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Specialized
Stumpjumper FSR XC Disc
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Submitted by
Scott Reitz
a Cross Country Rider
from Maple Grove MN USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lebanon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1799.00 | | Purchased At: | Erik's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bang for he buck! This bike came with XTR/XT components stock!!! (with the exception of the brakes). This bike is well equiped for the money, team that with a solid M4 aluminum frame, and you can't lose. I used to be strictly a road bike junkie, but now my FSR replaced that! That means something! The Fox Float R shock soaks up bumps nicely, yet the four bar linkage in the rear keeps the the bike relativley stiff enough to make climbs without too much effort. I would like to have seen a lock-out option as in the Float RC, but I cant argue. | | Weaknesses: | Wear in time for the brakes is too long. Heard squeaking from the brakes the first 50 miles or so. However once broken in, havent heard anything. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyl. Older FSR, Gray Fischer Joshua X, Trek VRX(yuck) | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT (LX brakes Wishing for Hayes) SLR saddle. Marzocchi Bomber Z Fly 100 fork, Crank Bros. egg beaters | | Bottom Line: | Excepional value! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV USA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | TRT | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sierra Cycle Smith, Reno | | Strengths: | Light weight, disc brakes, xtr rear, sharp, predictable handling. | | Weaknesses: | stock bar, tires and seat post. | | Bike Setup: | 04 Fox 100rlc,04 Fox Float rlc, xt cassette and bottom bracket, Thompson(?) seat post, Ritchie tires, Sram masterlink chain etc. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden over 2200 dirt miles on this bicycle. The above mentioned parts/ components replaced what were worn or in need of rebuilding with a total investment of about $2600.00.
My '02 Stumpjumper FSR XC Disc has never spit me off, broken down or, in fact, done anything unpredictable. My rides average about 15 miles, about 50% single track with plenty of Sierra Nevada rocks.
The service at the LBS, Sierra Cycle Smith of Reno, NV has been the best, that is, highly skilled, informative and reasonably priced. Leon, Casey, Matt, Carlos and the others are awesome.
Who should buy it: Any rider of any age looking for a quick and predictable cross country bike.
who shouldn't: Big hit or DH riders.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island NY
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pandora & Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Surise Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong NORBA racing inspired frame, Great response from some of the stock componets, FSR 4 bar suspenstion is great with just the standard Fox Float-R on it cant wait to try a lock-out model Float or even an SPP shock next year. Bike geometry is amazing I feel like Specialized built the frame tailor made for me. Great front ork the Rock-shox duke XC nice plush travel good rebound control could use a lock-out though and a variable travel would have been nice. The stock disc brakes are awsome and are vastly superior to and v-brake having this type of stopping power on a bike that is this great handling and fast are a definately nice added plus. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires are trash lose before you use it off-road, stock cranks and bottom bracket are also garbage I have changed themas well, Wide bars might be good for open tail riding but in a tight singletrack cut em or they will snag, Mavic X-223 rims are somewhat flexy heavery riders beware or you will spend some time in the shop getting them trued. Stock pedals are a deathtrap they're realese is not consistant and have a tendency to stick try lube in the jaws if you ride alot of wet soil or mud change them. Change out the stock post there's a point on it and it creaks and slips there is nothing that I ahven't tried to prevent this from happening. Stock saddle is nice at first but the padding is lost after a few months of seroius riding and you start to feel the rails. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback V-link 1.2, Mongoose switchback Hardtail, Demoed Specialized Enduro Pro, and Rockhopper FSR, Demoed Cannondale Jekel 1000 | | Bike Setup: | My Stumpjumper has the following upgrades on it and it works great: WTB Weirwolf 2.1 tires, WTB Rocket V-Race Saddle,Thomson Elite Seatpost (THE BEST), Time ATTAC Almni Pedals, Easton EA-70 flat bars, WTB Dual compound grips with an Easton EA-50 Forged Stem, Currently due to warrenty Specialized Strong-Arm Pro Cranks with Shimano XT bottom Bracket (Will be upgrading to Shimano XT Cranks soon). | | Bottom Line: | This is really a follow up review to my review a few entries below:
