Patented FSR 4-bar linkage design with adjustable 3.8" to 4.6" of fully active (highly effective), fully independent (highly efficient) rear wheel travel
Completely new XC-inspired Enduro frame design is super lightweight and disc brake ready, with tuneable (69 or 70.5 degree head angle) geometry & adjustable travel (3.8" or 4.6")
Hayes hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
XT front/XTR rear derailleurs with XT shifters
New forged Specialized StrongArm II Pro 44x32x22T crankset with titanium clipless pedals
Submitted by
Tom Draina
a Weekend Warrior
from Allentown,PA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lehigh
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Scooters
Strengths:
Hayes brakes(except occasional squeal), shift components, great overall feel. Suspension very adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Seat(save for smoothing out body puddy on your car) headset( replaced twice,2nd one seized again??) formula hub in rear very noisey. No confidence in front tire. Replaced tires
Similar Products Used:
Giant nrs 1, titan alpha
Bike Setup:
changed seat (after therapy from pain caused by factory seat), tires, like panaracer. that's it!
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike overall, had Giant for two weeks, sold it and got fsr. Ride all year round, bike never let me down, never tweaked a rim until my buddy planted his butt on it when falling(thanks Doug). Woud recommend this bike to any non downhill rider. Scooters was great to deal with and Specialized also helped me out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard
a Weekend Warrior
from Valdosta, GA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bridge to Bridge FL
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
E-Bay
Strengths:
Strong and durable, been two years of beating and still strong
Weaknesses:
As any bike, you'll need to upgrade by YOUR riding ability, and your style of ridding.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FS, Cannondale FS
Bike Setup:
For the style of riding here in the South, tooth fairy ring for logs, seat but of course, and the 100 little tweeks.
Bottom Line:
This is my second entry, the first was a few months after I picked this bike up. After 2 years of heavy riding, this is still my #1 bike. I started free riding on top of XC and single track stuff, and this machine eats it all! I would estimate about $300.00 in upgrades (I do all my own work, and buy parts on sale) but cheaper than my other bikes, most of them would last a year or so, and I would sell before it wouldn't be worth selling. If you can get this bike second hand, you'd sale big, and I think you'd get all the better of a deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Davidsonville Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Jim Thorpe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor
Strengths:
Disc brakes, smooth XTR/XT shifting, great suspension, comfortable riding position
Weaknesses:
The seat looked painful so I swapped that out before leaving the store.
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 656, Gary Fisher Sugar 2
Bike Setup:
Platform style SPD pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike has no weaknesses for all around recreational riding. The Hayes hydraulic disc brakes are awesome, it shifts very smoothly and is all day comfortable. The Manitou X-Vert fork and Fox shock work well together in all conditions. Others on this site have complained of a low bottom bracket height. This bike has the same bottom bracket height as a Sugar 2, so for me it's not a problem. Compared to other makes, this bike is large, so check the fit carefully. I normally ride a large bike at 6'0", but a medium FSR enduro Pro fits me perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Husting
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Washington, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bens Bicycle
Strengths:
Excellent front & rear suspension package.Component selection is also top notch.
Weaknesses:
Seat,and also the routing of the rear hayes brake line( which can be taken care of with a zip tie on the swing arm.
Similar Products Used:
1999 FSR XC PRO,1999 XTC SE1
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the following,Control tech stem,Serfas seat & Time atac pedals.Also a Lizard skins rear shock boot.
Bottom Line:
I weigh 230lbs so the bike is perfect for me especially with the extra gusseting that is used on the top end of the bike.I run thr Fox rear shock setup so it has around a 1/4" to 3/8" sag and this seems to be perfect for me.To all of the riders that complain about the bike having to low of a bottom bracket I have two suggestions,1st you could go with shorter crank arms ( you would have to make your saddle higher ) and secondly do a little research on the next bike you buy.I love the bike because it gives me more versatility than my FSR XC PRO.If you want a hardcore Xc bike this is not your bike but if your a big guy like me or just want an excellent bike to beat the snot out of this is it.Oh by the way Bens in Milwaukee still has two of these beauties left at this screeming good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
FOMBA singletracks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Strengths:
The full suspension is great, I love the hayes disc's, the manitou x-vert super is a great shok.
Weaknesses:
The low bottom bracket hight, and I wish the fox shok in the rear had lockout. The pedels , seat , and headset suck.
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher sugar 2, trek fuel 90, schwinn rocket disc and stage 2, stumpjumper m4 fsr comp
Bike Setup:
00' enduro pro with race face stem, bars,and crank. Shimano 848 pedels, chris king headset, fiz'ik seat,michelin hots tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great! I had a low end hardtail cannondale before and this was a huge improvement. Riding on the step downhills on the powerlines is soooo much easier! the XT/XTR shifting is incredible.One thing that I defentanly want to upgrade is a lock out in the rear, or buy a float RC, or RL. All my friends just stare at it cuz it looks so nice, though it looks nicer dirty!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Bay Area Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
I'll ride anything
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
C and E
Strengths:
Great design as far as suspension is concerned, nimble handling and a great climber. Hayes disks stop dime. Frame seems bomb proof.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost, stem and cranks all had to go. The post would slip on occasion, the cranks were flexy and the stem is just plain bad. Plus low BB height makes you extra careful on single track or else SMACK.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V 1000, Gary Fisher Joshua Z1
Bike Setup:
RaceFace Next LP cranks, RaceFace System stem, Thomson Elite seatpost, Shimano 545 pedals and Firm springs in fork.
Bottom Line:
This is the perfect all around bike for almost any condition. It's a solid climber and even better descender. It soaks up most hits nicely and tracks great at any speed.
About the only problem is when you switch to your hardtail and realize that you can't take on half the stuff that you can with the Enduro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Attitash bear peak
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Strengths:
Great choice of components except for the seat, rear tire, and tubes. Durable, and good on cross country and downhill.
Weaknesses:
The seat, low bottom bracket, tubes, and rear tire.
Bike Setup:
stock except for a specialized geometry seat, and thicker tubes.
Bottom Line:
I just came back from Attatash in new hampshire, rode some cross country and downhill trails and the bike handled great. The only problems were the rear tire which sucked at gripping to anything, the tubes which I blew out, and the seat which feels worse than sitting on the seatpost. Other than that the bike handles great and the supers take anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Ct Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Lbs
Strengths:
Light for a fullie trail bike, xt/xtr stuff, handles the drops well, excelent on the technical stuff. Sealed bearings in the swing arm
Weaknesses:
specialized stock components, climbs poor when suspention is not set up to rider pref's, spec disc adapter makes the rear a bit shaky in quick stops, no disc tabs (included on 01 bikes. Swing arm is a bit on the thin side.
Similar Products Used:
fsr xc (trail riding specs)
Bike Setup:
panaracers )xc pro's 2.1(, club roost bar, rf stem, custom rear shock boot
Bottom Line:
Specialized needs to stop making components in general, they are garbage, especially the tires they are easily the worst tires i have ever used, you just don't put 1.9's on your trail/free ride bike. Good, no, great descender. The geometry allows the rider to be more forward than usual on descents. The slack head tube angle can be come a pain. Maybe specialized should sell seperate linkage's to get different head tube angles and travel other than the cheezy two options. Good overall bike, but will be selling soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crypto Tiger
a Cross Country Rider
from bay area Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any good singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Great bike. Responsive, climbs well, nice tight turns. Love the disk brakes, and rear shock isn't pogoing.I have the 15" size, and it's one of the few bikes that I've found that is small enough and that is nicely equipped. Xvert Super is a really nice coil shock. Much better than the Trek Y bikes (for me at least). Nice rims too.
Weaknesses:
Stock cranks suck, low bottom bracket (same problem as everyone else). Not sure what I think of the stock Specialized components. Also, the fenders act like sails in the crosswinds.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y-22
Bike Setup:
Stock, other than XT cranks and flat handlebar with bar ends. And the fenders have been removed.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! It's much more responsive than the Trek Y-22, and for the money I paid for it, I got a great deal including the front shock as well as disk brakes. Once I took off the fenders, it handled much better. One of the best full suspension bikes out there. Five chilis for both value and overall. Enough writing, I'm off to go ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JB
a Weekend Warrior
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Strengths:
Great suspension, a good, do-it-all bike. Climbs well, stable on the downhill technical sections, handles light freeriding with a ease.
