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Specialized
1999 S-Works FSR XC
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Submitted by
Halo
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mule
Lightweight
Zooms Over Singletrack
| | Weaknesses: | Rear Suspension Pivot Points Squeak
Front Derailler Setup Sucks, Hard to Adjust, Chain Rubs Against it
Rear Brake Cable Rubs Leg
Headset Sucks
Fork Sucks | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Pro Zero G3 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Fork
Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Spinergy Xyclone
Chris King Headset
Easton Low Rise Carbon Bar
Easton Stem | | Bottom Line: | When my bike is not getting lubed, tuned, or repaired, it hammers any trail we take. No problems climbing . Wave bye as you pass other riders.If you want an awesome performer after some minor upgrades and can get it for less than MSRP, load it up! Walk on by if you want to buy it for the brand new sticker price and ride it as is. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine ridge | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheatridge cyclery | | Strengths: | Weight, design, Specialized | | Weaknesses: | Configuration. Came with a crap shock. A ton of sticktion in the rear. Rear wheel need to be rebuilt immediately upon purchace. | | Similar Products Used: | All | | Bike Setup: | M4 Sworks frame. RockShox Psylo Race 5". MRP rear linkage (4"), Continental tires (Vertical Pro's, 2.3) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Light weight. Excellent Cross country bike, but lacks a little in the downhill mode. I replace the front shock and rear linkage for more travel (5 in front, 4 in rear). Tires are crap, change them out to 2.3's asap. The seat is a bit rough, but I fixed that easily enough. I found out that I'd like more travel after changing things out. Bottom line, my bike still wieghs 25 pounds with all the mod's. It climbs like a rocket and descends well enough too. It took some work, but I found utopia in an all around bike.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Bismarck ND
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Maah Dey Hey trail in Medora | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Owner | | Strengths: | This bike is extremely fast and durable. I would recommend this bike to anyone | | Weaknesses: | Rear brake cable rubs against your leg. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing comes close to this bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for all around xtr components | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for anyone who isn't afraid to go fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Nevada City
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2999.00 | | Strengths: | Great all arounf XC bike | | Weaknesses: | Weld broke on rear triangle. Replaced by specialized 18 months ago. Rode many rocky technical trails (moab, sedona) and have had no problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Just got a new Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | Standard factory set up | | Bottom Line: | I had this bike for over 2 years and put on a lot of miles on it and it was great with the exception of the weld cracking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bacon Wagon
a Racer
from Lakewood, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Closest One | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Westside Cycle | | Strengths: | Design, Weight. | | Weaknesses: | Value, low quality components, possibly fork. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR | | Bike Setup: | CrossMax wheels, M858 pedals, CT-2 bar, MSP X-Rated suspension upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great riding bike. Very fast and nimble. Swap out as many of components as you can afford to swap at the dealer. They're light but won't last long. The rear brake cable rub against your leg is an easy fix: Reverse the thick and thin spacers that hold the brake pads, shorten the cable if possible. Fixed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA, US
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mountain (because its local) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs Greenlake (frame only) | | Strengths: | - smooth riding
- light weight
- well constructed
| | Weaknesses: | - a little to flexy (rear)
- rear brake cable scrapes your leg
- dump all of the specialized components and upgrade | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR drive train, Thomson stem and seat post, Chris King hubs and headset, XT brakes and shifters, Marzocchi Z2 Bam front shock. | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 220-225lbs on average and race in the clydsedale category in Washington state. This is my first full suspension frame and I have ever used but I have to admit that it works very well even with my bulk behind the bar.
I bought the frame only and built my bike with parts purchased at great discounts from various mail order catalogs. I highly suggest doing this as the Specialized parts that are used (as with any bike manufacturer out there)come from all over world and chances are that they are much cheaper both in quality and cost.
Other than that I have had little to no problems at all with the bike and would recommend it to anyone out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Barker
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon - Patapsco Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Catonsville Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light, fast, 4 bar link full suspension. Under 23lbs (on the postal scale near the bike shop) along with suspension whether sitting or standing. I weigh 210 and ride it hard on rocks and smooth single track. | | Weaknesses: | Headset and pedals. Replaced headset within 2 months with a race face thermo. No trouble since then. Pedal bearings wore out after one year. Replaced with Shimano 858s. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Specialized, and Breezer hard tails. | | Bike Setup: | XTR crank, race face stem and headset, monkey lite 1" riser bar. Everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is great for weekend bashing and races. Rear end stays connected to the steepest hill. S-works hubs and wheels still true after two full years of rocky trails and my 210 lbs. Works well all the time. You get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Too Many | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Go | | Strengths: | very light for a full suspension bike, and very fast bike. | | Weaknesses: | nothing so far... | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | Sx Carbon, Hugi 240/517 rims, Straigh XTR, Thompson post, Kore Elite stem, CT2 monkey lite . | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for racing. This bike is very fast. My bike is about 23lbs. It can also be lighter if you switch to Sram 9.0 SL. If you are looking for a bike that will get you to the podium, look no further. It also help you become a better rider and will change you mind about full suspension bike. This is the standard for great full suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mohamed Azmi Zainudin
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang,Georgetown,Malaysia
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to mention | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | CCI Pte Ltd | | Strengths: | Climbs/rides much like a hartail with the added benefit & traction of a rear suspension when you need it.Nimble bike in the tight stuff.Fox Vanilla RC super reliable & works perfectly to date contary to other reports. | | Weaknesses: | Pearlescent Yellow paint job though nice/cool to look at is showing signs of wear/tear, specially at the down tube.Paint chips easily.Bushings at rear suspension needs regular lubrication or the rear would squeak.Limited seat post adjustment.Rear end a bit flexy,"chatters" in the rough stuff.No proper rear mounts for disc set-up,the adaptors don't count as they suck!For such a good bike overall,perhaps this would be nit-picking? | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS,Cannondale Super Vs,Santa Cruz Superlight. | | Bike Setup: | Kris King Headset/Hubs laced with Black DT Comps & Sun 0 XC Rims,XTR gruppos,Thomson Seat Post,Easton Monkey Rise Bar,Control Tech Team Issue Handle Stem,San Marco Era seat,Continental Navigator Pro/Cross Country tyres,Time ATAC Carbon pedals,Manitou SX Ti 80mm fork. | | Bottom Line: | Actually this is a follow up of my review posted last year on 26th May '99.I only gave it 4 chillies then as I had my reservations on the durability of the bike(quite a number of reports on rear suspension failures & cracking at weld joints?) & I can safely say the bike IS bomb proof!Still...4 chillies only as there are better bikes out there which have raised the standards of full sus bikes,the Santa Cruz Superlight & Intense Tracer readily come to mind! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Des Moines, IA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugarbottom | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, great climber, rear end digs in with no pogo-ing. | | Weaknesses: | Two major disappointments in design and spec. The front derail. is mounted on a bracket attached to the BB (I think it is called e-type or something.). After a couple months of riding, the front XTR derail. will get a little slop in it and will slam into the frame when moving to the granny gear.
There is virtually no way to adjust the bracket or derail. to prevent this for long. Specialized has yet to give my LBS a good explanation. They did send new "thinner" chainrings, but that did little. The "seat tube" opposite the front derail. is crimped (as in looks like they take a vice to it at the factory). IMO, Specialized did a lousy job of designing this and it was not corrected in 2000 either.
Specs are a little light on the stock bike. The Specialized stem, crank, pedals and hubs are not up to XT/XTR or aftermarket standards/quality and you can plan on replacing them as they wear out or sooner. In addition, the Fox Vanilla Float RC rear shock is a piece of crap. Mine won't hold air for 24 hours and recently blew out completely. It never held air. I race, but I don't do super abusive stuff like big air jumps. Fox is sending a free rebuild kit.
My rear triangle cracked after 9 months just like every one elses. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock...mostly XTR and Specialized parts - Large Frame | | Bottom Line: | After all of the above, I still like the bike and would never go back to a hard-tail...I am faster on this bike. Buy the frame and build it up or plan on replacing stock parts that are not up to par after awhile. If you do build it up, maybe plan on putting a spacer on the BB or getting a slightly longer axle to take care of poor front derail. setup.
The 2001 models are probably worth the wait. They are changing the design slightly and you can now adjust the rear travel with a linkage system depending on racing, riding, etc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John McMahan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ojai
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sisar Road to Gridley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light,rugged,fun to ride. I have confidence the bike will take me where I want to go and the manufacturer has stood behind the product at every level. Specialized representives are at their dealers to answer questions and provide support. The dealer and bike mechanics in my area around Ojai and Ventura,CA. have been fantastic. I took the bike in for servicing and my mechanic found a crack in the the rear triangle..specialized took care of it no problem. I ride this bike hard at least once a week over the worst terrains and it never lets me down. Gridly Trail in Ojai is very technical and has sections that look like the surface of Mars. The bike takes it like a champion. The bike is a great climber and does well on downhill technical sections. You won't be dissappointed.
| | Weaknesses: | The bike has serveral teflon pivots that began to squeak after a year of hard riding. $20 for a new set plus installation. This is how my mechanic discovered a small crack in the rear triangle that Specialized took care of on a one year old bike with no problem.
The rear break cable sticks out and hits your leg. Very annoying. After market cable with small wheel tucks the break cable in nicely and solves the problem. Specialized should take care of this. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight
Canondale Viper | | Bike Setup: | Chris King Head Set.
Titanium Spring Set in Manitou Fork
| | Bottom Line: | Great bike from a company that has well trained dealers and factory support that stands behind their products. In my area, this is not the word on other products like Cannondale where some shops in nearby areas don't speak highly of Cannodales willingness to do warranty work when needed. Talk with the bike shop owners in your area about after the sale experiences with warranty work. It may be important later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail @ Buffalo Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheat Ridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | * Light
* Fast
* 4-Bar suspension very active
* Climbs better than my hard tail | | Weaknesses: | * M950 XTR bottom bracket
* Fox shock
* Chain stay design | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock 1999 model large frame | | Bottom Line: | You will fall in love with this bike. It is very responsive on single track, climbs extremely well and downhills like a dream. I have put about 1500 miles on this bike since last November. The majority of the miles have been commuting miles with the other miles on the Colorado front range. You will also love to hate this bike due to some bad parts and chainstay design flaws.
Had some problems with the cranks not staying on the BB because the crank bolts kept coming out. Put some locktite on the bolts and this seemed to fix the problem.
The M950 XTR BB is not really the best choice. It can be serviced and this is a problem becuase the seals don't hold out water. Pulled it out after 1300 miles and found out the bearing races on the drive side were pitted. Ended up getting the new M952 XTR bottom bracket which has sealed bearings and doesn't require any non-standard BB tools to install. New M952 BB is about 20-30 grams heavery however.
