this bike ( I really cant afford it ((credit))).Supposedly You can do stuff faster and better with this bike I THINK NOT. My s~works is around 23.6# and my $149.00 Raleigh is 27.8# I think.
The Raleigh has a crappy front suspension and I ride this thing everywhere without any problems except the wheels (they bend easy off jumps). Evrybody and i mean everybody made fun of me on the trails.
This is a true story i was at the entrance of Irvine park and a group of bikers came in with a combonation of bikes (one being an S-works this is when I decided i wanted one) they all stopped and i went to talk to them and they asked me if i was going up to the trails on my raleigh i said yeah,and the giggled at this point i know i looked stupid so I started to make fun of my bike myself,calling it "el cheapo" and stuff. Well they started to go up so I followed I couldnt pass them up hill but I was hanging in the group and I know there were suprised but it was me being in good shape that got the bike up with them, when we got to the top they stopped and tried to figure out wich way to go down they went for the slighty easier path but longer so me wanting to show them up went down the slightly harder side I got in front of them and stayed there all the way down I couldnt even see them behind me. Well I was getting close to the exit and hit a rock or something and I went down hard. I got up got my bike (it was fine) and went to the exit with a wobbley front rim and all. The group I went up with met up with me at the exit and we talked some more I just didnt tell them about what had happened even though I was bleeding,This time they asked if i wanted to do it again with them , i was happy they asked but I couldnt go so that was that. I have replaced the wheels with some xt wheels and the bike is fine.
With the S~works i dont hold myself back i just go for it. I do worry that i migh break it but i hear specialized has a good customer service. The thing i like the most is the fact that its so light, and the full suspension with the lockout on the rear goes uphill really nice and easy.I feal like i am going faster but i really dont know. Now for the bad part I dont know why i bought this I really cant afford this bike and wish i did'nt buy it but i sure do like it, I fell about three times with it becouse i am not used to the clipless pedals and kept forgetting to unclip when stopping talk about humiliating(<---how do you spell it???)
Who should buy this product?hmmm Racers and the rich
Who shouldnt? Anybody who cant afford it or if you think your not going to use it to its full potential.
Who should have this bike really? sponsered racers and pros
Read the story in this months mountain bike action its right on. does not matter if you have a casio or a rolex they both tell time. Even better ex. you can have a pair of $15 roos or $200 Jordans the jordans are not going to make you jump higher or run faster but they might be a little more comfortable and last a bit longer is it worth $2950.00 + tax thats up to you.Oh yea I did read the article first bu I couldnt help myself.
You may be saying this is not a really a review but i been reading these reviews for a long time trying to decide what to get but I saw nothing like what i had to say. So remember if your Young and stupid like me "stay within your means" If you really can afford buy it, You wont be disappointed.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff kammerer
a Cross Country Rider
from machesney park,il
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rock cut,kettle morraine south | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bob's bike shop | | Strengths: | Smooooth ride,shock setting options, stiff frame,LIGHT | | Weaknesses: | S-Works tubeless tires (can't figure out what conditions they are good for!) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 98(tested) giant xtc nrs air(tested) | | Bike Setup: | Stock; Time ATAC Carbon pedals | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! Although I have had it for less than a month, I have ridden it over 200 miles on many types of trail conditions( single track, roots, rocks, gravel, hardpack, hills)in 2 weeks time. I have not had any problems with either fork or rear shock losing air> It took about 4 rides to dial in the shocks to my liking,and had to have the typical tweaking of the rear derailler. I am 6" and weigh 180 lbs. I have followed the recomended air pressure for the fork and rear shock, and the ride is great. I have NO need for the lock-outs, but they are a nice option to have! I am again inspired to ride to the point of exhaustion! I have noticed the SID is less cushy than my 2001 Psylo, but it is about half the weight, a sacrifice that is good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | KLM Bike & Fitness | | Strengths: | Great feel, not too soft (like some of the other XC full suspension bikes). Very lightweight for a full suspension XC bike. Stock setup is very good from factory (although I did upgrade some of the components). Strong acceleration and confident handling. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Specialized headset should be replaced. It has gotten loose on every ride so far. I am replacing it with a Chris King this weekend. And, the stock crank should be upgraded to XTR, if you want a true top-end performance machine. