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Specialized
Stumpjumper FSR XC Pro
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Submitted by
TurboSN95
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallingford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler Mill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Light, good suspension, stops well, comfortable, I was very happy with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | None really except that I wanted disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | '98 Stumpjumper M2 hard tail, '06 Epic Comp M5 | | Bike Setup: | SID Titanium fork, Race Face stem, Pro Taper flat bars, Shimano platform clipless pedals, WTB seat, Race Face XY seat post, Specialized Roll-X tires, Mavic rims. | | Bottom Line: | Very nice bike for the price, I am not a pro by any means, but had a lot of fun on this bike. It was light and efficient. Eventually I put on some Hutchinson Barracuda tires (heavy), and the bike climbed and turned incredibly. Now I sold it and went to an '06 Epic Comp and I am a little happier with the Brain setup, even though the Epic weighs a few lbs more. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Payson, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Bennie Creek up Payson Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | bingham cyclery | | Strengths: | This is a very light bike and it has a great setup. The rear shock is one of the best that I have ever ridden. | | Weaknesses: | The regular (stock) front fork, I think that it is the Sid something, is one of the worst front forks ever. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | All stock except front fork, I upgraded to a Manitou Black Elite, SRAM shifters. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have taken it off 4 foot drops and not had anything break. I love this bike and I would not use anything else. I am giving it four chilis for the stinky front fork that does not work. I went off a 2 foot drop and bottomed them out and then they did not work any more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI, US
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | North Country | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Light weight for dual suspension (23.5 lbs with few mods). FSR design. Dual lock outs. | | Weaknesses: | Weak rear derailleur hanger. Chain suck. O2 Fox rear shocks had a problem with leaking seals (replaced) | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ Easton Monkeylite riser bar. SS eggbeater pedals. Thompson seatpost. Forte Team saddle. SRAM Rocket gripshifters | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike. Check all the reviews though. All the problems listed are consistant. I didn't think I'd have such problems, but I did with my new bike too. Take note and modify the bike as needed and you'll be ready to rip on this bike. It's a fast and strong climbing dual suspension. It's very responsive compared to other dual designs... much more than the Trek Fuels. I was never a huge fan of Specialized until I rode this bike. I purchased it new on ebay from a horrible auction description until I called the seller (deal of the century). I won't purchase another brand bike now. Bottom line, this bike has a few, but easily fixed, manufacturer problems... expect that as you purchase. However, the bike is extremely fast and responsive as a cross-country racer in Mid-West terrain. I've has zero problems with components other than the Fox's seals leaking and snapping the hanger a few times (carry a spare). I ride hard and often and it's held up to some serious beatings. Oh, tires are great (fast and super light), but wear quickly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Relatively light weight, decent suspension isolation from braking and pedaling forces. | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket height with appropriate sag in suspension.
Relatively cheap Specialized Taiwanese wheelset looks good on the showroom floor, but develops problems on the trail. | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails over the years, and a few URT types. | | Bike Setup: | RockShox SID Race, RockShox Float R, Specialized wheels and tires (soon swapped out for Cane Creek WAM wheelset and Nokian tires) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for a cross country rider that desires enough suspension to take the edge off without losing a lot of efficiency. It's a bit piggy at wheelies and drop-offs, and will definitely beat the rider up on technical, rocky, downhills, but it is sweeter than a hardtail on rough going and more efficient than a URT when headed up. It's a great bike for going fast if one is careful with the line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tivo
a Cross Country Rider
from Annapolis, MD/ Southhampton, NY
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco state park, whole place | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeHampton, Sag Harbor, NY | | Strengths: | Quite light indeed, for a dualie. good component mix but the rims deserve better hubs, especially the back. love the Avid Ti brakes, levers are mo' comfortable than the big "S". Never owned a Rock Shox before and the SID Race w/ lock out has made me a convert 4 ever! always smooth and never bottoms. | | Weaknesses: | main pivot @ bottom bracket, bolt backs out unless heavily threadlocked with blue locker, not that wussie red stuff. took me (a barnetts trained wrench)almost a year to get the gremlins out of the frnt derail and 3 lowest gears in the rear. still chain sucks or drops to lttl ring on a whim sometimes >>any bike with a 2K+ price tag ought to have a chainline that doesn't try to defy the rules of physics!! crankset is about as stiff as overcooked pasta, with soft rings to boot. never heard a bb or cranks creak so often. | | Similar Products Used: | first timer on a dualie. still ride a rare old steel framed rockhopper hardtail with (real)ritchie dropouts and full '00 XT group. | | Bike Setup: | stock but for conti explorer front tire/ michelin wildgripper rear, speedplay frogs, monkey lite flat bar, SDG saddle, Thomson post, King head set | | Bottom Line: | this bike was purchased soley for 24Hrs of Snowshoe last year, and it did itself proud. it is light as all get out and climbs like a spooked monkey, though it hunts around a bit at low speeds. with enough (read: to much) air in the rear shock it behaves like a hardtail unless you really hit something. I run the shock at almost 300psi and I love it. on climbs, flats, rollies and dh's this bike is a piss to ride. stay off the brakes and pick a decent line and you'll win every time. if you are a hardtail rider looking for an intro to dualies, this bike is for you. maybe specialized got the pivot/chain suck-skip thing figured on the '03 bike with that funky shock. otherwise they ditched a proven design... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TR
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket pivot broke and cannt get out of frame. Squeeked from day one. Handle bars too long had to shorten them. Had to repack my shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Fisher | | Bike Setup: | OUt of Box | | Bottom Line: | As a first time dual sus rider I cannot get over how many issues there are with this bike. Having the bike in the shop has brought me back to my hard tail and although downhills suck, climbing, rolling and non-bike issues make this pleasurable. If you ride hard stay away from this bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TR
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket pivot broke and cannt get out of frame. Squeeked from day one. Handle bars too long had to shorten them. Had to repack my shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Fisher | | Bike Setup: | OUt of Box | | Bottom Line: | As a first time dual sus rider I cannot get over how many issues there are with this bike. Having the bike in the shop has brought me back to my hard tail and although downhills suck, climbing, rolling and non-bike issues make this pleasurable. If you ride hard stay away from this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Racer
from Sussex, UK
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn Texas | | Strengths: | Control, Stability, ride and speed | | Weaknesses: | Low BB that causes peddle knock when not paying total attention. Pivot bolt near BB that works loose. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with addition of Monkry lite riser bars and Mud Fox saddle, Shimano SPD peddles. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike and I love it. Itis amazingly fast and eats up the ground. Very controlable on down hill sections and cruses on the trail. Suspension take a little while to dial in but once sorted is sweet.
