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Submitted by
john denike
a Racer
from tucson
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | treasure island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | fairwheal bikes | | Strengths: | great handling on tough trails over big technical terain, the shock and the fork are very ajustable, handles litle freeride things very well (below 8 feet, turns amazing, stable in the air, there is a great gard on the first set of gears which has probably saved them from severe damage | | Weaknesses: | chain hits and scratches the fraim were the fabrich gard covers, the stock tires easily burst and are very thin, my first shock leeked oil and replaicing it took 2 and a half weeks, the derailer started jerking after a few days but then stopped, | | Bike Setup: | stock 07 enduro | | Bottom Line: | Overal despite some small problems this is an amazing bike. On this bike i can do realy tigt steep manuevering that i could never dream of doing before, at both fast and slow speeds. It handles very well. It also handles six foot drops very well. This is a great bike for people who like to do heavier technical trails at speed. But also whant to freeride. Ive done a couple of 5-9 stairs and a six foot and it was great. For me since i just turned 15 i need to be able to ride it to were im going to do the freerideing so the way its not to relaxed and is an 18 speed is great. And although it is heavy its definetly not a tank so its ridable.
The great thing about this bike is that although it is a great freeride machine its lite enough and has enough gears to actualy go places on it. Even if i was planing to do a lot of trailriding i dont think i would of got a lighter bike with less travel because when your on a trail how can you resist a litle drop or going fast over the rough stuff. lastly it comes with a lifetime frame waranty and a year long component waranty.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul M
a Cross Country Rider
from Colchester, UK
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Betwys Y Coed | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Thomas's Cycle Revolution, Colchester | | Strengths: | Comfort, plushness, forgiving handling, spec for money, rear suspension design, versatility and riding position. | | Weaknesses: | That rear shock bearing... Marzocchi EXR Supra forks. Oh, and the Romic upgrade weighs 3x as much as the Fox Float, but I'm nitpicking ;-) | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Rockhopper, Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock apart from Romic rear shock and Hope M4 disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | An absolute bargain.
The Enduro seems happy doing anything, from tackling hardcore trails to pootling back and forth to the office on dry days. The Fox rear shock gives a plush ride, and the 100mm setting changes the damping characteristics to a progressive rate as opposed to near linear in long travel setting, munching the climbs. I upgraded to a Romic on the advice of an Enduro owning pal and have noticed that the rear suspension tracks far better without losing any small bump sensitivity - thanks to compression damping control. So far, so good. It stil climbs very well despite the porky Romic weighing about as much as three Fox Floats...
The rear suspension is compliant and unaffected by braking forces. Pedalling does induce a SMALL amount of bob, but not as much as some would have you believe. Most of the bob is the result of the front suspension failing to differentiate between pedalling forces and terrain.
Which brings me to my main criticism of the base UK Enduro, that Marzocchi shock. Mine felt underdampened, the rebound was vicious until tamed with 7.5 weight oil. The rebound adjuster fell off on it's second ride and I still haven't quite dialled into the Marzocchis yet despite endless fettling with both air and spring preloads. They're heavy too and I personally can't wait to bin them for a pair of Fox Vanillas or maybe Manitou Shermans - a pair of the latter are very temptingly priced.
My sole secondary niggle is the front Specialized skewer, which loosens itself at will. Grr!