The chainstay cracked on the drive side right behind the chain rings on top of the hollowed out portion. My brother has the FSR pro and his has cracked also. LBS talked to specialize and part was replaced under warranty within a week. Seems that Specialize knows all too well about this problem. The new chainstay appeared to be beefed up a bit where the crack formed before. Specialize claims the crack comes from the fact the FSR rear end has a bit too much lateral movement thus causing the Al chainstay to fatigue.
The Fox RC Float air shock failed after about 500 miles. The rebound damping dissappeared. Returned it to Fox and within a week had a rebuilt shock back. Haven't had any problems with the shock since then.
Overall this bike is a dream to ride. The quality of the bike is good except for the parts listed above. I haven't had any problems with the Manitou SX-Carbon shock like others. The headset was a bit stiff but after a regrease appears to work well. I can't seem to get the front derailleur to work well. Derailleur rubs in the extreme positions. I give this bike 5 chilis for value (good price for the bang) and 4 chilis for overall. Knocked down for some poor quality parts and poor chainstay design. I would recommend the FSR XC bikes to anyone thinking of getting a full spension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Racer
from UK
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Weight,handling,speed | | Weaknesses: | Crap bushings,after reading these reviews I'm worried about the chainstays. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full susser. | | Bike Setup: | Custom build; XTR,Hope,Easton components.Pace Rc38 forks. | | Bottom Line: | This is the ultimate cross country bike.I regularly blow away guys on hardtails even on steep climbs without even locking out the shocks.On decents it's equally at home.I keep reading that the Intense tracer is better-it must be something else!!!
I've noticed that the 2001 s-works has a revised rear end with full cartridge bearings,longer top tube and looks a bit beefier.I want one.Incidentally the Macbike bearing kit is fantastic,it's a pain to fit but you'd be suprised at the difference.Now I don't have to keep lubing the pivots.
This is a lot of wonga for a bike,but it's worth every penny if you buy the frameset only-specialised components are pants!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaren Johnson
a Racer
from AZ
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tooooo many to Pick from | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light,Innovative Tube Matterial,Sharp looking,Great Handeling Slead Great cross county bike. | | Weaknesses: | Rear triangle Durabuility is in Question, the rear end brakage problem has been a real headache, mine has gone capoot twice. | | Similar Products Used: | I've raced a Litespeed and Merlin and Now train on a Intense Tracer that I Love. I use the M-4 to race becouse it's Lighter. | | Bike Setup: | Built up custom,chis king headset and Hubs-RaceFace stem, cranks and BB-LPBars and Bar ends-Thompson seat post-Salsa scewers-XTR with Plasma Gripshift-M-517 wheels for the rough trails in AZ-Continental Tires-and I can't forget to mention the incredable Time carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This crotch rocket is a great overall machine.It does allmost everything well, but it does run short in one department and that's been frame durabuilty,This I think has now been corrected. This bike handles with exactness,and is a feather weight full suspention slead. My Intense does seem to out shine the M-4 in the attention to detail department,Lets face it Intense makes a very fine frame. My Tracer has also been more durable, prob due to the box square tubes instead of the round used by specialized on the rear triangle. When it comes to weight, the M-4 win's hands down. I do feel that the M-4 has had a prob with rear triangle breaks,I've had two my self, but my third does seem to be the charm. I think Specialized has got the bug's worked out. I give this bike 4 almost 5 Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ Langley
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Excellent handling when all is in working order. Great design. | | Weaknesses: | All stock components | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6' 205 lbs and ride over 2000 aggressive miles a year. I love the bike, but I am disappointed in the stock components. I went through the first set of chainrings like butter! To date I have been putting on new rings when needed. Changed the headset to a Chris King and now I'm happy. The Fox RC Float sucks, not for actual performance, but for the constant squeaking. I have been into it at least 6 times to the point that it is obvious. Had to cover it up with a Lizard Skin because of all the wrenching. Still squeaks. Just bought a Stratos to replace the Fox, but I haven't put it on yet. Looking for better results. Cracked the rear triangle 4 times. This time I am told it will be beefed up at the hole near the large pivot. 1 crack was at the weld, snapped in half and the other three are cracks at the hole. Bottom bracket and cranks need to be replaced and I am also doing that. Specialized does not make this switch easy. Perpare to dig deep. $$$ Bottomline, if you ride hard and alot plan on dropping another grand within a year or two depending on your usage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIC
a Cross Country Rider
from WOODLAND HILLS
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | GREAT ALL AROUND HANDLING | | Weaknesses: | CHAINSTAY. BROKE TWO. SPECIALIZED REPLACED FIRST IN 3 DAYS. WILL SEE ABOUT 2ND. BUILT THE FRAME UP CHRIS KING, XTR, SX TI ETC SO I DONT HAVE SPECIALIZED COMPONENT FAILURE PROBLEMS | | Similar Products Used: | Y BIKE, GT ULTRA LITE ,SANTA CRUZ | | Bike Setup: | ALL XTR,CHRIS KING,MAVIC C MAX, SX TI | | Bottom Line: | LOVE THE BIKE. WILL PUT UP WITH BROKEN CHAINSTAYS ONCE A YEAR, COMES WITH RIDING A LITE BIKE HARD. BROKE THE CHAINSTAYS ON ALL MY OTHER BIKES AS WELL. THE FOX SHOCK IS GREAT. EASY TO SET UP AND MAINTAIN. PLUSH RIDE WITH LITTLE BOB. SAME SHOCK ON THE GT AND IT WAS GREAT THERE TO. SOMEONE WROTE THAT YOU CANT PUT XTR BB AND CRANKS ON THE BIKE, NOT TRUE. FITS AND SHIFTS FINE. WILL NEED THE CORRECT FRONT DERAILER. THE CLIMBING, CORNERING, SINGLETRACK AND CHUTE DROPPING ABILITY ON THIS BIKE CAN'T BE BEAT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ramona windmill run | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Weaknesses: | Cheap components | | Bottom Line: | FSR Owners; Check your right hand chainstay for cracks. Look behind your chain rings, on top of the hollowed out portion of the chainstay that passes through to the left hand side. I`ve owned my bike since 9/99. Specialized is sending out a new chainstay for my LBS to replace. They are also replaceing the freewheel assy. There may be alot of cracked frames out there. So look close when you clean your bike. The LBS told me Specialized has had very few problems with cracked chainstays. Everyone out there chime in if you`re chainstay is cracked and we`ll see if their beening truthful or just don`t want to admit they have a recall item here! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Paddack
a Cross Country Rider
from Carmel, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light Frame | | Weaknesses: | Paint started chipping on the bottom of the bottom tube at the water bottle cage mounts, blew the nitrogen cartridge in the Fox Vanilla Air rear shock, and finally snapped the rear swingarm on the drive side chain stay just behind the main pivot. Also, the bike has a tendency to wash out with both tires at speed around fire road corners. Scary at first until you realize this trait. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Cycles Uzzi SL, Titus Motolite, DBR X frame, Cannondale Raven | | Bike Setup: | I bought the frameset and use all of my parts off my old Specialized hardtail (which also had paint problems). All XT/XTR stuff with the following exceptions. Monkeylight lo rise bar, ODI bolt-on type grips, and 99'Marzocchi Z2 BAM
| | Bottom Line: | This bike was great when I first got it (Nov. 98). What a difference from my old Rockhopper. It definitely made me a faster and better rider. I ride in an area that is quickly becoming the North Shore of the East and I am realizing now that this bike is not for the type of riding I do. After having trashed the frame I am looking to sell the frame that Specialized is warrantying and buying either a Bullit or Tracer. However, Zokes rule! After having both Rockshox and Manitou I will never buy anything except Italian. If you are a racer or ride on faster type terrain without many drops this bike will be perfect for you. If you ride at places like Mt. Snow or Plattekill this bike will break after having it for a year or so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Woodrow Katt
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very lightweight; handles great; suspension performance, especially rear -- climbs great, almost no bobbing. | | Weaknesses: | Specialized "house-brand" components are especially lame; stuff breaks way too often for a $3k bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st FS bike I've owned. | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkeylight carbon riser bar; Cook Bro's F-Series cranks (now a collector's item!); Raceface rings; XT (un72) BB; Specialized Body-Comp saddle; Time atac pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I have a love-hate relationship with this bike. To ride this bike is to love it, to own it is to hate it.
The ride is sweet -- it rode better than any other FS bike I tested last year, and my riding improved with it from the start. It handles great on rocky, rooty western PA singletrack. It climbs like a champ -- suspension holds the trail where I'd spin out on my old hardtail, and I don't notice any bob or loss of pedaling efficiency. It's a great xc ride.
Now the downside -- I've had more troubles with various components than I can count (but I'll try). In chronological order:
1) After 3rd ride, headset froze up. Mechanic at LBS found problem, it was completely dry! Specialized or their supplier neglected to grease it during assembly.
2) Within 1st month, bb developed play. Over the next month, I'd return after every ride or 2 to lbs to get cranks/bb adjusted. Started carrying 9mm allen on rides to tighten down cranks since they'd develop play within a single ride. After a month, gave up (Specialized wouldn't warranty these components).
Unfortunately, fixing this wasn't trivial because very few combinantions of aftermarket cranks/bb will work with this bike. Can't just go XTR BB/XTR Cranks because the e-type front derailleur requires compact rings. Can't switch to a standard frame-mounted derailleur (according to Specialized) because the frame walls are too thin. But most aftermarket BBs aren't compatable with e-type derailleur. So we finally settled on a good old XT BB (weighs a ton but at least it works). In my opinion, the stock combination of XTR BB / Specialized cranks is garbage -- scroll trough the reviews and you'll find many other riders with similar troubles.
3) I've (meaning my LBS) has never gotten the front shifting adjusted quite right. If it's adjusted so the "small front/big rear" granny gear works, then the "big front/small rear" combo rubs, or vice versa. This was true from day one, and according to the LBS is a function of the way Specialized has mounted the xtr derailleur.
4) After about 9 months of riding, the rear chainstays cracked at the welds (fortunately, this happened on the 4 block ride back from some unrelated minor adjustment so the only damage was to the bike, not me). I'm big but not huge (190 lbs) and don't ride especially aggressively. Again, scroll through the earlier reviews and you'll find a disconcerting number of other chainstay failures (last time I counted, about 14 cases in 90 reviews; of the dozen or so 1999 FSR's my LBS sold last year, I was chainstay break #2). If this "1 out of 7" failure rate is at all representative, Specialized ought to be REAL nice to its 1999 customers. I suspect that if alone is enough evidence to get the Consumer Product Safety Commision looking at a recall if it came to their attention. (Secialized did warranty the chainstay, at least -- I hope they beefed up the welds in the interim).
Bottom line -- if you are going to by the 2000 version of this bike, (and if you ride one you will be tempted), I highly recommend buying frame only and building up a good set of components. I swapped out the bar and pedals from the start, had to replace the drivetrain, and wish I had replaced the headset. If you look at a 2000 frame next to a 1999 frame, you can see they beefed up the gussets at the welds on the downtube / head tube juncture, but I wouldn't buy the 2000 frame until I knew what if anything they did to strengthen the rear triangle as well. Since last year, the GT i-drive bikes have gone on a serious diet, and if I were in the market I'd look at Intense and Titus as well.
