Submitted by
Hank
a Cross Country Rider
from Espoo, Finland Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Strengths:
quality, durable, easy, light and airy, adjustable, stylish, breaks
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
RS Judy Race 4"; RaceFace headset (from my old bike); Wheeler 10deg 4" stem; Azonic DW 1.5" bar; PD-M858 SPD pedals; Selle TransAm saddle; Conti Vert Prot rear; Nokia Extreme for winter
Bottom Line:
I just love the bike. Mostly I drive in a rocky technical trails with small drops, but also tried DH. I use the bike also in winter in snow and ice. Like most I flipped the rear susp link to avoid the low BB. As you noticed from the setup I changed the driving position a lot from XC to FR. Next I'll update the fork to 5" and may update the rims to a bit stronger to hold bigger drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dale
a Cross Country Rider
from ottawa,canada Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
fun bike for all-round use. plush suspension in the rear shock.HAYES HYDRAULIC BRAKES
Weaknesses:
front shock sucks-upgrade right away.low BB is annoying. sizing is important - this may sound obvious but I'm 6' and I feel cramped in a large
Similar Products Used:
first FS
Bike Setup:
stock-new tires
Bottom Line:
bought this second hand - hardly used. I had to replace the BB already, this may be due in part to the abuse the crankarms take bouncing off rocks.I'm still friggin' around with the Judy Race shocks, not impressed. the overall set up of the bike is sweet super all round bike.Downhills are fun and climbing is way easier with a FS.Don't ever let weight deter you from purchasing a bike.this weighs 30 lbs., 4 more than my old hardtail and climbs much easier (in technical stuff)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Palos
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
private seller
Strengths:
Solid Frame, brakes, Fox Float R
Weaknesses:
The low Bottom Bracket. I don't know what Specialized was thinking about when they made this bike, it had to be obvious them even before the bike went into production. My Specialized seatpost clamp broke on my very first ride. I had no idea the parts were so cheap!
Similar Products Used:
only hardtails
Bike Setup:
Ryno-lite wheels, Manitou Xvert, WTB Seat, Pro-Taper Riser Bars, ODI/Yeti grips, Race Face Next Cranks, Sram 9.0 gripshift, Ritchie Seat post and stem. Real Rings,Fox Vanilla R, Coilover,Hayes brakes. Replaced the rear link with the BETD link from the U.K. Has settings 4, 5, & 6" of rear-end travel. This by far the wisest change I've made to my bike. The 6" travel setting is unbelievable. Make sure you Get your spring weight down however. I'm 160lbs and had to go with a 750lb spring.
Bottom Line:
Ya, I've upgraded just about everything on this bike over time. I could have just saved my money and gone out and bought a new bike at a later date, but I just felt I could make this bike alot better over time. I'm prob. going to sell my Manitou Xvert and go with a 5" Marzocci Z-1 & that will be it. All Specialized had to do was put a little more thought into the frame design & rethink that rear link. Incidently, the link from BETD costs about $150.00 shipped from the U.K. and you can p/u a used Vanilla R coilover these days for under $100.00. Alot cheaper than the Mountain speed solution (which they don't even make anymore). I am extremely happy with the changes I've made. My previous post suggested flipping the rear link, which does solve the low BB height, but I never, never felt as though I was getting the 4.6" of travel the bike is supposed to get.
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Submitted by
getulus
a
from Georgia Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything east of the mississippi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
employee purchased
Bottom Line:
check your bottom bracket, keep it very tight and use loctite. they strip out very easy. upgrade to a fsa bb. they have more threads.
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Submitted by
Sly
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Multiple O/Foreplay
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Strengths:
Great all-rounder, well balanced, flexible (in its uses - not frame flex!)fun! I like the Hayes dics (obviously!) alot, and the bike has an all round nice feel. The price didn't hurt either!
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket, lack of lockout on shock (but that can easily be fixed), and if I'm feeling real nit-picky, cable routing...
Similar Products Used:
GT I-drive, Norco XCS, K2
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT splined bottom bracket, LX Cranks, Time pedals and 2000 Z3 X100 Flylight Bomber, the rest is stock
Bottom Line:
I've used it frequently in all kinds of conditions - urban assault, technical single track, long flat "fitness" rides, a 24hour race, muddy conditions, rocks and roots, drops etc and the only problem I've encountered is the stupid low bb height - but they've fixed that for 2001 I hear. I find this bike handles well, is comfortable and not too heavy. Specialized left room for some key upgrades (front and rear shocks, hubs, stem, bb, handlebar, grips etc...) but that's why it wasn't too expensive...