Weaknesses:
A few of the house components (cranks and stem). Probably seatpost but mine is never high enough to make a difference.
Customer Service (the handling of frame warranty problem).
Similar Products Used:
K2 and Kona full suspension bikes.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1 CR 5", Mavic 521 rims, Truvativ splined Hussefelt with rock ring.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for light-to-moderate freeriding. If you want to be at ease or without fear of breaking something, component upgrades suggested.
Specialized's customer service is horrendous. Since I had the bike I have been plagued with the rear wheel slipping and slamming into the chainstays. My LBS worked and worked the issue with Specialized until Specialized finally, after 14 months, agreed to look at the frame. They claim they are going to replace the frame but after four weeks, the only thing I get out of them is that "they don't have a frame to give me". Hmmm, maybe it's time to register a complaint with the Connecticut and California Better Business Bureaus.
The low overall rating is a result of Specialized's poor, nearly illegal warranty practices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Baldwin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose,CA,USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bay Area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
1600
Strengths:
XTR/XT compenents, hayes disc, manitou fork, frame
Weaknesses:
weight!!!, fox float r shock sticks(defect), too many specialized products on bike
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
it's a competent bike for all types of terrain, except for the crappy rear shock. if you get a good shock then it should ride fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean-Roch Graulier
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen, Scotland, UK Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Estate of Birse
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Cycling World, Aberdeen, UK
Strengths:
Suspension, Looks, Weight, Brakes
Weaknesses:
Front mud guard attachment
Bottom Line:
My first full sus. A fantastic bike to do what I do: go about the countryside, sweating in the climbs, getting mental in the descents. It is light enough, climbs wonderfully and the suspension is excellent. The brakes are awesome, I will never have anything but hydraulic discs from now on. It doesn't seem to mind the Scottish riding condition, which are rarely similar to California's (I ride all year round), provided you clean it after each ride. And it looks soooo good! My only gripe is the front mud guard attachment. The mud guards themselves are quite good at protecting me, and I think they enhance the look as well. But the mounting at the front is not good enough and the mud guard can move sideways, particularly when shaken about in a downhill. A bit "cheap" on a bike at that price. Overall however, a fantastic bike. And Scotland is a paradise for MTB, despite the weather!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Preston Peterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland WA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Noble Knob
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Center Cycle
Strengths:
Frame and Suspension Design Value
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z1, Race Face ISIS, x-country rims and freeride rims. 8" rotor front.
Bottom Line:
IMO, the 4 bar Horst link suspension design is the way to go. Remains active during pedaling and braking.
I like this bike because its so versatile. I put on a 5" bomber and made up some heavy wheels. With a 24" rear wheel I can fit a 2.6 Gazzaloddi. I switch to a shorter stem and big wheels and flat pedals (takes 10 minutes), and I have a freeride bike. Otherwise a fully functional x-country bike. Just as a datapoint those skinny little Mavic 321 rims have held up to 7' drops to flat and I weigh 185. The Manitou forks held up as well, I replaced them simply for more travel.
The hot setup for this bike is to buy a 7" long 2" stroke Stratos Helix Expert shock. This solves the low bottom bracket problem by cranking up the bike 1", and ups the travel to 6.1". Even without the Bomber, the geometry stayed good (with the bomber its just a touch too tall), and you could still lower the head angle using the link. With the 24" wheel and the bomber, the freeride attitude is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ERIC G.
a Racer
from PITTSBURGH, PA, USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
HARTWOOD ACRES, MICKEYS DUAL SLALOM
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
SCHOLLS SCHWINN SHOP, WEST VIEW
Strengths:
ITS LIGHT AND NIMBLE. THE FRAME IS STIFF. NICE COMPONENTS ON STOCK BIKE.
Weaknesses:
STRONG ARM II CRANKS ARE TO FLEXY. IVE REPLACED THEM WITH A TRUVATIV HUSSELFELT W/ CHAIN GUIDE. THE STEM IS A BIT TOO LONG MAKING THE STEERING SLOW WITH MY 2" RISER BAR UPGRADE.
Similar Products Used:
THIS IS MY FIRST DUAL S. MY OLD BIKE, A GARY FISHER WAHOO IS IN A SEPERATE CLASS TO THIS FINE TUNED MACHINE
Bike Setup:
2" TOMAC RISERS, ZUZU PEDALS, HUSSELFELT CRANKS W/ CHAIN GUIDE, FIRM RIDE KIT IN THE SUPER, KENDA 2.3" F/R
Bottom Line:
GET THIS BIKE AND GET FASTER. THIS BIKE HAS HELPED ME TO REALIZE THAT A CHEAP ARSE BIKE WILL HOLD YOU BACK. THE SUSPENSIONS ADJUSTABILITY IS HELPFUL, BUT IT WONT ACCELERATE LIKE A HARD TAIL. OVER BUMPS THOUGH, YOU CAN STAY IN THE SADDLE AND PEDAL. FOR URBAN RIDERS, IT WILL NEED SOME MODIFICATIONS. THE REAR SHOCK IS MORE FOR XC THAN BIG DROPS, SO ILL BE REPLACING MINE SOON. tHE WHEELS HAVE HELD UP BETTER THAN I HAD THOUGHT. IVE REPLACED A COUPLE OF SPOKES AFTER THEY HAD BROKE AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. IM GOING TO UPGRADE TO THE RHYNO LITES
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a
from CT Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Borrowed from friend
Strengths:
THIS BIKE IS LITE, AND REALLY PLUSH, BOTH REAR AND FRONT. YOU CAN RUN STRIAGHT OVER LOGS AND NOT EVEN KNOW. JUMP A 4.5" RAMP, YOU WOULD FELL NOTHING, TRUST ME, IT'S AWESOME!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!! HAHA
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
HAYES DISKBRAKES, CRAP PEDALS, XTR FOR THE REST
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE IS AWESOME, YOU CAN'T ARGUE ABOUT THAT. IT MAY BE A LITTLE PRICY, BUT IF YOU ADD EVERY PRODUCT ON THIS AWESOME BIKE, YOU WOULD PAY TONS MORE, IF YOU ARE A SERIOUS BIKER, AND LOVE TECHNICAL TRAILS WITH 3 FOOT DROPS AND RIVERS, THIS BIKE IS FOR YOU. IF ALL YOU DO IS RIDE AROUND THE BLOCK, DONT GET IT!!! I GIVE IT 5 FLAMIN THINGS FOR BOTH RATINGS!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ASSAF VERNIK
a
from Rishon le zion , ISRAEL Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
where ever i can , including even urban terror
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
ISRAEL
Strengths:
well... i can write the good things until i'll get tired. take the manitou x-vert super for example: one of the best from all the forx that i've tried. the suspension works great , fully active - very supportive and swallow nicely all kind of bumps. the fox float r works nice too , it works very well to those who seek a nice ride. (it's not build for large drops...) the bike ,as a package works great......BUT!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
instead of writing the goodies , i prefer to let you know about the worst thing EVER: this bottom bracket height is ridicules(i'm sorry about my language) it seems that whenever you need to ride a singletrack that have some rocks in it ... you just can't avoid crancking your pedals and crank!!!! people , i may not be a world cup racer but i know how to ride. i couldn't stop my frustration every time i tried to go harder. this is one of the lowest height bottom bracket there are out there. the rest is all about money: i have changed my seat and the handlebar.
Similar Products Used:
hmmmmm. let's just say alot of. (worked at a bike shop)
Bike Setup:
i changed the seat , the handlebar and put a stiffer kit inside the x-vert super (love this shock)
Bottom Line:
all of you riders who want a perfect ride for those long trips go for it!!! it will not bother you (the b.b highet) it climb well enough , steer awesome , it will give you alot of confidence and just wait and see how well it is going down!!! i gave it 3 chilis for my needs. but for almost all of you it will be the very best on the market!!!!!
