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Specialized
1999 S-Works M4
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Submitted by
colin mackay
a Cross Country Rider
from ediburgh uk
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | glentress scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5530.00 | | Purchased At: | edinburgh bike co op | | Strengths: | rear suspension only works over bumps. light and fast | | Weaknesses: | cant tune rear suspension mutch | | Bike Setup: | sid sl shox, easton carbon front bar and seat post,race face carbon crank and ti bottom bracket,hope m4 brakes, mavic crossmax wheel set,xtr gear set,hope xc head set ,panaracer fire xc pro tubless | | Bottom Line: | love it | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike stout
a Cross Country Rider
from shawano, WI, usa
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | where there isent one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | from friend | | Strengths: | awsome acceleration and very nimble, i love the crap out of it | | Weaknesses: | none the condition i recived it as | | Similar Products Used: | gt zaskar, raleigh talus, trek elite 9.8, trek fuel(still own all of these | | Bike Setup: | all xtr, titec titanium stearing, rolf domlite wheels, raceface sealed headset, kenda kahrisma light tires (hella light from kenda try em they are semitread but boy are they fast), and easton ec-70 seatpost with selle italia flight gel seat, also sid long travle fork | | Bottom Line: | awesome, all together it was worth 5g's but my friend hooked me up with it for 1000 awesome, this bike is rad and every time i get off it i get even more stoaked to get on it again | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick
a Racer
from red hook ny
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | jockey hill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Private BN from cali. | | Strengths: | light, M4, Sweet looking rig | | Weaknesses: | seatpost...... go for the thompson. | | Similar Products Used: | gt, giant, cannonwale, spec. | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT setup, with cheapy ritchey pedals, (crank bros. egg beaters on the way.) marz z.3 fork. sworks crank and stem | | Bottom Line: | get on it, ride it, and go home happy. simple as that. seat post gets tweaked easy, otherwise nice rig. ill give an update with crank bros pedals and thompson post. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | light | | Weaknesses: | dropouts!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Normal | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy one of these used. The frame warranty vaporizes if
you aren't the original owner. And as I've learned the dropouts are weak. But it was nice while it lasted. Due
to my improperly adjusted derailleur, my fault, the
derailleur wound up in the spokes. The spokes didn't bend.
The hanger barely bent. The dropout on the left bent out and
back. I can't find anybody that wants to try and fix it.
But I guess it is really a racer and like any racer, it
can't get much of its original purchase price when
resold. Just keep that in mind. If you are hard on
frames or don't feel lucky, only buy one brand new!!!
You should be happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a Racer
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Everything except the cranks | | Weaknesses: | Crankset! | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks, Shimano 858 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden and so damn responsive! I dont like to get on my road bike now after riding this. But like other people that posted, the cranks do suck. Mine worked loose and on a climb, I stripped them. Not nice pedalling one legged home. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jones Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything on Mt. Elden | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Awesome Frame, light, climbs like no other | | Weaknesses: | paint chips | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Sid Sl, Chris King headset, Crossmax wheels, XTR everything else | | Bottom Line: | I havent ever ridden a bike that climbs, decends (for a hardtail) or does anything as good a my bike. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | moab slickrock!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo (frame only) | | Strengths: | Super light, super fast. Comfortable, yet nimble, geometry. An excellent climber... | | Weaknesses: | No disc brake mounts for 99 model. A bit bumpy on the fast rutted stuff, like most any hardtail... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi bomber, Spinergy spox rims, Truvativ team Stylo ISIS crankset, otherwise xt drivetrain, Avid 5.0 linear brakes, Koobi au enduro seat | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you like to go fast. It loves to climb and is super quick in tight singletrack. Very sharp looking, to boot... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Racer
from Redding, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | o-my-god | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Redding sports LTD | | Strengths: | Lightweght and fast | | Weaknesses: | This bike "as is", is very race worthy but with a few upgrades it can be the best xc rig you'll ever own. My only problem so far has been breaking two frames but speicialized is one of the best companies for replacements | | Bike Setup: | Full xtr shifting and braking thomson stem and seat post monkeylite bars Mars CL fork s-works hubs and 517 hoops XTR cranks | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike "rocks" I love the way it rides and the way it feels | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Toronto, Ont., Canada
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | i'm not telling =Þ | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dukes cycle | | Strengths: | stiff and handles better than a giddy school girl on prom night. Has a great parts spec, except. . . | | Weaknesses: | the stock specialized cranks!! They'll work themselves loose, and if u ride hard they can strip. Replace with B.C. invented ~Raceface tourbine~ crank and you're in Bike heaven. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar, Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | XTR deraillers, xt 'all in one' shifters/levers, xt brakes, crossmax rims, GT hubs (mmmm), michelin wildgripper tires, sid SL. | | Bottom Line: | my bike is faster than yours | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Lancaster
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Les Gets | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lightweight and a build quality 2nd to none. Everything about this bike breads speed, it climbs like its stuck to the ground and descends like its on rails. The frame is stiff enough to give superb acceleration. If this bike was a girl I'd marry it. | | Weaknesses: | Can get a bit too frisky due to the frames stiffness. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 8900, Y33, YETI ARC, MERLIN MOUNTAIN | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Specialized tyres, Velocity deep section rims, Marzocchi Super Fly forks | | Bottom Line: | For Cross Country it doesn't get much better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in K-country | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bowcycle | | Strengths: | Super light! Good component group, kool colors, SID SL, awesome acceleration, racer profile, everything is sealed | | Weaknesses: | That damn crankset (welcome to flex-ville)! SID SL, dumb colored bar (stock), rear-d dropout | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar LE, Fisher Supercaliber, Schwinn Howmegrown Team | | Bike Setup: | SID SL, XTR rear-d, XT everything else, XT disc in front, Blackspire bashring, Easton stem, bar, seatpost, IRC Mythos XC, mavic 517SUP, | | Bottom Line: | Pretty narley bike -- super light, pretty good component group, spiffy acceleration, overall awesome bike!
