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Submitted by
Sean Haugen
a Racer
from Anacortes,Wa,USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | 302 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | my brother | | Strengths: | EVERYTHING>except | | Weaknesses: | i wish i could mount a larger coil in the rear, and also disc brakes in the rear. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialied stumpjumper
Specialized hardrock
Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | S works carbon bars
Full XTR
Race face bashgaurd w/22t-36t rings
Specialized freeride stem
Lock on grips
WTB velociraptor tire set
Spinergy RevXRoks carbon rims <----not good for DH they kinda cracked so i must buy Mavic CrossMax
Fox Vanilla rear coil
Manitou TiSX fork | | Bottom Line: | my brother raced factory for specialized, and he gave this to me and it is a great bike! idc what nayone says but this bike domintes the FR, DH, and AM/XC world.It is the best bike and people dont know thattill they ride it!!
5 CHILIS!!!!!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Nimble, handles beautifully on tight trails, reasonable weight, tough frame and paint finish | | Weaknesses: | OE rear shock bad on early production
Front Judy SL - needs upgrade w/oil damping | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 AMP B5
Marin F/S
Specialized AIM Comp FSR
Specialized FSR
Jamis Dakar FS (1st version)
| | Bike Setup: | Indy SL w/OTIS oil damping cartridge,
Ti sealed BB, custom handbuilt wheelset, XT rear derailleur, Sachs shifter, riser bar, 20T granny, LX crankset, carbon seatpost - weight 26.5 lbs in 19-inch frame | | Bottom Line: | This is a great handling Mac-strut F/S bike that should have gotten more press and riders. Unfortunately Specialized dropped its entire line of Mac-strut FS Ground Control bikes after only a year in favor of the FSR rocker-arm FS models.
Like everyone else, my Rockshox coil/oil rear shock soon lost its damping. After going round & round with RockShox and the LBS, I finally got the shock replaced free of charge. Ironically, the replacement rear shock works perfectly to this day. I added the (now long-gone) OTIS oil damping cartridge to the Indy SL which turned it into a respectable fork with an honest 3" of travel. Over the years I built a light custom wheelset for it and replaced components, so that the bike now weighs only about 26.5 lbs in the large (19-inch) frame.
Still handles great, quick steering, no squeaks in crank or swingarm pivots. The Mac Strut design works beautifully , just as it did when new. Too bad Specialized doesn't offer longterm parts support for its discontinued bikes like some other manufacturers - I could keep it going indefinitely. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samuel Wakefield
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumberland, MD
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Gap State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Very light compared to newer models but still very strong frame, quick steering response, nimble in corners. Did I say LIGHT? | | Weaknesses: | stock Indy Rock Shox is HORRIBLE, derailleurs a little sketchy, rear shock could be better, may be a little noisy at pivots | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher hardtail, newer FSR's | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock components, new RockShox DART III fork, MSH pedals, upgraded grips, seat and tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike that has served me very well in the short time I have owned it. I have had it on rail trails, cross-country trails and even hardcore downill trails. It just keeps bangin'! If you want a good, all around bike that is light but, that can take the punishment and won't break the bank, then this is the machine for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Savannah, GA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Dog River, Hood River Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cycle Orlando | | Strengths: | Relatively light weight, easy maintenance, precise handling | | Weaknesses: | RockShox Deluxe rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Blur LT | | Bike Setup: | Judy xc fork, panaracer tires | | Bottom Line: | Great bike after ten years of listening to the strut style shock squeak. Got a rebuild last year and the noise went away. I had to throw it at some serious rocky downhill to get that squeak back. All is well again. This bike has been reliable for my annual smoky mountain rides and only failed me when UPS bounced it off the big chain ring which required a full crank replacement. The short wheelbase and steep head tube angle make for precise handling and a wicked ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Silver City, NM | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | light frame, great handling, can do what XC bike perform and freerider need!!! | | Weaknesses: | some squeeks in the supensions links, but it is all good. change to a risses racing rear shocks and this bike rocks!!! | | Similar Products Used: | 95' hardrock, GT hardtail, I-drive, kona hardtail | | Bike Setup: | zoc' boomer z3, risses racing rear shock, d xt group, x517 rim, | | Bottom Line: | this bike really kick ass. the frame is soo stiff and strong that you cannot break it. I have done 3 feet drop and it just takes it like nothing. it really impress me. this is a bike when you want the performance, lightweight and durability for a fraction of $$. 5 chilis!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Briggs
