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Submitted by
Werner Ennesser
a Racer
from Herndon, Va, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Diablo Freeride park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Peirmont Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Very Solid Bike, Excellent freeride bike. | | Weaknesses: | Weight of bike for XC races | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, KHS | | Bike Setup: | Changed the front air shock to a hydraulic shockwith lock out and adjustable travel, changed rear shockfrom an air shock to a spring shock, Changed brakes from shimano to hayes disk, Changed tires to Kenda's | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, It's like it was built just for me. It's very comortable when riding, the lock outs make riding the hills much easier along with the adjustable travel. It's very smooth on small drops, never took any big hits with it. Very low maintenance on this bike also and very easy to work on and adjust. I highly recomend this bike to any one who is into free riding. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gixxer Stunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Camp Fortune only cause its close to home | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | From a Friend | | Strengths: | Frame is solid, for what I use it for unlike some of the reviews I read about them doing 10 feet drops..what the hell this is NOT a TRUE downhill bike, I do go downhill but dont take massive drops... | | Weaknesses: | It's hard to say since I got the bike used, I guess the seat for one and I'm not impressed
with the 555 brakes and the crank was making some noise when I got the bike.
I've since replaced almost everything off this bike only stock part left are the breaks and frame
and the brakes will be changed over the winter.
| | Similar Products Used: | None this is my first Full Suspension Mountain Bike. | | Bike Setup: | I've got most of these part used at a great deal that's why I put soo many parts on this bike.
Manitou Sherman Slider Plus, Custom made stem from a buddy of mine who is a machinist, Easton Monkey Lite handlebars,
Sun-Ringle RPM XXL rims, Manitou Swinger SPV Air rear shock, Truvativ Hussefelt Crank, Shimano Saint Rear Derailleur, Thomson Elite seat post.
Breaks are the next thing to get upgraded just haven't made my mind on what I want yet. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I would of never put this much money into this bike but since I got Amazing deals on all my parts, I did if ever the frame breaks like some have said and Specialized give me a hard time all I need is to buy a real good downhill frame and put all my parts on it.
I paid 900$ bike and got another 1000$ into part.
Hell the front forks alone cost that...
I really like my bike with all the mods thats for sure.
I dont think I could of bought any bike for 1900$ and have all these parts on it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle (Renton, WA) | | Strengths: | Priced well. Decends very very well. Great trail bike. Well designed geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Very heavy. I actually disagree with some of the below comments, as I do not think it climbs well...not bad, but not well. Psylo fork is really weak. Cheapo Specialized components. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis XLT, Fisher Cake, Giant VT | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, a good bike for the money. Rides well on the trails and decends well. Components on it are cheap, but then again you get a lot of bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Severe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | 4 bar rear suspension, climbs very well, descends just as well if not better | | Weaknesses: | the infamous chainsuck :( | | Similar Products Used: | '99 Stumpjumper Comp | | Bike Setup: | '05 Pike Race, Float RL w/Itch switch, XT/XTR Components, Avid Mech Disk Brakes | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a bike with more travel than the Stumpjumper, and that could climb as well, under $1500. I had a chance to ride the '03 Pro a few months back, and that sold me on the bike to get. I ended up finding the Comp on sale, and haven't regretted it since. I added the Float RL in the back, and with lockout this bike is an amazing climber. It descends amazingly on tech trails. I've been able to take harder lines on this bike with no problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Malcolm Jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Whakarewarewa Forest!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | On Yer Bike, Wellington | | Strengths: | Wow, this bike was amazing. At the time of looking for a new bike, my previous being a 2001 Scott Expert Racing (another great bike!! superb climber, pity that I broke 6 back wheels on it, riding it on trails for which it was not designed), I had only one criteria. Match my riding style. Rear wheels are expensive after a while!!!
I checked out a GT I-Drive 2.0, and a Giant AC3.
