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Submitted by
chris
a
from flagstaff
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | sunset | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | stiff, light, strong, nimble, great climber | | Weaknesses: | can only run a 2.1 rear, big 2.1s barely fit | | Similar Products Used: | not much compares to this ride | | Bike Setup: | full xtr, 2001 80mm bomber marathon air fork, 22.7 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | Where do I start? This is an amazing bike, cross-country, touring, log crossings, commuting, whatever, it works for all of it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian McMillan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | lake chabot loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist.org | | Strengths: | Arguably the greatest off the rack race frame ever built. Smooth ride, light, fast climber and stable down hills. Unreal on singletrack.
| | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Kona Hot, Reynolds 853 (stolen out of car) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, all XT except for XTR rear derailleur, Ritchey everything else (love the steel seatpost, absorbs bumps), Manitou SX Ti forks (kept lubed and filled with oil), Salsa seat (comfy) | | Bottom Line: | Found this bike on craigslist in '03. It had sat in this guys garage for six years only ridden on the road and on fire trails for a grand total of about 200 miles. He even threw in a pair of Specialized Fatboys (really skinny slicks) with tubes for free. My all time dream bike purchased at essentially 75% off. I was laughing as I rode the bike to my car after the purchase until I flipped over the handlebars from hitting the XT v-brakes, good times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$147.00 | | Purchased At: | TradeMe (NZ ebay) | | Strengths: | Climbs like a dream, really responsive,great handling. | | Weaknesses: | Really Stiff...pretty unforgiving. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji Tahoe | | Bike Setup: | Specialized S-Works M2 '98 Frame, A-Class 24-spoke wheels, Full XTR except shifters (LX is lighter). Raceface Ride XC Cranks, Easton EA50 handlebars, Thomson Elite stem, RockShox SID Team '04 80mm forks. Avid Ball Bearing Disc front, Avid Arch Rival V on rear. Sram hollowpin chain and PG-990 cassete, Selle Italia Octavia Saddle, Wellgo Mg pedals etc (i could go on forever) | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant frame, has showed me the light of hardtails, if you have the chance to get one take it. M2 material is great, so stiff it's not funny. Buy it if you want to go very fast... but not if you have back problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from rio rancho, nm, usa
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | albuquerque bicycle | | Strengths: | This bike is light, it handles well, great frame, great components, rapid fire shifters | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for 8 years now and I could honestly say that I love it. I ride 4 or 5 days a week every week and have done that for years and this bike still rocks! Yes, I could buy a new bike but why? This bike still rocks and I keep up with everyone I ride with on this one. Wouldn't even think of getting rid of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from santa barbara
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | area 51 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Boulder | | Strengths: | Stiff, has handled everything with a Firm, yet eager attitude (yeah hills)- has handled wheelie drops, ramps, and 100 mile races, dessert sands, rocky and rooty and -lumbery?- new england-- all in stride. | | Weaknesses: | Ritchey components- based on my experience with them on this bike- I'll never purchase. (Pedals very poor, the 31.5 post is not designed by anyone who knows what 'human factors engineering' is- get a shim-).
Oh- I almost forgot!!- I now have a nice smooth XTR bottom bracket(have had it 4 years- flawless)- I swear, though, when I pulled the original out after it developed 2 mm of play (!)- I thought I was looking at a k-mart bike (plastic sleeve, free bearings and all-).
The worst spec. ever! (Other than Giant putting 7speed kmart chains on 9 speed mid/high end bikes). I can hear the marketing guys now: "no one ever looks at the bottom bracket, just the rear derailleur". Though in fairness, and in contrast, the rest of the specs were great (other than those pedals). | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR; raceface cranks, Zochhi Marathon up front (that manituou sx-ti was crappy; Manituou sx-r- was awesome). Time atac, rock shox susp seatpost, hayes/king/517/317 rims- Magura disc brake up front (not recommended- have an air leak in the master cylynder). | | Bottom Line: | I'd love to hate this bike- I've moved to wanting a full squish and this thing won't die. Every inch of mountain biking I've done (Moab, Colorado, New hamshire, Virginia, California, Upstate NY) has been on this frame (all components replaced at leat once except the cranks, which are still original. (If you're curious- the rear xt hub and xtr v-brakes were the only things to last- I swapped out the flat bar and chopper-long stem early on- so no fair to say they lasted).
