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Submitted by
scout_about
a Cross Country Rider
from Elizabethtown, KY
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Cherokee | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Good shock travel. Smooth shifting. Great breaks. Tires grip well. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 5000 | | Bike Setup: | Standard from Specialized | | Bottom Line: | I was skeptical if I would notice a difference from my GT. I power through parts of trails I would have to stop for or fall off from with my old bike. There are some drops that it has tackled well. I weigh 245 and it handles my size well. No issues thus far. It is a great bike for the money. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Romero
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Cycle | | Strengths: | Light, Responsive, Great Bike For The Price | | Weaknesses: | Few issues with the components...but that can be changed up | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Bear | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for most of the time, but in this case, I've found that you get a little more. I love this bike. I had a Kona Bear (Same as the Dawg) back when I was pretty heavy (317 lbs) but I have since joined the Marine Corps and lost quite a bit of weight and had my Kona stolen so I figured it was time to get a new bike. After looking around for some hard tails, the bike guy pointed out the FSR and I fell in love with it. I was only planning on looking at bikes for me and my wife but after seeing it and test riding it we ended up grabbing the FSR for me and the Myka version for my wife. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tturbotom
a Weekend Warrior
from Hazleton, Pa USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bike | | Strengths: | after two years I am left wondering what the strengths are | | Weaknesses: | wheels, rear bearing, rear shock link, frame! | | Bike Setup: | Avid Mech brakes, Time Pedals | | Bottom Line: | After one year I had to relace the rear wheel do to several broken spokes, even on smooth roads. I also replaced the free hub after about 1 year. Just prior to the two year mark I replaced the wheel set do to a blown out rear hub. About a month later the rear shock link cracked in half at the weld (covered under warranty). About a month later the shock link bearings busted, even though they were just replaced when the shock link was. A couple weeks ago I noticed that the frame was crack at the bottom side of the top tube near the forward weld of the rear shock mount (covered under warranty). Surprisingly the front fork and cranks are still working fine.
I am a big guy and ride semi-aggressive XC trails. This bike may be a perfect fit for a light weight person that rides smooth trails. Just not the right bike for me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robtkd1
a Cross Country Rider
from united kingdom
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | ruislip woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1795.00 | | Purchased At: | action bikes | | Strengths: | all of it! | | Weaknesses: | none of it! | | Similar Products Used: | '97 hardroxk | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet! I bought it today and i love it already! It's a bit pricey but it's a fantastic ride. I love the lock out suspension. I ride to work so i should have gone with a hard tail, but at the weekends i fly through the woods so i wanted full suspension. With the lock out i get the best of both worlds. it climbs like a goat and is fast. I like the colour scheme as well. Blue and silver! SWEEEEEET! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Del Cerro | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Party | | Strengths: | Responsiveness (geometry), versatility, frame | | Weaknesses: | Derailleurs (front and rear); Rims (stock Mavic); Suspension | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Kona Munimula | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | I have a 2003 model that I purchased in 2005 from a private seller. The bike is mainly used for fireroads and moderate single track. My level is advanced beginner/intermediate.
The bike changes direction very quickly and offers a plush ride when climbing and cruising. The downhills leave a bit to be desired. My particular bike is prone to excessive vibration and vague feel. Though, when I do change direction, the bike responds well and generally holds its line. I just feel a bit disconnected with what's going on with the front wheel.
The suspension travel on my model is a bit on the low end. I've bottomed out the front a few times on some moderate jumps and the rear shock indicator ring shows that I nearing max travel for the rear shock.
The derailleurs for my particular bike are crap. I've gone to several different shops for tunes and its always the same story. Fine on the stand and level ground, but the rear derailleur can't seem to pick a ring when traveling uphill. The bike will shift into a gear, and then a short distance later, it's jumping between rings on its own. The front derailleur seems to take an eternity to shift rings. Maybe I just have a lemon or maybe I need to get in better shape and not shift gears so much.
The rims appear to need trueing every 3 or 4 rides.