It was pretty much a Goldilocks story. The GT too stiff, and felt fragile, the AC3, too fat for the riding I do, but the Enduro was just right, but $2k more NZ dollars than my budget!!! Well worth it though. It climbs well, its a great handling rig for downhills, and while I am not as fast as my free riding buddies on there Kona Stinkies, and Big Hits, I still feel fresh after a climb!! Lovely. | | Weaknesses: | I had to have the rear shock, a Fox Float R, rebuilt after about 4 months, but this came back very very smooth, and the Psylo's just before the warranty ran out!! Thanks warranty. Also I found the 555 Brakes behave a little queer when the pads are ultra low, ie, the pistons don't seem to retract as far as they should, resulting in brake rub. | | Similar Products Used: | As mentioned above, I tried the AC3 and the i-Drive 2.0. Both of these are great bikes in their own right, but they really didn't match the riding I do as well as the Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Standard out of the box. Rock Shox Psylo XC U-Turns, Fox FloatR, Shimano 555 Hydraulic discs, god awful seat, XT rear, LX front. | | Bottom Line: | A fantastic bike!! I am only a little gutted that I bought this at the end of the season, without waiting for a 2004 bike, which may have got me pro-pedal. That said, I totally love every moment of riding the bike.
Whats broken? Only the rear derailleur is what I can only describe as a freak moment. No crash, just a filthy big rock smashing its way through. Stink.
I am an instant Specialised fan, and may even switch my road bike from Giant preference, to Specialized, who knows...
To anyone thinking about buying an all purpose, all mountain bike, then the enduro range is about the best in my opinion. Its just what components that you want, that will help you choose the model. I would say that you are a rider that likes Cross Country, but also the odd challenge of going fast down tight single track, you aren't scared of drops, and you'll ride over just about anything.
Hope this helps anyone looking at a current model, as well as perhaps the secondhand market!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Galen Day
a Cross Country Rider
from Paoli, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Frech Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Strengths: | Solid product. My equation was a ratio of price to weight to travel. This got me 5 inches of travel on a bike that weights under 30 pounds for only $1850. I could not find a better deal. Let me know if you can.
| | Weaknesses: | Rear linkage and bottom bracket developed banging sounds at about the 8 month mark. Specialized replaced both free of charge. Very happy with thier customer service. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except. New larger tires and an 8 inch Hayes HD front disc. | | Bottom Line: | The best value I found for a cross country rider that really likes the downhills. I have taken the bike to a few ski areas and it does well. If you can only afford one bike. I think this is the bes solution under $2K.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from burke
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything colorado | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | washington bike center | | Strengths: | first off an awesome bike. the tires, the fox shock, and the phylo fork all awesome. This is an all around trail bike that can take on almost anything you can throw at it | | Weaknesses: | the seat is a little uncomfortable, and get some new pedals for it | | Similar Products Used: | specialized big hit pro (way to expensive and weighs as much as a car) never again | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for some evil twin tires and some well placed accents here and there like grips, chain, ect..... | | Bottom Line: | Some bikes are awesome but ridiculously over priced, this bike will match all those bikes but still have a lower price. Also as long as you are between 140 and 175 the shocks shouldnt bottom out on you. You can just have fun with this bike, its a ton of fun to ride and everything is smooth. There are better bikes out there but for the price this bike cannot be beat! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vic Prudente
a Weekend Warrior
from Manila Philippines
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail in Colorado/Wisconsin | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | KatoCycle Nagoya Japan | | Strengths: | Looks, plush and smooth anywhere, affordable. What more do you want? | | Weaknesses: | Depends on your setup (and if it really matters); weight. Mine weighs 30 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Santo Cruz Heckler, Mongoose Grand Marquis. | | Bike Setup: | Upgrade to XT/XTR, SuperNova, Chrs King, Mavic F219, Thomson, stock brakes (Shimano 525) after market pads. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? Awesome everywhere. Easy to adjust and play around with, awesome red color. I got mine from Japan and I think they are the only ones who have this type of red. If only the Spesh brand is more exotic like Turner or Titus or Intense. But what the hell, they seem to want to be a Spesh anyway.. Hee hee. ('0') | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from OTTAWA (go sens go)
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tremblant urban | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Very nice frame geometry, i love the Fox Float R. ITch switch changes rear travel from short(100mm) to long(130mm). Very easy to adjust. Fork is nice and smooth. Nice fork rebound control, from very fast rebound, too very slow. | | Weaknesses: | Fork is a bit soft. Not much of a problem for people around 150-180lbs. Ticks on upper legs of the fork had no relation to the actual travel. Maybe swap the discs for a pair of XT's, Hayes, or Hope Mini's. The bike is a bit heavy but thats what ya get for a good solid bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Fluid, Giant VT1,2, Rocky Mountain ETSX, K2 Tirade. | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Yeti lock-on grips, New tires FT= Tioga Factory DH 2.5, RT= Maxxis Swamp 2.5. New seat. Rims: SunRims: Big mamooth. Planning on removing stock specialized componants: stem, handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for anyone who wants an all mountain performer.
