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Submitted by
Pete
a Racer
from australia
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Hampton Bikes | | Strengths: | Comfort, confidence inspiring, descending, snappy for a comfy trail bike, active suspension, traction in loose stuff, can ride it around on the back wheel like a unicycle! | | Weaknesses: | When it rains! Original rear V brake cable gets gritty and stops working, lotsa mud around shock. no lockout/platform at either end so rides like a waterbed uphill | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Stumpy, Giant Trance, Anthem, Kona The King, Hei Hei, Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock 2001 with Float R, Marzocchi Bomber 3, avid SD5s, except tyres (Pythons for racing in dry), saddle (WTB Rocket V Ti), cut bars down with YETI lockons, XTR pads, cables, chain & cassette, XT pedals & chainrings | | Bottom Line: | This bike always leaves me smiling at the end of a ride. I've done over 50,000km on it, lots of all-day all-mountain outings, raced everything from short track XC to 24hrs, even podiumed in a couple of Kona 24s in elite pairs, and done some road miles on slicks! It's not an XC racer by any stretch, but for long days in the saddle it's been fantastic.
I had to choose one of four bikes to take on a round-the-world trip this year, and this was it. I'm not a great rider, but I love to ride, and I love this bike. If you find a 2nd hander in good condition buy it cheap, put an RP on the back, something with lockout on the front, and some decent discs to slow you down. 4 chilis overall just 'cos it's got a few years on it now.
For reference I'm 6'2", skinny 72.5kg, now 38yrs, like to ride fast and don't do road gaps! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DudeVF1
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Cuyamacas | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Frame fit, FSR is very plush, bike rolls over most everything, going over nasty stuff the bike keeps me from getting tired. | | Weaknesses: | bike could climb much better if you have a compression lockout fork--I do not and as a result the front end is too high on steeper climbs and wanders all over the place. It has issues with climbing. Fork is harsh when set at the suggested weight for me and does not track well. Lateral flex in the rear end on fast bumpy stuff when pedaling so it doesn't track great. Pedal bob when climbing--even with the sag and air set right when you stand up (if you need to) on a climb it's terrible. The cheapest piece of crap seat clamp that can't hold, really pissed me off for a bike like this when my post kept slipping. If you are 185 lbs+ then get another post clamp ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: | My first Full Suspension. Previous bikes include Gunnar Rockhound, Cannondale F-900, Giant Rincon, Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float RL Fork, Fox in the rear, avid juicy 5s, Lx front, Xt rear, all other stuff as stock specs, ntohing special here. | | Bottom Line: | The bike really takes the edge off and helps me ride longer, especially on rocky descents and this is a huge value for me. The negatives are that it has issues climbing. I expect this because of the weight, 32 lbs., but my cirtique is more of a lesson learned, i.e., get a fork with compression lockout if you want to climb well. I amy upgrade the fork or I I'll just remember this when I buy my next FS bike.
The seat post clamp really pissed me off because it's a stupid change in design for "weight savings", the real reason is in mass manufacturing they save money by putting on a P.O.S. seat post clamp. For a heavy rider like me it's an issue.
Overall, it's a very sturdy bike, wanders some, fails to track at times, but I am not racing, I am 43 and love to still MTB ride and I ride several times a week, so the comfort issue is huge and this bike provides comfort for my lower back. But other than going over stuff really well, it doesn't do anything else well and climbs poorly. I got a great deal on it so I can't complain too much. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sacke K
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Central Park (Helsinki) --> Serena. (Luukka 2000 trail) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bestbrakes.net | | Strengths: | Same as before | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailleur | | Bike Setup: | Everything is original apart from the new pedals. (Shimano PD-535) | | Bottom Line: | In the beginning I was a little unsatisfied with the fork (Marzochhi EXR Supra), but after setting it up correctly and riding with it for a while... it works just fine.
I have been really pleased with the bike. The bike-geometry is very, very good. The handling is blameless in city-traffic, when avoiding cars with short notice, and on forest trails with a lot of curves and tight turns. The handling is also very good in DH-riding, but feels a little sketchy due to the fairly short fork (130mm) which contributes to less "leaning-back-posture".