I know my review appears to be very negative, but the truth is, the bike does handle well and all the problems I've mentioned can be addressed with upgrading components. Though the general feel of the bike is vague, it is reponsive and takes to input very well. I've eaten it hard with this bike a few times and subjected it to normal mtb abuse. The frame has withstood it all and still looks to have a lot to give. It's an all around solid bike, not the best, but solid. The bike is more than enough for beginners but may leave something to be desired for intermediate and advanced riders. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Brown
a Downhiller
from Ellensburg, WA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Manastash Ridge run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$975.00 | | Purchased At: | Recycle Bicycle SHop | | Strengths: | Shocks are great very comfortable to ride | | Weaknesses: | Spokes come loose a little to easy | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock FSR xc with plans of a bigger front tire and disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike, and for the price you cant go wrong with it. Its everything a beginner full suspension bike should be. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Labesky
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver,CO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them in CO | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Pawn Shop | | Strengths: | Good solid frame and excellent geometery in the suspension.I typicailly ride hardtails but, find the full suspension bikes more comfortable and just as easy to ride when set up as a hardtail. For instance, it is recommended that 80% of your body weight in air pressure is required in the rear shock. I have found that if you put in 100% it rides like a hardtail and yet you have the suspension when you need it. | | Weaknesses: | Only problem I have encountered is brake conversion from V-brakes to disk. There is no rear mount on the frame that I own and will be fixing that problem in the near future. | | Similar Products Used: | I have test ridden the Trek Fuel 70. It does not compare to the Stumpjumper FSR XC in any way, shape or form. Specailized has out done everyone in the full suspension line of bikes. | | Bike Setup: | I have made some changes in parts such as 100mm forks (that will be replaced with 130mm this winter). Bars, seat, tires and wheels are all new as well. Rear shock, derailuers and a complete overhaul are in the works for this winter including new paint and decals. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line for this bike in my opinion is if you own one, keep it. The geometerty is excellent, no other line of bikes is remotely close.
By the 2008 season the bike I own will be completely updated and ready for anything I throw its way.
If you own one of these bikes and need help with the rear disk brake mount feel free to Email me and I will send pics of what I have done to mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Montana
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Cilly Creek-watch for grizzly bears | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Spoke Shop | | Strengths: | Full suspension, sturdy frame, nice gear ratios, easy to upgrade. | | Weaknesses: | None I have found | | Similar Products Used: | Trek
| | Bike Setup: | Stock but am upgrading fork and brakes this week, mostly because I have worn the originals out. | | Bottom Line: | I biked a lot in college but rarely since then. I had an old hard tail but I demo'd this bike and took it home the same day. My wife has the xc comp. We do a lot of old logging roads and numerous trails. Nothing too hard core but 6-7 mile descents are not uncommon so I am getting disc brakes. This is a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Calica
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, New York
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | prospect park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mr. C's Cycles | | Strengths: | Quality, looks and Im just a hardcore Specialized rider. | | Weaknesses: | The weight. I came off of a specialized hardtail but I do understand that FS are always heavier. But overall not much. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale prophet, and Specialized Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with avid bb5 disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was like a dream to ride. All the components works like a dream. Except for the rear shocks and the front forks, not the greatest but works fine for now and soon will be upgrading with all Fox suspension. All the trails that I used to go through were hard with the hardtail, but now there just so comfortable and easy to go through. If your looking to get into an FS bike look into this, and you wont be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PM
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Difficult Run, VA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Old Towne Bicycles | | Strengths: | Disc brake ready. Good value for a dualie. Lots of room for upgrades. Lighter than my old steel Trek. This bike is a great entry bike for someone getting into mnt biking and wants a full sus bike. Wear out the stock compents and replace them with better ones. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavey. No disc breaks (but has disc ready hubs). No name rear shock (although its taking everything I'm throwing at it). Front fork is mushy for my 190lbs. | | Bike Setup: | Stock... The only thing added to my bike is me and my Camelbak | | Bottom Line: | This is a great entry level bike. Like I said above, if you are getting into mnt bike and want a full susser than seriously consider this bike. Upgrade the parts later down the road and sooner or later youll have a bike comparible to a Stumpjumper FSR. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Redlands, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Ana | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | Great ride when going downhill only. Any line will work. | | Weaknesses: | Can't ride up hill or on a flat. Drive train gets brutalized. Could not keep rear derailers or derailer hangers on them. Been through more than a dozen hangers, 8 rear derailers, too many chains to count. | | Bike Setup: | RP3 rear shox, front judy, disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I believe I got a lemon. Specialize replaced part of the frame in an attempt to solve the problems I've had with the rear derailer ... but it hasn't helped. It just won't stay in adjustment and I've been stranded way to many times with the handers and derailers bending like crazy ... while pedaling ... and then cutting up my spokes. The frame is now hanging from the rafters of my shed and won't be coming back out ... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nils
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | CedarDust on Galbraith, Chuckanut logging roads | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Fairhaven Bike & Mountain Sports | | Strengths: | Price. The frame and 4-bar suspension design is extremely efficient, and a GREAT introduction to FSR. Also, the frame and hubs are disk-brake-ready. | | Weaknesses: | A1 frames are kinda heavy...cheap no-name rear-shock SUCKS...low-budget Manitou fork is a pogo-stick...brakes...tires...yada yada yada. | | Bike Setup: | added Marzocchi MX Comp fork, Panaracer Fire tires, Shimano XT Disks, Cane Creek rear-shock. | | Bottom Line: | Despite all my gripes about about cheap parts, the FSR XC is a GREAT bike for the price. Specialized gives you a perfectly engineered FSR frame that is strong, rigid and efficient.