Overall, 2 chilli's for value (you deserve better than the house brand components for your $3k+), and 2 for overall (5 for the ride, and -3 for the reliability).
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in Pisgah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | smooth, fast, responsive, light | | Weaknesses: | specialized components | | Similar Products Used: | fsr-xc, y-frames | | Bike Setup: | Manitou FS-TI, XTR, Raceface, bontrager, | | Bottom Line: | The best frame I have ridden yet. Makes every ride more fun. Minimal weight penalty compared to hardtail, but I actually clock better times because I can hammer harder and take more aggressive lines. Be sure to ride several different sizes and change stems if you need to before buying one as the top tubes tend to run on the short side. On the down size Specialized's components are pieces of crap. You will be much happier if you buy the frame and build it yourself. If will probably be cheaper too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kakusuke
a
from sapporo, hokkaido, japan
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | fast, comfy, light. | | Weaknesses: | expensive | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | XC race machine | | Bottom Line: | Definitely a fun ride.
A little too expensive for sunday riders though.
All in all it's your skills that compliment this
ready-to-race badass. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Orlando,Fl
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, fast | | Weaknesses: | Company customer service sucks.....My frame broke into two pieces and they will not warranty it | | Similar Products Used: | many during the decision process | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z-2 BAM (awesome), King headset and hubs, Mavic Rims, RaceFace cranks and BB, KORE stem | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I fell in love with this bike and 4 people I know bought the exact same bike as mine after riding mine and going on my recommendation. My frame snapped into two pieces, causing me to take a nasty crash at 24 mph during the last race of the season. I had won everyone up until this time, this was the 8th race I had ridden this bike in. The Specialized rep was a jerk and would not get my bike warrantied, would not even offer a crash replacement that I offered to pay for. Bike is great until it breaks, then company abandons you and won't help. My advice is stay away from this company.....buy a bike from a company that will stand behind their products and offer good customer service | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Orlando,Fl
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfortable Ride, Fast | | Weaknesses: | Customer Service Sucks.....My frame broke into two pieces and the company will not warranty it. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried many before I decided on this one | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi fork(awesome), King head set and Rims, RaceFace cranks and BB, Mavic Rims, XTR derailleurs, KORE stem | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I fell in love with this bike and 4 people I know bought the exact same bike as mine after riding mine and going on my reccomendation. My frame snapped into two pieces, causing me to take a nasty crash at 24 mph during the last race of the season. I had won everyone up until this time, this was the 8th race I had ridden this bike in. The Specialized rep was a jerk and would not get my bike warrantied, would not even offer a crash replacement that I offered to pay for. Bike is great until it breaks, then company abandons you and won't help. My advice is stay away from this company.....buy a bike from a company that will stand behind their products and offer good customer service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a Cross Country Rider
from Delaware
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jim Thorpe, PA. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great climber, and downhiller. | | Weaknesses: | Had to replace headset, cranks, cracked chain stay, Manitou Carbon broke. | | Similar Products Used: | K2, Raven | | Bike Setup: | Stock accept, C King headset, XTR cranks, SID SL front, Gripshift. | | Bottom Line: | Good thing I work in a shop. Or I would have been pissed when all of these parts BROKE. I really like the bike now!!!! They do come small. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Ham
a Racer
from LIttleton, Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good Suspension design. Can get none S-works for pretty cheap. Looks. 5-year warrenty(needed), stiff front triangle. | | Weaknesses: | Flexy rear triangle. Not strong enough (broke it twice, I weigh 155lbs.) SHORT Top top (you have to go up a size). You Have to use an E-Type Front Derailluer | | Similar Products Used: | Y-bike(not a good bike)
titus Racer-X ti (nice bike) | | Bike Setup: | XTR, RaceFace, Manitou (now Marzocchi), Mavic, Easton, Chris King hubs/headset, Profile | | Bottom Line: | I only weigh 155lbs and i broke something twice.
1st one i broke the seat mast off (they over-heated a weld)
2nd one i broke the chainstay, they sent me a new 2000
which is stronger
There a better, but it is a great bike. Go up a size, the reach is super short(I am 5'10" and ride a Large and it is a little small for me). Has a nice adaption to the strut design to make it a little plusher. All around there are better, but they will cost more naturally(Intense Tracer, or Titus Racer-X or Motolite) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
euro-sac
a Weekend Warrior
from wichita ks usa
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mtn goat winter park c/o | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | great frame | | Weaknesses: | headset,seat+post,crank,fork,cheap looking gold bar | | Similar Products Used: | GT-Idrive,diamondback | | Bike Setup: | king,wtb seat.thompson,raceface,rockshox,raceface bar | | Bottom Line: | Great frame handles like on rails but between the headset that always comes loose or jams up, the seat and post that broke on the 1st ride, the crank that sheds its teeth on anything you touch and bends in the wind, the fork that wants to self desruct and the creeking rear end that is about to give way i would not say this is worth 3k,do your self a favour and buy a intence. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Handle and climbs well | | Weaknesses: | Not a safe bike. Rear triangle frame feels weak and may break apart anytime. Front plastic fiber fork is showing sign of weakness. Weak crank broke at connection. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | With exception of the weak rear triangle frame,fork and crank, it does everything well. I just don't want to end up in the hospital when the rear fail. The specialized dealer are not of any help to get it fix until it break and the rider ends up in hospital. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerald Daniele
a Cross Country Rider
from Budd Lake, N J
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Park Blue Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It's lack of any significant weaknesses. | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Mount Vision Pro Marin Palisades Trail | | Bike Setup: | Race Face cranks, chainrings, TiBB, Thompson post, Flite Ti saddle, Titec little al stem, Easton Monkey Lite riser bar, XTR hubs, alloy nipples, Ti spokes, 517m rims, King Threadless HDset, Fox Air Vanilla, Sid XC Fork, XTR cassette, Tioga factory tires | | Bottom Line: | There can only be ONE best designed dual suspension frame. This is the ONE. I fell in love with the simplicity and efficiency of this particular design, so I bought their cheapest model, and put on the parts I wanted. It is nice to have two sets of wheels, one for mud and such, and the other for dry conditions and fast rolling. Every time I pick up a magazine, there is different award or positive article about this bike. I even read that nine other bicycle companies pay to use thier design. I am happy with the bike, and if I have any shortcomings this year with my mountain biking, it will be by no fault of the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a Racer
from crestline california
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | santa ana trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | suspention design, lightweight, great climber,pretty red paint job | | Weaknesses: | I'll let you know when I find one! | | Similar Products Used: | sorry, it's my first full suspention | | Bike Setup: | sid xc, thompson post, king HS, tiBB, race face cranks, hugi hubs,ti spokes,WTB seat,IRC xc tires, XTR shifters brakes and der.Nice! | | Bottom Line: | Well, I rode the bike about five time before I raced it last weekend at southridge fontana xc race in southern california.I'm in the masters sport catagory, so i'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore. This bike was absolutly wonderful to race. granted, i've been putting in a few miles lately to get ready for the race season, but this bike was so sweet to ride, I believe it was definatly instrumental in aiding me in kicking some serious butt last weekend. A bit long winded? Sorry.Anyone making the transition from hardtail to a dually should seriously consider one of these bikes. So there! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAVID
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN FRANCISCO
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | SINGLETRACKS/ OFF ROAD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Looks great!! Hot red... Frameset
Very responsive | | Weaknesses: | Headset, seatpost, saddle
Crankset
Chain | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper Xc, Cannondale super V, Diamonback XR6 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides good for 2 months. The seatpost becomes loose constantly. Headset tweek. After upgrading Crankset, Cassette, front derailleur to XTR, Thomson seatpost, koobi AU saddle, and Sach 9sp top of the line chain,, This bike kick ass on any trail. It made me a better climber, better descender, and it is fast.. I would give it 10 chiles for better parts.. So far there's no problem. I will report back after a few months. Go Specialized...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Jamison
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Arizona
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pima and Dynamite, Phx | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This bike is so light and fast that I am continually amazed. It sticks to the trail, but doesn't feel mushy. Riding next to my friend on his Cannonwhale, he is bouncing up and down on the flats, and mine is rick solid. It soaks up the bumps really well and reacts to the rider perfectly. | | Weaknesses: | It didn't come in the cool green color. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-Bike, Cannonwhale Super-V, etc | | Bike Setup: | IRC Mythos tires. Manitou Carbon fork, 120 psi in the Fox Vanilla RX Float | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It was worth every penny. I swore I would never go full suspension because, when I raced, it was on an Aluminum hard tail. I loved the way it climbed. This bike actually climbs better. It sticks to the trail over bumps, but doesn't flex when you don't really want it to. VERY fast.
Who should by this?
Anyone with $3000 that they can put into a bike. Anyone who really loves to ride all over. If you're only a downhiller, don't look at this bike. Its not made for that. Its made for the person that just likes to hammer everywhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIC
a Cross Country Rider
from WOODLAND HILLS,CAL
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | ALL AROUND GREAT HANDLING BIKE. I POSTED THE 3RD REVIEW HERE IN 11/98 AND THIS IS AN UPDATE. NO CHANGE IN MY OPINION THAT THE BIKE KICKS BUTT. | | Weaknesses: | BROKE THE CHAINSTAY AFTER 3 MONTHS, SPECIALIZED REPLACED IT IN 3 DAYS.NO PROBLEMS WITH NEW ONE. | | Similar Products Used: | Y BIKE, GT ULTRALITE F.S.,PROFLEX, MOOTS YBB | | Bike Setup: | BUILT FRAME UP,ALL XTR,MAVICS,MANITOU SX TI, CHRIS KING | | Bottom Line: | I DIDNT HAVE THE PROBLEMS THAT SOME OTHERS HAVE POSTED BECAUSE OF DIFFERENT PARTS THAN STOCK, WHICH I NOW SEE AS A GOOD AND VERY LUCKY CHOICE. THE BIKE AS IT IS SET UP IS BULLETPROOF.IT WOULD BE NICE IF SPECIALIZED OFFERED IT ALL XT OR XTR WITH A GOOD HEADSET,CRANKS AND CHAINRINGS THAT SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM. THIS REVIEW IS REALLY ON THE FRAMESET BUILTUP AS ABOVE WHICH HAS GIVEN ME NO TROUBLE IN 2,000 MILES(OTHER THAN THE CHAINSTAY)AND HANDLING WHICH HAS IMPROVED ALL ASPECTS OF MY RIDING. CLIMBS WITH NO BOBBING, TRACKS LIKE ON RAILS ON FIREROADS, AND DROPS DOWN NASTY CHUTES WITH CONFIDENCE INSPIRING HANDLING.I WOULD RECOMEND THE BIKES RIDE AND HANDLING TO ANY TYPE OF RIDER. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from el cajon, ca 92020
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | jackson hole | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | very stable geometry, no suspension bob , just a very sweet ride. very light. 24lbs with my setup. Bike likes to be hammered both in and out of the saddle. | | Weaknesses: | after 8 months of riding the fox vanilla float shock blew its seals and lower bushing. Good thing the shock is warrantied for 1 year. the front end tends to get a little squirly on real steep ascents. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized s works hard tail | | Bike Setup: | full xtr, crossmax wheels , king headset, kore stem and ti bars. | | Bottom Line: | The bike performs great. I don't like the stock specialized set up. Better to buy the frameset and build it up with reliable parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Heckman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ford City, PA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hamilton Creek, Nashville TN | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Nimble
No bobbing on climbs
Adjustability of suspension
Handling | | Weaknesses: |
E-type deraileur is hard keep in check. Needs alot of minor tweaking. | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR XC Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized Body Geometry seat, Thompson seatpost, WTB Velociraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome, plain and simple. I have logged about 400 miles in about three months on this bike and have had only minor problems. First, the headset is junk. I hope to be able to replace it soon. For a $3000 bike I wouldn't think that I would have to, but that's another story.
