Submitted by
John Neville
a Cross Country Rider
from Brissie, Qld, Australia Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kooralbyn Downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Second hand
Strengths:
Its a specialized!!! Fairly light, Hayes discs (have the disc version), pretty plush suspension, very little bob, good parts pick for money, time pedals!!
Weaknesses:
Seat tube too slack (personal preference), stock tires are light but have no traction.
Similar Products Used:
Had short rides on 2003 NRS 2, 2001 Rockhopper, 2003 Epic and a few hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Put on another stem, grippier tires, Azonic bars, Fizik seat.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. Goes like a rocket on cross country tracks, very stable at speed yet dices up single track with a good set of tires on it. Little to no bob even with rear shock at about 30% sag. Hold up well on 3-4 foot drops to flat without bottoming but I am light. Only probs I have had are wear in the bushings on the lower shock mount where it joins the shocklink. Bottom line, bloody good bike for the money that holds up to everything most cross country riders give it and it deosnt't mind a bit of serious trailriding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary AB Canada Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of them.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Calgary 2001
Strengths:
Nice ride, full suspension.
Weaknesses:
Here we go. The original model had a torsional bar attached to the rear to hold the calipers for the rear brakes. This setup causes the rear brakes to vibrate like crazy when applied. Specialized has fixed this problem on its newer bikes by welding a caliper-holder onto the frame. Specialized will not offer a replacement on this part for free even though it is a MAJOR design flaw. This is NOT the way to get repeat customers. If the bike is flawed by design, the manufacturer should make it right. Other than that, the hubs are quite cheap and the stock rear hub cassette is of poor quality. I end up going through 2 per season.
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
More or less stock. Upgraded to some XT.
Bottom Line:
In general, the bike is excellent however I would be cautious with the customer support that specialized gives its customers. I am not all that impressed. Given the same situation with a car manufacturer supplying a car with faulty brakes, the car manufacturer would fix the problem at their expense, NOT THE CUSTOMERS.
Excellent bike, very poor customer service. In the end, it is the buyers choice. Knowing the frustration that I have gone through, I am not sure if I would purchase another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Talley
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland,OR,USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great bike! Have had no major problems in over two years of use. The suspension is great-the bike looks after me. The bike does its job very well for what it is designed to do.
Weaknesses:
Crappy specialized parts. They work fine but i like nicer things so i upgraded. I really bent the crankarm in a crash. upgraded to XT. I wish the frame was black.. but oh well.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Fisher
Bike Setup:
Hayes discs-simply the best. Sun O-lite rims-very good rims, Hayes hubs, XT cranks, Mythos tires. Lizard skins to keep mud away.;
Bottom Line:
I strongly recommend this bike. The value is good and so far the quality of the bike is awesome! I have had no major problems with it. Beware, if you ride this bike, you will propbably fall in love with it...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nogs K
a
from Surrey UK Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Fantastic bike,no trouble as a recommended buy, but does require careful attention and set up. My rear shock wouldn't hold a charge for longer than one ride, an engineer friend re assembled, making sure everything was lined up properly - since then no problem, although it is important to fit some form of dirt protection - I use a zip tied length of inner tube, works fine. I also, after one really wet winter ride fitted full flack jacket cable protection, as when it gets really gloopy you'll start to lose gears. I ride three to five hours every weekend on this bike and have done since I got it, apart from the problems mentioned everythings been OK.I went for an xl frame and used a shorter stem for a roomy fit. I'm 5'10 165lbs and ride XC.I regrease the headset and hubs every 6 mths and I always clean and lube the bike after every ride,pivot points,canti bosses - the lot! it's the only way!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a
from Montreal Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Coaticooke Quebec
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
LBC
Strengths:
Great ride, superb climber.