a Downhiller
from North Shore, BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Oilcan - Mt.Fromme | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Toronto - back in '96 | | Strengths: | Light (compared to most DH bikes these days), Strong (haven't broken frame yet - even on big drops), Good geometry. Also a good multi-purpose bike (DH, XC, urban) | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock was crap from the beginning! Like most of the reviews say, I eventually blew mine out. The rebound damping was shot from the start! Hard to find replacement. | | Similar Products Used: | FOES Weasle, Specialized BigHit Pro/DH, Balfa BB7, Trek, Rocky Mountain, etc, etc... | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Jett Long Travel forks, Shimano LX Rapid Fire shifters, V-brakes, DH bars, short seat post, all rest stock | | Bottom Line: | The bike has served me very well over the years. I have ridden a lot of XC, downhill, "North Shore" riding (technical with skinny bridges and a lot of drops) and urban / trial type stuff. The bike has stuck it out through all that stuff for all the 6 years I've had it. One of the best improvements I made was putting 2.3" tires front and rear. Yeah, more weight, but NO pinch flats with a softer, more stable ride. The kind of riding I do most now would benifit from a longer travel bike with disc brakes, but I'll live with this one, since it's more affordable. I'm thinking of replacing my strut-mount RC deluxe with a Fox Vanilla R. I'm going to modify it by cutting off the bottom mounting eyelett. If anyone has info on replacing this rear shock, I'd appreciate the e-mail! Overall, I love this bike though! A few squeeks and groans, but fairly dependable!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | Handling is really good, and it holds up to my riding style | | Weaknesses: | rear shock snapped on a 2 ft drop, paint chips easy | | Similar Products Used: | cheap department store bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Judy xc (80mm), Deore Lx front and rear deraillers, Dia-comp Sa-Aheadset, Deore crankset | | Bottom Line: | For being the 3rd owner and riding hard, this bike is good for the long run. the past 2 owners have jumped it, raced it, and done everything else with it and no dents, just some paint is chipped off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
richie dagger
a Cross Country Rider
from sacramento ca. usa
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | s p railyard & land fill downtoun sac | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | city bike works | | Strengths: | geometry,ruggedness,comfort!!! | | Weaknesses: | none! | | Similar Products Used: | canondale v trek Y | | Bike Setup: | t
totaly stock setup. indy front fork ,diacomp v grip shift | | Bottom Line: | this bike was purchased after test riding about 8 different brands.the ground control was the best one of the
bunch ,it was also the cheapest . in 5 years of use the only parts i ever changed were a bottom bracket ,a brake
arm and a cluster. this bike will go down in my books as
a true winner. i first got the bike home thinking that
i would change the parts as they broke.they all held up
pretty well!! after 5 years of use i wanted a new specalized. to bad they cost twice as much now.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muddy Trail
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA, US
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Skookum flats | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | Light weight,durable frame. It's red | | Weaknesses: | Original Indy shock and junk rock shok deluxe rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Tested proflex, GT | | Bike Setup: | Manitou FS,Risse Genesis rear shock, Carbon monkey bar risers, XT rear derailer, rest stock. | | Bottom Line: | Once I swapped out the front and rear shocks it was a whole new bike. I recently had the main bushings for the rear end changed to sealed ball bearing. Now it is smooth as you can get with 3 inches of travel front and rear (speed springs in the Manitou).Five years old and still going strong. A great all around ride. See no reason to fork out big buck for another bike until this one breaks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muddy Trail
