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Submitted by
bighitbro
a Downhiller
from brisbane aus
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | steve jones and clear mt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | a mate | | Strengths: | great frame solid as.handles great, and jumps like a dream. lol | | Weaknesses: | fox van r that came with it bottoms out jumping 5 steps, and all of the components have been replaced due to breakage | | Bike Setup: | truvativ huafelt crank, pro riser handlebars hussafelt stem, b66 forks, fox van r refitted with a 800lb spring for biggar jumps, slx rear derailer and cluster, arial bash gard and chain device, pro headset, hayes 9 8" brakes | | Bottom Line: | i love it would recommend it to any beginner to intermediate downhill rider. love the 24 rear wheel i still have mine. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Housman
a Downhiller
from Oswestry,Shropshire,UK
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | moelfre 4x & downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | a mate | | Strengths: | Wicked frame,unbreakable.you can fit a longer shock for more travel(8" rather than 6.3")unique colour(!),one of the best frames for the price! | | Weaknesses: | the rear wheel & shock broke within 1 month of use,but they are 4 years old, so that ain't too bad | | Similar Products Used: | GT idrive 5 4.0 . giant stp. giant teraggo(my old bike) kona shred. | | Bike Setup: | 03 jr t,truvativ hussefelt crank arms,manitou swinger 6 way shock,truvativ gigapipe team dh bb,halo sas rear wheel,sun sos on specialized hub front wheel,truvativ husefelt bars,hayes hfx 9 hd 8" disc,mrp chain device with e13 bash ring,shimano alivo gears(soon to be sram X9) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for downhill & freeride,suspention is super plush(8" rather than 6.3")its not too heavy and the 24" rear wheel lets you chuck it around more! All in all,a wicked bike!!!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Housman
a Downhiller
from Oswestry
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | moelfre 4x&downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay uk | | Strengths: | great frame,smooth travel,24" rear wheel,can put longer shock on it,good for downhill AND freeride! | | Weaknesses: | when i got it ,i blew the shock(fox vanilla r) within 3 weeks,and knacker'd the rear wheel.but they were both 4 years old. | | Similar Products Used: | gt i drive 5 4.0. giant teraggo.giant stp. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 bighit comp frame with 03 jr t, halo sas rear wheel,sunn rim sos front on specialized hub.hayes hfx 9 dh.manitou swinger 6 way(very plush!)fsa pig headset,truvativ hussafelt bars&cranks giga pipe team dh bottom bracket.mrp chain device.shimano alivo gears(crap,but soon to be sram x9!) | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great!wether your a dh racer or freerider,it feels sweet!i put a longer shock on it giving it 7.7" of travel,and it feels almost bottomless.the bottob line is this is a great bike,not for the uphill,but for hamering down it!!i paid too much for the bike because the shock and the wheel were broken,but i didn't know this at the time.still a wicked frame!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Fullerton,Ca
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all that a fast and scary | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | None so far.I have had minor problems finding the right tires | | Similar Products Used: | ironhorse,trek. I love ironhorse bikes | | Bike Setup: | Fsr big link, fox vanilla 8" travel upgrade. Marzochhi super t pro. Azonic pedals, bar and seat. Thompson elite post.Kore elite stem ( stiff as hell) chris king head set and rear hub. Kooka bash gaurd. Panaracer DH pro front,irc kujo dh rear, sun single track rims,hayes 9 hydraulic brakes 8" rotors | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sick. Fast, handles well. Very balanced feel in the air. I have even done a brutal 28 miler on this bike. Was heavy going up and the front end was very light on steep climbs. But hey its not an xc bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Shepards Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | JT Cycles | | Strengths: | This bike handles really well due to the 24" rear wheel. For anything technical you are laughing! I found that the balance of travel front/rear was really good for dirt jumping as well ( I learnt on this bike and having the travel and 24" wheel was good for casing). | | Weaknesses: | It seems that Specialized are intent on putting their crappy components on their bikes. The bars, headset, seat, seatpost, front hub, pedals etc have all been destroyed on not so harsh stacks. (I went over the bars and managed to bend the bars and strip the seatpost.The lever design for the Hayes brakes is also crap. If you clip a tree or something it is likely that the piston will pop out as it did on both levers with my bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock with DaBomb bars, ODI Lock-on grips, DMR V8 pedals, DaBomb seatpost, Dabomb seat, FSA Headset. | | Bottom Line: | I have since sold this bike and got into xc (hence my name) however I thought i'd add my two cents. If you are just getting into downhilling and want to try out dirtjumping, racing, freeriding etc before getting a purpose made bike for and individual event, I would reccommend this bike, mainly due to the mid level of travel (freeride), the geometry (DH), and 24" wheel (DJ). I would also reccommend replacing the Spec. gear asap as well for safety's sake... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a
from Charlevoix, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1643.00 | | Purchased At: | McClain Cycle | | Strengths: | Great frame, sucks everything up. 24' Rear wheel (most always) great accelleration out of the corners and good pop for drops and hits. The manitou swinger 3way seems nice on this bike, my budy has had problems with his 6way and I have had none with mine. Crankset and bottom bracket are really nice. Brakes stop decent. | | Weaknesses: | -Fork-good for DJ and Urban but DJ II on a DH bike?
-Tires
-Grips
-Front Derailleur
-Rotors bend too often, always straightening them, everytime I lube my bike | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Switch and RMX, Norcos | | Bike Setup: | 04 Big hit comp, 66RC, MRP system 3 alloy, Panaracer and IRC tires, Holzfeller everything, Odyssey mag pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for building, only have to replace the fork and get a chainguide and you can hit anything. This bike sucks it all up. I hit 12 foot drops with this bike stock. With the 66rc on it this thing is like butter off 15 foot drops. I hit 25 to 35 foot kickers, gaps, everything with this bike. It loves it. The rear rim is bent, but it has stood up to more that it should have. You can overshoot or case plenty with this thing even. This book is now very burly by adding a strong fork. Buy this bike, and put a Marzocchi z150 and hit everything. Everyone compliments this thing, and with a new fork and chainguide you won't want to ride many other rigs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EPICjurneez
a
from sanjuancap, ca,usa
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | nobel-biglaguna combo! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classifieds | | Strengths: | unbreakable for my means! the smoothest, quickest, tank i've ever piloted. | | Weaknesses: | .....you can't squabble over component spec's when the msrp's so low to begin with! | | Similar Products Used: | ellsworth truth? it's much lighter and fragile yielding less travel and fun. | | Bike Setup: | switched the rear wheel to a 26" sun singletrack! it came with an xt rear cog and thomson post, but otherwise it's stock. | | Bottom Line: | i ride this beast xc while including as many hucks and frame testing activity as possible! it's heavy...i've developed new muscle bulk on my legs from getting used to the extra weight from switching from my ellsworth truth! since i run sub 700gram tires (mutano 2.4 front -- irc mythos xc rear 2.1....i've had a 2.3 pana fire dh on their for a while on the 26"), which theoretically brings down the weight a little. i have a good sense of control over handling the bike off drops and what not, so along with all the ridiculously plush travel the bike comes with, the lighter duty tires are plenty for me.
if you want to learn to kick the butts of your fellow xc buddies, train with one of these when riding alone, and then shrivel your xc buddies' egos when you switch back to your xc rig and smoke them! i even have managed to keep up with most of my friends on the bighit...