Weaknesses:
Went throught one frame already due to a loose pivot bolt that ate through the treads. My LBC says that I should check for loose bolts every so often. This after they applied lock tite to all the bolts. They did not say to tighten after every 50 miles! Specialized replaced the frame with the Pro model but I am worried that this frame will to be scrapped in time. The large and small chain rings are scratching the paint on the chain stay! Talk about flex! Or the frame misaligned as was mentioned in the previous review? If you can afford it change every Specialized part on this bike. Priority to the crankset and the the hubs. Very low bottom bracket. Pedals bottom out all the time.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first full suspension
Bike Setup:
Stock with Hayes disc. Upgraded the Specialized noodle crank to XT, switched to a Thompson seatpost and now the hubs are scrap. Will go to Chris King more than likely. I have only done 600 miles on this bike!
Bottom Line:
Super frame if they could address the problem with the loose pivot bolts. Great geometry and a really nice ride. I still do not understand why Specialized is compromising their reputation by putting garbage parts on an otherwise great bike, just to keep the price down. I am willing to pay more for better quality original parts, its a lot cheaper than upgrading!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matty moves
a Cross Country Rider
from Worcester, MA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1499.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworks: Belmont, MA
Strengths:
Ride and balance between front and rear suspension.
Weaknesses:
Frame
Similar Products Used:
Fuel, Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I no longer own a 2001 FSR as I have had problems with two of these frames now. Wheelworks has been good and has swaped out a 2000 s-works FSR (different rear end, shorter top tube)
The frame of my first FSR ('01 Comp) was misaligned, with the seat tube welded off center in relation to the centerline of the bike. Wheelworks replaced it with a 2002 FSR pro that had the same problem. I lost three months of riding trying to get this resolved so they agreed to set me up with the 2000 s-works.
This bike rides great but after discovering the problem with my first frame I have seen this defect in every single '01-'02 FSR I have seen. Some are worse than others, and the Specialized rep indicated that it was a known problem.
I hope the y2k FSR rides as nice as the '01 did, else it shall end up on ebay.
Chili reduction due to frame problems, but this bike still rides great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Marr
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, Ok. Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Slow Burn (with M.F.Hill)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
T-Town Bicycles
Strengths:
Light weight...Horst Link 4 bar suspension kicks butt!! Very efficient on climbs - have made climbs that I never made on my hardtail (believe it or not) and the downhills are just...sweet!!!
Weaknesses:
Thinking about replacing the Body Geometry saddle. T-Town built this bike for me from the frame up...had them install a Shimano LX Crankset instead of the Specialized, Shimano pedals instead of the Time's and put a cover boot on the rear shock to keep out the dirt. All three are definitely recommended.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Hardtail...Also, still a favorite...it is now my wife's ride.
Bike Setup:
Pretty much original, except items mentioned above. Also, have replaced original tires with Panaracer Fire XC's...they are perfect - on the climbs, you're either wheelie'ing, making the climb or running out of legs...and they corner like your on rails!
Bottom Line:
This bike is nothing short of fantastic. After following one of my fellow riders through a rocky section at Turkey Mountain on my hardtail, I knew that I had to have a full susp. After much research, I kept coming back to the Specialized. T-Town had sold all their complete bikes - so, they built this one for me. Worked out for the better because I could switch out some components without any headache. Would definitely recommend T-Town Bicycles to anyone in the Tulsa area...after-sale support is excellent. Anyway, back to the bike - climbs like a mountain goat and descends like you're riding on air. Accelerates like Dale Jr. and corners way better than I can! The Mars fork and Fox Shock are plush and a perfect match...both hold air and have had no flaws. As you have probably figured out - five flamin' chili's for performance, value and some damn good fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
leo
a Cross Country Rider
from reno Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
too many to count
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
awesome susupension, light, tight handling,
Weaknesses:
cranks, seat-post
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Trek and Specialized hard tails
Bike Setup:
essentially stock
Bottom Line:
love it. fast handling, excellent climber. i've heard all the problems with the manitou front end but have had minimal problems myself. it does loose air but only needs to be topped off once a month at most. stock cranks do have an annoying creek despite mine and LBS's attempts to fix it; on the short list for replacement. front derailer eeds frequent attention, otherwise no problems. not the ideal bike for free riding but if what you want is a killer x-country ride look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack N
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Singletrack anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Great suspension, decent weight.