I highly recommend this bike for any weekend warriors on a budget, who what the beauty of full-suspension.
After 2 years of riding this bike hard, it's time for me to upgrade: hello FSR Stumpjumper Pro! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Coeur d Alene, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheeler Dealers | | Strengths: | The FSR frame is awesome, lockout suspension, seems very well made, probably best value on the market | | Weaknesses: | The avid rim brakes are great for rim brakes, but rim brakes just suck in general. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a upgrade to avid BB7 mech. disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It was my first bike in a long time and it made me fall in love with the sport all over again. It is a GREAT bike for the price. There are a lot of bikes out there that are lighter and better, but most of us are not pros and really dont need bikes like that. You could spend thousands for a carbon fiber frame so its lighter, but why not just loose some weight yourself and call it good? Anyways, I think that this is the perfect bike for the weekend warrior. Very strong, fun to ride and cheap enough that you wont loose any sleep after buying it. Highly recommend | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobcat
a Cross Country Rider
from KY
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Capital View Park, and all others | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$880.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal the Planet | | Strengths: | I have the XL frame for me it is perfect. I like the gear ratios. This cat can run the tight single track in the big ring!!! Great Climber. Fast on descents as well. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the rear axel early on. but specialized replaced it, they are great. I have been breaking spokes. A friend said I need to upgrade the rims (wheels). Front rim has groves in it from the V-brake pads. Both front and rear pads wore out in 6 months of riding and racing. Perhaps that is average but this has not happened on previous bikes. Tires clog with mud. Front slipped out in curves but once I got the tire pressure according to my weight and style the issue cleared up. I wish it had another water bottle bosses. Would like to upgrade the suspension whne the old wear out and upgrade to disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Inferno. Huffy rigid back in the day. | | Bike Setup: | Spd clipless pedals. Riser bar. I use a velociraptor tire in sticky conditions and in the winter. Disc brakes coming soon during winter overhaul. Tool bag. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike. The parking lot rides for 30 minutes did not do this bike justice. Once I dropped in on the trail the first time i new i had something special. For the money this bike is great. I give it four chilis on overall rating just becasue of the rims. And that could be due to the fact that i weigh 205 lbs and ride pretty hard, And have had some big rear wheel hits. I have recommended this bike to my friends and anyone who asks and do not worry about my rep being tarnished (it already is). I think this bike is good enough to race and ride for pleasure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
freddy c
a Cross Country Rider
from LA, CA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | SART | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | cycleryusa | | Strengths: | this is a review of the 07 FSR XC base model. light compared to other brans bikes. great climber. handles excellent on trails and downhills. i am able to lockout the shock and fork on long uphills. | | Weaknesses: | the fork has been difficult to dial in, im ordering a different spring to see if that helps. | | Similar Products Used: | trek hardtail | | Bike Setup: | shimano 520 pedals, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Great buy for the $. I went to many LBS and the specalized was the superior bike in the price range. i decised on the 07 instead of the 06 as i noted a few improvements. this is my first FS bike. climbs with little to no pedal bob when seated. the avid rim brakes are much stronger tan the trektos on my trek, i dont see a deed for discs at this time. the Xfusion 02RL has been easy to dial in, it has rebound adjustment and lockout for all types of terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl McAlpine
a Cross Country Rider
from Menorca, Spain
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Menorca | | Strengths: | Nice frame, as soon as I got on I felt as one. Handles well, and thats from an old cross country rider who last rode a Pace RC 200 F5 Hardtail | | Weaknesses: | None yet, although not used to components, No Middleburn or hope here. So we´ll see how long it all lasts. Would upgrade though, frame worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | First Full susp. but have riden Pace, Merlin Titainium, Marin (first bike). Saracen Kili Pro | | Bike Setup: | out of the box | | Bottom Line: | I have not riden Mountain bikes for 3 years and then only for a short while. I rode and raced when I was 20 for 6 years but that is some 15 years ago now. I felt good to get back on a bike and the FSR XC is some bike to start off on again. From a bit of experience, I can say I LIKE HOW IT HANDLES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from NEPA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Moutain Top | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, looks, components | | Weaknesses: | rims (spokes break even on smooth roads) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 70, Cannondale f600, Kona Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | off the shelf + TIME clipless pedals, Avid mech discs | | Bottom Line: | Overall I am happy with the FSRxc, It climbs good, handles the technical sections nicely, and even rides the road pretty good on knobbies when I lock out the front suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Gravette,AR,U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them usually | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | scheels in des moines IA | | Strengths: | claerly the best bang for your buck, unique frame design, climbs great, very plush ride, moves quick, good group set for the price. | | Weaknesses: | none, i got what i paid for a good cross country bike that eats single track and craps good times | | Similar Products Used: | tried an epic i believe it was called and trek fuel, stumpjumper hard tail, trek 4300, still own a hard rock and trek 3700 | | Bike Setup: | just replaced the handle bar with a flat bar because the epic had a flat bar and it felt precognizant (i believe that is the word i am thinking of), avid mechanical disks, deore lx group set, manitou splice elite front fork, fox float r rear shock, cat eye computer, mavic rims, and a stock bg seat from my wifes mountain bike (only diffrence is females had a cut away relief on top everything else was same specs) and adrenaline tires 26x2.0, and yeti screw on down-hill grips | | Bottom Line: | the only thing i can say negative about this bike is not really even negative and that is the tires are great on all surfaces except mud and the mud kinda has a hard time letting go. you can have my fsr xc when you pry it from cold dead hands. i am going to keep it for a long time and just upgrade parts as they wear out. hopefully the first thing to replace is the fork with a fox or equivalent and the rear shock for a fox that has a lock out or better, and some hydraulic breaks, but mot until the ones i have start preforming unsatisfactorily | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Wakefield, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | North Shore Cycles | | Strengths: | 2005 FSR XC. Great bike for the price. Out of the box, solid performer. Bought mine with disc brakes installed. Balance is great. Very responsive on rough trails. Turns on a dime. Incredible climber. Who says HTs are better climbers?!?!? | | Weaknesses: | The only weaknesses are the mid range components. For weekend warrior this bike is good to go out of the box. I'd recommend a better front fork..maybe at least a 130mm fork. X-fusion shock in the back is air, but no adjustments other than preload stiffness. Shimano Hollowtech crank is flexy. | | Similar Products Used: | None. My first full susp. bike. Test rode many HTs including the Stumpjumper. Can't beat full susp. | | Bike Setup: | Totally off the showroom floor. Hollowtech crank. Hayes MX-1 discs. Specialized stem, mid-rise bars, Body Geom. saddle, Adrenaline 26x2 tires. Shimano Deore drivetrain & shifters. Alloy platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. This is an excellent and proven frame design that is upgradable with top-notch components. Great frame to build on. I would recommend this to any first time full-suspension buyer or mtn. biker. Only giving 4 chilis because of the less than stellar components. This is the base model 2005 FSR XC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon Scott
a
from Aurora, IL; USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes in Naperville | | Strengths: | price (obviously), weight, strong brakes, nine speeds (for this price), rims, handling, overall an excellent bike | | Weaknesses: | Specialized dissapointed me with the no name coil rear shock, but it is ok; could use some more feel with the fork, nothing other than that | | Similar Products Used: | some Giant hardtails, but this is my first full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | stock for now, will buy a new fox float, disc brakes (oh yeah, it has disc ready hubs!), maybe a new fork later, and clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Most people say that there is no such thing as a quality full suspension bike under $1000, but Specialized proved them wrong with the FSR XC. Again, this is overall an excellent bike, I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to break into mountain biking, or Specialized for that matter. Components are good, this bike has precise handling and can MOVE! Main complaint would be the rear shock(but despite what a lot of reviews say, it really s not that bad, but c'mon Specialized an air shock wouldn't kill you), the fork is good, but after upgrading the rear to a nice Float, keeping the Manitou Axel doesn't really correspond. Great brakes, (can't believe they are rims) light, disc-brake ready, and at a great price. It rides beautifully and am very happy with the FSR XC. No wonder it was Bicycling magazine's editor's choice for entry level XC full suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
grant
a Weekend Warrior
from greenville sc
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain creek -paris mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | sunshine cycles -greenville (A+) | | Strengths: | Great overall feel and handling capabilities. Soild performer. Good components for the most part. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock. No disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock XC | | Bike Setup: | 2005 FSR XC with front fork upgraded to a Marz MX Comp ETA and Haro Pro platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! Handles like a dream for a one grand full susser. Well balanced and tight in the turns. I can't even begin to take this thing to its limits. ( I'm over 40 and don't do the crazy hucking stuff, just mountain and fast XC riding). 4 foot drops, big rocks and roots are nothing for this bike. Components are good. Shifting is smooth and accurate with the front Deore and rear LX when adjusted correctly. The Shimano LX rear mech took a beating when a branch ripped my hanger in half. Sunshine put it back on with a new hanger and its still as good as new. I wish it had discs, but the V-brakes do a good enough job for me tho. It rode pretty well with the Manitou Axel Comp fork but its a lot more plush with my new Marz MX Comp. Frame feels really stiff and strong with no flex at all.
