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Specialized
98 FSR COMP GROUND CONTROL
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Submitted by
Ground Controller
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott Valley, Az. USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Peavine | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Walt's Cycle & Fitne | | Strengths: | Well, it's been nine years riding (purchased new), and the bike has yet to fail me. I have been riding and keeping this bike maintained at regular intervals and the only things I've replaced are tires, brake pads, and 1 crank. Every other stock part is still in tip top working order. I ride this bike daily to work and back, hit the trails on weekends, and even after all this time, it still puts a smile on my face - each and every time. I am VERY happy that I did my research and bought this bike in '99. I hope to keep it with me forever. | | Weaknesses: | The front shocks are a bit on the weak side. I'm a bigger guy at 6'5, and have had them bottom out on me countless times. I'll probably be upgrading them soon. As mentioned above, the stock cranks began to get noisy and finally fell apart on a trail about three years after I bought it. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo | | Bike Setup: | Manitou LT front shock (weak), rock shox deluxe rear, dia compe v brakes, mavic wheels, ritchey forcelite bars, shimano deralleur | | Bottom Line: | If you can still get a chance to snag one of these bikes in good condition, jump on it. I think the rear suspension setup (horst link?) is still the best made of its type for travel and ride quality. It's tough as nails, and still looks great after nine years of fun. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Yates
a Downhiller
from Ellesmere port
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | 2006 | | Strengths: | The bike is the best downhill i have ever owned its strong nimble an it gose were u point it i have done alot of modifing my self an its the BO**CKS | | Weaknesses: | Needs to up grade back suspention very week | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Kona NONE AS GOOD | | Bike Setup: | PERFECT | | Bottom Line: | BEST BIKE EVER OWNED NEVER GET RIDE UNTILL THE NEW FSR COMES OUT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Beel
a Cross Country Rider
from Hertforshire, UK
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridgeway | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | A friend | | Strengths: | Bought as a frameset from a friend for first full susp XC use. Seems Bomb-proof. Good paint finish. Basic set-up. Easy maintenance. With Axel forks wound down to 70mm it climbs great - not too much front wheel lifting. Put the travel to 100mm and it goes downhill great too. | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side (26.5lbs). Original shock (RS Deluxe) okay but sooo heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Only hardtails (Specialized Rockhopper and S-Works M2) | | Bike Setup: | Mavic SUP rims with Hope Ti hubs and skewers, skinny Specialized Extreme Control tyres, XT kit (still 8 speed), Cane Creek headset, Titec seat post and saddle, Manitou Axel Super forks (with 70-100mm RWD). | | Bottom Line: | As a first F/S bike and for only $140 I am happy. Sure the later FSR's are lighter and more responsive, but at what cost? I can shave a few ozs by lighter shocks (F & R), seat, etc, but as I need to shed a few lbs first why bother!
It suits me and I like it! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | local | | Strengths: | Strong frame, lightweight, the geometry is great for the bay area: not too agressive, not too upright; great for climbing and good control on the rocky downhills. Seems to have more power than my brand new stumpjumper, and shifting is still smooth as silk for an old bike. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is obviously machine made; they didn't even try to hide it, but I guess that's why specialized are such good prices | | Similar Products Used: | full suspension schwinn
specialized Stumpjumper
xc trek | | Bottom Line: | An excellent buy compared to the quality you can get for the same price nowadays. If you ride cross country or downhill once a week or so, get it. It has the standard specialized geometry, so make sure that fits your body (the top tube length is a little long)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Coulombe
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The "Kill your bike" trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | Everything! | | Weaknesses: | Weakness? On that frame? Are you kidding?....Uh...yeah...Some weirdo from another planet got a job at Specialized R&D and added screws to put a water bottle UNDER the frame...Mud and crud eating somebody? Whatever, use a camelback, dammit! | | Similar Products Used: | A homemade rusty bmx, a 2002 Specialized Hardrock Comp, Giant Sedona, a nameless-brandless dirt bike...oh, and a Specialized Bighit downhill... | | Bike Setup: | Psylo 2003 XC U-Turn, hayes hydro, deore tranny, Specialized rocksters 2.10's, sunn singletrack wheels...and a small but convenient flame-thrower to scare these damn pedestrians off the $%?&* trail. | | Bottom Line: | What can i say? That's the BEST bike i've ever bought. It performs flawlessly on every rocky, muddy, dirty trails. Jumps, downhill, freeride (not the extreme thing, of course) or simple, light XC...Bring'em on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn, California
