This is an absolutely awesome hardtail. The frame is so much better than the Dmr Trailstar, Identiti Dr Jekyll, Ms Isle, and any other competitors. They can all bow down. As long as you have a good set up that can compliment the genius of the frame then you are invincible. I offer my rig to 10 foot and bigger drops. gobble gobble gobble dont get one though if you are only going shopping with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rory
a
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Pinkbike.com
Strengths:
Great geometry for the all round rider.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire clearance will only take about a 2.3 tire. I think the manfacturer says up to 2.5 but that'll only happen with very specific tires. Also the 2001 model has no rear disk mounts (which was fixed in 2002).
Bike Setup:
Manitou black elite, hayes purple hydraulics, hussefelts(crap...broke 2 brand new arms in one week...make sure you get the modeal with the steel insert where the pedal threads are!!!), IRC kujos and rhynolites.
Bottom Line:
Overall the frame has been fantastic, I bought it for $1000 with a few crappy parts and it has definitely been worth the investment to put another $500 CDN or so into the full bike to bring it up to par with the frame. Definitely recommend for any level of freerider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brennan
a
from Dall-ass, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Downtown D-town
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
RBM
Strengths:
The frame is unfreeking believably strong. The Alex supra Es I have have never even been trued.
Weaknesses:
Cranks, Seatpost, Chainguide p.o.s., Stem was too long, Seat was crap, Breaks broke.
Similar Products Used:
K2 flying monkey, Norco 250
Bike Setup:
2k frame stock fork, king headset, azonic shorty, monkeylites, splined hussefelts, MRP world cup2, Xt shifter, cogs, derailleur, and breaks. Racefaxe XY post.
Bottom Line:
Well I have the first year model and the only real problem I've had constantly is the derailleur hanger stripping out. Sweet bike though. 10 foot to flat is no problem except for your own body.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael ravizza
a
from Mill Valley, CA , USA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
zig zag
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
solid design
Weaknesses:
i had to buy a chain guide because you can't use a front derailer and the chain would come off every two seconds
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi z1 freeride. LX shifters, Sram XO derailer. 2.4 ontano raptors. Mavic 217s with LX hubs specialized seat and pedals.
Bottom Line:
it's an awesome bike. I use in for Urban riding, XC, minor trials
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phil
a
from B.C. Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good value. strong rims
Weaknesses:
weak cranks, poor tire clearance, vertical drop outs
Similar Products Used:
minute man, kona chute, 2000 p3, stiffee
Bike Setup:
profile cranks, hayes hyd. disks (8") z5, 32t chainring/bashguard
Bottom Line:
i thought this frame was indestructable. really nice ride. i like the geometry and the overall handling of the bike, but i was never satisfied with the tire clearance in the rear. Very confidence inspiring. a little too much........ i eventually found the limits of the frame though. i took an eleven foot drop to flat concrete and blew out 33 of 36 spokes, and twisted the rear triangle in the process. as a testiment to the rims though, i laced it back up again after that drop. guess you do get something for the very high weight of the rim............. everything before this was sweet though. gave me an intro to a lot of riding styles since you can do almost anything on this bike.( trials, freeride, dirt jump, urban)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james carter
a Racer
from toronto Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
street
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice Idea... but thats it...
Weaknesses:
Out of date geometry, horizontal dropouts, crappy disc mount will brake in a month.
Similar Products Used:
norco 853, brisa, 4hun, 250
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
THis is nothing more than an xc bike with a big fork, the geometry sucks. These companies need to get some real riders not BMX hacks. And get the geometry RIGHT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Downhiller
from Danville California Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
This is an all around great bike. It is strong and is durable. i have had mine for 2 years and it has put up with everything i have put in its way It is a little heavy but the strength of the frame crank and rims cancells the weight. All in all it is a great bike and a lot of fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris H.
a Racer
from Macon, Ga Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
death park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Biketech @ Macon Ga.
Strengths:
Super strong frame!!!!!!!!!! awsome wheels, rim breaks work good. did i mention it has a strong frame?
Weaknesses:
seat post sux, didn't last a whole ride. i scraped the single ring set up right off the bat.