I have come to belive that most of my problems I have had with tis bike has come from not having the dealer set it up right and only some cheesy stock componets. The only two gripes I have had as stated below is one cut down or even better replace the stock seatpost. Trust me I have had quite a few E-Mails about the stock seat post slipping and punctureing the Floats air sleeve. The best thing you could do is replace it with a Thomson Elite best seatpost on the market bar none. It's an expensive mistake and if you can avoid this would be best by replacing the seatpost I tried everything from over tighting the seatcollar to sandind down the paint on it in an effort to knurl somewhat. Two the stock cranks are trash I have broke and stripped two of them and are now on a set of Strong-arm Pro's and next on my upgrade list is a set of Shimano XT's. The bottom bracket is also hot garbage I've stripped thre off them and finally paid to upgrade to an Shimano XT. I paid the differnce and it seems to be working right now the seals suck on the LX and should not be use on any offroad riding. My bike has maybe 25 miles on road and the rest of the time it's off road the only time it see pavement is to get to and from the trail. The stock cassette is effective but really heavy and XT or XTR might be in the future. Stock front derailer is a pain but all front drailer are a pain so waht are you going to do I might try an XTR to go with the XTR rear but it's not high on my list. Other than that the bikes frame, suspention, Geometry, and responsiveness is great and that's where it counts. The Rock-Shox Duke XC is amazing to see a stock fork this good is rare. The Fox Float R is grat for a nonlock out shock and the four bar linkage is great to control pedal-bob. I like the deore thumb shifter allot and the stock disc brkes could not be improved unless the whole system is replaced. For all the problems and upgrades don I am still very impressed by the handling and control of this bike it's amazing. For a new rider stock would be fine but for an experienced rider some modifications need to be done to fine tune this amazing machine. It handles like a razorblade and can disect a technical trail with the best of em I am satisfied with the performance but some of the componet choices baffle me though but it's all good PEACE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Cass
a Cross Country Rider
from Bothell
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Orcas Island | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Gregg's Cycle | | Strengths: | Excellent handling traits. A super climber. | | Weaknesses: | The stock saddle, tires, and fork don't do the frame justice. | | Similar Products Used: | VooDoo Erzulie hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new Marzocchi MX fork, Michelin tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is really an excellent bike for XC riding. A few parts changes were necessary- the stock tires were worthless for anything offroad, the stock saddle was hell, the RS Duke fork is pogo stick. Enough complaints though. Once properly set up with knobby tires and a real fork, this is one of the fastest and funnest bikes out there. The stock disc brakes are absolutely perfect, I don't see how they could be improved in any way. The rear suspension doesn't seem to need any sort of lockout as it works efficiently on hill climbs. The rest of the parts have worked well, although I did break the rear derailleur hanger and discovered that a replacement is $20 for a very cheap little part that should cost $2.
I bought the bike for epic, 20 to 40 mile, X-C rides through the Cascade Mountains and have been very happy with it for this purpose. I wouldn't recommend it for the freerider set though with its limited suspension travel.
With its low bottom bracket height, it's not the best bike for slow woods riding over logs and such. A hardtail is probably better for going over logs anyway.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike chalhoub
a Cross Country Rider
from redwood city
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | skeggs point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | private party | | Strengths: | sturdy frame, great suspension, smoothe controlled ride. great on climbs | | Weaknesses: | weight | | Bike Setup: | xtr/xt derailures, fox float rl rear shock, fox float rlc 100 fork, lx shifters, mavic rims, bontrager seat post, specialized s works stem, icon graphite crankset, shimano m525 disc brakes front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike...... but i cant wait for the s-works fsr | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MG
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Purchased brand new on eBay | | Strengths: | - plush proven design suspension
- disk brakes
- relatively light
- great value for the money
- nice color combination (yellow/blue) | | Weaknesses: | - tires
- handlebars | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper hardtail, tested SC-Superlight and GF-Sugar 3 | | Bike Setup: | Current Upgrades:
- Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires
- Handlebars cut down to 23"
- Sram Atack shifters
Future Modifications:
- Time ATAC Carbon pedals
- Easton Monkeylite XC low-rise handlebars | | Bottom Line: | This Stumpjumper bike is excellent. It rides smooth and handles with confidence. The suspension absorbs impacts and allows the bike to stick to the surface, so you can either descend or climb with confidence. I thought I would miss the lockout feature on the Fox Float shock, but the suspension is very efficient on any terrain, so I would never have the need to use it.
The disk brakes are simply awesome. They are powerfull and easy to modulate. There is no comparison with any V-brakes, especially in wet and muddy conditions that I ride in the winter.
There are some weknesses with the parts/components selected (such as stock tires and handlebars) but this is easily remedied. I switched tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pro and it makes a big difference, as I encounter loose conditions where I ride. Handlebar width is a personal preference, and in my case I prefer 23" wide, so I customized it by cutting it down.