i love this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Jim
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works - local bike shop | | Weaknesses: | Im only 13 years old and weigh about 95 lbs but when i hucked off a 10 foot cliff the shock blew on me and snapped in half basically. | | Similar Products Used: | Nicolai Helius FR | | Bike Setup: | stock except: Hope Gothic rotors, Atomlab DHR rims and pedals, DHX shock (as of now), 3.0 Intense rear tire, Chris King ISO Disc rear hub, Dt swiss Onyx front hub, Marzocchi Z150 fork cuz the fork sucks monkey, ect... | | Bottom Line: | It is a fun bicycle but its heavy as hell coming in around 41.23 lbs. Its climbs like a sloth after a sugar high but descends like a wild monkey on crack. Other than that its all good. Yeah
< | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Jim
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works - local bike shop | | Weaknesses: | Im only 13 years old and weigh about 95 lbs but when i hucked off a 10 foot cliff the shock blew on me and snapped in half basically. | | Similar Products Used: | Nicolai Helius FR | | Bike Setup: | stock except: Hope Gothic rotors, Atomlab DHR rims and pedals, DHX shock (as of now), 3.0 Intense rear tire, Chris King ISO Disc rear hub, Dt swiss Onyx front hub, Marzocchi Z150 fork cuz the fork sucks monkey, ect... | | Bottom Line: | It is a fun bicycle but its heavy as hell coming in around 41.23 lbs. Its climbs like a sloth after a sugar high but descends like a wild monkey on crack. Other than that its all good. Yeah
< | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Jim
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works - local bike shop | | Weaknesses: | Im only 13 years old and weigh about 95 lbs but when i hucked off a 10 foot cliff the shock blew on me and snapped in half basically. | | Similar Products Used: | Nicolai Helius FR | | Bike Setup: | stock except: Hope Gothic rotors, Atomlab DHR rims and pedals, DHX shock (as of now), 3.0 Intense rear tire, Chris King ISO Disc rear hub, Dt swiss Onyx front hub, Marzocchi Z150 fork cuz the fork sucks monkey, ect... | | Bottom Line: | It is a fun bicycle but its heavy as hell coming in around 41.23 lbs. Its climbs like a sloth after a sugar high but descends like a wild monkey on crack. Other than that its all good. Yeah
< | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Jim
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works - local bike shop | | Weaknesses: | Im only 13 years old and weigh about 95 lbs but when i hucked off a 10 foot cliff the shock blew on me and snapped in half basically. | | Similar Products Used: | Nicolai Helius FR | | Bike Setup: | stock except: Hope Gothic rotors, Atomlab DHR rims and pedals, DHX shock (as of now), 3.0 Intense rear tire, Chris King ISO Disc rear hub, Dt swiss Onyx front hub, Marzocchi Z150 fork cuz the fork sucks monkey, ect... | | Bottom Line: | It is a fun bicycle but its heavy as hell coming in around 41.23 lbs. Its climbs like a sloth after a sugar high but descends like a wild monkey on crack. Other than that its all good. Yeah
< | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SCIFI
a Weekend Warrior
from MIAMI, FLORIDA , USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | fritzs | | Strengths: | Just about everything like I said before in my review | | Weaknesses: | Still the spring is for a lighter person. Not like myself. | | Similar Products Used: | AC1 and all others like that. | | Bike Setup: | Everything that came with the bike but the seat. Had to replace it. Also the spring up to an 800 | | Bottom Line: | Pound for pound this bike is very good. What ever comes with the bike keep it until it brakes unless you change the spring. Oh yea and bend the seat. Over all the bike is well setup, you will find something wrong only if you look long enough. But remember that man made it so it can not be perfect. You will hear noises of all sort but I can say the same about my truck. I looked at the 05 bighit and if I could trade this one in and get that, I would because it is a big bike for big guys and I feel safe on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james quam
a Downhiller
from dana point
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay (the best buy) | | Strengths: | red,love how light it is on the gaps, smooth , plush, sticks to the ground prety well, nice, the price is a steal durability, attention | | Weaknesses: | fork, rear shock, grips, seat, very chattery even off curb, rear hub and bottom bracket totaly distroyed within 6 months | | Similar Products Used: | kona, norco, switch, giant, bullit | | Bike Setup: | fork:04'jr.t
rear:04 romic
upgraded rims
headset:fsa pig
tires:maxxis highroller
grips: lizard skin lock on
hubs: shimono
stem: azonic
| | Bottom Line: | If you want a great bike that hauls down the mountains, than this is the one. For a small price, the benifits are endless. With some minor upgrades, the bike is comparible to one that sells for twice as much. get one of you want to test your limits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tanner stien
a Downhiller
from camano island WA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Skagit Cycle Center | | Strengths: | Good value and a pretty strong component selection, truvativ parts are nearly indestructible and can handle just about anything you throw at it | | Weaknesses: | The fork and shock kind of suck and the tires have no grip when its wet | | Similar Products Used: | RM6 and GT i drive | | Bike Setup: | Boxxer race fork, Fox RC shock, Kenda Nevegal r tire and Nokian Gazzoldi f, Azonic pedals, | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and with a few mods is nearly the perfect bike. once you change out the suspension and tires this thing really rips. It is not a great climber but does the job. It can handle quite large drops, up to about a 25 footer and is great in technical sections. It is well worth the money, for a grand less you can have a better bike than most. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from HKY,NC
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is beefy and will take anything you throw at it. The frame is very well constructed. With the 24" wheel it helps you stand back further on the bike to flow over some rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | stock fork (not enough travel), seat, and grips | | Similar Products Used: | bikes | | Bike Setup: | Big hit
z-150 fr
MRP Chain guide
Tioga pedals
sram derialluer
FSA PIG DH Pro deep cup headset
and all other stock goodies
| | Bottom Line: | great bike, but if your going more aggressive you will need to change a few parts on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Downhiller
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Rear suspension is great. Grips were great but wore out quickly unfortunately. Brakes have held up very well. Suspension pivit points never come lose, even after a week of downhill racing. Bike handles amazingly. Is suprisingly easy to pedal up hill cosidering the type of bike and weight. Takes jumps well too. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is awful. The grips wore out fast, but they were awsome while they lasted. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Disco Monkey, Giant AC 1, Giant AC 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new seat and replaced rear derailer which I destroyed while riding at Mt. Snow. | | Bottom Line: | Wonderul overall bike. Has held up to anything I've thrown it at. Well worth the money. It normally sells for $1600 but I was able to get a discount by working at the shop. The fork could be upgraded, I blew out mine after about a year, but the newer models have better forks anyway, mine is a 2003. Well worth the purchase, I would recomend it to anyone who doesn't want multiple bikes and needs a bike for jumping, urban riding, freeride and dowhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh S.
a Downhiller
from small town BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | goat mtn trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | private deal | | Strengths: | really burly frame, the rear shock could b better but if u put on a stiffer spring it works not 2 bad, if u have the money get an RC
Holzfeller cranks are extremely strong & haven't given me 1 problem
wheelsets & the 24" rear wheel makes it o so ez 2 manual
the weight is fairly lite & is fairly easy 2 ride
the brakes work very well
i would reccomend this bike 2 ny1 that likes 2 all out rip around & not b totally extreme | | Weaknesses: | rear shock
fork needs stiffer springs
deraileur doesn't keep enough tension on the chain 4 big drops1 of the stem bolts stripped out & the star nut totally screwed up | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | totally stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike would b absolutely awesome if it had an RC & stiffer spring & a better fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Griffiths
a
from Wales
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Inerliethen Red Bull Freeride (So smooth) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Factory | | Strengths: | It has a lot of them! It's got big strong welds, when i got it i was expecting them to be nothing as good as the welds on my Orange Ms Isle cuz Oranges are made by hand in Sheffield and Specialized aren't, but they were still awsome. The bike really doesn't go uphill and doesn't pedal like a v10 at all, but then again in England there half the price! I didn't buy a stock bike, i bought the frame and built it up as light as i could but i've ridden a stock bike and there so heavy, there all cheap parts and heavy, if ur gunna get one, build one up - it's worth the extra money if you have it. and try and get it from somewhere that will take some money of it if u buy it without the shock cuz thats no good either. The frame itself is awsomely light for a freeride/trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | If you have a stock bike it clatters when you go over rocky sections and is no good for really steep dh courses - your best to stick to really flowly trails like a-line. Also way too heavy if u buy stock. | | Similar Products Used: | patriot, norco team dh, m1, demo 9, 223. | | Bike Setup: | Frame - Big hit
Fork - Whit Brothers DH (190mm)
R Wheel - Halo Combat 24"
F Wheel - Halo SAS (Gold Edition) 24"
Stem - RaceFace Diablous
Headset - CK
R Hub - CK Classic
F Hub - Hope Big'un
Bars - Easton Riser
Brakes - Hope M4
Drivetrain - Purley Sram
Tyres - Maxxis 24"x2.7 High Roller
Cranks - RaceFace NothShore XS ISIS
Chainguide - MRP
Shock - Proggresive 5th Element
Pedals - DMR v12
That took me ages to rite so u better read it... | | Bottom Line: | I haven't ridden a better trail bike, I run both wheels on 24", it looks so burley and i love the way it looks. If you do a lot of northshore riding then this bike is for you. i bought this cuz my v10 got nikd, and it for trail riding it's a thousand times better - okay, the back wheel isn't glued to the ground like a v10 but its sooooo much lighter and you can actually hop this bike!! Also with the slightly larger fork on and a 24" wheel this bike is no good for steep decsents but for really slow riding on the northshore sections its amazing. v10s can't be pedalled at slow speeds and are near impossible to hop. If your not a racer but more of a general rider then i'd deffinately go for the specialized Big Hit or an Orange Patriot +7 cuz ther are awsum too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a Downhiller
from novato
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3750.00 | | Purchased At: | mikes bikes | | Strengths: | soft,durable,and very fast for trails,good for drops | | Weaknesses: | absolutely impossible to pedal up hills,or ride around on. Hard to get to speed. noisy rear shock that blows up!!! | | Similar Products Used: | p2 switch stinky | | Bike Setup: | 888r forks,mrp chain guide, chris king headset, marzocchi intigrated stem | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for someone to take it up a notch on,and very smooth. However I do not recomend to race it on flatter dh coarses because the rear shock is not very impressive.For steeper,bumpier,and overal harder coarses this is a good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cK
a Downhiller
from Pa. / N.J. United States
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | This review is for the 2002 Big Hit Comp, which is the exact same frameset as the 2003 comp.
I've owned both a large and medium sized frame for about a year a piece, and no problems what so ever... While out in PA. I ride a lot of Urban type stuff (stairs to flat, stair gaps, etc.) when not downhilling... no visible failures at any of the welds, no weird twisting of monocoque top tube... bombproof so far... have yet to drop the 15 footers...
Not many people realize this but a 2002/2003 BigHit Comp frame is only around 8.5 lbs!!! If you don't believe me go to weightweenies.com and subtract the weight of a standard seatpost (around 300g) and fox vanilla RC (for 2003 BigHit DH model it is standard on this model, also 03 BigHit DH has different link connection to frame above BB, but shares the same elements as 02 or 03 Comp)... that will give you a ballpark figure... I've handled a Medium sized frame sans rear shock and that thing was like a feather!!! | | Weaknesses: | none...execpt for the stock components that come on the bike from specialized. I bought a complete bike (2002 Spesh Big Hit Comp) Most of the components were heavy or sh!tty... I sold the old large sized frame to my friend, and bought a new medium sized frame that was practically brand new on eBay... I peeled off the stripe decals on top tube cause they look kinda silly... | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT, Santa Cruz V10, etc... | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Spesh Big Hit Comp (White)
Rims: Sun Rhyno Lite XL
Spokes: DT Swiss Super Comp up front, Champion Straight gauge in rear.
Stem: Thompson 90degree
Fork: 04 Marz Super T
Seat: SDG I-Beam FR/DH
Seatpost: SDG I-Beam
Hubs: Chris King ISO Disc 36H rear, Spesh Piece o Sh!t front
Cranks: Spesh Big Arm
BB: Truvativ ISIS - which one don't know
Headset: Chris King No-Threadset
Handlebars: Spesh riser
Derailleur/Shifter: SRAM X.O med. cage, X.O grip shift
Chainguide: MRP World Cup
Rear Shock: gettin one.....?
Rear Link: gettin long travel....
Cassette: Shimano Ultegra road cassette
Chain: SRAM PC-69
Chainring: Blackspire... it's lightweight, that's all I remember...
Tires: Maxxis High Roller 50a rear, 40d Slow Reezay front [race only]
Tubes: Maxxis
Grips: ODI Rogue lock-on
Pedals: Odyssey bmx, or Shimano M424 clipless - same ones Colin Bailey rides =) ... cheap w/ good platform
| | Bottom Line: | This frame is lightweight if used with the proper components, and cheap to buy if you can find one in good condition...only drawback might be not being able to run a 26" in the rear triangle, but the 24" lowers my center of gravity when jumping (can drop my butt lower over back of bike) and makes it easier to rail turns...