Weaknesses:
Crappy saddle and bar as original. Hard to fit rear brake hose properly. Needs a zero offset seat post, not the layback it comes with.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS last, test ridden all the new stuff.
Bike Setup:
Basically stock, Flite Ti saddle, new disc wheels. Hope Mini discs.
Bottom Line:
Good bike. I would have preferred Spesh to have used a XT rear mech and upgraded the shifters to XT, but apart from that pretty good. Spesh saddle and bars are funky, ditched saddle in store and buying new bar and seatpost soon. Smooth suspension and fits me well. Original wheels were decent, but not disc compatible so those are now upgraded. Recommended. Rating is for stock set-up, but it's a good bike to build on, and the 2002 is just as good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dyron
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
A dry one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Inc
Strengths:
Very durable bike, I have put it throough its paces. Like the soft ride and do not lose too much in accelereation due to that fact. The true 4-link suspension is nothing short of perfect. Will definately tell anyone looking for a bike this is one to pay attention to.
Weaknesses:
The specialized body geometry seat...broke it on my 4th ride, the front derailer has had issues staying aligned...other than that no glaring issues.
Similar Products Used:
Trek antelope (old bike), Gary Fisher Sugar 3
Bike Setup:
Stock except for carbon fiber riser bars.
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike to anyone, beginner or expert rider. It makes riding easy, especially for a tall rider. I will always look at specialized anytime I am buying a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matty Moves
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1499.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworks - Belmont, MA
Strengths:
Geometry, tunability, aggressive feel
Weaknesses:
stock spring in MARS elite too flacid for my weight: limits ability to form front end up to my liking
Similar Products Used:
fuel, sugar, i-drive, superlight
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Have owned bike for just a few days so I won't rant about crappy parts that I'm not even entirely familiar with yet. Everything working fine to date. I'm 5'10 1/2", 185 lbs and was stuck between M & L. I usually ride 8-20miles per ride, 3-4 times per week over technical terrain so I went for the nimble feel of a medium over the all-day comfort of a large. Settled on the FSR comp after many months of research and testing. This was the best feeling and best equipped bike in my price range.
First FS bike for a long time skeptic and I can say that I regret not having switched earlier. Riding is now fun AND comfortable! I've been out three times and am not 50% as tired as I would have been on my old hardtail. I'm fresher longer and therefore riding faster, better and safer at the end of the ride.
The bike tracks like a slot car, with the the front and rear work extreemely well together. The trek offerings I've tried seem imbalanced in this respect. There is also no pedal feedback as there was on the fuel and sugar.
I'll review again after a few more months. My best advice at this time is: Do more research than you want or think you need to and ride everything you can in the environment you normally ride in (on the trail). Then, buy that which feels best to you for whatever reason it feels that way. You will always be satisfied with your choice if you believe it is the right one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt Mindy
a
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
T100
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1283.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Nice ride, climbs and decends very well. Suspension is very smooth.
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel went out of true on first ride. Bent all three rings on second ride. Specialized makes the worst cranks. They flex like a wet noodle. Rear has a lot of flex.
Similar Products Used:
this is my first full suspension. Previous bike was a Gary Fisher Zigurat hardtail.
Good bike at a great price (not including upgrades). Wish I could do something about the flex in the rear. The headset also sticks. I like the Mars Elite fork. Smooth but had the seals blow in the first month. Had them fixed and have not had any problems since.
I'm glad I went to a full suspension, it makes makes the long races a little easier on my back. I give it 3 chilis for overall rating because I had to buy new cranks and its a little too flexy for a 200 lb guy. Overall its a good bike and I'm glad I purchased it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Lipscomb
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
From Specialized Direct (shop discount)
Strengths:
Excellent suspension, floats on downhills. Fork is plush and light. Time pedals offer easy engagement, sturdy platform and plenty of float.
