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Submitted by
Cory Davis
a Racer
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Canada | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop that went | | Strengths: | Light, excellent climber, fast in single track, good descender | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires didn't have enough traction when riding fast; SID internals broke after about 2000 hard km | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for different seat and tires | | Bottom Line: | If you love climbing like I do this bike is a winner. Of course it does not have the brain so it's a sit down climber. Mine came with a lockout on the shock but I never use it much because the shock works so well when active. I raced competitively on this bike when it was new and it will still hold it's own with the high priced bikes of today. The SID internals broke after about 2000 km and the stantion tubes were also worn despite regular cleaning and greasing. I've also had some difficulties with the front derrailer design. I like the active suspension so much I've chosen to upgrade it rather than buy a new specialized epic. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hamish
a Cross Country Rider
from BNE,QLD,Australia
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | do i have to pick just one? | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | life cycle | | Strengths: | unbeleivably comfortable! very solid on the ground, brilliant suspension as stock. i replaced the solo airs only because i wanted more travel. the bike has seen some good offroad use but it gets an absolute hiding in the urban scene, gutters, steps, retaining walls etc....damn responsive... | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy in the arse....my (former LBS) shafted me on the cassette and it made SO much difference. oh yeah, i'm afraid to scratch the st00pidly glossy finish (not that i haven't given it a good go)
the stock mx117 rims are far too dodgy for hard urban scarfing let alone offroad use. | | Similar Products Used: | specialised rockhopper, norco nitro, an ancient GT, a bunch of roadies. | | Bike Setup: | revelation 429, fox triad, deore rapidfire, xt front and rear m970 cassette and some stock mavic crossRides | | Bottom Line: | its damn expensive so MAKE SURE YOUR LBS doesn't rip you off before you take it out of the store...
make sure you have decent rims, and check the cassette.
mine's called theMistress...can you guess why? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric
a Weekend Warrior
from lakeland, FL usa
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | alafia river st park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mountain goat. Light. Comfortable. Smooth, accurate shifting. Durable. | | Weaknesses: | Grips. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon. Cannondale, Jamis | | Bike Setup: | Avid rim brakes, sram x-9 shifters, sram deraileurs, mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | I got a deal on this bike, it's a 2006, the price tag (new)was $1,149, i paid 600 used. Some say specialized bikes are overpriced, but I think they just work better. This bike is extremely efficient. All of the energy I put in it transferred to momentum, as opposed to being lost in the suspension. The rear wheel sticks to the ground, even between roots. I ride this thing around downtown sometimes for fun and can actually go UP steps (like 5 at a time). I can't really afford a $1,200 bike but I think that this bike is worth it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | The geometry is very comfortable for long rides. The adjustable front fork is great for quick adjustments on the fly, The rear horst link suspension is great, very smooth. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires wear out quickly. The 3r brakes are so-so. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Gary Fisher Cake | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock, but with Velociraptor tires, and Nashbar Rodeo pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I am an Adventure Racer, so I never know what kind of course will be thrown at me until I am on it, and this bike does it all. I would love to eventually switch over to disc brakes and when my fork dies, add a little beefier one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SkullTracer
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Village | | Strengths: | Full suspension and... Hey! It's a Specialized!! | | Weaknesses: | Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Reflex 40. I know, I know... That's not a full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Pro | | Bottom Line: | I just buyed this bike. The brakes are great; it just take about 10 to 20 miles to get broken. For me this bike is awesome. If yoiu can find the 2007, buy it! I don't think that the 2008 is a big difference from 2007. You will love it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff s
a Weekend Warrior
from chester Springs, pa
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | neshaminy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Frame, weight, components, price | | Weaknesses: | pedals seem to hit even the smallest obstacles | | Similar Products Used: | see below | | Bike Setup: | stock Pro set up | | Bottom Line: | Are you kidding! This ride is amazing. I took this bike out as a demo and never returned it. th XC pro comes loaded with Juicy 3 discs, fox triad 3 position rear, and Reba 100mm front sram x-9.....oh heck, the specs can be found online...Weighing in at exactly 29lbs it is light enough to not be a burden like some FS bikes can be. I did notice the pedals hitting even some smaller obstacles when riding, but this is the only down. At under 1.5K I doubt there is a better ride out there - at least a FS ride. I tested the Rush 5, prophet 5, caffeine, SJ FSR (excellent bike if not pricey), and the FSR XC pro just felt the best to me....(the SJ would have been my choice however it was nearly double in cost) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes Etc. Bicycles | | Strengths: | components, frame, overall good-looking bike | | Weaknesses: | seatpost bent on me after about 10 rides so replaced that with a Thompson, stock pedals | | Bike Setup: | replaced v-brakes with a BB9 disc setup, Sun-Ringle pedals, | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike! I love just about anything that comes from Specialized, Theres so much to love about this bike and also a lot to upgrade if you want absolute top-of-the-line components but it comes well endowed as it is. Mine was a last-years model and on sale at Spokes, and I got my employee discount so it bumped it down to around $400 haha sweet deal huh? Yeah but if youre into all sorts of riding, or you don't really know what you like you just want to go out and try many different varieties of trails, this bike is right for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hootch
a Downhiller
from all over the u.s.