If you REALLY want a 26" rear for this frame contact: betd.com - the bloody Brits in England make a 26" rear triangle that you can order from their website... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Letwenski
a Downhiller
from Belmar,NJ
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | local:hartshorne,away plattakill,ny | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Pt.pleasant bikes | | Strengths: | I'm 6'3 235 and i've beat the crap out of this bike and it hasn't flinched.havent hit anything over 6 cause of gravity, but i plan on beating on it like a red headed step child this season..... | | Weaknesses: | i hate the grips and the front shock....other than that there isnt any..... | | Similar Products Used: | stump jumper older | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock i got the 800 spring cause i need it(235 reasons) and i just brought a thicker tire (specialized s-works)cause i keep pinching the tube on the stock tire(roller) | | Bottom Line: | im just getting back into hardcore riding(at age 32???)but anyway this bike is everything i need,yeah it maybe alittle heavy going up but coming down is the reward.For a bigger guy that still has some BMX left in him,wants to play around the gaps with the kids and is willing to spend some $$$$ for a kick-ass tough bike, this is your ride... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Shearer
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Great fun, robust, fun straight from the box. Takes big drops as well as it rides the singletrack. Amazing for North Shore, really manouverable on those narrow planks. | | Weaknesses: | None at all! This is a great bike all round. Maybe a bit heavy on the uphills, but that is worthwhile for the downhills.
If you want a higher top speed, get a bigger ring on the front to make up for the smaller back wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR's, Bullit, Kona Stab. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Maxxis Highroller tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great fun! What else do you want? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Ziegler
a Downhiller
from Hellertown Pa USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | PowerLines@Wassergass Rd. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Wheels | | Strengths: | Everything Basically compared to my old bike(Giant Warp DS3). | | Weaknesses: | None So Far | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have just recently bought this bike. I've Done everything on my old bike, and it just feels too easy now(like i don't have a challange anymore). I haven't tried anything over 6ft yet. Soon though...I'll give a better report when i abuse my new bike later this spring/summer 04. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben bryan
a Downhiller
from Columbus, Ga
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Power Lines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | ride on bikes | | Strengths: | the frame, the rims , the cranks | | Weaknesses: | it is really heavy | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi dirt jumper 3 fork, manitou 3-wat swinger coil,truvativ holzfeller cranks and bash guaard | | Bottom Line: | if you are doing 15 foot drops (like me 13 years old) it will do its job it is heavy so it is sort of hard on the doubles and gaps | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark L
a Downhiller
from wallington NJ
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Diamond Cycle | | Strengths: | Everything. The perfect ride. I'm taking 7-8 footers like nothing. The stock spring wasn't holding my weight but i weigh 210 pounds so i put on a stiffer spring on the shock but even the stock one took a nice beating. nice beefy welds on the frame awsome bike. | | Weaknesses: | what weaknesses? | | Similar Products Used: | Da bomb mind bomb | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | best bike i've ever ridden the ultimate freeride bike. it takes some getting used to the 24 inch wheel but once you get the hang of it you'll never ride anything else | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from The Land of OZ
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Very Burly, good component specs. Take anything you want to throw at it. | | Weaknesses: | BB is about shot already but besides that small problem absolutely nothing! | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Bighit Comp, 03 Sherman Slider, dual 24" singletracks, mrp world cup 1 chainguide, 04 truvativ dh stem, 04 ritchey riser bars, avid mech brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike, I use this mainly as a freeriding bike. It does pedal pretty good on the trails for being a big bike. Already thrown a lot at this bike and it seems relentless. Perfect for what it was made to do! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Bolson
a Downhiller
from Mercer Island
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler mountain bike park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Renton Center Cycle | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything, flows good, has a strong frame, can handle alot. | | Weaknesses: | Fork is not very good, it is heavy and is a pain for uphills | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 bighit comp, konda stinky trek,liquid 10 | | Bike Setup: | Basically 2003 stock everything, except with different fork and rear shock | | Bottom Line: | Everything about this bike is good, but right when I got this bike, I gave the rear shock and the fork to some poor kids in Mexico and slapped on a manitou swinger 6 in the back and the manitou dorado DH fork. It runs awesome. I wowed everyone by hucking off that huge cliff wade simmons does on the rm7. The 24 rear inch sux for hills, but will clear stuff easy. I reccomend that if you are old enough, save money for this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Bolson
a Downhiller
from Mercer Island
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler mountain bike park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Renton Center Cycle | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything | | Weaknesses: | Fork sucks | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 bighit comp, konda stinky trek,liquid 10 | | Bike Setup: | Basically 2003 stock everything, except with different fork and rear shock | | Bottom Line: | Everything about this bike is good, but right when I got this bike, I gave the rear shock and the fork to some poor kids in Mexico (2nd hell) and slapped on a manitou swinger 6 in the back and the manitou dorado DH fork. It runs awesome. I wowed everyone by hucking off that huge cliff wade simmons does on the rm7. The 24 rear inch sux for hills, but will clear stuff easy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evocaz
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Another Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Horst link, rims, fork, rear shock, stem, frame, tires, brakes.... price! | | Weaknesses: | Seat? Pedals? Damn heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky & Coiler | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Stock | | Bottom Line: | The horst link, the 24, and the Manitou shock make this thing so damn fast. Its slightly slower than my 3.5" travel XC rig with the 10g tires. I love the 24", it jacks your front up, makes it faster, manuals better... nothing bad about a 24". The 6" DJ2s are the sickest forks ever made. The Roller tires are pretty nice on it too, even though I need the Gazza treatment. Bars are nice and wide and strong, rear shock is butter. I got it for $1800 and it blows away bikes twice its price. Kona Stinky is a pansy bike compared with this. What other bikes out there are under 2 grand and have a 6" single crown, 7.5" out back, and the components that this thing has? I could go on, but I want to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Nelson
a Downhiller
from CT
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mosses, Devil's Kitchen, Nassahegan, wherever! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Biker's Edge | | Strengths: | The Frame hold's Up pretty well. If you have the time and the money you should invest In The 8.1 inch upgrade. hint* it will help you go bigger and more extreme with bigg jumps and Gaps | | Weaknesses: | specialized components are pretty bad. race face if possible | | Similar Products Used: | specialized Hard Rock, but other then that none :( | | Bike Setup: | Stock so for but the stock parts Im using are busted to sh*t, specialized make good bikes not parts
| | Bottom Line: | Get this bike IF you like to do drops of about 5-15 feet max and like to do some techniqual Dirt jump riding. It's a pretty abusive bike if your the right person. Also whats with the other Riders talkin about therear 24 inch tire as a weekness. Don't you know that the bike suspension was cut to fit thqt tire if it was 26 the rear wouldn't be as level. And that the 24 inch tire acually accelerates the bike better then the 26. Just wanted to let you know
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NYC PRO DH/Freerider Hahaha, yea right
a Downhiller
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY DH | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ's Ski and sport | | Strengths: | Indestructable Trail bike,stock bike good For urban Freeriding and dirt jumping, good DH Bike with a shock upgrade, floats over single track, zochi dj2 still did not bottom | | Weaknesses: | the stock bike, with the 6.3 inch does not like 10+ foot drops. no bash guard. rear shock needs larger spring. Not a bike to take down hill while its still stock | | Similar Products Used: | giant fs, specialized hardtails, 2003 specialized big hit DH | | Bike Setup: | everything stock exept that i invested in the 8 inch rear travel upgrade, will change the front sprocket/get a romic rear shock to replace the fox rc. | | Bottom Line: | First, no bs. right after i bought this bike, i rode it off a 7 foot drop. nothing happend to the bike or the rear shock. i, of course knew that i would bottom the weak 500 ib spring, so i put a 650 pound spring on before i even rode the bike. i went even bigger 3 days later with a 10 foot drop, and again, this bike ate it up. i was suprised, cause i was sure this stock bike cant take these kind drops. but it did. later i got the 8 inch upgrade, and the drops became less harsh. alot of reviews here say the stock bike cant go big. well i went big with it plenty of times. no bs. i think alot of people here dont ride as well as i do, or dont know how to land right. this might be the reason. all i know is, if your tight on money, this is your best bet. it could almost do just as much as my 2003 big hit DH and costs 3000 dollars less.
oh yeah, this is not a cheap DH bike so you know. Its not made for down hill. its made for dirt jumping and freeriding. so any one who takes the stock bike DH is crazy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Eustance
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilton Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | didly squat | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great freeride bike, it can take anything you can dish out. I love this bike and would buy it again if I had the chance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lunchbox
a Downhiller
from nc
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | beech mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | bike source | | Strengths: | frame strength, relative light weight, Geometery, Versatility | | Weaknesses: | stock tires, and stock shock | | Similar Products Used: | bullit, giant dh, and AC | | Bike Setup: | tires that work (sorry specialized),stratos rear shock, DH link and shock upgrade yielding 8", boxxer, E 13 chaingiuld.
| | Bottom Line: | let's get this straight. FSR is the best design, regardless of braking/peddeling or any other forces. I am coming off a single pivit design and find myself braking later and on the gas sooner due to FSR and it's ability to keep the wheel on the ground. Since the frame is the same as the DH, upgrades and set-ups are endless.
Some people complain about the 24" rear wheel. Tire slection is a bi*ch, but other than that I found myself jumping as high and flying as far on the first ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from albuquerque
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | tunnel canyon to upper otero | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | haven't bought one yet | | Strengths: | being a versitle big hit trail bike, prior to spv the rear shock specialized was ahead of it's time as far as getting adjustable travel to the masses effectively with the itch switch. It's funny how some other bike companies just got adjustable travel last year, and now they have to revamp already to go to a platform shock. | | Weaknesses: | I tried out several enduro's and a big hit that day, but didn't ride them long enough to really find a weakness, the front shock wasn't stiff enough on one of the models I tested, and I didn't really like the new style XTR brake shifter combo cause I tend to ride with my index fingers on the levers ALL the time, and it would cause misshifts if I hit a bump? | | Similar Products Used: | liquids, jeckels, drakar XLT, and haven't found a VT around to check out yet but I will before I decide | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to chime in my opinion cause the guy below is an idiot and I hate it when someone totally screws up the average with a bogus review. (hopefully it will get removed) Any idiot should know the enduro's werent designed for ten footers, and any freeriding/extreme hucker knows that bikes break when you do big hucks. Nomatter how bomb proof, or how much you spend on it, it still happens...