For those who want more... well... FORGET IT... Come with me... i'm moving to SANTA CRUZ BULLIT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denny Nielsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Renton, WA. USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Taprworm, Parasite, DNA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Center Cycle, Renton, WA.
Strengths:
Hayes Disc Brakes, Fox Float R shock, Manitou SuperXvert, Outstanding Value
Weaknesses:
I don't know about the seat. I have been sitting on a ti-railed beat up piece of #%!% for a long time. I guess anything is better than that. As far as everthing else,I will let you know later after a thorough thrashing
Similar Products Used:
GT RTS-3 Rock Shox Judy XC,
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock from the shop except I took off the fenders and cut a couple of inches off the seat post
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this gentlemen. Value, Value Value!!! If you have limited funds and want performance go with last years model. Don't spend your money foolishly. Do your home work and take LOTS of demo rides. Read the reviews. And go with a proven product. You can't go wrong with that!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Huntley
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lutsen Mt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Erik's Bikes
Strengths:
Four bar linkage, reasonably light weight, Hayes disks, great parts spec.
Weaknesses:
It's a little pricey. The saddle sucks (And this is a 2001 model)Lockout on Fox Float RC doesn't work correctly.
Stock- Rock Shox Psylo Race, Fox Float RC, Time ATAC pedals, Hayes disk brakes. I bought a Selle Italia sadle to replace the hard piece of plastic masquerading as a seat.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! Not as cushy as a RM6, but much more versatile in the real world (I live in MN, not BC :)) With this bike the trails are something to be enjoyed, not just something to pedal through untill the next downhill. But when you get to the downhill...WooHoo!!! Smooth, comfy, and confidence inspiring. I got the X large frame (I'm 6'4") and it fits me like a glove It came pretty much dialed in from the shop. I was a bit leery of the price, but when you take into account the quality of the components you get it makes a little more sense. It's all XTR or XT with Time pedals. The Specialized stem and cranks are working just fine. The cranks seem quite stiff, and it uses the splined BB. Very cool. The fork is great, very plush and nicely progressive plus it is extremely adjustable. The Fox RC feels great, but the lockout feature hasn't worked right since I got it. This is a great, fun, inspiring ride. If you want a high quality, versatile, go anywhere kind of bike, be sure to check this out. Just make sure to ditch the sadle ASAP
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rogue
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, Or. Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
NorthStar at Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Salem Bike Peddler
Strengths:
Ridability - This bike handles well in tigth turns and jumps well. I can't wait to see how it does on a killer downhill! Hayes brakes rock! The are awesome even in Oregon mud.
Weaknesses:
Saddle... ouch.... Fox Float R is a little soft for a bigger rider 210+. I am going to try and bump up the psi to see if it gets better. I am running at 170 psi. Manitou xvert has only 80 mm of travel.
I would give overall 5, but I like the Santa Cruz better. For the money it is a great value. The 2001 models are out and it comes equiped with Fox Float RC and Rox Shox Psylo. I think these are better choices. But a 2001 is $2500, so the value is not so great. I got this for $1700 because it was still around. I am glad I purchased this bike. I plan to up grade to Marzochi Z1 MCR (130mm) and a Fox Float RC and see how it works. The Saddle has got to go! Buy this bike if you are a freerider and x-country rider. I have riden mountain bikes now for 13 years and have riden many different places in the US. I am not the most agressive rider, but LOVE down hilling. This bike will work for me with the changes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Weekend Warrior
from Hershey PA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
First of all, look who got a 2945 dollar bike for 1200 bucks, me! Muhahaha. This bike is a great vaule, the suspension rocks. The components are most excellent.
Weaknesses:
The seat sucks @$$, literally i think. Get yourself a new seat for this thing. The cables could be routed better but its no biggie.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000, test ridden a lot in the stores
Bike Setup:
Stock, but pedals(i cant ride clipless), seat, and bar ends are coming in the mail.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike, good value at 1200 bucks, or 2500. The low bb many of you talk about can easily be overcome with strategic pedaling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ferd
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch, Skeggs, Rockville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Garage
Strengths:
Suspension (X-vert & Fox Float-R), brakes (Hayes), handling (low bb), climbing (for a dualie), value, and looks.
Weaknesses:
Ground clearance (low bb), brake line routing, S-brand stuff could be better, more maintenance, could be lighter.
Similar Products Used:
95' Rockhopper Comp FS, 96' Ground Control A-1 Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock except Thomson seatpost, THE fenders and cut down handlebar.
Bottom Line:
Proven suspension design that screams downhill, carves the singletrack and is one of the best dualie climbers out there. And with the stunning performance of the Hayes disks, this bike will test you to push the envelope in any condition. X-vert and Fox shock best combination of plushness and light weight around. The low bb that gives the solid handling can cause you to sometimes ground a pedal. Adjusted my riding style to compensate. May flip link as suggested. Does require a more careful eye on the pivots, brakes, fork and shock, but I like wrench on my bikes every other ride. If you are more towards the downhills, but still what to climb, this an excellent choice. Sure you can find much lighter, faster, and more hardcore bikes, but overall you would be hard pressed to find a better package at this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ferd
a Weekend Warrior
from Antioch, CA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch, Skeggs, Rockville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Garage
Strengths:
Solid handling (low BB), adjustable geometry/travel, excellent suspension (X-Vert & Fox Float-R), excellent braking (Hayes disks), overall dollar to component value, above average climber, eye candy.
Weaknesses:
Ground clearance (low BB), maintenance (pivots, brakes, fork, air shock, etc.), S-brands could be better, Ritchey seatpost, weight.
Stock, except Thomson seatpost, THE fenders, cut-down handlebars.
Bottom Line:
Other than an Intense Tracer with disks, this the best overall trail/freeride/raceable bike out there. It does everything well enough, in enough varied conditions and with different riding styles that it should satisfy everyone. Sure there are lighter, faster, more hard-core bikes out there, but how many at this price?
Just ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Of corse the brakes and suspension design
Weaknesses:
Low BB
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper Comp, GT RTS1 and Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock except 858's instead of S pedals
Bottom Line:
I love this bike!!! I climb better than I ever have, and it simply is a BLAST for going down hill. You just have to be carefull with the low BB. Much better the th GT ever could hope to be. Never had any issues with the seat but I am pretty imparitial to that (maybe I just have never been in a good saddle). Buy one it is worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Banff Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Stoney Squaw, Jumping Pound
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Ultimate
Strengths:
Nice comfortable riding position - climbs exceptionally well - brakes are great
Shifting has been the best I've ever met (so far)
Front shocks have kept me out of trouble - great shocks
Weaknesses:
Broke/replaced the following parts is first year of riding:
1) Head Set (fell apart) 2) Rear Hub (replaced two of them already - sounds like a coffee grinder). 3) Spokes (replaced about six rear spokes) 4) Brake Lever (bushing fell out at a most inconvenient time - currently held in with a piece of duct tape) 5) Pedals (early release problems - threw them out) 6) Rear Tire (nylon thin - threw it out after a few weeks) 7) Fox Shock (Negative/Positive air chamber problems - full warranty - grovin now) 8) Front Shock - oil leakage 9) Cable routing - duh? 10) large chain ring snapped off (but it was a fluke hit on a stump) 11) broken chain (once) 12) broke off rear fender (it has returned to the earth from whence it came) 13) slighlty warped rear disc (I might be guilty here)
The two design flaws are the low BB (but there are benefits as well) and the rear brake mount (whats that all about?).
The seat is dangerous - it should come with a warning, something like...."sitting here is a hazard to your health". Why put a seat like that on a bike like this?
Advertising is too loud (hey for this level of bike the consumer won't be bedazzled by loud graphics - tone it down).
Similar Products Used:
Active mountain biker for twenty years - I've seen this industry do some pretty silly things. Mostly ridden Rocky Mountains and Konas.
Bike Setup:
Changed the cockpit entirely. Cut the handle bars down. Changed pedals, set, stem.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike, notwithstanding the close and personal relationship I've had with the shop techs in the last year.
I think the bike best excells at climbing and fast, bumpy technical riding. Its nicely stable on downhills and tracks well to a point. I've had the front wheel wash out quite a few times but I think that might be caused by the tread on the front tire.