Overall, this bike is a great value for the level of performance that it provides. It makes recreational off-road riding alot of fun, and can be easily adapted for XC racing when I decide to give it a try. I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island New York
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track tighter the trees the better | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunrise cycle | | Strengths: | The frame holds up very well to the abuse handed out to it, all Shimano componets a plus, Brakes are some of the best I have used but I still have yet to try Hayes,shifts on the fly very well whin the chan isn't to loose (dealer problem) other than the weaknes column this is a very good bike for cross country work> | | Weaknesses: | Where to bigin this one problem; Lets just say if you buy this bike CUT THE POINT OFF THAT STUPID F*!?ING POST THEY SELL IT WITH!!!! I rode through any area near me I nicknamed root alley and I never take this area to fast and the seat post slipped down a popped my Fox Float R. Lets just say that I'm glad I had a spare bike to use for the rest of the season because it took Specilized FOUR months to fix it They really dropped the ball here and not to say I'm A little pissed off about this. Now the build a slug bumper to put on the shock's air sleeve to prevent this and incase your wondering I just bought one. Also the warrenty DOES NOT COVER THIS DAMAGE and it cost me about $200 beacuse FFox was nice enough to replace the air sleeve and fix my shock insteadof having to buy a new one Thak You Fox. Also the only othe probelm is the tires are total S!*t and should be replace it you are going to ride this bike in any kind of loose dirt at all. I went with the Fire XC pro and are very satisfied but have still yet to put to a full test. | | Similar Products Used: | Dimondback V-link 1.2 Mongoose Hardtail, Cannondale Jekel 600 (demoed only). Specilized Enduro Pro (demoed only), Specilized Rockhopper Comp (demoed only) | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock Except for a Rebulit Fox Float R Specilzed dirt rods and Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires | | Bottom Line: | For all the long winded problems that I have Had This is still a pretty good bike. It's fast and somewhat light for a bike with Disc Brakes on it. I'm mostly pissed with Specialized Warrenty dept. and not with the preformance of the bike itself. I am mostly satisfied with it but make sure if you do buy this bike do the above mentioned thigs to the seatpost and get the shock bumper and lose those stupid slick tires. The Handle Bars are a little wide but you can get use to them, If you don't just cut em there is no need to replace them unless you like a low rise bar then they drive you crazy. Other than than that (Forgot to add the bar problem in the weakness column Sorry) it's all good now get out there and RIDE! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frederic Briere
a Cross Country Rider
from Magog, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mont Bellevue | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Velo Plein Air Victoriaville | | Strengths: | Le triangle arrière FSR, la rigidité du cadre, le partage de suspension avant-arrière, les freins à disque | | Weaknesses: | La largeur du guidon, parfois j'apprécierais des lockout sur les suspensions et je trouve que le triangle arrière est plus sensible que sur la première édition FSR (1997) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Ground Control Comp FSR 1997 | | Bike Setup: | Poteau de selle Thomson, Pneus Team Control (av) Team Master (arr), Extensions de guidon A-1 | | Bottom Line: | Des fois j'apprécierais des lockout sur les suspensions. La longueur du câble de dérailleur arrière est nuisante (comme sur tous les FSR). La bouteille est difficile à sortir du cadre sur le porte bidon supérieur. Attention à votre choix de grandeur (optez pour le plus petit tolérable) Rien empêche: on passerait des heures sur un M4 Disc !! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago,IL,USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali,NC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sherillville Schwinn | | Strengths: | Suspension balance is precise. Brakes are killer once they're broke in and stop squealing. Frame is very rigid with only adding a little weight. steering is very tight. | | Weaknesses: | The rear brake line will drive you nuts after about 40mi of riding when your getting tired. Chain ring side crank came loose within 100mi. Rear hub bearings loosened up after 80mi. Brakes take awhile to break in. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa cruz superlight(had to sell it, was short on cash.) | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | The first thing people whine about, is the tires and the bars. Ya the bars are long, trim them if ya don't like it. If you ride with them the way they are for awhile, you'll notice the steering isn't so tight and you'll get more control. Tires are cheap. get new ones. The 1.9s that come stock are great when your in my shoes having to ride on the road 8mi to get to your trail. Fat tires on the street suck. If you stuck strictly to technical xc with a lot of small turning desents, the tire will suck. The performance of the bike is great. it handles well, tracks very well, and uses it suspension in perfectly. The brakes will through you over the bars once broke in. They are better than the hayes in my opinion(only after the break in), which I had on my superlight. This thig climbs like a haus, it'll kick a hills ass before you know it.
I think people expect to find the perfect bike for them when they go shopping. Well, it doesn't work like that. If you want perfect, get a custom build ellworth. Otherwise spend a couple of bucks and make your stumpjumper your perfect bike. But don't knock Specialized because your prefered components weren't on it.