Specialized did go through a period where they had an increased amount of bikes breaking there rear chainstay's because when people would land drops they would be grabbing the rear brakes and the torque combined with the landing was cranking hard on the stay, But they stood by there bikes with waranties, and tweaked the 03 bikes to aleaveate the problem.
A huge reason I didn't upgrade to a new bike last year and buy an enduro was cause of all the spv stuff that was happening. I was really afraid they would turn around and put out an 04 bike that was totally better, and I would be stuck with last years model. But since the early release photo's of the enduro's show a very similar bike with a new shock I may look into finding a good deal on a leftover 03 bike and getting a new shock for it?? it's an option anyway...
spv or not the enduro is a sweet ride for an all mountain bike. Hopefully only the guy bellow was the only one who isn't clear on the difference between all mountain bikes and free ride bikes.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hunt
a Downhiller
from darington washington
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler, and circus | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1675.00 | | Purchased At: | on line | | Strengths: | color horst link | | Weaknesses: | fork wheels seat pedals grips weight | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit and just about anything else considering were I ride | | Bike Setup: | junior-T dk pedals grips and the rear shock | | Bottom Line: | well I have ridden this bike in many different types of terrain. this bike weighed as much as my new bullit but had less travel and poor components it did cost less. I ended up breaking the top swing arm and bending the link that holds the shock. If you plan to go bigger than 10 feet of drop this is not the bike. It does track well in rock gardens. but rockgardens are not all there is to riding. poor turning radius. if you are looking for a cheap downhill bike buy a used one. if you are looking for an indestuctable trail bike this might do. freeride.......I do not think so. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Beaverton, OR
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1430.00 | | Purchased At: | Aloha Bikes | | Strengths: | Price! Are you kidding me, unless you are a label who*re poser or you are a trust fund puke why waste your hard earned jack. Any bike that can compete with the Specialized is at least $500-$600 more. Bike takes a pounding and never complains. Finally not a ton of sh*tty Specialized components. Buy a smaller fram and build the cockpit around that. I'm 6'3" and got a medium, fits perfect after a few mods. | | Weaknesses: | DJ2 fork sucks! Bent it in a month. With money you save buying bike invest on new dual crown. Sell DJ2 on EBAY to some x-country jagoff who thinks he goes big and needs (beefy) fork. That big dumb decal. (No worries it comes off easy) Suspension bobs alot when out of saddle to sprint to jump or drop, 5th element you hearing this, knockout a shock upgrade for this thing already. Paint comes off easy, or maybe thats because I come off bike easy. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic shorty, shinburgers, JR.T, Oddysey saddle, rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | It climbs well if you can't shuttle to the top of hills (hate when this happens) great for urban freerides, jumps and drops. If 5th element comes around with upgrade I will be in heaven! Ride the others if you notice a difference worth all that cash then buy the other bike. If the rear wheel travel is not enough look at the expert it also already has Jr.T. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from us
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Strengths: | All most everything, nice bike | | Weaknesses: | rims, shocks. I took gap from a gas station down into the parking lot of family video,(i dont know, maybe 30 ft.) i hit rock bottom on the shocks, and toco-ed my back rim. | | Similar Products Used: | norco's, and walmart crap | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | very nice bike, except for the price, im 14, and thats a lot of money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shannon
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | National in PHX | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | College Cyclery | | Strengths: | Amazing bicycle - wouldn't change a thing, and haven't managed to break anything yet.
P.S. College Cyclery rocks!!! | | Weaknesses: | None - I expect a big bike to weigh a little more than some wussy little XC bike - Duh! | | Similar Products Used: | Alot of other bikes - Haro's are great bikes too! | | Bike Setup: | Stone stock | | Bottom Line: | Don't let dorks like James from Georgia make you worry, this is a great piece of machinery. I've never been happier with a bike. Climbs and descends wonderfully - James just expects Specialized to pay for him being a dumb rider, I'd tell him to piss off too if I were them. (although I'm sure they did it nicely) Buy the Big Hit if that is what you want, I think you'll love it as I do. This is truly a great value and an outstanding all-arounder. Cheers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Lackman
a Downhiller
from Storrs Connecticut
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | Vernon Cycle | | Strengths: | price. This frame is unbreakable! and the red looks awsome! The fork is smooth the rear shock is very plush. The Holzerfeller cranks can be found on much higher end bikes. The Brakes dont even compair to anything else. I really liked the stem because it was so short. my favorite this about this bike is the through axel, its extremely stiff. | | Weaknesses: | pedals, turning the spring to adjust preload can be really difficult. it seems to get stuck after staying in the same spot after a while, but if you bring a piece of an old tube with you when you ride you can wrap it around and get a really good grip. the DJ2 is bottoms out on 5 1/2 foot drops without any air in it, but you can get a shock pump to fix that. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | mrp, new pedals, otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | i wanted a bike that i could downhill/freeride with and still be able to go on easy xc rides with my friend. this bike is perfect for me, and anyone else that wants to get into freeriding but doesnt like pushing. if your over 140 pounds i would recommend getting a stiffer spring with the bike because the shock is really plush. this frame is so upgradable that if you ever decide to go allout downhill you can upgrade the linkage piece to get 8 inches of travel. i'm in love with this bike, it kicks ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2266.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | The frame is so strong and versetile, DH, free-ride, dj anything you want. It hardly bobs at all. It is so upgradable you can ever put a monster T on it like Brett Tippie, also the optional upgrade kit to 8.1 inches rear travel. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is great its just i dont love the ssv it makes some of the urban landings not as smooth as usual, the 6 inch rear disk takes away only a small amount of power no biggy. The other small thing is the pedals and pretty dodgy, but thats only pedals. Besides thoose small things the bike is perfect, i have no problems at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona- Stinky, Bullet, Expert, AC-1 etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for lock on grips, diablous stem | | Bottom Line: | The bike gives you so much confidence to go harder and faster, when i first took it onto the trail instead of my old hardtail i felt like a new rider.
I will never have to buy a new bike its so upgradable.
You ahve so much fun ripping up the trail with the bighit, no regrets at all buying it instead of the others like stinky.
Buy One. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake hanson
a Downhiller
from vancoover wa
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any kinds of jumps | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | greggs cycle | | Strengths: | GREAT,i love the fork & back coil soooo smooth when you jump and land | | Weaknesses: | about nothing | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | good every thing | | Bottom Line: | the best bike ever good evrything,MOMS HELP YOUR KIDS GET THIS BIKE its defenitly worth it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Carlucci
a Racer
from Bartlet, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | sea side cycles | | Strengths: | everything on the bike is super strong. I have launched 11 1/2 foot drops and i have not injured the bike at all. | | Weaknesses: | the only minor thing is the rear shock, dontr get me wrong i give mad props to fox suspension but i only weigh 120 lbs and i completly destroyed the rear shock. but i got a new one and it works great. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, norco VPS. | | Bike Setup: | stock, why screw with something good. | | Bottom Line: | best possible bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Downhiller
from bay aera
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | northstar | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | i have the 02 with no big link and i still love the bike
strong as hell nimble enough to be a BIG ns bike 24" rear(love it) good welds specelized warenty
| | Weaknesses: | low top end speed | | Similar Products Used: | isis m1 v10 | | Bike Setup: | super-t xt hydro(sick) e-13 xtr blackspire badgers | | Bottom Line: | $ for $ this is the best bike you can get
for your friends braging to you with there m1s' take off the rear wheel and look at the inside of the horse link | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lyle Smith
a Downhiller
from Assland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast, steep, and technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | siskiyou | | Strengths: | lots of stuff | | Weaknesses: | the pedals, seat, rear hub, fork, 6 inch rotor, grips, tires, everything else is pretty good/excellent | | Similar Products Used: | buncha sh!t | | Bike Setup: | 03 big hit comp med, jr T, nokian gazza 2.6 fr & r, 8 inch rear rotor, intense lock on grips, titec beserkr DH seat, blackspire ds-1 chainguide, soon a profile bolt on rear hub, and some azonic a- frames, maybe a new handlebar if i care, but the stock one i think is fine | | Bottom Line: | even though i have as much money in this bike that i could've just gotten the BH expert, i don't like too much travel in back cuz i still gotta get around ya know? besides, it looks hella sick in red with a jr T, get this bike and do everything i've done to my bike or similar, and you'll wanna marry your bike it'll be so damn gorgeous | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theo bailey
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort William | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike shop | | Strengths: | Very plush and cool paint work. It has a strong frame and excellent parts. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Sinky 2003 , scott High Octane and Intense M1 02 | | Bike Setup: | Bighit stock | | Bottom Line: |
The best downhill bike for the money. The rear linkage is very simllar to my intense M1 and also performed as well. Top bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Downhiller
from denver, CO
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | keystone | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle village | | Strengths: | I have reviewed this previously but here's my 6 month review. The frame is strong as hell as with the rims, fork and truvativ parts. The bike hauls going downhill and is made for steep technical and twisty trails. The big hit is an ok dirtjumper and is great for freeriding. i jumped a twenty footer and it was good. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes are not the best and same with the Qr20. I lost the seals on hayes twicewhile riding to a cliff and it left me brakeless and pissed. the qr20 also broke on me twice. other than that the bike is a perfect bike. | | Similar Products Used: | gemini, ac | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The thing is a tank. like any bike of this style it takes a good amount of money fixing parts and keeping up to date. The bike is built for all purposes. It can be DH well. hucked beautifully, dritjumped gracefully, and make urban easy. good bike for the money and plain good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Les Gets, French Alps | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Don Skene | | Strengths: | I have previously reviewed this bike, and I still love it! I am posting this review to ask if anyone out there has purchased the 8" upgrade kit for their Big Hit Comp? I've tried Specialized but they have sold out, please, does anyone have any advice on how or where I can get this upgrade. Indeed if anyone is selling one I'd be glad to hear from them!! | | Weaknesses: | Seat, seatpost, that's pretty much it! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Bullit, the usual | | Bike Setup: | Standard plus 2003 Junior T Forks, Truvativ chainguide II, Goldtec chain ring, XT rear shifter, DMR V12 pedals, 8" rear disc. I would like an 8" inch travel rear end now! | | Bottom Line: | I want to buy an upgrade suspension kit for my Specialized Big Hit Comp - Help!
