|
|
|
|
Buy and Sell the from our Classifieds.
|
Shop for Similar Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Winchester, VA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Elizabeth Furnace | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It's a 1999 Specialized FSR XC. Upgraded rear linkage to BETD. Gave better performance on the downhill with 4-6 inch settings. Just freakin' awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Have to special order a SPV rear shock. Stroke is too short. | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Proflex 856 1998 GT rebound | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Drop Off II fork, Avid Mech discs, Race Face Turbine crankset, XT drivetrain, Sun Juju hubs laced to 517 rims | | Bottom Line: | With the extra travel, I can rip through rock gardens and drop offs like never before. still climbs like a goat but more noticable bob. I suggest anyone with a 1999-2001 FSR XC should get the BETD linkage. Its from Britain so it'll cost you some lbs. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from N.S. Canada
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mecca | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | It never gives up, you might but it won't!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | I don't have two of them. | | Bike Setup: | Z1 Freeride, New link to make 5" in the rear,avid mechs | | Bottom Line: | I love this design it does away with having to have a SPV shock to attain the same performance. It is always active and that is a good thing, no brake jacking here. Climbs like you would not believe, if it looses traction it is usually rider error not the bike. If you are looking for a GREAT frame design do yourself a favour and try this design, Horst Link, no matter who makes the bike. I think you will be happy, I am. It will keep anyone from the weekend warrior to the XC racer happy, freeriders and downhillers they have you covered too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott maclean
a Cross Country Rider
from boundbrook nj
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | chimney rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | highland park | | Strengths: | full suspension design 4 bar linkage | | Weaknesses: | tad heavy, not sure about durability of pivots but som far so good | | Similar Products Used: | c-dale scalple | | Bike Setup: | XT front and rear and shifter pods, avid V breaks, Strong arm cranks, wheels are mavic on specialized generic hubs. SID rear shock and Judy Long travel fork | | Bottom Line: | Rode bike to day for first time...awesome handels great climbs like a sick mountain goat. The weight is nothing you feel short wheel base but handles OK....need to adjust bars and stem but otherwise really great fun bike....I think anyone who enjoys riding needs to get a FS bike the benefits of suspension far out weight the increase poundage..it is sooo worth it..Once I get it all tuned to my liking look out baby....Goat Boy Lives!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thom
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland, WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 9 6 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Woodinville bikes | | Strengths: | nimble, maneuverable, good balance, lightweight | | Weaknesses: | Oragami construction. Self destructs with normal XC use.
Its a knuckle dragger. pedals bottom out too easily. Pivots are "toy quality" construction. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein hardtail and other mtn bikes back to 1985 | | Bike Setup: | Avid mech discs. XT derilleurs, twist grips. Rock ring. ATAC pedals, stock flexy cranks. Smoke-dart tires. | | Bottom Line: | Nice idea, but POOR execution. My "spare" hardtail Klein gets a lot of miles while owning this self-destructing FSR. Construction is GARBAGE. After 2 years of wimpy XC riding by a an old Geezer. (50years old), and NO air by me. The frame is TOAST. Broken a few times, bearings constantly breaking with their wimpy tiny bolts and now stripping out the threads in the frame with a defective bolt that just now showed up with a break INSIDE the frame. Just plain POOR weld design. "Lets overheat the heck out of the tubes, and put a big stress raiser lump of weld on this tiny stressed tube". A friend of mine has one of the original Stumpjumpers hanging around in his garage. It is STILL a rideable bike. What happened to this company? I will NEVER buy a Specialized again, no matter how sweet they ride before they prematurely break. The shop where I bought it does the best he can, but I notice he stopped carrying specialized bikes too, and cringes when I come in through the door with bike over shoulder...again. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, OR