Take out the suspension pivot near the BB, re-grease, reverse it and put loct tight on the tread so that you do not have the unpleasent experience of it working loose on a ride.
Have experienced the Fox rear shock loosing pressure, resulted in having new air and oil seals fitted. As bike was US purchase was told the warrenty did not stand and so had to fork out for this (not a happy bunny).
Would recommend this bike to anyone who races on a regular basis and does not have the dosh for the s-works. It is abit pricy foir the recreatinal rider but, with a few personal compenent changes you have a real beast of the bike that fly's on the trail and climbs like a mountain goat, legs willing of course. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan
a
from London UK
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Proven full sus. design. | | Weaknesses: | Headset. Crankset (although rectified). | | Similar Products Used: | First full susser. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but for: Thomson stem & seat post; Easton Monkeylite low riser bars; Tioga factory XC tyres; Mavic X517CD Ceramics on XT hubs; Fox Float RLC 100; Chris King headset | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to get the Comp because I was keen on the Fox fork rather than the SID (too many complaints about them being noodly - is this why skewer on front wheel has such large diameter I wonder?). Unfortunately, by the time I'd saved enough shekels to purchase, the Comp had sold out in the UK, so ended up with a Pro. My LBS (Condor Cycles, London) very helpfully sorted me out with a Fox Float 100 RLC in place of the SID, which convinced me to go with the Pro. Extremely happy with way bike rides, albeit all modifications listed above occurred before I left shop, so can't really comment on stock ride.
Drive side crank kept coming loose after riding for more than an hour (causing chain suck). Specialized sent me a new drive side crank and problem disappeared.
I swapped Cane Creek headset out to my old Zaskar. I am convinced that the Cane Creek is the single worst piece of equipment I have ever had attached to any of the bikes I have ever owned. It is a disgrace such a terrible component is specced on a bike that costs this much. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from NW Louisiana, USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, La | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Owner | | Strengths: | Light weight, XT/XTR mix, great handeling | | Weaknesses: | Seat post, handle bars, low bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 GT LTS | | Bike Setup: | Riser bar, Italia Flyte saddle, XTR crank set and bottom bracket, Thompson seat post, Crank Bros EggBeaters | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike! I am 6'4" and weigh 190lbs and the bike fits me great. The bike floats over terrain like a dream. The rear shock can be locked out which is cool. This is a good bike. However there are some areas to look out for:
1. The REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS have a nasty habit of backing out. Be sure to check the one in the lower swing arm behind the chain rings! Mine sheered the bolt off which caused the chain ring to eat away some of the metal on the lower swing arm! The broken bolt had to be taken to a machine shop to get removed with a tap set.
2. One of the Titanium rails on the Specialized saddle snapped in half during a ride in the mountains of New Mexico so the seat was replaced.
3. The factory seat post is a piece-o-crap. Replace it with a Thompson ASAP!
4. Factory handle bars suck... replace them ASAP as well!
5. Specialized Rockster tires DO NOT inspire cornering confidence on anything but bone dry hard pack. I use WTB Velocerapters for rocky and muddy trails.
Just keep an eye on theses items and you will love this toy!
Hasta!
-N8
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Texter duno
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | southdowns way | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | kingdom cycles | | Strengths: | weight, looks, fast, some nice bits as standard...oh and did I say fast! | | Weaknesses: | rear brake cable noodle :( Tries naughtly in the wet (watch out) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | just got it standard so far...oh a front crud catcher :) | | Bottom Line: | This is my second FSR XC bike and I must say it fly’s. My last bike was a Orange X2 very nice loved it but this takes is a XC racing dream. I love bombing it along trails, and this is perfect for the job! I was lucky to get this bike, can only be a handful left in the UK and was even luckier to get it for £1399 (2,173.66 USD) on realise it was £1900 in the UK (2,952.07 USD). The rear noodle is a pain. But I will take up some of your advice and get a smaller one. My big complaint is I am new to air shocks and the dumb shop didn’t put nearly enough air in the shocks I had a 2 hour journey back with the bike and was on such a buzz that only till I took it to my local shop for a crud catcher did he notice the lack of air in the shocks. Plus the chain kept slipping gears, which I am guessing is down to there being no service on the bike before it left the shop.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j h
a Cross Country Rider
from denver, co. usa
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | westside cycling, lakewood, co. | | Strengths: | overall package is o.k.
a few tweaks and replacement parts make it even better | | Weaknesses: | stock tires, bar, post. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 specialized enduro expert | | Bike Setup: | easton riser carbon bar, chris king headstet, easton carbon seat post, race face grips, continental explorer pro tires, | | Bottom Line: | a few words to the wise. routinely check pivot bushings for tightness. i experienced three episodes of chain-suck. replaced chain with sram pc99, no further problems. learn to rachet pedal to avoid hitting pedals and crank arms on trail junk. stock tires have no bite on anything except hard pack dry earth, luckily they wear out after a ride or two. i have ridden this bike for a full season on many different trails in colorado and utah. it has its limitations when faced with downhill riding but i understand that is not its intended purpose. for all-around recreational riding this bike is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Kinley
a Racer
from Oceanside, CA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | 4-bar specialized suspension design, lightweight, rockshox sid, fox float | | Weaknesses: | specialized stem, seatpost, and crankset | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, intense tracer, giant NRS, fisher sugar | | Bike Setup: | stock except XT crankset, and panaracer fire xc pro tires | | Bottom Line: | This is and incredible bike! It climbs like a hardtail and smoothes out any obstacle when pointing down. The bikes suspension is so effecient it allows me to ride longer, and faster with less fatigue and more enjoyment. Of all the bikes I've owned this is by far the best designed, and best riding. If you race and can't afford the s-works buy this bike, don't waste your time with any other suspension design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randon
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilbert, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | McDowell Race Loops | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Handling, lightness, highend components, lockout fork and rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Not a necessarily a weakness, but I would like to see a little more room between the big ring and chainstay. | | Similar Products Used: | Other FSR Stumpjumpers | | Bike Setup: | Stock as is from Specialized | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, it is sweet! Had two hardtails prior to this machine so when I switched to a higher quality bike and full suspension I was expecting some big changes--and that is what I got. Immediately I felt like I had more control and maneuverability. My skills will excel with this bike.
