Submitted by
em cee gravel rash
a Cross Country Rider
from australia adelaide Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
fox creek area
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
lifecycle
Strengths:
damn light, climbs like a climbing thing, light, comfy all day hack, light, nice on the road too, light, good all rounder
Weaknesses:
damn those whimpy tyres! and that weak as wee wee rear hub, that sounds like a coffee grinder, ive replaced the freewheel body and still crunchy crunchy, i can see why they specced LX for the model after. ive had no hassles with the seatpost yet..but ive seen those mock ritchies give up on other steeds.
Similar Products Used:
gt lts, pro-flex 970
Bike Setup:
stock besides shimano pedals and xtr vees
Bottom Line:
a nice light cross country steed for a reasonable price that should please the hardtail set. i know the price is kept down by speccing mock specialzied and ritchie bits but they let the thing down. the rear hub especially coz you need $$ and time to replace that stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fabio Siess
a Cross Country Rider
from Tortona - Italy Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Val Susa (NorthWest Alps)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Longoni sport - Milan
Strengths:
Very robust and reliable. Not too heavy (25 lbs). Very comfortable. Very smooth driving, it makes save you energy even on uphill. It's simply wonderful on flat, hard, spoiled ground.
Weaknesses:
Not really a weakness: I guess it's the same for all full suspended: you have to try hard before setting up your best bike configuration. I mean there are so many things you have to take care of: calibrating front and back suspensions, setting accordingly handelbars and seat positions, etc.
Similar Products Used:
No full suspended before
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
The best choice if you don't want to spend too much. Probably also good for a used purchase, due to its reliability. At beginning its Vbrakes were fantastic. Now I'm considering an upgrade to disc brakes instead of buying new rims and new pads. I will also try to upgrade some components in order to contain weight. Sorry for my poor english. Bye!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Stuart
a Cross Country Rider
from Westland (Detroit Area) Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Potowanami
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Jack's Bicycle & Fitness
Strengths:
1. Full Suspension! Full Suspension! Full Suspension! 2. Virtually all components are top of the line. 3. Super fast rolling. 4. Doesn't beat you up like hardtails do 5. Weighs approx. 1lb less than my '97 Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail
Weaknesses:
1. Ritchey seatpost-seat moves unless super tight 2. S-Works tires are a joke unless you want to buy a new set each ride. I rode a rocky, kick a*# trail in VA, but after this ride, I noticed knobbies were shredded. Specialized replaced with Pro models claiming the S-Works model were designed for one race only! I have to admit that the tires hooked up great for the six offroad miles on them, but durability is an issue. 3. Both my fork and shock started squeaking soon after purchasing the bike. I lived with it until right before 1 year warranty. Both sent back to each respective supplier and fixed. No problems yet, but only ridden a few times since (in dry conditions). 4. Tires a little sketchy in sand. I think this is due to being 1.95".
Similar Products Used:
'97 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail - only gets used in muddy conditions now because I love my fullie!
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox SID XC - 75lb each leg Fox Float RC - 200lb 90mm travel rear setup Tires - 40psi front & rear
Rider Setup 6'3" 200lb + H2O + tools
Bottom Line:
If you want a great bike (probably used by now), then buy the FSR Pro. I really enjoy having the plush ride of this active full suspension. You can ride this bike all day long and won't feel as soar nor tired as on a hardtail and at a weight less than that of a great hardtail with some age.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Bradley
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO, USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Berrymen Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
slightly used
Strengths:
Light as my old hardtail, climbs liked a scared monkey, smooth handling.
Weaknesses:
I stripped the flywheel and ground through axle on rear hub, why are the hubs LX on this bike?
Similar Products Used:
'99 Stumpjump comp Hardtail
Bike Setup:
Easton CT2 bars, and post. XT Crank, panaracer Fire XC pro when muddy, bontraeger revolt when dry! Put a longer stem on it.
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. It feels as light as my hardtail and now that I have ridden it enough and am getting used to the full suspension I can really bomb downhills. Haven't ridden my favorite trail yet on it, but that will come this month. Only thing that pissed me off was the flywheel stripping and grinding through my axle on a 25 mile ride. But the bike held through back to the trailhead. Love it, climbs especially well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
climbs and transfers power great, lock out rear shock, SID XC, XTR/XT drivetrain, tires work great on hardpack (though not so great on soft or mud), bike weight - 24.6 pounds!