The X-Fusion rear shock works really well for a budget 6 and a half incher, even without rebound adjustment.
The only issue I have is that the FSR XC Comp would be a better deal price-wise. For only $250 or so more, you get a better front fork, disc brakes and a Fox rear shock. This doesn't matter to me personally cuz my upgrades will be better anyway. I would recommend this to anyone seeking a good lower priced full sus. bike. Easily upgraded to Stumpjumper status, but a great bike right out of the shop too.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan W
a Cross Country Rider
from Dixon
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | prison run | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | very quick bike with great precise steering. doesn't take much work at all to get moving fast. full suspension is wonderful and shocks worked great when they were working. | | Weaknesses: | the seat of course sucked so i got a new one. i replaced the manitou sx e shock with a rock shox pilot sl with a lock out and after riding it i feel the pilot performs way better than the manitou. the fox shock in the back is starting to leak now | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs1(more money for something not as fast in my opinion) | | Bike Setup: | pilot sl with lockout, panaracer fire xc pro tires, sid dual air rear shock (coming soon!) | | Bottom Line: | excellent bike for the money, with suspension stiffened it rolls extremely well on pavement and absoulutly flies through xc trails. handles like a dream and i would buy another one in a heartbeat | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Halston
a Weekend Warrior
from Newington, CT, United States
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Berlin Bike shop | | Strengths: | very durable frame. good components for the price. takes a lot of abuse for a XC bike under $1000.00. easy to upgrade. Disc ready hubs..... | | Weaknesses: | soft front and rear springs, cheap saddle, not crazy about the grips, 2.0 rollx tires, v-brakes | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 70, mongoose x1 | | Bike Setup: | avid ballbearing disk brakes, Odi rouge lock on grips, heavier front and rear spring kits, WTB speed v comp saddle, 2.2 michelin hot s tires | | Bottom Line: | Great bike!! this bike performes great for what i use it for. I do some XC and free riding and the bike is holding up well so far. I'm 198lbs and I've taken this bike off of 5 foot drops and the bike takes them fine. from the factory this bike definatly needs some upgrading, but for the price you can't go wrong.... the bike is very easy to upgrade. this is a good bike for anyone who wants a strong FS bike without spending a fortune. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pchan
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Als | | Strengths: | Nice blue color, Tough and durable yet light. The Bike geometry seems to fit my body very well like a second limb (I am one with the bike). A very nice solid feel. I get alot of comments on how nice the bike looks, but im not sure how shinny its going to stay after ridding it so much (Ive put down 750+ miles). Ive taken this thing to school, Moab slickrock and porcupine rim, deer valley resort and amazing amounts of single track trail climbing. I tend to stick with Specialized, I dont know why maybe its the 7 frame style, Maybe I just like to say "specialized". | | Weaknesses: | Saddle (hands down!), while durable and might outlast the bike, it is very hard on the bottom. Long treks hurt the chode and downhill riding will bruse it all down there. The rear shock is coil works fine and is durable but there are better options. Seems to be a popular bike, I saw a family zip by me and they all had the same bike, so might not be so great for individuality. (However I didnt see any red yellow or BLUE ones!) | | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock, Epic, Tired from friends bikes. The first one is to hard, the second one was just right but too expensive and complex. However both felt bulky. Only thing I regret is spending more and getting the pro comp or going endro. | | Bike Setup: | Things I changed - New seat gel! XT fnt derailluer, Sram powerlink 970 chain, Sworks Strongarm crankset and rings, Cane Creek air shock, specialized trip computer. | | Bottom Line: | Its still alive after 750 bumpy miles only thing that broke was the fnt deore derailuer when my shimano chain some how ripped it up. Maybe there are better bikes, but this one works and its a proven design. If you are a new MT biker this is a good first bike. After your good. Next stop is Enduro! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | Comfortable Ride, Good Suspension, Light | | Weaknesses: | The seat sucks for just cruisin around on | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | new seat, soon to be new shocks and forks. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is my first f.s. and I love it. I like the way this bike handles and how light it is compared to my old hardtail. The bike itself has good shocks and forks for the price you pay. I would recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edy Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Strengths: | Amazingly fast and comfortable the FSR works better than I have ever thought, alot better than the Haro shift 5 and Trek fuel 70 that I have tried.