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | yard sale | | Strengths: | Everything. It is lightweight, strong, fast, and fun. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Trek, other Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Mavic 222 rims on real hubs, Easton monkey lite bars, Magura hydraulic rim brakes, Shimano Xt hollowtech cranks. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Fun to ride. I love the bike , I recommend buying on if you see it. Do not buy it if you are a xc sycho. Perfect for weekend warriors. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Florider
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ladies Only | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Center cycle (down in the states) | | Strengths: | Looks good. durable front "triangle". good value. excellent climber. | | Weaknesses: | Dam linkage bolts break constantly(I now use grade 8 bolts from the harware store) it doesnt drop very well, even after I got the upgrade. not enough clearence for 2.35+ tires. weak stock rims. no disc break mount. ROCK SHOX SUCKS!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz bullit. Rocky RM6. Kona Stinky 5, Dee lux. Intense Uzzi DH. Rocky DHTO. others. | | Bike Setup: | Zokes Mr.T. QR.20. Mountain speed 6.2" conversion and needle bearing set w/ Stratos rear shock, Sun double wide rims w/ QR.20 hub in front and XT disc in back. LX/Sram 9.0 Rocket shifters. Tioga XL seat, Maggy hydraulic rim brakes. Azonic shorty stem and world force riser. RF North Shore cranks and Race face taperlock BB | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike pretty cheap from a shop down in the states(my cousin worked there, so he got me a good deal on stuff) It is pretty pimped out now, but it still isnt anything like a real floride bike. the bearing kit and travel conversion kit really helped a lot, though. It was a pretty good deal, though. The linkage bolts are breaking like crazy, though and I dont know whats up with that. I was really stoked about the bike before, but in the last year, crap has been breakinng like crazy. the rear linkage is getting toasted. I think Im going to sell it for a RM6 or Stinky pretty soon though. well, overall, for the price, its been a pretty good bike, I guess Im just a little harsh on stuff(I dont think 8 foot drops are what its made for) but its a nice bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hee Haw
a Cross Country Rider
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Smiley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great price (local closeout: $800!); solid construction; decent components*; good performance out-of-box | | Weaknesses: | *T2 Judy elasto fork stinks. Replacing the guts with Englund Air asap. Rear shock OK, looking at Cane Creek or Fox.
Heavy, but it's no xc racer. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike. Tried others - liked Pro-Flex. FSR opportunity presented itself at a great price. No regrets. | | Bike Setup: | Stock: XT, LX, Avid, oem Specialized/Ritchey. Advent cheapo-deluxe bar ends - work great and light enough. | | Bottom Line: | FINALLY - I HAVE A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE. Back problems led me to FS.
I just got back from Killington and aside from scheety fork performance, this bike is great. Lots of fun in the downhills, and still good at climbing.
My local trails are tight and quick - lots of abrupt ups and downs. This bike does well.
I will upgrade the fork (4 flaming maxi's due to fork performance) with Englund Total Air cartridges and have a poor man's 85mm SID for about $100.
For my 225# self, this bike is a great compromise between an average weight xc bike and an entry-level downhiller.
Other potential upgrades: Mountainspeed swingarm needle bearing kit to replace stock plastic bushings;
MS rear disk conversion arm;
XT disk brakes (fork conversion for 98 judy or maybe a new leg..?) and new rims;
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Evans
a Cross Country Rider
from Taunton, Somerset, England
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Quantocks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The frame finish is of a high quality, light scratches have appeared in the mango paint work, but no chips as yet.
The wheel set is totally suitable for average riding, I have only trued them 15 times sice owning the bike, but they have never been out more than 1cm.
The comp tyres grip in almost all conditions, similar to onzas.
The front and rear suspension complement each other well | | Weaknesses: | I paid £800, for mine with R/S T2, R/S Delux, and LX and XT mix. The only problem I have experienced with it, was the stem, the clamp treads stipped them selves after one week. But the dealer replaced it with out any problems. The only real flaw with the bike is that the limited amount of travel of the seat post, approx 1.5" inches. I have two seat posts, so you must select the right one for the type of riding you will be doing, you can be caught short at times or should I say long.
The chainset is a little to low geared for me, 1st is suitable for pulling a lorry. Top gear is a little too short, you will be spinning out at about 28mph.
