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Specialized
1999 Stumpjumper FSR XC
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Submitted by
Allan Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Geraldton, W.A., Australia
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Chapman River | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeforce Geraldton | | Strengths: | Good running gear and shifters | | Weaknesses: | Weak chainstay and wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized epic pro, Specialized enduro pro | | Bike Setup: | Deep v mtb rims, mtb soft grips, rock shox psylo forks, rock shox rear air shock, haro soft racer seat. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and overall a great ride on the river trails and offroad down the bush somewhere. I like the bike for its geometry and the position you sit over the cranks when you ride the bike. ITS GREAT:) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Great all around bike. Dependable, easy maintenance. Climbs like a goat. | | Weaknesses: | None really, just upgrade as parts wear out.
3 rear hangers and 1 derailure to date. | | Similar Products Used: | Many bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 2" riser bars. Salsa grips. 2.1 Panaracer Fire Pro XC. Rock Shox Duke XC 100mm. Mountain Speed Spring X link 90mm. Cane Creek headset. XO saddle. XT 12-34 cassett. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from a few years ago. No problems at all. Rear shock still holds air for weeks. Set up as a trail bike now. Small jumps around 2-3ft are not even felt, hardly. Rims stay true, cranks stay tight, still a joy to ride. Wife STILL jealous. Basic maintenance is all that is needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anastasia Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Yokohama Cycling Center Shimada | | Strengths: | Light for a full suspension bike
XT rear derailleur
| | Weaknesses: | Puke Green color
Saddle
Wellgo pedals | | Similar Products Used: | My first FS bike. Have owned 1995 Trek 800 (full rigid cro-mo) and 1997 Klein Pulse Comp (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Risse Racing Link, Selle Italia Flite TransAm saddle, Shimano M515 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because it was on sale for 1/3 the retail price due to the bike department at a department store closing.
I didn't want to spend a ton of money on upgrades, and I am very pleased with the drivetrain. However, the WPD pedals that this bike came with were only semi-compatible with the SPD cleats I had on my shoes. They were the first to go. Next to go was the saddle, but I have a rather particular butt, so it's not Specialized's fault.
I usually ride singletrack with lots of roots and little drops. This bike soaks up the trail without jarring my bones. It's a pretty efficient climber as well. I can outclimb most of my friends, half of whom ride hardtails.
I have taken this bike to do some DH riding, and it took the punishment without too much of a whimper.
The Fox rear shock began to leak air after I had owned the bike for about 7 months. I sent it back to Fox and they fixed it and had it back in my reedy little hands within two weeks. It's been another 7 months since then... we'll see if their fix holds up.
Overall, I would say that this is a great bike for the money I paid for it. However, must get the frame re-painted, it assaults my sense of aesthetics every time I see it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim N.
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light and fast | | Weaknesses: | Shock and Swingarm | | Bike Setup: | CT2 handlebars, K2 TI pedals, Mountain Speed linkage kit and dropout bearing, thompson post, flite TI gel saddle, lighter tires/tubes, full Sram 9.0SL, XT cass, LX crankset (next to go), XT BB, (stock frame, fork, shock and wheels) | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden this bike for 3 years and have loved it. The shock did leak air badly shortly after I got it (new), call Fox and they will send you free rebuild kits, download the video on how to install it and you won't have any more trouble. The swingarm cracked near the BB pivot and several LBS said that is VERY common with this model. I waited to write this review until Specialized replaced it. It took 3 weeks and 2 LBS to get a new one, so choose your LBS carefully -thanks Mike from Adverture Cycles near Gainesville, GA. The new swingarm is beefier w/o adding noticeable weight (by my scale). If you own one of these or plan to buy one, you need to invest in the mountain speed X-Rated linkage kit and dropout bearings. It adds laterial stability and friction-free movement of the rear end. It makes a huge difference that is immediately noticable and worth the extra 100 gr (mostly in the dropout bearing). This is a light (25.4 lbs as is and falling) bike that corners great and climbs better then most. Now that I know Specialized will replace the swingarm, I can only say good things about this bike and give it the highest ratings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trev
a Weekend Warrior
from Fukuoka, Japan
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Takasu, Kyushu, Japan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS secondhand | | Strengths: | Superb rear suspension. Climbs beautifully, hooks up well in corners, descends well too. Was nice and light when I bought it, great in technical sections, solid components | | Weaknesses: | a bit nervous at speed. Very little seat adjustment possible. Rear shock does tend to spike. Rear suspension may not be durable enough for what I do, frame/rear suspension is a bit flexy. | | Similar Products Used: | A lot of hardtails, tried a few suspension bikes of my friends', but mostly freeride or downhill bikes. Nothing comes close to this climbing, and as an all rounder, the only thing close has been a Specialized Big Hit. This is better uphill, the Big Hit leaves me for dead down hill. My Fisher hardtail equals this on smooth cross country, but any rough course and the FSR cleans it up. | | Bike Setup: | This was built up by a Japanese guy as a XC racer. He raced it three times and got something more expensive. He put on some very lightweight Taichi forks, and swapped some other bits around. I rebuilt it again as a trailbike, and used the XC bits on my Fisher hardtail.
It's currently running XT brakes and derailliers (9sp), LX shifters, stock rear shock, Manitou X-Vert dual crown fork (100 mm), IRC Backcountry 2.25 front tyre and Specialized Evil Twin 2.20 rear tyre, telescopic seatpost. Weinmann Zacs wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic cross country or trailbike. very light, suspension is superb. I use it as a trailbike, and it's not really designed to take serious abuse, but no problems so far. I made a telescopic seatpost (but you can buy them from Norco)as the amount of seat adjustment was hopeless. I have my seat very high for climbing, but all the trails I ride have rough downhill sections which I can't ride without lowering my seat a lot. On rough trails with a mix of climbing, descending, and technical sections, I don't think there'd be anything that could beat this at the price. I'd definitely buy another, with disc brakes though. I think the later models have longer top tubes, which should improve high speed stability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M-Dawg
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego,CA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price, Proven FS design, Good all around performer | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Specialized parts, Horrible fork | | Bike Setup: | All XTR, King and Thompson...Sweet! | | Bottom Line: | This bike was perfect for a starter...cheap, and could be upgraded. The frame design is great. I have slowly replaced EVERY part on this bike and it is now built up perfectly for me. My recommended upgrades are: saddle, fork, and a MRP suspension link. It makes the rear end WAY more stable and plush! It's definitely not a DH or Freeride rig, but it is a great all around performer, or awesome race bike depending on how you build it up. It's a perfect bike for a wide variety of terrain found in San Diego County. If you can find a good deal, buy one and build it up!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Carbondale, Colorado
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Climbs extremely well. Tracks pretty good. Very lightweight for a full-suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Stock components need to be replaced. Swing-arm broke. | | Similar Products Used: | Only test rode Cannondale, Klein, Diamondback. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, EXCEPT with 98 XT crank, Ritchey pedals, WTB saddle, Marzocchi Z.4 Flylight, Salsa stem, RaceFace seatpost (so not very stock). | | Bottom Line: | Jeepers, I guess I should keep the bike since I have replaced so many parts. It is difficult to review the bike since the components have been so disappointing. The bike is fun to ride, as long as I check it out thoroughly after every ride, and adjust as necessary. It climbs exceptionally well, handles downhills pretty well, and tracks tight single-track pretty good (but not as good as a hardtail). But many of the components needed replacement, especially Specialized brand. And that Manitou SX-E fork--Answer and Specialized should be ashamed for sticking people with that thing. I saw that Supergo and other places had them on an exceptional sale (and see other reviewers took advantage of these sales). If you can still pick one of these up for that $800 or so, it may be a good deal to upgrade as necessary. Only problem with the frame is the swingarm broke under normal use. I give it a low value rating because of the necessary upgrades. A little better overall since it rides well when working properly (but that broke swing-arm keeps the rating down). | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Kumagai
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Hills, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price, Price, Weight, and Frame in that order. (Cheap enough to allow upgrades. I suspect this bike came with weak parts because they expected you to upgrade anyhow.) | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket, front and rear shocks, cranks, pedels, wheels, chain stays (cracked once already, but Supergo fixed it for free!) | | Similar Products Used: | Lot's of GT's | | Bike Setup: | Riser bars, Race Face cranks, XT hubs and Mavic 517 rims, Bomber Z1 front, Panaracer FireDHPRO 2.3 tires, Risse link rear with the STOCK shock, XT BB. | | Bottom Line: | Update review!
