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Submitted by
Adan
a Downhiller
from Hinton, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Just Giver, Animal Cracker | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Hinton | | Strengths: | The frame is very strong and it can take a beating. It pedals good up hill not like most downhill duals. | | Weaknesses: | The amount of rear travel it comes with (5.5"). I had to buy the big hit kit that came with a new link to allow me to but a bigger shock on only weakness i can think of | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit, Heckler | | Bike Setup: | The bike was made from scratch. It has sun double wide rims front and 24" on the back, 04 Marzocchi Junior T's, Fox 3.0 shock on the back, Funn head banger headset with Funn fatboy slim bars, Hayes hydro megs, ODI Intence lock on grips with Truvitiv Hussfeller cranck, xt front derailer and lx rear derailer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a North shore stunt bike is really strong. It pedals very well to. Its a heavy bike but the weight is not a big factor for what the bike is made to do. It is a good all around bike to. I reccomend this bike to every one | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pitt53
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble cyn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | UC cycle | | Strengths: | Everything except for Specialized parts. Good deal on such a heavy duty bike. Ride is awsome. | | Weaknesses: | all specialized parts. low BB height, Z3 flexes, those tires....they are thick tubes right? seat post sucks real bad. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Big Hit. 99FSR enduro, etc | | Bike Setup: | Azonic shorty 50mm, thomson seatpost, EA50 riser, shimano 646, Kujo DH 2.35. SDG satellite Intense model. | | Bottom Line: | very nice bike. very adjustable. smooth ride. I ride XC on it and this bike goes!! even climbing is no prob. low BB is just a minor prob until get a 7 inch fork or something. I'm pretty happy with it. too bad the price has gone up so much though. This bike does everything I need. I still give this bike 5 chillis cause I new I had to change specialized parts to begin with. You know you will never be happy with how bikes come from factory. At least you can ride until you have money to upgrade lol. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Foirt Kent
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Record Bicycles Qubeec | | Strengths: | Frame is kick ass asome on jumps but back shock bottoms.good front shock for bejenner .Good on drop offs.I always am brought towards bying a specialized ? | | Weaknesses: | The front fender sucks ass,back shock bottomos out heavy but i have a large so it may depened needs 8 in. back disk. | | Bike Setup: | I have not changed any thing on it so it has all the same factory produocts but i have p.3 pdeals | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike if you are able to pay for new things beter of spending 2000.00 more on a big hit pro.but i have a bh comp . you should buy this if you want a very good bike.for a good price. you shouldn't if you have enough for a big hit pro | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from North Shore BC Canada
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Oilcan | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dizzy Cycles | | Strengths: | Unbeatable value. Love the four bar link suspension. The entry level cost of this bike makes it easy to add upgrades and wind up with a better bike than what other brands offer for bigger dollars. Great for fast DH and drops and surprisingly nimble on technical sections. For a bike that now weighs in at over 40 lbs I'm amazed how well it climbs over hilly sections. Clearly not the best ride to the top of Fromme but not too bad! Love this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Don't get me wrong but what you're buying here is a good value package where a few corners had to be cut. Here's what you'll want to just get rid of right off the bat: The absolute crap Specialized tires that don't even come close to the conditions that this bike is designed for. Hit a root, you're down. Fox Vanilla R Shock tends to seize, fail, not give adequate travel and generally act like the crapo that Fox seems to be producing. I had trouble and I've heard a lot of similar comments on the trail.Up-grade the rear shock and spring and you're laughing. Oh, and the stock Specialzed seatpost? It won't last. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco VPS Shore. Brodie Devo. Rocky Mountain RM6 | | Bike Setup: | Just swapped the very good Stock Z3 Drop for a Super T. Love the stability and predicatablity. CHANGE THE TIRES! I have a 2.65 Cujo in front and a Maxxis High Roler on the back. Drill out at leat the rear wheel for a Schrader valve 24" tube. Do this before you find out the hard way that 24" Presta tubes are about as rare as flying cows. Fox Vanilla RC shock. Rock Ring, Platform pedals and beefier seatpost (see above). | | Bottom Line: | One of the best frame and suspension setups going and it's a bonus that it's such a good value. It's a good idea to replace the "temporary" parts I've mentioned above before you leave the bike shop so you can get the best deal. Go for the Super T too, you'll never regret spending the extra bucks. The Big Hit is getting as common as mud puddles here on the North Shore and for good reason, this frame is the real deal. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DR. DRE
a Weekend Warrior
from BOOGIE-DOWN PROD.