All in all, the fsr is a great deal for the money, you can do a wide range of riding with it while not havong to make big changes between rides. I like it almost as good as my santa cruz while spending a lot less money while only gaining 7 pounds....a terrific bike..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them so far | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle Tucson, AZ | | Strengths: | BRAKES!!!, Suspension, Overall ride | | Weaknesses: | Change out the bars, seatpost, and tires and there are no weaknesses!
| | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper(hardtail)
| | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The bike rides like a dream. The first 50 miles on it were 3 rides in Sedona, AZ and that was all I needed for a break-in. If I had a better pair of shorts, I would have absolutely no complaints about those first rides! At 6'3" I was told a medium was TOO small, but I love the way it handles. I am glad to have gotten that size. In my opinion, this is possibly the best bike for the money out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Phx, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mtn Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Go in Chandler | | Strengths: | 4 bar linkage, disc breaks, climbs like it weigs less than it does | | Weaknesses: | I prefer 2.1 tires and there may be a little play in the BB | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua XO, Schwinn Rocket 88, numerous hardtails (D-Back, Giant, Air Born, Cannondale) | | Bike Setup: | Stock; except: Easton EA 70 Stem & EC 70 bar | | Bottom Line: | It's an amazing full suspension bike. The front & rear suspensions are matched well and as smooth as butter. The 4 bar linkage is flawless. I was a little woried that it might feal heavy on the trail (like the Schwinn) but it feels light and handels like a dream. By far the best bike I've had a chance to ride since I started riding nearly 8 years ago. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry S
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, Fl
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bellview | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1799.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeworks | | Strengths: | Almost everything on this bike is perfect. | | Weaknesses: | Handle bars were very wide,had to cut them down. Stem was a bit long for me so replaced it with shorter one.A lot of people don't like the tires, There fine here in Florida. | | Similar Products Used: | New to biking. | | Bike Setup: | Factory set up except stem. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I'm new to mountain bike riding and wanted a bike that was not an entry level peice of crap, but I also didn't want to spend $4000. I could not be happier. The bike rides like a $4000 bike but it's 1/2 the price. Just stear, pedal and ride and you'll have the time of your life. Any obstical that gets in your way is easily riden over or off of with no problems. I look forward to riding all the time and would recomend this bike to everyone who is thinking about it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
william
a Racer
from littleton, nh, usa
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | right now- kevins | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | littleton bike shop | | Strengths: | Great specs. components are good, disc works great, front shock work great. | | Weaknesses: | Fox Float R> lost air on first ride, warrentied (will see how the new one works. Handlebar is stupid! Who rides something that wide? I changed it to a more narrow riser bar to save my knuckles from our tight singletrack. Sounds petty, but the stickers are coming off the Rock Shox Duke. Also the mounting bolt for the rear shock loosened and nearly came off on that same first ride. Loc tite those puppies!!!!!!! Tires? Who rides a full suspension with semi slicks on it, not me. I changed to a better tread pattern. | | Similar Products Used: | Older proflex FS. It really was kind of cool in its day. | | Bike Setup: | XTR r der
LX f der
shimano disc
Rock Shox Duke XC
Fox Float R
Specialized componentry elsewhere | | Bottom Line: | Great bike in the single track, change the handlebar, tires and warrenty that Float and you have a fantastic XC machine. I am coming off of a Cannondale Hard Tail, what a difference full suspension makes. Soooo much faster on the downhills and rough flats, plus I have better traction on ascents. Also great deal!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stewart mosher
a Cross Country Rider
from london ont canada
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fanshawe lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath | | Strengths: | eats up the small and medium stuff and still great on the street getting to the track | | Weaknesses: | cable routing | | Similar Products Used: | demoed a dakar comp and a suger 3+ | | Bike Setup: | stock except s-works stem and casset and cut down the wide bars | | Bottom Line: | This is a truly great bike. I just returned to bikeing after about ten years off and still can't belive how far all bikes have come. but being an adult now i have to buy for quality not just how cool a bike looks but this bike is both. I'm riding ten miles a day now and the FSR is great for everything from the street to the single track to getting me to the pub in style. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan Troost
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Ten Speed Spokes | | Strengths: | Frame, shock, seat, disk breaks.. I love it! | | Weaknesses: | Tires, the Handle bars. | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire tires.. front and back. Lizard skin for my rear shock. Stock. | | Bottom Line: | At first I wasnt shure I made the right decision. (Coming from a HT bike) Now, im sure I made the right decision. It's so nible and fast.. I love my bike.. No problems climbing.. and decending is sooo much fun! I love it. I love the frame.. its a very efficent design. I like the colors..altough I look like a bumble bee with my yellow tires! I feel like Im riding in air when it absorbs all the bumps.. and at the same time stays glued to the ground. The only thing I dont like is that the paint chips are pretty abvious, since its blue paint with a yellow base. Get it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Joplin, MO United States
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | A&B cycles, springfield MO | | Strengths: | Frame, Fox float rear, disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | tires, seat post pointed on bottom, cables | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 enduro, 2002 Giant warp DS1, trek fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Velociraptor tires, new psylo shock, sawed off seat post. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is one of the best I've ever ridden. The trails around here are a combination of some wicked downhills and singletrack. The Fox rear set to 95 mm travel has plenty of give for most hills and drops, but can be stiff enough for some good singletrack. The sharp seatpost had me puzzled though. The point seems to have no point except stabbing the shock. I sawed it off and its much easier to work with. The tires were just flat out crap, but the disc brakes are amazing. The Duke XC it comes with is only 80mm, so for more free ride and down hill, you should upgrade to the psylo or a marzocchi. The psylo 2003 SL has an on the fly lockout that is great for single track, and adjustments can be made while riding. A must buy bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim Hills Ca.