The bike started out real nice but after a year most of the parts had been replaced. The only thing that keeps me from replacing the rear shock is money. I'd rather save for a whole new bike than put any more money into this one. The bike is still real good but I realized that for more aggressive decents the frame is too short in the top tube. It makes the bike hard to turn in the downhill switchbacks and a little skittish in the fast narrow downhill singletrak cliffhanger stuff. This, of course, means it climbs better and handles technical flat stuff exceptionally well! The rear susp can be pumped up to over 250# for uphills and lowered to under 150# for downhills and you get real good results. A lockout would be much better and less hassle. Since the front was so weak I suspect switching to a 4" anything would be a vast improvement. The wide tires help with the fast down stuff but add a lot of weight to the bike. Ultimately, this is a great bike to buy cheap and upgrade unless you do mostly down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | lightwieght/climbs good-descends great/fully active | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | '99 stumpjumper frame w/'00 and '01 parts | | Bottom Line: | The bike simply works well in all conditions, it even steers from the center of the chassis for excellent performance in technical sections. It's light wieght carries it up hills and the active suspension soaks up everything while descending. If you want one, I unfornunatly have to sell mine. It is at a low price for the value because I have to sell it. Here's the site in mtbr's marketplace that it's on.http://classifieds.consumerreview.com/serv/mtbreview/buyer/ProductP.jsp?product=51061585 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris williams
a Cross Country Rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | sj hardtail | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Manhattan, Kansas, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source | | Strengths: | Light Weight, Smooth Ride, Cool Colors | | Weaknesses: | Tires, crank, pedals (very crappy pedals) | | Bike Setup: | Added syncros stem, bontrager handlebar, xt crank, continental tires, in process of finding new pedals | | Bottom Line: | Once I got all the kinks worked out of it, I love this bike. Not all the complaints I have apply to everyone, but I ride very hard and I also am a lean 215 lbs. My weight was the reason for replacing some of the parts. After blowing the rear shock, and destroying the rear suspention bushings in Utah last year, I finally got the bike setup just perfect. It is very light in the corners and fast in the straight aways. It also is very stable on fast decends. Overall, I am very happy with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Harp
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA. USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$849.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great balance, relatively light, reliable | | Weaknesses: | Stock shocks (front and rear) both suck. I bottomed out the front shock consistently (175lbs). I upgraded to stiffer springs, but had the same problem. I replaced the front shock after 8 months with a Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb. I just replaced the rear shock with a Stratos Helix Pro. The stock Air vanilla is prone to leaking like crazy. | | Bike Setup: | 99 SJ FSR XC, Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb front shock, Stratos Helix Pro rear shock, Specialized Team Master SL Pro rear tire, Specialized Team Control SL front tire. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike, just wish they had shipped higher quality shock components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr.Tom
a Downhiller
from Calgary,Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kannanaskis Country | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Duke Cycle | | Strengths: | Wow, what a great stump,root,rock absorber! single track downhills, it rules. | | Weaknesses: | Until i read all these reviews, i did not appreciate any weaknesses. So... the steering feels "light". the front shock has bottomed out a lot.(i weigh 197lbs) No problem with seat. The tires are great in this terrain. no flats YET! one must maintain the bike regularly? i'm stupid than because i don't know how to maintain and i don't notice any problems mentioned YET. i will take a bike mechanic course. Does anyone know of a good mechanic in Calgary? | | Similar Products Used: | First official Bike | | Bike Setup: | As Is | | Bottom Line: | i'm freaked out at all the weakness reports. i am doing Prarieview and Jewel Pass and i am getting paranoid! Just kiddin. " Born to Ride, Forced to Work" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Schlautmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonsburg State Game Area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This bike rocks!!! I have been using it for nearly a year now, no breakdowns, minor adjustments only. I have not experienced any issues that people complain about like the Fox Vanilla losing it's air (I only have to fill it like once a month maybe) and the frame hasn't cracked. I was concerned about the frame crack reports, but I haven't seen that issue around here. This bike has a smooth ride, excellent control, and good front travel for ruts. And when you can find it for under $1000 like I did, it is a complete STEAL! Full suspension and light at the same time. | | Weaknesses: | The only weak issues that I can see (and these are MINOR things) with this bike is that the gears need adjustment fairly regularly for shifting to remain smooth, but I think that is probably somewhat normal. The frame does not support rear disc brakes without using an adapter. This bike is built for the tall, if you are of average height (5' 9" or lower) you will need to hack off a large part of the seat post, or it will hit the Fox Vanilla. There is not a lot of travel on the clipless pedals - better to replace them with Time pedals or something like that. Water bottle carriage is fairly inaccessable, it is a pain to get in and out. | | Bike Setup: | Bike is a stock set up. Went with toe clips instead of clipless pedals - not a quality issue, more of a comfort issue (I have bad knees). Looking to buy disc compatible tubeless rims as the next upgrade, not because I have to - because they are there and they are cool. Had to add bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | The ride rocks the whole house - upstairs, downstairs, attic, outhouse, and barn. If you are looking for a ride, and you can find it for less than $1000... buy with confidence. If you are a heavier rider, you may want to steer clear of this one due to some frame issues - I am 160lbs. Also, if you are a racer, and you only have $1000, then this is a good choice, but my advise is to buy the FSR XC Comp from the new year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Hillis
a Cross Country Rider
from New Orleans, LA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | handles well, nimble. light for FS. durable. | | Weaknesses: | the only problem i had was with the specialized bottom bracket creaking after a wet ride, but i've replaced it. | | Similar Products Used: | stumpjumper hardtail | | Bike Setup: | xt/xtr. got rid of all the specialized brand stuff except the stem. | | Bottom Line: | highly recommended bike. if i were to buy again i'd probably make the same purchase. has taken all the abuse without a wimper. i've made alot of upgrades and i don't see myself getting rid of this bike for a few more years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cottonwood Valley/NORBA Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$870.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | This is a very well rounded full suspension bike right off the showroom floor. Lightweight and race ready frame. Nice component package. (Except for the Specialized components) Great paint job with the metallic green. | | Weaknesses: | Found hairline cracks in swingarm just last week. Specialized was quick to send a new one within a matter of days through my LBS. Specialized pedals were very inconsistent on engaging or disengaging. Switched tires for the terrain I ride. Seemed to have trouble with the crank flexing until I switched to the Race Face Turbine crankset. After about five months of use the specialized bottom bracket kept coming loose so I switched to an XT BB. | | Similar Products Used: | First Suspension Bike. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 SID XC Fork, Race Face Cranks, Speedplay Frog Pedals, XT drivetrain, Terry Bicycles TI Race seat, Stumpjumper Wheelset with Stout hubs. Everything else pretty much stock so far until items wear out. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a semi-lightweight race ready full suspension bike, this is the real deal. It can climb as well as shred down any technical downhill section you throw in it's path. The only dissapointment I had with the bike is the Specialized parts: pedals, BB, seat and crank. Which I replaced over a period of the last year. Otherwise I was and still am very happy with the bike. I have been racing on this bike for a year now and love the way it handles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morris Montag
a Racer
from Lake Placid, New York
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any ,and i mean ANY !!! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1095.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle worx | | Strengths: | good strong frame
great colour metallic green
fsr 4 bar linkage is superb | | Weaknesses: | Plastic Bearings
fox float rear
Specialized Crank, Stem ,and most of all the pedals-Can't clip in and when you finally do they slip out on climbs or when you hit a big bump.
No shock pump.
Sxe fork to soft , even on little jumps they bottom out and it gets worse the bigger the tyres are. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Xcs 1
Mongoose Nx 8.5 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except race face crank,stem,headset,float rc rear shock,magura hs 33 hydraulic rim brakes,wildgripper hot s tires,plan to upgrade from the sx-e to a sid sl or race. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great providing you get rid of the specialized parts especially the pedals.
Apart from that the bike is a great racer,Fast up hill and Extremely fast on the downhill,soaks up all the bumps.
I'm giving it a 4 for value rating only beacuse it has lots of crappy specialized parts on it and it doesn't come with these magura hs 33's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JEFF
a Racer
from AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | FAIRFIELD CITY FARM, OLYMPIC COURSE. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$229.00 | | Purchased At: | HADLEY CYCLES | | Strengths: | THIS BIKE SMOOTHS OUT ALL THE BUMPS UP AND DOWNHILL , THE FRAME DESIGN JUST DOESN't GET ANY BETTER FOR A XC BIKE.
GOOD STRONG FRAME , LOOKS GREAT IN GREEN TOO.. | | Weaknesses: | NONE TAHAT I CAN SEE, BOUGHT FRAME SET ONLY. | | Similar Products Used: | MONGOOSE NX 8.5 | | Bike Setup: | FSR WITH BETD SPECIALIZED FSR LINK,SID RACE,FLOAT RC, XTR REAR DERAILER-XT FRONT, BB & SHIFTERS,RACEFACE NEXT LP CRANK - TEAM SL HEADSET - XY SEATPOST - SYSTEM,HYES PURPLE DISKS, MAVIC 223'S, MICHELIN WILDGRIPPER HOT S, EASTON MONKEY LITE. | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS THE BEST BIKE I'VE EVER RIDDEN , MINES BEEN HEAVILY UPGRADED BUT THE DESIGN OF THE FRAME IS JUST SO GOOD.
BUY ONE ,BUT IF YOUVE GOT THE CASH TO BUY THE FRAME AND BUILD IT YOURSELF THIS IS HIGHLY RECCOMENDED AS SOME OF THE SPECIALIZED COMPONENTS ARE PRETTY WEAK.
IWOULD ALSO RECCOMEND ADDING THE NEW LINK FOR THE FSR XC FROM BETD.CO.UK, ROBS A CHAMP, ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY THAT REALLY CARES ABOUT MOUNTAINBIKING.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stijn Muselaers
a Cross Country Rider
from Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 't Leesten | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Stappenbelt Apeldoorn | | Strengths: | Great bike with excellent handling. Very comfortable with my Fox Vanilla Float R, and SID XC dual air. XTR 24-speed. Good Specialized parts. | | Weaknesses: | If you ride on the road, and you are accellerating, you feel that you lose a lot of energy. But hey, who rides on (!) the road? + the brakes (cheap shimano) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC Pro, XTR derailleurs, SID, FOX | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and I got it voor only $1000 (2250 nederlandse guldens)!
Everybody says a fully has a lot of disadvantages, but that isn't so, just try it and RIDE!
5 PEPPAWS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Montana De Oro | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Arts Cyclery | | Strengths: | This bike smooths out all the bumps up and downhill. The frame design just doesn't get any better for a XC bike. This bike is very easy to manuever and has lots of control. | | Weaknesses: | The rear shock, I took it out on one ride and blew the Fox shock, of course I was still under warranty. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi bomber Z2 Fork, XTR hubs w/Bontrager Mustang Wheels, XT rear derailer, LX front derailer, and Fox Air Vanilla. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides like a champ. I can bomb down stuff I would be nervous with on a hard tail. I can also climb some insane trails. I got a really good deal on the price so the bike is really worth it. I know I can upgrade the rear shock and really improve my ride, and since the price was so right I can't complain about the components. I also feel extremely nimble with this ride. The bike came with a Manitou SXE Fork, and Mavic 221 wheels, so I have upgraded a few things, and the next one on my list is the rear suspension. The frame design is just about unbeatable though, especially for my sweet deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
out-of-bounds
a Cross Country Rider
from nova, va
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything close after work | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | bikes usa | | Strengths: | When it is dialed in, it is perfect for me. Light, nimble and forgiving. Fast climber and descender. Just feels 'right' when all is working in synch. | | Weaknesses: | Specialized components. Trash the following: seat, tires, cranks, bb, hubs, pedals and wheels and the FOX Shock. Swingarm broke. Getting parts from specialized. Front fork is a little soft for a 200 pounder. Headset susceptible to water intrusion. | | Similar Products Used: | see previous reviews | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer 2.1. ATB body geometry saddle. Shimano bb. RaceFace Turbine LP cranks and chainrings. Stratos xc pro. Mavic CrossRide/Sun rhyno lites. cheapo barends. Cane Creek headset. macbike bearing kit. | | Bottom Line: | A love that you need to work on... a continuous project. The frame geometry and feel is great. Going from a 12 year old steel rigid rockhopper the difference was incredible. As I've ridden other bikes, I still feel that this is one great bike for xc and weekend warriors. But, you have to invest for the long term. If I had to do it over, I'd buy the frame and spec the parts myself. Fortunately, I had a $80 extended warranty and most of my upgrades were at no cost! Once you upgrade and make it as bombproof as possible, it is a sweet ride. Fox shock was rebuilt 3 times before I got the Statos (which is a dramatic difference in ride). the fox is now a spare. Cranks wear out quickly in muddy conditions - go raceface. Swingarm cracked and needed replaced in the first 6 months. The bearing kit has added another dimension to an already great ride making it even more supple and a faster climber and descender. This bike is just a pure joy to ride now. If you can live with a 'project' bike to continually improve and one that requires more attention to a hardtail, the end result will be worth it. I'm 200 and have ridden it hard in wet and muddy conditions a lot which has exacerbated the crappy specialized component failure rate... but regardless of your size you will need to upgrade the commponents. No problems with shifters or deraillers though. This bike continues to be a work in progress, but I imagine that I'll be riding it for another 5+ years. Value rating impacted by specialized components and the Fox shock. Overall rating reflects bike in its present condition and rideability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JP
a Weekend Warrior
from RSM, CA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Werks | | Strengths: | Light weight, good climber, nimble handling | | Weaknesses: | Descending steep, rutted trails
| | Similar Products Used: | First FS | | Bike Setup: | Fire XC Pro 2.1, SDG Saddle, Time ATAC | | Bottom Line: | Based on reviews here, I replaced the saddle and pedals before the bike left the shop - many thanks. The ATACs are wonderful, the saddle is great. I replaced the tires after the 1st ride and used mtbr for guidance. I'm 5'7" and I bought a small.
The bike is an excellent climber and is a delight in tight single track. The nimble handling, however, is not a plus on steep rutted drops. The bike is a thrill on steep descents and I've done a number of full body dabs. Some of the spills were pure and simple pilot error. The short wheel base and an unpredicatble fork aided the pilot in erring, however.
I'm only 125# and tuning the front fork was a major problem. The standard elastomers don't recognize a 125# load - they act pretty much like a solid fork. The LBS was nice enough to install a kit for lighter riders. That worked okay until my riding got more aggressive. I'm new to both full suspension and California so there was a learning curve.