My next frame will probably be a truth- I'll probably sell this- my baby- since it's been a bit small (I've actually grown since I got it when i was freshman in college!).
This is such a stiff frame I'd always thought I'd break it-it's held up to very tough riding--I'm really impressed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | valley trails, long city rides with light urban action! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | private buyer | | Strengths: | It's stiffer than me in the morning lying next to Anna Kournikova, hence its climbing ability is phenonmenal(combo of its lightweight and stiffnes). Extremely responsive and controllable at high speed and tight corners without having any troubles. In essence, this bike is almost telepathic when it comes to performce. The components are as good as it gets without breaking the bank. | | Weaknesses: | It's NOT a cushy/forgiving ride (go get yourself a cruiser with a suspension seat if that's what you want). You can basically buy a used car for the price of a brand new one, but I still prefer to ride. | | Similar Products Used: | 9700 Trek carbon fibre | | Bike Setup: | XTR/Deore XT mix, Thomson seat post, Mavic X517 rear wheel with older 217 sunshine front wheel(it's damn light!), Manitou SX Ti shock(I know time to upgrade) | | Bottom Line: | This is a "dream bike" for any average Joe, The sheer speed I get from this bike is almost too much at times(topped it out at 60km/h or 38mp/h). I feel like I could lay down a rubber patch if I had slicks, thankfully I have those trusty XTR brakes, yeah!. I like to ride to work & back (44km round trip or 28 miles), and the stiffness is not an issue in city riding in terms of comfort. Plus the fact that I can brag about getting to work 20 min quicker than public transportation is always something to glow about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic Willsher
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingston, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mont Tremblant | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Frontenac Cycle | | Strengths: | Excellent bike... perfect groupset; Stiff and light, looks sharp!! Have received excellent support from Specialized... couldn't have wished for better service. | | Weaknesses: | Older style Shimano splined bottom bracket is XTR... difficult to find tools to take it out. Also have had problems with stripping the crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adroit
Specialized StumpJumper Comp | | Bike Setup: | ?? Set up for what? Mainly original parts... new tires... I recommend Panaracer FireXCPro... been using them for 18 months with no complaints. Stock handlebar is very light at 185gr, but is ugly as sin... | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE MY BIKE. Wouldn't trade it for the world, I don't even let my girlfriend ride it. Amazing bike, and even when it lets me down, Speciaized comes to the rescue. Quick story; in England last year, riding the cliffs of the south west coast, and my hub body rode itself into the hub and seized. Totally my fault; I hadn't tightened it in properly, and was reaming on the bugger up the cliffs. Anyway, Specialized UK (I bought the bike in Canada) sent me a rear wheelset within 5 days to a campsite that I was stranded at in the middle of nowhere. Thanks to a great company, my holiday suffered no more than a hiccup, in what could have been a catastrophe, seeing that I had no money, and was hundreds of miles from home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Pratt
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cycle, Orlando, Fl. | | Strengths: | Unbreakable, fast, climbs like a demon and eats up singletrack descents! | | Weaknesses: | The crappy Suntour Microdrive Groupset it came with. | | Similar Products Used: | 1992 Yeti, The original Pace, Fat Chance, Dogs Bollx, Yo Eddy, Slingshot, 1994 M2, 1996 M2 | | Bike Setup: | 1992 M2 Team Edition frame, 1997 Manitou Ti Shocks, XT groupset, Mavic Crossrides, Syncros stem, raceface post, S-Works seat. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome, I have had this bike for almost 10 years and it just kicks ass....I don't think I will ever need to buy a new bike...well maybe a nice new M4!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
courtney haberman
a Racer
from mequon, wi, usa
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | razorback ridge in sayner | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks ass... when i began racing two summers ago, i tested over 15 bikes,and this one was and always will be my favorite. to anyone who wants a comfortable, reliable bike, i recommend the s-works (with a bright pink paint job-- trust me, it makes the bike:-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob simopoulos
a Weekend Warrior
from waterdown, Ontario
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
waterdown | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light as hell
Great hill climber | | Weaknesses: |
short travel front fork | | Bike Setup: |
s-works FSR (95,96,97?)
