Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
port hills trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Frame Only - Online Auction
Strengths:
Well balanced, strong, reasonable weight, good geometry - can take light freeride and great in the technical. Very chuckable. Surprisingly good downhill (set up with psylos, short stem and and riser bars).
Weaknesses:
None - I bought the frame only.
Similar Products Used:
1998 Haro Escape 7.3, K2 Disco Monkey, Stumpjumper FS
Bike Setup:
Rock Shock Psylos, Hayes Hydro Disks, LX Cranks, XT F & R Derailleurs, Mavic 221 Rims, XT Hubs, Geax Blade 225 tyres, 55mm stem, 2"riser bars.
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame with the intention of building up an XC bike for when I didn't want to lug the 36lb freeride bike up the hill. I was very pleasantly surprised at the way this frame handles - to the extent that I am often quicker down some sections than on the big fs machine. I have deliberately set it up with 125mm front and short stem to improve the DH geometry, but can screw the U-turn down to 80mm for the climbs. Great all round bike - still weighs in at around 26lb which is not bad given the abuse I expect it to take.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goggles McDougal
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tapeworm in Renton
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$729.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles West
Strengths:
* Specialized A1 frame is super strong and can take major punishment. The bike, as a whole, can withstand things like light jumping/freeriding which it really wasn't designed to do. * Magura Julie brakes have awesome stopping power; on hardpack or in the mud. * The Mavic 223 rims are perfectly true after 1 1/2 years of jumping, climbing and bombing downhill. * Nice paint job and looks better than most.
Weaknesses:
* Magura Julie brake levers are flimsy plastic and will, without fail, eventually snap off (alloy upgrades are hard to find and rather expensive). Brake pads continue to rub after 1 1/2 years of trying to get them to permanently stop rubbing (I give up). * The tires, as everyone has noted, wear out quickly; too quickly. * Specialized saddle causes numbness on long seated rides. * Overall, a heavier bike but on par for the price range.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded the drive train from LX to XT. Rockshox suspension seat post. Geax Blade tires (awesome in the wet).
Bottom Line:
I waited 1 1/2 years to write this review to be sure my initial impressions of the bike were correct. (I don't know why people review a product only a couple of weeks after they receive it. It doesn't do the reader much good to read it as it won't cover the most important test; the test of time). This is a Fun bike! And and excellent bike for mid-level mountain biking. Great value for what you get ( yet you will probably want to at least upgrade the saddle and tires). Like the reviewer below, I'm a 160 lb. rider and I've had no problems with the Judy C fork. In fact, it has been bombproof and I've never had a single problem with it. And true, it is heavy but you can't expect Specialized to put a high end fork on this bike because you don't pay a high end price. I might suggest that if you end up riding this as your main bike, that you eventually upgrade the drivetrain (shifters and rear derailleur) to XT (you will enjoy smoother and more dependable shifting). The LX level shifting had become somewhat undependable in this last year. But i've had zero problems with the Specialized crank; no creeks or bending at all. I have to say that this bike has served me well and I'll always keep it around (and upgrade the components as any bike will eventually need). Although I now ride an '02 Specialized SWorks FSR, this Rockhopper, like an old friend, will be around with me a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Hollerauer
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamsville Il, USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lick Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$777.00
Purchased At:
R&M cyclery
Strengths:
sturdy as heck, great breaks, beautiful paint job, fairly light, great price
Weaknesses:
tires wear quickly, and the shifting got a little vague after about a year and a half, but it is still good.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized hard rock fs
Bike Setup:
stock except for small chainring, which had to be replaced.
Bottom Line:
Good bike, very few flaws. I don't see why everyone hates the judy C shock--I have never had any problems, and it takes a beating from a 160 pound rider
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pil
a Cross Country Rider
from Lodz, Poland Date Reviewed: December 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Butcher Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village, Denver,CO
Strengths:
Price, frame, brakes, pedals
Weaknesses:
Tires, crankset, saddle
Similar Products Used:
Old Mongoose Rockadile
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Z2 Atom Race, rear X317 rim, LX crank, IRC MythosK tires
Bottom Line:
After using this bike for over 1,5 year I admit that the forearm crank is a piece of crap. It's bent in all possible ways and lost several teeth. Replacing it is necessary. I also had to replace the brake lever which is made of plastic and cracks easily. The saddle is very comfortable but it's not durable. In the first one I had, I broke the rails, the second's synthetic cover is allready torn. Tires were very good till they wore off and they did it very fast. It looks like I only complain but these are the only things I had problem with. Everything else (except pedals, but that's the minor thing ;-) is excellent. I rode this bike in many beautiful places and it never disappointed me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donald Dass
a Weekend Warrior
from Sierra Vista, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Sun N' Spokes, Sierra Vista
Strengths:
Exceptionally sharp bike. (Mine is black/blue.) Decent components, great brakes. Excellent value.