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Skookum Flats | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | Handling, almost light and it's red | | Weaknesses: | Stock rear and front shocks | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Klien Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Genesis rear shock and Manitou FS up front. Easton monkey carbon monkey bars, the rest stock. | | Bottom Line: | After almost five years of riding an average of two times a week in many times muddy conditions the bike is still holding up. I have the original bushings in the main pivot with no slop, the bottom braket is hanging tough too. I didn't know how bad the suspension was until I replaced the front and rear shocks- big improvement. It weighs in at 27.25 lbs., which is respectable. Three inches of travel front and rear does the job. I am going to try to get a machine shop to change the main pivots to sealed ball bearing, I hear it can be done. As long as it holds together I see no reason to upgrade to another FS bike only to get maybe an inch more travel and more weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAMASTA99
a Cross Country Rider
from NORTH POTOMAC MD
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Place | | Strengths: | light weight frame | | Weaknesses: | stock parts | | Similar Products Used: | FSR's | | Bike Setup: | 100mm judy race soon to be 125 Z.3 flylight race face bb, cranks and stem. SRAM 9.0 sl rd and xt fd. time ATAC pedal. | | Bottom Line: | cheap begginer FS. im 255 and have detroyed the rear shock, but have made the bike work for my XC adn DH riding habats. if any one needs a 17.5 frame email me and i make a deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from New Mex. & UT
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Durability
Light-weight
Handling | | Weaknesses: | Stock components.
Worthless Specialized Cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a '99 FSR | | Bike Setup: | '97 Ground Ctrl AIM A1, Marzoochi Z5 (front), Risse Genesis (rear), Avid Arch Rival 50 (f/r), Avid speed disc levers, XTR/LX setup | | Bottom Line: | I don't think I can count the number of times I wrecked on this bike, but I am impressed that the frame is still in good condition.
This is an excellent bike if you can upgrade to better components.
When I first purchased the bike, I had a lot of problems with: brakes, suspension, cranks, rear deralliuer. However, after a few good upgrade to better components the bike handles, climbs, and performs like a champ.
Unfortunately the stock components are crap, The first component that failed on my bike was the rear shock, followed by a bent crank, many chains later the rear derailluer(LX) died, and finally one of the brake sets broke. However while progessively upgrading, the bike handled much better each time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cycle Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Johnson Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | With uggrades to suspension, this bike handles nice. Risse shock in rear firms up ride and weighs less, Manitou SXR in front was big improvement over stock. Quick handling bike that changes direction immediately. Very good for tight trails and fire roads. | | Weaknesses: | Very quick steering, somewhat twitchy, you must pay attention. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Ground Control AIM Comp w/ Manitou SX-R fork, Risse Racing Genesis shock, riser bars, Dean seat post, Ritchey semi-slicks. | | Bottom Line: | For small extra investment, this bike performs well. It weighs less than 27.5 lbs, and is a very quick handling bike. I weigh 200 lbs. so frame must be strong...this bike is very solid. The Indy fork and Rock Shox shock were awful, but the upgrades (fork and shock) work very well. In addition, this bike is one of the best looking bikes I have ever seen. I constantly get comments from other riders about my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fett
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, IN
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Knobstone | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Works well, reasonably light, durable (except rear shock) | | Weaknesses: | Rear Shock-If you buy one of these, upgrade to Risse Genesis ASAP-you won't be sorry. | | Similar Products Used: | Currently ride Giant XTC DS1 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Pro-everything else is now back to stock. I have the Comp model-the red one. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike once I got the Risse Genesis shock. It firmed up the rear end and works well. It also took about a half pound off the bike. I abused this bike for 2 years and it never failed me. It is now in semi retirement as my wife's bike. I had gotten it as low as 24.7 pounds in various component variations. It currently weighs a little over 26 lbs in a medium. If you can find a used one, it is a good all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Weaknesses: | Loud shock. I've had the same problem other people describe. My shock is very harsh and the bike is embarassing to ride because it makes so much noise. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love full suspension, but as soon as I can afford it, this bike is history. It's a little outdated - not many Mac Strut bikes still around. I want something with more, better travel and some quality suspension components.