Otherwise I've upgraded to Hope M4 brakes which offer superb modulation and feel. The Shimanos just aren't in the same league. I also hope to be upgrading the wheelset shortly, as the stock wheels are definitely on the weighty side. However, for a base spec pedigree full susser at £1500.00 (UKP) you gets what you pays for and the XT rear mech, Telluride saddle, hollowtech cranks and LX front mech compensate. A similarly priced Kona or Marin makes do with Deore/LX. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P Sieb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | sticks&stones | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Cost!! This is an outstanding frame and component set for the cost, which is easily upgradable. It's allowed me to keep up with my downhill buddies on the rough stuff. | | Weaknesses: | You get what you pay for with the shocks. On long rides you definitely need to carry your shock pump. Low cross country like clearance until you change the flip/flop link...wish it was even a bit higher. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic, fuel 90,100, Cake, Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Base Enduro with XT rear and shimano disc, Mar. comp. front, Fox RL rear. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the value. I also have an Epic but find myself riding my Enduro more. It sucks for climbing with all of the bob, but upgrades and/or stronger legs would take of that. I like Specialized for their customer support too. Also, set the flip/flop link for the higher bottom bracket hieght. It takes a while to dial in the front shock/ I found I like 10-15psi more than my weight in the rear shock. Hit some jumps and Have fun!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MntBikenBamBam
a Weekend Warrior
from La Habra
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | la habra cyclery | | Strengths: | Great shox, never bottomed em out (but im only 150lbs)... fun to ride so far has taken everything i threw at it. AND THE HAYES BRAKES WORK GREAT! you just have to break them in correctly... you gotta just ride 3-5miles around your neighborhood while lightly holding the brakes which will break them in. if you do this they wont howl.... ive had mine close to 6 months and they dont make a sound even down the craziest of hills. | | Weaknesses: | only thing i can find is the weight and the seat which is awful by the way. also the front shock doesnt adjust really "on the fly" but they fixed that in the 04 and 05 modles. they also ixed the uphill bob with the lockouts for front and rear | | Similar Products Used: | none just had a trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | stock just some primo pedals` | | Bottom Line: | GREAT ALL AROUND BIKE sucks up the down hills and climbs pretty respectabley. i have no real complants i love mine just cant wait to heal up and be able to ride again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tokai | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Soaking up all you throw at it. Itch switch. Tyres | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side. Bob when climbing. Hayes brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Spesh Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | factory | | Bottom Line: | My LBS lent me this bike while I waited for my new Stumpjumper to arrive. What a revelation this bike was. My last bike was a 2000 Stumpjumper which had a number of upgrades, I then moved, in a moment of weakness onto a Trek fuel 90, so I've had a fair run of full bounce bikes. But the Enduro wipes both bikes.
What amazed me first was the plushness of the ride. On some pretty nasty singletrack, fully rutted and plenty roots the bike purely sailed over them. I found myself not even reaching for the brake levers where previously I would have. The bike hooks up brilliantly. I have a feeling the tyres have a lot to do wth it as well. The bike bike just encourages you to push the limit but never leaves you wondering if it will let go. Flicking the switch to long travel just gives you that added travel which when doing gnarly bits also gives you a little extra confidence.
On the down side the bike is maybe a little on the heavy side, but this depends on what type of riding you are doing. I did notice a fair amount of bob while slogging to the top of a long hill as well. This also needs to be put into context of what the bike is designed to do and when you hit the bottom of the trail a little bob is soon forgotten. The Hayes brakes don't impress me. I had them on the Fuel as well and wasnt blown away. When hot they fade, rotors go out of true and the pads wear fairly quickly. On my previous stumpy I had Promax hydraulics put on and they cleaned the Hayes up in every department.
Overall a very pleasing ride. Look forward to getting my Stumpy expert disc this week to compare to the Enduro as the bar has certainly been lifted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sky
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tryon, HH Spencer, Letworth... etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1479.00 | | Purchased At: | Park Ave Bike Shope | | Strengths: | Smooth quiet suspension. Low bob, Climbs technical trails beautifully, handles awesome, many good components at a very fair price, itch switch is cool, Marzocchi fork rocks of course :-D | | Weaknesses: | Crappy seat, didn't come with Time ATAC pedals (SPD is a joke, come on, when are manufacturers going to get it?) Maybe a bit heavy, but I didn't want a super light bike, the weight on this bike goes into areas that make it more durable. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400
2001 Gary Fisher sugar 3 disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock basically, with the 3rd chainring replaced with a bash guard, time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Very confidence inspiring, fun to ride bike. Definitely the best bike i've ever owned (better than my sugar which cost hundreds of dollars more). A superior value really. It's a shame specialized dicontinued the base model for 04.