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything steep & technical | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sid's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame, stiff rear end, frame quality(welds), suspension feels bottomless....oh did i say BOMBPROOF!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | No weaknesses structurally. The Fox RC shock did blow up on me 2 times in less than 6 months though. Some might consider the 24" rear wheel one though.(I bought the Pro frame and built it up)I wish Mavic made the 321's in 24". | | Similar Products Used: | Intense, Santa Cruz,GT | | Bike Setup: | Pro Big Hit frame with DoubleWides, Hope Big un Hubs,Gazzaloddi 2.6 tires, North Shore DH cranks, 636 DH & slalom pedals, MRP chainguide, Azonic Cockpit, Hope C2's Thompson and SDG Saddle. Oh and last but definetely not least Marzocchi Shiver WC. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review to the one i posted a year ago. The bike is still rocking. I'm a 205lbs rider. I do drops and sick riding and the bike is holding up. I was just dissappointed with the Fox RC shock in the rear that blew out on me twice within 6 months. At first when i bought the bike it had a 600lbs. spring. It wasn't until the second time that the shock blew it dawned on them that they should change the spring. I'm running a 650 lbs spring in the rear now and it seems to be holding up. I'm still gonna change the shock and get a Avalanche. I would definetely recommend this to anyone with this bike. It'z like night and day between the Fox and Avalance......Plus you'll NEVER blow out the avalanche-Trust me. Otherwise this bike is so damm sweet. I wanna buy another one. But this years colors SUCK!!!!! C'mon Specialized you have a great bike on your hands......Do something about the dull paint jobs man!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Belanger
a Downhiller
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Abc cycles | | Strengths: | Bearings, Hort link, Stiff and reliable low maintenace | | Weaknesses: | The aluminium aloy is like butter, I bended my rear swing arm derailleur on the first ride...Neaded a new one. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 fsr Elite that i broke and they sent me this | | Bike Setup: | Monster T, Mrp, Odi lock jaw, Hayes, Dee MaX, michelin 2.8, high roller 2.7 in back | | Bottom Line: | Not a lot of rear travel ( for my MONSTER ), i need to purchase a Jr T or up grade to 8 inch in the back to balance my set up | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan mckinzie
a Downhiller
from kaneohe, hawaii
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | st. louis heights | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop | | Strengths: | good frame design. good bike for everything but climbing. the hayes brakes. | | Weaknesses: | the tires. not enough knobs, the suck in mud and they wear out too fast. could also use an 8" disc in the rear. needs a different seat post, creaks to much. could use a better chainring setup. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz super 8 | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi shiver, king headset, azonics shorty, protaper bars, odi lock jaws, thompson seatpost, mrp system 2, profile crank, spot chainring, snaffu pedals, rear suspension upgrade, 8" rear disc, gazzalodi dh tires. | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks from the get go. could have been a little better though. a little tweaking and it was fine, i just went to the extreme. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Downhiller
from Rancho Cucamonga
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan and Gabrielino | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Stiffness, and plush travel, the 24in rear wheel helps shorten the wheelbase. Suspension bob is tolerable for So-Cal climbs. Lots of adjustments for headtube angle and suspension travel. Almost feels indestructable. | | Weaknesses: | The Specialized handle bars and stem are weak. The original tires wears out fast and has minimal grip. The Ritchey seat post is a joke. Marzzochi M3 forks are marginal, definitely upgrade for a Shiver. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bike Setup: | 01 Shivers, Azonic shorty stem, Michellen 2.8 in front and Maxxis 2.7 in rear, Hayes 8inch rotors front and back, SDG Bel-Air, Thomson Elite post | | Bottom Line: | The Big Hit is an awesome bike for dh and freeride. Although it is a heavy bike and does not take climbs fast, the suspension bob is tolerable for most climbs in Southern California. But when gravity takes over and the speeds pick up, the Big Hit will take just about take anything that comes your way except tight switchbacks. The long wheelbase slows you down a little on tight turns.
