Submitted by
marcocesar
a Weekend Warrior
from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico Date Reviewed: September 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
La Primavera
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Sprinbike
Strengths:
Geometry, solid, light, well balanced, stable at fast speed, fun to ride, rear and front suspension block, FSR rear sistem.
Weaknesses:
X-Fusion shock
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale V400 SL, Turbo Seat edition hard trail.
Bike Setup:
Stock, size XL, egg beaters pedals, Rock Shox Reccon 335, avid juicy four brakes, 445D DT Swiss rims,
Bottom Line:
Realy good product, fast bike and turns on a dime in switchbacks, very stable downhill at fast speed, good 120mm travel for XC riders, i stop braking in some areas, comparing to my others bikes during downhill thanks to the excelent control, the wheels are in contact with the ground all time. The only weakness that i found is the X-Fusion shock, looses rebound adjustment during hard conditions. Waiting to change rear shock for Fox Triad II shock.
It is a very good bike for hard trail riders converting to full suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill H
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC, US Date Reviewed: September 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
New Light
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Chain
Strengths:
Good overall value. Very stable downhill. Tough overall. Can handle most any trail ride. The brakes are great and and the tires roll fast. XT Shadow derailer is really good. Bike shifts well and requires little adjustment.
Weaknesses:
Still can't get used to strange handlebar bend. Spokes are brittle. Lockout on Recon fork broke and turns out was probably cause of being too stiff from beginning which I was told to replace spring with softer one. Neither front or rear suspension keeps the tires from bouncing around without setting them too soft and getting alot of bob. Traction of stock tires is mediocre.
No changes yet except a softer fork spring and the addition of Specialized Overendz bar ends.
Bottom Line:
A good bike for the money I paid. I bought a test bike with a $400 discount. If not for that difference I would have bought the Rush or Trance. Kind of wish I had looked harder for a discount on on of them since the FOX suspension is worth the difference. The X-Fusion shock is just not very good, and like the shock I just can't get the compliance from the Recon fork. I definitely think there are better budget shocks available. If they just gave you a standard Fox Float.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountainbiker_for_ever
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern, NH, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Casalis state forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Gear Works Cyclery
Strengths:
Sturdy Frame, Rock Shox Recon SL fork, Deore XT derailleur, Lockout front and rear, 2-way release shifters
Weaknesses:
Platform side of pedals
Similar Products Used:
TREK 3700, 1990's Jamis Durango
Bike Setup:
Stock minus SALSA stem
Bottom Line:
Great bike with pretty good handling. The stock '08 Shimano SPD M505 pedals are pretty much useless unless you use clip-less shoes, i don't suggest using the platform side for very long for it starts to creak after a day or two of constant riding. I have a few small jumps(1'-2' tall) and the bike hasn't had a problem with them yet. If you plan on buying a specialized bike I suggest you go to a BGFIT certified dealership for the best fit. The index finger shifter on this bike can be pushed either way meaning the shifters can be used as standard shifters or thumb shifters. THIS IS A XC ENTRY LEVEL RACEBIKE, NOT A DH BIKE!
Good Luck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guy Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
North Rim Grand Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
DNA, Mesa AZ
Strengths:
Light, strong, well balanced, lockout shocks on both front and rear,fully adjustable suspension, fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Have had some minor issues resetting front wheel after flat repair so brake wouldn't squeal, should just drop in and be correctly positioned.
Bike Setup:
Stock 08 frame
Bottom Line:
Love riding this bike, my first mountain bike, I've been on many trails in AZ over the past 4 months, several flats, will replace with tubeless soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jcon1334
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgeport, WV Date Reviewed: March 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Government Canyon, San Antonio
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
The Pedal, Corpus Ch
Strengths:
Solid, light, well balanced, very smooth ride, lockout shocks on both front and rear, double walled rims, fully adjustable suspension
Weaknesses:
stock plastic pedals, but thats the same on any bike...