It Climbs very fast like a hardtail and when it gets rough the FSR 4 arms comes to life with an amazing comfortablity and hold. My friends Stumpjumper didn't feel that much of a different all , and those are my friend words. | | Weaknesses: | None for that price .sure upgrades could be done.
But out of the box it will last long anough untill you decide to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Shift 5,Trek 6700,GF Sugar.. and few more. | | Bike Setup: | Out of the box works great for now.
| | Bottom Line: | I have tried many of them with lots of recommondations from the best in the business.
This one surprised me.
After a while you can upgrade staff that you want but believe me it works amazing for XC and a lot more than that. it can take large drops and anything you drop on it and the body is light and strong due to the matiriels and geometry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from tx
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | B&B Bikes | | Strengths: | Weight - out of the box 32lbs (it can only get lighter). Lots of mid/high end parts: Deore, Hollowtech cranks, Disc ready, Manitou Axel Comp fork has the newer seals and 100mm travel. | | Weaknesses: | No-name coil over rear shock - added weight. But hey, at this price point I'll find an air shock of my choice for less. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | For the money I saved, upgraded to Avid BB7 Discs - sweet. | | Bottom Line: | Climbs better than my 25lb Trek hardtail. Pretty flickable for a FS bike. I can dial in the suspension front and rear - BIG increase in my downhill speed on root/rock covered terrain. Plenty of suspension for my 190lbs - take a 4-5 foot drop no problem. Stable bike. Good value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Braley
a Cross Country Rider
from Saginaw, MI USA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake, MI | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$840.00 | | Purchased At: | Chic & Wesleys | | Strengths: | Good solid first bike. This bike is indestructable for the money. Lifetime warranty. | | Weaknesses: | I'm 6'2" and 230lbs. I had to upgrade to a harder spring for the forks and rear suspension. Now this bike is perfect for me. I ride on some rough techical trails and hang with the best of them. I also upgraded to shimano clipless pedals. If you weigh over 200lbs, I suggest upgrading supsension springs. You can do this for under $50. If you don't upgrade you will bounce alot out of the sadle. | | Similar Products Used: | None. My prior bike was a no suspension Huffy. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for upgraded spring for Forks, Upgraded coil for rear suspension, Shimano clipless pedals. Specialized elite computer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks for the money. Fully upgradable | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Rieselbach
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Crank Daddy's | | Strengths: | 2005 model
Very responsive, turns like a go cart. Very comfortable for my trashed back and ribs. Very light. Shifting is fast and quiet. Stock tires are nicely grippy on hard dirt/gravel, and not too taxing on road.
Screeming, Flaming yellow! | | Weaknesses: | Platform pedals could have more grip. Would prefer disc brakes (first planned upgrade). Some drivetrain roughness depending on gears chosen (I attribute this to needing to get used to 27 speeds) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 70 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A great all around cross country bike. A pure joy to ride on trails, dirt, rough pavement, etc., and no slouch on smooth pavement either. Extremely comfortable for me (bad back, leg, ankle, and recovering from 5 broken ribs). Have used 3/4 of the rear suspension travel and never felt the bump that did it! That says it all. I would recommend this one to anyone looking to move into recreational FS bikes, or to the older, beginning xc racers. Not necessarily for hard core or free ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Harris
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA.