The front shock has been a treat and is a joy to ride on. The rear shock and the rear suspension system has also worked well for the Eastern Slopes Riding Terrain West of Calgary. Indeed, when I consider the beating the rear suspension takes I am grateful for good engineering. May the metalurgy stay strong!!!
This bike has improved my technical climbing by 20% to 30%.
I have concerns that it will need constant maintenance in its thrid year (the third year of riding on a bike, in my experience, is the year that most moving parts need full replacement). Candidate for a resale after year two.
For the money, its good value. Its well designed (depending on the BB issue which really depends on what trail your riding). The parts make up is generally good except for many of the Specialized Parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a Cross Country Rider
from All over Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Plush. Good looking. Super active
Weaknesses:
Plush. Super active. Heavyish. Rear end squashes around due to play in the linkages.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyll
Bike Setup:
Hayes, ususal.
Bottom Line:
Okay, I rode the bike in pretty steep up and down Italian mountains for three days doing three hours a day - so not the longest test, but enough for initial feelings. The suspension is very active and on the downhills this bike is great fun to ride. On the uphills it pogos like a beast. I tried spinning continuos circles etc to minimise this, but actually found it best when you do give it a bit of power. Still, it's no climber and I suffered up a few hour long granny ring climbs where I felt like screaming with frustration at the thing. If you're not doing anything too steep, I guess it would be fine. A lock out would help, I only had a Fox FLOAT R on, so didn't have that luxury - but it could be argued a well set up bike shouldn't need a lock out?
Other points, I'm farily heavy being 6 foot 4inches and 100kgs so bear that in mind. I also think an enduro bike should be an all mountain bike and climb, but that's me. I would have traded some of the plushness and travel for a bike that climbed better. The bar was very, very wide, and the front end pretty high for my liking - which can be changed.
The rear end had a lot of slop in it and often over rocks you could feel it moving as if the bearings in the rear wheel had gone... I don't care how good a suspension design works for a few days, it should continue to work like that, with reasonable maintenance and parts replacement, all the time.
Test the bike, it's got strengths, but not for what I was looking for. However, maybe it's your dream partner...
Bottom line: a fun bike, but too much of an anchor for the type of all mountain riding that I like doing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter salcuni
a Cross Country Rider
from mill valley , ca Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mt barnabe to devils gulch or pine mt loop/repac
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
village peddler
Strengths:
The brakes provide the smartest speed control I have ever used. Especially braking through turns during downhills. I think Hayes has got his down.(superior to coDA AND XT in my opinion.) The suspension provides incredible climbing capability. More immpressive was the speed you can go down...and stay in control.
Weaknesses:
I also endoed my second run hammering through a corner. I guess the bottom braket is too low.the pedals are too low. My rear quick release will losen if not overtightened. this can be a pain. I also had to cut the seat pole. and yes the seat sucks. also, the handle bars are a little wide *Also, beware of the product recall on the forks if you have the Manitou x-vert super. They put a red aluminum cyclinder in the hole where your front fender would screw in. Some have had the carbon insert in there crack. You can call answer products or your bike shop for details.
Similar Products Used:
specialized stumpjumper xc
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
It's a great downhill machine and the engineering backs it up. This bike is capable of anything downhill and keeps you in control, with tools to manage your speed without effort or thought. The bike is not too expensive and provides XT everywhere with an XTR derailler. It has afforded me the ability to climb trails I could manage on my hardtail even though its heavier. If you want a xc bike with the balls to go down a hill that will rattle those titanium brats to peices..this is it. Remember, you will lag a little going up because this bike is not a titanium superlight. It will get you to the top and you'll fall in love getting to the bottom. Cheers!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Delta
a Cross Country Rider
from Montréal, (Québec) Canada Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bromont
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
This bike offers great components for the price (XT, XTR, Hayes brakes...) It has the best suspension desing on the market and its a specialized!
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket, Headset (Aheadset). I've broken a pedal. The bike has a creaking sound when dirty. Also, many specialized components are to be changed in the future. Dirt gets to my botom bracket and in to my headset.
Similar Products Used:
SPECIALIZED 1999 FSR. KONA Stinky-Dee-Lux. BALFA Wooly Bully
Bike Setup:
Time ATAC pedals, FSA headset
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, the perfect ride is not during downhill (not enough suspension) nor for a cross country race (too heavy) Its for a good ride almost everywhere else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass. Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Attitash Bear Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great components. It rides great uphill, on rock gardens, loose dirt, and downhill.
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket height, rear tire, and seat. I don't think i'll ever be able to have kids after riding in that seat. It digs right into your balls over every bump. I had a few problems with the rear derailler and chain, but it was the bike shops fault.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
It's a good bike, and handles really well. It has all high end components and great brakes. I only paid $1700 for it too. The reason my chain and rear derailer was messed up was because of the shop i bought it from. They put on a kind of sticky oil that attracted everything (dirt, sticks, pebbles) and screwed up the bike. I dont know what the problem was with the rear derailler though. The gears wouldn't shift so i brought it to someone else to fix it, and said the shop that i bought the bike from didn't know what the hell they were doing. Other than that the only problems were the seat and rear tire which can easily be replaced, so i'll give the bike 5 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charly
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, SC Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Issaqueena, Clemson
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
rear suspension design!!! It rides MUCH better than my hardtail!
Weaknesses:
The chain stay on the right side close to the center pivot cracked on me today!
Similar Products Used:
My buddy's Intense Tracer! <-- Love it, but a bit too expensive for me.
I love this bike since the first time I rode it! It climbs better than my GF hardtail. More traction on the rear, easy to climb over the rough stuff. Lower BB was the main concern at first, since my feet kept hitting the ground. This may take some getting use to. After a while, you'll become a more finese rider! YA CAN'T PUSH ON IT LIKE A HARDTAIL!
The list of good thing about this bike can go on and on, but here's a problem that I found today while I was cleaning my bike. There's a hair-line crack on my chain stay! It's right next to the bottom bracket. I thought this problem occurs only with the FSR XC & M4 frame. I weight 170 lbs and the biggest drop I have done so far is only 2.5 feet... Does anybody have this same problem? Good thing that I work at a LBS. Hopefully the warranty will go smoothly. I'll give it 3 chilis, since it cracked on me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Stein
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Almaden Valley - Santa Teresa & Quicksilver
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At:
The Offramp
Strengths:
Great all-in-one package. I ride and don't wrench much. I wanted a bike that had hi-end components that I wouldn't have to upgrade or swap, and the Enduro Pro fit that requirement. I also wanted a go anywhere do anything bike since that's what/where I ride, and again the Enduro Pro fits. About half the bikes I see in my area are Specialized and I've been riding a Rockhopper for a couple years and was very comfortable with the brand. My other shopping choice was a Santa Cruz Superlight, but I couldn't find the component package I wanted in my budget range.
Weaknesses:
None in my opinion. Well OK ... a tad less weight and a bit more height on the bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki Backroads. Specialized Rockhopper with Manitou SX front suspension fork.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Had the store put a Body Geometry MTB seat on before I'd take it home ... I'd have done that with any bike I purchased as I have a similar seat on my current bike and would not own/ride anything else.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Great package. Great fun. Disc breaks on a bike are the second greatest idea after adding suspension :-)
I'm still using the 70 degree 4.6" travel setting. I tried the 69 degree setting (also in 4.6" travel mode) and don't think I'll use that setting. I could see for long hills where the terrain is not too chunky it might be nice, but I think it not worth the small effort to change the settings.
As mentioned, I did put a better seat on. And I haven't found the pedals objectionable as others have.
I live just across the street from a trailhead where I can choose to ride any or all of - very challenging curvey single track in the trees, chunky hilly single track, or long ascent/descent fire roads (life is grand). The Enduro Pro has performed well in all situations ... it maneuvers quick (especially in the 70 degree geometry setting), the suspension is plush without sapping energy in the climbs, and the disc brakes give new meaning to confidence. At first I had doubts about the wide handlebars, especially when A-B comparing with an FSR XC Pro in the parking lot of a local dealership ... but asphalt & speed bumps don't tell the whole story. Now that I'm getting dialed-in, the wide handlebars do give an added feeling of stability, though I do suppose I'll find myself on some single-track trail somewhere wishing the handlebars were a bit more narrow.