A couple of things to look out. The rear shock would drop from about 160 PSI to around 80 psi early into a ride. After a few rides like this I took it back to Supergo to correct. They rebuilt the shock (free of charge of course) and haven't lost a pound yet. SID fork, not a single problem.
On a more serious note, South Mountain's National trail (Phoenix) surfaced a problem where my suspension bushings were loose on one side causing the big ring to cut into the paint on the chain stay. This happened when my rear suspension retracted hard and quick. Again Supergo fixed this and found loose bushings. Lesson to learn, keep an extra close eye on things while "breaking" in your new bike.
I did have a creak in the seat rails. A thin film of lithium grease corrected this.
This bike is fast and smooth! I am amazed at how fast I can fly over rough terrain and maintain perfect control.
If you can get one of these babies before they're gone you will be glad you did. Check out the 2003 Stumpjumpers, they have lower components and are geared toward a less expensive consumer market.
Get one before they're all gone!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ypsilanti, MI
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | What's a trail? | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango, Ann Arbor | | Strengths: | Light, Fast, Part spec., makes up for my lack of riding ability
| | Weaknesses: | High matinence (like my girlfriend) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Sugar | | Bike Setup: | CT2 flat bars, Egg Beaters, CrossMax UST | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my review in May. After riding this bike all summer I can say that I have become much more accostom to it. This bike can do anything. Lock it out for a long road ride to the trail, ride the trail in plush cumfort, then go home strong. It will preserve your strength for those long grulling rides.
At the 24 hours of Snowshoe this year it was the perfect bike. The climbs were long and steep, and the woods were scarry technical. The bike didn't keep me from falling hard on slick roots, and it didn't float over the deep mud, but I knew I would have been hurting a lot more on a hardtail or a heavier full suspension.
I recomend putting extra lock tite on the main pivot bolts by the BB, mine backed out several times until I did this. Also, the low bottom bracked is killing my pedals and crank arms from bashing them into seemingly small objects on the trail. I guess it gives me an excuse to upgrade next season. One more thing, my crank arm bolts kept comming loose. I was told by a mechanic to put lock tite on the BB splines to fix that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Ferguson
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center, Salt Lake | | Strengths: | Extremely light. Very soft overall ride. | | Weaknesses: | Must check main pivot bolts for tightness. If one of these babies brake, this would cause over stress on shock link pivot, thus, breaking off the welded "frame Tab". | | Similar Products Used: | Tracer, M5 FRS XC, diamond Back v-10 | | Bike Setup: | Hugi 240 disc wheels w/ 317 mavic rims. Carbon monkey lite 1.5 riser bars. Easton stem 110mm x 5 rise. XTR shifter Pods, XTR rear derailluer, XTR front der., Race Face carbon LP cranks w/ISIS titanium bb. Thomson seat post under a Flite ti saddle. Manitou Expert (modified) fork. Ritchey Z-max 2.1 k tires front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | This frame is awesome! Very light and responsive. I've owned many full suspension bikes in the last 10 years. This bike is specked with descent components for the start. I've modified everything as far as components go for my taste. The complete bike weighs in at 24.2 pounds. A 17" medium frame. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Dudley
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mid-Wales | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light weight, XT/XTR mix. | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Proflex 4000. | | Bike Setup: | Azonics riser bar, Italia Flyte saddle, DM7 flatties, XT 170mm chainset, Fire XC Pro tires, Hope Minis. | | Bottom Line: | Tracks like a ball round a roulette wheel, floats over lumps bumps and roots like a very floaty thing indeed. SID SL forks are a dream, Fox Float unit not as cushy as a spring/gas unit but lets you feel the trail whilst still providing cushioning. This is a lightweight cross-country bike that is capable of moderately technical downhills. Climbs like a scalded monkey up a banana tree. 170mm cranks avoid most pedal bottoming-out - a small price to pay for such a superb machine. Just point this machine and let it go. I never feel like I need to CONTROL it! Avid Ti brakes are the best rim brakes I've ever used, but display the main failing of that design - crap in the wet and mud. Discs essential for these conditions. This bike will make you grin with pleasure - if your riding tyle is XC with a bit of downhill and you don't weigh over 10.5 stone, get one. Trust me, I'm a doctor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Cross Country Rider
from TO, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Fast, light, dual lockouts, great brakes, light smooth rolling tires, and surprisingly comfy seat. | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality components: SID, handlebar, stem, seatpost, headset, and tires. Not very sturdy. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 FSR XC, 98 M2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thomson post, Raceface riser bar, Kore stem, and FireXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | Some of the parts could of been better but for the price, it is understandable.
The bike just wants to go fast. I think the light, smooth rolling tires have something to do with that. They do require more caution in corners and terrain that is no most suitable for them. However, I find acceleration with them is amazingly fast. Unfortunately, after just over 50 miles on these tires, a wood chip made a large hole in the rear tire. I replaced the tires with FireXC Pros and noticed slower acceleration.
The frame does seem a bit flexy but I don't have much experience with full suspension bikes so I don't know whether this is normal.
After 75 miles, the SID broke. It fully compressed and stayed there. It was sent back to Rock Shox and I am waiting for them to have it fixed.
Overall, I like the bike a lot. Hopefully, Rock Shox will fix the fork and I can enjoy the bike some more.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Cross Country Rider
from TO, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light for full suspension. Front/rear lockout. Fast rolling tires. Wants to go fast in all conditions. Surprisingly good saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Suspect fork. Not very stiff rear end. Tire has thin casing and requires extreme caution when corning. Some crappy components. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 FSR XC, 98 M2 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thomson Elite post, Kore stem, Race Face riser bar, FireXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | I made some changes to a few parts. The handlebars are just too long. I replaced the seat post with a Thomson that I had already.
In stock form, this bike just wants to go fast. I attribute this to the light weight and fast rolling tires. However, these same tires require caution when corning as they slide out easily. With a slight change in riding style (back off a bit more in the corners and picking up more on straights), I find I go a lot faster with this setup.
While the bike is fast, it is not very sturdy. In less than 100km of hard XC riding, the rear tire is gone after a wood chip pierced a decent hole, the crappy SID fork's damping completely failed (fully compressed and stuck there), overall lack of stiffness results in reduced confidence going downhill. I might not have this bike available for a race this weekend as the fork was sent back to Rock Shox. The dealer might lend me a fork for the race.
I know people who have blown the Fox shox's seals. Haven't happened yet.