But that retarded crankset gives a new meaning to flex, the SID SL is a biotch to tune perfectly
That dumb stock bar and stem just don't compliment the bike's full potential
Hasn't failed me yet when doing trials and other urban assualts, but see to get rid of the XT rear brake set (there's a little too much modulation)
Go out and get it as long as you can get a good deal on it, or else you'll be upgrading till the cows come home! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
grunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | If it's got dirt & a climb | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | A bulletproof frame and good component set. A better bike than I am a rider. | | Weaknesses: | First, the crankset. After the fourth chainsuck episode, AMF. Several rides where the seatpost let the saddle slip didn't help (I didn't think you should use a cheater bar on an allen wrench). Thomson solved that. I see the new models come with Thomson - good decision.
The saddle didn't do me any favors so it too went AMF. But the thing that gripes my butt is the fork. After reading about Specialized replacing the titanium springs in the fork on the Internet, I had to see for myself. Sure enough - steel. Thanks big S. Lastly, the pedals were an accident waiting to happen. The ATACs are so sweet!
Duh, what's with the gold bar???????? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Schwinn, GT | | Bike Setup: | XTR Crank, Thomson seatpost & stem, Time ATAC pedals, Selle Italia saddle, Hutchinson tires, Easton bar | | Bottom Line: | A good bike but once the Specialized stuff is gone it borders on greatness. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, Texas
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bar H | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Weight, handeling, and solid construction. | | Weaknesses: | Crank set, paint and sticker set. | | Bike Setup: | Monkey Lite bars, XTR crank set, and Body Geo seat.
| | Bottom Line: | I got this bike last year and have put a lot of miles on it since. Bad news first- the crank set sucks. Mine broke and it took forever to get another from Specialized so I went with an XTR set. Although cosmetic, the paint does chip easily and the sticker set tends to come off easily.
Good news- this bike rocks! It is very lite (22.5 lbs), handles like a dream, extremly quick, and very dependable. I have ridden the crap out of it and had no problems (excluding the crank set). This machine is well worth the money! I will buy again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Asselin
a Cross Country Rider
from Repentigny
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Presqu'Île | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very Very Light!!!
Shimano XTR and XT
Very beautiful bike...it flash!!
ACCELERATION!! (La Bomba!!!!) | | Weaknesses: | Price is high, but i thinks is a good value!
The seat is not very confortable...but, is not a bike to ride...lol | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | The original setup, i change nothing, for the moment... | | Bottom Line: | WOW!! THis bike is a very fast and very very light...what I can say? An d the look, very cool. So, I have nothing to say for the moment, because ismy first time a have a Specialized. Before that, I had a GT Timberline, a good bike too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacques
a Racer
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This bike is extremely light, stiff and very responsive. It's an awesome climber and a fast descender. | | Weaknesses: | I had a problem with the headset, and I chose to replace it with a Raceface. I also replaced the stock pedals with Shimano 747's for better performance. The stock saddle isn't as comfortable as I would have liked it, but that's a matter of preference. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper
Kona Kula
Dekerf Generation
Rocky Mountain Thin Air and Blizzard | | Bike Setup: | 19" frame, RS Sid SL, Raceface headset, 747 pedals, All XT except XTR BB and Rear mech., Selle San Marco Saddle, Ritchey post, Onza bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | A great racing bike. Steep descents are a little twitchy, but that's to be expected from a bike designed for cross country racing. It climbs like a goat and descends well on long fast descents. This is a killer bike for anyone who loves aluminum frames, or wants to race! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Bryn Mawr, PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jim Thrope's Uranium Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light Weight/Strong Frame. Extreme speedster. | | Weaknesses: | Derailers are junk. Stock seat is worthless. Decals. | | Similar Products Used: | Treks before...laugh at Trek's now. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR's. | | Bottom Line: | Racing bike that can handle extreme off road conditions as long as you tweak it afterward/prior. Tires are OK...maybe needs a upgrade.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Richard
a Racer
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any w/ screamin downhills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | very stiff frame, very light | | Weaknesses: | very stiff frame | | Bike Setup: | Same as pro team- xtr, manitou, magura hydros. etc. | | Bottom Line: | inexpensive, lightweight, and holds a line well- climbs like the machine that it is- go get one!5 flamin chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Shoreline / Bayshore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Super light, Super fast! great frame. | | Weaknesses: | It would be nice if the shifters and front dr. were XTR -- no problems with the XT, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Various - mainly Bridgestone and Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced rear tire with SBC TE Rockster. | | Bottom Line: | I'm not rich, but I am kind of a snob when it comes to the products that I buy. I will pay more for a great product if I think that it is worth it. This bike IS worth the price.
Everytime I pick up this bike, I am surprised by how light it is. I flatted earlier today, and when I pulled off the front wheel I was surprised at how light it is, even though I have had the wheel off many times...