Many thanks in advance for those of you who can help me.
Regards
James | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james
a Downhiller
from dahlonega, georgia, united states
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | what ever | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | www.franklinstreetcycles.com | | Strengths: | color brakes gears | | Weaknesses: | rear swing arm shock tires wheels seat pedals grips 24" rear wheel Specialized will not honor their warranty | | Similar Products Used: | 03 bullit 02 bullit cannondale gemini and little red wagon | | Bike Setup: | super t zuzu pedals nokian gazzos lizard skin grips | | Bottom Line: | bought this bike broke it on a 8 foot to flat drop
what kind of a free ride bike is that???? Most people like this bike. Must be they get paid to review it. By the way a lower swing arm costs 85$. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin wells
a
from framingham ma usa
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | landrys | | Strengths: | the bike is very well built it can take big drops or is good for hitting dirt jumos | | Weaknesses: | the grips and the levers i broke part of the lever on my first ride | | Similar Products Used: | norco | | Bike Setup: | gozzalodia tires, mrp system 1, intense lock on grips everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | it is a great bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scifi
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami,Fl.
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dragon's tail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | frizts | | Strengths: | strong frame
very good parts | | Weaknesses: | cheap seat | | Similar Products Used: | ac1 | | Bike Setup: | as built just change seat and change the rear spring from 500 to 800 rating | | Bottom Line: | I am 5'11" 270lbs so to say I am a big guy. I search over six months for a very good bike that has what I want in a bike. This one has it! Strong frame and very good parts. I look up and down mtbrewiew and came up with this bike. People complained about the rear wheel but they probably complain when it rains or shines and to hot or cold. The bike looks heavier than it is and climbs pretty good also. I like the way it handles going down the trails. I had to upgrade the spring because of my weight big deal $24. Front shock good still I don't know why they complained about that. Oh, maybe because they had to put air in it so it would not bottom out. HEY IT'S IN THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!! It is a great bike. I would buy it again if I needed to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
g g
a Downhiller
from g
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | no | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | moorew | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | 24 inch rear wheel not too bat it has benefits | | Similar Products Used: | intense, gemini, bullit | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | nice | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Standish,Maine ,U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | L.L. Bean | | Strengths: | Tough,good components,GREAT price | | Weaknesses: | 24" rear wheel,grips,specilized should of made the tires tubeless. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | Stock,going to get boxxer's and rc shock for it. | | Bottom Line: | Get it.I'am starting racing this year and after I upgrade it this will be a awsome downhill bike.I have anthor specialized it it a hardrock, they are reliable!! IT is great for the price it has held up stock to 10-5 foot drops i've done!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tupac Shakur
a Downhiller
from Cumming, Ga.
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything steep or skinny | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Nice paint
| | Weaknesses: | Fork,24" rear wheel,seat,grips,pedals | | Similar Products Used: | 01,02 bighit comp, rm9, bullit,and a Gemini | | Bike Setup: | Monster T mosh platforms loc on grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a poor freeride bike before I bent the rear suspension. Now it is a hunk of garbage that I can not get warranteed. They (specialized) asked me how I did it. I told them I did it on a downhill course. They said that I abused it. I did not, I rode it downhill and dropped nothing over 8 feet or so. I will never buy another Specialized product again. This bike broke doing what it was designed to do, go downhill which it did well, once. If you want a good bike I highly recommend you save your money and get a Kona, or a Bullit. Specialized makes a good bike but this one is an exception. I must agree with 2 other reviewers of this bike. I am not only unhappy but disheartened that such a notable company could create and sell such garbage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spencer
a Downhiller
from MA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1543.00 | | Strengths: | Frame is extremly strong, very stiff, front fork is great for dirtjumping and urban, not so good for DH. great brakes, great bike | | Weaknesses: | seat | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper, kona stinky | | Bottom Line: | great bike, i have done 15 foot drops on it stock. great for urban assalt missions. I strongly suggest buying this bike. The bike looks extremly beefy and will impress all of your friends, GARENTEDE. buy this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Mugridge
a Downhiller
from U.K
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Penshurst | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Dealer | | Strengths: | Strong , plush supension and great value for money. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Skinky 2003 | | Bike Setup: | Bighit comp stock | | Bottom Line: |
Fantasic bike and also great for downhill. This bike can be easily upgraded to a downhill machine and also better than the skinky 2003. 5 flamin'chillis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RObert
a Weekend Warrior
from CAry NC USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | All star bike shop in cary | | Strengths: | Very Light bike. nice plush rear travel. decent front fork. Good for drops and general trails | | Weaknesses: | Nothing! | | Similar Products Used: | none
| | Bike Setup: | big hit comp stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this bike is awsome. Definately the best value you can find! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Narrabeen,NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oxford Falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supreme Cycles, Narrabeen | | Strengths: | Great Suspension design, once i had the rear shock set properly i had no bob. XT rear is awesome, even caked in mud and clay it still changes perfectly. Bash guard is a good idea to fit and comes with the bike. Frame design is nice and short so it is really easy to get off the back. Front shock performs perfectly for the bike. I have jumped it off some descent drops and have only used half the travel so far.(need to do some of the bigger tracks to test it properly). Q20mm Axle on the front is a absolute must. If you want a front end with good feel and tension this is the go. | | Weaknesses: | The platform pedals have a big piece of metal running the direction of your foot. This means you get less grip. Will put the V8's i bought for my other bike on. Other than that...Perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Norco Drop | | Bike Setup: | 500lbs rear spring, V8 platform pedals, marzocchi front mud guard. | | Bottom Line: | Rides way better than a Stinky. Has the 20mm axle that the stinky doesn't have. Has better rear and front derailers. Better rear and front shocks. Just Better. Compares closely to the Norco drop except it has better rear and front derailers. Norco Drop has short travel Jnr T's which don't perform better than the Dirt jumper 2's on the Bighit Comp, but if you like the look then its upto you. The Drop is very front heavy however. The big shocks and frame design may make it dive a bit off a jump but i didn't have a chance to prove it. The Comp is the best value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaddySean's
a Downhiller
from Fort Bragg,NC United States of America
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | windrock TN. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | www.franklinstreetcycles.com | | Strengths: | Nice component group, powdercoat finish, RED!!! See my other review. | | Weaknesses: | 24" rear wheel, fork, extremely heavy considering it only has 6"of travel, grips pedals, and seat. See my other review | | Similar Products Used: | See my other review | | Bike Setup: | 03 Junior-T fork, Maxxis High Roller tires, Intense lock on grips, Mosh Platform pedals, and a 500lb spring. | | Bottom Line: | I am just giving an update on my last review. My name on that review was Sean's Daddy. Long story on the name. I recently bent the linkage on this bike doing a 5 foot drop to flat urban. I have done this drop on my hardtail many times. I bent the left lower swing arm. This is never cool to do but if you read my review and see all of the issues this bike has given me you would understand. This is not a hucking bike it is a low dollar decender. The component group is nice. You get what you pay for. I am going to get a Bullit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Donaghue
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Thredbo dh | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain reaction | | Strengths: | mmm.... Hayes brakes, Xt derrailleur... nothin else really... red frame makes me go faster!!??!! | | Weaknesses: | 1. 24" wheel should be banned
2. poor weld quality
3. can't accept a normal wheel
4. poor seals on forks
5. unreliable shock | | Similar Products Used: | 2001-3 Giant Ac's, Bullits, older Fsr's, intense M1, Oranges, Giant dh's | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Boxxer Teams, 8" rear rotor, ringle rear hub, mrp guide, azonic bars, fox rc upgrade... 105 rear stack...
| | Bottom Line: | This bike had sooo much potential, but delivered nothing. It felt like turd, the tiny wheel makes the bike feel s**t and the worse thing is u can't run a bigger wheel. I rode a bighit dh, and the higher rear end due to the extra travel made this feel even worse. The original marzoccis are really bad quality- 2 pairs had leaky seals so i paid to get some boxxers. There are no ISCG mounts so the guide still moves around. The rear end does not like to roll over obstacles which i just can't manage. The frame developed a crack on top of the toptube/headtube join. I admit, i punish my bikes when i race, but i weigh 60 kilos, and hate doing drops.
The Bottom Line is: Unless you ride on cyle paths or smooth fire roads then then don't even contemplate this bike. I would have felt better had i not owned this bike. Great value, poor performance.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shannon Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpine, Ca., USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Southmountain in Phoenix | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Zumwalts College Cyclery - San Diego | | Strengths: | This bike is a great value, I'm not sure that I want to know how Specialized got so many sweet parts on such a sweet frame for such a sweet price! Climbs like a scalded monkey as long as you aren't a 90lb weakling. The guy that whined like a little girl about "bobbing" must not understand how to adjust the rebound on the shock. Descends controllably, doesn't brake-jack, and I don't really have any complaints about the fork either for its intended purpose. If a rider wants to race downhill, buy a downhill specific fork. Don't complain when a multipurpose $1600.00 bike doesn't come with a full-on downhill racing fork worth $1200.00, duh! I'm not sure what the guy that complained about the Big Hit not handling technical trails well was talking about, I'm very happy with this machines slow and high speed manners, I've never had such a well balanced bike. I like the 24 inch wheel for a few reasons, one is that it makes a for a stronger/lighter wheel/tire, it spins faster and easier when I'm playing mountain goat in the rocks, the set-up seems to provide great traction for climbing in loose and steep situations. Specialized has done a killer job with this product, everything just simply works well together to provide a very fun and solid bicycle. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of. But then again I generally don't whine about everything like a tiny girly-man. Even the paint job on the '03 kicks booty! | | Similar Products Used: | I've been in the industry for a little while and have been lucky enough to ride quite a few different machines. | | Bike Setup: | Stone stock. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this particular bicycle does exactly what I hoped it would do, provide hours of fun riding for me. The Big Hit is built slightly lighter than an M1A2 tank and has brought me back to reason I started mountainbiking in the first place - for fun. I'm not overly concerned about being the first guy to the top of a climb, although it climbs very effectively with a properly adjusted shock. (read the instructions) I'm not some kind of 18 year old dirt jumper or North Shore ladder dropping crazy man. I'm 34 years old, have a Wife and kids to feed and needed a tough, well-suspended, and reasonably priced bike to go do some serious but average trailriding on. The Specialized Big Hit works perfectly for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Jagger
a Downhiller
from Olympia WA. U.S.