Similar Products Used:
nothing else comes close
Bike Setup:
hussafelt cranks w/ tripple rings, black spire chain guard(awsome), lx front drl., psylo xc fork after i broke the z.5 doing a 13 stair drop to flat. chris king rasta headset. rasta colored salsa q.r. and seat post clamp. panaracer 2.3 d.h. pro's, titec "el norte" seat. red specialized grips. cipless platform pedals
Bottom Line:
this bike is great. i have three other bikes and this is my favorite. it can take anything you can throw at it. at 36 lbs. it's not light but who cares. it loves the BMX track and loves doing big drops downtown. i can do things on this bike that my friends are scared to do on their down hill rigs. i hear that they are going to start making these again, so if you can you should run, don't walk, to your local specialized shop and pick one up, it's just that good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric c
a Cross Country Rider
from montreal, qc Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
bromont
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
sport anjou
Strengths:
Frame very good, stiff and give a lots of feedback, just enough to make you work.
Weaknesses:
the ?%$#@ one screw seatpost that last 3 min ( real time) i had to finish the run standing up and buy another one down to finish my day !
if you never had a downhill ride with a hartail of that kind, your life is not complete ! mine is a mix between giant acid part and original P3, but the 2002 P3 seem a good deal too, except that i didn't want less than 5 inch of travel so the bomber was'nt enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$825.00
Strengths:
Beefy rims (haven't seen their equal) -- NukeProof frame -- Chick magnet
Weaknesses:
The TruVative chainguide is CRAP! The seat is an anal-probe-2000 and the bars are a bit too wide
Similar Products Used:
all bmx stuff..
Bike Setup:
2k p3, mrp world cup 2, gel seat.
Bottom Line:
I've been a BMX racer from the beginning and never made the transition to MTB because I HATED the way mtb's felt. THe first time I sat on this p3 I KNEW it was the one.
The chain guide is noisy and absolutely irritating. I recommend any of the MRP guides.
The seat is bearable but a tad narrow and will cause discomfort after a few miles.
All in all, its definately different and you will get attention, its so strong, and they come with one of a kind rims. BUY IT if you can find one. Which I doubt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam
a
from Massahusetts Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Veitnam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Landrys
Strengths:
-The frame is great. -Z.5 is ok, but better then any other fork you will get in this price range. -Wheelset is very strong, but is has had to be trued a couple of times. -The XT derailurer is good and shifts crisply.
Weaknesses:
-After a year or so my front skewer would get loose very quickly. -I have already broken the TruVativ Hussefelt cranks. -The seatpost bolt is very bad and will break on hard landings. -The brakes are bad. -The TruVativ Hussefelt chainguide
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stuff, Kona Chute
Bike Setup:
Specialized P.3, Marazocchi Z.1 Freerides, Raceface NorthShore DH, RaceFace Bottom Bracket, Hayes Hydrolic Purple DH disc brakes, MRP System 2 Chainguide, New Seatpost, New Chainring, New LX Cassette, New SRAM Chain, Tomac Tenacious D's, Soon to be Azonic Shorty
Bottom Line:
It is one of the best freeride hardtails in its price range. It is a lot like the Kona Stuff. Most of the components are very strong. If you like to jump a lot (like me) and you have a price limit, this is the bike for you. Some people say that weight is a problem, but people who say that should go ride an XC bike. Mine weighs 35 pounds and I am not complaining.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Muuqi Maxwell
a
from A Town Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
urban
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I've had this bike for almost a year and it's still holding up. The wheels are still spot on (good job Alex), the frame is still stiff as all get out, the hubs are doin great, but almost everything else has been swapped out. The fork is now a 02 Marz DJ2 (got it free after breaking the stock z.5), a Mr. Dirt, Azonic 2 in rise handle bars w/ ross brace, ODI rouge grips, Snafu pedals, Irc kujo 2.35 tires F and R, Kore 45 mm stem, i'm on my 4th pair of Truvativ cranks, MRP 36 tt chain ring. all of those parts are doin great, except for the mr. dirt, it's been sketch after i strated trying grinds and sprocket stalls...oh well
Weaknesses:
a lot of the specialized generic crap sucks, such as the handle bars, stem, pedals, seat post, grips, etc. other than that, nothing besides the sh!tty chain ring and chain guide. too bad they don't make these anymore, they kinda were the first to introduce a big hit hard tail, but when the market is finally big, they drop out...bad choice Specialized. but maybe they're finally wisening up w/ bret tippie and dylan tremblay on the team.