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | it wouldnt be fair to the rest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop back in arkansas | | Strengths: | great frame- design and engineering. good componants. fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | brakes suck. never did replace them though... got used to hanging on for dear life. wheelsets are really weak, but i guess that should be expected. | | Similar Products Used: | Bionicon, but just got that so i cant really compare the two | | Bike Setup: | upgraded as things broke. which was no fault of the bikes. | | Bottom Line: | i beat the dog piss out of this bike and it held up well. problems with wheelsets and hubs but what are you going to do? i would recommend this bike to nearly anyone especially a beginner. frame has been great. if i could do it all over agian would i buy the same bike? hm.... part of me says "yes" but part of me says "there is too much out there to buy the same bike twice". for the price i got it at, it was a great buy. it didnt let me down and it wont let you down either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mick
a Racer
from Elkridge, MD USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | PVSP - both sides | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Avalon Cycles | | Strengths: | solid bike for the price, lightweight, climbs and corners well, SRAM shifts well (see below*), Fox Triad (RP3) is pretty sweet | | Weaknesses: | low end pedals & cranks will be replaced soon, already upgraded shifter pods (see above*) | | Similar Products Used: | none similar, moved from a hardtail; also have Giant VT1 for more enduro riding | | Bike Setup: | purchase bike for racing; SRAM X9 rear, Shimano LX front, Rock Shox Reba fork, Fox Triad shock, Avid Juicy 7 disc | | Bottom Line: | Solid geometry and adequately spec'd for the price. Will upgrade as components wear. Happy with the purchase and enjoy using it for racing and faster rides. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | #349 Granite Basin | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$735.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Weaknesses: | If I have to name a weakness, it is probably the brakes, I wish they were disc. I did break a brake lever off on a hard assover. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Cannondale Prophet | | Bike Setup: | Mainly Stock, have only changed out the grips and tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has held up very well considering that I am over 200 lbs. with my gear and pack on. I ride it 3 times a week on singletrack and use it for adventure racing one weekend a month. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
georges
a Cross Country Rider
from Brasschaat, Antwerpen, België
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Overijse | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2426.00 | | Purchased At: | Smout, Boechout, Antwerpen | | Strengths: | Stuurt zeer licht, klimt veel beter dan mijn XTC 2004. Vering zeer comfortabel en prima instelbaar. Zadel superieur voor maratons. Zeer stijf wat resulteert in een hoog rendement ( wat ook wel mag bij een nieuwe fiets) | | Weaknesses: | Avid Juicy 5 lopen in de modder direct dicht: Achteraan na 1 maand blokjes versleten, dat wordt een dure hobby: 16 Euro per setje. Originele banden (Adrenaline pro of zoiets)lopen ontzettend zwaar en zijn na 1 rit vervangen door mijn good old Z maxxen, 1.9: Voor mij nog steeds de allerbeste band voor alle condities. De trapas kraakt, demonteren en kopervet aansmeren. De uitrusting is over het algemeen goed, alleen de voorderailleur is een triestige Deore, wat niet zou mogen op een bike van deze prijsklasse.Ook de tandwielen en de cassette zijn minderwaardig. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC team fully | | Bike Setup: | Sram Recon Solo Air 351, Fox Triad lockout, Shimano Deore - XT, Avid Juicy 5,Stout en Deore naven, Mavic velgen, Trial 130 zadel. | | Bottom Line: | Na een versleten XTC met Marzocchi en O2 veringen is deze fiets een openbaring qua comfort en rendement. En dat is niet tegenstrijdig: de vering is zo goed instelbaar dat zowel klimmen als dalen fantastisch gaat.