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Capital Forest Trail#30 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | JOYRIDE Bicycles | | Strengths: | Very tough, Good componentry for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The tires have really light sidewalls and they pinch flat very easily. Stock fork does not match the rear suspension at all. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 FSR DH | | Bike Setup: | Kujo 2.35 tires, 1999 boxxer,fox vanille RC, Tru vativ holzfeller bars, Hayes DH disc brakes,Weyless B37 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Good price for the complete bike but you will need to do some upgrading to make it a real freerider. Now that I have made some upgrades the bike is bad ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Melrose
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Boulder Ridge (Lynn Woods) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Loft | | Strengths: | Tight and firm right out of the wrapper. Nice travel and great rear suspension design. 24" rear wheel makes sweet for
maneuvering around tight burms. | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet!!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT STS Carbon Fiber | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ shimano clipless petals | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for an "all-around" bike, this is for you. Lot of bike for the money!!! If you are like me one who breaks bike easy, this is a very sturdy bike. Since the design is similar to the DH, the bike is a little heavy on climbs but awesome on DH/x-country (very plush).
The suspension is amazing and very forgiving, handels well over 4' drops and absorbs majority of "baby-heads" and rough
terrain.
Best of all, since Specialized uses the same frame for their DH model, This bike can be easily upgraded to 8" of travel.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfield,CT
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Indian ledge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Outdoor sports | | Strengths: | Strong Frame,4 bar linkage is great, nice short stem beefy bars, components are all good, fork is great | | Weaknesses: | pedals aren't great, grips suck, long seat post, doesn't climb that great | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 big hit comp | | Bike Setup: | everything stock, gonna get new pedals and odi lock-on grip | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is that this bike is awesome it will take anything that you throw at it, good for dirt jumping, its an awesome bike for the price and anyone who likes to dj, freeride and trail ride and also dh this is the bike to get | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lyle
a Downhiller
from a-town, oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hartland, victoria | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | siskiyou cyclery | | Strengths: | almost everything, red color, cranks, wheelset, ect. | | Weaknesses: | seat, pedals, grips, and the dj2 feels like a really cheap fork, but hey it is! that's why i upgraded to a jr. T | | Bike Setup: | 03 bighit comp almost stock except seat grips and pedals and a junior T! | | Bottom Line: | great bike for downhill if you put a jr. T on it
and a awesome freeride bike for an awesome price get one today and put a junior T on it it looks sooooo cool don't get the expert doesn't look as cool get the red 03 big hit comp and but a black junior t on it you will never regret the way it rides feels and looks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Downhiller
from apex, northcarolina
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | allstar | | Strengths: | great rear suspension feel. doesnt bob on the climbs. not terribly heavy and the hayes hydraulic disc brakes are awesome and there is NO brakejack whatsoever | | Weaknesses: | none. none. none. none. none. | | Similar Products Used: | none similar to this cause this bike is so awesome. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except im going to get a chainguide for it for dh racing. | | Bottom Line: | bottom line is if you are a freeride, dh racer, hucker this bike is very good and an even better deal for only 1630. i think this is the best bike out there for the price. the only thing on this bike that you should replace are the grips. yes they suck really bad but who really cares about grips when buying a bike. for me they are only worn out and i have had the bike for only 3 weeks. but grips are cheep so i dont care. and also if you can only afford a bike for this price right now know that you can always upgrade it tons. you can buy the kit from specialized for only 400 which gives you a new plate and foxrc shock and then you can have 8 inches in the rear and you can also get a dc fork and this bike can be a full on dh racer. overall the bike is sweet and you should definately get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a
from Providence, RI
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Landry's | | Strengths: | Great color, Awesome Frame! Incredible components for the price point. | | Weaknesses: | Not a big fan of the Dirt Jumper II fork. It feels either undersrpung or oversprung no matter how it is set up. HFX-9 brakes feel a little skimpy compared to Hayes Mags. Not a big fan of the cable routing under the bottom of the bike. The seat sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Deelux, Bullit, VPS Launch, Big Hit Expert | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Axiom Seatpost with 545 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I am not sure what the previous reviewer is talking about with the "bob" comments, I weigh about 240 and this thing can climb as good as my Enduro Pro. Get a stiffer spring or change the progression on the shock. Its a breeze to wheelie drop due to the 24" wheel and feels more stable and supple with every ride. If your heavy and like to ride aggressively this is a great bike for the price. There is no reason to spend $3,000 on a Bullit or Stinky. There is even an 8" upgrade kit for an additional $400 from Specialized and a Boxxer race is only $500 away as well. Overall great bike for the price. Use what you save to get your as to new places to ride it. I've done several 3 hours rides on it and though tired, was able to hit every big drop along the way with little fear of breaking anything. Great bike, Great price, Get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Strengths: | Everything except for the rear suspension! | | Weaknesses: | this thing bobs like hell on uphills, not great on landing, and rear wheel greatly reduces your tire selection because it's a 24" wheel. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Not a great bike! Can't even climb with this thing comfortably without it bobbing so much! This is a crappy bike! Don't bike one if you're planning on climbing and jumping with the bike! Great price but not worth it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean's Daddy
a Downhiller
from Fort Bragg,NC United States of America
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | tax included on that price | | Strengths: | Nice color, component group, legendary FSR suspension, and a great wheel set. Tires grip well on the loose stuff. Bike is actualy very atractive. Outstanding stability on fast steep decents. Accelerates like a rocketship. Rear wheel provides superior traction. As with all horst link suspension no brake jacking on rapid deceleration. Bike has a great warranty and I do not know how you could break the frame. A wide range of adjustability and easily upgraded. If you can pedal it you can get there. I have actualy ridden it to work a few times. The looks alone were almost worth the effort of pedaling a 42lb bike 12 miles round trip!!! | | Weaknesses: | Bike is not the best handler feels like the rear wheel is going to run under the front in corners. Bike tends to DeadSailor/matrix quite frequently. Another words this thing has been the host to more than a few of my personal yardsales. This bike is not stable in the air and tends to turn sideways in the air. I do not mean tail whip sideways I mean like SIDEWAYS . I have had to land with the front wheel almost crossed up several times to just to find a good spot to wreck. At least every jump is a suprise! 24" rear wheel greatly reduces the selection of tires you can run on this bike. This bike for some reason does not like big hits. It will loadup and catapult you over the handlebars after impact. I have tried many different settings and none seem to help too much. The Hayes Disc brakes are currently being sent to Hayes for faulty lever and lines!! | | Similar Products Used: | 01,02 BigHit comps, 03 BigHit DH, Rocky Mountain RM-9, and a Kona Stinky Dee-Lux | | Bike Setup: | 03 Junior-T fork, Wellgo wpd 103 dh pedals, or Mosh bmx platform pedals, O.D.I lock on grips. I have ordered a set of Maxxis High Rollers for racing. | | Bottom Line: | This bike offers you the best components for the money and a great warranty. The rear suspension of this bike is very efficient, however the rear wheel seems to throw the overall geometry of the bike off. I would strongly suggest you think hard before buying this bike. It is no shore bike that is for sure. If all you did was ride a chairlift, and have fast mostly straight downhill runs I imagine you would be hard pressed to beat this bike. This bike will roll most any steep chute or ladder you can find. As far as drops go I have personaly done a 10 footer about 3 or 4 times with it, and numerous between 4 to 6 feet. It will definatley handle a small drop with ease and actualy allow you to do it fast. Anything bigger and your guess is as good as mine. I did land the 10 footer twice. Come on lets be real here, I have done better than that on my hardtail with a dual crown fork. I not only landed them but I have maybe 900 dollars invested in my hardtail. The money you spend on a bike like this should be evident every time you ride it. If you plan to jump drop or do highly technical twisty trails then you may want to keep shopping. I have ridden a number of different bikes and I have liked and disliked them for different reasons. I would have to say for the most part when it comes to this bike. I do not like it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Szwveltzer
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything on South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Very Strong Frame. Progressive spring. FSR suspension. Very nice crank set and color. | | Weaknesses: | It can handle bigger drops then I think my body can.
| | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale SuperV500, Trek Liquid | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for a beginner downhiller. It gives you the confidence to step up to the next level. It can handle big drops, fast turns, and can climb better then a XC if there is enough pedal power to back it up. It is also a great bike for the price. I shopped a long time to find the "perfect" bike, and this one had the most stuff for the least amount of dough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Junebug
a Downhiller
from Fort Bragg,NC United States of America
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wolf Laurel Mars Hill Asheville,Nc | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | www.franklinstreetcycles.com | | Strengths: | This bike offers outstanding rear suspension. The color is beautiful and does not scratch that easy. A solid component group. Excellent stand over height I bought this bike instead of the BigHit Expert because I could get the smallest frame in this model and still have the FSR suspension which other companies pay to use!!! Finaly Specialized tires that do not suck. | | Weaknesses: | The Dirt Jumper2 this fork sucks. Obviously this fork was used to keep the price down. Fox Vanilla R leaves a little to be desired. Grips suck changed them instantly. | | Similar Products Used: | 01BigHit comp 03 BigHit DH Intense uzzi sl RockyMountain rm-9 00 02 Specialized enduro. Trek liquid | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Junior-T fork, Intense grips with odi locks, Wellgo wpd 103 downhill pedals. Maxxis High Rollers when I am racing. | | Bottom Line: | This bike definatley gives you the most bang for your buck in the "bigbike" category. The frame can be upgraded to increase rear travel to 8 inches just like the DH model. You can freeride with this bike and downhill it. I personaly have only done some 10 foot drops and a bunch of 4 to 6 footers on it. No problems so far especialy since I ditched the cute little fork that came on it. This bike will let you pedal it hard with out robbing you of power with suspension bob. Keep in mind this bike is not a cross country bike but you can ride it with relative ease most any where you need to go. This bike is the perfect bike for the beginner downhiller/freerider. I will be racing beginner class downhill on it this year. 24" rear limits what type of tires you can run but is sweet when it comes time to decend. The smaller rear wheel also allows you to wheely drop/manual most anything you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benoit
a
from baie-comeau, quebec
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | high speed singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin sport | | Strengths: | Very plush suspension. great looking. not too expensive. Can do anything from smooth trails to downhill track. | | Weaknesses: | None, the bike is perfect!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stinky (nothing beside the big hit comp) | | Bike Setup: | stock with a FSA chain pimp | | Bottom Line: | The bike is not too heavy when you try some tricks and you can drop 10 feet without thinking if your bike will break. IT WON'T!!!!!!! The suspension is very plush and seems bottomless.