Similar Products Used:
Friends 02 Kona stuff, friends 01 knoa stuff, friends bruiser 2, friends 00 p.3, friends mongoose, friends kona chute, etc, nothing compares to the geomtry of the p.3, NOTHING...well maybe the new Evil frame and the 24 le toy 3, but as far as complete bikes, nothing comes close.
Bike Setup:
01 p.3 medium frame, stock alex wheelset, 2.35 irc kujo tires front and back, snafu pedals, mr dirt guide, ODI rouge grips, azonic 2 inch rise bar w/ cross brace, mrp chain ring, stock drive train and shifters and brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is such a great deal it's amazing, the only thing is that it's gone. you can't get them in the US anymore, and the ones you can get outside are retail price, not the 50% off sale price that they were. I've been riding this beast for almost a year now on everything from street, to bmx tracks to dirt jumping, to high speed manuels (frames doing good, the headtube looks fine), to trails to big drops and it takes it all in stride. it feels great in the air and is super easy to manuel and wheelie, it's a tad heavy tho (37 lbs), but that's just mine. if youre gonna do racing, this thing would shine w/ a new wheel set. for dirt jumping, my set up seems good, it's a bit heavy to whip around for flatties, whips or spins, but u get used to it. For trails it helps to throw on a double w/ a bash guard, and for urban, it's pretty much the same as dirt jumping. Buy this bike if you A. are into dirt jumping and dream a/b pulling 720s or indian air seat grabs. B. if u live in the city and the streets are your trails, including everything from gaps to drops to stair transfers. C. if u want a great all around bike. Don't buy this bike if A. u weigh your bike before each ride. B. you weigh your self before each ride. C. you count your heart rate and love goin up hill more than down. D. if your name is bender. I hope this helps. L8
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Moorallas
a Downhiller
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Lnderys
Strengths:
hays stop better then anything! bashguardhandles any thing great handling rims just wont bend the bike can handle 8 foot droops with no problame (until resently)
Weaknesses:
bent the frame with easewhen i crashed down a set of stairs when it hit the WOOD RAILING AT LOW SPEEDS!!!! (need a new frame) the chainring bent on the first hit tires are shot seat post broke
Similar Products Used:
Chamelion konas and super8
Bike Setup:
stock except for gripsand tires and seat post
Bottom Line:
great but I thing the frame was pretty weak to bend tha easily
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle wideman
a Downhiller
from navato Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
RUT D1 AND WATER FALL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
CAMBRIA
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!! IT TAKES THE DROPS GREAT. SUPRISED AFTER 8FT DROP TO FLAT NOTHING BROKE EXCEPT THE SEAT. FORK IS GREAT, CRANKS ARE ASWOME BOTTOM BRACKET AND OF COURS THE ALEX SUPRA E RIMS THER JUST AWSOME THEY TAKE EVERY THING.
Weaknesses:
SEAT POST SUXS. BROKE OFF ON ME WILL RIDENG A TRAIL IN NORTHSTAR. PEDALS ARENT THAT GREAT THE DONT HAVE ANY GRIP. BARS ARENT GREAT I CUT MINE TO GET THEM THEY WERE WAY TO LONG.
Similar Products Used:
TREK BRUISER. AZONIC DS2.
Bike Setup:
STOCK EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR THE ODI LOCK ON GRIPS, AND THE RITCHEY SEAT POST. HOPEFULLY I WILL GET HAYES 6 INCH DISCS AND MAYBE A MRP OR MR DIRT CHAIN GUIDES.
Bottom Line:
AWSOME BIKE. IT TAKES EVERTHING. IT CAN DO EVER THING DOWNHILL URBAN ASSULT AND MAYBE TRIALS. I WOULD GET THIS BIKE IF UR A AVID RIDER AND LIKE TO DO BIG ASS DROPS. THE BIKES JUST AWSOME.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick (a.k.a. 10 foot jesus)
a Weekend Warrior
from barrie ontario canada Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
drop offs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
everything but chain stay
Weaknesses:
chain stay is nosey and lousey.
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i am the only one with a p3 in ontario. that i know about. possibly even canada. my bike is the best. i love it. if i wipe out doing a 10 foot drop while doing a 360 tail whip it will sit there and laugh at me and act well no not act want more!!! if u know of some one who has a p.3 tell them 2 e-mail me k.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wade campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from arlington Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
bicycles inc.