The only problem is that you can get out of depth quite quickly, as the suspension allows you to push hard, but suddenly it cannot handle any more (dampening return speed). | | Similar Products Used: | Marin mountvision, Gt Lts, Cannondale S V, Kona stinky delux, saracen team rock N roll,Scott endomorpin etc etc | | Bike Setup: | As standard | | Bottom Line: | A excellent buy, ideal for going out with your mates and having a laugh on. Its light weight enables me to keep up with £1000+ hardware, and sore past when going down hill.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Hunter
a Racer
from Renton,Wa,USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | K2 trails on Vashon Is. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Absolutely Everything | | Weaknesses: | Nothing(whell spokes are a little weak in stock form, but other than that...NOTHING absolutely NOTHING!) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Raven 4000
Litespeed (it was the top of the line XC model whatever it was)
Trek OCLV pivotless
Klein Mantra
Schwinn 4banger | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for a pair of 3 spoke Ceramic Rims and Downhill Pedals and a Titec Hell-bent handle bar | | Bottom Line: | If you come across this bike...WRITE THE CHECK!!! It is better than anything else in the sub $6,000 range-seriously(except for the Specialized S-Works M-4). It has a good rear travel of like 3.5"-4" and a front travel in the similar range but doesn't get soft during hard climbs-A shout for the very best bike manufacturer in the World...SPECIALIZED. The bike will make you crave for another Specialized no matter what the cost after you wear this bike out(if possible) from riding it 24-7.
JUST BUY THE BIKE IF YOU FIND IT-TRUST ME!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Daniels (JD)
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bremerton, Wa.
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Green Mtn/Beaver Pond | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
This bike has none of that power robbing monkey motion I experienced with my GT RTS2!(even with my LT upgrades!!) Good mix of XT/XTR components! kick butt paint job! (expensive house of kolor quality)The medium frame size fits me like a glove and it carves down any and all terrain put up against it. | | Weaknesses: |
I have no real complaints except for the very hard saddle & poor bar selection. Easily fixed! | | Similar Products Used: |
GT RTS2 fully spec'd w/XTR, magura raceline hydro brakes, mavic 217/white indust whl set, fox LT piggy back shock, answer bars, onza rip/rails,& kooka DH cranks etc. Stumpjumper FS Comp w/ full XT, Giant Cadex, & various other dualie models with 5+ travel. | | Bike Setup: |
97 FSR Comp (cosmic ano)Ti-Tec bars, Specialized DH tires w/bead lock, mountain speed/fox LT rear shock set up, judy LT w/speed springs. | | Bottom Line: | I bought my bike in mid 97 for $2,700 and have enjoyed every downhill and cross country ride i've done on it!!! Although I've added a set of slightly heavy DH tires it still weights in less than my GT and it can hang with the best dualie/hard tail out there. Previous reviewers stated this model as being a 98, the 98 model underwent a major change where it was re-spec'd with a new frame and lower line components. To verify this, the Comp's serial # should begin 97fsXXXXXX. This model was also sold as a limited edition. After going thru quite a few bikes this specialized has stole my sole. Sure it may not be a true DH rig but it does the job for me quite well and nicely. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a Cross-Country Rider
from WESTFIELD,MA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
SATAN'S GRIN | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
1. PHENOMANAL PAINT JOB
2. XT/XTR DRIVE TRAIN PERFORMS FLAWLESSLY
2. WHITER BROTHER'S SC90 FRONT FORK--NEED I SAY MORE?
3. FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS ARE WELL BALANCED.
4. PERFECT FRAME GEOMETRY FOR THE TRAILS IN WESTERN NEW ENGLAND. (EXTREMELY TECHNICAL)
5. SPECIALIZED STRONGARM CRANKSET IS STIFF AS HELL.
6. 4-BAR LINKAGE IS A GREAT PERFORMER WITH NO BIOPACING, AND AS GOOD UP AS DOWN HILLS.
7. THIS THING CLIMBS LIKE A MONKEY
8. TIRES GRIP LIKE THE DICKENS | | Weaknesses: |
1. CHEAP, HARD SADDLE.
2. THE WHEELSET: XT/S.STOUT/MAVIC221 IS EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE AND GOES OUT OF TRUE REAL FAST...TOO FAST FOR A BIKE AT THIS PRICE POINT.
3. STEM DOES NOT HAVE A DETACHABLE FACE. THIS CAN MAKE CHANGING HANDLE BARS QUITE A HASSLE.
4.STEM IS ALSO SLIGHTLY LONG.
5.ONLY ONE BOTTLE MOUNT, AND IT IS NOTHING MORE THAN AN EXTRA CLAMP ON THE SEATPOST WITH A HOLE IN THE BACK.
6.XT BOTTOM BRACKET BLEW AND HAD TO BE REPLACED (AT LEAST IT WAS WARRENTEED)
7. TANGE HEADSET MAKES AN INCREDIBLE CREAKING. I TOOK THIS TO A BIKESHOP, AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING SERIOUS, IT IS STILL SUPER ANNOYING.
