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Submitted by
Paul Losordo
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookline, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The next one.... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks Boston | | Bottom Line: | ** UPDATE TO ORIGINAL POSTING 7/2/2004 ***
After a year with the bike, I still think it was a great first time purchase. But, this bike is not setup for the kind of rocky terrain we have here in the Boston area. The Fox Float R rear shock and the front Fox Float 100 are superb. However, I think the rest of the components are junk and parts of the frame are either low end or made for feather weights (I am 200lb). The bike spends every week in the shop with something broken...
* Specialized tires stink. Finally put a Python on the front, Mobster with downhill tube on the back.
* Seat upgraded (can't recall make)
* Thomson elite bent seat post after clamp snapped
* Added Avid discs (not the juicy :-(
* New Mavic 519 rear rim after stock caved in
* Put XT rear cassette
* Freehub (thingy inside cassette) was destroyed..
* Both rear bolts have snapped in half
* Mounting bolt for rear shock snapped
and now....
* Suspension linkage snapped in half last night!
I don't do drops but pretty much try everything else. I can't see why after one year the metal linkage should snap literally in half...Let's hope specialized does the right thing...Think I'll have to get an Enduro...
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Poto | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lightweight, great suspension | | Weaknesses: | None really, some minor issues but nothing major | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except upgraded to Hayes Hydraulics immediately after purchase. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike. The suspension seems to work flawlessly to me, it handles the XC riding I do just fine. I ride as much as time allows, rain or shine (but not cold). It has held up quite well in the time that I have owned it (almost two complete summers).
I seem to break spokes in the rear wheel with alarming regularity, and thought it may be due to my beefy size (190lbs). However, a riding partner bought the exact same bike and he breaks his rear spokes as well (only 140lbs).
I lost a bolt out of the rear pivot by the rear derailer once, and the rear derailer seems to contact the frame when shifting to the smallest sprocket for some reason.
Adjustments to the fork and shock pressures make a dramatic difference in performance depending on the trail you are riding. I can't see how any other suspension could make a dramatic improvement over the Fox suspension supplied on this bike. Don't stick with recommended values, play with it. You may be pleasantly surprised at it's performance.
Reaching down for the little blue lockout levers on the fork and especially the shock is hazardous. I don't even bother any longer.
The bike came stock with Deore shifters, LX front derailer and XTR rear derailer. Shifting has been flawless, with minimal adjustments required over time. I would be interested to know what the higher end shifters would offer over the base Deores.
Bottom line, excellent value, excellent ride. I don't know what the higher end bikes would offer me over this bike other than possibly a few less pounds. I am completely satisfied with my purchase.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
william
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, NH
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Littleton Bike Shoppe | | Weaknesses: | Rear pivots- Bottom shock pivot wears out really quick. Upper pivots on seat stays wear out fast as well.
I am hoping to break the frame so I can get the 2004 model, which seems to have addressed some of the design flaws found on the 2003. | | Bike Setup: | Changed front shock from duke to psylo
stock otherwise | | Bottom Line: | I do like the bike, despite the rear end problems. It handles really well and is fast where it needs to be. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Losordo
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The next one... | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks, Boston | | Strengths: | Acceleration uphill, Foxtrot suspension is very smooth... | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires from specialized, stock brakes, lost suspension bolt 3rd ride (!) | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 model of this bike (demoed only- mushy Manitou suspension) | | Bike Setup: | Stock brakes, hubs, rims, Fox race front & rear, stock front, XTR rear, Hutchison Python&Scorpion tires, stock seat & post, stock handlerbars, shifters... | | Bottom Line: | My first full suspension bike after years off. Tried the Gary Fisher's, didn't like geometry for my body. Tried the 2004 model, like the disc brakes, hated the manitou suspension (mushy for me, maybe I should lose some weight :-p). I have been taking the 2003 all over Eastern Mass, through extremely rocky downhills, singletrack, and Cape Cod sandy stuff. Bike performs very well, especially after changing the tires. Changing the brakes is probably next (hubs are disc compatible)...Bottom line: excellent bike, makes you get out and ride. Buy this bike if you are going to ride off-road and seek to improve to a more serious level. Don't waste your money otherwise: the bike is nice but not suited to leisurely onroad pursuits! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Mckeesport, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boyce Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto's | | Strengths: | Front & Rear Suspension, Component Package | | Weaknesses: | Painful Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Joshua Z2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Plus new WTB Seat and Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great cross country bike. Climbs like a hardtail and the suspension works as smooth as silk.