Dus: vervang de banden en de voorderailleur en gaaan. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy P
a Weekend Warrior
from Litchfield, NH
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and all!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Buchika's Bike & Ski | | Strengths: | Performance & Value: Climbs like a hardtail with the front & rear lockout. FSR frame design is proven and it rocks. No bobbing when out of the saddle. Handles bumps extremely well and some drops too (2-3' is all I've done with it so far). Very good stock component spec for the $$. You won't find a better value than the 2006 FSR XC Pro. Very good out of the box. Just upgrade as your components wear out. | | Weaknesses: | None for the pricepoint. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn S30 FS(1998) | | Bike Setup: | 2006 FSR XC Pro frame w/RockShox Recon 351 SoloAir fork & Fox Traid rear shock, XT shifters & RD, XTR FD, Saint Hollowtech II cranks, Nashbar clipless pedals, Easton Monkeylite XC bars w/Specialized stem, BodyGeometry Rival 130 saddle, Mavic XM117 rims (disc), Avid BB7 mech disc brakes w/FR5 levers | | Bottom Line: | ***This is for the 2006 FSR XC Pro***
This bike is awesome! I've had it for a almost 3 months and it is such an upgrade over my '98 Schwinn S30 (which was a great bike in it's time. Still love it). The single best entry level FS XC bike on the market. Bar none. You get an extremely proven FSR frame, very good components for the $$, decent front fork & rear shock (both air!). This bike is absolutely awesome on fast single track and on climbs, holds it's own on the road w/ lock outs and can handle some all mountain and small drops when needed. I haven't done any downhill on it yet, but I will post back when I get a chance at some. I'm sure it wouldn't hold up if you were going to be doing 5' drops all the time or racing DH, but that's not what it was designed for. Get a different bike for that stuff. If you want a FS bike in the $1400-$1800 range then get the FSR XC Pro. You won't be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fsr448
a Cross Country Rider
from fort wayne,in
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | everthing | | Weaknesses: | i dont like the fork | | Similar Products Used: | rockhopper comp | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 2100 | | Strengths: | Was a good xc bike. Light. | | Weaknesses: | CRACK IN SWINGARM. | | Bottom Line: | DO NOT BUY BIKES FROM SPECIALIZED. THEY SAY THEY HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FRAMES, BUT DON'T. I discovered a crack in the swingarm of my bike and they can only offer a slightly discounted frame to replace it.
I *was* a lifetime Specialized customer. Not anymore. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports LTD | | Strengths: | < 29 lbs
Very little pogo
reasonably plush
Low price | | Weaknesses: | I bought the rim-brake version, and the stock avid v-brakes were the worst I've ever ridden (no amount of fine tuning would help).
The manitou axel elite fork is also very flexy
Stock seat tube and seat rails bent after a few rides
Rear freehub broke after 1 year | | Similar Products Used: | '95 parkpre
'95 schwinn moab
'97 Proflex 757
'99 raleigh M800
'00 GF tassajara
'00 Cake | | Bike Setup: | '06 stumpjumper seatpost
old WTB seat
Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes
XT rear hub (stock rim & spokes)
| | Bottom Line: | I've got champagne taste and a beer budget, so this bike fits me perfectly. The frame is the same as the one used on the $2000+ stumpjumper (except the downtube is made of a slightly lower grade alloy -- I'll live). But the components are definitely from a ~$1200 full suspension rig. The good news is that you can slowly upgrade and end up with a bike comparable to that stumpy for less money and paid over a lot more time...