Stock except for serfas embroidered saddle with ti rails.
Bottom Line:
It is a great bike if you are willing to keep an eye on it, i.e airing up fork, shock, tightening up pivots, replacing fork oil etc. Not the best bike for a newbie who needs something more simple. I hung my bike by a hook in my garage and the fork oil leaked out. Answer replaced the rebound damping cartrage assembly in two days. Make sue to store your bike upright. If you pedal through a corner on this bike you will clip the inside pedal on the ground. The low bb will also change your approach to clearing obstacles. Overall I am very satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bobby lee
a Weekend Warrior
from tucson, arizona Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
starr pass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
muy excellente. I bought this baby in Arizona, so that i'd have a bike to ride in Tucson. At first it felt wierd, but now I realize this bike rocks. The stock components are good. I've always liked the time pedals. The stock tires and ultralight innertubes suck. I popped them on my first 2 rides. But, no fret, i'll just get a slime tube and everything will be great.
Weaknesses:
crappy tires. handlebars too wide. no lockout of rear suspension
Bottom Line:
muy muy excellente. because of the relatively small weaknesses that I listed, i'm giving it 4 flamin' chili's for value... but overall 5 flamin' chilis' for a rocking good ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandman H
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
san juan trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
4-Bar Linkage (thats been licensed to Intense, Colnago, Kestrel and I believe D-back). Imitation is the best form of flattery...
Weaknesses:
19 !!! Logos of the "S" on the bike. hey Im a supporter not a billboard. The Ritchey seatpost is poo.. swapped out for a Thompson Elite.
Similar Products Used:
Own a GT-LTS Team for 4 Years.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the change of the Thompson Seat post. Will eventually make cranks XTR and Change out the headset to a King, get an Easton Monkey Lite, and new stem.
Bottom Line:
This bike definitely is the bike to buy if you ride XC with a little bit of everything mixed in. My wife bought hers and I got to ride it one day. I was in Nirvana compared to my LTS. If someone tells you that this bike is crap then ask them this...
Why is Intense, Colnago, Kestrel, Titus and Diamond back using the same exact linkage system?
Answer - Because it is TITS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shelby Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Little Rock, AR Date Reviewed: December 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Moccasin Gap or Camp Robinson
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
C & E Trading of Miami Inc.
Strengths:
I'm 5'9" and the 17" frame geometry works great for me. I'm very impressed with this frame thus far. I'm pleased with the stock components, excellent match of components with price. Growing to love the Time pedals. components.
Weaknesses:
The stock handle bars were too wide and needed to be shortened. For a 200lb. XC rider it would have been great to have a choice for 2.0 tires instead of the 1.9s, the gram trade off isn't worth it to me. The Body Geometry seat took some ride time before my sit bones acclimated.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back, Rocky, Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Everything stock, I had to shorten the handle bars by 2 inches.
Bottom Line:
I'm not a racer just a XC rider who likes to get out and have fun. This is a great bike for that purpose, the only thing I would have changed is wider tires, for a 200lb. rider I need the extra rubber to spread the hits and avoid the snake bites. If I weighed 175lbs. and had racing legs and lungs I think this would be a great race bike right off the shelf. This was a great buy for the dollar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Wetstone
a
from West Hartford, CT, America Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Case Mt.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Newington Bicycle
Strengths:
Lightweight, easy to manuver, plush suspension (I transfered from a hardtail so I'm not an expert here), climbs like a mountain goat descends like a BEAST. The tynes were a little difficult to get used to at first but now I wouldn't use anything else.
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket is kind of low, I broke the outer crank it may just be me but they seemed a little flimsy, the stock tires wear quickly and spun on me going up hills, burst two tubes within the first three weeks but the stock tubes are fairly thin.
Similar Products Used:
trek 850 (96'), test rode a trek fuel 90
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, V-breaks, tooth fairy, replaced rear tire with a raptor.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great if you are looking for a full suspension bike that climbs well and can keep pace with hardtails. I reccomend it to XC riders who want the relative weight of a hard tail with the comfort and handeling of a full suspension bike. With some minor adjustments this bike is a dream to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taewon
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Palos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
bikepros
Strengths:
light, XTR rear, very plush yet fast on climbs and downhills. front and rear suspensions are very well matched.