Once I started riding hard the bike got so squirrely that it pulled towards oak trees. I ended up breaking a few pieces inside the forks, a not uncommon complaint around here with the stock forks. One of the Cycle Werks mechanics, Dave, mixed elastomers from the standard and the light weight kits and put in thicker oil in the front shocks. The change was dramatic! The bike was a joy after sorting out the front suspension and getting the fox matched up in the rear.
This is not a bad bike, but it took a smart mechanic and a lot of personal pain to match the bike to my light weight, changing riding style and the California terrain. I would have enjoyed the bike far more in Wisconsin where I used to live. In fact, I think I picked a great Wisconsin bike and then tried to ride it in the mountains of California.
I had a lot of good miles and some nasty spills. A year later I've purchased a medium SC Superlight with a Z1 X Fly up front. It's longer and I can adjust the forks on my own now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J B
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamogordo, NM
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to say | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$989.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Weight, handling, comfort | | Weaknesses: | Inferior components | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I hardly ever use my hardtail Stumpjumper since I got the FSR. I drove from New Mexico to California to buy it but still came out ahead of buying it at a LBS. The FSR is fast down hills and corners well. I can get up hills and over obstacles that I had to push the hardtail up. The bikes sits high but settles when you mount. I noticed less pedal clearance but have adapt to it. I can take a 30 mile or more ride now and not feel as beat up as I did on my hardtail. I've won two races on this bike (I only raced twice this year).
The bike came with some cheap components that replaced over the past year. I put Englund Total Air cartridges into the Manitou SX fork, replaced the crappy Specialized bottom bracket and crank with a Shimano UN77 BB and RaceFace crank. I bought Bontrager Mustang/XT wheels for racing and replaced the shifter with a Gripshift Rocket. I also replaced the hard Specialize saddle. I haven't had any problems with the Fox Vanilla shock, it holds air better than my tires. I am 6'2" and bought the large frame. The weigh of the bike is down to about 26 lbs which is fine for XC riding and some racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of the NorthShore | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs well and is lite for it's price range.
| | Weaknesses: | Cheap parts and weak frame. | | Bottom Line: | The FSR XC was a great bike when I first got it. I used to ride it to the top of all sorts of mountains in the Vancouver area. After about one month of use the FOX shock started to leak air. In total I had to send the FOX shock back three times in six months for the same problem. After I had the bike three Months the following things were busted:
Fork Pre-load adjuster, Shifter, Bottom bracket (only lasted one week), rear hub, FOX Shock, Rims went un-true after every ride, Swing arm busted
Bottom line:
This bike is fast and lite. How ever it tends to fall apart all the time. My FSR XC spent alot of time in the shop getting fixed. When the swing arm busted it took weeks to get a new one. I missed alot of rides because of this hunk of crap. If this bike was made with good parts it would have been a great bike.... to bad it sucks.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Kumagai
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fairly light, quick, reasonably strong. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock, stock rubber, flat bars, weak rims. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR1000, GT XCR3000 | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z1 Alloy, Ritchey riser bar, Risse racing linkage mod, WTB tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update review. The bike is still strong as ever with the exception of the rims. I managed to complety kill the rear rim with moderate riding, (partially due to fatboy syndrome.) My newest mod to the bike is the Risse racing linkage mod which gives this bike a whole buncha rear travel. The part changes the leverage point where the rear shock meets the linkage requiring more air in the shock but giving a few more inches of travel. So much so that you need to lengthen the rear cables. This is a must have mod you can get for about $120.00. Email me if you need details. It makes it a whole new bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sol Manzilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Nuevo Laredo, Tampaulipas, Mexico
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Bike, Laredo Texas | | Strengths: | cool looking, strong frame, light for a full suspension, the monituou and the fox shocks are good. | | Weaknesses: | If you weight more than 190 you shold consider another bike. The rear suspension bounces a lot. The grips and the seat sux, but you can change thoes. | | Bottom Line: | It´s a grate bike, it´s worth the price. The only things I changed where the pedals, grips, handlebar and the seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Sunden
a Weekend Warrior
from Lilburn, GA, 30047
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Elijay | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Aggressive stance, smooth front suspension, great control on descents, solid components. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are dull when wet, stiff rear shock, stock tires lose traction in dry conditions. | | Bike Setup: | All Stock except for new grips and new rear tire(Panaracer). | | Bottom Line: | Overall, a great bike at a good price. Four bar linkage is one of the best rear suspension designs. Solid list of components ranging from the LX-XT setup to the Avid brakes and levers. The stock tires should probably be swapped out for a new set, depending on what type of terrain you ride. I found out that the Dirt Master didn't grip well on the loose sand and clay of North Georgia's trails. Outstanding climber on any terrain. The agressive stance and seat angle gives you the decision to sit or stand on any accent. Either buy a solid pair of gloves or get a new set of grips. I found the stock grips to loose their traction quite easily after they hit water. The bike is a great confidence builder for anyone who wants to bomb a downhill with ease, or just an all around great XC racer. Great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lock 4 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikers Choice, Hendersonville | | Strengths: | Fast, Smooth, Climbs great
Dependable
Still top of the class
| | Weaknesses: | Stock tires suck!
Could be lighter
Stock Shock set for lightweight riders even on large and x-large frames.
| | Similar Products Used: | Various Trek and K2 bikes | | Bike Setup: | S-works grips
Panaracer Fire Pro tires
Shimano pedals
Specialized Comp. computer
Specialized special rise bar
firm shock kit
firm bottom out kit (2.1 tires hit bottom of crown even on small jumps)no more.
| | Bottom Line: | This is an update. Still no problems other than a bent derailer from a crash. Riser bars really helped comfort with little or no effect on handling. I have raced this bike a couple of times (beginner). I STILL love this bike (wife getting jealouse).
Panaracer tires really like this bike. Just remember to keep them properly inflated.
No problems with rear shock. Got hurt and did not ride for 10 weeks. Shock didn't bleed down. I run between 180 and 190 PSI. Maintenance minimal. Cleaned and greased pivots/bushings and followed Fox maintenance on shock.
Yes, I would do it all over again. Only four Chilis because I have never seen or heard of that perfect bike. This one is close. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Nikolas
a Cross Country Rider
from nashville, Tn.
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Surveyors ridge, Mt Hood. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Nashville bicycle | | Strengths: | Good strong frame. I love the manitou front fork. It is very plush. I bought the frame and frork by itself. | | Weaknesses: | The fox rear shock tends to lose air in cold weather. I am not happy about that. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | I have race face riser bars and cranks. A thompson seat post with a cross bow saddle. XT cog, hubs, BB, and deraillers.Xtr brakes. Rhino light rims with 14 15 gauge double butted spokes. Shimano SPD 636 downhill peddles. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first suspention bike. I love it. I have been wanting this bike now for many years and was finally able to build it last christmas. The bike handles like a dream. But like I said above, the rear shock does not do well in cold weather. I think I am going to have to go to a coil oil shock. I need something reliable. no other complaints. The frame itself is how I allways pictured it. Great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyson Carter
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, Va, United States
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | York River | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike West | | Strengths: | Weight( as light as many hardtails), component selection, sweet color selection. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals, rear shock, seat, lack of barends. | | Bike Setup: | I've only changed the pedals. I'm looking forward to adding barends. | | Bottom Line: | The Stumpjumper is a great cross country bike. I feel free to roll over anything; logs,rocks,dropoffs,creeks,jumps, you name it. The bike is light and climbs like a hardtail. The components are mid-ranged but work efficiently. I like the performance of the stock Avid brakes. The biggest problem I've had with my Stumpjumper is losing the air in the rear shock. I eventually sent the shock to Fox and they repaired it for free. I haven't had any problems since. Besides the lack of quality of the rear shock, Specialized created a sweet Full Suspension that is ready to take anything that you throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philippe
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Slipery Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This bike is awesome. I love the shocks especially. You can change the oil dampening on the forks, for a softer or stifer ride, and you can change the air presure on the back fox shock. I still have the orginal seat on it, and I love it. | | Weaknesses: | Orginal grips weren't that great, but other than that, I haven't found out anything else bad about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Comp.
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo
Specialized RockHopper | | Bike Setup: | I have all of the orginal components on the bike, except for the grips, I put some s-works grips on, and new pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is so awesome. I am only 14 years old, but a hardcore mountain biker. I rented this bike for a weekend once, I loved it. So I went to a local shop, found a great deal on it ($1,085) and bought it with my own money. I have had no regrets so far, and probably won't for a long time.
This bike is just so good all around, it is perfect for someone that wants to do technical, cross-counrty, downhill, and climbing. You don't see very many full suspension mtb that can do all that, but this one sure can, it can do all of that very well. Did I mention that this bike can just fly down the hills. I hit over 50 m.p.h. down an old fire road. It is just amazing what this bike can do. It is also very light. Lighter than some hardtails. This bike is awesome I have no complaints, so why should you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno, Ca.
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore, Vancouver, B.C. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Quality, weight, agillity, ease of set up, adjustability. Avid 2.5's. Rim set. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, Pedals, Handle bars. LX Cogs, LX level BB | | Similar Products Used: | Tested to many FS XC bikes to list! | | Bike Setup: | XT Cranks. XT shifters lever set. Dust boot on Fox Float. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up post. Information is always a hated tool, if you are the bike shop owner. Gotta say that the pedal heads at R E G B A U E R S in Clovis are great people! After reading these reviews I made a deal with them to switch out the Specialized cranks with XT hollowtech, they also dumped the Gripshift for XT leaver shifter combo. Although I asked for XT pods only, I am not complaining. This bike is fast uphill and down. I have never experianced a FS bike that climbes like a hard tail. After two hard days of of riding and crashing. Granite is hard on flesh! I took the bike by the shop for a rear rim truing a back brake adjustment and a gear adjustment. This is normal for a new bike and is all part of the breakin. Remember to keep on top of these things or they will develope into real problems. If you ride hard you better know how to tune it up. Auto racers don't drive races without tearing down the whole engine after a race. Be prepared to treat your precision machine with the same care! Ride hard and you will have to repair or maintain it to get the best performance each time out. I would recommend this ride to any rider of any experiance level. Smooth on pavement, smooth on 35-40 mile/hr downhill single track. The Manitou SX is infinatly adjustable. With a quick read through the manual you will enjoy this fork. It sucks up big hits and smooths out cattle guards at 30+mph. Planed upgrades? Kris king HS, Race face BB (Bottle locktite), XT Cogs. Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires (Only if I have a failure with the stock parts as other have reported in these reviews). After my first very fast downhill including a few big jumps. I jumped off the bike and that was the moment that I knew this bike is GREAT. I then picked the bugs out of my teeth because I was smilling harder harder as I went faster and faster and launching the bike higher and higher! It loves the big hits! I recommend that you buy a shock pump with the bike and take it with you for the first few rides. Play with the Fox Floats pressure untill you get the correct ballance. At 170lbs and a full back pack. I set the shock at 160PSI, but this is a personal prefference issue. So play with it untill you are happy. Did I mention that I LOVE THIS BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Merost
a Cross Country Rider
from Sierra Vista, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light, great quality, top-a-da-line design, snazzy looking, good geometry. This bike climbs, descends, singletracks with ease. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Specialized clipless pedals, stock saddle and the stock Specialized tires. | | Bike Setup: | Changed out the seat, pedals and replaced the tires with some Ritcheys. | | Bottom Line: | Overall it is a great bike. Get a lot of bike for the money. First thing you need to do if you get this bike is get a lizard skin and put it on the rear shock. Dust with destroy the seals and you start leaking air bad. Also the pedals can be pretty scary and unpredictable until after about 500+ miles and they get broke in real good. Just replace them with something better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Owens
a Downhiller
from Fresno
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore, Vancouver | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Extreamly light, Great components, Outstanding price.