Weaknesses:
Judy C fork is heavy and wants upgrading. The bike is a little heavy but the Judy is part of the reason for that. I replaced mine with a Duke SL and shaved off just about a pound in one stroke. Otherwise the bike is so good that it's worth any amount of effort and investment you'd care to put into it.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M500.
Bike Setup:
Duke SL fork, Syncros stem, seatpost and skewers, Terry Ti-Race Saddle, Salsa Liplock clamp, Yeti grips, Specialized bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I fell in love with this bike the first time I saw it and spent more money than I'd originally intended to. No regrets though and I think it was a bargain, everything considered. The brakes are powerful and easy to modulate, and as you can see it's onward and upward with upgrades. It's a great value for anyone whose riding is at all suited to a hardtail frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton,ny Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Sonney's
Strengths:
In love w/ the rims tho put together poorly by the shop still strong like bull, brakes are real strong even after a long hard days ride at plattekill(look it up)
Weaknesses:
judy C is real bad, get rid of it asap, BB creaks on mine and decals come off easy. almost forgot about the brake levers, they break very very easily so trade them in for aluminum
Similar Products Used:
'97 Cannondale F500
Bike Setup:
stoke excpet brake levers and some old school panaracers
Bottom Line:
the first couple months i absolutly hated this bike, partly because of the horrible service i got from the shop i bought it at, however after i had a real mechanic work on it i have not been happier, the brake levers and shock are horrible but the ride is stiff and predictable. This bike does not get treated good to say the least, i have ridden it at the toughest DH hills on the east coast and its lived to tell the tale so by all means pick one up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sebastian
a Cross Country Rider
from Witten/Germany Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002
Specialized Teile (Vorbau, Lenker, Sattelstütze und Naben) sind nicht besonders hochwertig und dafür ziemlich schwer.
Bottom Line:
Ich fahre dieses Rad nun schon seit ca. 1 Monat und bin mehr als zufrieden. Ich musste zwar den Vorbau austauschen, da dieser für mich zu kurz war, habe aber einen günstigen von Ritchey bei Ebay ersteigert. Nun sitzt das Bike perfekt und es macht wirklich Spaß, es zu fahren. Einzig die Federgabel (Judy C) möchte ich noch mal austauschen, da diese nicht besonders gut ist.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, N.S, Canada Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Excellent brakes. Nice stiff, well built frame with nice paint and no cheesy stickers. Light enough for what I use it for. Perfect shifting.
Weaknesses:
Skinny stock tires, but that's nothing serious
Bike Setup:
All stock, except for tires
Bottom Line:
Excellent value for the money I paid. I got a good deal on this one, it was regularly $1400 (Canadian dollars), marked down to $1300 because it was the '01 model, but I got it for $1100. Best $1100 I've ever spent. This bike is perfect for my needs. I'm not a professional, but I ride alot, on lots of different terrain, and it's given me zero problems. I only weigh about 140lbs, but I ride pretty darn hard at times, and this bike takes a beating. Awesome brakes, smooth shifting, all around great ride. I'm 100% satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NEAL LITTMAN
a Weekend Warrior
from MARGATE, FLORIDA, USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
BROWARD SCHWINN
Strengths:
HYDRAULIC DISK BRAKES HAVE AWESOM STOPPING POWER.DERALER SYSTEM ALLOWES FOR QUICK & SMOOTH GEAR CHANGES AT SLOWER UP HILL SPEEDS.GEOMETRY OF BIKE IS ESPECIALLY COMFORTABLE FOR 6'3" TALL, 280LB MAN. THE LIGHT WEIGHT ALUMINUM FRAME & RIMS HAD ME A LITTLE HESITANT AT FIRST BUT AFTER THE FIRST COUPPLE OF JUMPS & TRAILS THE BIKE CAN TAKE A BEATING.