Bottom line is its fun to ride, it seems to be built for the long haul, and its a decent value. And unless Specialized goes the path of the Do-do Bird (or Schwinn)- knock on wood - service and guarantee have been reliable in the past.... All in all its a good, maybe even great, all-rounder.
Happy Trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Rueter
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
State Patrol
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1950.00
Purchased At:
Markee Cycle
Strengths:
Very balanced bike with good trails handling and the ability to perform on the descend with control and confidence
Weaknesses:
The seat is one of the biggest draw backs. I could not find a very workable position after 4 months of adjusting.
The rear disc repeatedly loosens and needs to be watched to avoid major problems.
Some problems with a leaking rear shock.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Many differnet knobs to adjust to obtain and set up for the type of ride and style required.
Bottom Line:
Outstanding bike and very versatile. The bike allows a normal XC rider to expand their horizion.
Good components for the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Munk's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$1,400
Strengths:
hayes disc brakes, lightweight frame, xtr and xt components
Weaknesses:
incredibly mediocre fork, bottom bracket way too low, freakily short cockpit
Similar Products Used:
gt i-drive, giant xtc, proflex
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I wanted this to be my last bike ever. I figured I could trust Specialized and the component group looked great. But as soon as I was on the trail, I knew something was wrong. The Judy Race fork is a piece of s***. It dips and bobs and when combined with the stopping power of the Hayes brakes, it begs for an endo. Also, the hoses and cables are a mess. I've got three places where I had to use electrical tape to keep them from getting tangled in the bike or my pedal. The problem is that Specialized markets this bike as a "quasi-freeride," but that couldn't be further from the truth. It's actually just a nice, decent full-suspension cross country bike. If you're into speed and lightweight, without trecherous drops or nasty rock gardens, then this bike is fine. But if you're expecting to go bombing down a sick trail, then this bike will disappoint. I guess I could go the extra mile and try to upgrade, but I'm not patient enough. I'm going to sell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
corey
a Weekend Warrior
from topeka, kansas Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
lake perry
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
hayes, fox r , good all around performer
Weaknesses:
low bb, shock runs low, judy bobs too much and lots of brake dive
Similar Products Used:
fsr xc comp
Bike Setup:
dolomite wheels, sram 9.0sl, truvative stylo isis cranks, time pedals, and panaracer fires 2.1
Bottom Line:
bike is smooth. low bb height is problem in rocky areas, trying to clear logs and rocks. the ring always scrapes on any rolling drop over a foot. The judy works great until you brake, it dives so much you can barely use the front brake when going downhill, or you might endo. This bike rocks. it climbs, tracks in the corners, and gives you the confidence to try anything. you barely even notice a rock that sticks up 10 inches. only 4 chilis because of the bb, brake dive and low compression of the shock. great bike for someone who rides technical trails with an aggresive nature.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Portland, OR - USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hitt Road in Ashland, OR
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Pro-Deal, (Bike Shop Employee)
Strengths:
Hayes Hydraulics/XTR R Der/Smooth Fox-R/Disc-Specific Rims/XT Shifters + F Der = nice shifting dudes.
Weaknesses:
Flexy BB(try the lateral stress load test - inches of deflection), soft climber (but waydaya expect?!), low BB height takes getting used to - fixed in '01, I see. Cheesey rear caliper mount (an 2000 year MTB w/o REAL caliper mounts? Come-on Specialized...get it together.
Similar Products Used:
'00 C-Dale: Jekyll 900 SX, '00 Specialized FSR x/c Pro, Gary Fish Sugar 1 & 2, Specialized Enduro Pro.
Bike Setup:
Stock. In spite of my gripes, this bike has a super-sweet ride. Lowered stem, still need to trade for longer one. I just couldn't get used to the short cockpit. It's TWO FULL INCHES shorter than my last ride. 220-230psi/60-70%damping seems to get my 170lb. butt up the hills with limited monkey motion. The front fork is another matter. Max pre-load + damping still results in Major Bob when climbing out-of-the-saddle. Sensitivity to small, high frequency bumps is preemo though. (Always a trade-off) Heavier springs would undoubtedly fix my dilema.