If your looking for a good cross country full suspension bike, this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Phillips
a Cross Country Rider
from Mckeesport, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boyce Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto's | | Strengths: | Front & rear suspension, Frame geometry, Component package | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is painful, Seat post does not tilt enough | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Joshua Z2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with new WTB saddle, Added Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes | | Bottom Line: | I love the way this bike handles singletrack, it flies uphill and the suspension works very well on the rough stuff. This is the perfect full suspension bike for cross country riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Phillips
a
from Mckeesport, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boyce Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$15000.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto's | | Strengths: | Rear & Front Suspension, Frame Geometry,Component Package | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat is painful, seatpost does not have enough angle adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Joshua Z2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a new WTB Seat and added Avid mechanical disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is a very well designed bike with a great component package. It climbs as well as any hardtail and the suspension handles the rough stuff great.This is the perfect bike for crosscountry riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walt
a Cross Country Rider
from West Bloomfield, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Poto | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1270.00 | | Strengths: | Good Fork/shock spec
Proven suspension design
Disc ready wheelset | | Weaknesses: | Rear pivot bolts suck (come on Specialized - you've been producing this frame for many years, I know you can do better than this)
Strongarm crank shifts horrendously
| | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for an Easton Monkey Lite SL bar and Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | Just like many who have reviewed here - the first long ride caused one of the nuts on the rear pivot bolts to fall off. It is true that the bolts are not quite long enough. The whole setup here is cheezy. How about some nice recessed bolts like the ones on the Epic line. It looks like Specialized really cobbled the rear pivot setup together. I ended up getting locknuts from the local hardware and then using generous amounts of blue locktite. So far, so good.
I'm also having problems with the riding position. It feels like I am too far back when seated. I guess I have to experiment with seat positions, etc. It seems also that the stock post will not allow for a flat seat angle - it points slightly up making the problem worse. I hope to get a thompson post to alleviate that.
On the positive side, the suspension is awesome and the lockouts are appreciated when climbing longer sections of trail. For shorter climbs, no lockout is required.
I did a 24 hour race recently with much climbing and kinda wished that I had saved a bit more for the base Epic model. Reaching for that little blue lockout lever is an ass pain.
I'm giving the bike 3 flamers because I just can't get comfortable on it yet. On paper, the parts spec is an excellent value.
Buy this bike if the trails you ride do not include a ton of long climbs. It is a good overall trail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Pearson
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, Cali., USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whoops | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Ahhh! Must be the suspension, hands down the best design. | | Weaknesses: | Rear derail design chokes. Stuck me in the backcountry due to a loose nut. Had to baby it back down the mountain causing my chain to constantly pop off. There is a mounting bracket for the derail that is very weak and will bend, I now carry an extra. Bike fixer told me it was made to bend so you don't break the derail or bend the frame. HIGH MAINTENANCE BI%$H! Should dump her but I'm in love. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Giant, and Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Added Hayes Disc front and rear. Replaced the chain after a few months (weakness)due to losing the nut. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike and can't get enough. Push it hard and the response is incredible. Definitely get the disc brakes. Don't know much about the seat, never on it. Suspension is da' bomb! Once you figure out her quirks she settles in and flies. I would go for five chilis but that whole high maintanence thing ruined it. I think I'll marry it!