| | Weaknesses: | None at time of lay away, but after reading these reviews, I kow what to watch for | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky mnt spice, Schwin, Haro, Marin. Tested | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, MAV 225 ss 14-15gu dlbutted, alloy nip.Mich tires. Intense blue. free bar ends (specialized) | | Bottom Line: | I am 165 lbs. and this bike is perfect fit. with the upgraded component package from the bike shop. I got a great deal at 1499.00 for a 1999 bike. The rims a bullet proof. The grip shift is top of the line. However I will be watching the Fox rear like a hawk. The front rock shock SID is great. If I have any problems with the FOX I will have the shop put on the SID and they can deal with FOX/Specialized. I have always rode hard tail, and have been looking for a good value on a full susp. This was the best deal. Looking forward to actualy riding it. I would have given it 5 flames but I don't like the bars. Got Race face downhillers comming, going to swap them before the first ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ceasar
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | pedaling efficiency, light weight | | Weaknesses: | short reach, low bottom bracket, pedal won't unclip, no bar ends, tires just won't grip | | Similar Products Used: | Cro-mo hard tail | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I had a lip plant on a rock because I couldn't unclip. I had to replace the pedals. Although I got size 19, the reach is just the same as my 17.5 Scott. They could have lengthened the top tube. For this price, I expect to get bar ends. And you need it since the front wheel easily unweights on steep climbs. I got used to the low BB, so I rachet the cranks if I'm going over logs or stumpy trails. I was wiping out on turns - the tires just won't grip. Suspension has a balanced feel, steering is nimble, the brakes are easy to modulate. Standove height is also decent. I'd like to say it's now predictable, but any bike becomes predictable after hours of riding.
This bike is for cross country riders with short torsos who like light bikes to take them to the podium. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jr
a Weekend Warrior
from flagstaff
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | good stout frame | | Weaknesses: | delrin bushings | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose | | Bike Setup: | risse racing bearing link rules! 4" of actual travel. x-vert super | | Bottom Line: | with the addition of the new link and fork this bike rips! I almost traded it in on the tracer but after the mods I cant tell enough of a difference between the two to spend the $1600 on the frame alone. It's really just a light enduro now but man does this bike shred! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bunny Endo
a Weekend Warrior
from Montebello, California, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chino Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great for uphill climbs. The rear shock is stable. It is truly light, the suspension is efficient, and it handles well. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals and handle bars are weak. Specialized could have done a more polished job. | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 Specialized FSR XC. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far. Gonna get new tires ASAP. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing to ride. I got it on sale, which is the only way I would recommend buying this bike. The color green sucks, therefore I purchased in silver. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light
Stable
Beautiful | | Weaknesses: | Shifts Slow
Front Shock Bounces way too much
Tires grip like they're treading Crisco | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike is amzing to ride. I've taken it on downhills, uphills, fast tracks and everything aorund - it is truly a piece of ownable pleasure.
I got it on sale, which is the only way I would recommend buying this bike. The other reviews make me wary of future problems - but think of it this way: If it fails and I crash = I sue their funny faces. Not to mention if they fail to support my warranty, I'll join the cry to boycott their expensive kiesters.
On downhills, this bike is a dream. It carries my amzingly and the back shock has caused me no problems. I am of a light build, however, and i could whereas if you were larger, you could be in trouble.
I give it a four flamming turds because I could buy a car for twice its price, but I give it a five overall because right now I'm lovin the ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Difficult Run | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Weight (or lack of) Especially when compared to other FS bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Low crank. Stock tires suck. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except added some bar ends on the flat handlebar, and threw on some Michelins. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is fast. It's not for the big hitters, who jump off 8 foot cliffs though. Ascending is great, my rear wheel seems to stay on the ground more. I go over things I wouldn't think about on my old hardtail. I paid just under a thousand for it, considering the other bikes I looked at cost double that, it's a steal. I'd give it 5 flamin turds, but I only give that to perfect bikes. (but this one's close) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, California
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | rockville, saratoga, salmon falls, etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, fork, fantastic rear suspension performance, brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is falling apart, Specialized pedals suck, stock tires are inadequate. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale delta-V full suspension, hardtails, and I test rode Ventana, GT, Rocky Mountain, others. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far. Gonna get new tires ASAP. | | Bottom Line: | Oh man. Ohhhh man. I love this bike. No, I mean seriously - I love it, man.
I bought mine six months ago, been riding about twice a week for the last four months. I love this bike.
It climbs extremely well. It's light. It handles great - very forgiving. And when it's time to go down...
Did I mention that I love this bike? Anyone who says a hardtail is faster than THIS full suspension bike is a fool. It is so fast, such a great all-around performer.
Much better than my friend's full suspension Cannondale - less suspension bob, softer ride, better geometry, lighter. I'm way faster on this bike than I was on my hardtail, and I'm not even trying that hard.
The seat is coming apart (started delaminating the day after I bought it), and the tires are weak, and I replaced the pedals with my old Shimanos the day I bought it. I still love this bike.
Five, baby! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Shore
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Randy's | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Coming from a 1994 Sumpjumper FSR, I find this bike has everything my old one didn't have. It is light, nimble and tight. It is a phenominal climber (even compared to the Klein Mantra Pro which my riding buddy rides). My XC forte os the fast and technical stuff and this bike loves it all! The front Manitou SX shock is a great absorber to lead the way as well. | | Weaknesses: | The back shock and stock tires. In the winter it is cold here. I ride all winter long down to -25 degrees celcius. I blew the stock shock 2 times this winter. Fox sent me a Vanilla Float RC and all of my problems are answered. It's a Foxy addition to the bike. The only other weakness I have to complain about is maintenance of the pivots. The one nearest the bottom bracket is a pain to lube and clean. | | Similar Products Used: | 1994 FSR, 1999 FSR Comp, 1998 Klein Mantra Pro/Mantra Race, FSR Test bike, Trek 850 | | Bike Setup: | I am using Bontrager riser bars with Yeti grips. Continental Caninus tires on front and back. An Avocet racing seat to keep things easy to get in and out of. Ditched the factory Specialized pedals for the new SPD shimanos. Also ditched the AVID setup and went with Shimano XT all the way around. Solid improvement. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I coulddn't ask for more for the money. It has inspired my riding to new heights. I do wish it came out of the box set up like it is currently. Who wouldn't ask for that anyhow? This ride RIPS!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Zehner
a Cross Country Rider
from Grangeville, Id.
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very fast cross country bike, excells in the downhill sectons compared to a hardtail. Very stable at high speeds | | Weaknesses: | High maintenace, the rear shock needs a better dust shield. It requires to be disassembled and repacked with grease about every 10 hours of riding or it will start to loose air. Also It does get some bobing out of the rear suspension while climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Never tried anything else, I have used Specialized prducts for 12 years now and find them to be the best for the money. | | Bike Setup: | All stock including the comp. pedals, I think they are great. I've read a lot on other peoples comments on how crappy they are, but if you keep them clean and spray them with lube once in a while they work great. | | Bottom Line: | The best ride for the money you can find. I think the 2000 model has the rear shock problems fixed(with a better dust seal). The only change on mine I have made is the seat, switched to a Flite Titanium, like on my 3 other bikes. Heavyer riders may want to switch to 7.5w or 10w shock oil in the front. I found that increasing rear shock pressue will stop rear bobing while climbing, about 175psi worked for me best during a race. I run about 150psi for training. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lock4 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | climbs like a goat, agile, silver paint | | Weaknesses: | No adjustment in front hub to take up slack. Stock tires suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Various | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer FirePro XC, SpecialRise bars, Serfas lock on grips, Shimano pedals, Otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | I don't have any problems like those in other reviews. I weigh 210 and ride the large frame, set my shock at 180 PSI. The fork used to bottom out but after calling Manitou and installing the firm rebound kit no problems. The highest jump is so far is about three feet. No problems with the Fox shock at all (See earlier reviews). I became a faster ,smoother rider the first day that I rode this bike. Maybe these guys should ante up for the Pro bike like Ned's.
Five flamers for value because 2000 models were out and saved a bunch. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Dominguez
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clara, California
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Skaggs Point | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Climbing, Climbing, Climbing!!!! Descending, Descending, Descending!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Bar set way too high, Really Squishy Manitou, LX???? | | Similar Products Used: | Spec. Stumpy Hardtail, Cround Control Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that this is a good bike. Climbs the steepest of the steepest with a nice grip and very little bobbing from the rear. The front however.... on climbs when I reallly lean into it, likes to bob all freakin day!!!Will be going with the hefty big guy fat a** set up for the Manitou until I can afford a nice SID. Really happy with the Vanilla though (Funny that's my favorite flavor too). Descending is a dream. I find myself looking for big rocks and roots and anything else, just to see how it reacts. And it just coasts over everything. Kinda wish they woulda put some XT shifters on though.
I've had the bike for about a week now and have ridden it every day(Lunchtime rides really help for stress man!!) and am loving it. I would recommend it for anyone that wants a good bike but does not want to shell out 2grand. Five flamers until something crappy happens! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Fletcher
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | For full suspension its light! Soaks up anything and everything! Climbs well and descends well! It climbs better than a hardtail (Is that possible?). | | Weaknesses: | None, except maybe some of the stock parts which I upgraded. | | Similar Products Used: | Just hardtails! | | Bike Setup: | XL frame, M. Bomber Z-2 Alloy, RaceFace Cranks and rings, XT front and rear derailers, mavic 517 rims, panaracer fire xcpros. | | Bottom Line: | Though the bike is expensive it has been the best purchase I have ever made. Some people complain about the rear shocks durability but I weigh 200 lbs and have the rear vanila fox shock at 220 psi (real firm) and have had zero problems with it. The frame is strong, stiff, and has not failed me yet. I have even eaten some dirt on several occasions and the bike always rides on smooth as can be, which is more than I can say about myself in those situations. Good riding, you can't go wrong with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve thursby
a Cross Country Rider
from fullerton, cal.