Bottom Line:
I'm no component freak. I just don't understand you guys who buy an expensive stock bike and, rightaway, start making costly tweaks! Stock, this bike rocks (that's why I bought it) AND it's the funnest bike I have ever ridden. (Let's just say, I've ridden many.) It's comfortable. Especially for an old racer like myself. It just rides plain easy. Not super-fast - even downhill (sorry guys, I'm faster on my old hard-tail... wait a minute, maybe I just feel like I'm going faster!) Smooth. That's it. This bike is smooth. No complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Palos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Private Seller
Strengths:
The frame is great. Just try to get rid of any parts that are made by specialized. The Judy Race is OK, but I sold it and bought a Manitou Xvert. The Fox Float R works great so far. The brakes SSSSSSSSSSSweet!
Weaknesses:
Without a doubt the BB. But take heart there is a very inexpensive way to fix this!! Flip the linkage. In other words, flip the bracket so that the red chip is on the driver side of the bike. Set mine to 4.6" / 69 degrees. Lets put it this way. Before the change I could touch both toes evenly on the ground when seated. Afterwords I could barely touch either toe without leaning to one side. Was clearing Sh*t I couldn't believe on my last ride.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Killer-V 700 HT, no comparision
Bike Setup:
Mavic disc rims, Pro-Taper Riser Bar, ODI lock Jaw Grips, SRAM 9.0sl F/D, LX F/D, Fox Float R, 2000 Manitou Xvert, WTB Seat, Ritchey Stem & Seatpost, Shimano pedals.
Bottom Line:
Got tired of watching all my F/S brothers having all the fun. I bought this bike used and am very happy with my decision to buy it. Conquered all my demons on the local trail last week, stuff I never did before. This bikes an animal and it only weighs in at around 30 pounds. If your that weight conscious, Just go out and lose 5 pounds & you'll suddenly be riding an Ellsworth! DONT FORGET TO FLIP THE LINKAGE / BRACKET it makes all the difference in the world!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Allen
a Downhiller
from Rocky Mnts Alberta Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Cafe
Strengths:
Great Value for what you get on this machine Hayes Disk Brakes Adjustable rear suspension Light weight
Weaknesses:
Limited on how much you can lower the seat Bottom Bracket is too low Fenders are useless and add alot of weight Rear suspension pivot (bearings need replacing)
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mnt Pipeline Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:
Easton Monkey lite bars 2.3 on Front 2.2 on Back Shorten width of handle bars Welded out saddle stem stopper
Bottom Line:
Great value for a bike that helps increase your confidence. But how quickly it is outgrown. The Bottom bracket gets annoying when you scale anything big. Cranks squeak constantly (much needed attention). Fenders were never used. Great for a rider who is new to the Free-ride market and would still like to cross-country with the best of them. I have decided to sell and move to the Rocky Mnt Pipeline. Of course, I will be sticking with the disk brakes. They saved my life a few times.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian
a Weekend Warrior
from Munich Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lago di Garda
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
extreme bike munich
Strengths:
good rear shock, enough travel for some freeriding, great handling, good wheels
Weaknesses:
creaky cranks, low bottom bracket, derailleur/ brake cable lining is stupid (get´s in contact with rear tire), bar too wide
Similar Products Used:
C´dale Super V, Super V active, Votec C 9 (all crap!)
I wasn´t sure about this multi-link-frame with it´s skinny tubes in the beginning but after a year of riding in the alps i really love the bike. No play in the rear, shock still works great an since i switched to deore cranks no more creaky sounds (and it´s even lighter for not much money, change it in the shop if you can, specialized-cranks are not worth it)!! The low bottom bracket was annoying at first but i switched to thicker continetal vertical pro tires which raised the bracket enough to have fun! Handling is great due to the low center of gravity, frame is stiff. Only rebound - knob on judy race fork is useless.
If your looking for a solid bike with really good suspension performance for long riding in changing terrain and some freeriding without dropping too deep, this is a very good bike. I ride the bike in the steep/long travel geometry-position. I think this works best for long uphills on smooth surface combined with steep downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tarheels Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fire lanes in Portland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
$1700
Strengths:
Pyslo XC, Hayes discs, the Fox Float, the XTR rear
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC-DS2
Bike Setup:
showroom
Bottom Line:
I have the 2001 model with a Pyslo XC front shock. I have only had the bike for two days, but have already done a lot of dirty riding. The Pyslo and the Fox rear shock make for great riding and the bike is overall perfect. I really like the way it handles as I'm cruising down the hill and the Hayes Hydraulic discs are a great addition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Meldrum
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette, MI Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Harlow Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Lakeshore Bike
Strengths:
Suspension is smooth and brakes work excellent.
