I am a clydesdale at over 200lbs and I can ruin components and a frame fast if I am not careful. The S-Works carbon frame is strong and has taken my punishment without issue. Steering is very responsive, almost twitchy and if the rider is careless, can easily over correct based on the quickness of the bike's reaction. Specialized bikes have a sloping top tube that provides plenty of cockpit room and great stand-over room. I am 6'1" and generally need an 18" bike for proper top tube length, but the 17" Specialized frame fits me great. In short, the bike can perform way past my ability and is a great racing frame. Highly recommended.
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Submitted by
Andrew Eckel
a Racer
from Westford, MA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2008
Tends to kick me around on fast technical descents. The Fox F90 has an irritating valve issue with its Terra Logic bump threshold lockout system.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Supercaliber HT, various softtails and 29ers.
Bike Setup:
XO,XTR, American Classic Wheels, Tubeless Kenda Nevegals, Cane Creek headset, Fox F90x, Thompson seat & Stem, Hayes discs, Ritchey WCS bars and saddle.
Bottom Line:
Easily the fastest HT I've experienced when it comes to climbing and on smoother terrain. Pedal tranfer is immediate with the stiff carbon fiber frame. No wasted energy to flex. Cornering is a dream and the bike rolls well on both tight and wide open trails. It goes up like a goat w/ particularly amazing acceleration on short burst, steep climbs. It descends well on smooth, rolling piste but can be a handful going down, at speed, in the rough. This is due mostly to the machine's featherweight stature, for I've found that in general the frame well absorbs the roots and rocks of Massachusetts. A perfect Sea-Otter hardtail yet still perfectly at home in the choppy singletrack of New England.
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