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | santiago oaks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | great frame design. proven suspension. | | Weaknesses: | specialized overuse of in-house parts. Tires,seatpost, saddle,pedals,grips,cranks,etc. | | Similar Products Used: | first fsr. | | Bike Setup: | new speed springs up front, thompson seatpost, shimano pedals,oury grips, wtb saddle, wtb velociraptors. | | Bottom Line: | although I've only gotten 5 rides in, I will say that the bike handles great, not as loose as I was inclined to believe. It's not really made for huge drops or big hits, but it does deliver sure speedy travel. I would like more adjustability on the fox vanilla, I'll switch it out for a float RC down the road. Even though I know better, the bike seems lighter than it really is, that's goooood!!Altogether this bike performs better than my expectations, when you consider a closeout price of $850.00,this only makes the bike shine even brighter. With a few well-chosen upgrades I'm hoping this ride lasts a long time. | | 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 | | Weaknesses: | Specialized customer Service Sucks, they don't stand behind their products.....My frame broke into two pieces and they won't warranty it | | Similar Products Used: | tried several before I bought this one | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z-2 Bam (awesome fork)XTR derailleurs, King hubs and head set (awesome products) | | 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. Bottom line is that 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
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | 4-bar linkage, Weight, the ride, one of the best frame designs around | | Weaknesses: | Seat, pedals, rubber, Specialized cranks, Chain rings, and seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | '91 Specialized Stumpjumper...the '99 Stumpy FSR was my first FS | | Bike Setup: | Speedplay frog pedals, FireXCPRO tires, Specialized Geo Pro Seat, still more upgrades when I get the cash. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good Full Suspension Bike despite the weaknesses. It displays predicatble control both up and down the hill. More bang for the buck compared to other comparable models of other manufacturers. There are at least three things you need to change if you buy this bike. They are as follows:
1. Seat
2. Tires
3. Pedals
4. Seatpost (*optional*)
The reason for the optional 4th is I had problems with the stock seat going out of adjustment on every ride. I would be blasting down a technical singletrack when "POP" my seat would come out of alignment. I bought a new seat and regreased the pivot parts and gave it my best "arm-strong" tightening. No problems as of yet and its been 2 months. I love this bike and I do not regret purchasing it for the 900 bucks I paid for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gearhead
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This bike is fast, faster than my hardtail (maybe)
Silky Smooth
Low Rolling Resistance tires
Love the front AND rear shocks | | Weaknesses: | Components not on par with Gary Fisher Sugar3
Doesn't come w/ rear shock pump | | Similar Products Used: | G.F. Sugar 3, Trek VRX, Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | OEM | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just plain amazing. There is nothing that I can complain about. Both the FSR xc and the Sugar3 are amazing bikes. I bought mine on sale for $1200. If I had to pay the MSRP, I would have gotten the Sugar3, but for $400 less, there isn't anything that important that the fisher has. If you want a Full-Suspension Cross country bike, buy the FSR-xc or the Sugar3, either way you can't go wrong. DO NOT BUY A TREK VRX, it was the worst riding bike I have been on. The Klein was nice, but it was pricey and the rear shock overly active. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colum
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Westchester... Bald Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Ride, weight, control, absolute fun | | Weaknesses: | Cranks are too flexy, and have a tiny bit of play in the rear | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Rockhopper, GT hardtails, Cannondale hardtails, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for LX rear der. and LX v-brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. TRyed it for the first time this weekend, and it rides sooooo well. Climbs better than my rockhopper, and is sooo much fun on the way down. Retuned the front fork to get the total 80 mm of travel. All you have to do is open it up, take off the compression rod, and remove the plastic spacer from the inside of the right leg, and put it in your spring stack. This will give the extra travel, without making the fork too squishy, cause you lost 1 cm of spring preload.
The rear end does have a tiny bit of play, but down the road Ill pick up a set of higher quality bushings. Anyone know any company to go with?
Alot of people complain about the rear shock failing. The rear shock only has one seal, so dirt is really a factor. Put on a set of lizard skins, or better yet, cut a tube into a 3" section. Give slack in the rear der. and rear brake line so you can get the cable housing out of its seats. Then you can take off the bolt on the top of the shock (its easier than taking apart the linkage side), and slide the tube down over the shock to creat a waterproof boot, and finish it off with two zip ties on each side. This will ensure longer lofe to the shock.
Thats about it, great bike though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, Decently spec'd for the money, best FS design, | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, Tires | | Bike Setup: | FSR-XC with Chris King wheelset, headset, salsa skewers,race face cranks and TI bb, xtr derailleurs, cassette, shifters, brake levers, thomson seatpost, body geometry comp seat, panaracer fire xc pro tires, etc, shocks are still stock... | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great XC ride. It is decently light from the factory. I admit that I have gone way overboard with my upgrades though. But seriously, all you need to whoop butt on the trails is to change the tires and change the saddle, then you will be ready to go. The frame is the best, why do you think so many other companies use the FSRXC's patents?? The bottom line is this bike is used as a benchmark for full suspension design for a reason; it just plain works! Buy this bike!! 5 flamin dildos! | | 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: | Simple, smart design | | Weaknesses: | some of the stock parts are not worthy of the brilliant design, but they are not bad parts eighther. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Palisades Trail hardtail | | Bike Setup: | 24.5 lbs. 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, XTR front and rear derallieurs, Avid 25 brakes, Tioga factory tires, cool green
| | Bottom Line: | 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 approach, 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 the FSR XC. Many other bicycle companies pay to use thier design. Everything is patented. I am thrilled with the bike, and if I have any shortcomings this year with my mountain biking, it will be by no fault of the bike, because honestly, it rides like a magic carpet, and does whatever you "think" it to do ... a great bike to become "one" with.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brendan dee
a Racer
from providence, r.i.
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | arcadia,dogtown,foxboro | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light frame, i really can't comment on the stock parts due to my receiving only the frame. Definitly takes the edge off, and makes long 3-4 hour new england rides easier on my body overall. the geometry is also very comfortable not too fast or slow perfect for a long ride. | | Weaknesses: | Very creepy welds and i am not to impressed with plastic bushings, time will tell if they hold up or not. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn homegrown fs | | Bike Setup: | 99 judy long travel fork, stock fox shock, and a whole bunch of xt and lx parts(cranks) i had from my S works hard tail. Wheels are mavic 221s with 98 xt hubs, no nine speed for me. | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike because i broke my 97 s works after 2 1/2 years of really hard riding. i opted for this frame instead of waiting for a 2000 S works frame and i am not sorry i did at all. Part of that could be because i have a Homegrown hardtail, and have the luxury of riding the fsr in only ideal conditions. Also, i am pretty light at 150lbs so i haven't yet killed the fox shock (although it does need to be pumped up before every other ride). Overall the bike is a great one for the money, it handles very well and climbs nicely. Perfect for someone with a hardtail who would also like to take the edge off of epics and go faster downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Dunkerley
a
from McMurray, PA, US
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Plastic Cheese | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | climbs well, descends just as well, tracks well, light, no problems with mega-9 shifting as of yet, nice geometry, ok im done | | Weaknesses: | shock could use more adjustments maybe more travel, my 20 inch frame size is a little big for jumpin and stuff, i'll grow | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra Comp, Trek VRX 300, Scwhinn 4-Banger, GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: | stock but with 2000 SX, Thomson Elite post, Fox seal upgrade, Avid rollamajig, Specialized riser bars, 2000 Specialized BG Comp saddle, Ritchey Comp pedals, S-Works grips, me | | Bottom Line: | want freeride? try the enduro line for more travel this is a great trail bike or XC racer, a great bike for a 15 year old 1st time racer, jumper, long day rider i ride it like freeride hardtail, but i knew i wanted the rear shock, it'll kickass with discs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach, Ca.
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | (short) Whiting Ranch or (long) San Juan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light bike handles well for me (5'6") even though I suffer from Fat Boy syndrome. XT components. Avid brakes. Good wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock (gotta go coil over with dampening for my weight), pedels, seat (So many good ones to choose from), Bad rubber. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR1000, GT XCR3000, GT XCR4000 (that's what all my buds ride, modified and stock) | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z1 Alloy front, Generic Gel seat, New pedels. All else stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike except for the rear shock. Even though I replaced the front with a Bomber Z1 Alloy it would have worked fine with the stock Manitou+kit. (The Bomber did pull the front end out of a rut like nothing you've ever seen.)
Brakes are very solid and the bike is (or at least feels) very light. Considering my weight is over 200# the bike does very well both up and down, handles very well. This might be because of the lower geometry. (Performed rear brake sideways slide on downhill washboard just fine.) Once I replace the rear shock with a decent coil over adjustable it will be much better but the bike handles better now than I expected when I bought it.
The rubber is lacking but I fully expect to replace that on any new bike. Just let out a little more air and ride it until you can afford new ones. The stock rubber did do a little better on wet dirt/mud, kinda weird.
The bike is a little flexy and does have a little chain slap (If ya want a perfect bike buy a $5000 Intense), but at $849.00 at SuperGo it's hard to complain. It will probably take me well over two years to really ruin this bike and it will probably still be repairable.
GT bikes are so much beefier and heavier (and nicer) but I stole this one for a little over half of what I woulda paid for a GT. Gary Fisher's and most others are just expensive and Intense bikes prices are, well, INTENSE.
If your on the tall side and/or if you ride so hard your kidneys hurt don't buy this bike. If your shorter and a little lighter this bike will be perfect. Expect to replace the rear shock and possibly the front. Also expect to do frequent checkups on the many pieced rear linkage (although it does look great for all it's parts). If you ride in semi desert like California then expect to need new rubber right away but the stock may work great in darker soil or turf like conditions. Downhill is fun on this bike if you are a little shorter and just wanna get down with a smile but you will get cramped or feel too flexy/scary for a hardcore downhill rider.
Ride for fun!
Peace. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TOMMY HACKER
a Weekend Warrior
from MESA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | porccupine rim (moab,utah) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | superlight A1 welded frame with specialized's award winning fsr xc suspension (sealed bearing main pivot) 4-bar linkage,fox air vanilla rear shock | | Weaknesses: | manitou SX front forks, specialized cranks,handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | OUT of the box this bike is perfect for someone just getting into the sport , or someone looking to upgrade to full suspension . It is light enough to handle the long climbs and also has minimal pedal bob. This bike will cruise all day long on cross country trails and will get you down any hill without totally wearing your body out. It comes loaded with lots of specialized house products which is'nt a bad thing. The only problem I had was with the cranks, they seemed to sqeak all the time. I upgraded to XTR and now the bike is perfect. I've been very pleased with its performance and dependability. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone. I have the entry level stumpjumper and I ride hard and long. I have'nt broken anything yet. If you're into weightsavings I would recommend the costlier big brother ( stumpjumper pro ). It has all xtr and xt components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirtpuppy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Perry Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, spiffy color, very well balanced. Climbs almost as well as a hardtail, and descends like a champ. With a few aftermarket upgrades, this bike outperforms far more expensive competitors. The bike just simply WORKS. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are absolutely horrible, the cockpit is a bit short, and the BB clearance is too low.
In any double-boinger, the back tire better grip better than cat claws on a new sofa. The Dirt Master Comps don't cut it.
The chain slaps the chainstay on nearly every bump. But that's a problem that's easily solved with a $9 Lizard Skin.
The air shock does leak (I'm on my second), and requires frequent disassembly and cleaning to hold a full air charge. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drives, Cannondale Super V's, and various other unimpressive bikes that cost too much and weigh more than some Harley Davidsons. | | Bike Setup: | 'Zokie Z2 Bomber, Selle Italia Tri-matic saddle, Specialized riser bar. Everything else is stock, but not for long -- new Race Face cranks, new Avid Arch Rival 50s, and new Time ATACs are headed my way. | | Bottom Line: | The Horst-Leitner four-bar linkage is a thing of beauty. It's an elegant solution to the age-old problem of combining vertical wheel travel (which all single-pivot systems cannot do) with minimal pedal feedback.
The basic frame and linkage is so freakin' sweet on rocky terrain that I swear if you licked it, you'd taste sugar. Yes, off-the-shelf componentry is feeble, but with a good fork (Marzocchi can't be beat), some decent pedals, and a lighter, stiffer crankset, this bike will love you unconditionally. The next thing you'll want to get for it is a ring and a honeymoon cruise.