Overall, this is by far the best bike I have even ridden. If you can afford it (or have room on your credit card) Buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in k-country | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | 22lbs, stiffness, light wheelset, ride quality | | Weaknesses: | Sid SL, paint job, chainrings | | Similar Products Used: | 98 m2 comp, Rocky Vertex | | Bike Setup: | Sid SL, S-Works wheels, xt/xtr, and all the other s-works stuff | | Bottom Line: | My girlfriend thinks I love this bike more than her! Probably the best bike I've ever ridden. Rocket ship acceleration, climbs like you could have only dreamed about and still has confidence on the steepest of steep descents. This ride is the consumate racing steed, so is definately not recommended for weekend warriors. There is some faults though. 1) I'm still not fully sold on the SID. My old fork was a Bomber z2, which I loved. I find the SID to be almost as good as performance goes, but lacks stiffness. I've read about the seals blowing, but mine haven't yet, and the c3 cartridge doesn't seem all that effective, but I do like the overall feel of the fork. 2) The chainrings downright suck! They do not shift consistently at all, and the crank arms could be a little stiffer. 3) The paint job leaves something to be desired, it seems to just fall off, get a chainstay protecter of some kind. But hey that's not a whole lot to gripe about, especially when the feel of the frame will bring you instant satisfaction. If you can find one, then buy one and never look back! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from scl,utah, usa
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim, moab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Extra stiff frame, puts all of leg power to rear wheel. Light weight, makes for outstanding accelration,WOW! | | Weaknesses: | head set, paint chips very easily, and stock tires provide little traction. | | Similar Products Used: | kline adriot,Giant 780 | | Bike Setup: | body geometry saddle, everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding for 11 years, this bike feels like a rocket ship without a motor! It's the fastest bike i've ever mounted. Would be nice to have full XTR for the price. Come on Specialized! Also too many decals, a little overkill on that. I reccomend buying this bike for any serious rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Klipp
a Cross Country Rider
from United States
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ghost Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great on turns and uphill climbs, and handles great at fast speeds. I have done every type of trail on this bike and it flew threw them all. | | Weaknesses: | The Manitou SX Carbon 99' that comes stock on the M4s made before Sept. of 1999 is horrible, and keep braking on me. But that can always be changed. | | Similar Products Used: | Everything. (I works at a shop.) | | Bike Setup: | 99' SWorks M4, Bomber Z1 X-FLY, Race Face Turbine LP cranks, Race Face B.B., XTR Brakes and levers, XTR Rear D., Titec Hellbent w/ X-brace,... | | Bottom Line: | This is the best hardtail I have ever raced with, and nothing else comes close.
NOTE: YOU WOULD PROBABLY WANT TO CHANGE THE FORK AND THE CRANKS. ALSO THE 00' IS BASICLY THE SAME RIDE AND FEEL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cheese narf
a Racer
from seattle
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great bike. Very excelent on the uphill, and better on the down. Stiff frame, and very fast | | Weaknesses: | the cranks. They weat under to much force. | | Similar Products Used: | stumpjumper, trek 9.9 | | Bike Setup: | switched to race face cranks | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I recomond it to anyone, from a beginner to a pro like me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Kim
a Racer
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lone lake park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This bike is awesome. The frame is stiff for great acceleration, climbs like a beast, and you can fly on switchbacks. The components on this bike are xtr and the wheelset is very light and stiff....awesome. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized m2 s-works,specialized stump jumper pro, fsr xc pro | | Bike Setup: | xt and xtr, 06 specialized/rock shock carbon legged fork. mavic 221 ceramic with xtr hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for people that race but if ya dont race buy a bike a little cheaper like a giant xtc. overall its a great mtb bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Mills
a Racer
from Hollywood MD
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | in md... you name it. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This frame is on! You'll not find a bike like it. It climbs and handles ease. I promise that if you race... this bike will feel great! Take it from me, a shop employee. | | Weaknesses: | Well, it's has only two. Althougth it is a high price to pay for a bike... it's a great bike. But... the fault # 1 is that if you have a early '99 the OEM Manitou Carbon chances are that the bonding which holds the for legs on is not set properly. But, hey it's only on the early '99s. Not on anythng produced after Sep. 1999. And Shh, about the fork thing... we're not supposed to tell the public. # 2 ... the Cranks! The Cranks on this bike DO NOT HOLD UP WELL. Buy Some other crank. Trust me... any hard riding, (In my case racing) the rings my losse teeth. That's not good. | | Similar Products Used: | You name it. Remember, I work at a shop and ... Race ... Alot! | | Bike Setup: | Stock... with Race Face LP Cranks and B.B. and full XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it! You won't be sorry! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abel M.
a Racer
from Pasadena, Ca 91107
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Strong frame, Not too flexy like titanium, Overall best climber | | Weaknesses: | Stock Specialized S Works components, Too pricy | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Titanium, GT Kazkar, Cannondale Team Replica | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX Carbon, Full Shimano XTR, SRAM 6.0SL, Koobi Spiltfire, Mavic Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | This is the best XC bike I've ever been on. Climbs like it's got a motor on the back and handles with pinpoint accuracy. I would have purchased this bike over a year ago, but the price was too high. Saw it on sale for $1200 and I jumped all over it. This is my best investement yet. Five chili pepers for this beauty! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Hibbs
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tar Hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, Very quick handling yet stable at speed, Sweet "Feel." More curves than a .... | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires are for Hardpack, not what we got here in Ohio. Saddle may have caused permanent damage. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8900, S-Works M2, | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey Mud Max rear tire, Oury grips, WTB Saddle, USE suspension post. | | Bottom Line: | This is the sweatest ride I've ever been on. It fits me great and suits my riding style. It is definitely a softer ride than the older S-works. It is incredibly light and nimble. I can slide both tires around corners comfortably. It's climbing and accleration are it's strongest points. This makes a Great East coast bike for the tight and twisty stuff. The components settup is great as well. Have had no problems with the chainrings or fork. Feels the way a True XC racer should. I'd buy this bike over most Titanium bikes (hence the good value rating).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Peplinski
a Racer
from New Brunswick , Canada
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any without snow. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Good Price, Value | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox fork, Front Shifting | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar, Cannondale F2000, trek Y-22 | | Bike Setup: | Same as stock execpt for Syncros riser bars, and shimano pedals. | | Bottom Line: | A good bike, that's held back by a couple of flaws.
#1 get rid of the specialized chain rings before you leave the shop. They don't shift worth a damn and look cheesy as hell.