Weaknesses:
HAD TO SWAP OUT THE RED MEDIUM STRENGTH SPRINGS ON THE JUDY-C FORKS FOR THE BLACK HEAVY DUTY SETUP,THIS SOLVED THE BOTTOMING OUT PROBLEM.
Similar Products Used:
GIANT RAINIER
Bike Setup:
STOCK SETUP:JUDY-C FORK, SHIMANO DIORE SHIFTERS,JULIE MAGURA DISK BRAKES,
Bottom Line:
YOU CANT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS BIKE SETUP FOR UNDER $1,000. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE GET IT, YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Reynoldson
a Cross Country Rider
from Fylingthorpe, N.Yorks, UK Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002
Poor fork, not enough travel and not adjustable (I pulled them apart just to check). Stock tyres are too skinny and lack grip. Standard stem way too long.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Bobcat Trail
Bike Setup:
Azonic Shorty stem & World Force Risers. WTB Velociraptor tyres.
Bottom Line:
Good for hammering around on if you can live with the limited fork travel (just hang on harder!). The small changes I made to mine transformed the bike. It was good to start with, it's just that it's so much better with a little tweaking. Some lighter 100mm travel forks will be the finishing touch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Strengths:
Solid frame, Ok forks. Great disk brakes gRAET PAINT JOB (RED/WHITE)
Weaknesses:
I got lousy rims (weinmann zac 2000),Rockshox Judy c could be better (Rockshox Psylo)
This bike is much better than its cheap price tag looks. Most other brands would charge 500$ to 1000$ more for the same quality. Specialized has survived this industry by being the best and selling a top quality product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Tukwila, WA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mtn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Fairhaven Bike and Mountain Sports
Strengths:
Excellent components for the price. Light bike for this price range. Disc brakes rock!
Weaknesses:
Tires wore exceptionally quick. That's it.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F700
Bike Setup:
The only thing I've replaced is the seatpost with a Rockshox suspension seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This is the first bike that I've owned in a few years. With the stock components this bike is incredibly capable of handling most anything you can throw at it. The only part I've replaced so far, in more than 1000 miles of riding, is the seatpost, a Rockshox suspension seatpost for extra comfort. I have been greatly impressed with the quality of build from Specialized also. With the exception of customary scratches, the frame looks as good as the day I bought it. The Magura Julie brakes provide excellent stopping power with no noticeable fade during long descents. I can't find anything bad to say about this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Nicholson
a
from Cumberland, Ohio Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$510.00
Purchased At:
western spirit cycling
Strengths:
Great bike for price, great brakes, nice wheels, good components for price, excellent all around bike!! Fairly light
Weaknesses:
Seat sucks for us with a little less cushion. Back brake is not as controllable as the front.
Similar Products Used:
none, first time mtb user, mainly dirtbikes.
Bike Setup:
all stock, xtr components on the way
Bottom Line:
For the price you can't beat this hardtail, unless you have 1000's to spend. It is rugged and will go anywhere you take it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Morris
a
from England Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Derwent valley
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$870.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Lightweight, reliable components Solid as a rock
Weaknesses:
Judy Forks
Bike Setup:
I changed the Judys for some Psylos' and boy, does this baby rock!! Magura discs are reasonably good. I am also about to upgrade the derailleur to a Deore XT
Bottom Line:
I love it, Excellent basic value bike, does everything I ask of it and more, especially since I put the psylos on.
I got to give it five by five
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John V.
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis, TN Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Peddler Bike Shop
Strengths:
Well I have only had this bike for a short while BUT so far this bike kicks ACE!!!!! It accelerates well. Its frame is stiff and disk brakes couldnt be better. (almost became a treehugger one day but fortunaly I had some awsome disk brakes!!! Derailers are great for the price. Fork is fair. If you are new into bikeing and looking to get seriously into it then check this sucka out!
Weaknesses:
Alot of people complain about the weight and I guess if you are SERIOUSLY into it then they are right but if you just enjoy being out in nature and maby want to participate in some compititions this bike will NOT let you down and it IS pretty light. This bike cimbs well but the fork could be a little bit lighter 4.23lbs could be better but I have no complaints. The disk brakes are great but of coures the more parts the harder and more complex to maintain.