Not a bad bike but could be better. I wish this bike is as reliable as my 98 M2 which has a Bomber fork and is like a tank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Cross Country Rider
from TO, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light for full suspension. Front/rear lockout. Fast rolling tires. Wants to go fast in all conditions. Surprisingly good saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Suspect fork. Not very stiff rear end. Tire has thin casing and requires extreme caution when corning. Some crappy components. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 FSR XC, 98 M2 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thomson Elite post, Kore stem, Race Face riser bar, FireXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | I made some changes to a few parts. The handlebars are just too long. I replaced the seat post with a Thomson that I had already.
In stock form, this bike just wants to go fast. I attribute this to the light weight and fast rolling tires. However, these same tires require caution when corning as they slide out easily. With a slight change in riding style (back off a bit more in the corners and picking up more on straights), I find I go a lot faster with this setup.
While the bike is fast, it is not very sturdy. In less than 100km of hard XC riding, the rear tire is gone after a wood chip pierced a decent hole, the crappy SID fork's damping completely failed (fully compressed and stuck there), overall lack of stiffness results in reduced confidence going downhill. I might not have this bike available for a race this weekend as the fork was sent back to Rock Shox. The dealer might lend me a fork for the race.
I know people who have blown the Fox shox's seals. Haven't happened yet.
Not a bad bike but could be better. I wish this bike is as reliable as my 98 M2 which has a Bomber fork and is like a tank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Cross Country Rider
from TO, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light for full suspension. Front/rear lockout. Fast rolling tires. Wants to go fast in all conditions. Surprisingly good saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Suspect fork. Not very stiff rear end. Tire has thin casing and requires extreme caution when corning. Some crappy components. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 FSR XC, 98 M2 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thomson Elite post, Kore stem, Race Face riser bar, FireXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | I made some changes to a few parts. The handlebars are just too long. I replaced the seat post with a Thomson that I had already.
In stock form, this bike just wants to go fast. I attribute this to the light weight and fast rolling tires. However, these same tires require caution when corning as they slide out easily. With a slight change in riding style (back off a bit more in the corners and picking up more on straights), I find I go a lot faster with this setup.
While the bike is fast, it is not very sturdy. In less than 100km of hard XC riding, the rear tire is gone after a wood chip pierced a decent hole, the crappy SID fork's damping completely failed (fully compressed and stuck there), overall lack of stiffness results in reduced confidence going downhill. I might not have this bike available for a race this weekend as the fork was sent back to Rock Shox. The dealer might lend me a fork for the race.
I know people who have blown the Fox shox's seals. Haven't happened yet.
Not a bad bike but could be better. I wish this bike is as reliable as my 98 M2 which has a Bomber fork and is like a tank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Cross Country Rider
from TO, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light for full suspension. Front/rear lockout. Fast rolling tires. Wants to go fast in all conditions. Surprisingly good saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Suspect fork. Not very stiff rear end. Tire has thin casing and requires extreme caution when corning. Some crappy components. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 FSR XC, 98 M2 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thomson Elite post, Kore stem, Race Face riser bar, FireXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | I made some changes to a few parts. The handlebars are just too long. I replaced the seat post with a Thomson that I had already.
In stock form, this bike just wants to go fast. I attribute this to the light weight and fast rolling tires. However, these same tires require caution when corning as they slide out easily. With a slight change in riding style (back off a bit more in the corners and picking up more on straights), I find I go a lot faster with this setup.
While the bike is fast, it is not very sturdy. In less than 100km of hard XC riding, the rear tire is gone after a wood chip pierced a decent hole, the crappy SID fork's damping completely failed (fully compressed and stuck there), overall lack of stiffness results in reduced confidence going downhill. I might not have this bike available for a race this weekend as the fork was sent back to Rock Shox. The dealer might lend me a fork for the race.
I know people who have blown the Fox shox's seals. Haven't happened yet.
Not a bad bike but could be better. I wish this bike is as reliable as my 98 M2 which has a Bomber fork and is like a tank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Oceanside,CA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim, Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Wieght,overall performance,fully locks out | | Weaknesses: | Tires, | | Similar Products Used: | Tracer, | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I cut the bars down (approx 2")and replaced the tires | | Bottom Line: | Comming from a hard tail (Zaskar)this was a really hard decision SO MANY BIKES,WHICH DO I CHOOSE. Spent some time did alot of research.I love the bike so far,at 24.5lbs it's lighter than my Zaskar(hard tail).Although the tires suck (3 flats in three weeks)and I'm not too familiar with some of the components and the bottom pivot bolt has backed out 3 times (and yes the brake cable sticks out) the bike is awesome... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlo Lancellotti
a Cross Country Rider
from South Lake Tahoe, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Weight, drive-train components, rims, brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, tires. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Stumpjumper Comp | | Bike Setup: | Switched pedals and tires. | | Bottom Line: | I received this 2002 model when the bottom bracket on my 2000 comp became stripped. Specialized really stood behind their product and not only replaced the frame but upgraded it at the same time. This is a great ride. Quite an improvement over the 2000 model. The rear suspension linkage has been changed for the better and I love the ability to lock out the rear shock for the climbs and roads. If you are looking for a full suspension that doesn't get too bogged down and feels a bit more like a hard tail than a downhill, this is it. Very efficient bike, especially with the rear suspension lockout. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Holy Jim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Superco | | Strengths: | Components, Unbelievably Light, Helluva Ride | | Weaknesses: | Weak tires, No Riser, No disc brakes | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer FireXCPro, Easton MonkeyLite Riser | | Bottom Line: | Granted, this is my first full suspension bike, but I LOVE IT so far. Pretty fair price from Supergo (though it was $1599 a week before I bought it). DOH! It's almost TOO light if that's possible. Brake cables are all screwy-need shorter noodle and zip ties like everyone else said. Very plush suspension. Kick-ass to quote E Cartman. Hasta. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Foresthill Divide | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | components, quality, light-weight | | Weaknesses: | long stem | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 600, Sugar 2, Stumpjumper HT | | Bike Setup: | original | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Good mixture of components for a light weight XC bike. You'd be a fool to buy a bike anywhere else than Supergo (although you've got to get yourself to one of their stores to get their deals) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Acker
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any one of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Climbs like a billy goat...rear wheel on the ground the whole time. Soaks up the hits without loosing much pedal power. | | Weaknesses: | Quick release seat post clamp and the rear brake cable hanging out. See below. | | Similar Products Used: | the 2001, until I cracked a weld and they switched me out to the 2002. | | Bike Setup: | Mars Elite front fork (not my choice, cant afford another fork) Float RC rear, Python tires, XTR | | Bottom Line: | I can't understand why riders complain about the factory seatpost, stem, and handlebars. They work just fine and havent broken or creak on me yet. The bike is inexpensive (for full suspension standards) because specialized hasnt loaded it up with overpriced aftermarket goods. The handlebars are kind of wide, but I find the handling kind of nice with them.