...If the thought of riding a 45+ pound bike uphill scares the crap out of you, then you need to go buy some spandex and a cross country rig. This bike is for guys who love big drops and insane DH runs without spending $5,000 big ones. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chase Norvich
a
from Friday Harbor WA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones I"ve Built | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | frame a speck | | Weaknesses: | specalized tires, 135mm spaceing 3" rear tire does not allow you to use small ring no worries though I'm strong | | Bike Setup: | Intense tires Sun Ringle ZUZU pedals ODI lock-ons titec bar Lx shifters rock ring thompson azonic love seat PC-99 chain custom spring setup, IRC tubes | | Bottom Line: | big hit's are totaly sweet bikes I wish I could keep mine but I have to sell it, it's still perfect in every way. I'm a obsessive shop mechanic and I need to sell it to pay tution, so if you want a great deal on one of the best downhill bikes ever e-mail me. p.s. I might be able to get you a good deal on a 8" kit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jasper
a
from Springfield
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Strong, plush, fast, adjustable suspension (travel, geometry and rate), 8" front rotor, FSR link, ugly top tube sticker is easily removable, price,... | | Weaknesses: | not Canadian, Specialized cranks, not much seat height adjustment, weight? (I'm really reaching here) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Stinky Dee-Lux, Brodie Diablo, RM Slayer, Ellsworth Dare | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Hussefelts w/ rock ring, Sun Ringle platforms, and WTB Speed V saddle | | Bottom Line: | This bike kills. Shooting steep, tech, descents is like sitting on your living room couch and it feels more agile than it looks on tech stunts. Climbing is suprisingly good for a 37 pound beast with a 24" rear wheel. The adjustable suspension is nice, I keep the travel at 6.3" and set the head angle depending on whether I'm doing flat out downhill runs or North Shore tech.
I work at a shop so I got a smokin' deal but even at retail it's a bargain. Basically the same spec as a Kona Stinky Dee-Lux for a few hundred $'s less.
I don't have many complaints except that the Specialized cranks and tires are crap (easily replaceable) and I wish the seat height was more adjustable. I guess it could use a burlier fork and an RC (or an Avalanche) but the z3 and Vanilla R are keeping me happy so far.
Specialized doesn't have that North Shore mystique usually associated with Kona, Brodie, Norco, and Rocky but they sure put together a nice bike for that style of riding.
Killer ride, straight up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Hoey
a Downhiller
from Manhasset, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any of the Pro/Expert courses at Plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Beefy frame. I used to ride a 1997 Ground Control FSR until I cracked it. This frame looks like it will last a lot longer then my previous one did. I cant talk about the bike as the stock setup cause I got a frame only but it seems to be a great setup to get you into downhilling at a good price. The 24" wheel made me nervous but once I rode around on it I loved it. Acceleration is noticably faster and I am railing turns at much higher speeds. | | Weaknesses: | The 24" wheel only, makes me upset that I cant run Mavic rims just yet but as soon as I can then this weakness will dissappear. | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 Ground Control FSR
2000 Dual Slalolm FSR
Friends Prototype Spooky Project X and Cortina DH8 | | Bike Setup: | Shiver up front, WTB 20 mm thru axel laced to mavic 321 rim, hayes 8 inch discs front and rear, profile 3 piece chromoloy cranks, mrp world cup style 2, xt rear derailer, sun piece o junk rim in the rear ( just flat spotted it like crazy at Mount Snow Nationals so I will probably be replacing it with an Arrow ) I am planning on putting the Shimano Airlines shifter on it and machining my own link to fit an Avalanche 3.0 x 9 rear shock and to accomodate a floating disc for the rear. Plus I cant wait arround any more for the supposed 8 inch kit from Specialized. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. From the complete bike setup you can race up to the sport class I think and thats East Coast racing. Once you start to move up the ranks you can upgrade it to be a pretty nice Pro/Expert course Racer. Setup just right it can easily contend with an Itense M1 or other Pro DH bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sp
a Downhiller
from canada
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Strengths: | it the bomb baby with its super beffy fram 24 inc low rider look its the best and the rear suspension setup | | Weaknesses: | lothing matty | | Similar Products Used: | most free ride and downhill bike | | Bike Setup: | out lands beffy downhill steam and beffy platform peatls and the vary beffy Monster.T | | Bottom Line: | one of the best bikes you well look at and ride for free ride and downhill and even raceing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DR. DRE
a Weekend Warrior
from BOOGIE-DOWN PROD.