Things i would change the secound i buy the bike.
:Fatter and better tires
:Get rid of some specialized componants
Thats it.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkeley, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadel State park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bikes | | Strengths: | Excellent DH, great climbing traction, nice paint, good looks, I use it for technical trail, XC riding where I think it excells | | Weaknesses: | Weight, if you're keeping track of stuff like that. | | Bike Setup: | All stock - air/spring or elastomer combo Marrzochi forks, Hayes disk brakes, flip-flop Fox shock | | Bottom Line: | This bike performs just great on rocky trails, general X-country, and is great on the subsequent DHs that follow. A bit heavy if you care about keeping up with folks on light XC suspension bikes, but the plusher ride is worth it for me. Frame and forks are too light for all out downhill or freeriding but can definately take it when it arises as long as you can hang on. Overall rating - Awesome, plush, frame and I've learned to live with the fork by keeping alot of air in it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Gibbon
a Cross Country Rider
from Peoples Republic of Mossley
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Long and hard, like my johnson | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | wont even give em airspace | | Strengths: | Frame is excellent....Great geometry and Specialized have addressed the lack of seat post adjustment so that you get a bit more travel than the Stumpjumper FSR without smacking the rear shock. Well impressed with the Shock despite what the other reviews say. The Itch Switch does work and makes a difference on those uphill legs. Good clearance for wider tyres,I've got 2.5 inch maxxis high rollers on at the moment. Had to change the bushes after 500 miles....not bad. | | Weaknesses: | Forks....complete pants...come set up for a 9 stone anorexic not a meaty mtb rider and then they charge you for having the correct springs fitted...if you let them. Fox vanilla forks would be better by far. Shimano Disk Brakes and cr*p. The pads wear out in no time and they are a nightmare to bleed cos the screws break. Fit Hope M4s they are the mutts nuts. Chainset is pants and leads to a lot of chainsuck....change the rings for better quality ones and the chainsuck should stop. Why doesn't the bike come with XT groupset throughout instead of the mish mash of shimano gubbins that you get. Clean the frame after washing with a little silicone lube spray and it will look like new. Wheels are cheap (specialized seem to think that a great frame and naff wheels is a good compromise.....try riding a great frame with 6 snapped spokes and a warped wheel) | | Similar Products Used: | Several, Scott, Ellsworth, GT, Marin....all borrowed not bought.... | | Bike Setup: | Hope M4s front and rear, Hope headset, Hope Bulb Hubs, Mavic D521 Rims, soon to have new Fox Vanilla forks and Race Face chainset. | | Bottom Line: | Great ride. Looks good and rides better. A must for the cross country rider out for a laugh with mates (a bit heavy for racing) The bike lends itself well to a bit of free ride and even downhill. Seems to be a great all round frame that allows for adaptation with components specific to different styles of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from North Yorkshire
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any lumpy bits! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | TAV isle of wight | | Strengths: | UPDATE on earlier review. Stronger than i thought, despite a good heavy sesh at Coed y brenin and Glentress last summer ! No real issues with anything Speciazed supplied. Wheels have still never been touched and remain pretty good! | | Weaknesses: | Paint is now getting a bit concerning!, the amount of cable rub is getting bad even though i have used pace carbon armor to protect it bt it tends to wear on edges which they dont stick to that well.. Seat Post was replaced under warranty due to the weld breaking at the top and the saddle rotating while riding, amusing!! The bearings in the Flip Flop link were eventually replaced under warranty after a bit of debate (see earlier review!) Other than that no problems, infact its bloody great! | | Bike Setup: | I have also changed the forks to a pair of Marzocchi Z1 Drop offs - they are soooo plush and make a real difference - i sold the psylos after 6 months to an ebay muppet for £190!! also replaced the chainset for a rce face turbine, together with a rollamagig - Much better shifting!. | | Bottom Line: | It's ace - buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Ca US
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1619.00 | | Purchased At: | UC Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great frame and the fox shock is plush with no pedal bobing. The itch switch lockout and fork lockout features with the Manitou Platnum. | | Weaknesses: | Only problem I had was the fork leaked oil from the right arm and the compression adjust knob was missing a screw and it fell out. Both fixed by the bike sho | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F2000 Specialized stumpjumper Gt STS | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike very well balanced takes jumps and downhills very well. Very good braking. I found that on rough climbs I climbed better than my hardtail because I had better traction and control. I have a medium frame and I am 5'10" 210 pounds. The geometry fits me so well and it makes short work of low speed technical stuff as well as the flats and high speed decents. This bike inspires confidence and is the most comfortable bike I have ridden. My rides are averaging about an extra 5-7 miles because I just don't get as tired on this bike.