The bike wasn't a bad deal at the time - 4 Chilis
The bike kind of sucks now - 3 Chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muddy Trail
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma,Wa.
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ladies Only | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Overall handling and climbing prowness | | Weaknesses: |
Original fork and rear shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Pro Flex | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou FS fork (speed spring inside) ,Risse Genesis rear shock,Easton carbon low rise handle bars-the rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I didn't realize how bad the suspension was on this bike until I installed the front and rear shock upgrades. I was on my third rock shok deluxe and it was clunking on rebound. I just heard that rock shok now makes a SID to fit on the rear( it is used on a new TREK too). I haven't had the other problems other riders have ( ghost shifts,bottom bracket noise or sub frame brakage). In original form it gets two flamers,but now I'll give it five big ones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Hardesty
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tour de Wolf | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, strong frame with quality welds. Climbs and handles excellently. | | Weaknesses: |
This bike will have no weaknesses if built with good quality components. | | Similar Products Used: |
I have borrowed and thoroughly tested several different models of 1998 and 1999 FSR bicycles. | | Bike Setup: |
1997 FSR Ground Control frame w/Rock Shox Deluxe rear shock. 1999 Manitou SX fork (fully upgraded). 1999 Shimano XT shifters and derailluers. Shimano XT cassette (11-30). Race Face bottom bracket w/ Shimano crankset and chainrings(22/32/44). Dia-Compe 767 brakes. WTB SpeedMaster wheelset (machined) w/GreaseGuard hubs. Ringle Zooka stem, Kore seatpost, Profile riser bars and an ARC seat. | | Bottom Line: | I built this bike about 4 months ago. I only bought the frame and rear shock used (on this website) so I did not get a chance to ride a complete factory stock 97 FSR Ground Control Comp with the stock components and Indy fork (thank goodness!). I have however, had the opportunity to ride several different 98 and 99 FSR bikes and I like this model the best. In my opinion this model FSR pogo's less than the newer models (it really had no noticeable pogo problem at all). It handles smoothly and also climbs like a goat. It is lighter than most of the factory stock FSR bikes that I have tested (my bike weighs under 27 lbs.). I personally believe that the so called new improvements to the FSR frame have done nothing more than to just reduce the cost of producing the FSR bicycle. If you ever get a chance to own or build one of these you will not have any regrets. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Raddatz
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem,UT
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light | | Weaknesses: |
Front Shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Super-V 500, Gary Fisher Joshua X | | Bike Setup: |
every thing is stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike used and it has performed better then I had thought. Very light and fast(even for a 200pd rider). If I could change anything I would put a new shock up front. If you see one for cheep BUY it this bike performes just as well as those new ones. Oh ya the only problem I have ever had is a broken chain... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Brusven
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nelson, BC
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Paperbag | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
dunoo | | Weaknesses: |
dunno | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
dunno | | Bottom Line: | hi, I am going to be buying a barely used '97 fsr gc the white one, from what I hear from the reviews I'm gunna be needing a new rear shock pretty soon, and I was just wondering what you people suggest, also I will probably upgrade the indy xc's and I was thinking about bomber z3 longtravels, I would like your opinion on that! :)
I am also wondering what kind of shifters it has, please, if you have time, let me know at blah_98@hotmail.com thanks :P | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Ericks
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bullards Bar Resevoir (Nevada City) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Looked cool at the time | | Weaknesses: |
The bike was not very good quality. I bent the bolt on seat post mount, went through 3 shocks, and had to deal with the rear-end rattle from the blown rear shock. | | Similar Products Used: |
Got the dealer to crash-replace the bike for the 98 FSR PRO which I am extremely happy with. | | Bike Setup: |