The problems I've had are because I'm a clydesdale and ride aggressively -- I would do the same damage (if not more) to any other <$1500 bike... So I wholeheartedly recommend this bike to anyone wanting a great bike but are on a modest budget... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Biber
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anythng really | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$990.00 | | Purchased At: | Exton Bikes | | Strengths: | Price | | Weaknesses: | Durability and strength | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas, CK Head, Avid BB7, etc | | Bottom Line: | DO NOT buy this bike if you plan on riding hard and often. I'm not big into huge drops or jumps, but this bike has given me lots of problems with rocky terrain. This really should be used for XC riding only or it will fall apart piece by peice. I learned the hard way.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a b
a Weekend Warrior
from brighton, mi
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | brighton rec | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | bike has great ergonomics, climbs like a mountain goat, tracks & rolls well. fox shock absorbs bumps effortlessly. frame is outstanding relative to strength & integrity. plus it looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | brakes are a little slow - will upgrade to disc. tires took a little getting used to as they didn't seem dependable in corners but are okay overall - roll fast. could use a few less specialized components. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | outstanding value for the money. looked at many hardtails and suspension w/ different setups trek, giant, fisher, etc... for a novice to mid-range rider, definitely worth the look. i'm extremely happy with it and would buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hammy
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | Light, cheap and agile. | | Weaknesses: | Non-reliable..... I've only had the bike for 1 1/2 years and I had to: replace the bushings three times; send the shock out for repair once; replace the top shock bearings; replace the rear wheel; replace the rear derailleur bracket; and repair the shifters. Keep in mind, none of needed repairs were caused by wipe-outs. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M2, Specialized Enduro & Jamis | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded with Hayes Mechanical disks... worth the investment. | | Bottom Line: | It's light, love the geometry of the frame and it is fun to ride but it is not reliable. It is a maintenance nightmare and I can not wait to replace it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David V
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1028.00 | | Purchased At: | Encina Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Smooth Ride, Front and rear shocks, quick handling | | Weaknesses: | Avid Brakes. They seem only to be a suggestion. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Specialized Rock Hopper, front suspension only. | | Bike Setup: | stock + new seat, pedals | | Bottom Line: | Ruts? Roots? What ruts or roots?
I love this bike in spite of the brakes. The lack of stopping power might actually make the ride more exciting... not knowing if you're actually going to stop before that BIG tree, rock or whatever stops you. :o)
Uphill bob isn't bad at all.
The downhills have me saying things like 'Yee Haa!' Would I buy this bike again? In a heartbeat!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
V_13
a Cross Country Rider
from philly, pa
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | as a newbie, Fairhill MD | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | drive sports | | Strengths: | Excellent entry level suspension bike. This was specialized's best frame at one point in time. As the tech got better the fram slowly slipped down the chain till now.
So good frame(still), great components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock could be replaced with something better, but if you're buying this bike then you probably won't notice any weaknesses for at least a year. At that point you'll probably just buy the enduro pro. | | Similar Products Used: | None, my first upgrade in 10 years to my Raleigh M-50 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, check specs online. | | Bottom Line: | If it's time to go from crappy entry level bike to a better bike, than this is a great choice. Solid frame, good components for the price point.
Handles extremely well, pedal bob can easily be overcome by learning to be a better rider. Comfy, feels great on the trails.
It's making a better rider out of me.
If you're some crazy psycho who can jump over a 2' log, well you're not looking at this bike are you? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oz
a Cross Country Rider
from Abilene, TX
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ummm dirt... ya dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike town | | Strengths: | Light price, sweet performance. | | Weaknesses: | Weak tires... oh, and the seat sucks | | Similar Products Used: | My last cheap piece 'o. Kinda embarassing actually. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires and seat... those had to go in a hurry. | | Bottom Line: | I actually took the tires and seat off my old no-name Wal-mart ride to replace the ones on the bike. Standard tune ups have corrected all the standard wear I've induced with the drive train and suspension (tighten here, add pressure there). I am a 200 pound rider and have almost 300 miles on it so far, no problems to date. Would I buy it again, knowing what i know now? Damn straight! % chilis on value since I couldn't find a better bike for the price. 4 on overall due to sad tires and a seat made for suffering. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Bonica
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA (orig. Mass.)