Weaknesses:
specialized crankset, rock solid saddle, sketchy tires.
Similar Products Used:
this is my first dual suspension bike
Bike Setup:
oury grips, specialized BG comp saddle(it's a steal at 20 bucks or so at specialized.com ), XT FD and crankset, Panaracer fire XC-pro tires
Bottom Line:
The more I ride this baby, the more I fall in love with. It's so light even after I added heavier 2.1 in fire xc pro tires front & rear. It took me a little time to get used to the stretched and low profile position with the new geometry but now I feel very comfortable on the bike even for a long rides and I realized this is actually more efficient for climbing. having a rear suspension feels so good when going thru rough sections and both front and rear shocks are very tunable. But I think if you are more of a downhill guy rather than a xc type, than this isn't the best performer. This bike really is very cross-coutry specific bike in my opinion. stock setup is pretty good but changing to a new tires(fire xc pro are much better in terms of traction), XT crankset and front derailleur (this upgrade really made the differnce in shifting), and more plush BG comp saddle (no more butt soreness)completed my setup. maybe in the far future I will upgrade to a lighter wheelset but the stock wheelset is pretty darn good, especially radial laced front wheel won't go out of true even after three months of hard riding and crashing(??). Make sure u ask the bikeshop to throw in the shockpump.(mine did) I think it's a must for dually setup. All in all this is a solid performer and I am very happy with my purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Galloping Goose
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Sharpey's Bicycles
Strengths:
This is my second review of the bike (now at 3 months), it just keeps getting better, definately the best ride I've ever had!
Weaknesses:
I wouldn't call them weaknesses, but there are some more things I've changed. For comfort I've added a longer stem (Ritchey), and narrower, lighter bars (Ritchey Comp Lite's). Reading about the Specialized cranks and their tendancy to creak, I decided to switch them to Shimano XT. Finally, I've added Serfas grips as they are incredibly soft, great for long rides out to the Sooke Pot Holes (about 80 kms).
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS, and Specialized Ground Control
Bike Setup:
As described above
Bottom Line:
At $1700 it easily outperforms every bike I've ever had, even one that had cost me almost twice as much. This bike rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mormon, Desert Classic, Pima Dynamite
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1520.00
Purchased At:
Landis
Strengths:
sealed bearing pivots, color, time pedals, easy on my rear
Weaknesses:
Seat - ow!
Similar Products Used:
Demoed: Giant NRS2, Trek Fuel, Jamis Dakar
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the seat, I guess my body has the wrong geometry, trimmed down the handlebars.
Bottom Line:
My first FS. I was set on the Giant even though I don't think the discs add much but weight here in the desert. I felt it was the best value and ride for the dollar. Then I found the FSR XC Comp on sale for about the same price as the giant. Better fork, shock and gears, several lb lighter and proven performer (good enough for Ned). Huge improvement over my previous ride a rockhopper A1 FS. It took a while to get used to staying on the saddle on some of the rough stuff but now my climbing is better and my confidence on decents has improved. The front is lighter on climbs than I am used to but it doesn't seem like a problem. Keep in mind its a XC bike if you like the real rough stuff go for more travel. I thought the Mars fork ws bad at first because it appeared not to hold air. Turned out to be the pump! Don't get the Cane Creek cheapie, it worked on the Fox shock but not on the Manitou. I traded it in for a Schwinn shock pump that is way easier to use. Bottom line: I am very happy with this bike, works as advertised and beats the tar ut of my old hardtail. Plus you can get one at SuperGo for $1100 right now. Go for it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Ethridge
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima WA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO KICKS @SS
Strengths:
Tight looking. Fox float is very plush. Nice Wheelset. XTR derailluer rocks. Very little flex. Avid brakes are good
Weaknesses:
Came with ultralight tubes(had 2 flats on first ride) Tires are near race only. WIDE handlebars.