The first hill I climbed, I could tell a dramatic weight difference over my M2 hardtail. This bike is about 4lbs lighter. It makes climbing hills a lot more bearable. The ability to lock out the rearend on long ascents and fire roads is great. I use this feature a lot more than I thought I would. Even with the rear end not locked out, I notice next to no bobbing in the back.
I truly love riding this bike. The handling of this bike is incredible. I point and go. This bike makes ride harder.
The only other problem I have had has been with the front derailuer. I have had to constantly check that it is not dragging. Has anyone else had this problem? How can I fix it, other than constant tweaking?
Other than these minor problems, I cannot wait for summer to arrive. Way to go Specialized!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark birdsong
a Cross-Country Rider
from albq nm
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
2 many 2 list | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
ride quality, | | Weaknesses: |
rear
swingarm,bar,post,seat,c
hainrings | | Similar Products Used: |
many mt bikes | | Bike Setup: |
changed-tires,seat,bar,
shifters,pedals | | Bottom Line: | my first review was at the 6 month point & I had
nothing but praise. now after a year things are a
little different. 1st I broke swingarm on left
chainstay at weld. gave way without warning
luckily I was only going 15 mph and was able to
stop in time. But I had just finished a high speed
singletrak run if had it broke then I might not be
writing this.But my bike shop had it repaired in
less than a week. 2 thumbs upto specialized 4 quik
replacment. However I am now leary of riding it to
the max. Any probs w/ the new 2000 arms? They look
exactly the same. Other than that just normal wear
& tear | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOE
a Cross-Country Rider
from NY NY
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MT SNOW | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
GREAT RIDE AND CLIMB,LIGHTWEIGHT 23IBS. | | Weaknesses: |
CHAINSTAY CRACK,CHAIN RINGS,HEADSET,CARBON FORK LEAKING FLUID,REAR SHOCK BUSHING,TRYING TO GET PARTS FROM SPECIALIZED VERY HARD TO GET | | Bottom Line: | KEEP AWAY FROM THE BIKE, IF YOU WANT NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS.JUST PUT TOGETHER A INTENSE TRACER NOW THAT IS A GREAT BIKE.ALL BALLBEARING BUSHINGS IN SWING ARM, TRY IT YOU WILL LIKE IT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sewell, NJ
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All single track | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great for cross country. Handles well in tight single track situations. Front suspension works well in most conditions, never bottoms out. Rear suspension sweet, after some fine tuning. Climbs like a rocket with little compression. Vertually little to no bobbing. Very pleased with overall package...2000 model. | | Weaknesses: |
None as of yet. Only 2 weeks old. | | Similar Products Used: |
Other Specialized products. Trek Y. | | Bike Setup: |
I'm 5'10 and 150 lbs. Size large...2000 model FSRXC S-Works is the correct size due to top tube length. Cut seat post approximately 3. Front shock (fork) 125 psi with rebound dampening 3 clicks from fastest position. Rear shock 125 psi (started at 165 psi) rebound dampening 5 clicks from fastest position. Still not using full travel in rear, never bottomed out. Aporoximately 10mm remains from full stroke on Fox air shock. Riding in temps in the freezing range, could impact damping. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line...the best ride I have ever experienced! Handles well. Suspension works well. Climbs well. All in a light package. Priced pretty high. I will let you know about reliability after I abuse it for awhile. I believe Specialized has addressed some of the weak points of the 1999 model. A rating of 5 for my first impressions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Greensboro
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | 2nd review - After about 6 months, a couple of races and alot of riding my s-works has been marginal. Its still a great bike but the stock components suck. I've had a major shifting problem that my local lbs can't figure out but I beleive its due to the crap cranks and rings. They won't admit it because of warranty hassles. In the process of replacing or have replaced - cranks and rings, seatpost, seat, stem, headset, bar, and pedals. If I had to do it over again I would purchase the frame and build-up. Otherwise, find a good lbs and get ready to spend another $1000 on replacing components. Overall - 1 star for Specialized components, 5 stars for frame and ride, 2 stars for LBS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight, very responsive, great handling, firm suspension, rear lockout, BB mounted front derailleur (makes it impossible to drop chain) | | Weaknesses: |
Poor QC or engineering on chainstay
Cheap crankset, rings, headset
High maintenance shock
Mega-9 | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
SRAM 8 spd 9.0sl shifters/derailleur, Chris King headset & hubset with Bontrager Valiants, Thompson seatpost, Easton CT2 bar, Nytex cranks, Speedplay pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Even with its shortcomings (some weak components, broken chainstay, leaky airshock), there is no other bike out there I would rather own, regardless of price. It's as light as most hardtails (23 lbs), the point-and-shoot quickness is incredible, and it corners like it's on rails. The rear end is firm enough not to rob pedaling energy, but soft enough to soak up small hits and chatter bumps, allowing you to ride faster and longer. It'll also save your butt more times than not when you get too full of yourself and pick a line which is less than ideal. While it took some time getting use to the more upright position, once you get dialed in, you'll wonder how you ever rode anything else. This bike really does make you faster. I am able to ride through the choppy stuff I could only coast through on my hardtail, and tight singletrack feels like a roller coaster. I've got much better control on rough downhills, and am thus faster. The lockout is great for riding to the trailheads and when climbing long fireroads or sprinting. $3,000 is a chunk of change to spend on a bike, but I am certainly getting every penny's worth out this bike, and haven't had a single day of buyer's remorse. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Lovejoy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boston,MA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
acorn F gilbert | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
After the many problems I've had with this bike I must say both International Bicycle Boston,MA. and Specilized have done everything in there power to make my bike what I exspected it to be. After reading reviews on bikes in the same price range nothing compares to the bike weight or component package. I feel strong knowing my bike was produced by SPECILIZED | | Similar Products Used: |
GTlts/K2 razorback Merlin echo | | Bottom Line: | Fast light responsive bike needs a hot iron. Hats off to Specilized and International Bikes Boston MA. for making good on the few set backs. Bike rides better then any and product backing is comforting. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay lovejoy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boston,ma
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
f gilbert acorn trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
fast light fun to ride | | Weaknesses: |
headset,fork,rear chainstays cracked,chain rings broke,rear shock bushing | | Similar Products Used: |
K2 razer back Gtlts | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been a problem from day one. I'm at the point of legal action if one more thing goes wrong. 3k headake, in the shop every other week. You would think Specilized would treat customer that spend large dollars better knowing that we're the people who not only ride/race and live mountain bikes but also review and recommend. Although my dealer has been all Right I'm sick of serviceing this bike and concerned about long term problems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Weaknesses: |
rear chain stay breaks easily and front carbon fort failure. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the first 6months. Then the carbon fork gave out at the brace and the rear chain stay fails. Agreed strongly with some of the previous writers about the owners of these defect bikes should sue the Specialized and the authorized Specialized dealers for giving many of us the go around for avoiding to handle a warranteed defect problems without a fight. Shame on you Specialized dealers. We will think twice before buying another specialized products. Most of the specialized dealers sucks. They don't stand behind the products and provide warrantee service when requested. With the dealers' bad attitude problem, definitely consider getting a good attorney if you have injured yourself because of the failure in the front carbon brace and rear chain stay. Specialized needs to learn to take good care of it's customer especially when we paid good money for a bike. Avoid buying Specialized and Boycott them until they recall and replace all the defective bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Psul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the last one | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Handling, light weight, climbing, cornering. Most parts except crankset & fork. | | Weaknesses: |
Rear stays break (99 models), Stock fork, crankset. | | Similar Products Used: |
Many hardtails & FS bikes from Trek, G. Fisher, GT, | | Bike Setup: |
Stock bike red frame. | | Bottom Line: | A very nice ride especially for the 1st year of production. Changed Manitou Carbon SX to White Bros. SC 92UL, will change crankset to XTR. Check your stays both seat & chain for either poor welds on the chainstay or watch out for squeeks which preceed breakage of the stay. Y2K models corrected for this problem. Still deserves a 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Weaknesses: |
front carbon fork brace is falling apart. | | Bottom Line: | It's light and fast but Specialized better improve on its quality for a $3g+ bike. A class action law suit could take place as more riders crashes and seriously injure themself when the front Manatou carbon brace breaks apart and resulting loss of control. Anyone knows if Specialized recalling the front carbon Manatou shock? I could see the lawyers seeking out owners of Specialized M4s. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Banister
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fairfax VA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | As a heads up, had the brake arch on the Carbon fork (stock on this bike) seperate from the fork legs. Whatever they use to bond the arch to the legs just let go. If and when it happens to you, you will know it, the steering goes to hell. It appears that this is not all that uncommon a problem with this fork. I guess I wll now have the chance to find out about Specialized/Manitou and the warantee game. I still like the bike, it's the best I've ever had, just wish the fork hadn't broken...I hope the swingarm isn't next. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnpoppa
a Racer
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
smooth | | Weaknesses: |
a poor man's intense tracer | | Similar Products Used: |
tracer
many others | | Bike Setup: |
- | | Bottom Line: | A poor man's Intense tracer
3 stars cause it works for a while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnpoppa
a Racer
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
smooth | | Weaknesses: |
a poor man's intense tracer | | Similar Products Used: |
tracer
many others | | Bike Setup: |
- | | Bottom Line: | A poor man's Intense tracer
3 stars cause it works for a while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Rides Fast
Fast Handling
Looks Sharp
Firm Suspension
Great Climber | | Weaknesses: |
Cheesy Gold Handlebar
Crappy Seatpost
Crappy Tires | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
Easton Mokey Lite Carbon Riser Bar,