Weaknesses:
Cranks are slow on shifting. Swapped Time pedals for Wellgo's Ti MG18 difficult to use with SPD cleats. Seat post slip easily. What's with the WIDE truck handlebars? Cut the bar length to 580mm. AVID levers had a lot of slop in the pivot joint but worked well. Steering geometry a little slow (though I did swap out the short 115 stem to 135mm)
Similar Products Used:
Die hard hardtail junkie, well until I bought the stump pro. Currently ride; 98 s-works - built full XTR, manitou SX-ti 93 s-works - deore DX/LX, manitou 1 (old school!)
Bike Setup:
Stock except, cut handlebars to 580mm, cut 2 inches off post, swapped time pedals for Wellgo mg18 ti (to match other bikes with SPD), 70psi both legs of SID, 190-200psi in Float RC, swapped 115mm x 10 stem to a Tahoma Sonne 135mm x 6 deg
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks for $1300. The sid XC and Float RC work great. The suspension is super smooth. I was utterly surprised how well this bike climbs! I love my hardtails but I think this experience is going to change my thinking. The bike hooks up on climbs.
I'm 5' 8" @ 160lbs just in case you want to baseline my shock setup; SID 70psi both legs, 190-200psi FOX Float. I've had the bike less than a month with only a couple of rides in. I might have to change the rear shock setting a little higher. I haven't had any problems bending the bars but I did cut them shorter.
There are a few suspect components on the bike but overall the bike works great. Truly a great cross country ride. Could use a little more aggressive steering geometry of course the upside is the bike is very stable. The bike works well enough that my hardtails are going to be benched for a little while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Yorktown Heights Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Grahm Hills, NY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
ET Cycle Shp[
Strengths:
I like the components of this bike; XTR rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, avid V-brakes
Weaknesses:
Handle bars bend after riding for the first time; tires
Similar Products Used:
?
Bike Setup:
Stock + new continental tires, new handle bars
Bottom Line:
I got this new frame because my old frame, the 99 Specialized FSR XC Comp broke on me. The bottom bracker and the frame stripped. So specialized gave me this frame. I like the improved set-up regarding the rear shock. Besides that, it is no different than my old Comp bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chutes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
my friend the sales rep.
Strengths:
light, quick, and agile. The rear shock is like butter. I don't know what the complaint regarding the s-works tires is all about, mine feels like it's on rails. For the money, this is an incredible bike.
Weaknesses:
Had to cut two inches off the bars to fit through the trees. Seat post slips occasionally.
Similar Products Used:
My last bike was a custom aluminum hardtail, XT/XTR with a Bomber Z2 fork. It was stolen by some b*stard.
Bike Setup:
All stock, baby. I've had no problems so far, and only change things out when they break. We'll see if that happens.
Bottom Line:
Riding this bike is a spiritual experience for me. It handles like an F1 racer, is light and quick. The front SID and rear Floar RC just feel like they are supposed to go together. I will re-post if things start to break, but thus far I couldn't ask for anything more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
"smitty" simon
a Cross Country Rider
from layton Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ben Lomond Peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Solid Components all the way around!
Weaknesses:
Tires absolutely suck! Can't Specialized hook you up with some descent tires? Especially for the price!
Similar Products Used:
GT-IDrive
Bike Setup:
Basically stock(except for the awfull tires-you must change them upon purchase.
Bottom Line:
I just barely purchased this bike from Supergo. What a great store huh(my plug for Supergo)! I love the light weight of the bike and the rear lock out of the shock. Can't go wrong with paying $1500 for a FSR PRO. Will tell more after a few rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto, Calif.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great frame, rear shock very nice...smooth, featherweight, as advertised...great on the climbs, rides beautifully...Avid brakes work well, as expected.
Weaknesses:
A lot of the stock items are subpar. The tires wore out quickly, crankset has a cheap feel to it and the seatpost--whoah, Ritchey does make a crap seatpost. Front forks a bit flexy.