In fast speeds around 40-60 km/h the bike feels safe and doesn't have any indications of suffering from the fairly high center of gravity.
I have been very, very pleased with the bike. Mostly because of it's cameleon-like qualities of fitting in almost anywhere. Regardless of whether I ride it on plain asphalt roads or on rough forest trails... regardless of whether I am going fast or trying to do trial-like tricks at no speed at all.
I recommend it after a few months without reservations... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael No Name
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | In relationship to my last post, not that anyone every reads old stuff, but my LSB put me on a Marzocchi MX Pro ETA instead of the Black POS that came with the bike. Man, for me, what a difference.
If I could only get that crank noise to come when at the LSB. Wife and I did a 15 mile ride this evening and it started to make the same noise. Wife said it sounded like it was in the back of the bike, I heard the crank area. Oh, well, the new fork makes a world of difference for my level of rider! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Everett
a Weekend Warrior
from Marquette
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 1500 | | Strengths: | This bike had rave reviews and a 'can't beat price' from one of my LBS. I am failry new to mountain biking and still prefer two-tracks. This bike had a good set-up off the shelf for what I needed. | | Weaknesses: | The front shocks and the front derailer | | Similar Products Used: | IBOC Comp | | Bike Setup: | ork: Answer Manitou Black Platinum, 90 - 120mm adjustable travel
Rear Shock: Fox Float RL, 100mm travel
Brake Levers: Shimano Deore M555 hydraulic
Handlebar: Specialized MidRise
Stem: aluminum threadless
Headset: 1 1/8" threadless aluminum
Front Der: Shimano Deore LX, bottom-pull/clamp-on 34.9mm
Crankset: Shimano Deore XT, 22/32/44 teeth
Rear Der: Shimano Deore XT SGS
Pedals: Shimano PD-M515 SPD
Tires: 26 x 2.20" Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bottom Line: | I have only rode this bike a handful of times since I bought it, and worked my a$$ of each time I rode it. I kept hearing a terrible metal grinding sound in my crank area. Brought it into my LSB and was told they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Because it is intermittent, I have not been able to 'show' them the problem, although they found out that the front disc brake makes noise during a turn.
Also, found out that my front shock is leaking fluid and has never worked properly from the start. I am still waiting for the parts and am concerned since the mechanic at the shop told me today 'I have never taken a shock apart, but they are sending me the directions.' NOT VERY COMFORTING!
So, cannot really say if this bike is good or not since I have never had a good working model to try! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sacke
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | BestBrakes.net | | Strengths: | Good handling, feels stable when going fast, easy to handle in rough conditions. Reasonably light despite frame design. Good geometry for quick trails with a lot of small corners. Rear suspension Fox Float with proPedal works very well. | | Weaknesses: | Urban riding sucks with this bike. It is partly due to the 2,20" stock tyres with a rough pattern, partly due to the fact that the front suspension is too soft. I should white a follow -up review when I've played around with the settings a while, but right now I hate riding on asphalt. | | Similar Products Used: | Limited experience... Just got intrested in XC and all terrain riding. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro 04 (UK-model). Some differences from the Enduro Comp. Front Derailleur LX, back XT, fork Marzocchi EXR-SUPRA (OEM). | | Bottom Line: | I do like the bike and after having spent all of last saturday out in rough terrain, I cant but like the bike. Climbing is not easy though. Had to get off the bike and lead it more than I would have expected. The fork dips all the time and eats a lot of the momentum when going up-hill. It could be a matter of setting it right, but I did have day-dreams about a nice Manitou SPV fork when cursing my OEM fork to the deepest pits of ****... After having spent almost 2500€ on the bike, I don't exactly want to spend another 300-600€ on a new fork. It feels like I paid way too much for the frame. On the other hand, I don't know yet how it will handle a fast trail with more jumps. We will find out soon though. :)
If it wasn't for the OEM fork, I would give this bike 4/5 points... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Caleb
a Cross Country Rider
from Kempton, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Guys Bike Shop | | Strengths: | it's hot! i love the frame. the rear shock (fox float r) is good, with ant ITch switch, and pretty nice 115mm (or 120mm they claim) rockshox psylo xc's wih u-turn | | Weaknesses: | but when pumping hard (e.g. on roads) the psylo is WAY WAY too plush. every pedal stroke, my toe clips hit the ground. when riding "normally" however, this bike rocks! (i'm planning on getting a kit to stiffen it. i weight 160). | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | factory set up, with new wellgo pedals w/ toe clips | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a really really nice bike. since it's a 2003 model, i got it discounted. but it is new. i just got it a few weeks ago, and the day i got it, it snowed, so i havnet rode it much. some in the snow, and around the house. haha. i can't wait! but i did ride it before it snowed, it was an awsome bike! the overall suspension is wonderful. the hayes hfx-9 hydraulic breaks are so sweet. i was gonna stoop to avid mechanical breaks on the cannondale jekyll (same price) but i found this, and snatched it. anyway, i love this bike. buy it. if may need to get a new spring kit for the psylos, but o well. this assclown get 5 flamin' chilis all around! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Gardendale, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Link Hoover AL | | Strengths: | Everything about this bike works together with everything else. Everything works in harmony. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 1000sl (which was and still is a good old school full suspension bike) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception that the Manitou Black Platinum front fork was set up with the firmest springs made for it | | Bottom Line: | My kids got me this bike for Christmas to upgrade me from my beloved Super V. I am a heavier rider (275lbs) and for me this bike is perfect. Even the Specialized parts are outstanding. It has taken everything that I have put it through without complaint. The Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes are a true sleeper in the brake world. The modulation is outstanding. The Enduro Pro 2.2 tires hook up on anything as long as the pressure is right.(I run 42lbs in the rear and 38lbs in the front.) For the money I don' think that there is a better deal to be had. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Kang
a Cross Country Rider
from Cypress, CA US
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Carves up single track, easy climbing, takes big hits, a little bit of everything for everyone...this bike does it all! | | Weaknesses: | Cheap components that come with the bike. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King Hubs/Mavic Rims, Thomson seatpost, Hope skewers/seatcollar, LX integrated BB, King headset, XTR Chain, SRAM Cassette | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome...highest user satisfaction of any bike, i have no complaints, upgrade some components, and you couldnt be happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albert
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | JPL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax | | Strengths: | Suspension and frame layout | | Weaknesses: | I blew up both tires at Snow Summit doing the downhill thing. They both blew at the sidewalls. That was an expensive day. | | Similar Products Used: | G.T.3.0 The last of the Moheekins. GT's suck now. As we all know what happened to them. So for all those new Gt owners, remember moutain biking is 90% rider. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the tires. I don't know what tires I have all I know is that they're big and heavy. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is, this bike created new limits for me. I did'nt have to sacrifice any climbing abilities. Riding down hill only made me look for bigger things to do and I'm not getting as beat up as I used to. I crash a lot and by reading this review it may not suprise you. I only crashed one time in 6 months. On my Gt I would average a crash every other weekend. The trails I ride are very rocky and wet which is perfect for the Enduro. I was going to get the Expert Enduro but I still don't trust an air spring fork even though it is a Fox Forx not to mention mine came with a 8 inch disc vs. the 6" on the Fox and also saving an extra 500 bucks didn't hurt either. My final words are "Buy these bikes know! Next year's model (05) are going to lean torwards a freeride bike (6" travel) and be more expensive and less versitile. I give 5 chillies even though the tires blew on my downhilling at Snow Summit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Best
a Downhiller
from Arvada, CO - USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Vrain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Weight, strength and flexibility | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires are weak on the sidewalls. Enjoy them while they last but have replacements ready to go if you ride rocky trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Yeti ASX, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Shimano 647 pedals and now WTB Motoraptor 2.4 tires | | Bottom Line: | Well it took me 6 months to stop laughing like and idiot to write this review I'm having so much fun on this bike. Be sure to ignore the owner's manual for rear shock pressure and go lower, much lower. I'm 6'0" 205lbs and running 140lbs in the Fox shock and not one bottom out yet. Just got back from Moab and had a blast except for tearing up the last of the Specialized Pro tires that came with the bike. I can keep the hammer-heads in sight on the steepest of climbs then I get to unleash this baby on the downhills. Great on XC as well as chairlift downhill courses. No regrets at all! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas,Ca