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Dash Pointe, SO FAR | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Olde Town Bicylces | | Strengths: | Quick, responsive, controllable. Smooths out the hard parts, takes a beating. Excellent stock bike, can only get better as parts wear out, & you replace w/ better parts. | | Weaknesses: | Shocks somewhat sluggish, tighten may help. Rough shifting, could be my problem although. I have the large version. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, feel very comforatable on it, responsive, able to go on some pretty techincal trails in comfort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Donaghey
a Cross Country Rider
from NZ
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fishers Track/ 42 Traverse | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pack N Pedal Auckland | | Strengths: | Smooth ride, versatile for most conditions, was excellent in long rides. | | Weaknesses: | V brakes were useless, the rear spring was average. This is a standard XC bike with a rear spring. This bike should not be mistaken for a bike that can handle any kind of reasonable jump. It was a novice purcahse and have justed traded it in on a new Scott Nitrous 30 which is awesome. the size of the FSR XC was (as i have now learnt) inhibiting my overall speed. Perhaps the bike is pretty good, and i purely bought it for the wrong purpose. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Nitrous cany really compare | | Bike Setup: | V Brakes, (although fitted YD open disk one week prior to trade-in which vastly improved performance) | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you want to do some cross country rides. Immedaiately upgrade to disk brakes if they arent fitted.
A bike not to be used for hard out jumps. For XC riding it should be good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorge
a Cross Country Rider
from Madrid
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mammoth MTB | | Strengths: | Very comfortable bike, and even quick. Nice rear suspension system, it has almost no interference with pedalling. | | Weaknesses: | Bit heavy, terrible V-break and pads, tires are almost for downhill and Manitou Axel Comp is too soft on its original configuration. Needs toughter springs. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M900, Kona Explosive, Diamond Back Apex. | | Bottom Line: | I used to race in cross country national events. Now, I am not more on races, but my drive style is still the same. I use to go out for 1-2 hours of 100%-pure Mountain Bike, 1-2 hours full of Cross Country speedy path, and this bike is perfect for doing that. It takes together and enhance the best of traction when climbing, the best of comfortability when driving on flat terrain and the best of a descent bike when downhilling. Definitivelly, it is really worth the change from a rigid to this full suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
malariavalley
a Weekend Warrior
from Tyler, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park, Tyler, Texas | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | on Ebay | | Strengths: | This bike has all the strengths that the name Specialized carries with it. I really like the handling of this bike. The Manitou front shocks have been great so far even though I have heard some negative reviews. Bike is pretty light for a full suspension. Great bike for the money....especially if you can find it on ebay for much less. Take your time and be patient and you will get the bike you want. | | Weaknesses: | I think that the rear no name coil over shock is this bikes weakness but so far I have had no trouble out of it and the ride as been great. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback coil, Trek fuel | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! You won't go wrong with this Specialized hit! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a
from Riverisde
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Redlands Cyclery | | Strengths: | Best setup for the price hands down. All the components are descent. Frame is very agile and responisve. This bike is also very upgradeable, being fully disk ready. Fork will soak up almost anything thrown at it, will turn a xc rider into a graceful looking jumper. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals don't have enough grip for me. I like a nice pair of platforms that will send you to the ER if you don't pay attention. Also it has a square taper BB. These usually turn into round taper BB and are rendered useless, but I think the suspension could stop this from happening. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best full suspension bike you will find under $1000, and it is by all means worth it. If want a bike that is awesome to start with and you'll probably replace a part or two this is the bike for you. Stock ride is great and will only get better if you decide to change a few parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark romano
a Weekend Warrior
from glastonbury, ct, usa
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | shnipzit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$880.00 | | Purchased At: | Bendidorms | | Strengths: | Great front shock (manitou axel comp,design, color, shifters. It's also relatively light for full-suspension, can take massive amounts of abuse. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing that ticks me off is since I have the basic model, it comes with a no-name rear shock, while the others including the woman's frame, come with a sick fox rear shock! Now I have to burn $400! It also comes with no discs, which isn't the worst thing. | | Similar Products Used: | None. The other nice bike I've had was a GT Palomar. (I'm only 14) | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for the soon-to-be fox float | | Bottom Line: | Nicest bike I've ever had. Love zooming down trails, riding downtown and clearing stairs, and it's even decent of the road. My only suggestion is to get the next model up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Dracut, Mass, US of A
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dracut State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Buchika's, Salem NH | | Strengths: | Awesome design, looks great, full-suspension beats all hardtails hands-down. 100mm front fork is nice and stiff, rear shock eats bumps for lunch. | | Weaknesses: | No disc brakes, but the rims come disc-ready, so that will save $$ once the V-pads wear out! Front fork does not have a lockout, but like I said, you can make it quite stiff so I digress... | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Stumpjumper Comp 2003, it was a bit more saggy from the showroom floor, probably could fix that with some time I did not have that day. Only real benefit was the discs, but for $1000 more is not worth it.