FOX cheesy-style rear shock, and lamo Rock Shock Indy XC's in the front. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a disapointment after the first month. After blowing the rear shock twice due to major flex, and bending the bolt on seat post mount, I wished I had bought something else. This bike was not the quality I was led to believe. On a downhill the rear end chattered and was so loud I felt like I was riding a department store special. I would not recommend this bike to anyone who does any serious riding. However, after talking to the shop I got it at, they gave me a crash replacement deal toward the 98 FSR PRO. I give the pro a 5 chil-pepper rating with a splash of El Tapatio on top....HOT STUFF!!!!!!!!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Update on my review of the GC from Dec. '97. I kept the bike to the end of Aug. '98, and then sold it. Why? I had a few problems with the bike specifically and perhaps a philosophical problem with the bike generally. Specifics: the bottom bracket squeaked from day one to the time I sold it; the ghost-shifting only went away after I bought and installed a Grip-Shift Bassworm; the rear shock did blow (replaced at no cost or service charges under warranty; I was only given the Rock Shox service manuals 4 months after I bought the bike, so I could figure out how to properly adjust both suspension pieces; the rear subframe pivots at the bottom bracket needed constant cleaning or they would really creak quite loudly. Now all these problems were eventually rectified, and I even went further and bought a set of Shimano 747 clipless pedals just to round off the bike. Only problem was, I realized that the hype of full-suspension didn't seem to live up to the reality of actually using it. I mean, the bike bounced up and down like it should, but I guess I was expecting more of a magic carpet ride. I'm not interested, though, in the freeride style of full-suspension bike, and I don't like the hassle of adjusting suspension pieces and cleaning/lubing pivot points. The Ground Control worked like a proper XC suspension bike should, but I realized that the style of bike just doesn't match the style of riding I prefer. The next bike purchase I'll make will be a freeride HARDTAIL bike, so I'll get the long-travel magic carpet ride feel on the front end, and I won't have to worry about anything on the back-end of the bike. Unfortunately, Specialized doesn't make a freeride hardtail, so I'm going to have to look at something from Fisher, Trek, Kona, or Rocky Mountain. I hope the person I sold my GC to is enjoying it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Nehring
a cross-country rider
from Berlin, CT
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
My first FS bike, and I think my last! I got a 50/50 deal with my dad for christmas and I got an Ground Control with 36 miles on it for $650, a nice deal because the guy I bought it from had shaterd his knee (ouch!!) and he couldn;t ride any more (sucks!). This bike climbs like a 4X4! He got clipless for it and I can now jump 4.5'! A nice light bike! Anybody should get this bike! 105 hot ones for Ground Control!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a cross-country rider
from Roanoke Va
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Ground Control frame with the Rock Shox deluxe (no rebound adjustment) for Christmas from my parents. This is my first fs bike and I haven't quite got it sorted out yet. The components are a follows:
fork: 98 marzocchi atom bomb
all components are xt except for shifters and rear derailleur
shifters: sram esp 9.0
rear der: sram esp 9.0 sl
h-bar: Bontrager Crowbar Race
stem: specialized 135mm
rims: bontrager mustang ceramic with asym rear
tires: dirt master & dirt control with kevlar bead
saddle: specialized pro contolThis bike as its setup right now weghs 26.5 lbs on our Weightronix scale at work. This is for a size 17. I can't get the rear shock to travel as smoothly as the front with my current set-up. I have the preload set on the zoke set at 5mm. I have almost no preload on the rear but I only weigh 150 lbs. My rear shock does make a clunking noise when it fully extends so it may be low on oil like someone below said. I'm anxious to try a different rear shock but I want it to match my 'zoke; I'm not looking for something that simply weighs less. If I want light and fast I'll ride my S-works hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Z
a racer
from Usa
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well i bought this bike the exact first day of 1998....i got it used and it was in good shape when i got it....rides good...controls good..and is overall performance wise good...well..after about a month..i blew the rear shock out..and about 5 more times this summer ..so that sux..but i may get a risse shock for it.and i busted the seat pod(got a new one on warranty)..ok i upgraded this thing so much..that the only thing stock is the frame and the (broken) bb...