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket height takes a little getting used to.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Coming off of a hardtail this bike seems a little heavy and the low bottom bracket is annoying at first. I think that the fenders are a little useless but I am sure that some people will like them. Overall though I love the way the bike rides, it handles great and the suspension is smooth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
All Star Bike Shop
Strengths:
Really tough bike after me torturing it for a year. The perfect mix between XC and Freeride. Hayes Disc Kick Butt! Fenders (If you ever use them)
Weaknesses:
Judy front fork.
Similar Products Used:
GT
Bike Setup:
2001 FR-3 Front fork, Panaracer xc pro tires, monkey lites, king headset.
Bottom Line:
Tough bike worth every penny. The bottom bracket problem mentioned before isn't an issue 95% of the time. The stock fork, bars, and tires suck, but those problems are solved!
After a year of riding this, I finally got rid of that annoying rock shox judy. Replaced it with a 2001 White Brothers FR-3. Major improvement!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Anchorage Alaska Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle shop (local)
Strengths:
hydraulic disc brakes plush suspension weight
Weaknesses:
cable arrangement
Similar Products Used:
2000 enduro comp
Bike Setup:
stock with studded tires for winter and added wb cages and cyclocomputer and headlights
Bottom Line:
I originally purchased the enduro comp,but a certain touring company i was with ran over it in their van and then destroyed it on the way to their repair center. Fortunately, they replaced it with the expert, and i've been very pleased with it, the adjustable rear shock is nice, although i havn't had to mess with it, being that i'm alight rider (160lbs) the brakes have been a life saver in combination with my studded tires for winter riding up here, i won't settle for anything less anymore. my only problem is that i cant get the rear derailer cables to stay in place, they tend to slack toward the rear, and it bunches up just over the rear tire, so when i do compress the rear shock, the cable rubs against the rear tire...... but a little electrical tape later and you're good to go. highly recommended
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
elvis
a Cross Country Rider
from mars Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
good deal looks cool fox shock doesnt bottom out easily when it holds air strong frame hayes disks don't lock up
Weaknesses:
low bb-i already mangled my pedals and chainrings rear shock leaks air intermittently, sometimes it goes completely flt after 30 min of riding rear suspension makes horrible clanking noises on fast bumps
Similar Products Used:
cheap hardtail
Bike Setup:
stock w/ haro platform pedals
Bottom Line:
good bike for $1400 big improvement over my hardtail rear shock leak is unbearable i want the mountainsped long travel kit to raise the bb and replace the air shock
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000
This is my first F/S bike, and it is SWEET! It climbs like a squirrel and sails downhill as if it were a parachute. I haven't yet experienced the low bottom bracket problem that everyone else seems to talk about, but then again I haven't had it long enough to really take it through it's extremes. At this point I can describe it best as floating on cotton. Experts and weekend warriors like myself should be thrilled with it. Buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
yellow river
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Strengths:
Hayes hydraulic brakes are awesome!
Weaknesses:
bottom bracket's tooo low and seat post must go.
Similar Products Used:
old steel hardtail (not really similar)
Bike Setup:
stock... , i'll be replacing the seat post for sure!
Bottom Line:
Overall, this has been a great bike. Brakes are like tossing out the anchor!!.. they squeeeeek once in a while but they always stop and are very easy to modulate. Specialized treads stick like glue, bike is lite weight about 28 lbs) considering it's less than $2K, (and looks cool (as soon as you remove those fenders!). Same complaint regarding the Bottom Bracket...I've smashed the BB too many times.. I weigh 180 lbs. I found 200 psi in the rear shock works best for me, that's higher than what's recommended for my weight but it climbs better and I don't hit the BB as much. ...almost forgot..tie off the various cables right away or you'll be scraping the finish up. Seat post seems to constantly come out of adjustment no matter how tight I crank it down. If it weren't for the BB I'd give it 5 flamers. I've ridden 3-5 times/wk so far for the past month.. I'll do another post in a month or so.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANGEL DEL VALLE
a Weekend Warrior
from BRONX Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anthony Wayne State Park, NY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Dealer in the Bronx
Strengths:
I got a steel of bike for the buck and free shoes, the art negotiation. Great bike when climbing hills, everytime I go uphill I want to go faster and harder and the bike allows me do this with ease(BIG PLUS).