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | VANCORTLANDT PARK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | SID'S BIKE SHOP | | Strengths: | THIS REVIEW IS ACTUALLY FOR THE BIG HIT PRO. I BOUGHT THE FRAME AND BUILT IT UP. BUT AS FOR STRENGTHS LET ME RUN DOWN THE LIST. 1. THE FRAME DESIGN,COLOR ARE FATT. 2. NOT TOO HEAVY. THE FRAME IS PRETTY LITE, BUT STILL MADD BEEEFY!! 3. BOX SECTION SEAT AND CHAIN STAYS THAT MAKE THE BACK END STIFFER THAN ME AFTER A FEW GUINESS'. 4. WELD QUALITY, EVERYTHING THAT CAN BE IS FORGED ON THIS FRAME(SWEET). 5. THE FOX RC SHOCK. THIS THING IS SOOOO F$#$%ING PLUSH IT'S UNBELEIVABLE. THE SHOCK FEELS LIKE U HAVE AN EXTRA 2 INCHES IN THE REAR.(THE SHOCK ALSO HAS ADJUSTABILITY FOR COMPRESSION AND REBOUND) JUST TRY GOING OVER A ROCK OR BETTER YET A HIGH SIDEWALK. LIFT UP THE FRONT OF THE BIKE AND LET THE REAR HIT IT DEAD ON. THE REAR AND THE SHOCK MAKE THE SIDE WALK FEEL LIKE A LITTLE ROCK. THIS WAS EXACTLY THE FIRST THING I NOTICED MY FIRST TIME OUT ON THE BIKE. 6. GREAT BIKE TO THROW AROUND AS FAR AS FREERIDING IS CONCERNED. THROW A THROUGH AXLE OR EVEN A REGULAR Z1 ON THE FRONT AND YOUR READY TO GO. 7. THE BIKES VERSATILITY. U CAN USE IT FOR FREERIDING, DH OR DUAL SLALOM. 8 OH DID I MENTION THAT U CAN ADJUST THE BIKES HEAD AND SEAT ANGLES AND TRAVEL, THE LIST JUST GOES ON AND ON THIS BIKE IS STRAIGHT UP BOMBPROOOF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | THE COMPRESSION KNOB ON THE FOX VANILLA SHOX IS HARD TO GET TO AND THE KNOB WAS HARD TO TURN. FOR SOME IT MAY BE THE 24' INCH WHELL IN THE BIKE. BUT IT LOOKS SOO COOL. THE 24' GIVES THE BIKE THAT LAID BACK PIMP LOOK. YOU'LL BE AT WORK DAYDREAMING ABOUT THIS BIKE TRUST ME. AND WHAT EVER YOU DO, DON'T BUY THE BIG HIT TYRES THAT COME WITH COMPLETE BIKE. THEY START OFF O.K. BUT WEAR OUR EXTREMELY QUICK AND THERE ARE HARDLY ANY KNOBS ON THE THING. | | Similar Products Used: | SANTA CRUZ, GT, TREK, SUPER 8, INTENSE. | | Bike Setup: | BLACK PRO FRAME WITH SUN DOUBLEWIDES BUILT AROUND RED HOPE BIG UN HUBS, HOPE C2 DISC BRAKES, RACEFACE NORTHSHORE CRANKS, SHIMANO DX PEDALS, SILVER Z1 WITH 5 BLIMY INCHES, AZONIC, EASTON, AND XTR. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT ALL AROUND BIKE. CAN DO ANYTHING. IT EVEN PEDALS PRETTY WELL UP HILL. GET THIS BIKE IF U ARE A CRAZY ABUSIVE RIDER AND WANT A BIKE/FRAME THAT WON'T LEAVE U HANGIN ON THE RUFF STUFF. THROW A DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CLAMP ON THE FRONT AND YOUR READY FOR SOME DH ACTION. TRUST ME. THIS THING THRIVES IN THE ROUGH. IT BEGS YOU TO PUNISH IT. GET ONE AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Axel
a Downhiller
from Germany
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Strengths: | Everything. Stiff frame combined with a superb suspension and brilliant handling | | Weaknesses: | Front fender crashed after one week.
| | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain DH Race | | Bike Setup: | BMX-Pedals | | Bottom Line: | If you are searching for the perfect freeride bike, do not think about, just try to get one. You can use it for everything, for a tour, for downhill racing and even for dual. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FSR big
a
from CA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2169.00 | | Purchased At: | The spokesmen | | Strengths: | Every thing is good | | Weaknesses: | There are none | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 14 in forks in front
upgraded to 10" in the back | | Bottom Line: | VERY GOOD FOR EVERYTHING | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oz
a Racer
from Bristol, CT
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in CT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Biker's Edge in Bristol, CT | | Strengths: | Strong with a butter suspension. Mad props to my peeps at Specialized for the value, 8" Hayes with a 5" Zoke.....Can a cracker give a shout out, Waaazzzuuup!!! | | Weaknesses: | Not a damn thing... | | Similar Products Used: | Many assorted freeride machines.... | | Bike Setup: | Stock with an upgrade to XT shifters and some BMX pedals. All intentions to increase the front travel to 7" | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the shizznit....They should call it the "Big Pimp" because it makes the trail it's beeyotch. This bike doesn't even begin to sweat a 6' drop, the rear suspension is off the hook! This bad dog is a hospital trip waiting to happen. You feel like a hero after one ride. The confidence level behind the bars is the bomb. I can't even imagine this thing with a 7 or 8" fork. All I can say is drag your a** to a dealer, buy one and go "Big Hittin" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Annonamous
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, South Australia
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | JT's | | Strengths: | All round ridability
Plush suspension
Hasnt broken yet | | Weaknesses: | Mud clearance for the rear tire
Crappy tacked on rear disk brake mount
Rhino Lite wheels like to bend | | Bike Setup: | Essentially still stock. Run it soft to soak up small to mid range hits and keep it plush | | Bottom Line: | Top bike for the money. When I bought it there was nothing else even close to the price range that had 5 inches of travel and hydro disk brakes. Just buy one and go try and smash it. No brain to set up and lite enough to ride around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fenton Beech
a Downhiller
from Hudson Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones that i make | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddys | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything is suppa good on this bike. Soooo plush supper stiff. It flys over everything no mater how rough. | | Weaknesses: | Crazzy loud chain slap, flimsy big ring, the fork moves abit front to back for my tastes. Heavy to climb but what do u expect. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized fsr extreme 98 almost everything replaced then it was stolen grrrrr | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock replaced the stem w/ a solid Al dh stem, replaced the crank and BB w/ a Xt hollow tech crank and BB(due to weight and the cheep big ring), LP carbon seat post, shimano 646 | | Bottom Line: | Well it flat out freaking rocks nothing better espc in the 1900 to 2300 price range. It can be climed w/ just be ready to take a break at the top to cough a lung up before u head down the hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Preston Peterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland WA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Knob, Snoqualmie Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | CyclePath | | Strengths: | Versatility | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Z1 MCR, 8" front and rear, Race Face cranks, Mammoth rims, XT. | | Bottom Line: | This frame is great, and a great value. 6.3" of travel is not quite enough IMO for this type of bike though.
I talked to a customer rep at Specialized on 6/21/01, and he said the 8" kit will not be available this year, and while it is being planned, it is iffy for the 2002 season as well.