The rear brake cable kept catching my foot as I came by on the pedal stroke. The LBS zip-tie loving mechanics thought that putting one of these plastic guys on it would fix it and they were wrong. I ended up just shortening the housing to the point where it runs a straight line into the brake lever and it appears to have made the difference. At first glance you would think it would not, but it does.
Watch the bottom bracket pivot bolt...it has backed out on me twice now.
The tires suck in WET WEATHER. In the dry hard pack, they're great. There is a tire for all occasions, and specialized puts their hard pack racer on it.
All of these things are trivial when considering the bike handles like a dream. It is well worth the money and the slight hassles you'll find on any bike designed to do this much work. If you get a good deal on one of these...get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Racer
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Got for free | | Strengths: | Light Weight, suspension is the best you can get, Shimano parts are good | | Weaknesses: | Stock seatpost, headset, handlebars, crapy crankset and other crap | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Racelite Tubless w/ python XT, thomson elite post, selle flite genuine gel, XTR crankset, Easton carbon bars, King headset. | | Bottom Line: | This product sets the bar high, I got it for free and just put some of my other parts on it to try it, but for now I'm stickin with the Tracer. Swap up some parts if you have the money and if you're into racing, but if you ride it stock you are still getting a good deal. Bike is like 24.5lbs stock, I got it down to 22lbs. SID SL is the best fork for racing XC for the money, the SID Carbon is a waste of money considering the only difference is the titanium skrews. Back to the bike, its a big purchase, think about it maybe you want to consider buying parts seperately and then a frame, yet that sometimes is even more expensive. Once you have the high quality (XT or XTR, good wheels, etc) parts then you just buy new frames. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Wood
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilbert, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light weight, climbs like mountain goat, Avid SD Ti brakes, lockout and for both front and rear. | | Weaknesses: | The quick release for the seat post. Stock bars, seat post and stem. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed the FSRxc Comp, Disc; Sugar 2,3+; Iornhorse Hollowpoint | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the exception of generic Specialized flat bar, and Thompson Elete seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Good components in this package. It is a litte loose up front do to the flexing of the light weight Sid SL. But I think that translated into more speed. Lockout for the front is quick and easy to get to. Rear lockout is difficult to switch while on the go. Cockpit did seem a little stretched out. Stock bars were uncomfortable on my hands and wrist. The suspension felt better than the other bikes that I demoed. (The Sugar made a whooshing sound every time I hit a bump-annoying)The rear brake cable loop did not hit my leg like other reviewers said it would. (my left calf is smaller than my right due to surgery)I blew out a fork seal on the first ride on the Sid SL. I guess that was do to sitting on the showroom and not being maintained. The only real problem is the quick release for the seat post. The lever is curved and difficult to get it tight. While on my first ride, the post had slid down far enough not to notice while hitting a heavy bump section and the flex of the rear suspension caused the post to smash into the body of the shock...cutting the outer sleve of the shock. Make sure that you hack off the bottom of the post so that there isn't any portion sticking out of the frame.
BOTTOM LINE: only a few minor disapointments. This bike is a great deal. Buy it if you NEED higher end components, don't buy it if you WANT higher end components. Save the money and get the bottom of the line FSRxc, you still get good suspension at a better price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ypsilanti
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | there all good | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | Light weight, lock-outability, plush | | Weaknesses: | The main problem I've had, is with the SID. It's more noodly than the Judy I had on my hardtail, and there's excesive play between the legs and the lowers. This tends to make the bike feel squirrly in the corners. I haven't quite dialed in the suspension yet either, it's almost too much to think about when all you want to do is go and ride. This is my first full-suspension, so maybe I just need to get used to it. Oh, and the RIGHT way to fix the rear brake cable so it doesn't rub your leg is to get a segmented or a smaller noodle, and shorten the housing a bit. The noodle that comes with the bike is too big. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 1, Sugar 2, (parking lot) | | Bike Setup: | CT2 risers, Egg Beaters, Crossmax UST | | Bottom Line: | Among full-supensions, this is certainly one of the best. As for the question of fs over a hardtail I'm not to sure is the way to go, at least for the rolling terrain we have here in MI, but I'll give it a season to resolve itself. If I lived in a region were the trails had more vertical rise, then this would definetly be the ideal bike me. If you want to go fast and go far, buy this bike. If your a racer I would probably stick w/ a nice hardtail with a shock seatpost. For more recreational riders who mainly want a plush ride, you could spend less money and still get the same quality ride with a lower end version. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Sanders
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Carson, CO
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | component selection; balanced suspension; light weight; lock out on both ends | | Weaknesses: | what is the deal with that handlebar? That low bottom bracket. Oh, and like everyone else has said, the tires suck ass. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS Air (ride too harsh); Giant AC (too much travel for my use, feels like a tank); Cannondale Jekyll (brakes suck) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except with Easton CT2 flat bar, IRC Mythos tires, Thompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This is my second full suspension mountain bike; my first was a GT XCR 3000. Being that the GT was excellent for its isolation of the drivetrain from the suspension, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to find another bike that worked as well. Having never rode a four bar linkage before, I was pleasantly surprised that the design keeps the chain from affecting the suspension and vice versa.
The suspension is smooth on both ends. Once dialed in, power-sucking bobbing is kept to a minimum. For those long stretches of fire road, you can lock out both ends. In general, I leave the suspension active all the time. Small and bit hits are absorbed with ease. Not only do I get a more comfortable ride, but the rear wheel literally sticks to the ground, enabling me to climb stuff that my hardtail used to give up on. The ride characteristics of this bike are quick and nimble. It's light weight lends to a 'flickability' factor that helps the bike over the rough stuff and changing lines.
I was initially worried about the cantilevered seat tube because I weigh 200lbs and I experienced failure in the same area with my GT XCR 3000. Thus far, I haven't noticed any cracks and feel pretty confident that the construction on the Specialized is much better than the GT.
Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. If you are looking for a dual boinger that doesn't suck all your energy, can handle all types of terrain (except the big hit stuff), and is light and quick, look no further. Swap the bar and tires and you have a great handling bike. Oh yeah, the front range is pretty dry, so I don't feel that not having disks have been a bad thing.
Four flaming turds for value because a 2K$ bike should not have a generic seatpost, bar, and stem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Bath, UK
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, fast, awesome handling | | Weaknesses: | tyres - shocking in the wet. Also changing to more sensible tyres has added over a pound of extra weight as will changing to disk brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 700, Scalpel, also played on loads of other xc bikes | | Bike Setup: | borrowed 110mm stem, 2.00 tyres | | Bottom Line: | Got this for less than the retail on the comp due to UK shortage. Don't understand the fuss on the rear brake cable routing, took me 2 minutes to figure to use a zip tie to attach it to the frame (at the seat clamp). My rear brake is now no problem.
Bottom bracket height is low but judicious line selection and timing of pedal strokes has stopped this from being a problem. The potential problem amplifies itself in that you find yourself able to pedal everything.
Both shocks are excellent. This bike excells at everything. I'd probably opt for the comp for non competitive use - the mag brake levers are not hugely strong (I bent mine with a very weak spill - managed to bend them back though) and I gather the fox forks rule. Intend to get some decent tyres, and an Easton carbon riser bar to dial it, maybe after the summer I'll move to disk brakes.
This bike really does rule. I'd probably knock it down to 4 FCs on value had I not had such a deal - I'd feel slightly aggreived at paying nigh on 2k for a bike without disks but other than that this is the best you'll buy at the moment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Bedford, NY
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Hickory & Tweed | | Strengths: | Light and quick. This bike is incredibly easy to maneuver through every type of terrain. Lock out helps on long climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, tires and no disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossmax UST w/Disc, Avid Disc Brakes, Hutchinson Pythons tires, Selle saddle and Thompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever ridden. Accelerates quickly, rock-solid on the downhills and turns on a dime. Once you get the suspension dialed in, it makes for a plush, yet responsive ride. The bottom bracket is low, so be prepared to bash your pedals. I put on Avid Disc brakes and I love them! Great upgrade, and I don't have any rear cable rubbing my leg problems. This bike offers the best value for the price and with a few upgrades, it's untouchable! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Fort Smith, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Doctor Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bicycles of Fort Smith | | Strengths: | Great handling, front and rear lockout, lightweight, looks | | Weaknesses: | Handlebar, pedals, annoying rear brake cable | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel, NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton carbon bar and Time carbon pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. I hate to sound redundant, but that rear brake cable really breaks up my concentration. Maybe I'll get used to it. Handling is excellent because the bottom bracket is so low. Same height as my old Gary Fisher so I'm used to abusing the pedals. I still can't believe how light the stock bike is. I could tell a big difference on my last epic ride.
Right from the start I knew I would be kicking myself for not getting disc. No complaints with the TI's. Still kinda sucks going through mud, but the other 99% of the time they're perfect. I do plan on changing out the stem for one a little shorter. The cockpit is really stretched out so anyone with back problems may want to do the same (even with the full-suspension.) Other than the brake cable I've not had any problems. I'll write back after I put a summer's worth of riding on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Moore
a Cross Country Rider
from Iron Mountain, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fumee Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Pedals and Poles | | Strengths: | Best, smoothest ride I have ever tried. Once dialed in, the suspension rocks. XT/XTR is a must and Specialized parts are very adequate. Super light! A nice specialized seat that fits my bum. Brakes stop on a dime, no need to upgrade to discs until something breaks. | | Weaknesses: | What is with that Handlebar?- Seat Post Clamp is huge, had to replace with a smaller unit as my leg kepy hitting it. Rear Brake cable is also a problem. It would be nice to know the fix on this as well. Fox Float RL Shock is currently under recall for a bad seal, which my bike had. The rear shock wouldn't hold air for more than a couple days. Company was great though, they sent the replacement seal to me right away and they have a great web site video to download. It was a pretty easy fix. Tires don't hook up too well in loose stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Specialized Ground Control AIM, Schwinn Moab S, GT Agressor, GT Backwoods, Schwinn S-20 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano 858 pedals and I just ordered an Easton EC70 XC Bar. That Specialized Handlebar has got to go! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is one sweet ride! It is light, quick, resposive, and just plain looks cool. I rode a loop this morning that I used to have to stand up to withstand all the chattering and bumps on an old gravel road. I took the road this morning seated and pedaling hard and didn't even notice all the junk in the road. This bike eats bumps up like nothing. It is a cush ride, and I have enjoyed putting it through the paces. You will need to time your out of saddle climbs though, as the bike does tend to dive somewhat, so you will want to engage the lockouts on both ends. I ordered this bike as part of a recall on one of my other bikes, so I got a great deal, and Specialized did a great job witht the details. Overall I am Extremely pleased with the purchase and I would recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Hansin
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light, extremely responsive, climbs well, superb brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Even with the necessary tire upgrade, mine handles poorly on loose canyon surfaces. The rear brake cable rubbing the left leg is a truly annoying design flaw and should be addressed by Specialized. (My complaints about the cable were shrugged off by both my LBS and Specialized, as if I was being picky. Zip-ties don't even really solve the problem, which as someone else mentioned throws off the pedal stroke.) After just 2 months of riding, I'm getting major creaking from the bottom bracket. Re-packed it, which did nothing. Speaking of the bottom bracket, it's way too low. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Trek Fuel, Cannondale Jekyll, Turner (I wish I had the $$$) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new saddle (using a Selle San Marco road saddle for the time being), Panaracer Fire XCs and Easton Monkey Lite bars. | | Bottom Line: | As everyone has mentioned, this bike is fast and furious and is overall a lot of bike for the money. But it has flaws, most of which have been mentioned in other postings, that you should know about. Among the major ones are the lame stock tires, the poor design that allows the rear break cable to rub your left leg, the terribly uncomfortable saddle, the low bottom bracket, the goofily wide Specialized bars. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the bottom bracket noises and other minor drivetrain issues I've been having are minor. The overall feel of the bike has been excellent thanks to the geometry, the brakes, Fox Float RL and SID SL. I'm happy now, but I won't be if things keep needing to be tweaked. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Front and rear lock-outs on shocks, great component package, frame is TIGHT! | | Weaknesses: | The stock specialized bars are too wide to fit throught the trees on my fav. trail. Why does specialized do this? Also, this bike has a fairly low BB, and I routinely bottom out the pedals on my rides. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 FSR Pro | | Bike Setup: | stock except Time pedals | | Bottom Line: | I upgraded to the 2002 FSR Pro from the 2001 FSR Pro and am very happy with the product. Besides the M4 frame which is about 1/2 pound lighter, the front shock lockout is quite nice. I have similar complaints on the two bikes, and I think they are universal complaints on all FSR's - sizing down or replacing the bars is a must, and the bottom bracket is a bit low. I think this adds to the bikes pinpoint handling characteristics, but be ready to scrape a few roots and rocks along the way with your pedals. Also, I snapped off the front fork's rebound adjustment knob (juts out from the bottom right fork) - this may have been more a result of a particularly nasty fall than it's vulnerable placement, but now I'm staring at a little rebuild of the whole "pure" dampening system on the shock. By the way, I have to agree with the guy who keeps rubbing his leg against the rear brake cable - annoying. Can you email me what the "fix" was?!