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any and every | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | open air -ventura | | Strengths: | suspension design, climbing, decending, overall comfort | | Weaknesses: | little heavy for an XC but for the 5" travel i can eat out less and ride more to drop lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | work as a mechanic so i've ridden them all | | Bike Setup: | stock, minus a few new chains and brake pads | | Bottom Line: | as a mechanic i have worked on and ridden all of your bikes, some i like and others i hate. being in my position i have become a bike snob. i demand the best and for under 2K there is no better bike, climbs without suspension feedback and decends like ...like, i don't think words describe it properly, just make sure you lead the downhill otherwise you will be on the wheel of your buddies making them nervous as you look for the next chance to pass. everything about the bike just feels right, plush but not sloppy. agile like a cat and it just makes you want to go faster and ride longer. overall this bike rocks, buy it but if you don't, then i'll see you down at the shop when yours brakes. (please wipe off the dirt) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Arizona USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | McDowell Mtn. Competitve Loops and the "hundred" | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | frame strength and geometry, quality and adjustability of suspension performance | | Weaknesses: | No real weaknesses that matter. Swapped a few cockpit components, but that's just a preferrence - not a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88, Cannondale Jeckyl, Trek Liquid | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Race Face low rise handlebar, Easton seatpost and Continental tires. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike after shopping for two weeks. I wanted more suspension because I like long rides, and my near 50 year old butt gets beaten on these rocky Phoenix trails. The more I ride this bike(at least twice a week), the happier I am with it. I am a much better rider than I was even six month's ago. As my handling skills improve, this bike seems to be able to handle more without complaint. It works better as I ride better. I think the frame will last a long time and I am looking forward to upgrading some components as they wear, but everything that came on the bike works very well for my intermediate level of riding(soon to be expert...). I rode a friends Turner 5 Spot and felt like it was a slighly better bike in general(it was almost three pounds lighter), but the slight improvement in performance couldn't justify(at least in my mind) a $3800. price tag. The Enduro was $1800.00 plus tax. I'd recommend this bike to anyone looking for a long travel trail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frost
a
from staten island, n.y.
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anyicanride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | geometry of the bike. flip flop link, itch switch on rear shock,stiffness of frame.no bob when climbing up hills.super stable feel and very balanced you seem to sit right in the center of gravity on the bike.excellent all-around mountain bike. | | Weaknesses: | a little on the heavy side but once your moveing all the weight issues are negated.(i am used to rideing my 23 pound hardtail cross country bike) | | Similar Products Used: | stumpjumper fsr xc. | | Bike Setup: | stock except tomac tenacious d handlebars | | Bottom Line: | this bike is all out fun.climbs better than any other bike I have tried, and lets you decend with maximum confidence.this bike make you feel like your a kid again on your bmx and every and anything you can jump your gonna try.now dont get me wrong I dont do all that crazy @#$%like on those free ride dvds. but when i ride & put hours in the trails to get my workout on, i wanna have as much fun as possible and this bike is it.I do have a 01 stumpjumper fsr xc which i road most of the time before i got the enduro and it is about 5 pounds lighter and also a great ride, but it does not feel as sturdy or stable as the enduro.the enduro has just enough more slack geometry to make it more stable while decending and cornering yet it still climbs just as good as the stumpy. and these are some of the best climbing full suspensions out there.as far as bob, this bike has almost none with the propedal valving. but my stumpy fsr has almost none also with a plain old fox float r.In conclusion if you can get your hands on an enduro don't let it slip by, cause for an all mountain, dabble in a little of every kind of mountain bikeing fun, this bike is a steal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Outlet, Conway NH | | Strengths: | Awesome looks
Fox rear shock with lockout and propedal is a dream
Handles like its riding on rails
| | Weaknesses: | There are none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Expert disc
rocky Mtn slayer
Trek Liquid
Trek fuel 90
Gary Fisher cake | | Bike Setup: | Enduro Comp 04, stock | | Bottom Line: | First let me say, I got a fantastic deal on a close out on this bike. Look at the price I paid $1400 ... the msrp is $1970. 2 local bike shops wanted full msrp. Another lbs wanted $2000 a stumpjumper fsr expert disc and wouldn't budge on the price. I still don't konw why lb shops won't negotiate better at the end of the season with the 05's coming out. Anway.. their loss. Given the price I paid, I could afford to swap out to xtr components and still be $500 less than any other place. :)
This is an awesome bike. Its my first full suspension bike. It rides beautifully. I played around with the suspension to get it tuned in for my 205 lb body and its great. Manitaou fork is fantastic, easy to adjust and great for what I need. The optional Fox front fork on the expert is nice but more than I need (I ride 2 times a week all mountain). This bike can handle anything and climbs great. No bobbing.. the lock out is a great idea as I came from riding a hardtail. this bike makes you feel so confident, and really is stable. I am a much better riding using this bike.