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Disc Brakes, Price per pound, Handling, Climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Tires suck, Handle bars long and flat, cable locations and mounting. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher-Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires, pedals and D/H bars.
| | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, it is great on the long climbs and even better on the long bumpy downhills, corners great (after the tire change), the disk brakes are great nothing like one finger stopping so you can keep the rest of your fingers tightly on the grips. It is an all around great bike for the money I give it 4 chillis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Dukes | | Strengths: | Frame,Fork,Rear Shock, geometry, Shimano hydraulic brakes are fantastic | | Weaknesses: | Tires - I put them on my old bike for the road only. Cable routing - brake and shifter cables rattle aroun even with zip ties. Lug on frame to direct front derailleur cable down puts the cable at the wrong angle also cable rubs deraileur at times. After you cut the bars down to a reasonable width you are left with too-long cables. I have yet to get rear derailleur tweaked sometimes jumps a tooth under load. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i drive , 2002 Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Pro Fire XC , cushy Ritchy grips, Ritchy pedals, cut bars 1 inch each side. Bike is quite nice stock except for tires. | | Bottom Line: | A great ride. I feel like I can ride about twice as far and over much more technical terrain. I get in a bit over my head on the down hills now but the bike generally saves my skin. It climbs better than I ever thought it would with only a bit of bob.I am upgrading from a 91 rigid steel Stumpjumper so the improvement is substantial. I went for the Specialized after obsessively researching the alternatives. The demo ride sealed it. I was considering the Giant NRS2 and Jamis Dakar comp but these pages convinced me that they had a few faults.Specialized has a solid reputation for great frames and holds the patent on the 4 bar suspension. The frame warranty inspires confidence as well. I didn't want to spend this much cash but better to spend too much now than to regret later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Elgin
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike LIne Naperville | | Strengths: | Extereme control. This bike is a blast to ride. Much more responsive than the Scalpel, Fuel, and the Sugar. Specialized is the way to go. The shimano disk brakes stop on a dime and look sleaker than the clunky hayes setup. | | Weaknesses: | The only downfall is the weak rubber tagged to the machine. Not good for sandy conditions. | | Bike Setup: | The only thing needed to be changed out of the box were the tires. If your a buck eighty or more, start the rear shock pressure at 200 psi. | | Bottom Line: | The best value currently on the market for a full suspension ride with disk brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TrailBedlam
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any twisty singletrack I can find | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame, discs, components - even those W I D E bars! | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires looked like they'd be perfect for hardpack, but where I ride there's enough loose stuff and mud to render them useless. Even the replacements aren't great - going with the Hutchinson gold's next, not just because they're a good tire, but the yellow rubber will look cool on this ride!
Rear derailleur was finicky on the first few rides, after the plastic protector broke and jammed things up. Three trips to the LBS and I still had to figure it out myself! | | Similar Products Used: | None similar - came from an old rigid. Also tried a couple of hardtails first, but wanted the active rear end, too. | | Bike Setup: | Lizard Skins on the stay, shock and BallFrog!
Specialized Team Control front/Team Master rear | | Bottom Line: | You'll never find a better frame anywhere - this bike climbs like nothing else on the trail! No pedal bob unless standing going up hill - but that seems to help traction. Although there's some LX parts in there, the component mix is excellent. I've had to pressure up the Duke so it doesn't dive too much when braking - it will probably get replaced next year. The brakes are incredible and the ride is incredibly smooth.
This bike makes me want to ride every day! :-( | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Alta Loma, CA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Marshall Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1340.00 | | Purchased At: | InCycle (on sale) | | Strengths: | In order: M4 frame (it's last year's S-Works), Disc brakes, ride/handling, component selection | | Weaknesses: | Tires, tires, tires. Not too sure about the W I D E bars. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant xtc 2, Sugar 3+, Jeckel 600 & 700, Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ more agressive tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike replaced an S-Works hardtail (that cost much more). Although it's much heavier, the comfort, control, and value can't be beat. I will be riding this bike for years to come, and loving it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neville Bailey
a
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | Question :
I am considering buying this bike. Are there any problems with the seat post length ? Can it damage the rear shock if it is too low ? For taller people is there enough extention on the seatpost. Also, how does it handle real rough stuff (rocks). Feedback appreciated. Please email me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Bike feels like it is on a rail, point and go. I was going to trash the wide bars, but I actually like them now. Feel like I have better control, but be carefull when the trail gets super narrow.