Here is one solution -
You can use a Fox 8.75"/2.75" shock which costs $350, or do what I did and step up to the Avalanche Downhill racing shock for $450. It is a serious quality piece. It is available in 8.75"/2.75" or 9"/3". I of course went with the 9/3". By drilling an 8mm hole ~1/2 inch closer to the seat tube than the provided holes (work from the center hole) and by placing the shock in the lowest head angle adjustment on the lower link, you will get 8.25" of travel. I used to run my stock shock in the upper head angle hole and measured an unloaded head angle of 69 and bb height of 14.25". I now have a head angle of 71 deg and bb height of 15". However with a 450 lb spring instead of 600lb, I have more sag and riding the bike it feels the same. Ideally you will eventually put a longer fork on anyway (my measurements are with a 5" fork) which would put it back to slack anyway. If you really need a more relaxed head angle use the 8.75" shocks. You could also use the 8.75" or 8.5" shocks and avoid re-drilling the frame if that makes you nervous, or put up with the steeper head angle. I rode the 9" around without drilling the frame. It was steep, but perfectly acceptable.
Forget the stock leverage ratios, I meticulously measured the shock vs. wheel travel and plotted it on Excel. The 3" shock will give you 8.25" of travel. Using a shorter stroke shock or moving it to the less travel adjustment hole on the link will slacken the head angle but reduce travel into the mid 7" range.
This makes the bike wonderful. 8.25" of travel with a low leverage ratio (better for damping and shock life), for $1500 plus the stock shock is a spare. If you get the Avalanche shock, get the 16" hose. The 12" hose is too short (this is for the external canister, major pimp factor). Talk to Craig, he will be familiar with how he set mine up.
The Avalanche shock feels awesome ! Avalanche has 15 years setting up works MX suspension.
The best value on the market for a free ride downhill bike, if you don't mind hot rodding up the travel. It was a damn good ride before I did this though anyway. Fully active Horst link suspension, beefy construction, great bike, even greater value.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBERTO TRIGLIA
a Weekend Warrior
from BRESCIA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | MONTE VELO DH - MONTE BALDO 601 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | BICIMANIA - MILANO ( I ) | | Strengths: | BOMBPROOF CONSTRUCTION
VERY ADJUSTABLE | | Weaknesses: | NOTHING | | Similar Products Used: | STINKY DEE LUX
SPECIAL FSR DUAL | | Bike Setup: | MARZOCCHI Z1 (THINKING FOR STRATOS S7), HOPE ENDURO , ROOX HUBS, SUN DOUBLE WIDE , GAZZALODDI , TIOGA DH SADDLE , XTR | | Bottom Line: | I BOUGHT THE FRAME ONLY.
THIS BIKE CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT IT TO DO.
IF YOU WANT THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY GET THIS BIKE,
ONE OF THE BEST FR AROUND.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david friesen
a Downhiller
from edmonton
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with drops | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90000000.00 | | Purchased At: | revelution cycle | | Strengths: | evey thing | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | best | | Bottom Line: | If any body knows about the new 8 inch travel kit e-mail and tell me how to get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Noll
a Downhiller
from Duluth, MN
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lutsen Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | The Ski Hut | | Strengths: | Stiff Frame, great suspension, Hayes Hydraulics. Room for 3" tires. 24" rear wheel. You hear criticism about the 24", but there are reasons for it, you just wait and see!! I have inside info... Also, as an ex-MX'er, I appreciate how much quicker a smaller rear wheel exits tight high speed turns. | | Weaknesses: | Should have a triple clamp fork and beefier headset. Stock bars and stem flex. 8" rear rotor upgrade is necessary to balance braking. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher DH., Intense,Kona... | | Bike Setup: | MRP Springs all around, Intense 3" rear,2.7 front tires, MRP World Cup Chainguide, Azonic Shorty, RaceFace Real Seal, Answer Pro Taper bars, waiting for Marzocchi Super-T, 8" rear rotor upgrade..... | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for freeride and can easily be upgraded to a competetive DH rig. After upgrading, you will have spent less than any other DH bike, and have just as good of a machine, if not better. 24" rear wheel is awesome. Ignore complaints about it. There are plenty of tires and rims available in 24". Ride it like a dirtbike into turns and you will see what I mean. Also, you'll need room for that 8" rear upgrade that will soon be available from Specialized... Best buy for the money. Good luck finding one though! I bought two...and guess what, one is FOR SALE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Mauma
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Your mom's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Very good frame. I bought the frame only and built it up using my own parts. Has lots of smooth travel and can still be pedaled uphill. | | Weaknesses: | Two weaknesses. First is the frame only takes 24" rear wheels. I like 24" rear wheels but it would also be nice to have the option to put a 26" on it. Second weakness is the cable routing. I think with the unusual shape of the frame there isn't much more options. | | Similar Products Used: | 00 Big Hit, 00 SC Super 8 | | Bike Setup: | 01 Big Hit comp frame with 01 JrT. 24" doublewide rear with 3.0 Arrow, 26 singlewide with 2.5" Arrow. Azonic bar and stem, race face isis cranks, blah, blah, blah. | | Bottom Line: | Great frame. I drooled over the bike when I first saw in in the store. The only problem was that when I was in the store I was already thinking to myself that I wanted to change half of the parts which come on the stock bike. Well, I waited and got a great deal on a brand new frame. I built it up to exactly the way I wanted and absolutely love the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross Gratton
a Weekend Warrior
from Wellington New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Makara bike park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Onya Bike | | Weaknesses: | The rider | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC NRS3 | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | Blew out the rear shock in the first week!