Similar Products Used:
GT I-Drive, Huffy products from Target, Stumpjumper FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Changed most of the components. Swapped the seatpost (first thing you should do on this bike) for a Thomson Elite. Got a Thompson stem as well (the best stems on the market). Other components: XT front and rear derailleur, XT bottom bracket, XT Hollowtech crankset, Avid Arch Rival brakes, XT shift/brake pods, Easton EA-70 handlebars, 517 Mavic ceramic rims w/ XT hubs, Rock Shox Psylo XC
Bottom Line:
I've had no problems at all with this bike. It's lightweight and runs smoothly. Some places charge as much as $2300 for this Stumpy, which is justifiable because this bike is that good--even with the stock parts. If you do buy one, however, changing the tires and the seatpost are a must. Otherwise, the other components are fine. Have a nice day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgecrest, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Keysville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1499.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great handling, light weight and climbs well. This is a great do it all bike. XL was very comfortable for me (6'4" 220). Avid brakes work well. Lockout on the Fox shock is a nice extra. Ablity to tune both the Fox shock and SID fork with air is very nice. XTR/XT shifters are top notch.
Weaknesses:
Tires are trash, ripped half the knobs of the back on the first 10 mile ride, put on a set of Panaracer Fire XC Pro's, great tires and look great on the bike as well! Took the cranks off before it went home, replaced with XT. Did not like the Look peddles, I will replace them with SPD's.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Sugar 1
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Panaracer tire's, XT crank set and SPD peddles.
Bottom Line:
This bike was $1499 at Supergo, that's a thousand bucks off, I was looking at the FSR Comp but was able to buy the Pro and upgrade some parts for a great price. The bike has some things that need to be changed - cranks and tires. I didn't care for the Time peddles but you may...The rest of it works great. Solid performer and a great value. Get them while you can!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Last part of Skidaw downhill, Lake District
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mike Vaughan Cycles
Strengths:
Lightweight Repsonsive to power input Good handling Wide bars
Weaknesses:
Limited seatpost adjustment (although more than previous FSRs). Seatpost clamp wasn't up to the job on my bike. SID XCs not the best part of the bike (a touch flexy)
Similar Products Used:
Year 2000 FSR XC Pro 1998 FSR Enduro
Bike Setup:
Standard but with Shimano XT chainset and 185mm/165mm Hope Mini Disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
Fast, efficient and fun
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Watson
a Cross Country Rider
from Basingstoke, UK Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Beyondmountainbikes, UK
Strengths:
The bike is a fantastic lightweight cross country machine. Don't be put off by the sounds of competition. I use it as a trail bike and love it. Fantastic suspension that works real smooth - the Fox shock really complements the SID forks - I've never been so comfortable!
Weaknesses:
I bent the Ritchey seatpost and replaced with a great Thompsons. I agree that the tyres are rubbish - no traction on the rear after a couple of hundred miles, plus the sidewall split and blew the inner tube!
Bike Setup:
Stock with Thompsons seatpost and stem (bought the stem cheap in the US!), Panaracer Fire XC Pro tyres (fantastic traction - I'll never use semi-slicks again), changed pedals to Shimano SPD's (I always ride with these) and added Shortie Bar-ends from X-Lite (British Firm)
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike - buy it! Can't say fairer than that. Just been riding in the US on Slickrock, Porcupine trail and around Fruita... this bike was the best. It copes well with climbing, descending, drop off's - anything I could through at it!!!
I did bust the Fox Float RC lockout on the trails, but the air shock was still working so it didn't spoil the ride. Fox fixed this when I got home in four days! (wow - what great service!!!). Without knowing it, I'd also damaged one of the suspension bolts by the bottom bracket - it snapped. Specialized and my local shop changed it the next day!!!
Don't let these breakages put you off - I was riding pretty hard and breaks are one of those things - I don't think the quality of the bike is at fault.
I would certainly recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the trails - Have fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Fenton, MO Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chubb
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2399.00
Purchased At:
Sunset Cyclery
Strengths:
Rear Shock, XTR, Weight and Strength. Climbs like a dream!! Rear shock and the bike just seem to work together perfectly, an extremely plush ride. Can keep the power going on almost any light to moderate terrain. Still have to stand on the big hits though. Also the 517's stay true as a mothers love and are execptionally lightweight at the same time.
Weaknesses:
Not a big fan of Rock Shox, but haven't had any problems yet with the SID and really getting used to the feel of it. But what the hell is with those Specialized tires. All of them just plain Suck. Blew out the side wall and lost almost every knobby on my bike tire in less than 60 miles! You would think they would clue in putting a little better tires on a fargin $2500 sticker price bike!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Fuel, Sugar and Adept Pro
Bike Setup:
All stock except XT Cranks, Thompson Seat Post and Red Panaracers
Bottom Line:
Great, great setup! My friend has the Sugar 2 and I just don't see the quality and stability in it as with this bike. I'm not sure on the others, since the Fuel 100 were too tough to get your hands on, and Trek certainly didn't try to help. Just take our word that it rides good and order it! This bike rocks though and would highly, highly recommend it to anyone that needs a fast, light FS that can seriously take some abuse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, IN USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
True Wheel Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
This bike actually amazes me. I am supprised on how well the suspension works. It doesn't bob and it climbs extremely well. I also like the lockout on the rear shock. It's great for sprinting at the beginning of a race.