Great for first timers not for the rider looking for 30' drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scrappy G
a Cross Country Rider
from Westminster
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail near Browns Campground | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheatridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Low entrance fee, sweet suspension components, proven frame design, compliments from other riders. | | Weaknesses: | Quality of paint could be better. (I am a neat freak) | | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails from Trek, Specialized, Yeti Kokopeli, ASR-SL, Trek Fuel 98 | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossmax SL wheels, Avid Single Digit Ti brakes/levers, Chris King headset, Easton EC 90 handle bar, Easton EC 70 seat post, Easton EA 50 stem, Crankbros pedals, Selle Italia seat, XT cassette, Specialized Roll-x Pro tubeless tires ($1300)*26 lb* Total cost $2900 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is it!! For $1600 you get a quality frame, super plush suspension, and sweet platform to upgrade from. The Fox suspension does an excellent job of soaking up the big hits, but still being sensitive enough to smooth out the little stuff. I feel like I truly have an "all mountain machine." This baby is comfortable enough for all day epics, but light enough for some cross country races. Yeah, I may have gone a little overboard in upgrades, but I have a 26 lb machine that, in my opinion, is every bit as good as the Yeti ASR-SL(Would have had to spend over $3500 to get the Yeti w/ comprable suspension). The tubeless Roll-X's, together with the Mavic rims, feel like your tires are velcro. Another plus is the rims ceramic breaking surface, who needs disc breaks when I can go down steeep singletrack with one finger on the lever! When climbing, the active rear end keeps me moving up the hills, no matter how rough. I have found that I am able to ride the same terrain for two to three times as long as I could on any hardtail, without having my whole backside aching the next day. I highly recommend the service department at Wheatridge Cyclery. They are very patient and have helped me set-up one sweet rig.
The only compliaint, the frame's paint. Mine has a few drips/runs. Look over yours real close if this is something that is important to you, but if you use your mountain bike as it was intended you'll never notice the flaws becasue they should be covered in dirt!
Bottom line, thank you Specialized for such a well thought-out product! Sure, there are lighter rides out there, but for the money, this is the best you can buy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Component spec is great. Love that Fox fork. | | Weaknesses: | spokes...... | | Similar Products Used: | First Full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Panaracer Fire XC Pros, Shimano M540 pedals and Avid mech disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I've been very happy with this bike. I even like the saddle. It took a while getting used the the lightness of the front end, but once I figured out my balance on it I could climb stuff the left me walking on my hard tail. I haven't had any of the loose suspension bolt problems. I have had 4 spokes break while riding along on easy terrain. It sounds like a recurring problem to me.... When it happens again, I'll get it relaced. Of course, for the money I've spent fixing spokes and then getting it relaced, I could have bought a better rear wheel setup. Even with the spoke problem, I'd recommend this bike to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gene
a Downhiller
from Central Point
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | fox fork - plushest and stiffest fork ever rode, disk ready, active suspension rocks on downhills and flat bumps, XTR rear | | Weaknesses: | Pivot bolt fell out on rear derailer pivot while riding, had to replace those short (to short) with longer ones that were hard to find. Bike is heavy, with disks, weights probably 31 lbs, seat was built by the devil. | | Similar Products Used: | none, went with best in the price range | | Bike Setup: | added avid mech disc brakes - whoooaaa what a difference, thanks to specialized for making it a less expensive up-grade. | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks, once I fixed the loose pivot bolt problem. Been a die-hard hardtail rider until I bought this. Now can go downhill way faster and no more dodging rocks now I look for them. Bumpy flats are now done sitting in the saddle and climbing is great too. On the long dirt roads, the lock out is nice too. For the $1500 price tag, no other bike can compare in front suspension and frame design. Oh yah, I am a big rider 230 lbs and it handles my weight great | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince LaPaglia
a Cross Country Rider
from Centennial, CO
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Turin Bicycle LTD | | Strengths: | Suspension, Geometry, value | | Weaknesses: | Seat, tires, brakes, rear frame bolts | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Thompson post, WTB LaserV Stealth Saddle, Panaracer Fire XC Pro | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike. I am 5'6" 170lb intermediate rider, love technical single track and have always considered climbing my weakness; I have been riding for 4 years and ride 3-4 times a week. I was riding a Fisher hardtail for years and really struggled with going to full bounce...I researched, debated, hit all the bike shops then finally did it.