#2 get rid of the fork I rode mine for about 3 months and had a seal failure they've been in califronia since, and I get to ride a rigid fork till they get back. You're much better off gaining a pound and putting a bomber in place of the SID.
Other than that it's a great bike handles superb with my rigid fork, though just recently I had a little trouble with my front derailer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shane
a Cross Country Rider
from maryland
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | avalon/patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | light weight
acceleration!!!
xtr brakes
wheelset
great handling | | Weaknesses: | paint
crank/chainrings
| | Similar Products Used: | barracuda a2v | | Bike Setup: | stock w/koobi splitfire | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks! it's extremely light (sub 22lbs), in fact i was concerned about durability initially, but 130 miles & no problems so far. climbs incredibly, accelerates like a jet fighter; an extremely fast bike. i feel more confident on this bike than my previous ride(a 25 lb steel frame).
some negatives: paint chips easily,specialized logo posted too many times to count,crank could be stiffer,chainrings won't allow consistent shifts,that's it!
i was initially shopping for a m2 pro, but got a smokin' deal ($1700) on the m4(great value!) it may be a little racy for my riding style, but i'll cope. overall great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary,Alberta
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light,stiff,full XTR,SID -- need I say more | | Weaknesses: |
paint chips very easy on chainstay -- get a Lizardskin | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Zaskar LE, C'dale S3000 | | Bike Setup: |
22lbs, Mavic 517 ceramic, specialized cranks, Spec. hubs,stem,bar, etc. SID SL, full XTR | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike made for the XC racer or coinisseur of fine equipment. SID SL is extremely adjustable. dropouts a little short. not for beginners or anyone else who thinks CCM is a mountain bike company. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRIS
a Cross-Country Rider
from GREAT BRITIAN
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
THE CHILTERNS | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very light, very strong, Looks Great ! | | Weaknesses: |
Paint chips with ease | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Zaskar LE. Also a great bike but the ride quality of the M4 is much more friendly to the backside | | Bike Setup: |
SIDS
Complete XTR
Mavic Cross MAX
Syncross TI post Syncross Stem X-Lite bars | | Bottom Line: | The best hardtail ive riddenGO BUY ONE KNOW!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raul Euphrates
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
HardRock | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Too Many to list! | | Weaknesses: |
None with my setup! | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized M2 comp
Cannondale/lost my head for a year! | | Bike Setup: |
Fork: Marzocchi 80mm
Wheels: Nuke Proof Ti hubs/ Bontrager v.
Head Set: Chris King
Brakes: XTR w/ SRAM carbon levers
Drivetrain: SRAM betsy 9.0
Handel bar: Crowbar
Stem: Syncros
Seatpost: Syncros
Seat: Avocet o2
Pedals: 747 | | Bottom Line: | My first real bike was a Specialized M2 comp. I loved this bike. My wife surprized me by getting me a European Model(black) 2000 M4! How the hell she swung that is beyond me. They don't even sell M4 hartail framesets in the US! I slapped on all of my beautiful components and the dream came alive! A bike should not be allowed to ride this good. I have to admit it is not a stock setup, but tha difference between the M2 and M4 is huge! This bike is scary light and handels great! There is no other bike in the world I would trade this one for! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Racer
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any race | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
Rear dropouts are to small.
The dropout weld is in line with the 9th gear
Headset
Pedals
Chain | | Similar Products Used: |
Rocky mountain
GT | | Bike Setup: |
stock M4 with SX carbon | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike believing Specialized stands behind its product. Specialized did not warranty this frame.So after asking several technicians as well as researching the internet on various bulletin boards as well as polling other m4 owners for similar cases as well as possible causes, The conclusion I have come to is the loose fitting chain at least 2 links to long (the 3of 4 bikes at the shop in my size have less links) Combined with the rapid rise which When thumbed down to the 9th cog can overthrow the chain into the weld, and because of the properly adjusted derailluer, when pedaled is scraping the weld without any notice of inconsistency in pedal stroke . They weld at the dropout has worn away leaving the frame extremly vunerable to damage.
So long Specialized. Look for me at th California Races your frame will be haging from a noose. I will be the guy showing everyone the damage
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
XTR/XT drivetrain
M4 Frame | | Weaknesses: |
S-Works crankset | | Similar Products Used: |
Fisher | | Bottom Line: | m4 rock. frame is ultralight, climbs and handles incredibly...best bike i've ever ridden. changes the whole riding experience. got mine for $1600 and it's a steal! keeps me dreaming about riding whenever i'm sitting bored at work. i'd like to change out the crankset to xtr when i get a chance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrel
a Racer
from Grande Prairie Alta
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hogs Back | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Frame
components,
wheels | | Weaknesses: |
Cassette
Sid SL
Pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
Zaskar le | | Bike Setup: |
Stock with Race face system, lo riser bar, ritchey pedals, firepro xc | | Bottom Line: | Specialized has made a sweet frame and wheel set i luv em, Im 6'2 245 and its a 17 frame and its the stiffest most comftorable frame ive ridden, i have to complain bout 2 things the 9 speed cassette i was doin a sprint and the cassette shatter i thought i snapped my chain, and the sid, the C3 cartridge came shipped blown and bell canada (who sucks big harry a**) told me it was a 2 week backorder for the parts (bell canada sucks) and its been what 8 months, 8 MONTHS thats like over 12 races ive missed on this bike i had to throw on my old indy c ?? did i mention bell canada has crappy service? But besides specialized goin through bell to warrenty, this bike rocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elliott Boston
a Cross-Country Rider
from West Coast, CA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Frame, XTR Components, and STOUT HUBS! | | Weaknesses: |
Crankset, XT Rapid fire shifters, and head set. | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant XTC SE | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike! I like everything about it! This bike came out of the box weighing less the 24lbs and it is race ready! If you can afford this one I highly Recommend IT! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chi
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
My ex girl friend's bedroom | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
the BEST hardtail frame ever made!!!!!! reasonable price for such quality. | | Weaknesses: |
yes, the pedal and the headset.
paint job | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Zaskar LE Team
GaryFisher Procaliber | | Bike Setup: |
stock bike+ Shimano 545 pedal(heavy, but reliable),
Selle TriMatic saddle, panaracer fire XC pro tires | | Bottom Line: | if you wanna crush your competition and see them behind you, this is the bike to own. The best and the strongest frame ever(and one of the lightest)! enough said!?