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Dan's Trail (In Corvallis) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike-n-Hike | | Strengths: | Handles sharp turns excellent, very comfortable bike. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou shocks are weak, I replaced them with real shocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback XSL Race, Klien full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Rock shocks on front, Fox float on the rear, XT components | | Bottom Line: | Light bike that climbs easy and descends quickly and is easy to control. I have friends that have paid more for their full suspensions and I think they got hosed. I have read complaints about bushings and linkage breaking I have not had any problems with mine. I don't take huge drops nor am I a fat ass (anymore!) maybe that is why it have not expierenced that problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 9Foot.com | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans | | Strengths: | Horst four bar linkage design, powder blue and orange paint job | | Weaknesses: | The nylon bushings at the pivots give sideways flex in the rear triangle | | Similar Products Used: | Klein, Spec M4 | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC frame, Marzochi MX Comp ETA (105mm), Hope minis, Mavic 219s, XT | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike four days a week on a 18 km local loop with rock gardens and great singletrack. It really benefited from alonger travel fork than the Manitou SX-R that it came with which always packed down. The Zochi forks are amazing and the hopes have really given the bike a new level of ability. I thought long and hard about fitting an aftermarket linkage to increase rear travel and replace the bushings with bearings (BETD do a great package for £130 in the UK), but was scared that the frame would not handle my 200lbs bulk and riding style...so in the end I have hung up my beloved FSR XC and bought a Heckler! I love the FSR - it is a great bike, but the flexy frame really got me down. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roger
a Downhiller
from quebec,canada
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bromont,world cup&bing bang | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | strong,verry little flex in the frame and the replaceble derailleur hanger | | Weaknesses: | custermer service | | Bike Setup: | being used for downhill | | Bottom Line: | i have changed every thing on my bike,i have converted it to a DH bike and it's awsome.i have put a zzyzx fork with a black spire tensioner,and some magura hs33 braks and DH rims and also i have put the mountain speed rear link for 6.2 inches of travel.all my components are xt and my stem and bar are both DH to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chalupa brother
a
from Modesto, CA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim (Moab) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | | | Bottom Line: | I had a 1999 FSR and the bolt that connected the RS Deluxe rear shock to the frame snapped (the frame was bent beyond repair). Specialized replaced that frame with a 2000 FSR XC. They called it an "upgrade", but a lightweight XC bike with barely 3 inches of travel is not an upgrade for a 215 lb. freerider who wanted to upgrade the rear suspension through Mountainspeed. The stiff, wimpy travel of a Fox air shock combined with plastic bushings gave me whiplash over the smallest hits (it felt like a hard tail over medium to large hits). The rear linkage on the FSR XC did not allow a substantial aftermarket upgrade. Needless to say, this "upgrade" failed when I discovered the chainstay had cracked in FOUR places. I wonder if the four-bar linkage is the strongest way to set up the rear suspension? It seems to have too many stress points to handle hardcore riding. Specialized replaced the chainstay and willingly agreed to replace the FSR XC with a 2001 Enduro with a Fox Float RC. Specialized was understanding and corrected the mistake they had made when they sent me the FSR XC, but took almost SIX months getting it to me. I would give Specialized a "D+" in customer service, and this is an important factor when deciding who to buy a bike from. I love the performance of the FSR, BUT wonder if the THIRD warranty bike will last. To be continued... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Orlando,Fl
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfortable Ride, Fast | | Weaknesses: | Company customer service sucks....my frame broke into two pieces and they will not warranty or fix it | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi,King headset and hubs,XTR,RaceFace cranks and BB | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I fell in love with this bike and 4 people I know bought the exact same bike as mine after riding mine and going on my recommendation. My frame snapped into two pieces, causing me to take a nasty crash at 24 mph during the last race of the season. I had won everyone up until this time, this was the 8th race I had ridden this bike in. The Specialized rep was a jerk and would not get my bike warrantied, would not even offer a crash replacement that I offered to pay for. Bike is great until it breaks, then company abandons you and won't help. My advice is stay away from this company.....buy a bike from a company that will stand behind their products and offer good customer service | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeus
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Florida
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
in West Virginia | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Durable, Suspension that doesn't bob | | Weaknesses: |
a little tall | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Full Suspension, Fat City Yo Eddy | | Bike Setup: |
XTR, Z1 Bam, Custom Wheel set with Ti Spokes | | Bottom Line: | I read that people have some problems with the pivots. I have never had a problem, and when I ride I can be rude to my bike, just plowing into things and not picking the best line. This bike works. I ride with a bunch of guys with all kinds of nice bikes(big dollars) and custom. They are always trying to catch me on my FSR. This is my second FSR, my first I still own a cromoly frame with the Alps rear shock. That is still a great bike that I use for street and lighter trails. The new MAX alumunim frame is reserved for the rough stuff, I like the extra travel. My only gripe is I wish the bottom bracket were lower. Out side of that the bike is a winner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont,Ca
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Toads | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
strong ,pretty good climber,and very good on downhills. | | Weaknesses: |
Stiction in all pivots.Main bushing is a poorly designed piece of shit!To much labor. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Raven,Ventanna,GT LTS and Klien Mantra. | | Bike Setup: |
White Bros. DC118 fork ,XTR drivetrain,King headset,517rims and all the other goodies. | | Bottom Line: | Bike rides pretty good and holds up to a lot of abuse but it is just to labor intensive to enjoy anymore.The pivots always make noise on climbs even after complete overhaul and pivot rebuild kit cost 60.00 what a joke.Did I mention the frame weighs a ton .Anyone want to buy an FSR cheap? | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sprogg
a downhiller
from Leeds england
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
For the first 6 months the FSR is a damn fine machine but mine just started to fall apart and bent in wierd placesPS my FSR weighed more than my mates Intense M1 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry
a weekend warrior
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my FSR comp in March. Changed the fork to a Palmer immediately.
I have only had 2 problems with the bike. The shock was on backwards.
No problem, I had to take it off to put on a heavier spring anyway (I weigh
around 250). Also, the cranks (son-of-strong arm) flex a lot. Replace with
Race Face. After modifications this bike rides great. I'm hoping to try
the new increased travel upgrade with fox shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a racer
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I rode an FSR until recently and its a competent bike sold by a lame company. My frameset arrived poorly assembled, with a missing part, and a bad rear shock. Specialized begrudgingly, and slowly sent the missing part to the dealer. They wouldn’t replace or exchange the shock even though it was new. The dealer had to send the shock out for repair which took awhile. I wrote Specialized a letter and never got a reply. This is the firm that was undercutting its own dealers by selling bikes through COSTCO. One chili is generous. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Richardson
a weekend warrior
from Davenport, Iowa USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am new to the sport, and the Specialized FSR is my first real mountain. I find it to be an absolute bargain, and without a doubt, the best bang for your buck. The front suspension is a little soft for my weight, but I weigh more then the average rider. The bike is very straight forward to adjust, and easy to maintain. Performance is outstanding, and I hope to that someday I am good enough to need a better bike (but that would have to be really really good). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KK aka Scabman
a weekend warrior
from The Third Coast (Austin,TX)
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '97 Ground Control FSR about 4 months ago. Test rode numerous other FS bikes in all price ranges ...This is the best riding of all after replacing the piece of sh-t Judy with a '98 Manitou SX-R ... also changed to XT