THATS IT. NOTHING REALLY IMPORTANT, BUT JUST SOME LITTLE ANNOYANCES...AND TRUST ME I HAD TO LOOK HARD FOR THESE. | | Similar Products Used: |
SPECIALIZED XC, AMP B5, SUNN XCHOX, XTRALITE, GT LTS | | Bike Setup: |
FORK WAS A 98 WHITE BROTHERS SC90. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST FORK IVE EVER RIDDEN, AND I HAVE USED AT LEAST ONE FORK FROM EVERY MAJOR MANUFACTURER TOO...I THINK.
XT/XTR DRIVETRAIN, AND LOTS AND LOTS OF IN HOUSE SPECIALIZED SWAG. (MOST OF WHICH PERFORMED EXCELLANT TOO.) ALSO SOME RITCHEY STUFF LIKE PEDALS, BAR, AND SEATPOST. ONZA RAW 110 BAR ENDS. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE GETS ABOUT 4 INCHES OF TRAVEL, FRONT AND REAR. I HAVE NEVER RIDDEN A BIKE THAT COULD MAKE 4 INCHES OF TRAVEL SEEM TO BE SO MUCH. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT A DOWN HILL OR FREERIDE BIKE. THIS IS A LONG TRAVEL XC BIKE. IT TIPS THE SCALES AT A NOT SO FEATHERY, BUT NOT BEEFY 25.9 LBS. (ABOUT 1/2 LB MORE THAN THE C-DALE RAVENII).
IM GONNA GIVE YOU A LOT MORE THAN THE BOTTOM LINE, SO HOLD ON. DONT WORRY YOULL THANK ME IN THE END.
THE FORK: THIS FORK IS AS TRICK AS IVE EVER SEEN A FORK BE. I GOT THIS FORK PUT ON AT THE BIKE SHOP, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FORK THAT CAME OEM ON IT, A JUDY XC. THAT DEALER CAME OF ON THE BAD END OF THAT ONE.
WHEN I FIRST RODE THIS FORK ON MY BIKE, I WAS NOT OVERLY IMPRESSED. IT WAS A PHENOMANAL PERFORMER, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SOMEWHAT STIFF SPRINGS, AND SLIGHT STICTION.THIS CHANGED HOWEVER...OH HOW THIS CHANGED. AFTER A FEW RIDES, MAYBE A HUNDRED MILES OR SO, THE SC90 CAME INTO ITS OWN. THIS WAS THE BREAK-IN PERIOD THE DEALER TOLD ME ABOUT. THE SPRINGS SOFTENED A LITTLE BIT, THE STICTION WAS GONE, AND I HAD THE RIDE WHITE BROTHERS FORX ARE KNOWN FOR. ILL NEVER USE ANYTHING ELSE AGAIN. DRIVETRAIN: THIS IS NOT JUST A SHIMANO AFFAIR THE PARTS MIX IS AS FOLLOWS:
XTR SHIFTERS/LEVERS, REAR DERAILLEURS, CASSETTE(11-30) AND CHAIN.
XT BRAKES, FRONT DERAILLEUR AND BOTTOM BRACKET. ALSO THE REAR HUB
THIS IS WHERE IT ENDED THOUGH. THERE WAS A SPECIALIZED STRONGARM CRANKSET (22-32-42), WHICH WORKS STUPENDOUSLY, ALTHOUGH THE RING BOLTS RUST EASILY. I HAVE SINCE CHANGED THEM TO VUELTAS AND HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. THERE ALSO ARE SPECIALIZED SKEWERS AND A SPECIALIZED FRONT HUB.
***THE FRAME***: THIS FRAME IS AWESOME.IT IS A 4 BAR LINKAGE FRAME AND IT IS PAINTED THE COOLEST COLOURS. I SAY COLOURS BECAUSE IT IS PAINTED JADE CHAMELEON THIS COLOUR IS HOLOGRAPHIC AND DEPENDING ON HOW YOU LOOK AT IT IT CAN BE EITHER PURPLE, BROWN, OR NUMEROUS SHADES OF GREEN. ITS PHAT. IT IS A MEDIUM FRAME, MADE OF ALUMINUM. IT WEIGHS LESS THAN 5.5 LBS AND HAS A FOX VANILLA RX COIL OVER SHOCK. ITS GREAT. IT CLIMBS LIKE A MONKEY. YOU HAVE TO RIDE IT TO BELIEVE IT.FOR THIS BIKE, THE SUM OF ITS PARTS IS DEFINATELY UP TO ANY CHALLENGE, ANY RIDER CAN THROW AT IT, SO LONG AS THERE'S NO JUMPING IT OFF CLIFFS... THOUGH IF YOU CHOSE TOO, I PROMISE IT WILL FARE BETTER THAN YOU DO. BUY THE BIKE. I GAURENTEE YOU'LL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DO. | | Overall Rating: |
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