- Full XT
- specialized carbon/titanium front fork
-Fox rear air shock
- bontrager riser bar
- Lot's of kick ass canadian flag stickers (true patriot) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Bought it two years ago, used, in cherry condition for $900 cdn. Thought it was a steal. This bike climbs like no tomorrow. It is a great X.C. bike. Both the front and rear shock does not have much travel. I'm not that concerned about the rear end ( I like it stiff) but would like to upgrade the front shock to something a little more plush.
Sucks on downhills, bounces all over the placeStill I love this bike!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Aurora ONt.Can.
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
T&T Hardwoodhills Ont. | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This bike loves to blast over anything you put in front of it.
Bring on the tough stuff!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: |
None to speak of except my buddy who has a fullsuspesion bike thinks it's not heavy enough(ha ha ha) | | Similar Products Used: |
Rocky Moutain
Team only.
Nice bike as well | | Bike Setup: |
747 pedals
XTR/XT mix | | Bottom Line: | Awesome thanks honey for a wicked Xmas present last year | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joshua hiebert
a Racer
from atlanta,ga
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light,responsive, a joy to ride | | Weaknesses: |
The occasional creak | | Similar Products Used: |
Fat Ti, Ibis Mojo Ti | | Bike Setup: |
XTR 8 spd
Manitou4
S-Works components | | Bottom Line: | I bought the frame and put the bike together over time. I have raced this bike for a long time, and it has lasted through thick and thin. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Well, maybe the world. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Cross-Country Rider
from saratoga
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
SKIDMORE | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light, stiff and fast | | Weaknesses: |
creaks sometimes
seat stay flex | | Similar Products Used: |
bontrager privateer
hoo koo e koo | | Bike Setup: |
judy sl with englunds
race face
king | | Bottom Line: | i have been very happy with this frame. it is a '96 that i just bought this summer, it was basically new. it held up well over a hrad summer of riding. the bike is light and fells solid. no probelm so i'll give it 5 flammers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D. Garreck
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Barrier Lake Fire Lookout - Alberta, Canada | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Frame Strength, Responsiveness, Climbing, Durability | | Weaknesses: |
Lively Back end forces you to stay alert and on top of it. | | Bike Setup: |
Complete as Supplied from Factory with 747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | After 14 months and a hard 5,000 kms, my '98 S-Works still kicks serious ass. See my update from Aug/98.... I can't say enough positives about this ride - its worth every penny and more. I will also add - the support from my local Specialized dealer has been nothing short of outstanding...... Truely an awsume package. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tigg
a Racer
from UTAH
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Corner Canyon Creek(south mountain race course) | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
the tougness | | Weaknesses: |
To Stiff | | Bike Setup: |
stock with 747 and a moxey | | Bottom Line: | It is great | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Anderson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Roanoke Va
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything at Douthat state park | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight | | Weaknesses: |
Crooked frame, Flimsy derailleur hanger | | Similar Products Used: |
Raliegh MT300
Specialized a1 Ground Countrol F.S. bike | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SX Ti with TPC
full XTR component group (8 speed)except for XT hubs with Bontrager Mustang rims with ceramic coating
Race Face system
Race Face riser bar
Race Face thermoplastic headset | | Bottom Line: | I've had mixed results with this bike. I got the frame from Supergo for $398 and I slowly accumulated the rest of the parts from various sources. The bike handles like a dream the way its set-up with Dirt control/master tires. The one beef I do have with the frame is that the derailleur hanger is extremely easy to bend. My other Specialized bike also has this trait too. I've never had one break off or had a derailluer get messed up but a fall from walking speed will bend the hanger. You can staighten the hanger with a little pratice and a 5mm allen wrench but I got tired of doing that about three months ago. My biggest problem is that my frame is not straight (the seatstays aren't straight) and since I got the frame mail order I really don't have any easy way to get it fixed. Chalk it up to eperience but the next bike I get will definitly be from a local dealer. Don't overlook the value of your local dealer especially if they give good service. The extra $$ will be worth it in the long run. The shop that pressed my headset (East Coasters) in me for turned out to be one of the best discoveries I've made since I started riding. If thres a moral to this story it's to check out your LBS before searching the net for deals. I had no trouble putting the bike together or choosing the components (I read the reviews before I buy) but now that I have a problem I don't have any easy options open left. Either take it apart and send it back and hope to God someone takes care of the problem quickly or ride it like it is. From now on I know I'll be spending alot more time at East Coasters and alot less time on the net. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
olli
a Weekend Warrior
from germany
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
very light
responsive | | Weaknesses: |
1' head tube | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 8500
Trek 950 | | Bike Setup: |
S-Work Carbon with steel lugs (made 1993)
XTR 98
Grafton Joysticks
CroMo Fork (no suspension)
Syncros Post
ControlStem
Syntace Bar
Tune Hubs
Mavic 217
Ritchey WCS 1.7 tires | | Bottom Line: | The S-Works carbon is a very responsive, an well handling (tends to be nervous) bike.