Today I did my longest ride yet on the bike and had no major fatique even with ascending close to 3k' in total for a morning ride, and descending too in at times some chunky terrain.
Obviously I'm happy with my purchase so far. Try one out for yourself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryson
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, Alabama Date Reviewed: August 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bikes in Vestavia, Alabama
Strengths:
Plush ride (a ton of travel and almost every adjustment available), disk brakes (powerful enough to allow one finger braking, a big safety feature to me), XT and XTR components (precise and reliable shifting), looks (subjective).
Weaknesses:
Low quality seat (hard plastic), unpredictable pedals (beautiful to look at, but they release when you don’t want them to, and don’t release when you need them to), cable routing (cable sticks out when riding, and is routed tightly over the air valve on the rear shock, making access difficult)
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar1, Gary Fisher Sugar3, Specialized FSR XC, Cannondale Raven 900SX
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for new Specialized MTB sport seat and Time ATAC carbon pedals. 70.5 degree setting, 150 lbs in rear shock (I weigh 180 lbs). Shortened handle bar by two inches in order to navigate narrow trails lined by trees at Oak Mountain State Park.
Bottom Line:
Except for the seat and pedals, this bike is everything I wanted in a mountain bike. Specialized should give the buyer a choice of seat and pedals, since these are immediately replaced by almost every reviewer! I bought a new seat and pedals based on the recommendations of reviewers on this web site and am very grateful for the help, as it saved a lot of trial and error (and wasted $$$). This bike was expensive (for me at least), but it will last me for a long time. The Gary Fisher’s and the Cannondale were also very good bikes, but once I rode this one, I was immediately hooked. Also, my Specialized dealer (Bob’s Bikes in Vestavia Hills, Alabama) worked harder to get my business than the others. I definitely recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Amherst, MA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
FSR linkage is great Climbs well Excellent all-around bike Lots of travel Reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
Low BB (please read on about how I fixed that problem) Short top tube (but it suits my riding just fine) Cable routing (a couple of zip-ties fixed that) That stupid disk brake adaptor (mine came loose on me once)
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden GT's, Fishers, etc, etc, etc
Bike Setup:
I only bought it for the frame and parted it out. Marzocchi Z1 X-Fly on it is great. Thompson post and stem. LX Hollowtech cranks, Hayes brakes, REAL/F519 wheels (soon to be C. King). XTR shifters, rear derailleur, chain. XT front derailleur and cassette. Easton CT2 Monkey Lite bars, King headset, 545 pedals.
Bottom Line:
The weaknesses on the bike remain the same. Every one else had the same problem. I found the solution to the bottom bracket being too low, however. A friend of mine suggested that I swap the link around. Basically, the link that the shock attaches to (the one with 4 possible positions on it). I flipped this link upside down so that the little red position indicator is on the left side of the bike and not the right. This lifted up the bottom bracket about an inch. It steepens the head angle slightly, but it's not much of an issue since it's so adjustable anyway. Definately give this a shot if you have the bike.
It's not a perfect machine, but apparently they are fixing most of the problems for next year. It's still somewhat portly at about 27-28 lbs, but I have heavy tires, pedals, etc. You can still drop a good amount of weight if you're into that sort of thing. I'll be trading it in for a newer version when they are available, so feel free to e-mail me with offers either on the complete bike, the frame/fork, or (ideally for me) the frame/fork with all the new parts from next year's model.
Definately the best all-around full suspension bike I've ever used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Saindon
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Ga. Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bull mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
4 bar link suspension, hayes disc brakes, shimano parts
Weaknesses:
alll specialized products, especially the qr skewers, low bottom bracket,seat post
Similar Products Used:
K2 5000 Lt
Bike Setup:
marzocchi Z1 cr 130 mm, monkey lite handle bar, oury grips raceface cranks & rings,raceface stem,chris king headset panaracer fire xc pro tires, titec bezerker saddle, ritchey wcs clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
the 4 bar link suspension is great, but I wish specialized offered a coil over shock option. the breaks are unbelieveable. the low bottom bracket condition kinda fixed it self when i put the z1 on. change the parts you can afford to rightaway, upgrade as you can. the bike costs $2400 i have about $3600 into it. comparing tihs bike to the K2 . better braking, more travel, lighter,more menauverable.over all a better bike. my rating will reflect the upgrdes i have made.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Aliso Viejo, Ca Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A great all around bike. Climbs well and descends flawlessly. Hayes brakes and the X Vert fork are both awesome.
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket is too low in the 69 degree setting. The Specialized handlebars, seat, cranks, tires, and grips all need to be replaced at once. The headset is trash also. Reroute the rear brake line so it doesn't go under the disk brake mount and zip tie it so it does bump your leg every time the suspension compresses.
Similar Products Used:
Various Fishers, GTs, and other Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Monkey Lite Bars, Lock on grips, XT cranks, Chris King headset, Fire XC tires, Salsa Fliplock,
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike. Too bad you need to replace the Specialized stuff but upgrading a bike always fun anyway.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Mills
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
pipeline (near betasso)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
overall value for the money. especially for what i paid, i bought the bike used from a shop mechanic. he only had it for 2 months. He did manage to crash it once, but the damage was minimal (a couple of scratchs onthe from ad crank arm, a bent lever and a slight bend in the rear brake rotor). But, i am so happy with this bike. i take it every where, if i don't ride the bike to work (4 miles) i'll take the bike on my car just for the hopes of riding for lunch or after work. i just get giddy. i finally dialed in the suspension for my size and wieght and it works wonders. i've been waiting to buy this bike since sept of last year. when i read the article and review i knew this was the bike for me. i've read the other reviews listed here so i don't feel the need to repeat everything. (yep, disc brakes, never go back, 4.6" rear, 105mm up front, never do less, and 28lbs for less than $2800 what a combo, and i like the fenders.) for the record height 6'0 weight 160 riding style: part single track, part downhill, part trials, part BMX, part putz. i don't go for endurance (at this point in time.) i have BMX skills and i like jumping off flights of stairs and drop offs and working my way up and around picnic tables..., blazing through single track trails and squeazing through bush and trees that are just wide and tall enough for mice, uphill is "ok" for the challenge. (p.s. i did manage to do every ascent and descent on slickrock going the hard way, even though it took me four hours with rest breaks, i rode every foot! that's my bragging rights) i don't race, i don't have a road bike, i don't ride super sick downhill courses. and for me this is the perfect bike. the best deal for the money. one of the best bikes on the market for the average joe. sure you could spend more, but you had better race or something. i got a great deal and would never pay that kind of money if i didn't compete in some way.
Weaknesses:
despite all the praise, the world is never perfect when refering to human made machines (nature does fine all by herself.) here are the criticisms: the bottom bracket is so low to the ground it's very disappointing. i've had to completely adjust my riding style. this is the only real complaint, everry thing else is just personal preference stuff. but, because of that i would never put it in the 69.5 degree setting. i'm also thinking of putting 170's for crank arms. i like using my middle finger for braking and having the index for stability and shifting. the way the hayes levers are formed does not agree with this technique. i can not find a way to place the shifters with the brake levers that allow me to shift/brake the way i want to without crushing my index finger. the seat and seatpost are not well configured. the guy i bought the bike from took the liberties of cutting down the seatpost and handle bars to functional lengths. but to get the seat down to a good downhill height, the post had to be cut so short that when i'm at my highest seat position for uphill climbing the bottom of the seatpost is 1" over the maximum height line. i've already managed to break the plastic rebound knob on the bottom of the fork. what a good fork, why put plastic on it? the brakes both rub. i blew up the rear shock on my first ride. i did take a large hit 3x which did bottom out both shocks 3x, so maybe it's my fault. but i thought this bike was built for this. the rear fender bolt keeps coming loose. and the front fenders wont stay in the same place, so even though i want the fenders on i had to take them off. the tires weren't too good and i didn't like the grips. the cabling is not very functional. i also don't like the skewers.
Similar Products Used:
mongoose full suspension, GT, Cannondale Full suspension, hardtails, BMX.