Similar Products Used:
Various models of Trek Fuel. Klien Adept, Sugars, I drives,Intense Tracer(very awesome but expensive)
Bike Setup:
Stock, Will hopefully switch to Easton bas and a New Manitou Black fork in white and Cranks inthe far future
Bottom Line:
I had a fuel and I loved it but I saw the price on this an thought it must suck. Man was I wrong. It is 5 times more plush and rides like a demon from hell. I give it five stars
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darcy Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Banff, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
stoneysquaw summit trail or prairieview summit
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Unlimited cycles
Strengths:
amazing cornering skills with no chatter, not a whole lot of flex and once you get used to it the seat is pretty comfortable but it took me a good two months of riding to accept the seat
Weaknesses:
the shock leaks a bunch, really racey geometry (not so good in steep areas)
Similar Products Used:
trek fuel, fisher sugar 3
Bike Setup:
stock except new tires and pedals
Bottom Line:
this bike did exactly what i bought it for-racing cross country. Outside of that domain the chassis was over matched and some of the component picks were absolutely atrocious. The stock tires produced more pinch flats than i have ever experienced in my entire lifetime, the time pedals were tiny and painful to use in technical situations where being clipped out was necessary, the fork was easily over performed by the rear suspension and felt as if it was limiting my capabilities at high speeds. On the other hand, I raced in five races and all of them felt awesome and the bike was not an issue. It hammers in and out of the saddle like a rocket. Even though the stock tires are horrific for even mild technical riding (anything but perfectly groomed trails) they ruled on the racecourse. All in all the bottom line is that this bike is nice to race on but a more capable fork, beefier components(like the wheelset) and a geometry tweak (slacker head angle)would propel it into the realms of trailbike excellence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria,B.C.,Canada Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Galloping Goose
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Sharpey's Bicycles
Strengths:
Incredible design, FSR linkage is best I've ever riden, climbs effortlessly, smooth as silk, swallows up bumps, small or large, fairly light too. The Manitou Mars Elite forks work well, multiadjustable, an excellent fit. Finally, the Hayes disc brakes are the only way to go (a definite upgrade from V-brakes), amazing stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Cranks, and seatpost are OK so far, but I did get rid of the Time pedals (too hard to disengage, and no float). Although very wide, I dont mind the handlebars.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ground Control, and GT LTS
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of Bebop pedals (best ever made), WTB SST saddle, and Mythos XC Slicks.
Bottom Line:
Most comfortable bike i've ever riden, great for those epic rides, I could go forever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakhurst CA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one I am riding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
nice stable ride. solid component package. fast and fun to ride!--so long as you dont hit a pedal.
Weaknesses:
BB is kinda low if you include rider sag Handlbars are like riding a texas longhorn! very wide Tires not great , poor climbing traction. Wheels go out of true very easily
Similar Products Used:
my first full susp
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Nice light bike. It climbs nicely --but stay in the saddle! and keep an even spin. Downhills like a rocket. Stable and it wants to keep you stable.
Rear shock is ok I guess. still getting used to it.
It seems to be balanced toward the front, meaning it tends to throw your wieght forward, so watch out when you are hoppin or popping over somthing.
The only trouble I have had is that the clearance is not great. It is a fast bike, in certain average conditions it rides very very well. BUT clearing technical stuff especially when climbing is frustrating and you really have to finesse it and time it perfectly... No bull-doggin this bike! The pedals will hit even small roots and rocks, depending on angle and rider position- The rear will cheddar and suffer loss of traction and momentum (stall) You have to time everything...
I have not ridden this bike enough to feel like I know it 100% but it is not an easy bike to ride when you are climbing a technical or even semi-techy trail...