I heard the discs stop squealing after about 100 miles, mine stopped at 40 miles. Over 200 miles on it and not a peep out of them. One finger breaking is a beautiful thing. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are weak. Great for when I decide to ride to the ride and work some pavement to get there,, but once I get there.. well, they suck. If you are a weight freak, it's heavy - I have no worries when it comes to wieght, a lb. here or there might matter to serious racers, but it's just a head game as far as I'm concerned. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I made the switch after 6 years on a hardtail. I regularly do difficult roadbike climbs for cardio, YES I notice the full suspension, NO it is not a problem. The control and comfort it gives me when I leave the roadies behind at the gate and hit the dirt is the best.
In closing, it's just one of those bikes where, if you miss a couple of days... when you climb back on, you say "wow, I missed you." Spent alot of money and feel I got what I paid for, just that simple.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jerry
a Cross Country Rider
from sequim, wa.
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | green mt. (bremerton) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | pedal n paddle, port angeles | | Strengths: | climbing, component selection, disc brakes, climbing, frame build quality, fork performance. | | Weaknesses: | weak tires if you live where it rains, slightly quick steering when you point it downhill, wide bars (quit whining, cut them). | | Similar Products Used: | trek Y-22, manitou full suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock, Panaracer fire mud tires for spring/fall, yeti easton bars (only because their lighter). | | Bottom Line: | this bike climbs great, descends well, and is overall a great singletrack machine. The brakes work great even though they are shimano's cheaper models (to the guy who demo'd one, they quiet down after about 100 miles), the fork works great (again, let it break in) and is supple in the small stuff while taking a hit. If you are the type of person who takes long rides and occasionally races this is your bike. Five chili's from me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton,CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brea Dam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Seat, handlebar -love that long straight bar, DISC BRAKES, kewl color | | Weaknesses: | need more support for rear disc brake line | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Totally Stock | | Bottom Line: | I now have 125 miles of road and off road riding on this bike and I totally love it! The Disc brakes are awesome. The bike is great and I have no regrets making this purchase. It both climbs and downhills great. I have had a couple of spectacular endos on this bike (caused by the rider, not the bike.). The disc brakes are so great - much better than rim or "V" brakes on the hills I ride. I know that (a) I will never go back to a hardtail (b) I will never have anything but disc brakes.If you are considering this bike I definitely recommend it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vic
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastcoast
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | FingerLakes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Hillsie Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great climber, Great downhiller, XTR rear, SHimano Disc, an all around bike for anyone Intermediate to pro, XC to Freeride. This is your bike | | Weaknesses: | Flat bars, Skinny ass stock tires, but thats about it i love this ride. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Kona, Trek, Cannondale, Litespeed, Giant, about all | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Specialized riser bar and Hutchinson Mosquito light 2.0, This is a perfect singletrack setup. | | Bottom Line: | I am a 200 lbs stud and this bike holds its groung great. great for drops, rocks, stumps, and fast speeds.
This bike is best at high speeds. Chande the tires and bars and youll love this bike !!! I give it five chillis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | laxative | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Algonquin Outfitters | | Strengths: | Great looks, lightweight, nice brakes, sweet handling on singletrack. Suspension works phenomenally well. | | Weaknesses: | I had no problem with the specialized parts, like so many other reviewers, but the cranks are a bit cheap. I've only got 130 km on it, and I've got creaking that can't be remedied with tightening. the hydraulic line for the rear brake needs more support. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock with riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | An amazing bike, very efficient. I do a lot of pavement riding to get to the trails, and it really doesn't suck any power from bobbing. When I first picked it up I noticed it was heavier than I'd expected, but it feels very light to ride. definately buy this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael LaRochelle
a
from Bloomington,IL
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirksen Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Illinois Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Great Frame, love the feel of the suspension. this bike rips up the trails | | Weaknesses: | Float R lost air in the first hour.(Dealer was great and gave me a Float RL for free.) Handle bar, stem, pedals,and tires.
| | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Float RL on rear, Specialized high rise handle bar, Dimension 70mm stem, Azonic platform pedals, Team Control tire upfront and Rockster in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | Love it to death. I will have this bike as long as I live. The thing handles trail riding better than I could have asked for. After changing a few parts I belive this bike could easily be comparied with any xc bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
icedirt
a Cross Country Rider
from chicago
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | great climber as well as on the downhill as others have mentioned absorbes the rocks really well. | | Weaknesses: | here we go the handle bar is way too wide. on a really skinny single track with trees all around almost hooked on to a tree 3 times. the tires are way too skinny they dont grip &*^% sharp turnes in soft terrain say goodbye the tires are really good on pavement only and i dont ride pavement thats what road bikes are for :) also makes this weird noice on the downhills like the chain is falling off or something.