Is it just me or the paint chips off easier then other bikes....???? I've only ridden this bike for 3 months now and it is full of ugly scratches. And no touch up paint available.
I bought this bike in Korea and I have noway to register for a warranty....what's up with that!? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a Racer
from nova scotia-canada
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
wentworth hostel | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
sprinting
climbing
racing | | Weaknesses: |
headset
seatpost | | Similar Products Used: |
99 norco torrent | | Bike Setup: |
16 frame
SID sl
XTR/XT
517s | | Bottom Line: | This is a fast bike. You can really feel the power getting to the ground. This climbs like hell and decends surprisingly well for a superlight XC race bike. I find it more confidence inspering than my last bike which had a rider bar and a bomber. In tight trails the bike is very east to flick around and makes technical climbs disapear. The sid sl on the canadaian version is great and is way better that last years sid. It can be set up very plush and active while also being able to be set up stiff and efficient for race day. I find that there is not much diffenence in stiffness compared to my old Z3. (I only weigh 125lbs. though)
XTR components work flawlessly and I have never had any problems yet. The bike shifts lightning fast and never misses a shift. The brakes are smooth and very powerfull. I have the canadian version with XT levers insted of XTR. I have no problems with the XT parts so I will most likely replace with XTR when they wear out but the work fine so they will stay for now. The wheels very strong and really light. They are only 20grams heavyer than crossmaxx. I have no complaints about the pedals except I like mine really tight on the release tension and these don't seem to be able to be set up as tight as my old 535s were.(and I know how to use the allan key ajuster)
When a first got the bike I noticed that there was a grinding noise and feeling coming from the headset when the bars were turned at a 90 degree angle to the frame. I took the headset apart and put it back together and it works fine now but it is not a very good design. There is no botton seal and you can see the cartrage bearing.
I always com back from rides to find that the seatpost has sliped back out of ajustment. I had a ritchey post on my torrent and that never happend on that bike.(I put loctight on the threads and it hasn't sliped yet.)Over all a perfect race bike.
(mine is 21.5lbs with the 16frame) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mr. Toadies Wild Ride | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Super Light, Manitou SX Carbon Shock, XTR Brakes | | Weaknesses: |
Ahead Headset, no quick release on seat | | Similar Products Used: |
98' M2, old preshock Cannondale, Balance | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SX Carbon, Chris King Headset, Race Face cranks. | | Bottom Line: | The only bike you need to try! I read some of the other reviews before I bought this bike and was concerned with some of the comments regarding the shock, handlebar color, headset, and wheel set, and pedals. Well, some of it was true. The headset does have its problems, listed in other reviews and backed up by the shop mechanics, so I put on a Chris King and have no complaints (definately worth it!) The shock is great (the shop had to buy it mail order because they were sold out at Specialized so no worries about the spring change out) Very light and smooth, a marked imporvement on the 98' SX TI. Pedals are a bit tough to get into, but work fine. The bar looks fine with the yellow frame and the wheels have performed flawlessly. Completely true after some hard riding by a 205 lb bomber. The bike is very fast and the angles are great. No fatigue after riding some familiar trails that worked me on my last bike. The XTR brakes are great, big imporvement over the 99' XT on my other bike. The Race Face cranks were worth the changeout and work nicely with the XT derailer. Don't pay more then $2100 (if you can even find one!), mine was the last 19 available form the factory.... Definately worth the $$$$$$ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Igor
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nantucket
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
it has two wheels and is a pretty shade of yellow | | Weaknesses: |
it looks like a billboard | | Similar Products Used: |
green machine, big wheel | | Bike Setup: |
replaced front shock with cheap chromoly forks | | Bottom Line: | Before buying this bike, I was riding a 97 M2 Pro Stumpjumper. I can't justify the 1000 dollar increase in price for the M4. I've been experiencing buyers remorse ever since I bought the bike. The bike climbs well, but I actually felt more confident on my M2. Componentry is pretty solid...although I've had problems with the headset and pedals. Lastly, the Specialized logo printed on every inch of the bike pturbs me. Kreer, the bike just aint worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ross
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Priest Lake,Id | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
light,stiff, quick up front | | Weaknesses: |
lots of stickers | | Similar Products Used: |
AD Fly Ti
ibis alibi | | Bike Setup: |
buildup, xt | | Bottom Line: | I got this frame as a warranty for a busted 93 M2 S-works. The bike is built up from parts off of that.I use xt over xtr due to price and find it works just fine. Not as light but as durable if not more so. I do alot of long backcountry rides(30-55 miles). Xt has not let me down but have been let down by xtr(der.) Weight is also not an issue and use a suspension seat post. bike wieghhs in at about 23.5 with all that stuff. As compared to other reviews my setup is heavy. This bike still ROCKS! Climbs great, carves single track like an electric knife, and it is not so heavy that the hike a bike sections aaren't so bad. Much wuicker than the old M2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Switzer
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ridgecrest, CA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
strong wheelset | | Weaknesses: |
Not having full XTR components, pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
97 S-works | | Bike Setup: |
Factory (standard) setup: replaced pedals with Shimano 747's | | Bottom Line: | I'm a replacing a 97 S works that was stolen. I've been pretty happy, but I don't think
the cost increase from a 97 to a 99 model was worth it. I've had really good luck with the wheelset. I was breaking spokes all the time on my '97 and haven't broken one yet on my '99 after 6 months. I hated the specialized stock pedals. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AWS
a Racer
from MPLS, MN
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Afton Alps | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light, Good climber | | Weaknesses: |