But after all this whining, I will say that it is a very good ride on average trails!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian Stone
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
42nd Traverse
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Shepard ind
Strengths:
Light, strong. The Hayes discs rock (id never go back to rim brakes). The 95 mm rear suspension setting gives you a comfortable amount of travel and the rear air shock works superbly. The Mars Elite forks are light and work well. Overall i love riding it and so far it handles all conditions very well.
Standard but with Answer pro taper riser bars,Kore B52 Stem, Fizic Titanium seat. Ive also drilled out the cable guides and run solid cable outers to both derailiers with XTR cables.
Bottom Line:
Ive set my bike up more as a free ride and it works very well. Even with the short stem and riser bars the bike still climbs well and you can attack the downhills a lot harder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KYLE MILLSAP
a Cross Country Rider
from L.A Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ALL OF ANGELES CREST
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
N.M . BIKE N SPORT
Strengths:
GREAT SUSPENSION DESIGN. EXCELLENT CLIMBER. SURVIVES MUCH MORE ABUSE THAN I ANTICIPATED FROM SUCH A LIGHT BIKE . (MINE IS JUST UNDER 25 LBS)
Weaknesses:
LOTS OF CREAKS , ALTHOUGH EASILY FIXED. I FOUND THAT THE CREAKS WERE COMING FROM DRY PIVOTS IN THE REAR SUSPENSION, I TOOK THEM APART AND LIBERALLY GREASED THEM, PROBLEM SOLVED.
Similar Products Used:
GIANT XTC 1
Bike Setup:
EASTON EA 70 BARS , XT SHIFTERS, THOMPSON STEM, AVID ARCH RIVAL BREAKS (THEY ROCK),XT SPLINED CRANK,CARBON A.T.A.C PEDALS,FLITE SEAT,PANARACER XC FIRE PRO 2.1 TIRES,
Bottom Line:
AN EXCELLENT RACER AS WELL AS TRAIL BIKE,ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS ADD SOME DISC BRAKES HYDROLIC OR CABLE?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
leo
a Cross Country Rider
from tempe, arizona Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
schultz pass
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
relatively light, climbs like Derek Hersey, quick handling, excellent overall cross country ride.
Weaknesses:
bobs when climbing out of the saddle, tires, wheelset could be lighter, ridiculously wide bars (though easily solved), chronic creak in seat post, low bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC, Sugar, have been riding hard tails for 15 years
Bike Setup:
have added bar ends and cut 6cm off bars,but pretty much stock otherwise (waiting for cash infusion). Mine came with with Avid V brakes.
Bottom Line:
Take my review with a grain of salt as it's the first full suspension I've owned. Love it. I expected it to descend like an animal but I've really been amazed at how well it climbs particularly in the saddle. Susupension is supple and active, relatively easy to set up. Bike handles very nicely, much roomier than the '00 version. Will be jetisoning tires soon, will also change to a lighter wheel set when cash allows. Great bike for cross country geeks only major caveat is if your fond of climbing out of the saddle you'll probably be happier on a Giant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BRUCE
a Cross Country Rider
from GAFFNEY, SC Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Forgot to say that I switched out the fork also, put a 100mm Marzocchi on it. I got to take it on the trails last night, and it worked great. Climbs great, but with 4" of travel the downhills and jumps were the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from Gaffney, SC Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any that are around and are no muddy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Great Escape
Strengths:
Four inch travel bike that is not heavy. Proven design, Sealed bearings.
Weaknesses:
I have only rode it once since I bought it, but I out in four miles around the house on it just playing. I switched out alot of stuff right off the bat so I may not see some of the weaknesses others see with stock components.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8500 race bike(borrowed from friend at LBS-sub 23lb. hardtail)Old department store bike that got me onto it in the first place.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for=Mavic Crossmax Tubless rims wrapped in Kenda Kharisma tires, Ritchey WCS Rizer bars,Ritchey WCS headset, Ritchey WCS stem. Bontrager Racelite Gel seat to colored to match. RaceFace Grips---More to come as the green allows and as things wearout.