shifters & front derailer, 747 pedals & an Azonic downhill bar ( about $1700 as equipped from LBS ). This bike is very adjustable. After proper set up it is plush on chattery stepped downhills, doesn't bob, really digs in when climbing, & tears up single track. Why buy a bike that lifts the back wheel when attempting to climb, is scary squirrely descending, has a spaghetti frame that breaks the first time you land after catching some monster air, or beats you to death because of terribly ineffective suspension designs. I'm a big fan of smaller independent builders, but I must give credit where credit is due. Specialized used the enormous resources they have to bring a line of bikes to the market ('97-'98 FSR) that have NONE of these drawbacks.{OK, it is a little heavy. But at 205 lbs I'm not into ounce shaving} Try one, but beware, you will want to own one too. Ride on!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sodes
a weekend warrior
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently acquired a 97 FSR Comp and have it outfitted with a White Bros. DC110, Mavic 121 w/Ringle hub, Specialized Fear Control/Master, Azionic stem /bars and XTR. After my first ride, I was blown away. I now ride stuff at full speed in the big ring that my previous short travel suspension knocked me silly on. AND it goes up and down technical sections with ease. I'm 195 lbs and I don't notice the weight (32 lbs). Highly recommended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Cyrek
a weekend warrior
from Olympia, WA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just recently purchased a 1998 Specialized FSR Comp, and am very happy with it's performance. All the reviews and articles I have read lead me to choose between the Cannondale V500 and the FSR Comp. The rapid shifters are superior to the grip shifters, the bike is fast and the suspension is plush. It's very quick and nimple. I am still curious to see how the Cannondale V500 and the FSR Comp or Extreme would do in a head-to-head, and which has the stiffest/strongest frame. Anybody want to tackle that? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a downhiller
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently built myself a full suspension bike from a 1998 FSR comp. Lets just say the only thing stock on the bike is the A1 stem. I built it up with XTR/AC cranks/Judy XL/the works. It is by far the coolest full suspension bike out there (for the money). Yea in intense uzzi would be cool, but the Uzzi is designed just like the FSR! At 4.3 travel and 1 27.2 lb weight for a DH, double clamp fork bike, it rules. I'd recomend it to anyone (highley). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Wallis
a weekend warrior
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My first full suspension bike was a proflex 755 with elastomer shock on the rear and girvin pivot forks on the front. This bike kicked. When I traded in for FSR, expectations didn't equal performance this bike bites! Equipment levels were ok but bike didn't handle? Sell as quick as you can!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kory young
a downhiller
from Col. ohio
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ihave a 97' FSR COMP. Changed fork to a Z1 BAM w/speedbombs(MS)and added XTR cranks, etc. I am a jumper and downhiller and weight 209# I changed the rear fox spring (on vanilla rx) to a 1050# per inch spring and WOW!( don't try this at home, you will surely regret it) this bike kicks $#@%!!! I am really surprised that after 1500 miles of abuse the pivot bushings are still in good shape. Incredible! Specialized does it again! A+++++++
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Fowler
a racer
from Athens, TN
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ladies and gentlemen, this bike is the shit!!!!!! Sorry there really isn't alot to say about the bike. It does my talking on the Single Track. The FSR is very light weight and I'd say that I'd rather ride it XC than a hard tail. If Paola Pezzo is going to ride full suspension next year, I suggest that she change companies. Ladies and gentlemen FSR stands for F@#!$% Speed Racer. Two thumbs up to the crowd at the big S. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander M.
a cross-country rider
from Chelsea, Quebec CANADA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been mountain biking for five years now and I started off with a full rigid, obviously:) Then I purchased a judy for my old bike and was amazed at the difference that it made. Then I started to think about getting a full-suspension. Then, one of my riding buddies got a '97 FSR. He was reluctant to let my try it, but the minute I did I knew that I had to get one. The ride was amazing downhills, with almost zero frame deflection on bumps and with the fantastic tires and suspension I felt like I could get up anything. As far as I know the frame is bombproof and rock-solid. I just got one myself and I can't wait to break it in!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Punter
a weekend warrior
from NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
No, I'm not a pro racer. No, I haven't overtaken Palmer down a hill (I think!).