Breaks down all the time | | Bottom Line: | I really like the way this bike rides, but so far I have had to replace the Headset, Fork, Cranks, and Bottom Bracket. The Frame is great, but the component leave a lot to be desired. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross-Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Custom Build. Great M4 Frame - flexible solid feel. | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Other Specialized Bikes - used to own a Specialized A1FS | | Bike Setup: |
Full XTR, Race Face Headset, Handlebars, Stem, Aheadset. Mavic Crossmax wheels, Carbon SX Fork, Stelle seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the bizz. It is really quick and climbing is made so easy. I went for the Custom Build as I didn't like the components supplied as standard, and the parts fitted came out cheaper that the orginal bike anyway. I would recommend this bike to anyone - a REAL WINNER. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacques Krzepkowski
a Racer
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light
responsive
nicely equipped | | Weaknesses: |
stiff headset
pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro
Kona Kula
Dekerf Generation | | Bike Setup: |
M4 frame, Canadian version kit, SID SL, XT/XTR, ritchey, 19 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an awesome cross country racer. The ride is smooth, the bike is light and it wasn't too expensive! The only problem was the headset and the pedals. The headset was too stiff and i broke it in a little, but had to call tech support to tell me what was wrong. They said the fork wasn't installed into the head tube at a 90 degree angle. It was finxed and the bike went perfectly. I tested the pedals, didn't like them and kept my old 747's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freddieric
a Cross-Country Rider
from DeLara
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light
Nice S-Works Yellow color | | Weaknesses: |
Headset binds
weak wheelset | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale SuperV900
Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: |
Out-of-box Specialezed S-Works M4 | | Bottom Line: | As Specialized flagship bike, I think it needs more work. The cheesy steel seatpost clamp requires a wrench and allen wrench to adjust. The headset binds and doesn't seem to be flat, which seems to be the case with other reviews on this page. The specialzed Team Ti pedals they just aren't the pedals I am comfortable with. It would be nice to have a full XTR group. The fork choice, Manitou SX Carbon, doesn't allow room for the way Bontrager Race Lite's are laced. The rims go out of true easily. The chain is a lower end Shimano that I had to upgrade to an XTR/Dura Ace (CN7700) chain because the original busted twice within the first month. The crankset is not very impressive (S-Works forearm). The bike is light as hell is a great climber but as Specialized top of the line race bike, it could use more attention to detail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt McClelland
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lawndale, CA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light, decent components, good company reputation | | Weaknesses: |
not the best build quality | | Similar Products Used: |
gt, santa cruz | | Bike Setup: |
manitou sx carbon - no lockout | | Bottom Line: | Specialized stresses that they sweat the details on their Sworks models. I think they could've built up a bit more of a sweat though on this one. A few details bugged me a bit even though I got a really good deal from Supergo ($1700 entire bike). The seat clamp is very cheesy requiring a wrench to hold to tighten/loosen. So I bought a quick release. The cable routing under the BB is not my favorite for dirt avoidance, etc. It also prohibited me from reading the serail number on the BB to register my bike! The headset came loose the second ride out and seems to not be flat even after re-adjusting and tightening. There is also a gap between the upper race and cap which will let dirt in. The Sworks chain rings also seem a bit flimsy although they work fine. Most troubling is the wheel builds. The wheel components are fine, but my rear wheel was out of true after my second ride. It's ironic because Specialized specifically states how much time and effort to sweat the details on building strong and true wheels! My CrossMAX's stayed true for two years until the spokes started getting loose!!! Finally, I swapped the tires because unless all you do is race, the small amount of tread on the baldies(!?) isn't too encouraging when you need all the traction you can get climbing, etc. for normal riding. Oh, and I think the pedals should be left off to allow use of any brand (someone buying a higher end bike usuallly has a pedal preference most likely not what comes with the bike). Other than these things I like the bike. I hope the people at Specialized see this review because I would've rather submitted this feedback to them BUT their site has no way of contacting them! Overall the bike is light I'd give it a 5 star except for the quality of build. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from wash dc
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
gamby | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light, fast, good wheels | | Weaknesses: |
s=defective headset, ti spring swap, stupid seat post binder, heavy seatpost, XT front derailer, pain in the ass seat, infamious gold bar, ugly paint job and the bike says specialized on it over 56 times, can you believe it? | | Bike Setup: |
put King headset, flight saddle and sycros seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Even with all the bull shit this bike rocks. And after all what really matters is the frame. The frame is light and fast. One of the best bikes this year. Someone at Specilized needs to wake up.
I feel sorry for the engineers who created this amazing bike only to have it speced out with unworthy comps. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross-Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Zaskar LE | | Bike Setup: |
Build up. Frame, Chris King headset, Raceface Stem/Crankset, XTR (9)throughout except XT hubs, front mech and b/b. Pace '98 Pro Class forks, DMR V12's and x-lite XC Riser. | | Bottom Line: | What a difference to a Klein Mantra Comp. First serious hardtail I've owned, and I'm encouraged to have another.I was going to get a Pace RC200 frame, but I wasn't sure and the M4 frame was under half the price so I went with that.Light, stiff (sometimes a bit too stiff) and responsive. It's built up more in the play bike manner (riser and flatties), but pedals and bars are easy/cheap to swap out.There's no excuses for not winning on this (except for me not being good enough!)I like it, but probably won't keep it for more than about 18months. Now I know I can get on with a HT, my eyes are still drawn to the Pace.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Midlothian VA.