Upgrade:
Fork:Manitou Fs
Wheels: lx/wtb
Tires: Assorted depends on the terrain
handle bars: club roost go fast
Shifter:8.0 attack
Brakes: Magures and xtr v's
Stem: dimension
Seat:Wtb
Seatpost:Control Tech
Rear Deariler/Front: 98 XTR
Cranks: 98 xt
Cassete:98 XT (8spd)
and soon the bb will be fixed..and i'm gonna get the rear shock replaced with a risse genesis
and the the ride will be real sweet...i'm gonna replace the frame soon to with a fsr xc 99..i beat the live daylights outta this bike..but it still going stong...but the thing is its too heavy.....but when i get the new frame and wheels...and fork..it will be definetly lighter!
lata
i give it 4 chilles for putting up with me..and -1 fer being so damn heavy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dewayne Janes
a cross-country rider
from Columbus IN USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought a 1997 Ground Control A. Comp. I'm very satisfied with it so far I have not had any problems so far but I'm going to up grade to XT casset and rapid fire shifters, LX front derailluer.The gripshift is ok but if you set the bike up side down you crack the shifters, cant do that with rapid fire.I raced a few weekends a go and it handled really good. Did not have any problems with the suspension, if the rear was much softer it would wanted to bounce to much(was loose as it would go,I weight about 120or125. Has a 400lb. coil sping).Placed 4th out of 13 first race and have never rode on the trail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam gramlich
a cross-country rider
from Atwater, CA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
15 month followup!
OK, so i'm bummed to see the 98's out with a swingarm. That aside, I have ridden my GC AIM Comp hard and long, with nary a complaint. I haven't done any special maintenance except swap the chain. After crashing into - yes - a parking garage, I had to replace the fork. Got a used Hi-5 off of MTBR for $125, and ACCIDENTALLY created a monster machine! The fork is a major improvement, and after a few more weeks of fiddling with the 17 elastomers and spacer, should provide the perfect counterpart. Slowing down the head angle was a blessing, because the bike tracks much more reliably at high speed (you owners know what I mean). Have had to lube everything only twice, and that was because there is much mud in Ohio. Out here in California the trails are much nicer, but the vert will kill you (on the way up!). I love the looks we get driving down the road with two full suspensions on the roof (wife has trek y-5), most people just GAWK. If you can find one of these still at retail or used - get it, it is a rare a disappearing breed - the medium travel CC machine. The only bummer is the 30 lbs (with the Hi-5). And after 20 feet of a dry creek bed, you are ready to forgive that! Happy riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Sack
a cross-country rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike. It is a true cross-country full suspension moutain bike. It has all around excellent handling. Climbs as good as any hardtail, but still has enough give in the back to keep your knees and lower back from getting soar after that long ride with your buddies. The only problem with this bike is the rock shox rear shock which often times comes new from the bike shop a little low on oil. I have had to replace this rock shox 3 times because of the leaky rear shock(twice it came new with low oil). If you have any oil missing you will begin to hear a metal clanking sound which is caused by the piston (being oriented in an upward position, instead of downwards like on the 98 fsr model with the same shock) moving in its upper position without any oil to slow the movement. The shock has no negative spring so if you go over a little bump the piston won't go down far enough to dip itself into the oil to slow itself down, which results in the metal piston hitting the metal cap of the shock with no oil to slow it down....the result a loud clank on the little bumps. Risse sells a rear shock that is almost a pound lighter, is more rigid(longitudinally) and works so much better. My rear suspension is like a cadillac compared to the rock shox suspension. Changing the rear shock is the best thing you can do to this bike. If you are going to keep you oil shock with its low oil level, make sure you add enough sag to the rear end so that the piston is setting in the oil and not on top of it. I give the bike 4 stars because the rear shock it crapp. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Venetia , PA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike , I've had nothing but praise for it since I bought it . I found it on a closeout and it was only $950 , its a lotta bike for the money but when i race in the summer of '99 i'll probably purchase a dual crown fork im decicding between the RST Hi-Five and the Rock Shox Judy XL or XLC because the Rock Shox Indy XC is a little doesent have enough travel for my type of riding . If you can find a leftover of this bike i'd encourage you to buy it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Herbert