The best bike I ever tried. Buy it and you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gil b
a Weekend Warrior
from israel
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | israel (everything is expensive here) | | Strengths: | burly ass hell , very plush and active rear suspension , adjustebility (ht angle, progressivness , rear travel) , good standover highet, great components , extremley well priced compared to the "rivals" ,fits 3" rear tire and did i say burly!!!!
can peddal it up hill with out a problem (not much bobbing) | | Weaknesses: | only 24" rear wheel - suits me well but there r peaple who wont like it (i think).
cheesy grips. | | Similar Products Used: | tesed - sc bullit ,kona stinky deelux (nice but $$$$$) | | Bike Setup: | stock - dj 2 (soon to replaced with a shiver),single track rims , holzfeller crancks (awsome),xt r der.... | | Bottom Line: | this bike is fu#@%^ing great - period!
u cannot break it , it tracks the ground like no other in this catagory (not to compare to 8"+ bikes) ,no brake jack ,the parts hold up to my abuse no problem (not a very smooth rider) , i did an 8 footer and didnt near bottomed ,i feel very confident on this bike.
i feel that this bike (frame & components) is the best deal for the beginner fr-dh rider/the one with a budjet problem or maybe the best deal on the fr market today.
the upgrade options r endless -8" link , 9" link and the ht will accept any dc fork that ull want to put on it.
the price difference from other bikes will allow u to upgrade this bike with top notch components to be an even better bike.
in the end ,i give specialized 5 out 5 for putting up such an amazing bike for such a good price - i love my big hit , go buy one and ull not regret it!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyler
a Downhiller
from eugene oregon
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ridgeline | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | plush suspension, great brakes except lines snap | | Weaknesses: | fork bends, upgrade to a jr t | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock with jrt and 3.0 gazzalaoddis | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike if your extreme | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BILL
a Downhiller
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | I tested the 02 version. stiff frame, great fork and plush suspension | | Weaknesses: | I don't really like the fox shok, but other than that great bike | | Similar Products Used: | Norco A-Line, Balfa bb7 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, nice travel, stiff frame, but room for improvement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg (Gee Gee) Geed
a Cross Country Rider
from Eureka, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The God Dammit! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Strengths: | Bomb proof man! Beefy and stiff frame! The tires are great! Component mix is great! it looks heavier than it is but really it's light! Cool colors! Fork and shock are nice and plush like my girlfriends tits! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 UZZI SL, 2001 UZZI SLX, 2002 BIGHIT, and others | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Perfect bike for the price! It pedals well on steep uphills! It hardly bobs even after landing a five footer! It's perfect is all I can say dudes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiwi Crap | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Kiwi Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Stiffness of the frame is great! Pedals well on uphills! Great all around bike! Built like a tank! Bike versatility is awesome! Weight is great! Fat tires! Everything man! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 UZZI SL, 2002 BIGHIT, and many others | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | GREAT price!!!!! Can't beat it! It's a perfect bike! Never ridden anything like this one! Hardly bobs! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan Jackson
a Racer
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Planet X | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction Cycles | | Strengths: | Mad setup, when setup properly bike works heaps well | | Weaknesses: | the forks seals gone in one day, cheap soft compound tyres
| | Similar Products Used: | AC2 - sucks | | Bike Setup: | stock + Blckspire big ring protector | | Bottom Line: | it rulez
way better than a Giant AC2
give it 5 Flaming Turds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kathi Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Pheonix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | The frame and fork is stiff! The fork and rear shock are nice and plush!!! It has great pedalling efficiency! Fat tires are great! The weight's not that bad. Component mix is good except for the front derailleur. I upgraded it to XT. The brakes are awesome!!!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Bighit | | Bike Setup: | stock except for upgrade | | Bottom Line: | Heck of a bike for a heck of a price!!! This one is better than my 2001 Bighit! I added fenders to it cuz I go in the mud after it rains. It's fun! The bike is great for all bikers! The 24" rear wheel helps me down the tough singletracks faster! It hardly bobs when I ride it on uphills! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy F
a Downhiller
from Fairfield
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | MT. SNow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | A Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Everthing is awsome bike is awsome | | Weaknesses: | NOne | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its the best. i spent 2,500 on my giant ac 2 a week later my friend got his specialized and i was like dude i have to change. So i sold my Giant and bought this much better bike for much less. NOthing could beat it. i've never ridden anything better. Giants are nothing compared to this bike. I even switched bike shops cuz his was much better. Man, he sure does make better dicisions than i do. lol | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock-it | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Frame, brakes, the weight, component mix, fork, rear suspension, etc. The frame and fork is nice and stiff! The fork is great. It's nice and plush! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Bighit Comp, 2001 Intense Uzzi SL, and many other since 1989. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a perfect price! NO QUESTION!!! The pedalling efficiencyis great! It hardly bobs no matter what even on steep uphills! The weight is great! It only weighs 36 pounds! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
idiot idiot
a
from dumbassville
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ashland streetville town | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | siskiyou cyclery | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | new marzocchi forks have very little tire clearence sucks, barely fit my 2.6 nokian gazza and even then had some major issues with rubbing and mud clearence so i put the stock tirwe back on | | Similar Products Used: | kona stab deelux | | Bike Setup: | stock except for seat, pedals, grips, | | Bottom Line: | great bike for excellent price $1000 less than last year? hell yeah b*tch! get this bike and you won't be sorry super upgradable blah | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Hipps
a Downhiller
from Downhiller from Fairfield
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Snow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | A bike shop | | Strengths: | Everything. THe bike is awsome. even the color is great. better than last year. The set up is great. the smaller back wheel is not bad at all. GET THE BIKE its better than i'll others out there | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC 2, Gary Fisher Marlin, haro shredder, Specialized Vegas TJ, Specialized 415 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except new xtr fron derailer | | Bottom Line: | The bike is the best. The only reason i have the new derailer is cuz i broke the other one and i got that one for free but it was my fault. i hit it with a hammer wooops. Get the Bike its the best. buy now and u'll save like 300. its better than all others i've tried. buy it for city freeriding and some downhill | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from denver, CO
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | apex and freeride area we made | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle village | | Strengths: | This bike most definately has strengths. The disc brakes rule. The compents are strong and well done for the price. rims are awesome. fork is good for hits. so plush beautiful travel. good looks | | Weaknesses: | this has had no problems it shouldn't have had. I broke a deralure hanger and bent a rotor but no money fixing anything yet. bent the rotor back and they are giving another hanger | | Similar Products Used: | giant AC 1, cannondale 900 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Amazing. Straight out perfect. This bike is everyones perfect ride. XC could take it out. Freeride hucking strength, handles well in air for dirt jumping, and very upgradable for DH and extreme hucks. This bike has take 6 to flat and a 7 and 8 footer with ease. I am doing a 15-20 foot gap and only afraid of breaking me!!!!!!!!!! EVERYONE get this bike. Cheap great and fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jach Young
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Slick Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Strengths: | The whole bike is just perfect! Frame stiffnes, fork plushness and stiffness, weight, component mix, tires, brakes, colors and design, and the adjustment options onthe rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | I didn't care for the LX front derailleur so I upgraded it to the XT. Not really a complaint though. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the upgrade | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for its price, no question!!! The weight is much lighter than it actually looks. It works great on uphills (the pedalling efficiency)! It doesn't bob a lot like all the other freeride bikes out there. The fat tires are cool man! It gives you great amount of traction on rocks and mud! The fork is nice and plush and never bottoms out! I do all kinds of mtn biking from XC to advance freeriding. This bike works in all areas! I took the bike onto my favorite freeride trail and made a 8 foot drop off a cliff and it didn't even bottom out!!!!! This bike is the best bike I've ever ridden out of 8 dual suspension bikes I've had!!! Believe it or not I'm gonna keep my bike forever and maybe do some more upgrades as time goes by. You can't get a bike to beat the Bighit's performanceand price!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mik LaMiare
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kangaroo's Blood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Good components, disc brakes, fat tires, weight of bike, fork, adjustments on rear shock, colors, designs, stiffness of the whole bike while riding, and price! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | many other specialized freeride and downhill bikes. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great price!!!!! It works well in all areas of mtn. biking from XC to beginner's downhill! It also looks much heavier than it actually feels when you ride it! It's only 38 pounds! The fork is very plush and stiff. Great adjustment option on rear shock. Great bike for all levels of mtn bikers! The FAT TIRES made a big difference in terms of traction and grip in mud, big rocks, and sand!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Monte La Salle
a Weekend Warrior
from Paris, France
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1680.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | The bike rides really well on all uphills! It hardly bobs!!! Tires work great in all conditions! Firsttime I've used fat tires. All of the components are great!!! The brakes are really smooth and has more power than my other mechanical disc brakes! Fork works great and is very plush! The weight of the is much lighter than it looks(38 pounds)! In fact, it feels lighter when you ride it!!! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Foes Fly, 2001 Bighit, and others. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Heck of a price!!!!! Most people would assume this bike would be around $2500 or more! Good deal for this type of good quality brand! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troi Simmons
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Romero Canyon Trail and Gibraltar Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | The frame is nice and stiff and not as heavy as it looks! All of the components are good except for the front derailleur. I upgraded it to XT. The fat tires really help on the rocks especailly going down Romero Cyn. Trail. Great pedalling efficieincy! It's also great cuz it hardly bobs. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Bighit, 2001 Cannondale DH, and many other freeride bikes. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for the upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Heck of a price for this type of bike!!!!! Climbs well on uphills! The frame is nice and stiff and not as heavy as it looks! All of the components are good except for the front derailleur. I upgraded it to XT. The fat tires really help on the rocks especailly going down Romero Cyn. Trail. Great pedalling efficieincy! It's also great cuz it hardly bobs. Great for all levels of mtn. bikers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lauren Locke