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Elk River, West Virginia | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
frame,fork | | Weaknesses: |
not that XT components are pieces of shit or anything, but full XTR would be a nice treat for the price | | Similar Products Used: |
'98 S-Works | | Bike Setup: |
'99 M4 frame with XT/XTR components, manitou sx ti fork | | Bottom Line: | This is a great handling bike no matter what kind of terrain you're used to. This bike has its own little motor on steep hills and it craves speed. This is also a good bike for the price considering that a team issue version bike from any other manufacturer would cost considerably more. No question in my mind about the rating of this baby. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seal Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Low weight, Best frame around | | Weaknesses: |
C'mon specialized, go full XTR. For $2500 bucks the price vs. function ratio starts losing merit! | | Similar Products Used: |
Own a 98 S-works | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | This review is more of a summary of the improvenemts/differences over last years. The fork is several ounces lighter. The M4 frame is lighter (due to less paint and more tube set engineering) but not proven yet. I am sure the M4 will pass with flying colors. Overall, the weight difference is remarkable. Manitou also improved the dampener cartrige in the fork. Last years had some problems (I blew two). Finally, specialized gave a bend to the chainstays to give more clearence. My feet are always bumping them on my 98. The hub set and stem are also better. I was disappointed last year to find many of my 98 components on the much cheaper M2 Pro. I like the new shaped top tube. It is flat on the top (nut saver) and has a VERY sharp radius on the bottom to add stiffness. I hear people complaining about the pedals, but I tried them. They are Ti with a large contact area. A vast improvement over last years garage sale Rich's. Also, who cares if the gold handle bar is ugly, Geez! I was very impressed with my test ride and will surely trade up once the price drops a bit. I only wish Shimano would stop playing games with the drivetrain. 9-speed, give me a break. By the way, if you are a technical rider buy small, otherwise you will get hung up behind the seat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a Racer
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Frame | | Weaknesses: |
Pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
Scott team racing | | Bottom Line: | I was hesitant in purchasing at first, because of the price, but after my first ride, I would have been happy paying $3000 for this bike, its so sweeeeet!!! It is 4 lbs lighter than my old bike and maybe it was the semi-slicks, the incredibly light weight, psychological factor, but I dont care, as all I know is that I was 3 minutes faster on a 5 mile hill climb, that I do regularly, and got compliments from people I blew past on the hill.
And the frame geometry is superb, and was finally able to ride back pain free.
As for complaints about the carbon shock, well, I'll ride it out, as it performs a hell of a lot better than my old Judy XC.
My only complaint is the pedals which arent the greatest.
Thumbs up to Specialized!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike P.
a Racer
from Neenah, WI.
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
So. Kettle Morraine | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great performance to cost ratio. Everythingelse. | | Weaknesses: |
Some XT parts, Ugly gold bar. | | Similar Products Used: |
C'dale F2000, Gary Fisher Pro Cal. | | Bike Setup: |
M4 replaced XT stuff with XTR, replaced gold bar with Easton EA 70 and Control Tech Stumpy bar ends, Conti Double Fighters, Giro Fizik saddle, Time Carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules! With the parts I've added I have the weight at 21.5 lbs. It climbs, sprints and descends better than any hardtail I've ever ridden. the fork is great, the frame geometry is perfect. I've raced it in bone dry to super muddy conditions and it never missed a beat. No chain suck, no brake howl, no frame flex. I highly recommend this bike to any racer or fast trail rider that can afford it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
toast
a Cross-Country Rider
from minn
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
n/a | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light, fast, and stiff
wheelset is pretty durable. nothing wrong with a 2.5-8 lbs fork? | | Weaknesses: |
a full xtr group would be nice. gold bar has got to go and take the gold nipps with it. | | Similar Products Used: |
you name it i've probably rode it sometime | | Bottom Line: | having ridden ultrastif steel for the last couple of years, the ride seemed similar at first then it was time to put some pace to it. pow the hills seemed to vanish. this bike should come with backpack straps it's so lite, if it wasn't so pricey you could carry an extra with you as a spare. overall the best off the floor x-ctry ride i've ever seen/rode | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Kamtz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Loveland, CO
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hall's Ranch | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The whole bike!!! | | Weaknesses: |
Ugly gold bar | | Similar Products Used: |
Homegrown, Klien attitude pro, cannondale f2000 | | Bike Setup: |
I changed the xt shifters to grip shift plasma shifters, and anyone who changed the manitou sx carbon out for a judy they're out of their freakin' mind. This is the best fork I ever riden in seven years of mountain biking. | | Bottom Line: | The best technical riding bike I ever riden. A little pricy for the weekend warrior but a fine choice for a bike shop employee like myself the cross country technical rider. I'm yet to ride a bike that handles as well as this one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pussy Pumper
a Racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
XT components save $$ and dont sacrifice performance | | Weaknesses: |
XT isnt XTR | | Similar Products Used: |
Rocky Vertex | | Bike Setup: |
Sid sl (came stock on canadian version) | | Bottom Line: | There isn't a bike in the world as good as this.
Maybe a custom something or other but nothing mass produced. This climbs, corners, sprints etc. better than any other bike out there. I dont know what this clown Kevin was talking about because this bike was only available to the race team last year. And our friend kevin obviously isn't a pro racer if he's only tested the bike.
Some people just want to spoil the review score.