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | new to CA but love it all so far | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great mix of Components, Nice amount of Travel for most conditions, Excellent Frame, Very Lightweight, Cool Color | | Weaknesses: | Not the biggest fan of the saddle, although I have yet to find a saddle I am truly happy with over my many years of riding. This one is a lot better than my last one though. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 FSR, '00 FSR Sport | | Bike Setup: | '04 FSR XC Pro -Red- Stock (I'll list the stock parts as they do seem to vary from dealer to dealer for some reason). Frame-A1 Enhanced Aluminum, Fork-Manitou Axel Elite (w/TPC lockout), Rear Shock-Fox Float R, Rear Derailleur-Shimano Deore XT, Front Derailleur-Shimano Deore, Brakes-Shimano BR-M525 Hydraulic Disc, Shifters-Shimano Deore, Rims-Mavic XM 117 Disc, Tires-Roll-X 26x2, Pedals-Shimano Clipless, Saddle-Body Geometry. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent Bike with a lot of great features usually only found on bikes that are around $1800+. I am very happy with it (got it for $350 less than the tag cause last '04 what a deal) Love all the components they work smoothly travel is enough for what i do now (and for even harder riding in the future!). Clipless pedals work great (cept when muddy as all do). Disc brakes work great, awesome stopping power even when wet and muddy. Shifting is smooth and accurate. Color is fast Ferrari-lookin' Red, SWEET!!! I've been mt biking all over New England and been riding pretty hard and rough and now that I'm in Cali, I've stepped things up a bit with the steeper terrain and more loose dirt and rocks. This bike has handled the best that I've ever rode, over all kinds of terrain. I've always been a huge fan of specialized, and have ridden them a lot but never actually owned one, now that I do, I will never leave. They're definitely one of, if not the best bike company out there in terms of quality, quantity, and value. Oh and thanks to Black Mtn for talkin me into it, (however i wouldn't buy too many individual components from them but most specialty places have high prices so go to the internet). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Gevat Ada, Israel
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | Philadelphia | | Strengths: | Great bike. The fox float R helps in tecnical climbs and decnts. The front fork works very well in technical areas and on small jumps. The rear driuler hasn't given me anything to complain aboat. You can't ask for more grip from the tires. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing I found so far(after~150 miles of riding). | | Similar Products Used: | Dimondback Response and tried my friends Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is as good or even better than some bikes I saw at $1600. If you are looking for a high end full suspention bike but do not have the money this would be a very good bike to buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JR
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland Oregon
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | hospital hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | River city | | Strengths: | Very nice xc bike for the price. Good climber and great on those long bumpy rides.Like the Fox pro pedal rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Avid 3r brakes . I weigh 175 and these brakes have a hard time stopping in good conditions
Tires , no feel through corners,wear to quickly
| | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn,Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | Shimano PDMX-30 pedals ,Avid mechanicals | | Bottom Line: | After testriding many different bikes in this price range I purchased this one. FSR suspension system is very smooth.Really like the adjustments on the Manitou front fork and Fox Pro pedal rear shock.The frame geometry is excellent, It makes those long rides comfortable and smooth A great value except those 3r brakes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Still looking... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Temple City Bike | | Strengths: | Great suspension, good components, comfortable seat | | Weaknesses: | While I haven't had any real problems the tires and brakes can be improved, see below. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried a friend's GT Aggresor, my old '96 GT OutPost Trail rigid! | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now with a Cat Eye Enduro 8 | | Bottom Line: | After researching bike's for over 2 months, I decided on this beauty of a bike and I'm glad I did! I started MTB riding about 4 months ago on my GT and it was an experience to say the least! I couldn't go all that fast around corners and would get numb hands after going through small rock gardens. After getting my FSR I immediatley took it out for a 2hr+ ride. It was a night and day difference. I went from a 33+ lb. 21spd. rigid to a 30+/-lb. 27 spd. full suspension that climbs faster/easier and absolutely eats up the descents! On paper it seems heavy, but it doesn't seem heavy at all on the trail. I was originally going to get a Stumpjumper HardTail, but after learning that it would handle almost the same as my rigid, I decided on the FSR. I was a little concerned with peddle bob on the rear shock as