Strengths:
very tough frame,wheels
Weaknesses:
chain tensioner is flat horrible,seat is pretty bad as well.
Similar Products Used:
trek bruiser
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is a very tough bomb-proof bike.i have more fun with this thing than any bike i've ever ridden.the frame geometry is really cool and this thing will endure mountains of abuse.HAVE NO ILLUSION; this is not a mountain bike!! i'm reading hoards of reviews and people keep crying about this things weight and lack of gearing.if you want a x-country bike then buy one.this bike is not it.this bike is for abusive riding its tough,has no flex anywhere,and its components are packaged in terms of strength not weight.(except the stock pedals which took all of one ride to ruin)i hear these are no longer bieng made so if you get a chance at one snatch it up this is an awesome bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Fenton
a Downhiller
from Clinton Connecticut Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Zanes
Strengths:
STRONG, read below for crazy info about the bike!!
Weaknesses:
chainguide noisy, and..well read below
Similar Products Used:
all the other crazy hardtails
Bike Setup:
race face chaingaurd, XT disk brakes, 646 pedals, bonty post, lock on grips, deore hubs, soon to have a Z.1
Bottom Line:
This yet another follow up review, for gobs of info look for my other review down below.
After demolishing my rear hub i rebuild a new wheel with sun mammoths and BOOM! gone after a ten footer to flat pavement, so i rebuild the Alex rim on a deore hub...WOW! it took a 15 foot drop to flat grass with 50 PSI in my 2.2 tires! I took off the lower part of the chain guide and it made a diffrence. The only thing is now i have to be in a certain gear to rollback. My bars are creaking like crazy so i think its time for new ones. This thing is strong!!!! If anyone has a question about strength i can tell you what it takes to break any stock part on the bike, so give my an e-mail if you have a question, MTBK2XTR@Hotmail.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Corvallis, Oregon Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
-Frame -Rims -Price -Fork -Disk ready, can use 8" roters all around
Hayes hydro 8", Atomic trailpimp pedals, azonic 2" riser bars, Arrow 2.5 on rear, intense 2.6 on front, removed chainguide and took alot of links out of chain, heaver fork springs, rebuilt wheels with heaver gauge spokes.
Bottom Line:
Good budget bike. If you are looking to do some serious riding you will need to drop some money in it. It feels really good in the air, taking drops and in genral riding around town. The bike has alot of potential.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
elix
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC, NY Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
not sure
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
NEW GEN's
Strengths:
this bike has a bullet-proof frame and sick wheels. great for all-around hucking.
Weaknesses:
handlebars suck, it started to flex. Cranks suck, it whobbled more than master P., seatpost broke 2x on me, tires wore fast, and brakes were too weak.
Similar Products Used:
p.3B, ruckus 1.0 , trek bruiser2, kona scab
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock except Grimeca Hydraulic dc. brk, Truvativ basguard, but soon i will set my tank up with a thompson elite post, Answer protaper bars, zocchi Z.1 MCRs and loddi's 2.6 frt. 2.3 rr.
Bottom Line:
if money is an issue and you want a die hard frame and willing to upgrade in the future, THIS IS YOUR RIDE...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a
from Sudbury, Massachusetts, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$728.00
Purchased At:
Landrys
Strengths:
Great bike! I have had so much fun on it. It is so strong and a very good value. The rims are amazing.
Weaknesses:
The seatpost is terrible. A bolt on mine brook after doing an endo.
Bike Setup:
Stock, but i am getting Z.1 MCR's and a full XTR upgrade kit. Also new handle bars and seatpost. Hopefully disc's but i don't have the money.
Bottom Line:
Best bike! Anybody looking for a great urban bike should buy it. Great value. One of the strongest bikes out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Muuqi Maxwell
a
from Ashland Oregon Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any urban or dirt jumping
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
well, this i a follow up review, I've had the bike for quite a while and so far it's still holding up great. the wheels are doing quite well, even after a few under rotated 360s. The cranks are my third pair and after two months are just now developing a creaking. That's GREAT compared to my last two pairs, which started loosening up and creaking after a few days. the brakes are still doing good, but are getting a bit of play which is scary for 40 MPH manuels. that's why I'm getting AVID Mech discs SOOOOON. I just bought a MR Dirt and it's SOOOO much better than the stock truvativ. i also bought a new stem because the stock generic one was flexing and creaking, which kills your confidnce right before a big 3 foot bunny hop to manuel, or a 20 footer. other than that the bike is holding up GR8. oh wait...there's the tires...they are now SOOO blad that the red flak jacket is poking through...yikes. the only good part about that is now that it grips better for SK8 park.