It was the best move I have made.
The bike is incredible and the geomitry & shocks are outstanding. My technical downhill has improved - I was woried that full suspension would make me a lazy rider, but it has not...the biggest problem is wiping the constant grin off of my face; this bike takes everything you can throw at it. One of my favorite rides is Dakota Ridge here Morrison, CO - this is a really technical ride that was always a challenge on my hardtail; my FSR eats this ride up!
I initially kept the front & rear shock psi pretty high; after bringing the psi down to the recommended setting I was really pleased with the performance.
My biggest surprise was my improved climbing. One item I really liked about this bike was the ability to lock out the rear shock; my first big ride (SlickRock) I did lock the rear out....that was the last time I did that. This bike climbs really well, it tracks great and there really is little bobbing (when I do notice bobbing it is more due to my form than anything else) - as a result I no longer worry about locking the rear. Last year my climbing improved significantly, I was eating climbs that I could not do on my Fisher.
All in all I think this bike is a great value, I looked at the Trek & Yeti while shopping around and am sure I would have been happy with those as well, but dollar for dollar this bike was the best value in my opinion & it fit my frame (short legs)the best
Although minor, I hated the stock seat and tires. I did have a rear frame bolt break after a couple of months, I just include checking bolts as part of my weekly maintenence now....I have to admit that I do not like the brakes, they just feel weak and they did go out on me during a ride - I am planning on converting to disk this winter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack La Lane
a Weekend Warrior
from S. Cali
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Happy Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fork and rear shock frame | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are very weak. Switch to disc. Its worth the extra cash. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar, Tomac 98 special | | Bike Setup: | stock except for carbon Race Face Next riser bar and disc breaks | | Bottom Line: | This bike is kicks a$$. Had chain suck problem on first ride , but a tune up fixed that. The Fox fork and rear shock take take practicaly anything you through at it. Im now much faster on the downhill because of the fork and faster uphill. Roll X tires hug the dirt like a bear. I highly recomend this bike. Dont know much about 2004 model.
Next upgrade would be a better set of wheels. Dont realy need to but it would be nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Kennett Square, PA USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Wooden Wheels | | Strengths: | 2004 New Design - this is a different back end and shock from the 2003. Great descending, capable on techinical sections, good climber. Good value relative to Trek, Fisher, and building a bike from various frames. Jamis is competitive, but the 2004s were not available. Relatively light, I am coming from a steel hardtail and I actually beleive it's the same or slightly less in the 26-27lb range. Great performance on the trail, my descents that I normally slow down on due to bumps and ruts I could sail through probably 1.5X to 2X my past speed and still have good control. The bike feels dull on pavement, after all steel is real, but really shines on the trail. The fox Triad rear shock has 3 settings open(plush), pro-pedal(damped), and lockout. The pro-pedal worked really well, especially coming off a hard-tail. I couldn't find any loss of pedalling effeciency. Plush I tried on a long descent with great results. The Fox float up front is laterally stiff, I have been running with too much air. The stem is too short at 100mm on the med bike, I have my seat all the way back, too far for some climbing.