it does not come with a lock-out, but it is a non-issue, and I'm not a light guy. The key of course is to have the shock set up correctly for your weight. The guys at Temle City Bike are great, and very helpful, highly recommend if your in the area and looking for a Specialized bike. The front fork while I've read some negative or so-so reviews, is actually ok and it's still not fully broken in yet, the lock-out works well on those steep climbs. The only two things I find a bit below par are the brakes and the tires. The brakes work well, and you'll lock up your tires if your not careful during those desents, but they do not stop quick enough. I was doing about 20+ mph down a sustained desent and it's either lighlty pump the brakes and hope for the best or you lock them up as I did with my rear, twice on my first ride. The tires I do not like, they do not inspire confidence through a fast corner, but rather make you a little nervous. I take DH turns as fast as possible, but everytime I have to slow down because the tires dance on the loose stuff and it feels as though your going to loose traction and washout. Luckily I haven't washed out but I feel it's only a matter of time with these tires. I read some reviews of these tires to see if I was just not riding correctly because I am a somewhat beginner, but most people complain about the same thing. I will be replacing these with some Panarcer Fire XC Pro's, I read a bunch of good reviews. Which reminds me; I would like to thank all the people who post on this website for sharing their knowledge and experiences. It's been and continues to be a great source of information. Enjoy the ride, I know I do! It gets 4 on value because I think it should have some better tires on a bike that goes this fast. 5 chili's because overall this bike kicks a$$ and will get better as I upgrade and make it lighter =0). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Koben
a Weekend Warrior
from Pembroke, Fl
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dimitri's Drop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light weight, Fox rear shox, disc ready hubs and frame | | Weaknesses: | Avid 3r brakes. I don't know why Specialized puts these on a 1200 buck bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Stumpy,04 Jamis Durango Sx
| | Bike Setup: | LX front Der. Lx shifters, Specialized 220 Gram flat bar. Avid 7 brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make a better rider out of you. It just rocks. Climbs great. Is really fasts on the flat bumpy root and rock strewn trails I ride on. Rear Fox is set to 160psi. I weigh about 195 and it works perfect. Like the adjustments on the front fork. Kinda wish I had the Fox Rl,but I can't have everything. I have the frok set to Half on rebound and compression. Never bottemed out like the cheaper shocks I have used. Stock pedals work fine. I am no expert and am new to being clipped in so they do there job. Plan on going with Thomson post and stem in the future. Like I said this bike rocks!!! For the money it will keep alot of you experienced riders happy and for the novice it will make you a better rider. 4 chilis on value. Think specialized should dump some of the brand stuff on the bike for higher quality stuff. 5 flamin' butt burners for for rating cause I simply love my stumpy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Mackleer
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Man... I wish I could have that review back that I wrote below...
After 3 months and at normal temperatures.. the Fox RL Shock rocks... The bike is extremely steady and rock solid on climbs. I have still yet to hit the lock-out lever..
Overall, the more I ride it.. the better I like it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Gooddales Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Due to a cracked frame 2000 Specialized FSR Comp, I was able to get a new 2004 Specialized FSR upgraded to the Pro Model. A couple of upgrades should be noted.... I have a Manitou Black Comp (100 to 120) Fork... and the Frame came with the Fox Float RL.... Instead of the Float R.
The bike climbs and out performs the 2000 Model that I had. I feel more confident in the rough stuff, because the frame doese not flex as much. | | Weaknesses: | The Float RL shock in the Cold.... This winter, it was about 15 to 20 degrees out.... and the shock works great for the first 1.5 miles... then refuses to rebound. Understanding that the cold plays an effect on the shocks fluid... but the shock would also lose pressue and ride on its stops. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 FSR Comp | | Bike Setup: | 2004 FSR Pro, Manitou Black Comp Fork, Easton EA-70 Stem, Monkey Lite Bars, EC-70 Seat Post, Nokia Tires, and Mavic Rims, Some Upgraded components. | | Bottom Line: | The bike rides great and is a very stable platform....
You do have to set the suspension up right when it is cold out. I thought I would use the Lock-ouy on the RL more.... but I don't even touch it. The lock-out is in an annoying position under the seat post bracket.
I am about 210 lbs.. and have no issues with the bike flexing for me.
I really like the bike and the customer service I recieved from Specialized with the Frame and Shock Upgrade as free replacement
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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