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock but soon comoing to my stumpjumper a new set of tires (if anyone has recommnindations please email) and a new handlebar | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike fast, easy to maneuvre i am 5"7 165lbs. have a small size easy to turn. the shocks are sensitive which could be a good or a bad thing depends where you ride
overall a great bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
krazy krista
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | moose packers up & down | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Cafe Canmore | | Strengths: | lightweight, xtr /lx drivetrain, climbs well, lovin the breaks, price | | Weaknesses: | the fact that it comes with lame skinny tires stock ... change them to beefier tires and it is all good! | | Similar Products Used: | older Specialized Enduro, older FSR | | Bike Setup: | changed the tires to nice fat ones (mitsubishi super heat & panaracer firexc) , changed handle bar to a race face riser, changed pedals to platform cleated DH pedals, put on my fave girly seat (boyfriend inherited stock seat!) | | Bottom Line: | Loving the new ride! This bike replaces my old Kona hardtail. I bought it at Bicycle Cafe in Canmore Alberta (great shop) and then headed straight south to test ride it for three weeks in Zion, Bryce & Moab Utah, then to Fruita Colorado. So I 've had it a month but put 200 miles on it.
This bike climbs really well (a big relief!) and goes down much faster/cushier than the old bike. I like the rebound adjustability and easy tuneability of the suspension.
I love the discs 85% of the time, but found I would occasionally have to tune them because of unwanted disc drag - will likely sort this out with more riding. They do perform well in wet/muddy conditions as I found out in Fruita! The only squeaking was in prolonged wet conditions.
I am 5'7" (female) and bought the small frame which is perfect. Similar sized guys who are stockier would probably prefer the medium frame. The small is likely still too big for small (5'0 - 5'4) women without some more changes.
Bang for the buck - this is an awesome bike - if it got stolen I would replace it with the exact same one:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy Reminiskey
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton, CA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brea Dam in Fullerton CA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light weight, kewl seat, handlebars, disc brakes, color combination | | Weaknesses: | Rear disk brake line needs additional attachement boss on frame. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike a lot. I had a 5 yr old GT hardtail and this is so much nicer to ride. I am 5'7" and 160# and got the medium frame and it seems to fit fine. I love the wide straight handlebars, although a lot of Specialized reviewers dont seem to like them. The disc brakes are awesome, especially on the down hills. Several bike salesmen tried to talk me out of discs since we dont have water and mud problems here in southern California but I am glad i stuck to my gut feeling and went with the discs. I like all the componets on the bike but I must confess I am not a componet expert at all. I totally love the yellow and blue color scheme. It was a strech to spend this much money on a bike but I am glad I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
reviewmister
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | Bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | None that I've noticed | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Giant XTC NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a hardtail I'm really impressed. Love the fully active rear suspension. No noticable bobbing when seated climbing but still fully active to keep the tire planted. Downhills are a blast. I'm definitely faster on the downhills and possibly the uphills too - feels really good climbing. The Wide Boy handlebars took me a bit to get used to but now that I am I think I like them. With all the Specialized components on the bike there's definitely room for some component upgrades but still a great bike straight from the factory. The XTR rear derailler is a nice touch although clearly a cleaver bit of marketing since thats the first thing you see and the rest of the bike is either LX or specialized stuff. The Shimano disc's work really well so far - easy to modulate but will still stop you on a dime if you have to - only time will tell how they hold up in the long run. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mtn network | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Very stiff, Power is great, shocks are well balanced. Good parts spec (could have gone with hayes brakes) | | Weaknesses: | wheel base short for my taste, disks squeal like a banshee. Fork could be a little more supple on the small stuff. Bike is overall heavy for what it is. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar, Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar w/ 4" Black, XT Drive train, Time Carbons, the rest is all overpriced aluminum tubing. | | Bottom Line: | A bike shop had a demo tent set up at Turkey mtn. They were letting anyone and everyone take the bikes out for as long as they wanted. I did several loops with this bike.
My first impression was that it had a short wheelbase for a 19" bike. It was a little sensitive for my taste. Very efficient though, great power transfer, no noticeable bob even when climbing. This bikes forte is definately climbing, and tight cufvey singletrack.
The Duke could be more supple, small bumps and studders are very noticeable, but it can take a suprisingly big hit without bottoming out.
The best part of this bike is the lateral stiffness, I couldnt get it to budge, and believe me I tried banking it through rock littered high speed curves and still it was solid.
The disks were ok. They squealed and were not very powerful. Hayes makes a much better hydrolic brake for the money. These stopped fine, reminded me of very touchy V's with a better center of gravity.
The cranks were not bad, seemed smooth, I wasnt out of the middle ring much though.
The handle bars were wierd. They were a really wide for XC flats and had no bar ends.
The tires were not half bad. If I ever get some semislicks I might check these out.
My biggest complaint on this bike is that it handles and climbs/accelerates like an XC race bike but feels like its abou 26-27 lbs. Thats way too heavy for an XC race bike. If I bought it Id put it on a diet until it lost about 1-2 lbs. Would be tough though. Would cost a pretty penny to get it down without replacing the fork or scrapping the disks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeke
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancovuer, BC. Canada (eh?)