The bike climbs like a cat up a tree. My first ride started with a 10 minute, rutted climb with dry and wet leaves hiding the rocks. The bike sailed right up, compared to my hardtail I normally get knocked off the bike once or twice on the way up. Component wise the '03 XT level ocatlink cranks work really well, stiff and light. The sealed headset and stem quality are surprisingly good. Most other components I changed. | | Weaknesses: | Bars, seatpost, shifters, wheels are ok, Mavic 225 on Specialized hubs. I don't think they will last long with the more agressive riding the frame and suspension allow. The paint does and will chip, anodized is available, but wasn't in the right component and price I was looking for. One area that could be a problem is the cable routing under the BB, the rear brake cable hangs down and can easily snag. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo of Trek Fuel 95 and 90, Steel Serotta hardtail (11 years old). | | Bike Setup: | Stock components: Fox Float RL, Fox Triad rear, Shimano/Specialized Octalink crank and BB, Specialized 2014 forged stem (nicely finished and good looking), Mavic 225 rims, Specialized hubs, LX front der., stock seatpost (will change), stock aheadset. Changed to: SRAM X.0 shifters, SRAM 2004 X-9 rear, LP Composite 24" Kevlar composite bars, Avid Ultimate V-Brakes (the best over any V or mechanical disk brake, lighter than hydraulic), and my 10 year old Flite saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Works great for me, I am 190 pounds and the bike handles my weight without any problem, I can ride harder, faster, with more control than before right away. Good value, if you have a shop that will work with you can get a competitive mix of products to replace the cheap stuff that comes on the bike. I was looking for low maintenance, the bike with sealed bearing pivots and fox shocks should do it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabriel Bonilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek, O-Hill, Sherando | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Sports | | Strengths: | Price, Front& Rear Shocks, XTR derailer. | | Weaknesses: | Susp. Bolts tend to loosen-up, spokes break for no reason, slightly heavy, rear lock out is hard to reach while riding. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Easton Riser bar, IRC mythos XC, Race Face Good& Evil Grips | | Bottom Line: | I have enjoyed this bike (a lot!) so far, no problems until recently my rear spokes began to break for no reason. Four so far, costing me $35 dollars in repair plus the down time. Last ride I did ...another spoke!! I will try to have my shop do something about these spokes problem. This has to be factory defect. I have been reading about other people with the same problem. I recently had to return to my hardtail due to (spokes repairs) and noticed I could climb much better on it. Thus I increased rear shock pressure to 200 psi (I weigh near 174 lb with gear on). It seems to work better at 200psi. Also I have begun to use my rear lock-out in technical climbs an the bike does much better, the only problem is that the lock-out lever is super difficult to reach while you are riding. I wish I could install a remote switch. This bike shines on rough downhill, it just does what you want it to do. I recommend this bike for anyone who wants to just go fast and feel comfortable an almost any terrain. Next upgrades will be lighter stem, seatpost, cranks, and hopefully a remote lock-out if I can find one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pudgy
a Cross Country Rider
from none u dam business
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Great bike when not broke, front shock | | Weaknesses: | rear shock, wheelsets, bolts, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Hard tail stumpy | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: XT/Mavic517 wheelsets, rebuilt rear shock, XT brakes, XT cassette | | Bottom Line: | I agree with mage. I have had very similar problems. This is a great bike when is not broken. Here is a list of things have broke:
Spokes - in shop 4 times for broken spokes on rear wheel. Every one of them snapped at the nipple. The last one broke as I was riding along on a sandy and flat section of trail. Should have changed out the wheels sooner.
Bolts - Lucky for me that I checked before leaving on 28 mile loop ride. Found one bolt loose and one missing from bottom pivot point. I would have been hosed!
Rear shock seals - Seal broke preventing shock from locking out (which is one of the reasons that I bought this bike). Rode bike for months of August and September with broke rear shock (because it would take two weeks to send shock to Fox to get fixed and I didn't want to miss riding time during the height of season). Then missed two weeks while shock was getting fixed.
I replaced brakes. I have noticed some bad comments about the length of handle bars. I did not like the longer bars when I first got bike. But now love them because it seems like I have better torque and balance in steep technical sections.
Bottom line is, I love this bike when it is not broke. I hope I have replaced all the crap parts on bike and it will stay out of shop. But then I could have taken the amount of $$ spent to fix crap parts and bought one dang sweet bike in the first place. I have never owned anything but stumpys but I will look at other brands after this experience. Specialize blew it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Welty
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad, Ca.