Weaknesses:
look up above
Similar Products Used:
ruckus, stuff, scrap, chute, bruiser two and one, rocky mtn reaper
Bike Setup:
2001 P.3, stock tires, wheels, drive train, kore stem, ouri grips, ritchey post, mr dirt guide, azonic bars.
Bottom Line:
this bike is holding up SOOOO WELLL, many of my friends complain because their bike is sooo f u c k e d up (they all bought .3's after me), but that's cuz they can't ride...anywayz...where was i? oh ya, the p.3 is such a great bike. my friends rocky mountain reaper is breaking down after a few weeks, and he dosen't even ride as hard as me. buy this bike, you won't regret it. now i'M getting a dual sussey though, cuz the p.3 is a weeee bit too stiff for trails and drops. ride on. L8
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chuckster ride
a Downhiller
from melburn Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything rideable
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
letour
Strengths:
amazingly/arrogantly gravity proof frame, $1000 full bike hardtail.. have a strong indications.. of long lasting bike...
Weaknesses:
not suitable for xc/weight councious guy.. head-turning machine..
Similar Products Used:
DMR rigid, RACELINE rhino, mongoose
Bike Setup:
switch to rigid, monkey lite, shortys, odi grips, blackspire
Bottom Line:
if theres a bike for weight-lifter athlete/s... P3 is the absolute bike for em'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom McAuley
a Downhiller
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ivanhoe Jumps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
VicMTB
Strengths:
Much improved from 2000. Friend's 2000 model had had heaps of troubles but mine has avoided them.Spline bottom bracket adds alot of strength and the shorter stem is nice too.The alex rims are awesome too but both of our bikes get a peculiar pinging sound when landing off center on the front wheel.
Weaknesses:
Taken a step backwards with brakes from 2000. with ad-3 levers instead of speed dial but the improvements are worth it. It is a bit heavy and slow up hills but its worth it wen it comes to jumping and trails.
Bike Setup:
2001 P.3, Marzocchi Z.1 MCR, Hayes front disc.
Bottom Line:
Unbreakable and just plain fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rhys
a
from Alice Springs, Australia Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fast ones with big rocks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Penny Farthing Bike Shop
Strengths:
Stong as a tank and 'eaps lighter
Weaknesses:
TT to short; brakes got no power, forks underdamped, tyres need high pressure
by one and ride hard. it does anything, even xc! the cranks are to weak; i broke both within two months. these are the strongest v-brake wheels i've ever seen, and aren't stupidly heavy. this bike will take just about anything, and encourages you to go big. i use mine for dh, trials, jumping, bmx and occasionally xc. the saddle rails are weak, and bent within minutes. if you've never done a 10ft drop or a crazy double, you don't deserve this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
axel
a Downhiller
from MA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
used, but new condition
Strengths:
everything except weaknesses
Weaknesses:
bars, SEATPOST SUCKS, brakes, grips, tires
Similar Products Used:
many many other HTs
Bike Setup:
stock except interlock post, yeti lock on grips, xt discs, kujo 2.25 tires
Bottom Line:
best FR HT you can buy for the $$, pretty good stock needs a few changes tho, it is a sweet bike and will take one hell of a beating fun to ride...go get one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dang Le
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Haskell Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$810.00
Purchased At:
Kelly's Bicycle
Strengths:
Wheelset is totally bombproof, Crank is good, tires hook up alright, and i like the geometry.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost sucks A$$, I broke two of them already, the chainguide is a little noisy, but people know when im close. brakes could be a little better
Similar Products Used:
None really
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for ODI grips, I plan to switch out the post to maybe a Roox, or Hurricane. I have to find the right size
Bottom Line:
Good jumping bike, and hardtail freerider. I plan to add some hayes mech. discs for better stopping power because these v-brakes suck like hell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dang Le
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Haskell Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$810.00
Purchased At:
Kelly's Bicycle
Strengths:
Wheelset is totally bombproof, Crank is good, tires hook up alright, and i like the geometry.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost sucks A$$, I broke two of them already, the chainguide is a little noisy, but people know when im close. brakes could be a little better
Similar Products Used:
None really
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for ODI grips, I plan to switch out the post to maybe a Roox, or Hurricane. I have to find the right size
Bottom Line:
Good jumping bike, and hardtail freerider. I plan to add some hayes mech. discs for better stopping power because these v-brakes suck like hell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Chambers
a
from Ashland, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
time warp (above Ashland)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Siskiyou Cyclery (Ashland , OR) - it was on slae for half price at 700.00$ compared to 1400$ new!