I don't race but this bike can go all day and ride anything. Can't wait to take it to Moab next year.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph Ralph
a Downhiller
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Flowbee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Loft | | Strengths: | -cool design
-rear shock
-everything about the ride
| | Weaknesses: | -NOTHING TO LIST | | Similar Products Used: | -Kona stinky 5
-Raleigh Ram 2.0
-Banshee Chaparral
-Specialized Bighit
| | Bike Setup: | Enduro Comp 03, '05 Manitou Sherman Fireflys 150mm, Sun Rhynolite rims, Hutchinson Octopus 2.3 tires, Pro-taper bars, Azonic aggro stem, Black Spire Bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best bike I have ever had. I use it more for freeriding and downhilling and the only thing that has broken are the stock Mavic rims. I still go on XC rides and this is a fun bike for XC you can go a ton of mile without getting tired. It gives you loads of confidence to huck off stuff and fly on the downhill sections. The only thing I want now is a manitou swinger rear shock just because im more of a freeride downhill person. But the stock Fox Float RL is perfect for XC with it's lockout and air travel, it also holds up pretty good with freeriding and downhill. I have absolutely no complaint with this bike. IT ROCKS!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BiknHokieDesignr
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, VA USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | O-Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1985.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Sports Charlottesville | | Strengths: | Active Suspension, Plenty of Travel, Comes loaded with great components (I can't think of anything that needs to be upgraded anytime soon), Fun as Hell, Looks AWSOME... not that that is important while riding but I'm in Industrial Design and what can I say, we can be shallow | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | Previous suspension bike was a K2 Proflex 5000 (3.5" single pivot frame) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Crank Bros. Mallet pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is FUN. The trails that I ride on are steep and covered with rocks, roots, and patches of mud. Climbing is much easier with this bike the active suspension allows the rear wheel to maintain traction on bumpy climbs. The wheels are a few inches further apart compared to my old K2 which makes the bike feel more planted but doesn't inhibit the agility.
I don't race, I don't throw myself off of cliffs, I just ride. I do enjoy pushing my speed on the downhills. Bottom line, if you just want to go out and ride, this bike is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al B Rybak
a Weekend Warrior
from Daly City, CA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mile 2 boyscout, braille, northstar | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Just wanted to give more feedback on the bike. I have had the bike now for about 3 1/2 monthes and it seems like the better I get, so does the bike. I have been riding the enduro hard since i got it and i ride at least 2 times a week on my favorite local trail which is very technical and borderline insane. The bike handles itself well and takes a beating a keeps on ticking, believe me when i say this bike is tough. I just got back from Northstar and the bike did not let me down on any occasion. It held its own with all the downhill bikes. The front and rear suspension did the job well over thousands of rocks and boulders, jumps, and drops. The brakes are tremendously strong and have great modulation. I don't know why i do not see more of these bikes. GET THE ENDURO!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al B Rybak
a Weekend Warrior
from Daly City, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mile--->boyscout and soquel trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Strong and light frame. I have had to bail out on some nasty rocky downhill runs and was initially scared that i might have broken/damaged my $2000 bike. But after checking the bike for damage...there was none. Just a few small scratches. The same result from biting it hard on some gap jumps. This bike is tougher than I am. Fork is plush and very easy to adjust to match all the different kinds of terrain i ride. The lockout is handy for out f the saddle fireroad climbs. Brakes are very strong and have not disappointed me at all. Discs get HOT after you finish a downhill run, so don't touch them. Tires are great and hold on most kinds of terrain from hardpack, roots, and rocks. Kind of suspect on sand and mud (tires kick up a lot of it). | | Weaknesses: | Have not really found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested: trek fuel 90?