My only complaint was that manitou apparently left a seal out of my fork and it leaked, the oil then got on my disk brake rotor and presto, no front brakes. The manitou rep gave my LBS the seals and the problem is solved and the fork feels great but I could have been seriously hurt. You Get alot for your money on this one. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to do a little bit of everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | south mt Phoenix and palmer park Colorado Springs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | smooth ride, extremely durable frame, good suspension, psylo shock works well for semi aggressive riding; deore, lx and xt components work well; smooth ride; fairly light for class; fits me awesome!; Hydrolic brakes kick serious but; Such a good ride that I forget how rough the trails are! | | Weaknesses: | pedals are garbage, put old clipless on; seat is so so; otherwise I love this bike!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | test road and shopped a lot; best bike for budget; got very fair deal; past bikes beat to crap diamond back and fisher; checked out tomac, weyless, K2, sugar, trek fuel 80... | | Bike Setup: | hydrolic disk brakes deore (very controlled!); deore shifters; xt derail; psylo uturn front; fox air rear | | Bottom Line: | I am less agressive of a rider than I used to be, but I still ride really hard and as often as possible. If the bike is not really tough I will break it as I broke my fisher frame; manitous on the diamond back etc. This bike is smokin'!!! It fits me great and the frame is very solid. I think specialized makes a great product.
Stumpjumper just could not compare and the lower enduro had a crappy front shock that bottomed out. It was worth the extra money for the comp.
Bottom Line- if you ride a lot and like to push the limits once in a while check this bike out!!! Aside from the pedals (easy to replace) this is an all around great xc bike set-up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
silent red
a Downhiller
from honolulu,hawaii
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | kahuku track/st.louis hts | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop | | Strengths: | the flip-floplink!!light and fast stiff no pedal bob | | Weaknesses: | no room to drop seat psylo too plush seat is gayer than richard simmons deore shifters specialized stock parts(seatposts,grips seats) | | Similar Products Used: | khs montana trail/specialized fsr expidition | | Bike Setup: | stock new big hit seat more comfy,dont sway away from spec's body geometry | | Bottom Line: | first off make sure when you buy a bike from the shop they has whats supposed to be on the bike for instance check the inner tubes mine were switched and it cost me two flats due to crappy inner tubes and make sure you have themgive you the neccessary booklets and manuals because some bike shops hire for looks not skills>< The enduro is a great bike if you like xc with some drops but as far as a bomber it doesnt handle drops more than 5 ft. but other than that if you like a fast trailbike that rides singletrack like heavens and is light for those uphills than this is it!! THE bike. for the pri trail bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave M
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Matlock Mission, Derbyshire UK | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Handling & versatility | | Weaknesses: | Low BB, Scratches show up too easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Sub 5 | | Bike Setup: | Hope M4 brake upgrade | | Bottom Line: | 1600 quid (about $2,600 at current exchange rate) seems a little expensive looking at the other reviews however in the UK this is an excellent specc'd bike for the money. It does XC, freeride & tackles the DH comfortably. The low BB height does force you to adapt your riding style to suit. I generally run the back end a little stiff on low travel setting with the forks between 100 - 105mm and think a little more in advance how I tackle the technical stuff, I only wind the travel out for the fast bumpy bits when gravity is on my side. Flipping the link made things a little easier but I felt as though I were perched on top of the thing. The bike is reasonably light however the rear wheel weighs in a fair bit - if you want to lighten up the that's the place to start. The M4 upgrade is the mutts nutts. All in all great bike, superb suspension & difficult to beat for the money (at least in the UK!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Alabaster Al. USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Blood Rock @ Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1580.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Link in Hoover Al. | | Strengths: | Do everything type bike. Adj. geometry and suspension. Reasonable weight.