Strengths:
The Frame is super strong, the fork is alright, and i love the wheelset the are super strong also.
Weaknesses:
sucky chain guide, horrible bottom bracket, a not so good seatpost...( i cracked it in half)
Similar Products Used:
hmmmm... trek Bruiser 2, KHS Biatch, Kona Stuff, and i would like to try the 250 or 125 cc from Norco.
Bike Setup:
Pretty Much stock but i will get some new tires (WTB MotoRaptor 2.4) and i got a new seatpost because mine cracked doing a 15 foot double at the local BMX track.
Bottom Line:
Get this bike!!! it is awesome for dirt jumping, urban, or anything u can dish out at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jordan falk
a Downhiller
from vancouver Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any trail with jumps drops ect.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
dunbar cycles
Strengths:
praticaly everything
Weaknesses:
bottom bracket, tires suck, and the bars suck too
Similar Products Used:
kone stuff is kinda similar, and 125cc
Bike Setup:
stock except gazzi tire on the front,and envy bash
Bottom Line:
its an awesome bike, not exactely light but its a good trade off for such a strong bike. I love thise bike sooo much and its by far the best hardtail ive tryed for under 3000 canadian. If your tinking about getting a freeride,urban,jumpbike thats pretty cheat for what u get, GET THIS BIKE !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Fenton
a Downhiller
from Clinton Connecticut Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Urban Assault
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Zanes
Strengths:
AWSOME FRAME, good parts, list goes on
Weaknesses:
i broke alot of stuff read below...
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
XT Disks, Race Face BB, hayes hubs, rhyno lite rim, boni post, 545 pedals, kenda kolasal DH and michelin tires, odi lock on grips, race face bash gaurd, need new fork
Bottom Line:
this is a follow up reveiw When i was looking to buy a urban assault bike the one thing i wanted to know was how strong were the parts? well here ya go! This is what it takes to destroy these parts.
I weigh 148 pounds
BB: developed play after 12 foot drop to parking lot FORK: broke dropouts after an endo during a 15 foot drop landing on a rock(got new fork for free and woke up in hospital with broken helmet) REAR HUB: bent axle after casing a 26 stair-stair gap RIM:Bent rim on a 10 foot 360(i landed sideways, oops) PEDALS: pins came off when i hit a rock CHAINRING: folded on impact with wall at 30 mph SEAT: sheared off seat and seat post after crashing at 30 mph, bike tumbled backwards and caught on a wall "Popping" it off.
These parts broke, but BY NO MEANS ARE THEY WEAK! this bike is fun as heck and i love it! you will not be dissapointed. The frame hasnt even been bent yet and i destroyed the rear wheel on a 360. This is the strongest hardtail you can buy as far as i know. Buy it, it is strong!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from castlegar Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
urban shiznit
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
gericks
Strengths:
definatley frame, fork, cranks, and most of all wheels
Weaknesses:
handle bar kind of sucks, i think specialized doesn't get the freeride bar yet. if your a trials/freerider you may think its a bit heavy for trials but it feels alot lighter then it really is.