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Camp Pendleton | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle warehouse | | Strengths: | Great front and rear shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is murder. The handlebars could be taken in an inch on both ends. Otherwise great. | | Similar Products Used: | Have had a GT Avalanche for about 6yrs, Tested other duals but this was the best for my buck and simplicity in design and for maintenance. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Setting the rear sag is important, I am 167lbs and have it at 190 psi.(which id correct by the book w/about 15 extra lbs to boot) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I have been used to my GT for so many years and have taken a while to get used to the change and feel of a new bike but after a couple of hard rides and climbs i fell quickly into the "new" feel. It climbs great, I have been able to make some killer steep, washed out rutted climbs that I have not been able to keep a "bite" on with my hard tail but made it with the Comp. I have gotten more used to the wide handlebars but I may still take a bit of the ends to give it a quicker response and feel but the saddle needs to go. My "boys" have had enough, the geometry does not work at al with the stock saddle. I am currently holding out and grunting it out till I find the "perfect" one to buy. I have not had any problems with the derailers at all, especially with the intense change of terrain that I encounter. I do some short fast downhill with A LOT of climbing. I do more than my fair share of cranking the heck out of the rear derailer to drop gears rapidly and I have had no problems at all. The tires hook up great considering they are stock. Specialized actually put some good rubber on it to begin with. It is a little loose on the fast downhill in the front end department. The front seems to be sticking out a bit far but when the speeds are slower and a bit more technical the capabilities are quick and just fine.
Other than taking the risk of having it called the "banana" bike by the neighborhood kids; I recommend this bike to anyone who wants to invest in a more serious bike and wants a great quality product that will last for the long haul without breaking their bank account. It is not overshadowed by all kinds of complex brackets and linkages, it's simple and it works. It's heavier than a hard tail but once you get used to it, there really is not much difference. Unless you have a sponser, I wouldn't worry about the "grams" since the problem is probably more in the "quads" than in the wieght. Great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Cunningham
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide,Australia
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kuipo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | JT cycles | | Strengths: | Looks superb. Fox shocks, beleive it or not tyres climb great. | | Weaknesses: | Skewers, and minor point is paint on the cable brackets chipping off easily.I will change seatpost at some stage | | Similar Products Used: | Giant nrs2 tested,but this is my first dually.Had a giant hardtail before. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except immmediatly fitted Hayes Hfx comp hydraulics I bought on hols in USA (at Supergo,nr Anaheim. Thanks guys they were a real bargain). | | Bottom Line: | Cant say much more than on the very first ride on this I stunned my mates by climbing what we call the 'unclimbable hill',an incredible steep,short single track that has a mixture of surfaces with many turns in it. None of us had done it in about 20 previuos attempts each. I did have both shocks locked,but the trick was no wheel spin at all,which was a good testament to the tyres. After 6 weeks they are now showing wear,but what the hell,legend status is assured!
Dont know why you all whinge about saddle either,as I noticed after every ride so far i get no soreness in the tender area between a hole and crown jewels,which was always sore on previous bike/3 different saddles. The seat bones do get a bit sore,and longest ride so far is about 30km,so will see how it goes on longer rides now trails drying out after very wet winter here. I did have seriuos rear brake drag last time out -found to be rear wheel moved slightly in stays,so havent got much confidence in the skewers. Finally Im so glad Ive gone for full suspension, will never go hardtail again.This bike is a great allrounder,and value for money too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Potter
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any wooded singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | The front FOX fork most definitely. Nice linear pivot line in rear suspension. Stock tires work rather well. | | Weaknesses: | Rims can be a little stronger. The body geometry saddle should not be used on the HUMAN body. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Fuel, Sugar and Lefty. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except carbon bar, egg beater pedals, XT cassette, Terry saddle. | | Bottom Line: | First off,
Let's compare apples the apples here. Are there better mountain bikes in the cross-country catagory? Yes... Are they in this price range ( under $1500 )?... No.