Also, a tip, if you do a lot of climbing/log hopping, flip over the flip flop link for the 70.1/13" setting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mech
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 100, 8 & 1a | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great do all go everywhere durable bike. | | Weaknesses: | It is a little on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires and WTB Laser V seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for my riding style and terrains (mostly round rock and broken shale). It has not let me down in any way and gives great confidence while riding. It is great for rough, fast downhill and works well on the flats. Uphill it is a little heavy but not cumbersome. The price was right, I got it at the closeout of the '03 models. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DB Coupe
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fruend, Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle | | Strengths: | Full on travel, nimble on single track, climbs better than a HT on technical and loose type of trails, descends phenominally. | | Weaknesses: | I've replaced everything that people are complaining about in the first week. So no worries so far. Cable routing could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 FSR, Rockhopper Comp, GF Paragon. | | Bike Setup: | So far: Fox Forx Vanilla 125R, Spec. Telluride Comp Seat, IRC Trailbear 2.25 tires. Soon SRAM Attack Shifters and continuous cable housing. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! I have yet to do any long steep climbs but I can already tell it will handle it just fine. The Fox Float RL in short mode is perfect for climbing, I don't notice any pedal bob. The Fox Forx was a great addition, now I have 5X5 travel. The seat upgrade is a must. The telluride was only $40, way more comfy, and actually lighter than stock. The tires I traded off right away and the trailbears are O.K. at min PSI but better at 30-35PSI. I'm not a trigger shifter fan so I plan on swapping out to SRAM twisters. And the cable routing will be greatly improved by running continuously. No rpoblems with mud. The only drwaback is I wish I had more time to ride it (like every day!). I've only ridden it a few times on local trails but I can't wait to get out on some epic 20+ milers with some long climbs and longer downhills. The basic frame and shock are the same as more expensive versions so why not upgrade later to better parts as they brake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mick birmingham
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt Isa Queensland Australia
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The outback desert trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Burwood cycles Sydney | | Strengths: | Comfort and ride
Allows me to ride down the rocky hills around here with much more speed and confidence. Climbs the bloody things easier to or seems to anyway ,it doesn't seem to break traction as easily as the rigid did and takes most gullys and washouts that sneak up on ya at speed with ease. | | Weaknesses: | The seat if you can call it that.
rear disc seems to squek but the front doesn't, a little finger pressure takes away the noise, any suggestions?????
The tyres are paper thin to thin for bush bashing out in the desert as the spinifex grass goes straight through them | | Similar Products Used: | nil > only ridden a rigid to date so this is heaven out here in the rocks and gravel!!! | | Bike Setup: | Still standard as from shop have added bull horns and speedo/tripmeter.
Relpaced standard tyres and tubes with heavey continentals and a thorn proof tubes with puncture proof goo inside the tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for just pokin around in the bush and following cattle trails to waterholes. I aint no light weight at 110 kg and i don't notice any bob as such unless i stand up on an uphill and really put the big ones in. Forks work well for what i do which ain't leapin off drop offs ect. Just cruizin around in the scrub and having fun. I was hesitant to buy a full suspension bike due to all the (DRAMAS) you read about but by crikey i sure am glad i didnt listen to em and followed you blokes advise about the bike, A big thank you for helping me make a great choice../..
If you just want to have fun this is the one for you .... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace Whacker
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah, WA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs in Bellevue | | Strengths: | Great Frame, good components for the price. Excellent value for the money. Itch Switch helps. The frame will last and gives opportunity to switch out components as i get more advanced in my ride. | | Weaknesses: | Minor brake weakness for rear brake - dealer said they probably need to be bled, but haven't done that yet. Seat sucks but better than some i've been on. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | My first real mtb and i think i made a great choice. Long term I may look to tweak the ride here and there - however, i'm a weekender and occasionally Whistler bound-- excellent value with OEM components and nice long term potential. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ettore
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sports | | Strengths: | Strong component set, smooth suspension | | Weaknesses: | Hayes brakes | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup to my review a few months ago.
I had my front caliper replaced no less than 4 times, once taking 2 months to replace. It currently work, but squeals (however, squealing problem can be resolved by realigning the caliper). Front disc warped due to the front brake failing, Hayes refuses to replace it so I have a warped disc now.