Similar Products Used:
kona stuff,kona roast,trek bruiser, kona scab, brodie evolution,brodie electro, norco 125cc, KHS b!tch
Bike Setup:
stock so far
Bottom Line:
this bike is sweet. its a point and go with no trouble bike. i saw a couple of reviews saying the seat was hard, but i really dont think it is, besides who ever site down....chainguide isn't too great, but is better then some i dont think there is a cheaper and better frame out there. other nice hardtail frames like the 250cc chute and KHS b!tch are around 600 alone and there not much better then the P.3 frame. the wheels are badåss there worth like 150$ each and the cranks are quite nice. if ur a north shore type rider that likes hardtails this bike is koo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Meli
a Downhiller
from NH Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dunno
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
From JD
Strengths:
Frame, Fork, Cranks, Wheels, Stem
Weaknesses:
My bar has begun to flex and creak ALOT. Every time I come off of a drop or sketchy section and start yanking on the bars, they start to creak and crackle. CONFIDENCE CRUSHER! This happened with my last bike which had a Specialized riser on it also. Im convinced that Specialized is horrible at making bars and I'll never purchase one again. The grips are kinda rugged on my hands. Probably go to ODI lock-ons or something with flanges (If you know any cool grips with big flanges on em, let me know) My cheap Deore shifter pod is pretty ricketty. I hit my knee on it a couple times, so now it has alot of play. Also its completly made out of cheap plastic, I'll probably go to a XT pod. Tires kinda blow, im gonna change to some Tioga DH 2.3's front and rear. Brakes are kinda weak and crap out after a month or two (had em on my old bike) I'll probablt got Arch Rivals with speed dial 7 levers. Another big thing is sometimes on a hard lading while im sort of rotated the chain shift into the spokes--VERY BAD! but obviously not Specializeds' fault.
Similar Products Used:
nothing really
Bike Setup:
All stock still (got no money!) but soon to get tioga 2.3 tires, avid arch rival brakes with speed dial 7 levers, AZonic bar, new grips, and XT pod
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this is a kick a$$ bike. I posted a review about a month ago or so, and told you id follow up. ** another thing-- people seem to complain about the width of the bars?!??! they are supposed to be like that! thats the standard on all hucking bikes. grow some balls. Also people complain about the chain guide, ya its wicked noisy, its funny though cuz it sounds like a tank and that just adds to the whole bad ass character of the bike. Mine holds the chain on fine, just gotta adjust the rollers closer when you get it. My friends can hear me coming a 1000 feet away ;) its great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Arnold
a Downhiller
from utah Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
jumps in the back yeard
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Bike world
Strengths:
the rimes and the frame the shock is ok cranks are doing good so farme
Weaknesses:
peddales seat post bars could be beater tires suck @$$ spooks pop on any drop over 6ft but i dont do that very often
Similar Products Used:
trek buriser 24bikes minet man ds-1 and any other hucking bikes
Bike Setup:
stock wheels and tires azonic bar and steam sock drive train getting a jr.t in a little bite snafu peddals arch rivale brakes
Bottom Line:
this bike is awsome for jumping and gr8 for urban and pritty good for trials and well i have just beat the hell out of it and it still running good so what else could you ask for be sides a full out dh bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Chambers
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashland, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
time warp (above Ashland)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Siskiyou Cyclery (Ashland , OR) - it was on slae for half price at 700.00$ compared to 1400$ new!
Strengths:
The P.3 had great stiffness and i liked the fork a lot. It was great for dirt jumping, DS, DH, or just urban stuff!
Weaknesses:
it's bottom bracket creaked a lot and it wasn't very strong. I also recommend eventuallly getting a new fork and a new set of riser bars! I like azonic 2.0" rise!
Similar Products Used:
none... this was my first similar bike.
Bike Setup:
who cares?! or for all you pansies who like to copy me... i had everything the same except for the handlebars (mentioned above) and the bottom bracket(raceface isis splined)
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks butt!!!!! get it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Mechanicsburg, PA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
toothpick
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Specialized
Strengths:
exactly that, STRONG, end of story.
Weaknesses:
pedals suck, tires suck, bars are wide as your mom, and i just threw the seatpost out, the seat comes loose in 10 minutes
Bike Setup:
stock, not for long. with a ritchey seatpost
Bottom Line:
bike totally kicks ass! Im so stoked to go riding through downtown Harrisburg with it. Its stong as an ox and needs disc brakes. comes with disc compatable hubs. its really sweet. go get one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Muuqi Maxwell
a
from Ashland Oregon Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
time warp, then marty's trail, then contour, then alice, then BTI (all in on ride)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
siskyou cyclery
Strengths:
Well, I've always wanted this bike ever since my buddy got the first 2000 edition. I was saving up for it when it went on sale for 699 so I got it right away before they sold out. If they are still on sale, that's a major strength, but the main parts of the bike I like are the frame (stiff), and the wheels. They can also be found on the Vegas dirt jumping BMX bike by specialized, so that's a note of how strong they are. The cranks are truvativ husslefelt and seem to be pretty stong, but the bottom bracket (Truvativ ISIS XR) is the least quality ISIS BB by truvativ and started creaking pretty bad after a few small five foot drops to flat and hucking at the local SK8 park and dirt jumps.