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mud | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | vancovuer, bc- Sharpes Cycle | | Strengths: | Lightweight, price, fast. Strong Frame, and specialized good solid reputation | | Weaknesses: | They are still using strictly alot of there own Specialized Parts. I am not to fond of the Strong arm II cranks, and there handle bars. On a bike of this caliper, considering they are usuing an XTR rear Derailleur, they shoulda at least kept the shifters and front derailleur XT | | Similar Products Used: | Specailized M4 (beautiful..awesome bike) Fuel 90, instinct | | Bike Setup: | some minor upgrades. XT shifter front and rear, race face Next LP and titanium bottom bracket, race face seat post, easton monkey lite bar. | | Bottom Line: | Well! Specialized has done it again! I currently have an M4 and like the new FSR-XC disc..this is the cats petunia of bikes. I love there light frames on both the M4 and fsr-XC frames. You are gonna blow the doors off your friends. they climb the hills like a abat outta hell..with all the current componentry, it comes in at just under 26 pounds whicjh is substantially lighter than the Fuel 90. And this bike is built solid! you're gonna notice improved control, you'll hop logs with ease and finesse. Try to keep 2.1 tires on it when hitting the hard trails ata bout 40psi seems to work real good for me. But as usual, with specialized, they like to use there own componentry. i would suggest the upgrades i did to it as well as the Mavic 317 disc rims. They are lighter, stronger, and you'll never have to true them they are good solid rims. And definately the cranks and BB. Change them. Not only will it knock off a bunch a weight, but you will notice more precise and stronger pedalling. All and all, Specialized delivered another beautiful bike. I am totally impressed with it. I was with the M4 and i am with the FSR-XC.It's kinda expensive compared to others, but you know when you pay for it, you are getting a solid, relaible, well designed and manufactured bike with a srtong reputation. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodland Park
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mule Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Team Telecycle | | Strengths: | The technical climbing ability, descending ability. Just overall handling. | | Weaknesses: | The rear shock didn't hold air. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | switched the duke for a Fox float 100RLC. Specialized Team Control and Team Master tires. Took an inch off of the handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike!!!! It's handling is the best i've felt. The discs are really sweet! They have enough play that they aren't lock-up-on-the-first-pull. They will stop you on a dime when you need them too. The suspension is very plush.(especially the fox float)hehe. The best part of the bike is the fork.it is ultra sensitive and still sucks up the big hits with ease. It is definately worth swapping the stock duke for the float. The 100mm of travel doesn't affect the handling of the bike. Well, actually it helped it. This bike is great for someone who wants perfect handling on a full suspension bike. The only thing is you really have to want full suspension going from a hard tail. This bike is all plush. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabriel
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Overall build | | Weaknesses: | Price, although is a good buy... other similar products placed some hundreds of dollars over... | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, GT, Rocky Mountain, Gary Fisher, Univega, Scott | | Bike Setup: | I bought the model 2001 because of an interesting discount. | | Bottom Line: | It's awsome to ride this bike, summer, winter, day, night, snow or rain... you name it. Uphill climbs like a squirrel, downhill or singletrail trax... click pedals are a bit of a pain (Time Alium), ouch ouch. Other than that, an orgasmic bike. Because the Aliums can be exchanged fast, right?, it's still a 5 both worth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from NEW ZEALAND
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotorua - Vetta trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Pins Cycles Takapuna Auckland NZ | | Strengths: | Light, well specced back end (Fox float and xtr rear D) and shimano discs - fantastic for the price. Good riding position..very sweet. The Dukes are nice too but I've been riding a Scott with a psylo and have upgraded to a 2002 psylo already - added weight but better for the riding we do (big climb in, lots of fast XC tracks but also a couple of meaty downhills). | | Weaknesses: | Can understand the Dukes but those silly flat bars and long nose stem??? Tomac risers for me with a mid size ardvarrk stem - yahoo.....
Bike shop didn't have a manual.....but that's a crit of them not the bike. On;ine manuals from Rock Shox and still looking for Fox and Shimano. However most bike mags have regular maintenance features. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Octane, 1999 Specialized FSR comp, 1998 Specialised Rockhopper; plus scoped out a whole range of bikes before making this buy. | | Bottom Line: | I've looked at Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountain etc etc but with the NZ dollar exchange rate they are scarily expensive.
The Stumpjumper combines excellent value (under $5,000 in NZ money) with the right combo of bits and weight for the riding I do. Mmmmm, XTR shifters.....
And because the bike shop gave me a nice discount I could afford to trade up to Psylo front and get that cool uturn.
Great value for bucks spent....but only 4 chillis for value because of those damn silly flat bars...ugh! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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