Bike, however, is amazing. Technical trails are easy (took off top ring and replaced with bash guard, LOTS of clearance now). Road riding (to / from work) is nice if you keep the tire pressures up. Front and rear fork work nice with a little more than recommended pressures.
I believe this bike would be pretty much perfect with a rear lockout, completely eliminating bob.
4 chilis because I want to kill Hayes for these meagre brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Centre of Everett | | Strengths: | really impressed with the great fit and spec. rides well but seems to dig in and climb very well. Everything is well refined after years of this model, so very little to fault. I grabbed tis on a seasonal clear out, and I'm pleased beyond my expectations, bought over the phone. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes howl like mad; had to face the Marz. IS tabs and the rear triangle tabs, both were out. Had to swap the rear rotor for Aztec to reduce the racket, still not 100% quiet.
The fork is nice but at 4" it should be 5, which it is on the '04 bike. I can live with 4" I guess.
Like all new bikes, the brake levers are in the wrong place, and the seatpost needs to be trimmed to the right height. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my XC trail rider, I also ride a Bullit 10lb heavier. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you see one on sale grab it. for what I paid, you can have 3 Enduros or 1 Turner 5 spot. It rides fine for me, the 5 Spot at 3x the price will have to wait until I win the lottery. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joseph grimes
a Weekend Warrior
from columbus, ga
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | trail of tears phenix city | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$832.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from specialized | | Strengths: | 5 inches travel, light bike, adjustable travel. it passes people going uphill. | | Weaknesses: | brakes are difficult to bleed (wierd bleed valve), stock fork is 4" and not real adjustable. i broke the derailleur hanger three times now. tire width is an issue, 2.4 panaracers would not fit front or rear. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. demo'd enduro pro and s-works epic , those were pissed. | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock, spec comp seat, yeti lock on grips, wellgo pedals. | | Bottom Line: | i ride a trail that is long, fast, but still has shore style ramps and drops, this bike has taken the smaller ramps and drops with ease. if you plan on going big, this is not for you, it is great for someone who rides trails with obstacles, if you are xc get an epic if you are dh get a bighit, if youre in between get this bike. if you got the bank, go ahead and get the one with lockout and better fork. but specialized has done well here. i'll be ordering a bighit from them shortly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Strong well balanced frame. Great high quality components. | | Weaknesses: | None of any significance | | Similar Products Used: | Truth, 5-Spot, NSR Air | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Super T, XTR, Romic (newly available), Hayes 8", Race Face Bash Guard, Mavic 3.1 UST w/ Conti's | | Bottom Line: | Set up as a light-weight downhill bike (34lbs). Frame holds up well to the stresses, but I don't push it with the jumps. An absolute blast to ride, up and down. With the long fork, the geometry is relaxed and the bottom bracket an ideal height for sketchy descents.
This was an excellent bike as a stock aggressive cross-country, but has turned out to be even better for tough rocky trails when equipped with the Zocchi and Romic.