Bike Setup:
stock with the exception of grips (serfas), pedals (shimano M545), tires (Continental vertical pros 2.3x26 at 30lbs pressure [best tires i have ever used]), shock boot around the fox shock, zip ties all over the place. i will be replacing the seat, post, skewers, crankset, handle bars, stem, and i might even buy the after market rear suspension rig so i can get 6" of travel in the rear!
Bottom Line:
best overall bike on the market for the money. all the essential components are top of the line; hayes disk, fox float R, manitou x-vert super, Mavic 317 rims, shimano xtr rear derailleur, xt shifters are plenty fine, and the weight is nice low for a full suspension. the rear suspension handles extremely well in both uphill and downhill conditions. there really is no room for complaint from a factory bike, and there is plenty of room to tweak this bad boy from the ultimate riding machine to the ULTIMATE RIDING MACHINE!!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JPR
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mojave Meadow
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great handling characteristics. Most components are high end. Light weight (28lbs) for all of the components, i.e Discs, brackets, etc. Great Breaks
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket is low. Front derailure. Color, looks like a military bike.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I'm forty six years old. My hard tail was really starting to beat me up down the rough stuff, so I decided to get a fully. They say you get what you pay for and I feel I got my monies worth, with the FSR Enduro Pro. I am a casual rider, but managed to put 100 miles of mountain wear on it the first week. I am used to a hardtail, and have always had to thread the needle when going down through the rough stuff. But with this bike, I find that all I need to do, is to take a deep breath, hang on, and ride through the middle. What a rush!!! When I first picked up the bike, the shop mechanic, said to put the rear shock air pressure the same as my weight, 165 pounds. Man, was that ever wrong. My bike felt like my hard tail. I was really disappointed, until I went home and read the shock instructions. Actually, for my weight, it needed to be between 120 to 130 pounds. After, that my rides have been plush. This bike also handles exceptionally. The handlebars are approximately 1 inch wider than the average mountain bike. At first I thought I needed to cut them down, but after a few, "hall ass down the mountain runs", I realized the rational behind the wider is better. It was like riding my motocross bike. I could actually maneuver the bike, instead of just aiming. The lower bracket is low, but I understand that this really improves the balance of the bike. It's only a problem when going over curbing, and maybe pedaling through a tight turn. Just take care, and pay attention when doing either and it won't be a problem. I give high 5 flaming chilis, in both categories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Aliso Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Hayes brakes, Shifter's, 4-point frame design, shocks
Weaknesses:
Saddle, Pedals, Setup expertise, squeaky crank, low bottom bracket (but an okay tradeoff for better center of gravity)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized RockHopper
Bike Setup:
Stock + LP handle bar, body geo saddle
Bottom Line:
Great intermediate bike that can be upgraded into an advanced bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Traeger
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah WA USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Gulch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
4" plush travel, disk brakes on long decents, components for the money, relative light weight for a FS bike,
Weaknesses:
Seemingly low bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V, Giant FS bikes
Bike Setup:
Stock out of the box 'cept for some bar ends
Bottom Line:
This bike is a lot of fun and delivers as advertised, "for those 2 hour rides that turn into 4 hours that turn into all day epics." This type of FS/disk bike package really jelled in the industry this year and is what I have been waiting for. After riding a '93 Cannondale V900 since new (a very stiff frame) I was ready for a cush ride. So far the bob on climbing has been minimal and not slowed me one bit on the uphills. And the decents, well what can I say? 4" full suspension put decending in a whole 'nother light. As far as the low BB goes, I wonder if it is a compromise when you are trying to do cross country and still have 4" plush travel. I mean I only hit when I am pedaling through a transition that compresses the suspension at both ends. So you have to make some adjustment to you riding technique. big deal. So there is more you could do to improve a bike like this (make it even lighter, tweak the frame geometry), but for how much more $$$?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Amherst, MA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Killer value Good suspension design Good parts are where they matter most (brakes, shifters, fork)
Weaknesses:
Low BB (REALLY LOW!) Too much "Specialized" brand components Disk-brake "adapter" on the rear triangle E-type front derailleur
Similar Products Used:
'97 GT LTS-2, '99 Gary Fisher Ziggurat
Bike Setup:
Hayes, LX Hollowtech cranks, King headset, Titec Ti enduro bar, XTR shifters, Real/Rhino Lite XL wheels, XTR/XT deraillers, WTB saddle, ODI lock-on grips, Shimano 545 pdeals, etc, etc.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great value. I bought it for the frame to have as an all-around bike I can take down the ski slopes and still ride around on. The only parts on the bike that I am keeping (for now) is the stem, seatpost and front derailleur (I already had Hayes that I put on it and sold the new ones). I'm not going to complain about parts--they are fairly good quality considering the price range. You can't expect anything else at that price. A couple of design flaws, though...
The top tube is definately on the short side (women will like this). The bottom bracket is WAY TOO LOW for a bike that's supposed to handle everything. It takes some getting used to. The cable routing isn't the best, but a couple of zip-ties fixed that with no problems.
The dumbest design flaws that could have been easily fixed are the rear disk mount and the front derailleur. This bike uses a version of the Brake Therapy, which is dumb. There is absolutely no reason for this. If Intense doesn't have to use it on the same design, why should Specialized (whose design it is). The other design flaw is the front derailleur. E-type derailleurs (that attach to the bottom bracket) are dumb. They don't work as well and harder to find. So are the bottom brackets. I hope that Specialized R&D reads this because as an employee at a Specialized shop I have to say that this design doesn't help to sell their bikes. At a time when everything should be getting standardized on road bikes and mountain bikes(headtubes, rear drop-out spacing, BB's, front derailleur clamps and swings, etc) there is absolutely no need to set yourself apart by forcing consumers to use an inferior design.
Overall, this bike is a killer value. A suggested retail price of $2400 is a lot of money for a bike, but even at this price you can't expect to have absolutely everything. Some of the parts with a Specialized name on it (like the TruVativ-made crankset) are really nice and are worth putting it on this caliber of a bike. The idea of the fenders is brilliant. Some say they look ugly (I don't use them), but the great part is that they are useful and are very easy to install and remove. The bike will not out-perform a down-hill machine on the slopes or a cross-country racer on the climbs, but if you don't want to own a bunch of different bikes this one does everything more than adequately.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ja Yates
a Weekend Warrior
from UK & Germany Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
delburg Peak to Peak trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Had a 1998 FSR Comp & snapped it. Specialized were really good (via my holyier than thou UK dealer) in that they have just replaced my old FSR frame with a Enduro PRO !!!FREE!!! I managed to get the shop to swap all the bits over, so I´ve just been able to do a direct frame comparison with Specialized´s 2 year older model. It´s been real easy to dial into it & rides very similar to my old one. The extra gussesting has really improved things up front, so it now feels solid & gives extra confidence if you ever fancy jumping the thing. § bottle bosses are perfect for this bike as it´s for the all day hauls. Otherwise a real easy frame to ride with & nice suspension setup. Just the reason why I bought the old one.
Sorry I can´t give you any info on the complete bike, but I thought just a frame review for this would be a little different as opposed to people commenting on bolt ons.
Weaknesses:
The top tube is 1 1/2" shorter which is bit of a bummer as I like to be a little flat in the ridding position. And the BB is far to low, I keep smacking my pedals on rocks & occasionally flat ground (if peddling round a bend). Everyone seems to be winging about the cable routing at the rear, which is completly justified. It was crap 2 years ago, & still is. I don´t like the little lug on the seatstay for the bottle boss, as this is one of the things that I snapped off on the last frame (some bottlecages hit the rear wheel when you bottom it out, hence snap & off she comes). hauls I was a little dissapointed not to find a set of crud catcher bosses (not all of us live in sandy dry Calafornia), speaking of MUD, the rear stays are still to close & don´t give enough mud clearance. I´m running a set of Tioga Factory Muds & they are right on the limit with about 7mm either side, not that handy when things get gloppy. Although from past experence; keep an eye on the top rear shock bolt & renew & lube all the pivot bearings, as they can squeak like buggery & soon offer some stiction.