I got this rare frame (carbon tubes bonded into steel lugs) last year for less the half of the recommended price and did build it up with leightweight parts.
Now it weightslsee than 9,5 kg.
Excellent climber, poor for downhill (without suspenssipon fork) | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TC
a Weekend Warrior
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Super !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from London,UK
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Weight, agility, climbs like a demon | | Weaknesses: |
Can't think of any | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SXTi, Full XTR Groupset | | Bottom Line: | Had a 98 SWorks for over a year now and I can't fault it. Let's you put the power down and climbs like mad. It may be stiff but I've ridden worse - I did 1000km over 10 hot days in the Andalucian mountains in Spain and could still walk afterwards! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stalin
a Downhiller
from Moskow
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
highway to hell | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
killing people | | Weaknesses: |
being intelligent | | Bottom Line: | Well done, made in Russia! Nastrovje, Barasztroijka, uzgawuxga. U R banned to Sybiria. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hudson, MA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vietnam(Milford, MA) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Strong, Light, Responsive Handling,
Climbs, & Cost | | Weaknesses: |
Stiff for the long rides
(Oh, my aching back!) | | Similar Products Used: |
Owned Specialized Stumps,Rockhopper
Full sus. Proflex | | Bike Setup: |
97,98 Sworks- Manitou SXTi, White Brothers SC70 | | Bottom Line: | When I bought the a 97 Sworks It was like night and day compared to my full suspension Proflex. My skills improved dramatically, I had so much control, handling was awesome! As corny as this may sound I literally became one with that dahm bike, I was comfortable & confident! Large obstacles became an inviting challenge rather than an dangerous situation (up and over!). Call it the placebo effect if you want, but Geometry does make a difference. I must mention as most of us know, manufacturers design XC bikes for the average weight riders (150-175lbs);After 8 months of abuse, myself being 6'5 210lbs and a very aggressive rider I did break the frame(cross-tube between the chainstays). Not to worry, frame life time warranty! Specialized set me up with a brand new 98 team red edition frame two weeks later. No problems with the tortured 98, one year later. Anyway the Sworks M2 is a claw climbing, switch backing machine that I still consider one of the best STRENGTH/WEIGHT/COST ratio bikes on the market. 5***** (99 M4 could be my next...) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
theDEADman
a racer
from the earth
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I raced the whole 98 season on my 97 s-works , that was 25 races at an average of 20 miles each . I will be racing the same bike this year only I had it painted to pearl white . So when your at a local MI. race look for the ghost S-works , and on it you'll find theDEADman !! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TIMOTHY PETER ROBERT REID
a weekend warrior
from OXFORD ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have speced my M2 with full XTR and a 99 judy 100, this makes for a spendid combination I can now use my machine for pretty much anything. Still light enough for XC and due to the 100mm on the front great for playing around and jumping on. The M2 is by far the stiffest frame i have ever ridden and is arguably the greatest hardtail ever. Acceleration is superb and just point the front in the direction you want and the rear follows with ease. This bike really enhances the joys of mountain biking in every aspect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtb-aholic
a weekend warrior
from Bay Area, CA.
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Here's the story. I had two x-country full suspension bike (GT RTS & DB V-Link Pro) for about 1 year. I got annoyed at how heavy they weighed (even thought the V-link was upgraded with parts to weigh 24 lbs.) At the end of 1998, mail order was selling frame only for $399. I knew that the S-Works M2XX was a well renowned bike, so I decided to test it out. Before I made any orders though, I went to local retail store to try it. 3 seconds after I got on, I was in love. Even for this mediocre stock set-up, the bike felt very smooth and manueverable. Great acceleration as well as breaking. So without hesistation, I called the mail order place and bought the frame and some parts that I would need for it. I put the bike together and I love it, even though I might need new pedals (Bebops are a pain in the a##). My version of the S-Works is as follows.....weight 21lbs.