I'm giving it four smokin' serranos for value (the pedals are just horrid and the rear shock is too temperamental), but five chilis overall just because once you've tailored the bike to your specific needs, it's nearly perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Adelaide Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The whole thing ! | | Weaknesses: | NONE. For the price. | | Similar Products Used: | NIL First mountain bike. Last was road bike. Made judgment by riding mates Gary Fisher and a Cannondale with similar setups. | | Bike Setup: | As supplied. | | Bottom Line: | A very good bike for the price. Almost brought the Pro. But would I notice the difference for the money ?
Also purchased the King Cobra Helmet (5 Flamin' Chilis)
Finally well supplied and service by Travis at J.T. cycles in Adelaide Australia.
I love you SPECIALIZED.
But I wish I could buy things from your S Store from here in Australia.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howie Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, Ca
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | *LIGHT
*Good components Stock.
*SEAT. People are complaining about the seat but it is
perfect. Your butts will get used to it.
*Strong Wheels. Stout hubs and Mavic x221 rims.
*Specialized Team dirt control tires. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. I do have to agree. The specialized pedals were too heavy and bulky.
Chain rubbed on front derailleur when set up but I fixed that by tightening it. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Joshua F2
Specialized S Works M4 MTB | | Bike Setup: | Almost completely stock. Dumped the pedals and got some Wellgo's. 345g total weight. Replaced the Avid brakes with XTR V-brakes.
Came with XT/LX components. XT crank, LX front derailleur, XT rear derailleur. Stout Hubs are smoken fast and the mavic x221 rims are strong and light. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT FS bike. Strong, light and fast. A great buy for what you get. I've taken it everywhere that I've ridden my S works M4 hardtail, and I'm much happier on my FSR. Much nicer ride on jumps/dirt/downhill.
If you are looking for a Full Suspension bike, look at the FSR. For the money I highly recommend it and with a few minor part changes you will have a monster to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from Manhattan Beach, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Backbone - SaMo Mtns. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fully Active Swingarm Design
Light, easy to toss around
Awesome climber with the right shock
Price
| | Weaknesses: | Crummy Components typical of Low End Model
Plastic Shock Bushings prone to disintegration
| | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 1000
Iron Horse G-Spot
Schwinn 4 Banger | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC in Silver
Shimano 545 Pedals
WTB Velociraptor Tires
Fizik Nisene Saddle
LP XC 1" Rise Bars
Mavic CrossLink Wheelset
XTR Rear Derailleur
Chris King Headset
KORE Lite Stem 3
Avid Arch Rival 50 Brakes
RaceFace LP Cranks and Rings
Shimano UN-72 Bottom Bracket
Stratos XC Pro Rear Shock
'00 Marzocchi Z-3 BAM 80 Forks | | Bottom Line: | I was a Hardtail Holdout. But when the year-end clearance price on this bike dipped to $900, I decided to see what the full suspension fuss was all about. I'm glad I did. As you can see from the lengthy Setup list above, I bought this bike primarily for its frameset. If you aren't into upgrading, or, if you want a bike that will perform right out of the box, go with the FSR XC Pro or S-Works (the Comp won't cut it) Yeah, their pricier, but the stock bits on this low end model will make you hate riding it. If you can swing a limited upgrade program, the $300 I spent on the Stratos XC Pro rear shock (with handlebar mounted lockout lever) made the biggest difference. You can buy Stratos products directly (http://www.stratashock.com) or see your LBS. I don't know how anyone over 150lbs. can ride the stock Fox Vanilla FLOAT. It bobs and weaves more than Sugar Ray Leonard in his prime. Ring replacement is another must. The stockies are flimsy as pie tins. It's not really fair for me to rate this bike since I had no intention of using it in stock form. No matter what you hear or read, a quality (new) full suspension bike doesn't come cheap. Had I paid the $1,499 MSRP for this thing and expected to get a bike that could be ridden hard over all kinds of terrain, I'd be one pissed-off hombre right now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Hoover
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dayton
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
caeser creek | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
1. Low weight
2. layout of cockpit- does not strech you out too much and still able to keep front on th ground | | Weaknesses: |
1. seatpost- one bolt system never stays tight
2. rear tire- good for low rolling Resistance but terrible on hills
3. The pedals never worked well
4. Pivot points | | Similar Products Used: |
Cand- 900 sx
Trek 9900 | | Bike Setup: |
SX-E front
Fox float rear | | Bottom Line: | After a week of riding the bike I disassembled the rear suspension and found that one of the bearings had a large chunk missing. I took it back to the LBS. It took a week to get the bearings. The repair was made under warranty but if it breaks out of warranty it cost $50 for the ten plastic bearings. Ouch! After two weeks, the rear shock started to hiss. The LBS exchanged the shock for an upgraded fox float. THX. About the same time, while going down a fast hill, I banged my butt on the seat and put it out of adjustment. From that point on, the seat would go out of adjustment every two weeks. After a month of this, I bought a Thompson seat post since then no problems. The pedals did not work from the start. If you buy one, try to get a credit in the store so you can buy time or 747 pedals. Other that that the bike works great. The positioning of the bike is a mild cross-country bike. I can ride all day long without back or wrist pain. Also, I can climb almost any hill that my hardtail buddies can. And on a fast downhill I can outrun the hardtails by almost 5-8 miles any hour. What fun! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan
a Cross-Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great ride
Good climber
Allaround sweet bike | | Weaknesses: |
Seat | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR Sport
specialized FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | Its one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. It climbs well and does well in every condition. Rear shock does not lose air. Like any good Full suspension bike you hear about people complaining about loose parts or air leaks. Well if they knew anything about bikes they would know that they have to maintain their bikes and if they did that they would not have any problems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Markham
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Don Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Plush ride
Super climber
Great F/R balance
Super strong hubs | | Weaknesses: |
Stock tires
Not all Shimano parts
Seat
No bar ends
Rear linkage creaks a bit | | Similar Products Used: |
K2
Rocky element | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for
Ti Body geometry seat
Team S works tires
icon bar ends
Shimano 747 pedals
XT brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. You don't have to replace the parts I did to enjoy this bike. I just have a thing about a bike being all XT - my old Rocky Blizzard was - bombproof. Afer doing the Don Valley trail on my total old school no suspension bike, it is great to be on full suspension. This bike is nimble in tight single track, climbs really well and is also fairly light. If you are considering buying a new bike - get full suspension and make sure you try a FSR-XC. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy parker
a Cross-Country Rider
from tallahassee, fl
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
slick rock, cleveland, tn | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light weight, climbs like a goat, technically sharp | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
fisher big sur, fisher x-cal | | Bike Setup: |
chris kings on 517s, xtr cranks, bb, brakes & fr derail, xt shifters and rear derail, tompson post, sdg saddle, kore stem, atom bomb shock, fox vanilla shock, time pedals, panaracer fire pro tires | | Bottom Line: | used to be a hard tail guy but no longer. cush is where it's at. i found myself ripping through single track on a magic carpet. smooth as a babies peehunkus. i shaved well over a minute off of my best time on a seven mile loop. this was after being off of a bike for a month because of an injured shoulder due to my old bike tossing me a lawn dart. i couln't be more happy. no buyers remorse here. i've got to give the ride five flaming hot jalapenos. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
c h a r l e s
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pasadena,Ca
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rim Trail on Mount Wilson | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Fully active-rear suspension design, light weight for long backcountry riding & climbing duty. Great Value! | | Weaknesses: |
Specialized spd pedals (broken) & Ritchey Seatpost (Seat kept reclining), Specialized tires (No cornering traction) Color options!Supergo Santa Monica poor assembly. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Fsr comp, Trek Y-22, Y-33. Trek 9800 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock parts except for: Thompson Elite seat post, Ritchey comp spd pedals & Panaracer fire's and cheapo bar ends! | | Bottom Line: | FSR XC Pricepoint of $989.00 is an excellent value for a FULLSUSPENSION mtb. This bikes suspension design is fully active, balanced front and rear. Light weight is a bonus for long climbs and traction for short steep sections is excellent. No problems experienced with the FOX rears yet. It really is normal for a rear shock to fail. What surprises me about this bike is in regards to the front Manitou SX-E. It's so plush! Suggestion for Specialized, utilize Ritchey parts for product integrity & improve your color options and paint quality. Specialized parts needs to be refined, and work closely to Shimano performance. But it's better than the Tioga or Dia-comp parts of earlier years. Swing arm bolts & nuts has to be redesigned, aesthetically speaking. Thank you, Specialzed for offering a low cost full suspension mtb. Would it be a good idea to offer a rear shock w/ lockout as standard equipment. I shudder at the thought of shock failure in the Backcountry. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Agile
Fast
Light for a FS
Avid brakes | | Weaknesses: |
Tires
Grips
Uncomforable on pavement
Chain bangs swingarm
Mega 9 | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 6500
K2 3000
Hardrock
FSR Sport | | Bike Setup: |
Firm spring Kit
YETI grips
Panaracer Fire Pro XC
Comp computer | | Bottom Line: | Follow up to earlier review. Stock tires SUCK. FOX rear shock needs damping adjustment bobs too much. But doesn't loose any air. Bounces on trails. Still quick with great acceleration. Tackles anything thrown at it. Not perfect but can be tweaked easily to match personal fit.
What's with all the complaints about the seat? Ride! Your butt will toughen up. End of model year price makes it a bargain. Full list price would be 4 chile's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Disappointed
a Cross-Country Rider
from Refund, Money
Date Reviewed: December 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Good warranty | | Weaknesses: |
Need to use warranty | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Stock FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | Returned bike for full refund. Ride number one resulted in tons of slop and play in the rear linkage and a shick that would not hold the proper air pressure. LBS said the slop ad play was a problem the Specialized rep. recognized, LBS said a new strut was on the way. After waiting three weeks, I convinced LBS to replace strut with one off the floor. Ride number 2 resulted in a completely blown shock. It appears that Specialized has yet to work out the bugs with this design and is also using substandard components (shock). Too bad the consumer has to be a test rider. I thought people were paid to do research and development. I'm sending a bill to Specialized for my time. I must admit that the few minutes the bike actually held together, it rode quite well. However, not well enough to justify the problems. Do not buy this bike until Specialized has figured out how to produce this design to work more for more than 1 or 2 hours of riding. I give it one chili because the bike did shine for a moment or two. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TC
a Weekend Warrior
from BC
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ho Chi Minh | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
-Fast
-Light
-Looks
-Price vs Product | | Weaknesses: |
-Rear Shock Fox Air Vanilla
-Cranks
-Bars are too wide
-Pedals are trash
-Seat
-Front suspension way too soft even after dialing in | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 6000
Diamond Back v6
Trek 7000
Trek y
Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: |
FSR XC with xt rear, lx front, fox air vanilla rear, manitou sx e front, specialized comp pedals | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike!!! After replacing the seat, pedals, rear shock, bars and putting new springs in the front shocks I will love it even more.