a Downhiller
from Seattle, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Exit 38 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles West | | Strengths: | Exceptional value for a fr-dh bike. Components are tough enough. I like the grips. Brakes are exceptional. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Bar, Front derailler, headset, and seat post length. | | Similar Products Used: | Canondale Gemini-2000, Bighit Comp 2001, and Yeti DH 9. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Primo Pedals, Bashguard, Chris King headset | | Bottom Line: | A great deal for any entry level person looking to do 3-7 ft drops or a starting downhiller. The Bike is VERY upgradable. If you want to become a dh'er just put a 2003 super T and get a eight inch travel kit for the rear. Ideas: get some DH tubes and some IRC Kujo tires. The Chris King headset is very much worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sergei Touponov
a Cross Country Rider
from Big Bear, California, USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All singletracks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Awesome bike! Great stiff frame! Fork and rear suspension is very smooth and effective! The weight of the bike is not as heavy as it looks. The bike is only 35 pounds! Great components except for the front derailleur-I upgraded it to an XT. Fat tires works great in rocks and mud, good gri and traction!!! Brakes are great too! It has great pedalling efficiency on uphills. It hardly bobs whether you're on an uphill or you're level. This is the best bike I've ever ridden and experienced!!! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Bighit, 2000 Santa Cruz Bullit, and many other freeride bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Perfect bike for a perfect price!!!! Fork and rear suspension never bottoms out! Weight is great! This bike has the best pedalling efficiency and better than any of my other bikes I've had!!! This is the bike to get 'cause it's worth the price and its performance!!! Great for all levels of mtn. bikers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fredo Cazzione Goccio
a Racer
from Rome, Italy
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletracks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1675.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is very stiff and solid! It's well welded and made. Has cool colors and designs! Fork works great and it's very plush and never bottoms out! The components are great including the hydro. brakes! The brakes have a lot of power, smoothness, and drag. Although I didn't like the LX front derailleur because it's not as precise as the XT. The wide tires works great in all conditions and gives you great traction and grip in mud, sand, and especially rocks! The rear suspension is pillow plush and it never bottoms out either! When I used this bike for the first time on a steep uphill it hardly bobbed and it helped me up quicker over big rocks! | | Weaknesses: | LX derailleur, i just prefer a better one, the XT. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Giant Downhill, and many others. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the XT front derailleur upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | It the bike to have because it's only $1675!!!! This is the perfect bike for all levels of mtn. bikers!The weight isn't too bad for this type of bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Bourov
a Weekend Warrior
from Magnitogorsk, Russia
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Red October | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1745.00 | | Strengths: | dis a great bike! it has good fork and components especially the brakes! First time I've ever used an experienced hydraulic disc brakes. Rear suspension is pillow plush and hardly bobs on level ground or on uphills! Lighter than I thought it would be! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Intense UZZI SL | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the quality, components, price, capability, etc. Great for all levels of mtn. bikin'. It's definitely worth the money! It works perfectly and better than the Uzzi on the Ural Mountains!!! The colors and design is really cool! Frame is stiff and solid! Ýòî áóäåò bike, êîòîð íóæíî èìåòü! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davie Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Salty Bikes | | Strengths: | Super strong and stiff frame, smooooth fork, excellant pedalling efficiency especially on uphills, it's lighter than most freeride or downhill bikes, cool colors, good components, great brakes, etc. | | Weaknesses: | well I didn't care for the LX front derailleur so I changed it to an XT. Not a really big deal or other. | | Similar Products Used: | tons of other freeride bikes. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for the front derailleur upgrade | | Bottom Line: | Great weight, components, fork, plush rear travel, stiffness, colors and design, fat tires, pedalling efficiency, and the price. It works great on uphills especially steep ones! It glides perfectly down on downhills and rolls over anything!!! This is the best freeride bike I've ever encountered and ridden overall. All of the other freeride bikes I've had did not have as good pedalling efficiency as this one!!! Many of the other ones' rear suspension bobbed quite a bit going uphills. The price is another thing man! $1600 is a heck of a f***in' deal!!! This is an ideal bike for guys who want to bike over anything whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or an advance rider!!! It's worth it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Coughlan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Les Gets | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Don Skene Cycles | | Strengths: | Super strong frame, excellent smooth forks, awesome brakes, great gears, finishing kit is pretty good as well considering the quality of the frame. Also, the overall weight is good for it's purpose. More specifically: the rear shock is very progressive and smooth - handling both big drops and jumps and general trail riding riding. the tyres are great, hocking up well and providing excellent cornering combined with the superb brakes - very confidence inspiring! | | Weaknesses: | The saddle is horrible but what sort of complaint is that?!?! The price is good for a bike bought in 'rip-off' Britain but crap when compared to the US market price. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit in both freeride and full-on downhill guises. Kona Manomano with various upgrades and modifications. | | Bike Setup: | As originally supplied, although the saddle will be changed | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic! This bike is brilliant. I have no complaints. Anyone pondering about the 24" rear wheel shouldn't worry because personally I can't notice any difference, but it should prove stronger in the long run... only time will tell. The whole package really is great, the suspension, front and rear, is smooth and adjustable to an extent. Powerful brakes, much better than Shimano XT disc and the wheels look mean! Might buy the Marzocchi fender/mudguard though, it looks rather nice! If anyone has any questions about the bike I'd be happy to answer them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Blood Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Very good rear suspension, plush fork, great frame, weight is lower than most freeride bikes, rides well on uphills, great fat tires, great brakes, etc. | | Weaknesses: | Rear disc brake was 6" instead of 8", so I upgraded the rear disc to 8" disc for extra $35. This isn't really a big deal or anything, I just prefer both disc to be the same size. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Diesil | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great freeride bike for a great price!!!! It makes me go uphills faster and easier as well as downhills. It rolls over anything and absorbs every single bump! The fat tires makes it easy and more fun to ride, especially in rocks! Best bike I've ever had!!! I've had about 5 freeride bikes and so far this is the best!!! The bike has great traction going through sand and mud and BIG rocks!!! This is the lightest freeride bike i know of and that I've had!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any singletrack with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | The weight is much lighter than most freeride bikes! The colors, fork is great, rear suspension, brakes, fat tires, and definitely the price was the best!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | All kinds of freeride and XC bikes | | Bike Setup: | the only this is different from stock is that I upgraded the front derailleur and shifters to XT. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is perfect for its price, weight, quality, FSR suspension, and especially the best pedalling efficiency on a bike I've ever experienced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It rides very well on uphills and it hardly bobs! This bike is great for all types of mtn. biking, hence it's name freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Diego
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | The Crazy Mexican Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The bike is perfect! The frame is cool, the colors are cool, fork is great, plush rear suspension, good components, and everything else!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | The only thing I didn't like was the fact that the front derailleur was an LX. So I upgraded it to an XT. But that's nothing much to complain about. I also changed the tires to sand tires 'cause I ride alot in the sand and rocks in the hot sizzlin Mexican deserts. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Bighit, Gemini, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It is a heck of a bike especially for the price! I was originally planning on buying the 2003 Gemini 900 freeride bike. But instead i saved $650. The Bighit is a few pounds lighter than the Gemini but with better suspension, FSR Suspension. The pedalling efficiency of the Bighit is great on uphills and of course downhills!!!! The Bighit isn't all that heavy for a freeride bike in general. If you want to buy a bike that can do it all from XC to minor downhill riding, get this one; moneywisely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette, MI
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakeshore Bike | | Strengths: | Extremely plush suspension, feels like it would bottom out but its endless.
| | Weaknesses: | None, everybody complains about the tires, the interrupted seat tube, and the 24" rear wheel........Well F them because the stock length of seatpost goes down to the perfect height and goes up enough to ride xc on, the tires hook up good and there just isnt anything wrong with the 24" rear wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Sun zuzu pedals but otherwise full stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great, dont listen to anybody that disses this bike because it rules. $1,000 less than last years comp? What a deal.....5 and 5 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matviyko Hadeon
a Weekend Warrior
from Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All singletracks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bought it online | | Strengths: | This bike is a great bike!!! It has cool colors! The rear and front suspension is very plush! Great components and fat tires! It rides well when going on uphills and rides on downhills like water! Plus, weight of the bike is lighter than it looks. It handles well in all terrains especially mud and sand and big rocks!!! | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Cannondale Gemini 1000 | | Bike Setup: | 2003 XTR rear and front derailleurs and sh1ifters, with 2003 Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2 fork. | | Bottom Line: | It's a perfect freeride bike for the price and components!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuprun, Austria
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dead Man's trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1675.00 | | Purchased At: | Kuprun Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Everything!!!! | | Weaknesses: | none! | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | xt rear der., lx front der., marzocchi super t, ....etc. | | Bottom Line: | This an awsome all around bike, especially if you are having a midlife crisis and trying to kill yourself by jumping off clifs and stuff. I don't do that...but.. flying down hills like a maniac is a great feeling. It climbs suprizingly well for its weight!!! Great price!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Luge and Rock-it | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Suspension, good and plush fork, great components, does not bob as much on uphills as compared to other bikes, light, and the fat tires!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | the lx front derailleur, could've had a better one, like an xt for example, not a big deal though | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Bighit | | Bike Setup: | xt rear der., lx front, hayes disc brakes...etc | | Bottom Line: | Great bike with great components!!!! The price is perfect and affordable!!!! Beefy looking bike with cool color! Great suspension!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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