There should be some filtering of intentionally pointless reviews like the one preceding this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold River,CA,United States
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | It's strenghs range to all forms of riding. First, It's an ideal trail bike. It's fox float R reajustable suspension helps a TON will going down the nasty, technical parts. It is also a good bike to learn how to downhill on. The Hayes hydrolic disc brakes are some of the greatest brakes I've ever riden on. Overall, this bike is a lean, mean, mountain biking machine! | | Weaknesses: | So far, I've seen no problems with it. I'll let you know when I do. | | Similar Products Used: | I've used other bikes such as the Giant NRS 1 and the Stumpjumper FSRxc Disc,(though both are XC bikes) I've never riden such a versitle bike. | | Bottom Line: | It's definately worth your money. Though I wish I could've gotton a deal on it, it still is a great bike. Suggestion: bikers who want to become better at your all-around biking skills, come take a ride on the 03 Enduro FSR. The fun is everlasting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastpetersburg
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pumping Station | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1271.00 | | Purchased At: | Green Mountain Cyclery | | Strengths: | Follow up | | Weaknesses: | Follow up | | Similar Products Used: | Follow up | | Bike Setup: | Follow up | | Bottom Line: | I am following up to my previous review I went riding this past sunday at the pumping station the bike climbs nice I flipped the flip flop link right away after reading other reviews it climbs really good but does not descend as good at low speeds over the really technical stuff wich suprised me and my brakes crapped on me read my review for the hfx-9 xc (hayes) it is really sandy there so the sand got on my chain and it makes ubnocious noises but that is no problem so just keep it clean | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastpetersburg pa usa
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pumping station | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1275.00 | | Purchased At: | Green Mountain Cyclery | | Strengths: | Strong frame good components itch switch nice fork adjustable head angle hfx-9 disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | stock except the bike shop put on primo super tenderizers right away because I do not have clipless shoes | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing for the price I have not ridden a trail yet due to trail conditions but when I hit on I will update this review for the time I have been riding it it is amazingly lighter than I thought it wuold be the drivetrain is so smooth that it is not even funny the bike also has amazing suspension I do not know whaty other reviews are complaining about this bike is amazing and I recomend it to everyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Just
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | FSR, of course! Also the variable geometry via FlipFlop linkage. Oh, having the the ITch switch is great too! Great technology from Specialized. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano Deore shifters, already replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Id, Specialized Epic & Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades so far: Fox Vanilla 125R fork, Thomson stem and seatpost, Shimano XTR der's and shifter, BG Comfort saddle, Shimano 646 clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I was instantly comfortable with the Enduro geometry, like I'd been riding the bike for months. After 3 weeks, experimented with the FlipFlop and enjoyed the ride even more! At the 70.5 angle, climbing became noticeably easier, and long flats needed lighter pedaling. When descending, I only had to lower the seatpost to easily let myself out of the saddle to attain better weight distribution. Plus the wide 2.2 tires and Shimano discs added loads to my confidence!
I have no real complaints so far. I guess if I want better components, I'd have to pay the price of the better models, right? So now I'm thinking of upgrading the components slowly, or as they require replacement.
One such upgrade I'm very pleased with is my Fox Vanilla 125R fork. I don't really need a lockout, as using proper technique seems much easier than having to fiddle with a lock. Same goes for the rear Float R, as the patented FSR design already negates pedal-induced bob. Of course, the ITch switch is a really cool feature to have for on-the-fly adjustment!
Changed the stock saddle outright. Now, it's all very plush! Like all adjustable components, it pays to read and understand the manuals. From the outset, I had all shock preloads set accurately, and subsequent rebound adjustments dialed in. Since then, I've had a consistently comfortable ride and have no desire to fiddle with anything. Well, not yet anyway. At any rate, it's great to have these options available to you as part of a package. It actually made me enjoy climbing and ride all day!
The Enduro should be on everyone's shortlist, especially if you're looking to have only one bike! Don't take my word for it, go out and try one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MJS
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame, fork and rear shock are pretty good. All other parts (Specialized house parts) are solid performers and do their job sufficiently. | | Weaknesses: | In just the first month of riding the left side crank stripped out - pedal came out of crank and was stuck to my shoe while riding! I took it back to the shop and they proceeded to put on a new crank arm the - only problem was that it was a 170mm, not a 175mm like it was supposed to be!Then just two weeks later my rear brake (Hayes) started acting up. The lever stuck a few times while riding almost causing me to have some serious accidents. That same ride my rear derailleur decided to go on strike and stopped shifting and to top things off my pedals put my shoes into a death grip and would not let go of them - of course during critical juncture once again causing me to crash. I have taken the bike back to the shop each time to get things fixed. I'm being patient because in all the years that I've owned Specialized bikes I've never had any problems so I guess I was due for some problems. I need to wait for my new rear brake to come in and will try riding again in a week or so. BUT THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE! IF THIS BIKE MALFUNCTIONS AGAIN MY LBS WILL BE GETTING AN EARFUL AND I WILL ASK FOR A REFUND!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher, Klein....really too many bikes to remember | | Bike Setup: | All XT, Marzocchi Fork, Fox rear shock, Hayes hydro's, Specialized house parts, Easton EA70 Stem, Time Atac Pedals, Easton Monkeylite Carbon low-rise bars, Panaracer Fire XC Kevlar Pro (2.1's)...... | | Bottom Line: | Have tons of Specialized in the past and never had any problems. Now this bike falls apart on me every ride. BEING PATIENT BUT IF THE BIKE CRAPS ON ME ONE MORE TIME IT GOES BACK!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ettore
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor, ON
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sports | | Strengths: | Smooth Ride, looks amazing, excellent component set for the $$$ | | Weaknesses: | Quality assurance issues | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike is amazing ... but quality is pretty bad apparently.