If I had to do it again I would have opted for the FSR XC pro which had much better components. After I spend the money upgrading, I will actually end up spending more. Bottem line- buy the bare frame and build your own. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Barrie, Ont
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
-Light
-Responsive
-Makes you feel fast | | Weaknesses: |
-Fox shock | | Similar Products Used: |
-Schwinn S-30 (owned one)
-Joshua
-I-drive
-Rocky Mountain Element Race | | Bike Setup: |
-Purchased as frame-set
-Stock wheelset
-Marzocchi z.2 Bomber
-XT components
-Race face crankset
-Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to an earlier review when I was still trying to decide what my new ride would be (to replace my Scwinn). I was very impressed with the bikes overall performance, it is much faster in every situation than my Schwinn was, at least that's how it feels (a very important aspect of riding: feeling fast gives you the emotional boost to go faster). My FSR XC is a custom rig, so it would be unfair for me to comment on the stock components. However, the factory spec Manitou fork felt too spongy on the showroom floor with the fork set as stiff as it would go (I like my boat anchor). One thing I do have to complain about is the rear shock, I did not have any real riding experience on an air shock (mostly coils) so you can imagine my dismay when my brand new bike began to slowly turn into a low rider, with its steadily worsening slow diliberate bob. The air shock went flat, after two rides! This is not an exceptable thing to happen on a $2500 bike (Canadian) and by reading these reviews, I can see I am not the only one. It seems to me that fox may want to make a general recall on this shock, this is not an isolated incedent. So, the shock gets 0 chillies but the bike gets 5. Why give a bike with cronic shock failure 5 chillies? Specialized doesn't make the shock, and I choose to beleive that they would not have speced such a problematic peice of crap had they know about the situation before hand. Doesn't make a strong selling point ya know! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Butchy Ridah
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Diificult ones | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Initially rides vy. well. | | Weaknesses: |
. High maint. or Mucho ghost shifting. . Blew the FOX air after 1-2 mo. . Rear is like a pogo stick. No rebound adjustment? This is a silly way to make a shock. | | Similar Products Used: |
First full susp. | | Bike Setup: |
Marz Z-2 upgrade | | Bottom Line: | If you want to ride flatter, gentler trails real fast w/ minimum suspension this is your bike. If you want low maint. and clean shifting pass it by. I was messing w/ everything to get the shifting fixed. I believe the problem is the rear susp design. DOOOON'T take this bike on rough trails or drops or other cool stuff. It is too weak for an all around riding style. I'm not the craziest rider but I think I wore this bike down.Anyway I dropped it one year later and bought a beefier ride.(Check out the Santa Cruz Heckler) I will select a two rating as initially I loved the bike. Durability = >Riding time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Robards
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenwood, IN
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very smooth riding
light and agel | | Weaknesses: |
pedles broke | | Similar Products Used: |
stumpjumper FSR sport | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shocks | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike I can do just about anything I want to do on it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Palo Alto
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Nice ride, easy shifting, climbs like the prince up Rapunzel's hair. | | Weaknesses: |
Pedals worthless; has a ridge that shoe from clipping in.After first ride real wheel appeared to be tweaked. Took it to the dealer who discovered the freewheel had self-destructed. Replaced under warranty. Thanks to Garner's in Palo Alto, CA for fast swap out. | | Similar Products Used: |
Wife's old Hardrock. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I basically a roadie who needed a tough bike for winter commuting. When my MTB friens found out I got the bike they dragged me out of the house and made me ride in the dirt.By the end of the day I'd done five get-offs, two biffs and one endo. I had a great time!Other than the pedals and the sucidal freewheel, the bike is pretty neat, I liked the ride and I might actually do it again. It's hard to leave the asphalt. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAVID
a Weekend Warrior
from sAN fRANCISCO
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ANY AVAILABLE | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Quick and agile | | Weaknesses: |
Headset tweak and become loose, crank flex too much. | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR, Diamonback | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money, should upgrade to better components etc. XTR crankset, XTR BB, XTR cassette for better performance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fsrxcrocks
a Cross-Country Rider
from state college pa
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Best-looking bike I've ever seen! Can't complain about the awesome green paint job. Light, kick-ass climber. | | Weaknesses: |
Spec | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing can compares, except the Comp, Pro, or S-Works. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike. Excellent for XC riders who can't afford the S-Works. I'll probably end up buying the Pro. A slightly weaker spec than the competition, but certainly worthwhile for the bike's outstanding innovation. So much cooler looking than the DB XR8, which in my opinion is damn ugly. The acid green is just the right color. Screw the pedals and tires, though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norm
a Cross-Country Rider
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Petes Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
it is overall an awesome bike, minus the rear shock and the spec.ing of specialized crap, good thing these are normally replaced | | Weaknesses: |
the rear shock!!
Fox has got to do something about this problem with the shock. If anybody knows what kind I can replace with please let me know. Specialized sent me a loaner shock to use while mine was being rebuilt...not replaced....hmmm
Also:Seat,tires,pedals basically all of the specialized crap | | Similar Products Used: |
K2 razorback rs
Rocky Element race | | Bike Setup: |
Basically stock......Race Face riser bar.....Should have came with a riser to begin with | | Bottom Line: | The problems with the rear shock have got to be adressed by Fox. An otherwise great bike has gotten poor reviews 'cause of this flaw. It rides incredible when shock has air, can only imagine what it could be like with a good coil over shock. Oh yeah for the big guys with soft forks, my shop replaced with a heavier spring and elastomers, not perfect but much better, and FREE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
out-of-bounds
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nova, VA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
whitney state forest | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The bike is a lot of fun. Handles great. Light and fast. Suspension does not bob. | | Weaknesses: |
seat
tires
rear shock
swingarm | | Similar Products Used: |
see earlier reviews | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from previous reviews and the bike remains light and fast, but some recent problems:1. Blew out rear Fox shock at month 6. I'm 190-200 and although I had to fill the shock prior to each ride, now it is worthless! Only lasted 6 months and the bike is now in the shop.2. Swingarm: The swingarm has a crack in it and needs replaced. Bike is in shop waiting for Specialized help. Hard to believe that I busted the metal. I ride hard, but it is not like I'm making 5 foot drop offs everyday.3. Bottom bracket creaks.4. Headset susceptible to water! Up until this month, no real problems just adjustments to brakes and gears, which is normal for FS (so I'm told). Based upon recent mechanical difficulties and the fact that my riding is shortened one week prior to daylight savings time - my rating drops to 3! Maybe the great aspects I love about the FS is wrong and I should've stuck to a hardtail. Hmmmmmmm. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAMES NIKOLAS
a Cross-Country Rider
from NASHVILLE TN.
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
SURVEYORS RIDGE | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bike Setup: |
RACE FACE BB
RACE FACE RISER BARS
XTR BRAKES
XT SHIFTERS
RACE FACE CRANKS
XT FNT AND REAR DER.
RHINO LIGHT RIMS
(STILL BUILDING) | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE JUST PURCHASED THIS FRAME SET. I AM UPGRADING EVERTHING ON THE BIKE TO XT AND RACE FACE. I AM HAVEING A SPECIAL WHEEL SET MADE FOR THIS BIKE. I AM GOING WITH THE RHINO LIGHT RIMS, XT HUBS AND 14-15 DOUBLE BUTTED SPOKES. IT SOUNDS LIKE THAT IS WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD DO. I HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO RIDE THE BIKE YET I HOPE IT WORKS OUT GOOD. I AM A HARD RIDER. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Murillo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orlando, Fl
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hard Rock Mtb Park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Quick handling
decent frame weight | | Weaknesses: |
rear shock -- terrible
seat, tires
front shock | | Similar Products Used: |
97 frs Ground Control
96 Ground control
c-dale full susp.
hardtails - off all sorts | | Bike Setup: |
atom bomb (polished)
syncros post, wtb sst saddle, easton carbon monkey lite h-bar,
wtb Enduroraptor fr tire, Bopntrager Revolt slick rear tire | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just - not great. Straight off the showroom floor -it kinda sucks. HArd ass seat. Sketchy tires, Weak Manitou sx-r Shock ( Switched to the venerable MArzocchi Atom Bomb -- much better!!! Frame has already cracked in the rear swingarm -- replaced per warranty. The WORST thing about this bike is the rear shock -- IT ABSOLUTELY SUCKS -- I WILL NEVER BUY a bike spec'd with Fox again . It leaks air -have to pump up for every ride, and it really works poorly. poor compression dampening and worst yet the rebound control is non-existent on this sub-standard shock. i get bucked like a rodeo rider on medium bumps. I know its an air shock w minimal travel, but I would expect more from FOX. I am planning to change rear shocks to a Stratos Helix Pro.
The frame is a short on the top tube length. This shortens the wheelbase making it feel unstable on very steep descents. If this bike were stolen I wouldnt get it again. Enough Said. Thinking about getting a PsycleWerks Wildhare or an Ellsworth Truth -- decisions, decisions...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRIAN
a Cross-Country Rider
from ALEXANDER
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ANYTHING WITH JUMPS AND DOWN HILL. | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
LIGHT
REAR SHOCK
LOOKS GREAT
FAST | | Weaknesses: |
MANITOU SHOCK
SX.
NO LOCK OUTS
REAR SLOPPY | | Similar Products Used: |
SUPERV 900 | | Bike Setup: |
STUMPJUMPER FSR XC.
SPIN RIMS
CROWBAR
MICHELIN WILD GRIPPER COMP S
MANITOU SXE | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS BIKE .I HAD A HARD TIME FINDING A FULL SUSPENDED BIKE THAT I LIKED. THEN I FOUND THE STUMP JUMPER.IT FELT TIGHT , THE FRONT SHOCK COULD USE SOME WORK FOR HARDER AND HEAVER RIDERS. WITH FEW MODS THIS IS A GREAT PACKAGE, THAT ANYONE CAN GET THE HANG OF.IT LIGHT, FAST AND LOOKS GREAT IN SILVER. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TYLER BURKE
a Cross-Country Rider
from FAIRFAX, VA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
PLANTATION RUN, BLACK WATERFALLS, WV. | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
LIGHT, GOOD FOR THE MONEY, FAIR SETUP AS STOCK | | Weaknesses: |
CRANK SUCKS, BB SUCKS.
SPECIALIZED PARTS. | | Similar Products Used: |
GARY FISHER F2
SPEC. FSR COMP | | Bike Setup: |
XTR BRAKES(sweet)
XTR CRANK/BB
FRNT & REAR XTR DERR.
CANE CREEK CRONO WHEELSET
SID XC 80MM FORK
XTR SHIFTERS | | Bottom Line: | THE FRAME IS LIGHT. IF YOU'RE LUCKY AND WORK AT A BIKE SHOP YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE. HAHA!
ALSO COMES IN METTALIC GREEN. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lock 4 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light
Quick
Year end price
Outrun my neighbor on favorite trail
Weight | | Weaknesses: |
LX shifter
Tire grip questionable | | Similar Products Used: |
K2 3000
TREK 6500 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock w/bar ends
Firm shock kit
| | Bottom Line: | I've been after this bike for a long time. End of model year finally made it affordable. This bike is quick and climbs like a mountain goat. Consistantly ride in 1 or 2 gears higher. Down hills faster than anything I have ever ridden. Have to wait about the rear shock. Will it hold up? LBS had to replace shifter after 2nd day. Wouldn't shift to big ring. Still a rocket!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jammer
a Weekend Warrior
from Tracy, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Chabot Park back trails | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light,Fast,Quick Handling,Silver Looks Cool | | Weaknesses: |
Saddle,(ouch!), BB, Shock, Front suspension for my size 195lbs | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale v700 | | Bike Setup: |
Stratos XC Pro, Chris King headset, XT 110x73 Bottom Bracket,XT Front Derailer, Ritchey Cliples, Bontrager Saddle, Manitou SX R, XTR Shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Stock this bike is sweet, Add Stratos Shock & Manitou fork, It Rips!!! The bontrager Saddle is way better than the stock JUNK! The Stratos Shock is the BEST MOD!(Edged out the saddle) No bobbing, no leaking from the Stratos.The fox Needed Constant attention.Cant get ahold of Fox. The Manitou SX R compliments the shock perfectly. Plus great support from Stratos. The other mods are mostly refinments. Buy this bike stock and ride it! Upgrade if affordable (not a must).Mine is Silver with Black Manitou Fork, Silver Bullet! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jmould
a Cross-Country Rider
from dubuque, ia
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Whatever one i'm riding | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Rigid frame, ride
geomotry and fit
easy to manuever
**LIGHT** | | Weaknesses: |
Fox shock leaks | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondale v
diamondback xr8 | | Bike Setup: |
-Marzocci superfly
-race face crbn hndlbar
-xtr/mavic517 wheelset
-race face B.B.