Similar Products Used:
Wal-Mart steel 40lbs bikes with less than ideal gears but you got to give 'em credict least they have wheels!!
Bike Setup:
Completely Stock havnt had enough money to buy anything else but IF I am going to get something else maby a LX front derailer or a lighter shock or maby some different tires. (stock tires slip in leaves lol) Rock Shox Judy C. Deore/LX shimano derailers. Disk brakes.
Bottom Line:
If you have this bike especialliy if you got it for $900 or below you are a lucky fellow! Again I havent had it for a while but im loving it to death. Too bad my bed isnt bike enough for the two of us. (the bike that is) Clipless Pedals are a personal thing and I think they are awsome difinatly worth the money!! Now when buying shoes DO NOT PAY FULL PRICE!!! You will see $100 shoes and in a month see them for $15 so dont pay more than $35 for shoes! You WILL take some spills because you cannot clip out of the pedals easily but eventually it will be come second nature I think it is worth it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: October 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell (Syosset)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
Brands Cycle and Fitness (Wantagh)
Strengths:
Lightweight, strong frame, ok fork, great parts and hydraulic disc brakes for $700!
Weaknesses:
The plastic brake levers are a little flimsy and may break, and the Judy C should be set at 100mm for maximum effectiveness. When replacing a flat tire, DO NOT FOR ANY REASON ENGAGE THE BRAKE LEVER. The pads will stick together and are diffucult to get apart.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche 1.0, Schwinn Moab 2, Giant Rainier SE, Trek 6700 - all tested in comparison to Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for flat pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is an awesome deal if you can get it for $800-$850. If you can get it for cheaper, then go for it. For people looking for a marzocchi fork and disc brakes on a sub-$1000 bike the Rainier is a good choice, but the Specialized is still a better value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Boston Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Landry's
Strengths:
The brakes and the fork make this bike a better value than the other machanical disk bikes I saw in this price range. I wanted a bike I could buy for under $1000, and not end up up-grading another $200 - $400 later on. I have always been a fan of the Specialized team tires and body geomerty seat, and would have had to shell out extra to put them on another company's bike.
Weaknesses:
The bike is heavy for a $1000 hardtail. I use to have a 99 schwinn homegrown that was about 2-3 lbs lighter. I feel the addition of hydraulic disks over Avid 1.0 brakes are well worth the added weight. Just resolve to loose the 3 lbs before next year.
Stock, but switched the Shimano pedals for Ritchey.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great all around trail bike. The disks make short work of stopping in all conditions, and the component package is solid. If you are a novice racer there is no reason that you couldn't use this bike for the first year just to test your legs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randolph Tomassi
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Derwent Valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$955.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
This bike is Rock Solid and when you want it to stop, just do it. Its light and a wicked ride
Weaknesses:
the Judy C shox, need a bit of beefing up (I'm changing mine when i get some more cash)
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche 1.0
Bottom Line:
I took this bike out in the peak district in England. There is some mean hills to climb and some fast technical downhills. This bike handled it all with ease. It is the bomb
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn,NY Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Mr.C's
Strengths:
You can't beat this bike for the price. Shifts smooth and brakes work great. I have the blue and yellow one and it just looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Weight. But from what the other reviews say you can change some components and lighten it up a little. I'm not a big racer so it doesn't make a big differnce to me.
Similar Products Used:
86' or 87' (can't remember) Rockhopper comp.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the old Deore XT pedals from my old bike. Minus a few reflectors.
Bottom Line:
I haven't been on a bike for a long time. But so far so good I'm very happy with this bike. I mostly ride on weekends and in Brooklyn there aren't alot of trails. There's a few in some parks and in the golf course nothing to brag about. I haven't broken anything (YET) but then again I'm only 150lbs. and been on the street most of the time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gene Fine
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnat, OH Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hueston Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Campus Cyclery
Strengths:
Very strong, very agile. The compact size of the frame and low top tube make it really fast through tight singletrack. Even with the weight, the geometry makes it an excellent climber. The discs make riding in the mud fun.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy. The plastic brake levers snap easily and are expensive to replace ($50!) The stock tires suck on anything but hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 1, Trek 8000, Marin Rocky Ridge
Bike Setup:
Stock, except Continental Cross Country tires and Easton MonkeyLite riser bar.