Similar Products Used:
FSR 98
Bike Setup:
Pace RC36EVO, Full XT & XTR with old Deore Thumbshifters (what are they I hear you say), Spengle 3 spokes, Tioga Factory Mud, Upsidedown Specialized stem with Club roost bars. & some other odds n sods
Bottom Line:
I like Mud
Value rating gets a 5 cos I got mine for free (under warentee)
Specialized service can be good, BUT get your GOOD local bike shop to do the leg work (it is there job after all) I was stuck in Germany with a snapped frame, & they sorted out within a week that the short 5 day visit I had back to the UK would be enough to supply me a new frame & swap all the bits over, so end result I came back to Germany with a new frame & working bike having only made 2 phone calls.
Top marks to Madgetts Cycles (Diss UK) & Specialized for service reaction & quibble free.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean Spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from Rigby, ID, US Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Harriman State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Superb shifting and braking, great balance and light weight, love the suspension adjustability:front and back
Weaknesses:
Rear cable routing stinks! Solved it hitting my leg by using a few zip-ties. Some bounce in climbing, but I haven't yet played with the different positions on the rear suspension.
Similar Products Used:
Road a 96 Trek y-11 with xt shifters, derailers, v-brakes, judy xc front suspension, fox vanilla rear suspension: I loved this bike until I tried the Spec. FSR Enduro, then I knew what love is!
Bike Setup:
Factory set up
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the value!!! If you can afford it, it is a great all-around mountain bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Stewart
a Cross Country Rider
from Anacortes,Wa USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ozone
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great Value, Well set up and balanced components, good factory and LBS support. Smooth riding in all conditions, comfortable. Great Front shock and Brakes!
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket (I've gotten used to it), Problem with frame geometry and seatpost length (can't lower normal length post far enough for really steeps, need two post/seat setups), rear hub
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale super V, FSR comp
Bike Setup:
Factory except for my own saddle, frog pedals or flats depending, shorter stem w/ more rise, XT rear hub,4.6",69.5
Bottom Line:
I've held off buying a fully and glad 'cause this bike is all I need. It handles quickly, climbs almost as well as my hardtail and flies downhill. Handles better than the other fullies I've ridden. Built tough too, five years on the frame. Haven't use the adjustable geometry yet, looking forward to some long eastern Wa rides this summer. Wonder if the low BB is the cost for the adjustability.Good all around bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cristian Alexander
a Downhiller
from Houston, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
street
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It has a good compliment of components. The only thing I've changed is the stem... to an Azonic Shorty. I'm only 5'7", and the bars are too far away for me. Also, I'm having the shop use a Manitou kit to reduce the elastomer stack. I'm only 138lbs, so the stock for setup is too harsh.
Weaknesses:
I only had the bicycle over 2 1/2 months. It's worked just fine. Only just recently, I noticed fluid coming from the front brake caliper. Also the front rotor howled louder than any car I've heard. I took the bike in for the first routine tune up. It's been over two weeks now. I still haven't got my bike back because Hayes hasn't shipped the product back in a timely manner. I had hoped that companies showcasing new products would be more enthusiastic about taking care of run of the mill defects. Also, Specialized has dissapointed me in the fact that the customer service is very unfocused. Every time I call I get the run around. I still like the bike and the quality of the bike, but the company needs to clean up its act... and fast. The same goes to Hayes & Manitou. I wanted to order a MRD lockout valve, and they claim they're sold out... Its only April. Give me a break. I need to wait at least three weeks for more inventory to accumalate. Sounds like a snow job.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock except for an Azonic Shorty stem
Bottom Line:
I like the Enduro Pro. I like the brakes, the suspension and the total feel the bike. I don't like being jerked around on a $2400 purchase. It took me over a year and lots of grief to get the money together. Nice things cost money.. I have no problem with that. But good Customer Service shouldn't cost a dime. Be wary.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whichever one I'm on at the moment
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyl 900SL, K2 EVO 3.0
Bike Setup:
Swapped pedals for Shimano PD-M636 pedals; added bar ends (yep, I like 'em).
Bottom Line:
I waited a year to get my first full-suspension bike. Intending to get one in 1999, I noticed the technology of the cool stuff -- disk brakes, especially -- needed more refinement. I'm glad I waited. This year's model is as close to the perfect bike (for me, anyway) as I could imagine.
The ride is simply sublime. I almost bought the K2, a single-pivot swingarm, but decided that I should check out the Enduro. I'm glad I did. The engineer in me prefers Specialized's four-bar linkage design. You notice the suspension only when you don't feel the huge bump you just glided over.
I haven't noticed any problems with the house-brand components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Sandy Ut USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good Componet group, the HAYES DISK BRAKES and a kick ass Front suspenstion
Weaknesses:
Pedals
Similar Products Used:
older GT RTS 1 with a Marazocci up front
Bike Setup:
As is from the factory except swapped out the S-Team pedals for 858.
Bottom Line:
I have only had this bike 3 days, it rides awsone. It does not bounce in hard climbs when out of the saddle, but yet is extreamly plush on the downhill adn sucks up all the bumps. The rear is awsome (when Dialed in). It was a tough decision not to get the comp and save the 600, hoever after rideing this thing I am glad I went the extra $$$$. I am lookin forward to getting down to Moab or when there is enough snow melted to ride on a few longer and more punishing trails to really put this bike throughis paces. In closing I have to say this bike kicks major ass. Buy One.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Pine Grove, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good Overall quality & value, excellent suspension and brakes, great factory support.
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket, brain-dead rear brake line and shift cable routing. The factory apparently uses their fingers to tighten everything - almost every bolt on the bike was loose. The front derailer cable slipped on the second shift. Front shock works well, but the preload adjustment is almost impossible to do with bare hands (know is too tight) and makes little different anyway.
Similar Products Used:
'99 FSR Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock except for pedals, seat and personal touches.
Bottom Line:
First, I was given this bike free of charge by Specialized. But. I AM NOT BIASED in any way. I got the bike because my '99 FSR Pro had a frame problem and Specialized exchanged out the ENTIRE bike free of charge. Kudos for great factory support!
I have had this bike 10 days and ridden it in two hard races: Sea Otter and Napa World Cup, plus training rides. The bike has performed absolutly flawlessly. Shifting (after fine tuning) and supension are great. The supension worked like a dream in the all the nastiness that Napa could dish out and if you were there, you will understand what I am referring to. If not, think worst possible rocky trail conditions you can imagine, then double it.
The rear cable and brake line routing is the MOST lame thing I have ever seen. The cables are routed in the worst possible place - where the MOST movement occurs, causing the cable and brake line to bow out and hit your legs and feet each time the suspension goes down. A handful of tie wraps fixed this.
Bottom bracket is too low. I was constantly hitting rocks at Napa.
Brakes are absloutely awesome and work superbly under all conditions. They can't be improved on with the exception of the rear lever doesn't retract super cleanly, but does NOT seem to cause the brake to drag.
The bike climbs and decends well - I don;t think it could be improved upon for the price range.
Overall, this bike is worth every penny. YOu should be able to get it for just under $2K which is a lot of value for what you get. You can't go wrong with this bike. I am 5'8, 160 and have a medium frame. Overall chilis only 4 because of loose bolts from factory, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Bradley
a Racer
from El Cerrito, Ca Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lime Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
All Around Incredible Bike. I really enjoy the ride, climbing and descending. Brakes work awesome in all conditions. Climbs better than any Full Sus bike I've ridden, Descends better than any other Full Sus bike I've ridden. The fork is way better and more adjustable than any other I've ridden, including the Italian M fork. Great rims, and I even left on the "spoke protecter" cuz it works well. (I'm not a Fred! Really!)
Weaknesses:
The seat should be thrown away, and I had to cut off 120mm off the seatpost befor I could get my 6'1" body on the bike. The bolt holding the disk brake adapter onto the "seatstay" was soo long that it was almost bashing the bolt heads of the torx bolts that hold on the disk. My front Hayes come stock leaking at the banjo connection, and both of my brakes squealed initially like a banshee (no suggestions from Hayes). They quieted down after a few rides. Also, I endoed on my second ride pedaling through a corner I used to pedal through on my Y-bike because I caught a pedal- watch the low bottom bracket. Lastly, the stock stem was about 80mm too long for anyone other than Andre the Giant, along with handlbars that were 40mm too wide. If I sound picky, it's cuz I'm a professional bike mechanic.