Weaknesses:
Ajustment period bikes squeaks, big *&%&^$&^$ deal. Really no weaknesses at this time.
Similar Products Used:
FSR PRO and lower models why kill yourself for a lower model and wish for upgrades you will not need any other investment other than this bike. The Enduro Pro is for people who compete it is just not worth the extra investment.
Bike Setup:
Bike came loaded with manufacturer specs, I put on bar ends a small pump and a wireless computer (ALL ACCESSORIES - NOT MAJOR STUFF)
Bottom Line:
I consider myself an intermediate rider. This is my second bike (first real upgrade from my entry level bike). I'm straight with this bike for the next several years to come. If you have good dealer which can allow you to negotiate defniately go for this bike...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dayne Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sumner WA USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
everything I can speed down
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
hayes disc brakes, float R rear shock, mavic rims specialized kevlar team master comp and team control comp tires and fenders.
Weaknesses:
Judy race fork
Similar Products Used:
older FSR, K2 evo 3.0, pro-flex
Bike Setup:
marzocchi Z1 cr (130mm of travel), control tech bar ends, easton platform pedals
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is for the price you can't beat it, hayes disk brakes was a big plus. It also rides nice I can jump it, run it down hills,and up hills. if you like to go just about any place this bike is great but first change that front fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Paulson
a Cross Country Rider
from Langley, BC Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000
Switched to: XT rear derailleur, Fox vanilla-r coil over rear shock, Rock God, Intense tires, Shimano 737 pedals, Specialized body geometry saddle
Bottom Line:
Smokin' bike, takes 6' wheelie drops like nothing and begs for more. Well balanced, easy to stall on logs and ladders etc. Climbs well with little to no 'bob'. Rear shock is unnoticeable until its needed. Brakes work very well. The sealed bearings in the rear suspension are great for the often wet pacific northwest.
Solved the low bb height by using a rock ring over the 32-tooth gear. Pedals sometimes hit the ground though, but it's more just having to get used to it than a real problem.
Great value for the money dished out-although the XTR derailleur is a bit much considering it'll probably be the first thing to break. Looked at other bikes(some using Specialized's rear suspension) and IMHO this is definately the best bike, in its class, for the money spent.
This is a good bike for anyone (like me) who is upgrading from a hardtail.
I'll post a follow up once I've ridden the Shore a few times to see if it is 'shore worthy' :P
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Weymouth, Ma. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Best bang for the buck by far. Hayes disk F/R. XTR in the rear without scimping on the shifters.
Weaknesses:
Too much Specialized components especially the cranks At this price range the BB bracket should at least be UN-72 Also BB too low but you do get used to it
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000, Haro A4
Bike Setup:
Stock except; 747,& firm springs on the judy
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this is the best deal for the money for a rider that is looking to graduate from a hardtail to a FS that you won't have to upgrade again next year when you realize you didn't get enough travel on the first one you bought. With just a few minor upgrades this bike is almost perfect all it needs is a Marzocchi and another inch on the BB and it's there. 1 chili off on overall for BB height
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Saltis
a Weekend Warrior
from Flemington WV USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Hayes Brakes, Plush Ride, Bang for Buck, Looks great (Go Pens & Steelers), Solid Feel, Very Stable.
Weaknesses:
Low Bottom Bracket, This will take a while to get use too. The bottom of the Crankarms already look like my 3 yr. old Hardtail.
Similar Products Used:
GT I-Drive
Bike Setup:
Stock, took the fenders off. Waiting for some muddy riding to test those out on.
Bottom Line:
I would not think twice about buying this bike again. It is a great deal for the quality. This thing will fly over rocks, ruts, roots, drop-offs, logs, bumps, bings, and bangs while almost asking me if that's all I've got. I'm not a big up hill fan, but it is light when pushing :-) No really it does climb well with little to no bob. I would recommend this bike or any of the Enduro line to anyone who wants an all around fun comfortable ride that you can bash at any given time with confidence and line up at a race with the ability to win on this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim Peterson
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any technical singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Hayes discs, Float R shock, well, almost everything! Climbs very good, doesn´t bob to much when out of the saddle (if you have enough pressure in the rear shock), amazing at the downhills and the technical stuff, adjustable travel front/rear, the Judy is a very nice fork (the first RS fork I really like!) and it doesn´t weigh like a pig...