(i think), jamis dakar xlt 2.0, haro extreme x2, gary fisher cake 2dlx, ironhorse hollowpoint, and more that i did not like better than the enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock except for WTB laser v seat and serfas hand grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is everything I wanted in an all mountain trail bike. I was very hesitant at first to spend this much on a bike since i am very active and busy in other things such as basketball, weight lifting, snowboarding, softball, coaching basketball, and any other physical activity i can get into. But i fell in love with mountain biking about 7 monthes ago and cant stop. Botton line i wanted a bike that could do it all:cross country trails, singletrack, DH runs, jumps, small drops, city riding, etc. This bike has not let me down in any occasion. I am still honing my skills but feel the need for speed and love to challenge myself on DH runs, jumps, small drops, technical sections, and anything where i raise the risk of busting my ass. I am 6'2 200lbs and did not need the firm spring kit for the fork and the L size frame fits me good. The bike feels more comfortable for me when the fork is adjusted to the highest travel setting. Lockout is good. The fox rl rear shock feels a bit more plush with a little less air than the pamphlet reccomends and i also like it set at a slow rebound rate. The lockout is unnecessary because the propedal really works. Overall this bike is great for all around trail riding and it begs to be ridin hard. If you don't ride hard then you don't need this bike, save your money and get something else. I highly recomend this bike to anyone who like aggressive trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lazy Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorkshire UK
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Guisborough Black Route | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Scene | | Strengths: | Front and Rear Lockouts
Weight | | Weaknesses: | Own Brand Components | | Bike Setup: | V8 Platform Pedals. Panaracer Fire 2.1 XC Tyres(Tires). WTB Rocket Saddle (Broke The Specialized). | | Bottom Line: | Once you get the suspension set up right its great to ride. Climbs fairly well for a full susser. Flat bumpy sections it just flies straight through. Single track is good although you can bottom out or catch a pedal occasionally. Down hill excellent just dont expect to keep up a with a dedicated downhiller, it'll run it close though. I'm yet to try some big freeride drops but it should handle it. Only time will tell how the components last I've already broke one saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Weston
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, Ut
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wheeler Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's | | Strengths: | Great package, I like the suspension and the more ride it the more I like it. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the chain, not sure how, but it got bent. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike makes me a better rider then I am. The brakes give me tons of confidence and the suspension just gives me even more. I didn't like the rear shock at first but after slowing the rebound down it is sweet. It climbs as good as I hoped for. Buy this bike if you want to look like a better rider then you really are. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Saugus, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | havent ridin' all yet | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | $1800.00 | | Strengths: | The frame geometry is perfect for tall riders like myself, the groupo is fantastic for the price of the bike, this bike could have had a msrp of $2100.00 easily. | | Weaknesses: | the brakes...mabey..not quite sure yet. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | see top of page | | Bottom Line: | This is one hell of a set up...I weight 225 and am 6'2" tall and I play hard. I ride at least 3 times a week and most,if not all of the trails have a tough climb, and with all the adjusability of the front and rear suspension, this bike handles it with ease, I on the other hand am Gasping!! I inentionally save my strength for the tech and the tough and this bike just eats it up! My bike shop(Performance) hooked me up with firm springs for my Black Platinum front shocks at no charge. THANKS!! Im sold on this bike. If you got $2000.00 to spend on a bike...this is the one...no joke! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Buford
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Fast and responsive, great handling, amazing brakes and front and rear lockout. All Shimano XT drivetrain is nice. | | Weaknesses: | Some fork chatter/flex under heavy braking. Could be a little more plush now that I'm used to pedaling a FS bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Cake 3 DLX, Sugar, Trek Fuel, other Specialized rigs | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike after a series of hardtails and it's been a blast so far. Very fast bike that can handle tricky trails, and the rear shock, while not plush, saves my spine from a lot of pain and lets me plow through rough stuff. I'm 6'2" and 225 and I rode a bunch of bikes before picking this one; it felt really solid and so far it's taken all the abuse I've thrown at it. I usually take streets to get to a trailhead so the front and rear lockouts are a godsend. This bike definitely has a shorter cockpit than my previous Treks, which takes some getting used to - combined with the disc brakes, I tend to start going over the front a lot faster than I used to, though I haven't had a true endo yet. All in all, a really sweet bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garegin