But, can I appreciate good workmanship and design? Yes, I think so!!!I've recently purchased a '98 FSR Pro - XTR, Fox Vanilla TC, Answer Manitou
XVertR and the like. Went to the XTR cranks, swapped the pedals a grips (who
doesn't?).This is th U.S. mad(e) MAX backbone frame - not much flex in this.In my humble opinion - as good as or better than the benchmark Uzzi SL and this
was a heavily researched and carefully appraised selection process indeed.I was so impressed that I acquired a '98 FSR Elite for my wife two weeks
later. (Now I've got a great little small framed nipper for slalom too, if
I can only get my wife off of it). Catch us if you can. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Winslow
a weekend warrior
from Sumner WA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my '98 FSR Extream a couple months ago. It has a Rockshox coupe delux in the rear and a Rockshox Judy XL Tripple crown in the front. So far I have left my bike as I bought it. The only two things I don't like about the bike are that it's a little heavy, and the stock fork is a little squishy, which slows me down a little on the twisty single-track. Overall, I think the FSR is an incredibly cool bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart
a weekend warrior
from Tyler, Tx
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my S-works FSR in '95, Had a problem w/the Alps 4 last year, replaced it w/ a Risse Elroy. Pivots have not been a problem. I liked the durability of CrMo and it was one of the few f/s non-aluminum frames available. Fun bike to ride!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
reggie
a cross-country rider
from az
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a 97 FSR, full xtr, 98 Bomber Z1. It is a super supple ride but not a fast cross country bike the way it is set up. I have ridden many fs bikes and this is definitely one of the best. It is laterally stiff, plenty of rear travel with good rebound and damping characteristics. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Markus Trappe
a downhiller
from Germany
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my FSR frame 2 years ago. I just got problems with the Fox Alps 4 element. And dam' I had to buy a new rear frame just because the thing holding the rear deraolleur broke after a race crash in Czech Republic.
But after all this is a great working frame. I like the whole thing, its great handling.
I have put a Girvin Chuppy Fork and a 2,5 inch raise downhillbar on it and it is now running like a BMX. It is great feeling. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fenton Beech
a racer
from Hudson OH
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 95 stumpjumper fsr and it kicks ass the thing rules at it all the rear could be a little bitt suppler and a littll bit quicker rebound for my tastes but it rules at every thing like i said fast and bumpy down hills single track crusing (my only transportation) mines got XT & XTR moastly with the change to full XTR in the futcher mabey and a judy sl and it will kill every thing out there | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eskimo joe
a racer
from anch,AK
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I really, really like my '95 FSR sport! Stock it kinda sucked
but after killing my qaudra shock and adding a Judy downhill
with speed springs and mostly XT stuff this bike has been a
good ride.I use it for racing xc and downhill,and recently
won a DH race(sport class) on it! The only real problems
I've had(other than the stx crap that come on it)is I keep
blowing up the RST shock on the rear. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wookie
a cross-country rider
from Weatherford, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I absolutly love my FSR. It is very comfortable and super stable in a wide variety of conditions. The rear triangle is plenty stiff even for my 225lbs and I don't notice the whippyness that others have felt in the front triangle. The bike is a little heavy and probably not the best for racing (although I have been somewhat successful racing on it) but it makes a great cross country recreational bike. I have changed the rear shock to a Risse Elroy which helped bring alot of suppleness to the rear end of the bike. For those of you wanting a more supple ride try the risse. It has very little stiction and a wide range of damping adjustments for $215.00. Anyway I really like this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Keeffe
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialised FSR - Really top bike - but isn't the Fox ALps shock overdamped?
I weigh 140lbs (skinny runt) and I'd like a faster reaction from the shock.
Anyone got any ideas??? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Khanh Dinh
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This was a nice frame, but not for me. The bike does not work with the shape and weight of my body, i'm 6' w/a 35 inseam and 200 lbs. wet. This bike a decent climber, but nothing specatcular; the chainstays, at 16.9 were too long for me. And the front triangle was too flexy, but the rear was stiff-no wagging back there. The shock that comes with the bike is the Fox Alps4 for my '94 vintage. It's a good big hit shock, not very supple though. Supple is what i was looking for....The main reason it didn't work out was due to the flex in the front traingle.
| | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