Now I'm not a light weight rider, so I bought this bike because it seemed the strongest I could get. 3 weeks after purchasing the bike I am still waiting on a 800 pound spring for the rear shock. I am new to downhill riding, but have yet to find a bike I can not kill. 1st bike, Giant Yukon, threw away when I started riding offroad. 2nd bike, Giant XTC NRS3, buckled both wheels, bent frame where it connects the rear shock, destroyed bearings in rear wheel.
Anyone have any suggestions? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle K
a
from Nevada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | This bike handles greatly nd is a great free ride/ dual / downhill bike. | | Weaknesses: | the rear spring tops out. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Marzzochi Z-3 qr20, hayes,and other good stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome all around. The topping out thing can be fixxed by a simple adjustment to the rear shock. I reasently took this bike off some drops and it handled greatly. Its a fun bike to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle K
a
from Nevada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | This bike handles greatly nd is a great free ride/ dual / downhill bike. | | Weaknesses: | the rear spring tops out. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Marzzochi Z-3 qr20, hayes,and other good stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome all around. The topping out thing can be fixxed by a simple adjustment to the rear shock. I reasently took this bike off some drops and it handled greatly. Its a fun bike to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Boston
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame is sooooooooo stiff, BB hieght is perfect, hayes disks perfect one finger power! Wheel set is great for Slalom/dirt jumping but I would up grade for any DH racing. Seat was a surprisingly good fit (sak friendly too). Cable routing is nice all under the bike, nice and clean. ISIS drive BB sw33t! Great Plattekill Slalom, Dirt jumping, light DH bike! | | Weaknesses: | Specialized tires are awful, switch to Maxxis Mobster/Highroller. Z.3 fork has nice action but is flexy can get disk rub under hard cornering. Seat post creeks like hell and stem is too long. Bars/grips crappy swap for profiles and ODI grips. Thriple chain rings fun for freeriding, but lead to excessive chain slap! LOUD you can here me coming a mile away. Swap out soon for the Evil bikes chain giude and the clipless pedals had to go Sun ringle ZUZU's are a better fit. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit and Specialized S-works DH | | Bike Setup: | Profile bars, odi's, Maxxis tires, soon Evil chain giude | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for cheap! Needs a few small mods, but what bike doesn't! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Boston
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame is sooooooooo stiff, BB hieght is perfect, hayes disks perfect one finger power! Wheel set is great for Slalom/dirt jumping but I would up grade for any DH racing. Seat was a surprisingly good fit (sak friendly too). Cable routing is nice all under the bike, nice and clean. ISIS drive BB sw33t! Great Plattekill Slalom, Dirt jumping, light DH bike! | | Weaknesses: | Specialized tires are awful, switch to Maxxis Mobster/Highroller. Z.3 fork has nice action but is flexy can get disk rub under hard cornering. Seat post creeks like hell and stem is too long. Bars/grips crappy swap for profiles and ODI grips. Thriple chain rings fun for freeriding, but lead to excessive chain slap! LOUD you can here me coming a mile away. Swap out soon for the Evil bikes chain giude and the clipless pedals had to go Sun ringle ZUZU's are a better fit. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit and Specialized S-works DH | | Bike Setup: | Profile bars, odi's, Maxxis tires, soon Evil chain giude | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for cheap! Needs a few small mods, but what bike doesn't! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$7400.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom Cycles | | Strengths: | Sealed bearings at all pivots, Accepts 3" tyres,i've heard rumours that they can be upgraded to up 8 or 9" of rear wheel travel - if anyone knows of this or knows where you can get the new link give me an email.