Weaknesses:
The weaknesses are the chain tensioner which dosen't have a guard for the chain ring, and tends to be pretty loud. All my friends bought the P.3 after I did and all of them seem to be haveing the problem of their chain falling off every ten minutes! I just set mine up according to truvativ.com and it was cool. Also the generic handle bars, seat post, grips, and tires are SHEIT! The grips seemed to wear down too quick so I put my old yeti's on, but soon it's gonna be ouris. The handle bars are WAY to wide and I can't get used to them, so I slapped on my Azonics. The tires wear too fast and don't grip well for actual trail riding, so they're gonna change to Kujo 2.35's soon. The pedals are too slippery so I just put on my Primos, but as with the Tires, soo I'm gonna buy some new ones...maybe Atomics. But specialised should NOT be putting so much generic crap on their bikes. Replace all of it.
Similar Products Used:
P.3B, Ruckus, Chute, Scab, Roast, chameleon, enduo hardtails, trek Brusier 2, and the 2000 P.3
Bike Setup:
Right now I have it pretty much stock except for the bars (azonic), pedals (primo, soon atomic), grips (yeti, soon ouri), seat post (ritchy), and seat (old velo cross bow)
Bottom Line:
Basically if you can still get it on sale, you should. It's a good sale even off sale, but for 1,000, the Trek Bruiser 2 is better i think. If you are a hard core dirt jumper, urban rider, or dualist, you should consider it. It's best attributes are its strengths and looks (all black, yes!). Get it if you can ride it. I love it and I ride it on everything, trails, trials, dirt jumping, urban, park, and it shines everywhere it goes. Soon though I'm getting some Avid mech. discs and an MRP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Fenton
a Downhiller
from Clinton Connecticut Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any one with rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Zanes
Strengths:
Strength is the key word here. This bike is unbreakable. I've done 8 foot drops onto solid concrete from the tops of bleachers and nothing broke!
Weaknesses:
bad freehub, got new one for free. Handlebars are super wide. Tires suck, really soft even at high pressure. Bad brakes in muddy conditions. Neck brace costs extra
Similar Products Used:
M1A1 Abrams Tank with Anti aircraft gun upgrade
Bike Setup:
XT disk, new tires, ODI lockjaw grips, easton pedals
Bottom Line:
awsome bike, but get disk brakes and buy some new pedals, cut the handle bar and throw youreslf off your garage roof!
Then buy new tires and grips cause they don't last long
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Meli
a Downhiller
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Not Sure
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
Got a wicked deal from JD in Utah
Strengths:
Hmm, everything! The fork is very stiff and plush (might go to a 00 Jr T though)cranks are very stout, Wheels are ruthless, and the frame is bombproof. Bombproof is the key word in this review.
Weaknesses:
Hmm, I think the truvativ chain tensioners are gonna be kinda loud, Had the Avid brakes on my last bike, kinda cheap. The fork needs more travel. I'll probably go to a Jr. T w/ 5 inches and triple clamp. But these weaknesses are just small things which can be fixed very easily. These shouldnt discourage you at all from purchasing the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Umm a dump truck
Bike Setup:
Stock, just got it...I do plan on getting 2.3 tioga tires for it, tioga XL saddle, 00 Jr T, Avid Arch Rival brakes, and a kooka DH stem and probably Azonic Bar.
Bottom Line:
This is a rediculously strong bike. Great for urban and bombing trails. I've wanted this bike for so long, since the 2000 model came out (red n black) I finally picked it up when I guy from Utah was running a crazy deal ( Thanx JD and Layne)I havent really ridden this rig seriously yet, justr around the streets showing it off. I will post a more serious review in about a month, after I start getting down to business on it. From what I can see right now this bike deserves a 5 for value because its such a good deal, your getting a ton of bike for the money, and 5 for overall because it is such a great deal and anything you dont really like on it can easily be changed out to whatever you prefer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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