Weaknesses:
The tires are the only thing on this bike I didn't like. They wore away extremely quick. I bought a set of Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires with the red sidewall and they are sweet. (Plus they look cool as hell)
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper Pro- Schwin Moab
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Panaracer tires and a monkey lite riser bar.
Bottom Line:
Specialized has really got their stuff together. It is an excellent bike that should get more praise than it does. This is my second specialized bike and i have had zero problems with the specialized components. I don't see any problems with them. By the way, this bike CLIMBS LIKE A GOAT!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Ny, ny Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2350.00
Strengths:
Probably the best active FS design in the market, only the the "truth" offers a better option but you need to pay double for that baby.
Ride is a dream - plush, fast, light, great traction all around - better than any semi active design
I did over 2000 miles on very rough rocky trails - the bike holds great (I am 160 pounds) except for the big chain ring.
Weaknesses:
Some week parts - Chainrings, seat post (My LBS lubed the screw and then applied great torque - problem solved for now - no more noises and movments)
Low BB - this is also an advantage when you feel the quality of the handaling. Adjust sag properly and you will fly over logs and rocks with no problems
Great bike, light/$$$ ration, increadble ride. If you are a serious trail rider that loves fast trails and air time - buy this baby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Holloway
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise,Id Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Loon Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Making Tracks-Ontario,OR
Strengths:
* Ride Quality/Responsive/Smooths it all out, but...(see bottom line) * Cost:Weight when compared to high end. * Rear Fox Shock
Weaknesses:
* Ritchey Seatposts inability to hold seat in place. * Specialized Cranks flex and go out-of-true. * Chainrings bend easily. * Chainring bolts break. 2nd ride busted two. Specialized rep told me it was my fault they broke because I failed to lube them. I did't see a sticker or warning on the bike when I purchased it telling me to do this or suffer the consequences of a chainring breaking off and impailing your leg. * Rear hub became rough after just five rides. * Bottom Bracket Height too low allowing for constant crank-arm digs when pedalling through high-low-high transitions and corners that induce suspension sag. * Bolts at main lower BB Pivot break. Broke one off inside frame after just 8 rides. Specialized replaced frame for me. Must own a torque wrench to keep pivots in check. * Tires go bald after 60 miles. * SID Fork built for lightweights.Too much leg flex.
Similar Products Used:
Second year GT LTS.
Bike Setup:
Replaced specialized cranks with xtr cranks and BB, Replaced Specialized/Shimano hubs with Chris King Hubs tied to 517s, Ditched Sid for Mars Fork (still too much flex though), Replaced Ritchey with Thompson seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Specialized seems to have come very close to perfection, but they are avoiding that by placing substandard components on their bikes and lacking the knowledge of how their suspension bikes are holding up in the real world. They test their bikes with lightweight racers, who for the most part can ride hard, but put a realistic sized rider who is 190 lbs or heavier on their bikes and the bike fails to function properly. The lower main pivot is the achilles heel of the bike. First, the fastners that hold the lower main pivot onto the bike can break. They are too small for the amount of stress load placed on them. They need to put one big bolt down there to hold it together. Second, the pivot point is too far above the BB decreasing the ground clearance too much. Think about it the center of the BB to the ground is just 12 inches, now subtract half inch for sag. Now add rider induced pressures throughout the pedal stroke during normal xc riding conditions and the clearance averages between 9 to 11.5 inches. The crank-arm extends down 7.5 inches from the center of the BB. This gives you a starting clearance of 4 inches between the end of the crank-arm and the ground level. Subtract 2-3 inches of travel and any rock outcropping, dirt mound, grass clump, root, and stump you encounter will toss you off the trail potentially breaking your neck. It gets worse when you pedal through corners because the clearance levels decrease even more as the bike lays over, and do not attempt to pedal through whoop-dee-doo's because the crank-arm will dig and throw you off the bike. Buy this bike only if you ride flats and/or are less than 180 lbs. And, I know where you can get one cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duke
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey UK Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything long & fast
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Evans
Strengths:
Suspension design is the best out there. FOX RC - just lock it up for some hard road training flick it off and the trails are just lapped up. Fantastic components XT/XTR, SID xc and Avid Mag brakes.