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Pro, Trek Fuel 100, Rocky Element Team SC, Giant NRS Air, Cannondale Scalpel 4000 Team. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, SID Race Titanium, Mavic Cross Max, Easton Monkey Lite SL riser bar, Easton EA50 stem, Shimano 959, Thompson Elite post, Chris King headset (installing this weekend to replace stock Specialized unit). | | Bottom Line: | This bike has met all of my expectations. Handling is exceptional, acceleration is great, and overall feel of the bike is very tight and responsive. The light weight helps in technical areas and climbs. If you are looking for an ultimate XC full suspension ride, this is it. The only problem is, I think Specialized may have sold all of their 2002 frames. So, if you want one, you might have to wait until next year. Although the bike is expensive, in my opinion it is worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Pierce City, MO
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Highroller Cyclery - Fayetteville, Arkansas | | Strengths: | Plush suspension. Light weight frame that looks and feels excellent. Mavic Crossmax wheelset. All XTR / XT where needed. | | Weaknesses: | Must say I don't care for the Tubeless tires Specialized used on this. Currently waiting for tubeless to prove itself, however, wanted to be ready for it (that's why I got the tubeless setup.) | | Similar Products Used: | Had a Trek Y-22 for the last 3 years. Compared this bike to Trek Fuel, Giant, and Specialized Stumpjumper Pro XC. | | Bike Setup: | Put on Shimano 959 pedals. (Love em). As I said earlier, using tubes, so put on Panaracer Fire XC's. | | Bottom Line: | Had a hard time deciding which XC to go with. My bottom line is this: I made the right choice. The suspension is excellent on this bike. I could climb well with my Trek, but nothing like this bike allows me to do. I did cut an inch off of both sides of the handlebars (way too long). This was a must as I enjoy racing as well. Yes, it's expensive. You'll be glad you did it. However, look at it as a health investment. All of the sudden it isn't THAT expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Killer 3 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | mtb review classifieds | | Strengths: | sweet looks(I love the shaped down tube), light, smooth suspension action, great in the single track, great climber, quiet rear suspension | | Weaknesses: | the pedals are more prone to hitting the ground on turns that HTs | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 M2XX Stumpjumper Pro, Fat Chance Buck Shaver | | Bike Setup: | xt/xtr drivetrain, avid mag brakes, Chris King Headset, Selle Italia Flite Saddle, Thomson Stem, Titec bar, Rock Shox Sid Sl, Cane Creek WAM Team Ti Wheels, hutchinson pytons | | Bottom Line: | On my first ride with this bike I had forgotten my shoes. I had driven 2 hours to ride so I was going riding. I wore my running shoes on my clipless pedals. I think that my foot slipped of the pedal only a few times. That's how smooth this bike is. If I had tried that on my hardtail I wouldn't have returned with shins. I love to carve turns on this bike. I love to climb on this bike. I love to go downhill on this bike. I had been die hard hardtail until now. I was looking to get a new ht when I read a review of this bike in Mountain Bike Action. They say this is the best XC suspension design and this bike is the fastest XC bike. I believe it. You should buy this bike if you are an xc racer or just like having the best. M5 fsr xc will beat any hardtail. The marginal weight penalty that you pay is offset by the control, comfort and speed that this frame will give you. Buy it if you can. I hope everyone gets the deal that I got. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kieran
a Racer
from Australia
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | over net | | Strengths: | super light, super plush, super efficient, the gold sids are amazing, the crossmax tubleless wheelset is awsome, so good at climbing with the extra traction, lockout is superb | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | ive raced a Giant XTC NRS 2 and this rides all over it | | Bike Setup: | I have easton carbon fibre handle bar and seatpost and easton magnesium stem, the sids were amazing and i found a buyer for them immediately but i swapped em for a manitou black super air, just personal preferance | | Bottom Line: | the best dual sus xc bike u will ever find, if u can buy one, then do becuase u wont get any better then this | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Locust Valley, NY
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenbelt Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Port Washington Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light weight, sharp handling, well balanced, plush ride for a bike with less than 4 inch rear travel. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock did not hold air, replaced by FOX.
When I first built up the bike it had severe chain suck problems but this has improved over time.