Easton EA50 Seatpost, Michelin Wildgripper Comps, Specialized Body Geo Comp Saddle, Everything else is stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks *ss!!! Fast, Fast, Fast. Did I mention that everything about this bike is FAST! Climbing is great, firm suspension helps a lot, the lockout on the Fox RC is really cool. I use it when I have to ride the streets. I usually hate climbing but, not on this baby. This bike is so much fun to ride, I want to ride everyday. Handling on the single track is sweet, very responsive. I changed out a few components, most just for preference. There is not much else one would want to do to this bike. Maybe some Race Face Cranks latter. I will post an update latter, after I have had the bike for awhile. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart Gunyon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rigaud | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
climbing, descending, technical, long rides | | Weaknesses: |
headset, cranks, chainrings | | Bike Setup: |
stock, but recently changed abovementioned weaknesses to Race Face for all three | | Bottom Line: | I think I'll be able to keep this bike a long time. It's still fantastic to ride whether at the local ski hill or on my favorite technical trail. All the shocks work fine still, I put a Lizard Skin on the rear. I also put a Michelin Wildgripper Hot S on the rear for better overall traction than the Mt. Baldy. Very happy with this. Thanks to this bike my skill and accomplishment mountain biking improves. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart Gunyon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rigaud | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
climbing, descending, technical, long rides | | Weaknesses: |
headset, cranks, chainrings | | Bike Setup: |
stock, but recently changed abovementioned weaknesses to Race Face for all three | | Bottom Line: | I think I'll be able to keep this bike a long time. It's still fantastic to ride whether at the local ski hill or on my favorite technical trail. All the shocks work fine still, I put a Lizard Skin on the rear. I also put a Michelin Wildgripper Hot S on the rear for better overall traction than the Mt. Baldy. Very happy with this. Thanks to this bike my skill and accomplishment mountain biking improves. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Auburn - Forest Hill | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light
Fast
Handles Fast
Looks sharp
Firm Susp. | | Weaknesses: |
Crappy Stock tires
Cheesy Gold Flat bar
Crappy Seat Post | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
Easton Monkey Lite Carbon Riser Bar, Michelin Wildgrippers, Shimano 545 pedals, Eastoh EA50 seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks *ss. I have only had it for three weeks and all I want to do is ride every day. It is very fast and agile on the single track. This rig just want to go faster and faster. Climbing is easy for a full suspension rig. I love the lock out on the Fox RC. I replaced a few of the parts like the handlebar, seat, seatpost, pedals and tires. Otherwise the rest will stay stock. I will post and update after awhile. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Auburn - Forest Hill | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light
Fast
Handles Fast
Looks sharp
Firm Susp. | | Weaknesses: |
Crappy Stock tires
Cheesy Gold Flat bar
Crappy Seat Post | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
Easton Monkey Lite Carbon Riser Bar, Michelin Wildgrippers, Shimano 545 pedals, Eastoh EA50 seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks *ss. I have only had it for three weeks and all I want to do is ride every day. It is very fast and agile on the single track. This rig just want to go faster and faster. Climbing is easy for a full suspension rig. I love the lock out on the Fox RC. I replaced a few of the parts like the handlebar, seat, seatpost, pedals and tires. Otherwise the rest will stay stock. I will post and update after awhile. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | I've submitted a review last month, so I'll just make it short & say that everything isstill A-OK with my bike & still the best bike to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | I've submitted a review last month, so I'll just make it short & say that everything isstill A-OK with my bike & still the best bike to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mato
a Racer
from Zalec, Slovenia
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletracks, XC race tracks | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | I ve posted a ful rewiev a month ago, so where the F is it. I just want to add one thing. My Sworks was on a repair for a whole month (broken chainstay), thats a long time (maybe too long for a decent warranty service) adn I have to ride my old Ritchey hardtail. When I switched back to Sworks again, I realised that this bike really KICKS EVERYBODYS ASS.But the biggest differenceis climbing steep grades. I would give 7 chillies if I could, but 5 should do the job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mato
a Racer
from Zalec, Slovenia
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletracks, XC race tracks | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | I ve posted a ful rewiev a month ago, so where the F is it. I just want to add one thing. My Sworks was on a repair for a whole month (broken chainstay), thats a long time (maybe too long for a decent warranty service) adn I have to ride my old Ritchey hardtail. When I switched back to Sworks again, I realised that this bike really KICKS EVERYBODYS ASS.But the biggest differenceis climbing steep grades. I would give 7 chillies if I could, but 5 should do the job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Banister
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fairfax VA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | What happened to all the reviews that used to be on this site for the S Works FSR XC? This was a great way to track the shake down period for a first year bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Banister
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fairfax VA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | What happened to all the reviews that used to be on this site for the S Works FSR XC? This was a great way to track the shake down period for a first year bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CALEB HOYT
a Cross-Country Rider
from LYOMS KANSAS
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MY BACK YARD | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
FASTER THAN MY GIANT WARP SE.
IT CLMBES FASTER THAN ANY THING I HAVE EVER RIDDEN BEFORE | | Weaknesses: |
MUST SWICH EVERYTHING OUT TO RACEFACE IF YOU CAN HEADSET IS CRAP BUT SO IS CRANK. | | Similar Products Used: |
K2 RAZORBACK TREK FS BIKE | | Bike Setup: |
ALL STOCK EXCEPT AVID ARCH SURPREME BRAKES AND LEVERS, FULL XTR SUITE WITH REMOTE SHIFTERS AND SPECALIZED A1 DIRT RODS | | Bottom Line: | GREAT FRAME JUST BUY THE FRAME AND MANTUO SX CARBON FORK THEN BIULD IT HOWEVER YOU LIKE. I WOULD GIVE IT 7 PEPERS IF I COULD | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Post
a Cross-Country Rider
from Plano, TX
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Grapevine - N. Shore | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light bike! Fantastic ride, too much fun, really awesome when it hooks up at high speeds, climbs and races extremely well - WHEN IT'S RUNNING! Fortunately, I started out with a large frame - I'm 5'11 and it just felt better. | | Weaknesses: |
Headset is junk! Put a new one on before you even start. Had to replace cranks with XT to get them to stay on the bike. Had to replace small and middle chainrings (XT) and put a decent chain on (Sedis Sport) within first 150 miles. Broken chainstay within first 250 miles - took over 9 weeks to get it replaced. Rear Shock is starting to leak. I continue to mess with Manitou fork to get a better ride - may have to try the TI spring upgrade mentioned in other reviews. Replaced rear semi-slick - much better ride now. | | Bike Setup: |
Factory everything. Upgraded to XTR shifter/brake lever combo and added a WTB SST98 saddle - mostly personal preference. | | Bottom Line: | Thank heaven for my local bike shop. I too have the impression that Specialized isn't being very supportive to my dealer on the warranty side, but they keep their dealers happy through trips and other perks. Whatever works...I love the ride and it has been an education trying to keep this thing rolling on a regular basis. I'm still kind of pissed about the hassles and all of the replacement parts that have been required on a $3k bike. I would have rather paid a little more, if necessary, and had the thing setup right from the beginning.I used to think the fragility of this bike was just my bad luck - but these reviews indicate similar experiences. After 6 months of weekly trips to the bike shop, it has finally held up for the past five rides.All I can say is the RIDE is worth the effort to get this bike dialed in. Be patient. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mato
a Racer
from Zalec, Slovenia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletracks | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light, mostly reliable parts, | | Weaknesses: |
not light as promised (11.3kg - large), leaking shock, BROKEN CHAINSTAY, waiting 5 weeks for new rear end and of course missing TI spring, you cant ride too agressive | | Similar Products Used: |
none, this is my first FS | | Bike Setup: |
stock+XTR cogset+xtrbrakeshift combo | | Bottom Line: | the bike is really fast on rough surfaces, flat, up- or downhill. Im 5'11' and size L fits OK. I ve got a Ti spring at Garda Bike festival for free at Answer Manitou, but, to be honest, I can hardly notice the difference. Broke a chainstay after 3500 km. Shock is great, except leaking problem (from 9 to 7 bar in 2 days).
5 chillies for fun riding, 4 for racing | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Mnt View , CA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Skeggs / Downyvill | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light Qick | | Weaknesses: |
Terrible fit. Go two sizes up ? Top tube is mini
I/E my girl friend has a XS Race light
and my top tube on a large is only 1/2 longer.
I bought a longer stem and a Race Face XO
seat post and shim. This helped 100% | | Similar Products Used: |
Rocky Mountain
GT LTS 1
Voo Doo
Ventana | | Bike Setup: |
Bought only frameset &
Fork Z 2 Boomer
Easton carbon 1 riser bars
Race Face & seatpost, rear offset a must.
XTR cranks 175mm
Koski 135mm 15 % stem
Crossmax Rims
IRC Myt Tires
Xtr V - brakes, Xtr Rapid Fire
Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom Line:
Was very apprehensive about full suspension bikes. To much weight, till this came out.
I climb and enjoy it as much as descending. You understand if you ride hard. Probably not if you hardly ride ? Or just down hill or free ride.
I raced Moto Cross and Enduro's back East for 10 years, so I understand suspension and set up well.
There are some disadvantages on climbs but not many, infact some technical is better. But you must ride moving your energy forward in a aggressive manner stay straight and bash. Compared to My Voo Doo Ti, I finesse the climbs more. Downhill is much faster in the ruff. But I am still faster on the hard tail in many situations. Fox shock lock out dosnt work after a few months. I to prefer a little higher PSI then recommended. A trick, put a zip tie on shock shaft sit on bike 3/8 of sag is about right. The bike s top tube is way to short for me Im 6 ' and bought a large but relay need a XL the 135 stem and Race Face seat post helped quite a bit. I just found out my frame is bent in the rear ? No major crashes.
It was due to the linkage tabs being off a tiny bit possibly during cooling and setting after factory welds ? They are sending me a new Frame and I asked for a XL so it's working out ok. Specialized has been terrible the rep saw the frame acknowledged it was defective.
Ive now been waiting over 60 days luckily it's not bad and it rides fine. Also the rear linkage rattles I have recieved the new improved version from the factory but it is still a problem.Im not bashing the bike it's wonderful and would buy another but. Make sure your fit properly, I have long arms and shorter legs so it's a bit my build.