Weaknesses:
If any: 1.Rear tyre- after 350km of moderate riding virtually bald. 2.Seat post slips (easy to sort out) 3.Still sussing out the ATAC's...
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX870,Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Standard but will slowly start upgrading (NOT NECCESSARY) for the "hobby" of it all....
Bottom Line:
Absolutely a fantastic machine. I don't even look anywhere else- this is my baby!! For an xc machine and the long all day rides you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Bayard
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mandarine Lake
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Strengths:
Frame Suspensions (the new link is awsome) XT/XTR combo - works smooth as butter Brakes SID XC - Plush....
Weaknesses:
Seat post - PIECE OF JUNK - Change it in the store (I am sorry I ddint think of that....) this thing just want stay where you want it, makes noises too
Cranks - Not as great as XTR, for now no problems - lets wait and see
Takes time to dial in - Worth every moment though....
Similar Products Used:
Sugar, Fuel, Aeon ISIS, Trek STP, Jekyl
Bike Setup:
Stock, except my tried and true Selle Italia TT and bar ends. Will swap seat post ASAP. The juery is still out on the ATACs
Bottom Line:
This is one hell of a ride. The active suspensions is pure genious - I float over rough terrain and still never expirienced any bob. I considered the Fuel, tried it but was dissapointed from the travel and overall quality of the ride. The FSR gives you the best traction possible...no monoshock system even comes close.
This baby climbs beautifly, decends like an angel and rules the single track like no other machine out there. This bike rides from its center, its so well balanced - just think of where you want to go and....magik - you are there
Bottom line - This is a great ride - light, plush, sharp, well balanced and FUN FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fab
a
from Somerset, NJ Date Reviewed: May 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fast and technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
1. Light and F A S T 2. New frame is increadble, smooth, plush and great traction 3. Technical trails and singles are a dream 4. Great climber, sweet downhill 5. Almost no flex in the rear sus. (I weigh 170), very undependebt, no pedal induced bob 6. Shock and fork are plush 7. Looks great (too great sometimes...) 8. Saddle (I love it but it took some time...) 9. ATAC are superb! 10. Value - XTR/XT, 24 pounds and change, got the thompsons and the easton included in the price - 2200USD - Great price
Weaknesses:
(-) Spesialized crancks (Not as bad as I thought from the reviews) (-) Tires are ok just for hardpack (-) No big difference between the 75mm and the 90mm setup
Similar Products Used:
Sugar,SC -SL, Giant NRS, Kona hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock except monkeylight low rise, thompson seat post and stem,
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic light and fast trail bike, it is increadbly comfortable (I can ride much longer and harder) It will climb anything and will take downhill better than most.
The suspension is a masterpiece, finaly something that gives you comfort, traction and speed...YES --- SPEED. With this bike I ride faster, my riding friends were left way back. Infact I finished second at the last race (sport class)and it was my first time with this bike...never been on the podium before....Sweeeeeeet.
Anyway, this bike is for a serious XC rider who loves technical stuff and fast trails. It takes quite a while to tweek the suspension but now I am finaly in the sweet zone and my only problem is when to ride...
This bike rules - I found LOVE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bjorndoggie Cruiser
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento CA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Forresthill Divide
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
American River Bicycles
Strengths:
Light, nimble and rides just like butter.
Weaknesses:
Crank flexes a little (but I am a clydesdale).
Similar Products Used:
Demoed: 2000 FSR, 2001 Giant NRS.
Bike Setup:
Stock except Easton Monkeylite Riser Bar, Thomson seatpost , Michelin Wildgripper Comp S rear tire and a Sachs PC99 chain.
Bottom Line:
I switched to a full suspension bike because I heard so much about it helping relieve back pain. On my last ride, with my hardtail, my back was getting sore about halfway through the ride. Now, WOW what a difference! I was ready to ride again the next day. About the bike: I stayed with Specialized (my hardtail was Specialized) because they give you good value and I never broke down on my Specialized (lot's of people on other manufacturers bikes I've ridden with have). This bike is sweet! I can't wait to get back on it. It handles well in tight singletrack and I just rail on the downhills. Moderate downhills that is. Already this bike has made me a better rider. When I get more miles on it and the honeymoon is over I will post another review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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