The low bottom bracket takes some getting used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Max Backbone FSR, Specialized Enduro
| | Bike Setup: | I got this frame using warranty credit I had from Specialzed when the bottom bracket threads stripped on my 1997 Max Backbone frame.
It was built up with combination of existing and new parts:
XTR/517 wheelset 8-speed 12-32 XTR Ti. casette,XT 8 speed shifters, X-VERT super fork, XT 9 speed derailluers, WTB saddle, Thompson seatpost, LX cranks with ES-70 bottom bracket, Titec stem and Specialized lo-rise handlebar.
I prefer Torelli light tubes.
After 3 months I've finally dialed in the setup regarding
saddle height and handle bar position.
| | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for me but I'm not a racer. Built up as a trail bike it is a very nice ride if your not into heavy drop offs.
I like the sharp handling but it's not for everybody.
The actual top-tube length (size med)is about 22 1/2 inches.
Saddle height is critical to the effective top-tube
length the you have while riding.
With my setup it measures 23 1/2" in effective length.
Also I'd like to thank Guy at Specialzed and my local bike shop for taking care of me on this one. Thank You.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sausilito Cyclery | | Bottom Line: | Overall this is an awesome bike! If you have the cash and can afford this bike, then definitely get it. I sold my '99 FSR Pro and upgraded to this bike and it was definitely worth it. They've used a new M5 frame for this bike that's ultra-lighter than last year's M4 frame and you're getting all the best componentry with the XTR/XT drivetrain. You can adjust and fine tune the travel length of the front fork and rear shock and both have the options of locking out the compression. (Very cool!) You really get what you pay for and with this bike, they really went all out.
As far as performance and riding goes, I've had this bike for a month and a half now and I've really taken this bike to the limit. It glides over rocks, bumps like butter and I've never felt more confident with the bike holding the ground and traction very well. It's extremely light so it definitely takes less energy and power to propel yourself forward and the tubeless tires are also really great. They used some high end Wildgripper tires (one of the best) and not only do they provide the best traction, but you're less prone to getting flats. (More durable and can take more of a beating)
I can't say enough about this bike. It's really light, super-fast, and even looks cool. I'll definitely be keeping this bike for a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Verch
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shnebly hill Rd Sedona, AZ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Dominics Cycle | | Strengths: | Great looking bike, floats over bumps, grabs the trail really well, lighter than clouds. lockout suspension is what attracted me. I ride around town and on canals frequently where the suspension isn't needed. | | Weaknesses: | pedals sit further forward than my previous bike requiring more leg power than body weight to push down. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is still new for me so I'm adjusting to the new geometry but so far after minor adjustment it really does well on the trails and jumps over bumps like crazy. I looked at alot of high quality bike designs and this bike beat them all with its looks and features. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Lipocky
a Racer
from Framingham, Mass. USA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any in Vietnam (Milford, MA.) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | a great bike shop in Boston | | Strengths: | Everything from acceleration to downhills. It "glides" over the roots and rocks (kind of like butter on warm toasted bread). | | Weaknesses: | Too early to tell. Only had it for approx. 3 weeks now. | | Similar Products Used: | Coming off a Fisher Supercaliber (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with exception of : time pedals, profile carbon bar, Thomson stem | | Bottom Line: | I'd recommend this bike for anyone who's looking for a good dual suspension ride. Not only does the bike perform (but it looks great). Rear shock (as noted in other reviews) lost air. Shop replaced it (but also got the seal kit from Fox ... just in case). Bike is light compared to other duals I checked out. And from what I hear ... Specialized stands behind their products 100% (+). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Outdoor trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | RBM | | Strengths: | Light, easily ajustable, geometry that fits | | Weaknesses: | user manuals aren't that informative, Bottom Bracket, crankset | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100, Cannondale F-700 | | Bike Setup: | time carbon pedals, answer pro bars, chris king headset & Selle Italia saddle | | Bottom Line: | AWESOME! I find myself in the third chainring, pedaling slower and going faster. The adjustability of this bike awesome and I feel comfortable and at home on the bike, unlike onlike the other bikes I test rode. If your ready to upgrade to something special or if you're just the type that likes purchasing the best.....give this one a test ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brock
a Racer