FUN!! | | Weaknesses: | BB Height, too low. Cheap but functional shifters. Rear Shock. Weak paint, looks good new. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 20, Fisher Sugar Plus, Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with 15 degree Thompson stem, Answer taperlite handle bars and XTR front Derailleur, heavier front fork spring. Link set at steep angle and raised BB height. | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic DO-IT-All bike. If you are a racer type look elsewhere, if Epic rides are your thing get one. I used to ride a Sugar 2 and am just plain too fat/slow to do the Sugar justice. The Sugar is a great race bike.
Good things: Adj. Height suspension is a great feature, although the front fork is not very easily adjusted, only having rebound adj, I had to use a stronger spring to keep front end from diving in corners, then I had to increase oil viscosity to control heavier spring.
Rear Fox Float could use a lock out or maybe I'll just replace with a stable platform type. Stock the Fox packs downand loses travel no matter how the rebound is set, maybe that is why we all bang our pedals while riding, I lose travel and the rear squats and stays squatted, especially in small chatter bumps.
Overall I really enjoy my bike, I keep more air in rear than needded, but it helps keep the pedals from banging rocks and roots, most of the time. Stiffer front spring was best upgrade so far.
Bike will climb farther than my legs will and decends like it believes it is a downhill bike. Jumps smooth and level and I have done ONE 4 foot drop with no ill effects, me or the bike.
If you are in B-Ham Alabama visit the guys at BIKE LINK it's a great store, they know the area and can recommend ride spots and bike set-ups.
4 chilis for value, cheap shifters and rear shock,
Overall would be 5 if it had better shifters. So it goes 4. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Werner Jonassen
a Weekend Warrior
from Lillehammer, Norway
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | A frame that you can do almost anything with. If you want you can trim the weight down, or as i did, add stronger components. | | Weaknesses: | I have the XL-framesize. I`m a big guy, 195 cm and 115 kg, the original Psylo XC was to soft, so soft that i bottomed it out almost effortlesly, The same problem I also have with the rear shock. I`m running it at 350 psi... This wil also be changed to a Fox Vanilla. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike for almost everything, this is it! I use it for downhill, cross country, as a playbike, jumping an excersice.... Want more can you ask for? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Barthel
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | John Henry's on the North Shore | | Strengths: | Comfortable ride, easy to control, love the frame geometry! | | Weaknesses: | Components weak | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Sasquatch (hardtail), Brodie Enduro (downhill bike) | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock except for egg beater pedals and SRAM PC99 chain. Mine is actually a 2002 model. | | Bottom Line: | It might be a bit slower than most hardtails going cross country but on longer rides (50km+) you'll be less fatigued as you pass them by!
Things to watch out for:
- The Marzocchi fork tubes have cracked up inside the crown (thankfully under warranty for me). In the meantime I'm using Fox Float 80RL and so far they feel good.
- The Fox Float R air rear shock has had grit abrade the main tube and now loses substantial air when under compression; I suggest some sort of cover (fork 'gaiter' or 'shroud'?) to keep the grit off but you'd have to religiously remove it at the end f the ride so as to not trap moisture
- ditch the Shimano disk brakes and get Hayes - pads need to be replaced *way* too often
Unlike what others have said, I actually like the stock seat, very comfortable for me.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Lockwood
a Cross Country Rider
from West Yorkshire UK
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake District ..........Cumbria | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2330.00 | | Purchased At: | evans mail order | | Strengths: | Feels very strong, inspires confidence in a newish shredder!Shows fellow riders more expensive steeds a clean pair over certain technical sections.........Looks the business | | Weaknesses: | Paint scratches way too easy, poor shifting, cable rub on frame very evident in a very short time, worlds most uncomfortable seat, brakes poor feel at first, but now starting to bite well after 700 miles, 40 mile ride in Cumbria just completed returned to find bush in flip flop gone, after speaking to evans was pointed in Specialized direction, fearing the worst see Jon Dean's review i was pleasantly suprised to be told that a modified bush was available and would be sent to me F.O.C so dont give up any fellow flip flop casualties. | | Similar Products Used: | Not a lot went from a 35lb Giant bloater did the research test rode handed over my hard earned. | | Bike Setup: | Standard now getting the upgrade itch.......that seat! bars, shifters, front mech, crank | | Bottom Line: | This bike realy does make you feel that you can tackle anything, cuts down technical descents with ease, climbs like a monkey, buy this bike if you want a go anywhre do anything trail shredder dont buy this bike if you want a feather weight racer! protect the frame change the obvious.