Been riding Specialized hardtails since '98, this bike is considerably better, both in performance and components. | | Bike Setup: | Lock, Stock, and two smoking wheels! Was going to put on clipless pedals, but let's face it, they suck on New England trails covered with rocks and turns.You need to be able to put your foot down in a pinch (and know how to climb)! I left on the stock pedals and they work fine. Only come out of them when it's wet... | | Bottom Line: | This sled is awesome! All that hooplah about full-suspension bikes not climbing well, they're too heavy, wah-wah-wah; it's nonesense! This bike is sturdy, soooooooo fast it just takes off, climbs like a monkey, descends like an escaped con. I did not weigh it, but I'm 6'0", 190 LBS, and it climbs better than an under-20 LB hardtail, so the weight is not a factor.
Stock tires claw through thick mud, gear it up and you can't be stopped! I researched a new bike for 2 years before buying this. No other company offered this much in a FSR for only $800. And that $880 list is BS; I've seen it in 3 different states all for $800 flat.
If you can find one of these, get it. And a note: You gotta be Shaq to need the "Large" version. I have the "Medium" and it's perfect for a six-footer.
It also handles jumps quite well. Cleared 3 feet off a nice boulder last week, landed without even bottoming out the shox.
All-around, the only time I noticed an issue was the front fork in sharp switchback turns, probably more my fault and did not result in a crash, just keep an eye out. Also the Shimano drivetrain is clunky in the low gears about once per ride, but that's the same as every Shimano I've ever tried. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fabian Hernandez
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, Tx, Mexico
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Samalayuca Mexico | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Crazy Cat LBS | | Strengths: | Solid consistent ride. Very upgradeable.
4-link suspension
Good price for the setup
Good all around bike for the money; provided you’re not looking for an instant racer.
So far it feel durable. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy (a think maybe a couple pounds more than a trek 4500), but you cannot ask for anything lighter for the money (I have not weight it yet, I will post the weight in the board as soon as I have it)
The pedals are very heavy (no problem for me, I replaced them for clipless)
The fork is a little soft for my personal taste, I’ll see if is possible to harden it a little. (Have not tied it with a different travel) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, 4900. Walmart bikes (Hey we all start somewhere) and occasionally rides on my friends bikes, Fisher Big Sur, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Standard, plus clipless pedals shimano 520, I'll switch to Hutchinson Python Gold in the near future and maybe Stan tubless later. | | Bottom Line: | I do most of my riding during weekends (XC), spinning for weekdays. I race occasionally especially 50Km and 100km (www.chupacabras100km.org)
My budget was not too good, in fact I spend more than I wanted, I now I could get better setup for the same price in a hardtail, but appreciate the full suspension for my back.
I really don’t like the frame shape (just a matter of personal taste), but had the best setup I could pay.
I was also considering the Iron Horse sinister comp, but this bike has life warranty in frame and local support if I need to use the warranty.
If you understand it is not the best bike money can buy, you will sure appreciate all the value it has. Solid, Deore 27 speed, double suspension, upgradeable (it is also possible to add disc brakes latter, I won’t since here is so dry and discs won’t we much better), responsive, it is possible to take some weight out of it by changing pedals (already done), rear shock (the rear shock is good, but if I ever have the money I might try a Could Nine or Fox Pro Pedal) not probable because of my budget but I could upgrade rims and fork (this bike worth some upgrades).
So far, I am glad I bought this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Sullivan
a Cross Country Rider
from NewLexington, Oh USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor | | Strengths: | Light,upgradable, very affordable. by far the best ive ever had. This is the first bike i have owned that wasnt from walmart. I cant beleive what ive been missing! | | Weaknesses: | Nothing that i have come across. Its a very sturdy bike and feels very solid. If you do not like something on it, then upgrade, its very easy to on this bike. If your into all the free riding then get a bike thats made for doing so, this is mainly xc and trail riding and it does both very well. | | Similar Products Used: | Alot of crap. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a reliable dual suspension for xc or trails that dosnt cost an arm, leg, or anything else...then specialized fsr xc is the way to go. Its upgradable and handles nicely at anything you can throw at an xc bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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