from Fairfield, Me USA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | "The Bird" | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mathieu's Cycle and Sport | | Strengths: | Everything. Climbs, descends, corners out of this world. The Race Ti fork performs awesome. Small to medium stutter bumps you cant feel. Very light for a full. Specialized made some great inovations over last years model to this years. They used a different frame material and used bearings. This setup is lighter then last years model which is a plus. Oh ya, tubeless doesnt suck!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | The rear shock didnt hold air which really sucks. I had to carry a pump with me because it would only hold air for 30 min. Fox customers service sucks as well. The tires that come on the bike arent made for the conditions we have here in maine. Would rather have roll models or the team control and master. Also the suspension bolts come loose. I had to get a new small chainring because the lower pivot bolt came loose and ruined the chainring. | | Similar Products Used: | Scapel 2000, base '02 Stumpjumper FSR, Raven 900. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a red Ringle stem, red Oury grips, and Time Pedals. I plan on getting a gold king headset which would match the gold forebar. | | Bottom Line: | I have been a hardtail junky all my life, but after I experienced this bike I dont think I could ever go back. When I ride this bike, it feels like I'm only going 10 miles an hour but I'm running out of gears. Also my heart rate seems to be lower for how fast I'm going and how much effort I'm putting out. I know it sounds wierd but it true. The other two guys at the bike shop(one of them is my dad)who have the same bike say the same thing. Also I'm using the big chainring when I would use the small chainring on my hardtail on some sections. I cant get over how well this bike feels. Its amazing! The best bike I have ever owned by far. IF YA HAVE THE DOUGH GET ONE, IF YA DONT GET THE LESSER PRICED STUMPJUMPER. And thats the bottom line cause brock said so!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from Fairfield, Me. USA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mathieu's Cycle | | Strengths: | Weight,Sup.action,wheels,climbing,decending,single track,full on crotch rocket.Point and shoot!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Some fork flex. Chainrings not stiff. Had trouble with rear shock holding air. Fox sent new seal kit. | | Similar Products Used: | All,Work in bike shop !! | | Bike Setup: | Stock,Time pedals,Thompson stem. | | Bottom Line: | It's hard to impress a jaded bike shop guy. Some feel that at this price it should have a better headset, stem and crank, but overall this bike climbs, decendes and is all-around faster than a hardtail in any terrain.If anybody has the money to own one; GO BUY ONE!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Hanley
a Racer
from Tampa
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Frame Replacement | | Strengths: | Fast, plush, handles like a dream, climbs like a rocket. | | Similar Products Used: | 00 SWorks FSR | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace Cranks, Dave's Wheels, SID SL, XTR | | Bottom Line: | Specialized has done an excelent job of improving their SWorks bike. I received this frame as a warranty for a 00 SWorks that I broke. The two main improvements (in my opinion) are better geometry, and bearings throughout.
The first thing I noticed about this bike is that it is alot more comfortable heading down a steep, washed out downhill. The previous model felt sketchy, and I always felt a little 'out the front'. I have a lot more confidence bombing down hills now. The bottom bracket is also lower, which acts as a double-edged sword. I have found that the bike is more likely to stay planted in the turns and not wash out when pushed to an extreme. However I have had to adjust to the bottom bracket height because I was hitting everything on the trail with my pedals.
Last, the bearings throughout ensure a supple ride, and hopefully will be relatively low maintanence. All in all I am very impressed with the bike, and I am even more impressed with Specialized's customer service- they certainly stand behind their product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Demo, Skeggs, any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Warranty, Frame only | | Strengths: | Great Looks, Plush suspension, light and fast fast fast! | | Weaknesses: | Powder coat finish gets into bottom bracket threads. Have a quality shop face the steer tube and bottom bracket tube. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR xc pro, FSR M4 | | Bike Setup: | XTR drive train, Marzocchi z1 x fly, king hubs & headset, Eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden several specialized F/s frames. I have been happy with all. I broke 2 large frames Below the seatpost clamp. I moved up to a XL and Spec. sent me the 2002 M5 S works, lucky me. This bike rocks!! Great climbing machine, with or without the rear lockout. The bike descends like it's on rails. I am riding faster and with greater confidence. The rear suspension comes with two sealed bearing links 80 or 90 mm of travel. I am using the 90 to compliment the Zi 100mm of front travel. I feel like I am on a freeride bike that also climbs like a 24 pound CC racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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