Titec 118g bar, Syncros hinged stem, Chris King headset, Chris King Hubs, Mavic 517, SX-Ti fork, XTR brakes/shifters, XTR 175 crankset, Bebops, XTR front/rear derailleurs, Syncro alum. seatpost, and Salsa skewers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Redding
a cross-country rider
from Warrenton, Mo
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned at least 12 different mountain bikes over the last 13 years ranging from fully rigid,through fully suspended bikes, and I can honestly say that my 98' S-Works M2 is the best ride to date. The truck-like handling of my dual suspension ride(97GT LTS1)is plush but left me wanting a lighter, better handling machine for singletrack use. The S-Works has not dissapointed, with its responsive scalpel-like precision handling. When I ride this bike I can get back to enjoying the basic fundamentals of riding that were somehow lost, or at least misplaced with my dual suspension rigs. The dollar to performance value is unmatched,and the component selection leaves little to be desired. As far as negatives the Ritchey pedals suck, and I have had some oil leakage from the SXTI (Answers problem). The color, which is very similar to my lawnboy mower,takes a little getting used to but is not necessarily a negative. To date the bike has 747,s, an Ibis Ti stem, Titec 118 bar, Titec bar ends, ratty but comfortable and light Flite saddle, and a new Moab Propost suspension seat post.
The ti parts and propost take the sting out of the stiff M2 frame without compromising handling and weight. A full five clicks for my two wheeled lawnboy.P.S. the Moab Propost, although adding a little weight and costing a bit too much, nonetheless kicks major ass. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kiel
a weekend warrior
from Fargo
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just ordered my frame from supergo hoping to get the red M2 but they had run out so I had to get the Team Mountain Dew frame. Even better! This frame is so light and ugly!
SWEET Mo Fo!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Leach
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Can't wait to ride this awesome machine,I've been dreaming
about this beast for years now I own one sweeet.
Gota thank my WIFE for this excellent xmas gift.
Bring on SPRING!!!!!!!
I've had a stumpjumper before and if this bikes
anything like my last one,that I put 5500kms on.
I'm looking forward to 10000 with this one.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Spokane, Wa
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am just curious. I have a chance to get a 98 S-Works for about $1200. I really like the bike, but I will change a few things. I will put on a shorter stem, rise bars, and maybe a Bomber or X-vert R, probably a Raceface crank (20-34-44, and 12-32 XTR cassete with M-55 Sachs chain) and bottom bracket, Time pedals, Thompson seatpost, and Bontrager Plus 10 seat. I want to use it for rough playing. Rock hopping, log hopping, drop-offs, etc. How durable is it? I rarely crash, and am careful where I put myself and my bike. I ride a Klein Mantra that is built like I want to build this bike, and want to know if the S-Works will take the same kind of use and survive. Any help? Please feel free to E-mail me. I love the bike as it is, and just want to be sure that it is tough. I do North shore type of riding. Help!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair
a cross-country rider
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had M2XX bike for about 4 months. My initial impression was that it climbed like stink, and handled better than anything I had ridden to that point. However, I've come to dislike the bone bruising experience this bike can deliver over rough/rocky terrain, especially on downhill sections. I recently purchased Geax Hook and Warp tires to soften the ride, and now have a thudbuster seat post. The Geax tires made the ride softer, but overall I wasn't impressed with the change in the handling (the original tires are going back on). The thudbuster is about to be tested this weekend... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe thurwood
a downhiller
from Southend
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive had my specilized hardrock for almost a year now and i love it.Ive just got back from a week in wales were i caned it down snowdon .great fun.Great page | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Perry
a weekend warrior
from Los Gatos
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Though I've only had my S-Works for about 2 weeks, I've had the opportunity to put it through some grueling rides. I just got back from a week in Tahoe and did some pretty technical riding. This bike give you confidence to take on just about anything. The components are good and the Manitou Tpc-SXti fork is awesome. What I really like about the bike is it's compliance and predictability, you just think about about a movement and the bike is there. Weighing in at around 23 pounds is great too! The headset did come loose after a couple of days of hard riding, but that's the only negative. I looked at several bikes in this same price range before deciding on the S-Works, and now more than everi feel I made a great decision. Five burning rats from this guy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STORK
a cross-country rider
from OR
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a cannondale, a stumpjumper, a Y-22, and now the S-work M2. I am tall and thin and am not known for my great climbing skill. I have to say that this bike has hepped me a little. The frame is very still. Up hill that is great but it gets the best of me sometimes in the ruff stuff. I have only had my ride for the summer but could not be more pleased with it. Give it consideration if you don't mind Specialized.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a racer
from Oswego, Ny
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My review is under FRAMESETS: SPECIALIZED M2, go look it up, you won't remember after reading this whole page. But if you don't want to leave this beautiful page just yet, allow me to be brief: I just bought this bike, and after almost a year on my stumpjumper wondered why I had'nt done it sooner. Anyone thinking of this bike, stop thinking. Pick up your catalog, pick up the phone and order it RIGHT NOW! Supergo has a nice deal on frame alone right now......