As for me, I would give it 6 chillies cause thats how many times faster this thing took me through the local trail. I am buying specialized for the rest of my racing career! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Noranda, Quebec
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletrack, hard-packed | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I had a 1998 S-Works and believe me the M-4 is a lot lighter and stiffer. The only thing missing are the XTR shifters and better pedals.So far so good! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Attn: Kevin you Canadian Jacka$$
a Weekend Warrior
from Close..I know where YOU live
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Straight up your A$$, Kevin | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Look retard, I realize that English is not your first language so I'll put this simply: You are a total moron (moronne in French). This year's S-Works uses a totally different frame material, hence the name (M4 vs. M2). Your goddam review is not only incomprehensible but also just plain irrelevant since you don't even own the bike (test riders can blow me). The M4 kicks ass and I will kick yours, dillweed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
This is a nice ride for those that like the big S | | Weaknesses: |
The price is two much considering last years version was better and cheaper replaceable Derailuer drop outI tested this years and it was good but it looks like they are the same! i had last years and the bloody thing bent bent 5 times and i had to pay
180 for that is carp man
That is just a warning | | Similar Products Used: |
I have the 1998 S-works with full XTR and a Z-2 | | Bike Setup: |
The one shown same every
thing | | Bottom Line: | This bike considering it solded so well last year they jack the price up i don't like that i call that Shit!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk Diggler
a Cross-Country Rider
from Earth
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The frame is GREAT.
Light and stiff. Feels solid. Nimble singletrack ride. | | Weaknesses: |
Mediocre Ritchey seatpost and S-works stem. Queer gold bar. FORK SPRING SUBSTITUION (see below). | | Similar Products Used: |
Why bother? :) | | Bike Setup: |
Swapped out pedals (Time) and bar (Raceface) and (soon)the seatpost and stem. | | Bottom Line: | Well-conceived and race-worthy. The M4 begs to get airborn. It's a lot of bike for the money BUT...why the %^&$ was the 5 Ti spring that's spec'ed with the (aftermarket) Manitou fork, replaced with a 3 steel spring/elastomer stack? Aside from the obligatory specs subject to change without notice, there is NO mention of the OEM spring swap in the Specialized catalog. Specialized claims that the shorter spring improves the ride, as if their engineers know more about fork design than Answer's. Coincidentally (NOT!), the steel spring costs $50-100 less than the Ti. Profiteering at its worst - minus one burning turd from an otherwise top notch bike. I recommend that all '99 S-works owners, M4 and FSR-XC, call Specialized (408-779-6229) and Answer (661-257-4411) and tell them to get bent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Larson
a Racer
from Arlington VA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Chute Colorado | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Although I have only owned if for a brief time I love it. Very light and fast.. responsive comes to mind. I feel as if I could climb a brick wall on this bike. | | Weaknesses: |
Swapped out the stem for a 135 mm 0 rise American Classic and replaced the seat post with a Ti American Classic as well. | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwinn Home Grown Factory, Trek Pro 9.9, Stumpjumper Pro | | Bottom Line: | So far it rocks... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Roberts
a Racer
from Athens, TN
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
???? | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff, Light, And tottaly race ready | | Weaknesses: |
ummmmm none | | Similar Products Used: |
OTher racing bikes | | Bike Setup: |
XT/XTR, SRP Cranks, Manitou SX Carbon(switching to SID Sl) Rear brake booster, ainti-chain suck. | | Bottom Line: | I love it, still a kick butt bike, E-mail me for more info. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Killer Bee
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Damn !!!!
This bike has alot to offer. I bought it about 3 weeks ago and can't believe how fast it is . I am not normally a super fast rider but this bike is super light, and is a climbing machiene I can feel a big difference between this and my other hardtail. This baby flies! The Manatou SX Carbon shock is super light and Kicks butt once you get it dialed in correctly for your size, weight and style of riding (that took a while). I don't know why everyone is bailing on the manatou shock and going for the SID. I did upgrade the XT shifter and derailleuer to XTR. The M4 is worth the extra $$$ over any of the Stumpjumpers and is one of the best frames in the price range. If my opinion changes as time goes on I will change my review.
If anyone can tell me why they think that the SID is so great over the SX Carbon please let me know why, but for now 5+ peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Simard
a cross-country rider
from Quebec city
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
It is the best bike in the world.I change the fork to SID because it better
than SX carbon.I change my Derailleur and shifter XTR XT for the Sram 9.0 SL.
Sorry for my english I am from Quebec.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Roberts
a cross-country rider
from TN USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I want to add a few things to my last posting.
1.If you get this bike the rear brake is supper strong, so I suggest a brake booster, I just put one on and it really helps.
2.The bike is so stiff if you ride it for a long time on bumpy ground the saddle starts to really hurt your rear-end.
3. In my last listing I mentioned getting a new sid, if any one wants my current shock its up for grabs, its only 1 mounth old very well treated with no dings or anything that might harm its prefomance.I am a light rider so I bought a set of light elast. That means I still have the old ones, plus I have a extra spring for it.The one in it now is a TI med. The shocks sug. price is 700$ new, but I'll sell it for 600$. The extra springs, and elast. I'll put in for free.
Russell | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Roberts
a cross-country rider
from Athens Tennessee USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey I have owned my S-Works M-4 since Oct. and I love it. It's light just over 21 lbs. and supper stiff. It really is a great bike, the few problems it has are...one is it could use XTR shifters(has XT), a lighter seat post(has a 298g. seatpost ritchey)The Manitou SX Carbon is a great shock but I would like(personaly) a SID on there just for the fact I live in TN a wet place a lot of the time, so next year(2000) I plan to switch to disk brakes and The Manitou has no disk brake tabs.But over all I love it with a little purchasing it can be the best of the best.Great job specialized and all other ppl involved. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikael Ström
a racer
from Stockholm Sweden
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is fast! I`ve got it yesterday (981123) from my sponsor Sportson. They distribut Specialized in Sweden. Anyway, the bike handels like a true racer: light and stiff. There is only one thing a miss- a full XTR group, then the bike would be perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
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