Similar Products Used:
Old ass trek Y-11, Santa Cruz Heckler, Berkeley Cruiser(an AWESOME single-speed).
As awesome as any non-custom-spec'd bike can be. The spokes, coincidentally, are easy to replace, and the rims hold true. (I crashed and broke 4 spokes out of my front wheel, replaced them and the rim didn't even bend- MAVIC rocks!!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim White
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000
Added: Answer Pro Taper bars, Kore Elite stem, XTR Group (12-32, 26/36/48), Thompson post, 747 pedals, Sun/Ringle Rhyno-Lite wheels, King headset
Bottom Line:
Suspension is very sweet but I'd like to experiment with a different rear shock. This bike climbs pretty good even though it is a bit on the heavy side (compared to my FSR XC). The frame geometry provides for nice line tracking through fast turns. The X-Vert Super is an awesome fork!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Bonemeyer
a Weekend Warrior
from High Point, NC Date Reviewed: February 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The suspension on this bike (once dialed in) is great for all-around riding. I can't say enough good things about the Manitou X-Vert Super up front. I wish the stock Fox damper in the rear had compression adjustment though. This bike floats over all but the largest hits (again, once it is dialed in). The rear end has great lateral rigidity allowing the bike to easily carve up corners and provide good acceleration upon exiting. The bike felt a little tall at first but after a few rides I was really likin' the feel. Climbs well over obstacles. As usual, the Hayes disc brakes were awesome.
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately, most parts on this bike with the "S" on them are sub-par. The Ritchy seatpost was a cheesy piece of sh*T, which I promptly banana'd on my second ride. The seat was not very good either (if you want to have kids someday, replace it pronto!). I immediately replaced the "S" pedals with my beloved Frogs as I have very hammered knees. The bike out of the box was a bit on the heavy side (28 lbs minus the fenders), but I will rethink that after I drop my body fat another 3/4 to 1%.
70.5 degree headtube angle, 4.6" rear travel, 48-54 psi in tires. 225 psi in rear air-sprung damper.
Bottom Line:
A great bike if you can get the dealer to shave some coin off the retail price. Anyone who likes to ride anytime, anywhere for hours on end will love this bike. Value rating would have gotten five chilis if the components package as a whole was better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Noyes
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great suspension, see my review below.
Weaknesses:
In addition to what I previously mentioned, there is quite a bit of flex in the bars, I'm switching to Pro-Tapers. The headset doesn't to the best job of keeping crud out.
Similar Products Used:
See below
Bike Setup:
70 degree/4.6 inch travel mode.
Bottom Line:
The bottom bracket problem I previously addressed is not as much of an issue when you are in the 70 degree head angle mode, otherwise, I probably just adjusted to a different technique.
Thought I was going to sell this thing, but a few more rides convinced me to keep it. It is a blast! It levels trails that you would otherwise need to slice and dice through with a HT. While slicing and dicing can be fun, this bike is the way to go for carrying big-time speed through rough, washed out, rocky and drop-off filled terrain. It begs you to try to jump and clear big sections of trail, but doesn't punish you if you come up a little short.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from Aliso Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Car Wreck
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Almost everything on this bike can't get any better. From climbing to going down technical singeltracks, this bike is nothing less than awesome. The hayes disc brakes are excellent in adverse conditions and the suspension is perfect for people who want something between a cross-country and a downhill ride.
Weaknesses:
Got rid of the pedals and put on WTB's. The crank squeaks a little bit.
Similar Products Used:
XC pro, Mongoose DX
Bike Setup:
stock. Put a thompson seat post and titanium seat and WTB clipless
Bottom Line:
If you want a softail that climbs well and can handle the technical stuff, it won't get much better than this. With a few minor changes(purely for personal preference) this bike is everything I could want and then some.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick N.
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Suspension design is proven and performs really well. The X-Vert Super is outstanding (super torsionally stiff). Even with flaws (see below) this bike is a great value for the money (less than retail, that is). Looks better "in person" than it does in the mags.
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket, lack of a real rear disc mount, Specialized drivetrain parts are not as good as Shimano. The rear hub sounded gritty and course right out of the box, as did the Specialized bottom bracket. Frame guides for brake lines are an afterthought and look rather cheesy. You have to use zip-ties everywhere to harness the brake lines. Limited seat height adjustment. Ritchey seatpost is low quality, when I cut it down, my saw cut through it like butter.
Similar Products Used:
4-Banger, LTS, Rocky Mountain and FSR XC.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for 747 pedals. I removed the fenders, of course.
Bottom Line:
An Intense, it ain't. But if you want a relatively low cost, long-travel, relatively light bike for beating on, this bike is worth your consideration.
Complaints about the components aside, the bike performs -- it really levels terrain. It is indifferent to rough, loose terrain and will always put power to the ground. As long as you can keep pedaling, the rear end will find traction and propel you forward. The faster you go through the rough, the happier it seems, although I had a compression jump just about knock me into next week (still used to a hardtail!). I think a coil shock would be an improvement, but I still need to spend time getting the suspension dialed in.
I am running it in the 69 degree head angle, 4.6 inch travel mode. Even with this lazy angle, steering is precise and and can handle tight, tight switchbacks without "pushing" through the turn or otherwise feeling slow.
Again, if you can stay balanced and keep pedaling, you can climb up and over just about anything.
I'm not too pleased with the low BB. This may turn out to be the big flaw.
I will review later when I get more ride time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from nyack, NY Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great travel-with adustable head angle
Weaknesses:
pedals
Similar Products Used:
s-works fsr xc
Bike Setup:
stock accept for time pedals
Bottom Line:
this bike is what i wanted my fsr xc to be last year! climbs,descends,and hammers the flats. The fork and shock once you get them dialed work super together. And while at first i thought the fenders were lame, they have proven to be awesome in the wet stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from New Yory, NY Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fairly light, strong, good components, price, looks
Weaknesses:
numbing seat.
Similar Products Used:
Stunpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for the seat.
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike! I looked around for a while and decide what was important to me. I wanted a bike that was fairly light, but strong. something that was more geared towards the downhills and ruff riding, but wouldn't kill me on the ups.This bike has good travel - 4+ on front and back, this is important to me since I like to come down hard on the rocky trails. The disc brakes work great so far, no problems even through the wet gook I road through last weekend. It climbs well, though a lockout would be nice. I can't say it is as good as a hardtail - my stumpy is more geared towards the ups. But the down hills are awsome, and that was what I decided was my priority. I slave through the climbs no matter what bike I'm on.I was looking at the Raven 900SX, and the Santa Cruise Bullet, as well as a few Diamond Backs, but over all this bike won out. It is a great all around bike. I am totally happy with this bike. My girlfriend is pissed off at me for spending the money I promessed to save, and has been mean, nasty, and condesending to me all week. But I look foward to getting out and riding every chance I get, which only makes her more angry. Out of all the bikes I looked at, this one is definitely the winner, hands down, no regrets.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Cutter
a Weekend Warrior
from Enfield,Ct. Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Shenipsit State Forest
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good value,excellent components,Hayes hyd.disc.Killer Good Looks
Weaknesses:
Pedals might suck,harder to clip into than my old Shimano pedals.I'll keep them for now cause they're titanium Team Edition.Maybe they will break in? NOT!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Diamond Back,Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike rides and looks great.I've had it less than two weeks and I'm still dialing every in just so.Only about fifty miles on it so far and loving this ride.Strong,light,aggressive bike.Special thanks to my LBS (Vernon Cycle;Vernon,Ct.}for the great deal they cut me.Will review again in a couple of months
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ziffex
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: December 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything! This is simply the best bike.
Weaknesses:
hmmm nothing
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
Specialized 2000 FSR Enduro Pro
Bottom Line:
This bike definitely won't disappoint you. I can't find one thing wrong with it yet. The way to go if you want a bike that will last. Good component group on there part. Also, this bike gets a huge amount of attention. 6 flaming chili things!!!
Overall Rating:
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