Bottom Line:
I fell in love with this design the first time I demoed the bike. It is set-up for trail riding,and I can see myself going on some epic journies with this one. Post more later as my time spent on the bike increases.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon talley
a Cross Country Rider
from beaverton OR Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hagg Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great fork, rear derailleur and the Time Atac's kick rule. Fairly light, haven't had any problems with the Spec. components.
Weaknesses:
Tires wear fast and suck. Get Mythos XC's. Saddle is okay.Butt forms to it...
Similar Products Used:
first full-suspension
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike. After my first muddy ride, i washed it with water all over. I now have a click/crack noise that won't go away. It's my own fault for spraying the pivots-don't ever do that! Let mud dry then wipe off. Overall, it's a great bike. i love the suspension. My first mtn. bike was a Jamis Dakota which kicks arse for value and is a great bike. Now i'm moving up into full suspension. Now i can go faster and my bike saves me(hopefully). I recommend it and maybe some year Haye's or Shimano discs will be stock...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fabrizio Delpiano
a Racer
from Alba, Italy Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Garda Marathon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
very plush in the 90 mm travel setting, can handle any descent and still outclimb any hardtail.Quite stiff, low maintenance compared to my beloved b4. The frame is quite overbuilt while being reasonably light (2600 g). Hayes discs are fantastic, and the Mars Elite fork is incredibly well damped, so that you can run low psi and still avoid bottoming out. The TPC is speed sensitive and it shows. The fork is very stiff as well. Doesn't compare with the Sid, especially if you use discs.
Weaknesses:
weight: the stock bike comes in at 27 pounds, I had to change a lot of components to suit my riding style and to lower the weigh, but almost 400 grams may be shaved if you replace the stock wheelset, 130 grams by tossing the heavy Deore cogset. The bike has a low BB and expect to smash your chainrings if you love technical stuff. It is a good value if you keep the stock bike, but Specialized components are so-so and you pay a lot of $$$ for every pound off.
My bike at 11.3 kg (25 lbs) is almost the same weight than the stock FSR S-works (rated at 11.1kg and much more expensive), but don’t forget that I have discs, ball bearings and standard wheels(I don’t like tubeless). I will never forget my 23 pound Amp B4, but the FSR is much more versatile and reliable. I will recommend this bike to anyone, from the trail rider to the 24.hour marathon racer. The ratings are for the stock bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkeley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nimitz Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Light, works well, no problems with any kind of trail, road, pavement or not.
Weaknesses:
Saddle developed a creak which I can't stop by tightening bolts. Last year, on another bike, this meant that the seat binder bolt was being bent back-and-forth and it broke.
Similar Products Used:
KHS hardtail
Bike Setup:
stock, as described above
Bottom Line:
The bike, except saddle, first was ridden on gravel roads near Yellowstone Park. The tires were great for this riding. Later, I tried riding hardpack fire roads in California. The tires are not good for that kind of riding. The rear spins when the hills get steep and doesn't have any traction for descending. The only way to descend is without using the brakes. My hardtail was less demanding in kinds of tires. But, I broke the seat, seat post, handle bar, and a pedal last year so I don't know that Specialized products are any worse than KHS, just not better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Blue Radja
a Racer
from Arden Hills,MN Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Afton Extreme
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Erik the bike man
Strengths:
Climbing, tight stuff
Weaknesses:
awful seat, crappy tires
Similar Products Used:
jekyll, fuel, xtc, sugar
Bike Setup:
stock except for selle prolink saddle, wildgripper comp s, oury grips & titec micro bar ends
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is my first full suspension bike so I am still learning some of the tricks but overall this thing is a kickass ride. Its relatively light, extremely agile, and climbs like a rabid monkey on ridilin (or insert your favorite analogy here). The bike is spec'd out with decent components, and the fork is particularly nice. The only problem i have had is the main swingarm pivot bolt on the chainring side keeps backing out- until it wedges up against the granny ring, locking up the cranks entirely. this can be annoying. Other than that this bike rocks. I gave it 4 steaming piles for value, just cuz i had to throw a saddle & tires on it right out of the gate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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