Overall, this bike rocks. The advantage of buying an "integrated" bike like specialized is that out of the box it just feels tuned and tight. I just sit back on this thing and motor up and down treacherous terrain that would have flung my hard-tail over the edge. 5 flaming-turds all around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from Baldwinsville, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Which ever one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeloft | | Strengths: | Looks fast - rides fast! Light! | | Weaknesses: | Handle bar somewhat underspec'd but not a problem for my style of riding. Tires maybe - not enough time on 'em. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus 959 pedals and Chris King H-set. | | Bottom Line: | My first dual suspension - love it. Less harsh on overall body wear and tear. Had problem with rear brake cable - the housing loops out and brushes against leg causing bad pedal movement. My bike shop, The Bike Loft, had a quality fix for the problem so it's all good. Went with the King headset only because I have a history of head set issues - 959's are sweet. This bike just feels quicker on twisty trails than my old stumpy. Not enough miles on the tires yet to say good or bad. Great bike - great components - highly recommend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K-Man
a Racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything steep up or down | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1796.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very fast and light. This is a racer bike that doubles for a xc bike. She turns on a dime and accelerates quickly. | | Weaknesses: | Some specs are well.............. SPECIALIZED. Comp out the post and pedals for your liking. The extra wide bar is for moto-cross not climbing. Sid SL is flexy. Will oopt for Zokies when they blow out. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR enduro, Rockhopper, and the proud owner of a Gunnar Rockhound. | | Bike Setup: | Thompson post, 959 pedals, litespeed 23' bar. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. This bike climbs like a mad monkey. Still, the Gunnar climbs even better. It is stiff and holds lines very well. This is a great addition to my Rockhound. Now I have two great bikes to ride and race on. The lockouts come in mighty handy too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Tucson, Az
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light as a feather! Great Group for the price! | | Weaknesses: | !?!? | | Bottom Line: | SUPERSTAR! This is a great fully sprung XC bike. Everything from the wheels to the front fork are light and fast. The bike would be great for anybody that wants a light (24.5 lbs) bike that corners on a dime and accelarates like Porsche.
Not for Freeriders! Get an enduro or a big hit! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Light, Stiff, looks great | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper Comp FSR, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumpper Pro Frame, XTR V-Brakes, S-works wheel set, King Headset, Easton Monkeylite Bar | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I have to give credit to Specialized and my LBS on this one. I stripped out the bottom Bracket threads on my 2000 Rockhopper Comp FSR and took it to my LBS in frustration. I wanted to upgrade to the Stumpjumper and was quoted $400 by Specialized to do so as crash special. However, Specialized was out of a comparable Rockhopper frames, so they gave me the Stumpjumper Pro frame (with shock) at no charge for the upgrade or the replacement frame. What can I say, that’s incredible customer service. Since I planned on spending the money anyway, I went ahead an upgraded to the King Headset and Easton bars. The built out bike ways 25 pounds and climbs like a mountain goat. The frame is well built, the Fox Float RL is great. Bottom line, this is a great bike built by a great company. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Lorek
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | many... lake morena's probably this month's. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Frame. This is my first full susp bike and I'm likin it! | | Weaknesses: | Well, for a $2000 bike, I wasn't very impressed with the front or rear hubs, bars, or seat post. see below | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first. had a cannondale f700 before. | | Bike Setup: | replaced the front rim with a mav 317 with xt disc and the rear with a 517 ceramic. bars got tossed and slapped some monkeybars (2" rise) on. | | Bottom Line: | so, I bought my bike and caused a chain reaction at my work. to date, five people have bought fsr's here. three pros and two comps. here's the deal. i like my bike alot. the only complaint i have is that setup wasn't very good (which i guess is more of a bike shop issue than bike). i actually went through it and loc-tited most of the bolts and noticed that some of them were loose when doing this. another issue is the fact that the sid sqweeeeeks when compressing the first few times on a new ride but then it's fine until the next ride... not a huge deal but i'm somewhat concerned this will cause the seals to swell. this happens to all of the other pros i've seen also. now for my buddy's story... he also bought his at supergo. first ride out he said his shifting wasn't working right. no wait, it get's better... i guess he went over a bump and his rear wheel came completely off! i know he should have went through his bike before riding it, but, for a $2000 bike it should have survived one easy ride (another bike shop issue). then, after work last week we were going to go on a ride and he mentioned his rear shock felt soft. i hooked my pump up to it and noticed he was really low on air. i put it up to about 150 and by the time we made it out of the parking lot...flat. next day he went to supergo and i guess they replaced the seals and it's ok now. i've really only got feedback from two of the guys on this bike. one (poor guy) you just read about. the other hasn't rode very much but has had the same problem myself and mr. poor guy have had and that's when shifting from the front middle sprocket to the small the chain sucks up around the bottom of the front sprocket and gets wedged between the swingarm and large front sprocket. this sucks bad. not only has it grinded all the paint off our (all three of us) swingarms but it is a major mental barrier for me because everytime i switch gears in the front i expect this to happen. in short, the only problem i've had is this chain suck issue and i would recommend this bike to others. my co-worker says that he would not though. I'll end with the good news... I am sooo much faster with this bike then my hardtail. i really feel like a bunny when i bunny hop. climbing is ok and descents are truly amazing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john rowan
a Cross Country Rider
from glasgow,scotland,U.K
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | to many to mention | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | dales cycles Glasgow | | Strengths: | weight,manouevrebility,sorted suspension | | Weaknesses: | initial fork setup,seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock with exception ct2 bars | | Bottom Line: | this bike is an xc racers dream, the suspension when set up is completely plush and infinetly adjustable.you may feel the need to trim the stock bars as they seem a tad wide also the bottom bracket seems a bit low ,minor quibbles aside this is not a bike for yor average freerider but for someone who appreciates a very well thought out design an absolute dream to ride wether on a short ride or an all day epic.Beg steal or borrow to buy this bike as it is the most fun you can have with your clothes on | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from Edmond, OK
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Weight, Handling, Suspension | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals, handlebar | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Stumpjumper Pro FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano 959 pedals, Flite Trans-am seat, mavic crossmax UST | | Bottom Line: | My bike is a large and with the pedal change weighed 24 lbs. I have done 4 races and with the stock tires and wheels did well in two of them (2nds) The tires and wheels really fly on smooth straight surfaces. They are a little hard to control in slick loose surfaces like canyons. For that I went to the UST's with Geax Sedona's and had great control but I think I was a little slower overall. This is a great bike for the amatuer racer or just someone who like to ride trails fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j h
a Cross Country Rider
from denver
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | amasa back, moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | westside cycling, lakewood, co. | | Strengths: | Put together with attention to details, fit and finish is great | | Weaknesses: | seat post( what were they thinking), bars | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 stumpy pro hardtail | | Bike Setup: | easton c2 bar, easton carbon post, time carbon pedals | | Bottom Line: | bike is smoking fast, blow by other riders with ease. can't wait to ride in moab in april, will update this review when i return. so far i have had no trouble, the components are great, shifts are smooth. specialized put together a great package. i rode an m4 stumpy pro last year. upgraded to full suspension with this bike, would recommend this bike for everyone. my wife got last years stumpy and she loves it, it's also a great bike (she replaced the seat).