For about $1500, my bike is set up nice and provides an awesome ride. The front FOX FORX is HANDS DOWN the best ever made. Too bad it's only on other high end mountain bikes. I have yet to find one on a $1500 ride. It reacts to the lightest bumps and it laterally stiff as nails. Just point the bike down and roll over everything. No need to change your downhill line...Works great. You also get an XTR rear Derailler for smooth shifting and a rear FOX shock with a lockout for the long smooth fire road climbs.
The rim brakes are cheap and light but do their job to the extent that rim brakes can. Not nearly as effective as DISC. That's why Specialized gave you disc compatable hubs to upgrade to your choice. It also allowed them to offer the FSR at a good price point. Hey, it's a cross-country bike and not an all mountain series.
Do I notice any bob in the rear when on it hard? Yes...but minimal just like most other bikes including alot of the "no bob" designs and I do weigh 190 lbs. It's not a problem and the bump absorbtion on the rocky steep climbs keeps the rear wheel "hooked up" and allows me to get to the top before it spins out.
In my size Large it weighs in at about 28 pounds. I can make it lighter but I really don't want to spend many hundreds of dollars shaving a pound or so. If you happen to be a weight weenie, go with a good hardtail. But, you will never know the plushness of a full suspension on those fast rocky downhills.
The handling and fun factor is awesome with this bike. A hundred dollars in upgrades and you've got yourself a nice ride.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
This bike is very,very hard to find. Specialized anticipated the Epic "brain" bike to outsell this one and it did not due to the $800 more money... so they they ran out of FSR's for 2003. Ask guys on the trail. They all seem to love them like I do. If you have about $2500 or more, yes, you can get a little better bike. But, I ask you what bike are you going to get for $1500 that has a FOX front and rear suspension and good parts? I rest my case.
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Shocks, Frame, Drivetrain, great descender and climber. | | Weaknesses: | I hate yellow | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M60 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, brakes Avid SD7 | | Bottom Line: | One of the best spec'd bikes in its price range for my use, which is mostly XC and technical singletrack. Compared to the Epic and Trek Fuel, the Stumpjumper gives much more for a better price. I would definitely decide for the Stumpjumper again and recommend it to anybody for XC purposes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mage
a Cross Country Rider
from Ajax
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | This is a follow up review. I still like the bike when it is working | | Weaknesses: | unreliable, it seems that ever time i take the bike out for a ride something breaks (see below) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel | | Bike Setup: | changed sadle, handle bars, brakes(avid mech), pedles, tires | | Bottom Line: | the bike is unreliable
1) had to replace the bolt at lower chain stay derailer side( it just fell out)
2) had to replace the lower pivot bolt and bushing for rear shock(it bent)
3) had to replace the upper seat stay bearing, bolt, and the little piece inside (when you have to replace this piece you will understand what i am talking about)(bolt came loose)
4) had to have the rear wheel respoked(spoke where just snapping)
5) had to replace the rear shock (seal blown)
6) had to replace the piece between the seat post and seat stays( the rear shock lower pivot bolt came loose and cause this piece to bend, )
If you are thinking of buy this bike, make sure to buy it from a good bike store. ( you we need thier support to keep the bike on the trails) The only good thing about this whole ordeal is the bike shop has picked up all the cost of keeping me on the trails.
I am a crosscounrty rider who rides about 3 times a week.
In the spring I thought I was spending alot of money $2400 CND, but i justified it because I thought I was buying a reliable bike.
I was wrong.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G. Kane
a
from Miami, Fl
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bells Bikes | | Strengths: | Frames cool, most parts are good. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels, brakes, levers, seatpost, saddle, wheels, wheels, levers, wheels, etc | | Similar Products Used: | fsr enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Porkrinds, Thomson seatpost, Avid sd7 levers. | | Bottom Line:< |
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$ 1630.00