Also the i think that the frame is bomb proof,if you can brake the main frame on one of these you should take up moto - X | | Weaknesses: | I really can't think of anything at the moment but i'm sure there will be as no bike is going to be perfect.
wait,wait,wait !!!!! The only thing i'm worried about is the Hydraulic lines beng routed under the bottom bracket shell, I hope thiis does'nt cause any problems with the tubing, e.g. rocks hitiing the hydraulic lines causing them to break losing hydraulic fluid = no Brakes...........AAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH | | Similar Products Used: | My old ATX 1 and Haro DH race/a.k.a. Intense M1sl, and my friends Mongoose NX DH | | Bike Setup: | Ok i've got the 2001 model Big Hit pro frame,upgraded the stock Fox vanilla RC to a vanilla RC DH,White Bros. DH3 fork,FSA Pig DH h/set, Easton Mg60 dh stem,Answer pro taper bars,Hayes discs with 8" rotors F&R,Sun double wides 24"rear 26" front,Arrow prime wide 3" tires F&R,XTR shifter,BB,Crank arms and Rear Mech,Mr.Dirt Gizmo, Hurricane post, SDG Bigboy seat, Oury grips and Azonic A-frame platforms | | Bottom Line: | if your looking for a high performance DH,DS or Freeride bike the Specialized Bighit Pro or comp can be built up to any of them and can perform aswell or even better as bikes in a higher price bracket.
I don't know how these bikes perform with the stock setup,but i would assume that they would be pretty sweet for someone who is looking at getting into DH or DS, but i think that the Bighit would be perfectly suited to anyone who wants to do sick wheeli drops or huge gaps.
So if you're looking for a new bike check out the bighit pro,I think you'll be pleasently surprised. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tattoos
a Weekend Warrior
from God's country
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Wooden Wheels | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good geometry for freeriding with 7"fork. ABEC5 bearings throughout! 12 suspension settings. 3"rear tire clearance, beefy stays, 6.5" rear travel can be upgraded as far as 8-9" with custom link!!!!!(wow eh?) 24"rear wheel, decent cranks this year, splined bottom bracket. 20mm thru axle front hub. Full hydro discs w/ 8' front rotor. This year's seat is not terrible (not great either) cool paint color. rides like a rocket down hills! | | Weaknesses: | crappy specialized handlebars, grips, pedals (WAY crappy pedals) front fork not matched to bike- should have been junior T, or something. TIRES! blech! also, had to put a cog hog on the rear deraileur 'cause of the huge cable loop. Not a climber's bike, but hey, the thing's got over half a foot of rear travel!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Lots and Lots. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 BigHit Comp w/ Stratos S7 fork, Arrow prime wide 3" tires front& rear, snafu flatties, Azonic shorty stem, etc... | | Bottom Line: | This is without a doubt THE BEST DEAL on a freeride/downhill bike on the market today! The ride is better than any bike I've ever had, and that's been a few. I would highly recommend the BigHit to anyone who wants a sooooper plush freeride machine with enough beef built in to race downhill. Scrap the pedals, and front fork. Get a dual crown fork and a short stem. I run 62.5mm. This kind of bike needs a dual crown fork. I got the stratos S7, and I love it. The head angle slackens to 66.5 degrees. Bomber! I could go on about how great the ride is, etc... but hey, check it out fer yerself! I paid WELL under 3 grand for this bike as spec'ed! you just can't touch that anywhere else in today's market! The GT DHI is the closest you can get and its WAY over three grand!
Buy the BigHit if you can. it's worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lou-dawg
a
from san mateo california
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | cheap, get all the same things as a bike like the Kona stink deelux, but for a thousand less. ready to race | | Weaknesses: | cheap tires and tubes, flimsy quick release seat post tightener. bars are too wide, all specialized components | | Similar Products Used: | stinky deelux, santa cruz bullit | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike, good for the money, all around freeride bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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