would get five's except for the seat post and bar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mokomoko
a Racer
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | american cyclery | | Strengths: | best fs bike ever ridden, stable, fast, light weight,... just what a great race should be | | Weaknesses: | the handle bar is too wide for me and it is quite flexy at the first ride even after i'd trimmed it down from 26 to 24 inches... about the flex issue, it's either the stem or the bar... but the guys at the shop took care of me... | | Similar Products Used: | 1. 2002 FSR XC comp... supposed to buy that one 'cuz the fox fork is soooo smooth, but didn't becasue the lockout was blown in the parking lot test ride (hummmm...)... they are soo smooth though.
cannondale scalpel 2000... it's too much and the back end is made stricly for racing...
jekyll 3000 sl is nice but the brake sucks
| | Bike Setup: | king stainless cage, titec bar ends. time carbon ATACs, thomson stem, post, and easton ct2.. o yea.. THE fender for the muddy stuff.. and i am thinking gettin disk. both front and back...the avids TI are great though | | Bottom Line: | it's a great bike ( so far) and i love every minute of it...the 4 bar linkage is the best and the bike is a rocket on anything...the guys at American Cyclery had the best service i've ever known and make sure your shop set up the bike for you... i got my dialed in and it is GREAT.... they are good and yea.. they are little expensive... but trust me it is worth it. i love this bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MtnbykerMike
a Racer
from Morgantown,WV
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in West Virginia | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Wamsley Cycles in Morgantown,WV | | Strengths: | This bike is stout!!! Fast on the downhills and climbs like mad. Shifts perfect, soaks up anything you can throw at it. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires. These maybe good for dry, California stuff, but not for West Virginia. Stock pedals need changed also. | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the Time Carbons, and the Aligator Gold tires | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for an awesome fs bike, this thing is the real deal. First time on it I was on such a high, I rode for well over 3 hours. Once you find the right setup, your hooked and pounding the ground. Buy it if you get a chance!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Herke
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | arbor hills | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Great cornering, light, fast, awesome | | Weaknesses: | couldnt find any | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6700 | | Bottom Line: | i have a trek 6700 and specialized was giving free demo rides at the mountain bike trails at arbor hills in plano, tx. this bike is in a category way above my trek 6700. i was going around corners like i was on rails, i could go probably 3/4 times faster on the trails with this bike than mine. this bike is so smooth. i felt like i was in a cadillac. i didnt even have to think about the turns, the bike just goes! great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntsville
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | weight, handling | | Weaknesses: | unable to lockout rear shock from handlebars, have to reach down. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC COMP, Fisher Joushua | | Bike Setup: | stock 2000 with 2002 frame | | Bottom Line: | This was a warrantied frame, I cracked my 2000 FSR. Still have 2000 components so I can not comment on that part of the bike. The frame however deserves some discussion. The pivot point on the rear suspension changed, and I am not sure if it is for the better or not. The suspension is much more plush and responsive in the rear, but I feel like I am loosing energy in my pedal stroke due to sag. I realize that the lock-out is there for that reason, but it is not always possible to move the switch quickly. I think there should be some sort of cable actualization attached to the handlebars so you do not have to reach for the lock-out. I feel that the center of gravity is lower so the 2002 handles corners better than any bike I have ever ridden. Overall, I believe that it is a very good design and worth the money. I have now cracked 1 complete frame and 1 rear end. Specialized and the LBS have been very responsive and I have not had to wait to long for a new frame/rear end, with no questions asked, they just send me new stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glen Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Swindon, Wiltshire, UK
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3150.00 | | Purchased At: | Total Bike | | Strengths: | Light weight, great shocks front and back | | Weaknesses: | Cranks look cheap, but they work fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98, Sugar 1.0, Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp | | Bike Setup: | Mavic CrossMax Disc Wheels, Hope Mini's | | Bottom Line: | I was actually trying to purchase the Comp model, but due the lack of stock in the UK, Specialized offered me and upgrade to the Pro. Fantastic bike well worth the wait. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ed
a Cross Country Rider
from indiana
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | own | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | trailzend bicycle shop | | Strengths: | lightest ,best speced bike i found for the price,24.5 lbs out of the box,lockouts kick ass | | Weaknesses: | none!!! | | Similar Products Used: | fisher sugar, but i rode them all(test rides at a demo day) | | Bike Setup: | great xc racer or all day rider | | Bottom Line: | i like the fully active susp.(if ur gonna carry it , it may as well work all the time) the lockouts r great when climbing or sprinting to the line, its light its fast and the parts spec is very solid(no hyped up crap that u wont be able to find next year,like some!)
p.s. ride it and see!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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