a cross-country rider
from NEW ZEALAND
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just bought the aim 1 comp on special for US$800 I have ridden a few F.S. bikes lately and can say this is the best all round bike. It isnt a down hill bike but for singletrack and technical terrain it works well. I am not that impressed with the Indy XC but it will have to do at the moment, the rear works well and isnt like riding a pogo stick, you can climb with the hard tails. The bike just plain works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nev
a weekend warrior
from marin county
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i just paid $500.00 for a used 97 pro, i must say that i upgraded to sram esp derailler,shifters,and brake levers, and manitou palmer stroker fork. this bike is great i was ready to spend the big bucks on a new bike and got a great deal at a local bike swap. I would like to try a new rear shock, but this bike rocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger S. Prior
a cross-country rider
from Springfield, VT
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have read a lot of good stuff and bad stuff about the bike and everything I have to say is great. Some people get lemons, you get that from everything in life. Its also the maintenance you do upon such a thing, if you treat it like dirt, its gonna treat you back the same way. Example: I cleaned and lubed everything except the pivot points for the rear sway arm. And guess what started squeaking... Im sure this is the cause of a lot of the noises coming from the rear shock since the noise is coming from the general area. The vibrations also transmit through the rear arm. Lube them suckers up! If you need help or info on how to get to them give me a ring.
Last thing, I love the bike even though the components could be better. Then again, the price would be better too! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luca
a weekend warrior
from Brussels
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok, this is an update on my review of few months ago.
The bike, an AIM GC PRO (yellow one), size 19, has gone through these upgrades:
added a couple of bar-ends Avenir Profile;
RaceFace Headset;
Ritchey WCS 22 handlebar with Bontrager foam grips (VERY light);
Action Tech Ti BB;
XT 11-30 cassette;
PC-91 chain;
avid pad/holder combos on both LX V-brakes;
added Shimano Carbon booster on the front;
Selle Italia Flite Ti rails;
changed interiors of Indy SL with Englund TAT '98;
changed Rockshox Coupe DeLuxe with air/oil Risse genesis shock;
thrashed the Mavic 220 and bought a set of Crossmax;
Black snake cables (with teflon; sort of Ride-on made in France)
changed Team Control/Master with Extreme Control/Master tire (here it is very, very muddy most of the year. I will swap to the Team ones when it will be dry again (Yeah...when!?);Money spent overall: I don't want to even think about it. But now the rig is a real cross country beast. Very light (24 lbs!) and responsive. The Genesis has been a huge improvement in the rear (don't like the rear bobbing with coils). The booster has improved braking and substantially improved the rigidity of the fork, to such an extent that I don't plan to change it any time soon (expecially now that I have englunds in it, which are a perfect match for the Risse).
Crossmax, as well, have given wings to this bike. It's too bad that they are so expensive. But I got them new for 500$ and I cannot complain too much.Now I really love this bike. I have always done, actually, but now it is nearly perfect. And the new GC XC that will be available by end 98 seems to me just its natural evolution. As a mater of fact the swing link there does not increase the travel of the rear, but just takes away the lateral stress from the shock, for longer durabi |
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$ 1200.00