Nuff said ...............buy one laugh at your mates. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from York, North Yorkshire
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | north yorkshire moors | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2138.00 | | Purchased At: | TAV, Isle of Wight | | Strengths: | Strong, Flexible, confidence inspiring - I'll go over things i daren't on my old Marin Hard tail without thinking. The Flip Flop Link.... read on | | Weaknesses: | Low spec shifters, I dont trust Shimano Pedals, I think the Shimano 555 brakes are a bit weak (compared to a mates Hope Minis.. although i have just fiddled with them and .. getting better!!!) Front Mech alignment is a b*tch, DONT TAKE IT OFF UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO.... Paint Quality is.. well read the other reviews.. its so easily scratched but T-Cut sorts it (For how long though?) After 6 Months (about 350 miles in Wet North yorkshire moors terrain) the bearing in the Flip Flop link are just starting to grind and i have been informed by Mr Specialized that they are not covered under the warranty... we'll see... Other than that theres the weight... slightly heavier than my old stripped down Marin Hard tail but i have got used to it. The Front tyre is prone to washing out - but that's only a few quid to sort out. Cables wear on the frame badly so PROTECT IT. Needs a Rollamagig.
Overall nothing that would stop me buying one again but just things to take action on before they happen. The Psylo's are ok but you cant extend them on the move so before that downhill you have to stop and be a fsahion victim for a minute winding the forks up!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jeckyl (Felt Wierd), Giant AC1 (More fun DH but HEAVY) | | Bike Setup: | XT Shifters, XT Cassette, Time ATAC pedals and a Argos Bike computer (Free with my Premier points!!!) Considering XT Chainset. Sachs Chain. | | Bottom Line: | A great Do anything bike. the flip Flop linkage is a brilliant invention, I assumed when mine came it was on the High BB, sharp head angle setting. I was having massive problems getting the thing to turn and also suffering with rocks catching the cranks, It got to the point where i was considering selling the XL frame and buying an S-Works L frame to cure it. Over a few pints i decided to fiddle and found out it was in Lazy fork/ low BB mode, changed that and boy does she turn now!! What a transformation. Bear in mind i am 6ft 3in, 210lbs fat bloke!!
If you get one, Note the concerns on Cable routing - they will rub, on the left hand side at the front of the lower swing arm, near the Bottom bracket; behind the front mech where the cable comes up from below; Cables either side of the aheadset bottom race.
Keep it polished - that protects against scratches a bit and cover the rear swinger top bars with stickers to protect the paint from your ankles/choes scratching!.
buy one - you wont regret it!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matio
a
from Littleton
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | This is the ideal bike for somebody who wants a "do it all" bike. I have ridden it to do the Winter Park Hill Climb as well as doing some crazy downhill stuff at Keystone(with friends who were riding downhill bikes. They were impressed at how well I kept up, and so was I!! | | Weaknesses: | I'm excited about the bike, but will definitely upgrade stuff, when and if it starts to break or wear out. I'll probably to switch to Sram drivetrain sometime soon | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid | | Bike Setup: | Stock, currently | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!! I looked at spending more and going up a couple of levels, but I decided this is the bike for me. There are things that will need to be upgraded over time, but not right now. If you're looking for a do it all TRAIL bike, then this is the bike for you. Don't forget to have fun!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Strong
a Downhiller
from Midland, MI
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Stubway | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | plush travel, good equilibrium of suspension and components. great frame design | | Weaknesses: | Little heavy for xc, specialized cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | TWO SETUPS:
xc-thompson post, raceface straight bar, time pedals, specialized team computer, lizard skins, sram rocket shifters, yeti lockon grips
dh-kore B52 stem, specialized riser bar, stock saddle and post, sram, lizard, time | | Bottom Line: | The best eveything bike. I rdie it xc and can keep up, decend really well. race it downhill, awesome for michigan downhil. Going to race it mountain cross, it will probably be sweet then too. Get one, its worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from PEI, Cananda
Date Reviewed: July 4 |
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$ 1950.00