But I hated the stock set up.Im still keeping my hardtail but this is the bike I prefer to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
henry
a Cross-Country Rider
from singapore
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Not much heavier then my M2 S-works. Rides & climbs like it. Fast but comfortable. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far. | | Similar Products Used: |
1st FS. | | Bike Setup: |
Bought only frameset & Manitou SX Carbon. Using Easton carbon bar & seatpost, Roox cranks / XTR rings, Crossmax / Dirtcontrol & Dirtmaster tyres, Altek levers / Xtr V - brakes, Xtr Ders / Sachs Extreme shifters, Flite Ti sadle, Syncros BB, 747 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Was somewhat apprehensive about full sus. bike, having read reviews of other FS bikes but took a chance. Never looked back. This bike behaves similarly to my hardtail but with a lot more comfort. Terrain which I dreaded to ride across on my hardtail is now of no concequence at all. There is no disadvantage on climbs and going downhill is much faster limited only by your guts. Back & butt dont hurt anymore after every ride. Fox shock is still performing well with no leakage problem.( Though I prefer a little higher PSI then reccomended). Overall, I still keep my hardtail but this is the bike I prefer to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dickson
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt Tamp-Eldridge Grade | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light | | Weaknesses: |
Fox shock started clicking on rebound, then leaked air | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR XC Pro (non M-4), M-2 hardtail | | Bike Setup: |
Frame, 98 SX Ti with MRD, Chris King Headset and F/R hubs, XTR everything else except XT front deraileur, Mavic 517 rims, Ritchey Pro Stem, LP bar and ends | | Bottom Line: | Out climbs and out descend rigid and hardtails. Punish your hardtail buddies by making them take your lines through the boulders and loose gravel, and they will understand why full suspension adds a different dimension to riding. Maintenance and reliability still needs work | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mohd Azmi Zainudin
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang,Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
far too many to mention | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
This is the 2nd time I'm posting my review & I must say that the S-Works has stood up very well to a lot of use/abuse. I have ridden it over a variety of terrain ie;technical singletrack, fast fire-roads, ardous climbs, gnarly downhill etc & as much as I don't want to sound pro Specialized I have to say the bike is as good as the day I bought it! I must say this is as close as one could get for a FS bike to a hardtail. The bike climbs much like a hardtail & yet performs double duty as a FS bike; ie it's ability to soak up harsh terrain that would otherwise leave a hardtail rider's family jewels begging for a rest! Basically still a point & shoot bike. The rear shock is bomb proof,the blue lever limits compression as claimed by FOX & I have yet to suffer any of the problems ie; air leakage from rear FOX shock, cracked frame/chainstay etc. | | Weaknesses: |
As I also mentioned in my previous review & if I want to nick-pick, the pivots of the rear suspension has to be lubricated/maintained. No biggie job, just spray a little Finish Line to the pivot points, specially after a wash or before a muddy ride, that's it. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS/Cannondale Super V's/Pro-Flex | | Bike Setup: |
XTR shifters, F & R derailleurs, crankset, brakes/Kris King headset/Control Tech Team Issue Head Stem 120mm/Easton Monkey Lite Bars/Thomson seat-post/San Marco Seat/Kris King hubset/Sun O XC wheelset/Specialized Team Control/Master Comp tires/Manitou SX Ti 80mm fork. | | Bottom Line: | I'm not a Specialized fan before I purchased this bike but after buying the S-Works FSR XC & also having ridden a friend's S-Works hardtail, I have to say I'm pretty impressed with their products. It is in my personal opinion/experience that this is the best FS bike I've ridden. I didn't give the bike full marks then as I felt it was too soon & I wanted to see if the problems mentioned by other reviewers would creep up on my own bike, it DID NOT! So, I'm giving it the full 5 chillies it deserved! Keep up the good work Specialized! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Weight, plush decender | | Weaknesses: |
This is the most fragile bike i have ever owned. This thing is getting to be a joke. #1 blew out 2 rear shocks before I got one the could take the punishment of standard riding, #2 the rear Hub creaks no matter how many times I rebuild it. #3 the stock chainrings shouldn't even be stocked on a LX bike. #4 the headset is crap. #5 the bushings that insert into the rearshock are not sized properly and this is despite getting a replacement set from Fox. #6 the cranks loosen after every ride. #7 LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE REAR CHAINSTAY HAS CRACKED AFTER ONLY 800 MILES OF TRAIL RIDING. | | Similar Products Used: |
3 prior SWORk hardtails | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for Flite seat, Syncros seatpost and various tires | | Bottom Line: | The ride rocks. The durability is a joke. For 3000.00 I expect a hell of a lot more. I am gathering my strength before I deal with the warranty of the frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross-Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great ride, light, sprinting | | Weaknesses: |
rear hub clicks very loud. LBS said normal for Specialized. Only ridden four times, so will see what else appears. | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | So far worth the money (got it on sale at Supergo for $2350, shipped for $50 to Texas, no tax. Hoping somebody will comment on the rear hub issue. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light,Ride, feel, setup, looks | | Weaknesses: |
Had to purchase shock pump. Seat. | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein, Schwinn, K2, Cannondale, GT, Jamis, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: |
Yellow stock s-works FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | Rode a Cannondale F700 w/HeadShock for years. Great bike but took a beating everytime out. Looked for a bike that took the edge off at all times while maintaining great handling in all situations. Be it climbing (in or out of saddle), technical singletrack, and downhill. The bike that came closest to this was the S-Works FSR XC. Nothing against all the others I rode but this one did it for me. My only complaint is that a bike that costs this much should include the shock pump, give me a break. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark birdsong
a Cross-Country Rider
from albq nm
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
jemez mountains | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
design,handling,looks, & overall feel. | | Weaknesses: |
seat, handlebar, pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
GT, pro-flex | | Bike Setup: |
fox shock, carbon fork carbon bar, flite saddle bontrager tires | | Bottom Line: | I'v had this bike now for over 7 months and all I can say is it ROCKS! I am 200 lbs and like to hammer thru rocky technical sections and this bike allows me to with ease. I ride 3-5 times a week & have'nt had a single problem with my bike. The wheelset is great, and I use the rear lockout more than I though I would. But I am going to keep an eye out for any cracks on the rear triangle. This bike makes me faster I enjoy the hell out of it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kurt gibson
a Racer
from Miami FL
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
BUCKHORN GAP | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
HANDLES GREAT,LITE,NIMBLE AND FAST | | Weaknesses: |
HEADSET,SEATPOST,FOX SHOCK,TIRES, AND REAR CHAINSTAY THAT CRACK | | Similar Products Used: |
BRIDGESTONE,MANITOU HT,CANNONDALE | | Bike Setup: |
KING HEADSET | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STOCK HEADSET,THE R EAR SHOCK AND NOW THE REAR CHAINSTAY IS CRACKED.SPACIALIZED SENT A REPLACEMENT PART OF A LOWER END BIKE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jubbi
a Cross-Country Rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all tech trails | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
design is good, OEM components and specialized cust service ain't bad | | Weaknesses: |
price, rear design, specialized made components | | Similar Products Used: |
Many full susp (k2, trek, schwinn, klein, cannondale, santa cruz--they're all mostly crap, except K2/Proflex) | | Bottom Line: | This is not going to be one of those i luv this bike, dudez! kinda review. Those weenies don't really have a clue, or they wouldn't blabber about it without the details. Specialized makes good frames. They put together good bikes, and they have great engineering, but not as good as others in better price ranges.Other than the K2 line, the FSR is the only other general consumer dual susp I would possibly buy. But it would have to be on a closeout--and here is the complaint. When do you ever see specialized really have good closeout prices on less than 2 year old bikes? The FSR rear design is okay, but it has more link points than it needs. The shocks are good, but not as good as the smart shock by K2/Noleen. OEM Components are good, specialized made components need to get lost.Three chilies for a good dual susp, minus one for expense.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wellesley, MA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Porcupine Rim (Moab) | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Very light
Very good climber
Excellent handling | | Weaknesses: |
Seat is garbage
First set of pedals creaked
Headset bearings partially seized after endo, but was able to fix (may switch to King)
Rings? (Adequate, but have chipped two teeth so far and have never seemed to shift as smoothly in front as XTR) | | Similar Products Used: |
GT XCR1000
Diamondback DBR-XR8
Litespeed Obed | | Bike Setup: |
Stock when purchased, except for Tioga 1.95 Factory XC tires (very impressive performance) and 135 mm 0 deg. Kore Lite stem. After purchase, changed seat to Bontrager FS+10 (better than stock seat, but may change again) | | Bottom Line: | Despite some minor part hitches, bike has been fantastic. the bike's lightness, combined with lightweight, excellent gripping Tioga tires makes for an amazing climber. The rear shock is unnoticeable uphill and really takes the edge off roots and rocks (which we have a lot of on the east coast), which really makes a difference on longer rides. The bike also has excellent maneuverability in tight single track.Now for the nits:
Cockpit was slightly cramped (I am 6' 0, 185 lbs. and purchased the large frame), but was able to perfect with longer, flatter Kore stem, which, besides being relatively cheap, has the benefit of being about the same weight and stiffer than the stock Specialized stem (though the single screw bar clamp makes it harder to change handlebars, in the rare event one wanted to).The seat is awful--like riding on a stiff board with nails sticking out in all the wrong places.The left pedal creaked/squeaked from the start due to a manufacturing defect; however, LBS (International Bike) replaced at no charge. Now the pedals are fine. Still reserving judgement though, as they do not have as smooth entry/exit as my Shimano 747s (even with Specialized cleat), but they are much lighter.Rings are o.k., but I think I may have to/want to replace eventually. I am also not real thrilled with the headset, but I guess it is adequate for now. (See above for more comment on both these items.)Finally, regarding the front shock, I am going to have to eat a small amount of crow. After much yelling and threatening, I was able to weedle the Manitou-specified Ti spring out of Specialized, giving very little credence to their statements that they supplied the shorter steel spring and extra elastomer set-up for performance reasons as opposed to cost reasons. Upon riding the two, I am somewhat embarassed to admit that the stock setup is actually a little more supple over small stuff. On medium hits they seem to perform the same (though I might give the Ti spring a very slight edge here). Of course, regardless of spring, the fork is not designed for big hits. So, maybe this was performance-driven decision by Specialized with a lucky cost benefit to them. Still, they shouldn't hassle people who have spent $3 grand on a bike and wish to evaluate the two springs for themselves--it makes their most valued customers not want to buy their products regardless of how good they are overall.If I had written this a month ago, I would have deducted at least a chili for this last item. However, the passage of time combined with many hours on what, overall, is a really wonderful bike has caused by temper to mellow, so I will give the bike the 5 chili's it deserves. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any place to ride | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Lightweight and frame design | | Weaknesses: |
None that I can find | | Similar Products Used: |
No full suspension bikes. | | Bike Setup: |
White Brothers SC72UL fork, GripShift 9.0
Bontrager Jones on Mavic ceramics, RaceFace cranks. | | Bottom Line: | What a bike with this setup. Laterally stiff; keeps the line regardless of the obstacles encountered. Just keep the momentum up by pedalling and this bike will keep on going!
Just hang on. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony MacAllister
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any fast technical single track | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light, Travel-but not to much, Fast and responsive. Adjustable | | Weaknesses: |
Crank arms loosen, I had dealer replace BB that helped but I still have problems, might need to get new cranks-Any ideas? Replaced headset, bushings, seatpost, seat and the chain rings are cheap and brittle. Stock pedels sucked too. | | Similar Products Used: |
Ellworth FS, Proflex FS, Cann-o-nails FS, Gary Fisher FS | | Bike Setup: |
All Stock but - new head set (brocken), bar (riser), stem, BB (Brocken), Seat post, seat, Rear tire. | | Bottom Line: | Fun all around bike, but I'm reading about to many broken chain stays, brittle chain rings, loose crank arms all but the brocken chain stays I've encountered. - IS THERE A PERFECT BIKE? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UN_KOLA
a Cross-Country Rider
from DIAMOND BAR,CA.