THIS BIKE ROCKS THE MIKE!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a weekend warrior
from Altadena, CA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
99 S-Works FSR XC, I saw this bike in a couple of publications, it looks too sweet, with its new M4 frame full suspension weighing in at 23.5 Lbs.
I'm going to order this bike now, they are not even shipping it yet.
The suggested retail price is $2995.00, Team Red looks killer. check out The Specialized Web Site at http://www.specialized.comI would also like to get feed back from other people than know about this bike and post what you think !!
This bike needs it's own category, but when I tried to creat a new product review, it gave me an error on the server, if anyone from MTB Review is reading this, maybe you can fix that and create an entry for The Specialized S-Works FSR XC 99 model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a cross-country rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
S-Works M2 Frame, Manitou Stroker Fork, Race Face cranks/rings/bb, Avid brakes, time ATAC pedals, Titec H-bar, SRAM 9.0sl shifter, XTR fd, XTR cass, Syncros post, Crossmax, Bontrager Jones, Salsa skewers, Avocet O2 Air saddleWhat can I say. Sprints like a champ, tackles all hills. A little stiff, but I am getting used to it. The frame kicks ass and is rock-solid. No flex and it feels great on single track as well as fire breaks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a cross-country rider
from Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i really found this bike to be stiff and solid. i really like it's climbing abilities, but i noticed that the frame will scratch really easy. other than that, this bike kicks serious ass! The bike is a bit crappy for goin fast down hilly part of a track, but it handels really well in the single track... I guve this bike a good rating.... but i have a Z-2 on the front as well, which makes for a sweet ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a racer
from USA Athens TN
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great Bike I just got the newest one orderded, S-Works M-4. Love the new 3.3 lbs frame! The older ones hanndle well, but had a tendency to break, so I switched over to the M-4, In idea a stronger lighter frame set, I suggerst this bike for Weekend warriors or racers. Great Job S. Keep riding ppl. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rico
a cross-country rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike! Ferrari red. Only 23.5 lbs in the 15.5 flavor. Climbs really well and has a tight and quick turning radius. The best bang for the buck of all the bikes I researched.
I ride it on the street due to its light weight as well as on trails. Excellent quality frame. I highly recommend it.
Love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonas Hansen
a weekend warrior
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
S-Works M2 er en fremragende cykel der ikke svigter, selv i de mest krævende situationer. Du kan tydeligt mærke hvordan dine kræfter overføres, uden forstyrelse overføres til vejen. Dette betyder ikke, at det er meget hård cykel til downhill da min er monteres med en støddæmper fra Manitou.
Alt i alt er det en seriøs cykel der SKAL køres hård med for, at man føle den virkelige ydeevne den har. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D Garreck
a weekend warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A couple of months ago I purchased my 2nd M2 in 3 yrs - a new '98 S-Works with 747 pedals (My brother also bought the same but in red). My previous being a 95 S.Jumper M2 Comp, I found very little difference in frame fit and feel - although the 98 is lighter and a bit more responsive , the kick can really catch you off guard if your not prepared for it.
On a personal fit note, I require a long top tube geometry and this bike is one of the best without going to custom made. Being a big guy (6ft, 260lbs) and very agressive rider through all terrain, this ride is fantastic. For the price, the quality / component set and performance you cannot beat it. It also has a tricked out look which catches lots of eyes.... black spokes, red rims, ....and the team lime green does eventually grow on you. I am still adjusting to the new shifter levers versus my old grip shift, but uphill shifting/climbing is awsume along with the new Manitou shock which sucks up every bump regardless of size. On all aspects this bike is a w |
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