Bottom Line:
This is my first "serious" mountain bike, after a run of $300 machines that just got destroyed on trails. I am beyond happy with it, and would recommend it to anyone, particularly if you live in a rainy/muddy area, as it's one of the few bikes in it's class to come stock with hydraulic discs. I figure that if I get to the point where this bike is not good enough for me, I've earned that Yeti A.R.C. I'm dreaming of...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Stout
a Cross Country Rider
from Hepzibah WV 26369 Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dirt+DownHill=Favorite
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Bikes And More
Strengths:
Price most of all, You will not find better components at this price point what ever of the brand name. The brakes are AWSOME and The bike is comfortable to ride. I am a "LARGE" 270lbs large and this bike can handle the beating. Good shifting, good balance, good looks! Over all Good Purchase!
Weaknesses:
Ok im going to honest here but don't let this discourage you from this bike it is a good buy.
Bearing went bad in the rear hub on third ride "Shop fixed for free" . bent the LX derailleur and a spoke on a LOG in the woods. "Shop fixed for free" rear rim out of true second ride "Shop fixed for free" been true sense.
This bike is heavy about 32lbs" Fishing Scale", mostly due to the fork,riserbar and seatpost.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing
Bike Setup:
Stock, added Kenda Crystals "RED" Look COOL! And temp removed the clipless pedals till I get brave!!
Bottom Line:
The only thing that has acutally failed was the bearing and it got fixed for free!!
I dont ride like your Grandmother, I ride like hell. 20-25mph down hill runs across rock and roots, climb root coverd loose hills. I am in WV this is real mountain biking.
Good Bike upgrades make it better, Replace fork, riser bar and seat post for weight and you got a bike that will rival many 1500.00 bikes.
BIG BOYS!! This bike is ok for you too!! Rims are solid and hold up to 270lbs. seat is comfortable over all fit and finish is nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Attwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide Australia Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
jupiter creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Lifecycle Cycles
Strengths:
Everything on this bike is excellent for the price. The forks soak up the rough stuff. The brakes bring you to a screaming halt when you lose the plot. The gears shift effortlessly. Best of all the bike goes exactly were you point it, the stearing and handling is AWESOME
Weaknesses:
Colour scheme is a bit so so, maybe a little heavy if you want a pure race machine
Similar Products Used:
Old mongoose hardtail, but nothing is this good in the same price bracket!
Bike Setup:
Straight off the showroom floor minus bell and reflectors of course.
Bottom Line:
Incredible piece of equipment. Doing the same old 3 hour ride I do several times a month was just bliss. The bike just hums along without any nasty little habits to make you worry. If the truth be known it is probably about a kilo and half to heavy for a X-country race machine but lets be honest how often do you race compared to just being out there for a goodtime.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Gates
a Cross Country Rider
from Anacortes Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
WHISTLE LAKE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Skagit Cycle Center
Strengths:
This is a great bike for the price. When searching for a new bike this one never came to mind. I was going to purchase a Giant XTC se2 (hardtail) or a Raleigh M-800. Both of those bikes were a great deal per components offered or weight for the Giant. But when testing the Giant, my LBS suggested I take the Specialized out for a spin. This is when I fell in love. Great race geometry, hydraulic disk breaks, pretty nice shock and a burly frame, you can't go wrong for the price. The component mix is great and you can only upgrade from there. This is a heavy race bike, but when you weigh 210, who cares. It climbs beautifully and descends just as well. The frame is very stiff with no noticable flex. The way can get a little bumpy but this bike absorbs almost everything and handles great. Fire roads, single track, downhill, drop-offs, bring it on!
Weaknesses:
The only weakness this bike has is it's weight (from the brakes I imagine) But for the price you're paying, don't gripe. Right off the bat you can upgrade the fork and cut off 1.5 lbs.
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC se2, Raleigh M-800
Bike Setup:
Judy C, Magura Julie hydraulic disks (see review), LX rear. deore front and shifters, strongarm 2 crank
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. You're not going to beat it for the price, believe me, I looked. The Schwinn Moab 3 disk is close but it has a lower component package and cable-actuated brakes. It rides great in all conditions and as far as racing goes, you'll have to check back later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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