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
BIG BEAR,CA. | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
LIGHT WIEGHT,HANDLING,BALANCE,
GOOD CLIMBER,ETC. | | Weaknesses: |
LITTLE SQUEEKING FROM REAR SHOCK,BUT OTHERWISE NO MAJOR
OR MINOR ISSUES. | | Similar Products Used: |
SCHWINN F/S,GTIDRIVE,UZZI SL. | | Bike Setup: |
WHITE BROS.SC70 FORK,XTR/XT 8-
SPEED DRIVE TRAIN,XTR V-BRAKES,
AVID ULTIMATE LEVERS,KORE STEM
AND H-BARS,MAVIC CROSSLANDS. | | Bottom Line: | AFTER WAITING 2 MONTHS FOR A FRAMESET,MY LBS (BREA BICYCLE WORKS) TOOK A
COMPLETE BIKE,SOLD ME THE FRAME,AND PARTED OUT THE REST.THANKS TO ALL
THE LBS'S FOR SAVING OUR BUTTS.THIS BIKE IS A SCREAMER. JUST POINT AND SHOOT IT IN THE DIRECTION YOU WANT IT TO GO.IT'S ALSO VERY FORGIVING WHEN
YOUR AIM ISN'T QUITE TRUE.SHEER DELIGHT ON SINGLETRACK TOO.BEST BIKE,F/S OR HARD TAIL THAT I'VE RIDDEN OR OWNED! SINCE I BUILT UP THIS BIKE FROM A FRAMESET,I AVOIDED THE FORK/SPRING CONTROVERSY,BUT I'M JUST NOW HEARING ABOUT CRACKS IN THE CHAINSTAYS,SO I'LL BE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THEM. UNTIL THEN,I'LL JUST KEEP RIDING AND SMILING! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light and handles well. Good climber. Great all arround mountain bike. Perfect for all day rides over all types of terrain. | | Weaknesses: |
Thus far no problems with the frame or fork but Have had problems with the drive train. Broke the chain with less than 50 miles on the bike. The chain rings are crap. Very brittle, snapped teeth on both the small and middle rings with less than 200 miles. LBS has taken care of the problems. | | Similar Products Used: |
Raven 4000
Trek Y 22 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock, Large frame | | Bottom Line: | Best overall bike I have ridden. Ride is great, hassle with cheap parts on a fairly expensive bike becoming a hassle. As long as the fram holds together I will be very happy. Would be a five if not for the drive train hassles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Waterton
a Racer
from Versailles, France
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Front triangle, climbs like a dream, handles like a dream, light, nimble, fast. | | Weaknesses: |
rear chainstays, next time you clean your FSR have a good look at the chainstays behind the bottom bracket where the hole goes through the casting, this is not just on s-works, 5 days after mine broke a friend had the same problem on a FSR XC. I help out in a bike shop and these 2 are not the first. Apart from that there are no problems! | | Similar Products Used: |
94 Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: |
Custom, XTR, hope, manitou. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike but maybe It`s too light for it`s own good? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cliff
a Cross-Country Rider
from nj
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Responsive and race-ready as stock bike. | | Weaknesses: |
Right crank bolt keeps loosening and crank splines got stripped. Mt Baldy tire not condusive to east coast terrain. A little squirrelly on downhills. | | Similar Products Used: |
Replaces a '94 custom Wojick. | | Bike Setup: |
Velociraptor rear, Float set for 130 lb rider, small frame, GripShift. | | Bottom Line: | Rode it three times only. Good stock bike. Took getting used to shorter wheelbase and tighter steering. This is a point and shoot bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark Robinson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Phoenix AZ
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
100 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Low weight,lockout | | Weaknesses: |
Broken rear frame on lots of these bikes | | Similar Products Used: |
gt Idrive Jamis Dakar, Cdale raven | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules, but The shop and Specialized know there is a problem with breaking the rear frame in a high percentage of bikes. The fix is going to add weight on a bike that is supposed to be light. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Racer
from SF
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Fast in sprint like the great bike of Marin and Santa Cruz. | | Similar Products Used: |
Santa Cruz Superlight,
Marin Mt Vision/Riftzone | | Bottom Line: | Handles very nice and sprint uphill with ease. Great bike for great price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gil
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hayward, CA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Continental Divide, Steamboat Spr. CO | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Good Climber and that great rear suspender. I feel like I could ride longer due to the pleasant lack of back and shoulder pain from four hour rides. Okay...I'am an old guy. | | Weaknesses: |
I had a strange trip to finally owning this bike. Dealer (whom I really wnated to do business with) was given bad info from his Specialized Rep. Three months of bad info. I gave up and recieved a phomne call from onther shop I had left my request with....got the frame. At first the bike was squirrly on fast fire road descents. I've over come that. It is taller than my M2. But I've also gotten used to that. | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing, but I did a lot of home work | | Bike Setup: |
I bought the frame (red and Large) I finally settled on the large and thank goodness I did. the med was too damn small, felt wierd. XTR/517s, Race Face cranks, Monkey lights, XTR every wher else, Thompson seat post, FSA Orbit Headset, Velociraptors, ATACs, 98 Marzzochi Atom Bomb | | Bottom Line: | The bike looks cool. The build up was easy with no surprises. Firsdt ride...wow this thing is alot taller and the seat angle is...new, and the thing washed on me the first fast fireroad descent. Climbed well. I don't know thw eight and I don't want to. But it climbs great and I don't notice the weight penalty (Atom Bomb Fork). The read suspender is a nice thing to behold. It really mak4es the ride nice. I haven't had any mech problem with the frame. My pains after a long ride don't seem to be as severe lately. Longer rides. Great bike. Any other owners in the Bay area....ride Tam on the weekends. Lets compare notes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
delmtbiker
a Racer
from newark De
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
very light climbs great ,screams downhill , rear baldy tire is great | | Weaknesses: |
replace headset, replaced cranks, rear shock bushings were worn after a couple months,,to much $$$$$$$ | | Similar Products Used: |
them all baby | | Bike Setup: |
chris king headset, xtr cranks,,ahhhh
much better ! | | Bottom Line: | Great racing bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Build quality
Lightweight (23.5#)
Envy of everyone else | | Weaknesses: |
Cost | | Similar Products Used: |
GT I-drive (not the thermoplastic)
Trek Y-bikes
Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: |
1) M4 FSR XC Frame (yellow)
2) Judy SL '98 (yellow)
3) Syncros Revolution Crank, chainring & seatpost
4) Easton CT2 carbon handlebar
5) Onza Titanium barends
6) Selle Italia Gel saddle (yellow)
7) Nukeproof stem (yellow)
8) Mavic 517 rims (citron) with front Nukeproof and rear XTR hubs.
9) Specialized Team Dirt Control (F) & Team Dirt Master (R) tires.
10) Plasma rear derailleur & XTR front derailleur with XTR 8sp shifter/V-brake
11) Speedplay frog pedals (cromoly) | | Bottom Line: | Rick at Village Cycle in Chicago pulled some major strings to get me a FSR frame in yellow. Framesets are only supposed to available in red. Thanks Rick! I could have lived with the red but the yellow is awesome. It turns heads everywhere I ride.The bike is a joy to ride. It has great agility. The comfort level is unsurpassed without sacrificing climbing ability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Bothell
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
St. Edwards | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight,excellent in singletrack, screaming climber,comfortable, balanced | | Weaknesses: |
Brittle chainrings | | Similar Products Used: |
Santa Cruz super light
Lightspeed obed.
Cannondale Raven | | Bike Setup: |
XTR shifters, Bontrager light handlebar, Bontrager bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It was worth the wait. My local bike store Bothell ski and bike (www.bikesale.com) did a fantastic job throughout the bike buying process. I am totally sold on lightweight full suspension for blazing the local trails or racing x-country. I am completely satisfied with the purchase. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lander, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight
Handling
Smooth
Reasonable price compared to other bikes in this catagory | | Weaknesses: |
Worn shock bushing after about 1 month of riding. It was fixed under warrantee.
Availability 3 months to get mine and from what I have read that is not too bad. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Raven
Trek Y bikes
GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great cross country full suspension bike. The more I ride it the more I like it. The fit takes a little getting used to. I bought a large (5'11, 175lbs) and I am glad that I did not go with a medium. The bike is taller than my 18 M2 Stumpjumper and it is a lot more forgiving. I only had to wait 3 months to get it. Specialized builds what the cross country crowd has been asking for and they are surprised at the demand for the bike? Anyway the bike was worth the wait and I am glad that I did not go with the Cannondale (Raven too expensive). If you can get one it is worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mohd Azmi Zainudin
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgetown,Penang,Malaysia.