1. Front brake, worked for one or two pulls. Auto-bleed feature in handle failed. Bleeding system didn't help.
2. Rear shock sags. Sit on bike for 5 minutes, shock goes all the way down to the point of it doing nothing.
3. Stock configuration of rear suspension is bad, change it to raise the bottom bracket. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sloth
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Leith Hill, Surrey, UK | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2315.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesurgery, London | | Strengths: | For this price, unbeatable set of components + frame.
Seems pretty much bombproof - have throw it at everything and barely any probs. | | Weaknesses: | Headset went after 1 month (think i'm jinxed with them tho!)
Squeaky brakes and think bottom bracket could be better.
Bit on the heavy side sometimes.
BB height/clearance. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Epic Disc / Trek Liquid.
Never owned any full sus bikes, previous was 10-year-old KHS Montana Pro rigid job! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except replaced headset | | Bottom Line: | This bike really has made me ride so much faster (despite being 8 pounds heavier than my last one!)
Climbing/ Downhilling - never ridden anything like it - awesome!
Will have to try flipping the rear sus bracket after reading other reviews here.
Great value for money all-rounder that can't be beaten.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tortoise
a
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles | | Strengths: | I like this style of frame, it feels very agressive going uphill, and I feel like I have good power on the uphill even with excessive rear wheel bobbing from rear suspension. If you haven't switched the "flip-flop" linkage in the back yet, try this. I change mine to the 70.5 degree angle and it made an improvement.
Both the Marzocchi front suspension and the Fox rear suspension are fantastic. You can adjust these with ease depending on your weight or riding style.
With this bike I feel like I have complete control & balance at all times.
Fairly nice component set also. | | Weaknesses: | The Hayes disc brakes that came with this bike were a complete joke, see my review for Hayes disc brakes.
The seat is rather uncomfortable after a long ride, but this is a cheap thing to replace, no big deal.
The IT Switch thingy seems kinda pointless, I never use it.
The bottom bracket sqeaks a lot after only 3 months of riding.
The gear indicator on the front shifter went out after only 2 months, but its not a big deal.
Also, I prefer handle bars that aren't so wide because its easier to negotiate through all the trees here in Oregon. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Alite | | Bike Setup: | Stock everything. But i will change the brakes, seat and handlebars this winter. | | Bottom Line: | All in all this is a great bike. Other bikes that cost $500 more aren't nearly as good as this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyson
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho Falls
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bills Bike Shop | | Strengths: | FSR linkage, with amazing suspension, hayes disc, and the phat 2.2's | | Weaknesses: | nasty seat and sqweaky deore bb | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock with 2003 time attacks, xt shifters, cassette, and softer body geometry seat | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet ride for the money, good shox front and rear and the cool itch switch that works well on the fly;
This bike smokes the downhills here in southeast idaho and loves mud, cow crap, and tree stumps;
handles well on tight burms and jumps once rebound is set correct on f. and r;
as a bike mechanic and fellow warrior, I definately recommend A++++++ for the all weekend warrior
Recommend upgrading the cassette and b.b. and seat
One more tip...don't ever wash the bike with a hose while the seat post is up too high....water gets in a 1/4 inch hole (inside the seat tube) and collects around the bottom bracket | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benny
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is cool; u can tell its good quality. The bike performs very well either clibming or downhill, and the Flip Flop Link works sweet,significantly changing the frames geometry. Forks are better than others claim. | | Weaknesses: | The cost; i paid approx Aussie $3400.00 and although the frame is good, many of the parts could be better; rims are weak as, the tyres suck; they are |
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$ 1630.00