a
from glendale
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chilao and Red Box | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Super go | | Strengths: | Iv been riding down hill for about 3 years and for about 2 grand this is a nice bike. This bike rides real smooth. Its a bang for your buck, you get what you pay for. Iv takin to some real bad ass downhill trails and its survived. I could take it up and down with ease. The shifting is real good and smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Not enough travel in the fork shock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has all you need for XC and DH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Weekend Warrior
from newcastle, uk
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | glentress, scotland | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | lock-out front/rear shocks,lightweight for full-sus,brakes are very good. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | almost standard set up, swapped spd's for v8 platforms | | Bottom Line: | so far so good with this bike, performed superbly today down v trail, everything smooth, braking, gear change, suspension etc i'm no lightweight and the bike justs soaks up any move i pull off with ease. feels really comfortable riding this compared to old hardtail! i'm fairly new to freeride/downhill scene but feel the bike is a major confidence boost when riding steep and technical descents, climbs well too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Oh
a Weekend Warrior
from Seoul, Korea
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Nearby suburban area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Local MTB shop | | Strengths: | This '04 comp is lighter than I expected. I had compare with my friend's hardtail when I got it first. My friend also impressed by its weight even though it had more parts than his. In my opinion, it is beautiful in shape among others in its class. | | Weaknesses: | None so ever. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized stumpjumper, Trek liquid 20 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | You folks might wonder how the price is so high. I'll tell you what, I have to pay import-tax which is lots of $$$. Anyway, I am really pleased when I ride this bike because of nice performance which is much much better than I expected. My friend also considering to buy same model. I am not a down-hiller nor up-hiller. Frankly I usually ride on paved road, mountain trail...Hmmm!!..once in a month. I just enjoy riding bike itself so the place is no concern. If you are similar to my riding style :-) (What mode you might say??? => Yes,it is slow mode or some say Sigh-Seeing Mode) Consider this bike first... You won't regret .. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter
a Weekend Warrior
from washington
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$17000.00 | | Strengths: | This bike has all the gadgets and wonderful doo das you can think of. Adjustable travel full lockout to very soft and everything in between shocks the frame feels like nothing else i have ridden its like a whole revolution. And the brakes are so plush i could kiss them | | Weaknesses: | the price but its worth it if you have the means | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher joshua XO didnt even compare. Trek Y-22 carbon fiber i thought was nice until i got on the enduro | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike it is the best i have seen and i have seen alot | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bbob
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great full suspension bike
Climbs well
Front and rear suspension lockout
Great price | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Take this review with a grain of salt as this is my first full suspension bike, so I don't have a lot to compare it to.
I have had this bike about 6 weeks, and have been pretty tough on it. So far this bike has handled everything with ease! This bike is a big improvement over the 2003 Enduro Comp, with the front suspension being a big upgrade, as well as the addition of lockout feature to the rear suspension. For me the extra $$$ for the Enduro Expert was not worth it, as the main difference is the front fork (Fox TALAS on the Expert, which is a kicka$$ fork, but so far the Black Platinum has performed very well, no complaints).
The trail I ride most frequently is very hilly, and this bike climbs great. Easy to lockout front or rear on the fly if desired. The trails I ride are also very rocky, and the suspension has already saved me many times when I thought I was going to eat it, but the bike just ate it up. I am 6', 175 lbs., have not bottmed out the suspension yet, though haven't had the occasion to drop more than about 3 feet.
Well worth the $$$. Got a great deal from the LBS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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