-Coda tarantula crank/ri
-Avid 25 brake/paul leve | | Bottom Line: | Picked this bike up from a store owners private stash with sweet set up of parts. Lightning fast in the woods. Easy to snap bike up under you. Superfly fork is rigid and with fox shock is perfect match. Would recommend to anyone looking to push their riding. Waiting to see if rear linkage holds up over time. Also, just bought an fsr elite, so i am anxious to see how the stack up | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Westchester, New York
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
-specialized tires
-9 speed
-smooth riding
-fun to ride
-sturdy
-xt derailer
-mavic rims
-light weight
-strong brakes | | Weaknesses: |
-crank(and other specialized components)
-seat too narrow
-manitou too soft | | Similar Products Used: |
GT i-drive
trek vrx | | Bike Setup: |
specialized bar ends, WTB saddle. thinking of getting kore stem, bars,
seatpost, and xt shifter and brake set. | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the $$$ rides very well with a very durable structure. even a small tree couldn't stop it! Overall great ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross-Country Rider
from LA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
fast | | Weaknesses: |
weak rear link
Recall | | Similar Products Used: |
all top end xc | | Bottom Line: | Anyone brought their bike back for recall rear linkage problem? Replace the unit or repair? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominik
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
decent value for the money
looks great | | Weaknesses: |
front shock to soft (even with the stiffer guts)
rear shock used to leak a lot
pedals suck
customer service sucks
cheap headset | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
WTB ti saddle with Thompson post | | Bottom Line: | like the bike.. when is set up right. The ride is great, this thing can really fly downhill no matter what line you take. Just point the thing and hold on. Unfortunately had some problem with the rear suspension. First it was the FOX shock leaking the air. I had to put more air every day. Then there was the wicked play at the rear linkage, (bushing are on the back order for 3 months now), and now I just discovered a crack on the lower linkage. So it looks like I will have to either finish my biking season rather prematurly. I hope Specialized will take care of this problem in a timely fashion. I will post an update after I talk to them later on this week.
So for the problems with the front and rear shock, and the frame problems(I forgot to mention that the worn bushing made some funky noises that I had to listen for the last 3 months.) I have to take 2 points away.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ca
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
great year end blowout sale price at $925 | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, Dback, Cannondale, Specialized | | Bottom Line: | This bike truly is a blast to ride and race. Would give it a ten+. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland, Maine
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bike Setup: |
Factory setup, except for 2 riser bar and Time ATB pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I really wanted to buy this bike. I had read a lot of good articles about the bike. I liked the weight and technology. Plus, it was marked down from $1,500 to $1,040 at the LBD. But.....I took the bike home and rode it on a trail that I ride almost every night. The trail has lots of bumps, jumps, stumps, roots, rocks, dirt roads, sand and snowmobile bridges. The first thing I noticed was that the bike bobbed under pedal pressure, no matter how much air I put in the rear shock. Second, the front fork was very difficult to adjust. It was either too soft or too bouncy. It was hard to keep the front of the bike on the ground going over roots. Third, the tires did not have enough traction for hard leans on corners and skidded very easily when the rear brake was used. It's the second best full suspension I've ever ridden and I've ridden every one under $3,000. The best full suspensions are the 1998-1999 K2 Proflexs. I prefer a full suspension because I can ride faster downhill and I have better traction on roots and rocks. The only reason I prefer my Cannondale F1000 is that it is much lighter than the K2 and has better brakes. Too bad! I had high hopes for the FSR XC. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jit
a Weekend Warrior
from Chino Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light frame
Components
Price | | Weaknesses: |
Rear Fox Vanilla Shock
Seat | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR
GT I-drive XCR 2000 | | Bike Setup: |
Off the shelf Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | This is a great full-suspension bike that is fast both on the pavement and the dirt. I love the light frame which climbs like a goat. This bike can climb as good or better than some hardtails. Overall, I am very satisfied with this bike due to its price and features. I got this bike for $1099 which was a plus. I recommend this bike to anyone that is looking in buying a bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve G
a Cross-Country Rider
from Deerfield, Illinois
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Des Plaines River Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Affordable
good components | | Weaknesses: |
rear shock leaks air | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR
GT
Mongoose | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike! Its fast and fun and climbs great. The only problems I've had so far are a leaky rear shock, which my LBS replaced for me. I was able to buy a rear shock pump via mail order for 34.95. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto,Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
good weight
handles well
decent frame design | | Weaknesses: |
-Headset
-Bottom Bracket (Specialized should patent the name Bottom Break-It)
-saddle
-seatpost
-rear shock
-really bad support | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Mantras
Rocky Mountain Elements
Konas | | Bike Setup: |
SID front Shock
Mavic 517s with
White Industries Hubs
Thompson Post
Gel Flite Saddle
Race Face Stem
)still looking for a
Bottom Bracket) | | Bottom Line: | The bike looks good on paper. However, in the
real world, it performs like a bucket of bolts
(rusty bolts...you would think they could use stainless steel)
The Headset binds whenever the handlebars
are turned more than 45 degrees to either side.
My LBS has informed me that although they cannot explain what is causing this, it is nothing to be concerned about (one more repair I will have to make on my own).
The Bottom Bracket became very stiff
after about 600 miles of riding. My LBS has informed me that this is very common with the Specialized Bottom Brackets. I was very surprised at just how cheap that Bottom
Bracket was after removing it. This part is far below LX quality. I cannot believe Specialized is putting such cheap parts in these bikes. I will
install a real Bottom Bracket when I find one that
will fit (E-Type). I, unlike SPECIALIZED, refuse
to sell the bike with a new but same Bottom Bracket installed (yes, sell the bike).
The rear shock will not maintain air pressure
longer than 24 hours. It requires air before every ride. Good luck getting Specialized
or Fox to do anything about that one.
Some less serious problems are:
-flexy cranks
-front tire washes out easily | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yohji
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bukit Timah | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
good for climbing if done steadily.
doesnt bob in the rear, which is what I like for XC riding. | | Weaknesses: |
need to change a few components (pedals, seatpost, etc) | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant Warp DS-2 | | Bike Setup: |
17 silver frame.
Crossmax wheelset
Thomson Elite seatpost
Flite Ti saddle
T.H.E fenders
The rest are stock | | Bottom Line: | After adapting to this machine, I'm beginning to discover what it can really do. The tires now feel great. Just use a lower PSI for the rear when going off road. The geometry is good for steady climbs and rugged downhills if you shift your weight around. My previous bike had a URT design and it bobs like hell, wasting my energy. FSR XC rides just like a hardtail but more comfortable, without having to bob around. Might be adding a Lok-out to the SX-E, so that to lock out the front when doing sudden sprints. Anyway its a good bike if you know how to utilise it. I love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M Steen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Banning CA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bogart Park Cherry Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light bike for the price | | Weaknesses: |
No Bar Ends Pedals Suck | | Similar Products Used: |
Pro flex Jamis | | Bike Setup: |
Added Bar Ends Ritchey Logic Pedals Kenda tires | | Bottom Line: | Really like it. Good climber,frame size a little short at 5-8 I had to buy a large for a good fit.Large Chainring sligtly bent and rear derailleur hanger bolts came loose.Had more trouble with other bikes in this price range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DG
a Racer
from Mich
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Highland | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
XC suspension, weight, 9 speed works great. | | Weaknesses: |
Cranks, pedals soft fork. | | Similar Products Used: |
Lts,Super v, basically everything out there. | | Bike Setup: |
Extra heavy fork kit(190)crank and rings,Crow bars,Fire XC Pros,WTB TI seat,White Ind TI bb. | | Bottom Line: | Who the hell is Jubbi and what makes him think he is an expert. How long has he worked at K2 and when will they fire him. I love it when someone reviews bikes that they dont own or ride. I have the Specialized and the Cannondale among other bikes and I don't have the same opion as Chubbi or Jubbi or whatever his name is.Breaktime is over Jubbi, go back to the assembly line. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jubbi
a Cross-Country Rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
tech trails | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
customer service, specialized engineering | | Weaknesses: |
price, rear design | | 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
Alex
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tujunga
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Haynes Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
-Light, right out of the box.
-Looks good in green.
-Good price ($1475) | | Weaknesses: |
-Seat is not too comfy.
-No shock pump!!???
-Manitou SX-E is too soft. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek VRX 300
Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for BMX pedals | | Bottom Line: | I've had the bike for a few days now. No complaints except for the squishy feel of the Manitou. I'm 195 pounds and the SX-E is just too soft, I'm gonna put in stiffer springs. Other than these minor complaints, the bike is awesome. It climbs, descends and handles like a dream. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Barton Springs | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
xt shifts great
light and responsive
A chick on the trail said it looks sexy! | | Weaknesses: |
WHERE IS MY SHOCK PUMP? For 49.99 its all yours Didnt like that...
seat takes some getting used to.
no love for the pedals. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Raven, Klien Mantra | | Bike Setup: |
Added:Icon bar-ends, cpu, grips. Everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I set my rear shock's air pressure really high and since then I have no real complaints yet, though it has only been about 100 miles. The brakes are great, very nimble on rocks, F A S T! Now, I happen to LIKE the green color thank you. Finally, the guys I ride with have rigids and I end up stopping every 1/2 mile or so down the trail to wait on them to catch up...what a cool feeling :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iron Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Parachute, CO
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Excellent brakes
Light
Good component selection | | Weaknesses: |
What's with these pedals? | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR, GT i-Drive, Klein Mantra Comp, Giant XTC | | Bottom Line: | Point and shoot!! I just made the quantum leap to full suspension from a tired ol' 91 Rock Comp, and this thing is just amazing! I can do things on this bike that I wouldn't have dared try before. This bike stood out like a diamond in the rough compared to the others that I tested. Five Chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GotsTaChill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cali
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Ride, handling, brakes, really low granny gear | | Weaknesses: |
Seat, pedals, tires, should come with pump for Fox shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Nearly every hardtail in town | | Bike Setup: |
Stock silver paint. Swapped brick for higher-end Specialized seat, added bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Had every intention of buying a hardtail til I rode this. Really comfortable. Rides, handles great, climbs like a Jeep. On the downhills I feel comfortable going *much* faster than I ever dared on my old rigid bike. Kept the stock pedals, but had to cut away part of the my shoe's soles to get the click action working.When the cheesey yellow sidewall tires wear out (shouldn't be long), I'll put on Bontrager Jones or 'Raptors.Great bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn NY
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
New York City | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light weight
handling
componets
brakes are bombproof | | Weaknesses: |
front shock it sticky
greenish stuff on chain
rearshock is minimun
petals
seat
no real room for water bottle if you put a tool bag under the seat . the only place is under the frame behind the front tire ,and it gets full of dirt. | | Similar Products Used: |
this and that | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: |
All the product weakness is little crap,that can be fixed or upgraded.
for me at 200lb the fox rear shock is the only real shitty thing.
I am looking at a Stratoes shock now.will upgrade soon.
I love the bike !!!! | | Overall Rating: |
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