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Too many to mention | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Solid bike.Climbs like a hardtail yet on the gnarly stuff,the suspension takes it all.Point and shoot bike.Loves singletracks,performs well downhill for a XC bike. | | Weaknesses: |
The rear suspension creaks/squeaks a little after a muddy ride.Easily sorted out though with a few drops of Finish Line Krytech.Advisable to lubricate all pivot points b4 each ride. | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex Animal.GT Lts.Cannondale Super V's. | | Bike Setup: |
K King Headset.XTR shifters,front & rear deraillers,v-brakes,cassette cogs,crank/bb.Mavic Cross Max/Bontrager Race Lites Wheelset.Manitou Ti 80mm.SPD 434. | | Bottom Line: | Other than the minor rear suspension squeaks,I have not suffered any of the other problems mentioned by other reviewers.Perhaps still too early to tell.Basically the best FS bike I have ridden to date.4 cabais for now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross-Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pisgah national Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Fast and light overall, especially the rear-end, for a full suspension. Performance is outstanding, however | | Weaknesses: |
You guys aren't going to like this, but it's happening. My chainstay snapped at the weld and this is the second one my bikeshop has seen in a week. Specialized said they have seen this problem, but they don't appear willing to admit it should be beefed up a little. I also wore out the chain rings in 5 weeks, which is way to fast. I know we give up something for a light weight bike, but that is ridiculous. | | Similar Products Used: |
Santa Cruz Heckler
Light Speed Obed
Trek Y | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 9900 OCLV Carbon, hard-tail with Specialized FSX Carbon Fork. | | Bottom Line: | I'm starting to question some of the components and their durability. My experience, along with the Ti Spring issue are starting to make me wonder about Specialized. I hope they intent to back this bike up, because it ain't cheap. From a performance issue, I don't think I have ever been on a better bike. I hope over time, I don't end up with a sour taste in my mouth. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave jones
a Cross-Country Rider
from warrington
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
wayfarers pass, Wales, UK | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
weight, efficiency, supreme comfort, speed, grin factor | | Weaknesses: |
creaking pivots (sorted out by 30minute strip and clean - easy!) | | Similar Products Used: |
super-v | | Bike Setup: |
custom build - Pace RC36 fork (yorkshires finest), X517 on white industries and xt, white industries cranks, vp pedals, x-lite riser h/bars & bar ends! IRC mythos tyres (kevlar) | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic all round, go everywhere bike. Looks and feels great , I used to have back ache riding lots of hard tails - no more! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross-Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
old northern road | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Climbs better than anything else I have ridden.Very balanced feel, excellent handling, excellent downhill - point and go, loves singletrack.Fox shock is awesom - use the lockout on tarmac.Excellent price for frame! | | Weaknesses: |
Stop that restricts seatpost movement below seat-tube.Finish or rear stays (a nice polished finish would have been better).Don't like the low quality seatpost clamp. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y-22, Mantra, Uzzi SL, GT 1000 and 2000 I-drive. | | Bike Setup: |
Large frame - red, Atom Bomb Z2 forks, Race face LP cranks / 9sd rings, Race face stem and carbon bars, Grip shift plasma, XTR V-brakes, XTR F&R derailleur, Syncros AL seatpost, Flite Ti seat, Bontrager RE-1 pedals, S-works wheels (hugi / mavic 517 / DT), XT levers, Mythos XC 2.1 F&R tyres, Chris King HS. | | Bottom Line: | I can't imagine a better XC FS bike, Thanks Specialized for this product. Lightweight, yet strong, suspension performs better than I ever could have expected. I can jump higher, climb better, downhill faster and with more fun than ever before. Wheels are excellent (and I even selected the stock S-works wheels when starting with a frame). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berthoud, CO
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light, responsive, great climber and fast on the decents | | Weaknesses: |
None so far, except I could only find yellow...I hate yellow. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trex VRX, Klein, Cannondale Super V | | Bike Setup: |
XL frame, SX Carbon w/Ti, X-max wheels, XT/XTR w/Grip shift, Avid Arch Supreme, Chris King headset, Raceface stem, Specialized Team Master and Control, Thomson post, WTB saddle, Speedplay Frogs. | | Bottom Line: | My first full-syspension bike. My body thanks me every day. Took it out to Moab and Fruita for a pounding. Just as quick and responsive as the old hardtail...without the punishment. 24.12 pounds! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray I
a Cross-Country Rider
from Andover, MA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Secrets | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Float RC is smooth in any condition once you get the hang of dialing it in.
Light
tight on corners
great handling on rooted/rocky rides | | Weaknesses: |
seat uncomfortable at first but I think It is breaking in, or I am getting used to the feeling of a shit in my pants.
after first ride, the once quiet freewheel sounded like a chainsaw?? has anyone had a similar experience??
Rear tire not good on hard pack | | Similar Products Used: |
GT idrive, fsr comp | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike is the best I've ridden for cross country. I feel it climbs Just as well if not better than my hardtail (KONA KULA) If you are contimplating the comp or Pro, stop, buy the sworks. My freind has the comp, but the extra pounds make a difference. No problems to report with the fox shock I hope it doesn't lock up on me. Speaking of lock, the pseudo lockout feture on the rear is good for road approaches to the trails | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Paradigm | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Climbs quickly. Front wheel stays glued to the ground on uphills but you can unweight quickly and lift the front over roots and big rocks.Handles like a dream. Think about where you want the bike to go and it's there.
Light weight and stiffness makes for a road bike feel when you're climbing up the road to get to the dirt.There are enough waterbottle bosses that I don't have to use my hydration system for rides less than 3 hours. | | Weaknesses: |
The stock clipless pedals are a bit hard to enter. I find that my old shimano 747 are easier to clip into.Decals get trashed pretty quickly.Cheap seat needs replacement for us guys who worry about our prostate. | | Similar Products Used: |
Santa Cruz Heckler
Voodoo Canzo-Ti | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | Best single track bike I've been on. With this new generation bike, I can beat my buddies up the hills when I've never been able to do that before. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart Gunyon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal Quebec
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very well balanced, solid, light, very comfortable | | Weaknesses: |
not aware of any at this point | | Similar Products Used: |
GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: |
standard set-up, steel spring and all, Time Carbon pedals | | Bottom Line: | Most pleasant ride I've ever had. Whether riding on the road to the hills, or riding local singletrack or highly technical Riagaud hills I have far more confidence on this bike than any other. Part of it is the fit, and a lot is the suspension. The rear digs in at spots in the trail where I was spinning out before, enabling me to clean spots that in the past were more difficult. Descending technical runs as well is far more confidence inspiring with this bike...just point and shoot! The grips are comfy for me, the seat is even okay! I may be able to get through a summer without a single upgrade to this puppy!This bike is so comfy on the road my road bike may start gathering dust...
BTW, it took from October to last Wednesday to arrive, but Team Reds to Canada are in short supply. Anyway, it finally showed up and was worth the wait!As many chilies as is possible to what I hope is my last bike in a long time! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
many | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, tight, climbing ability, cornering, componentry, excellent single track XC. | | Weaknesses: |
Changed tires to Jones kevlar | | Similar Products Used: |
Homegrown, Super Raven, Klein, Trek, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except changed tires for better gripping on fast corners in hard packed single track. | | Bottom Line: | Very pleased with performance of this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Senne
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego Ca
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Can't say | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, fast, comfortable | | Weaknesses: |
Slop in bushings, Short top tube. | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex,M2XX,various Y-Bikes,FSR,Mantra,Ellsworth Truth,Haro Escape. | | Bike Setup: |
M4 FSR XC Frame,Full XTR,135 Control tech stem,Easton Carbon Riser bar,Mustang ceramic rims,Chris King headset,SX Carbon w/Ti spring,WTB SST98 seat,stock post,Team Control 2.0 front tire,Mythos XC 2.1 rear | | Bottom Line: | I bought the medium frame and put a longer stem on it. I also ran the stem with no spacer under it. Now It fits good for me (5'10 170 lbs.). The stock seatpost is all the way out though. Handling is quick yet forgiving. A little different from my S-Works M2. Suspension is firm yet floats very nicley over the rough. This bike is very fast on fireroad chop and is excellent on rougher more technical climbs. It's not quite as quick accelerating uphill as my hardtail but has better traction so I like it better. I have had some problems with the bushings being loose in the rear shock but it is just a little knocking sound (waiting for new bushings). Decending is excellent but you can oversteer if you don't lean into the turn. All in all an awsome bike. Weight is 24.3 with heavy rims/tires/seatpost/seat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Banister
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight, responsive handling, for me it climbs as well as (if not better in many conditions) as my S-Works hard tail. The overall balance of the bike is very even. | | Weaknesses: |
The pivots creak. Specialized tech support said to use good old motor oil on them. They said not to use a synthetic oil as there was concern it would cause the bushings to swell. Functionally I have not yet found any gripes however; I really hate all the stickers they put on the bike, the M 4 sticker at the seat post is really ugly, and I lost count of how many places it says Specialized...I'm glad I was able to get a yellow one, red is so tired. I know this is a stupid grip but... | | Similar Products Used: |
This is the only light weight XC (short travel) dual boinger I have ridden at any great length. I had been on a S-Works hard tail for four years and was not fully sold on a dual boinger being a better ride. | | Bike Setup: |
Worked with LBS and switched out tires to WTB V-Raptors, shifters to grip shift, seat to WTB Ti Rail, Gore tex cables for shifters, and put on bar ends, have not yet weighed the bike. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike. It was worth the waiting for it to arrive. I wasn't aware of the fork spring issue untill I received the e mail from Specialized. The fork on my hard tail is the carbon leg FSX Judy. This new Manitou is so much better than the old FSX Judy that I find it hard to complain about the spring thing...however, I would have liked the chance to try the Ti spring for myself...but I like the way the fork works now. I am now totally sold on rear suspension for XC, I still ride the hard tail and I still like it, but I find myself selecting the FSX more and more. This is a great bike, I am more than satisfied. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
luke
a Cross-Country Rider
from loveland, co
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
hall raanch | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
the whole bike | | Weaknesses: |
same ugly gold bar | | Similar Products Used: |
trek ysl 300, Klien mantra | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | The people complaining about the springs that specialized put in there instead of the ti spring need to read into the situation all little bit more before they open their mouths. Specialized tested the fork both ways and came up with the steel spring and two elastomers was better because the fork bottomed out to easy with the ti spring. Specialized didn't want to sell a fast racing bike with a fork that bottomed out over medium sized hits. And this goes for all the s-works that the fork comes with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bloomington
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gnawbone | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Very light out of box, nice components, cornering, climbing!! | | Weaknesses: |
Only time.. .. .took too long for myu order to arrive. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT, Cannondale, Trek, Klein, Gary Fisher, | | Bike Setup: |
Stock bike w/Manitou Carbon fork | | Bottom Line: | Can not go wrong with this bike. I shopped extensively for an all around XC bike. Can't find one @ 24lbs or less at this price point. This is it! (Lubricate the bushings w/tri-flow occasionally to prevent squeaking noise) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carroll
a Racer
from Montréal
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bromont, Mt-Ste Anne | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Léger, belle géométrie, se manoeuvre bien, excellentes composantes de base.
Prêt pour la compétition | | Weaknesses: |
Fourche (changement de ressort); potence courte (100 mm pour un Medium) Roues dévoilées avant arrière. Jeu de direction non étanche. 3x9 vitsses
pneu arrière. Difficile de trouver pompe fox pour l'ajustement de la suspension arrière. | | Similar Products Used: |
Aucun... C'est mon premier vélo double suspension. Specialized M2 Team et Specialized S-Works. | | Bike Setup: |
Levier Sach Power extreme dérailleur avant, potence de 135 mm, Rollamagig, pédale shimano 535 /time carbon/ bars ends., pneus Dirt master (parcours technique), Selle SST. | | Bottom Line: | C'est un excellent vélo. Dispendieux. Prêt pour la compétition.On aurait dû mettre le ressort original de la fourche avant Answer Carbon. Specialized est une compagnie sérieuse qui aurait du prévoir la demande...Pour quelques $$$, aurait du fournir l'option de la pompe Fox, des bars ends, un hagner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin B
a Cross-Country Rider
from Winston-Salem
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Very light, climbs better than anything I've ever owned. Handles good too. | | Weaknesses: |
The time it takes to get and the excuses. In my opinion the fork works good but I don't believe the explainations from Specialized. We should have known up front about this change. | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant MCM 990, Giant ATX 990, Proflex | | Bike Setup: |
Changed rear tire to Specialized team master and seat to a Flite. Stock besides that. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike but it was very hard to get but worth the wait. Local bike shop helped by harassing the Specialized rep. Specialized should have been prepared for this. If we build a light full suspension bike would anybody want it? Duh. | | Overall Rating: |
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