It is very good looking too, much better than on the pictures!
Weaknesses:
Saddle - doesn´t fit my ass! Ouch! Black paint - put on a plastic film on the downtube, saves you all the scratches... Fenders
Similar Products Used:
GT i-Drive, Cannondale Raven, GT LTS.
Bike Setup:
Stock except the fenders, I took them of!
Bottom Line:
A very nice bike! Can take it all: Downhill, Crosscountry, Freeridin´ and even Dual if you like!
It doesn´t cost much too, but if you have the extra cash, then I would have choosen the Pro model (couldn´t get it here in Sweden...). Then you get better rims, XT front derailleur and cassette, plus the most important thing: the Expert Super! This fork is way better than the Judy, though the Judy isn´t a bad fork!
Anyway, if I (god forbidd me) ever need to buy a bike again, it would be this one! I´m so pleased with it, and I can guarante that you will be to! With a bike like this one, you just can´t go wrong!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from 55 Water St. Marlboro, MA USA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam, Milford MA
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great flotation over rocky terrain. Not to much bob when laying out. Longer top tube length than other F.S. I've used. Handling through the turns was great. Stable on the downhile. Kicked my hardtails but through just about everything. Fearless attack on any drop-off or rock garden. confident on this bike. It moves. FUN, FUN, FUN! Use this bike for any king of off road ride.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire. Not crazy about Rock Shock Judies, gone through three of them. A bit heavier in the rear than my hardtail (no kidding). Fenders. Can't see the front wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Older FSR. Some Proflex models.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Save me a large for late season blowout!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Wrisley
a Weekend Warrior
from Petaluma, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Hayes disks, components, FSR suspension, Hayes, um...Hayes
Weaknesses:
bottom bracket height
Similar Products Used:
Most all of'em: 4 Banger (rear end goes up when braking, suspension locks up!, Trek (nice but heavy and too expensive for quality components), Canondale (Fatty forks, no thanks, lefty too expensive, not a downhill bike anyway), Marin (too heavy, no discs), Diamondback (poor components, GT (too heavy, problems w/I drive, no discs). Spent 3 months researching, riding and pricing!
Bike Setup:
Stock, except: Upgrading to Marzocchi flylight 100's, seat (Specialzied body geometry)
Bottom Line:
As as aged moto-crosser and long time Mtn Biker I wanted a FULL-SUSPENSION bike that didn't drag ass uphill...but left everyone else in the dust going down! This bike is it...the Hayes brakes are unbeatable, will never go back to v-brakes again. The discs give you unmatched power and feel...no clueless lock ups and wash outs...mud is no problem, never squeals. The FSR handles great, very predictable...climbs well, no bob. Downhill, fire roads, single tracks this ones does it all.
Buy this bike if you want a no-nonsense, great value bike with more travel than an X-C (in other words you like bumps, ruts and flying over them without losing control), all the uphill ability of a hardtail combined with the fun of a downhiller! Bike tracks equally well uphill as down.
Marzocchi is unbeatable (and the black forks are much easier on the eye than those stock screaming yellow Manatou mush masters!), a real fork with dampening and the smooooothest action out there...fully adjustable. Went with the Expert, as the Comp was not avail in XL (I'm 6'3", 200 lbs), got it for less than most shops were selling the Comp for...Cambria Bikes definately will deal.
Bottom bracket height is a problem. I've grounded the pedals a few times at high speed and it's not pretty. Don't pedal around those corners, and keep some air in the rear shock or the results are ugly. Still, it is the best bike on the market for the money....components are good and with a fork upgrade you are riding a $2,500 bike for $1,600.
I've banged on this puppy in the mud and rain for more than a month and it continues to impress me. Five flammers, minus a half for the low bottom bracket. This bike rocks....just watch out for the rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Remco Kers
a Weekend Warrior
from Hilversum, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Schoorl
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
- Brakes (powerful) - Fork (very plushhhhh) - 4 positions for rear shock - Last but not least: LOOKS!
Weaknesses:
Not yet
Similar Products Used:
FSR '98, FSR XC '99, Rocky Mtn Instinct
Bike Setup:
Stock (took the rear fender off...)
Bottom Line:
The best bike for the money. The weather is getting better so i'll be riding a lot. I'll post again in a few weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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