Similar Products Used:
Specialized rockhopper fs
Bike Setup:
bone stock (new pedals in the box on my counter)
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike! I test drove several biked before this one and started looking at hardtails and then FS and then came across this one. I didnt really do any off roading, mostly flat land stuff and roads then I tooks it up and down some brutal rocky trails and it handled it like a champ--even with a not-so-experienced rider. Highly Recommended!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TomF
a Weekend Warrior
from Fullerton, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
I love this bike. I had an old hardtail and my co-workers started riding. I got inspired and bought this. I love it, it has made my a better rider and what to ride more. I love being able to adjust the suspension on the fly. Geometry is great.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
I tried the Giant Yukon and looked at the Trek Fuel 5.5. My buddies have those and love them.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for peddles. Added a wireless cat eye
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for any trail.Fast, stable and inspires confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountainbikemat
a Cross Country Rider
from Ranch Cucamonga, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1560.00
Purchased At:
Whittier Cyclery
Strengths:
Light weight, manoverabilty,shift well breaks are relible under duress, handle drops and jumps surprisingly well,suspention works very well for only 4" of travel,
Weaknesses:
break adjustments, chain stretches and skips, cranks cuold be a cm longer, drop out tend to bend easy,
Similar Products Used:
TREK 8500 & 800, GT All Terra, Specialized Rock Hopper
This is my best bike, rides well underneith me and takes the punishment i give down the hills and off the jumps as well gives me great long range street and trail rides, very comfortible great for a new rider who wants fs or the more experienced rider who wants the balnace this bike offers between cross country, up hill, down hill and hitting the intermediat jumps and drops.
I've always done well on the triangle style foundtion and this bike gives at least 7 triangles that help me ride better
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tihomir
a Cross Country Rider
from Croatia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1730.00
Purchased At:
ozon sport
Strengths:
Rear and front suspension can be locked.
Recon suspension width preload,external rebound and turnkey lockout.
XT shadow rear derailleur.
It is very good bike for that price.
Weaknesses:
Shimano 505 SPD pedals and front deore derailleur.
Bike Setup:
Next year I will change:
-Shimano XT front derailleur
-Shimano XT crankset
-Shimano 540 SPD Pedals
Bottom Line:
It is my first full suspenzion bike and I can say:
I love specialized :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
7stanesrule
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any of the 7 Stanes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Grand Bicycle - Quee
Strengths:
As soon as I got on it I knew the decision to buy was made and I have never regretted it.
The bike is light and stiff enough on the climbs, but going down hill is when it really comes alive, its so well balanced an responsive. There have been loads of sketchy moments when the bike has saved me from a tumble.
The components are great, I don't even notice the Recon fork is there, which I think is a good sign.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except swapped The Captain tyres for 2.35 High Rollers
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike to anyone who's looking for a do it all trail bike that's as comfortable going uphill as it is downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: August 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Best model in the whole Specialized FSR lineup (x-country wise) in terms of price, components, geometry, ride feel. Stock you will hardly find a better package, and for serious XC riding you don't need more than the FSRxc Expert.
Better ride than the '08 Stumpjumper FSR (Comp), which the only advantage is approx. 1 - 2 lbs less weight. The Fox fork on the Stumpy might have the higher bling factor, but the Rock Shox Recon fork on the FSRxc is an exellent fork in its own right and delivers. The same with X Fusion 02RC vs Fox Triad rear shock on the Stump. Excellent shock (xFusion).
Weaknesses:
Not much - higher level and lighter hubs than the average M-475L's would have been nice, better tires and a better crankset (the latter two are an easy fix, though).
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the saddle, Nokian NBX instead of the stock Specialized The Captain Sport tires and new Shimano SLX crank.
Bottom Line:
Get this bike while you can (08 frame).
For next year the FSRxc frame will be whatered-down as they did with the '07 to '08 Stumpjumper frame. Butt ugly bike (in my opinion) with none of the "innovate or die" appeal Specialized used to be famous for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
negro78
a Cross Country Rider
from Quito, Ecuador Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cikla
Strengths:
Front / rear suspension balance, it makes to descend real good…. I haven’t tried a bike like that before and of course the rear derailleur Shimano XT Shadow, is the master piece of the bike…. Even more solid that XTR
Weaknesses:
Rear suspension, block out works well on the beginning but after a year not really. Shock is too soft or too rigid, it´s difficult find a correct setup. Dear specialized team I prefer a bike without pedals, so I will choose the proper one for me… it is not necessary include this kind of crap in such a nice bike.
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Just becouse I am from Ecuador, here is some spanish for you... por ese precio será muy difícil encontrar una bici así de bonita y buena en todo sentido. Todos podemos encontrar peros... pero por ese precio es de lo mejor en el mercado...disfrutenla
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnnyboy5934
a Weekend Warrior
from Northampton,England Date Reviewed: June 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sherwood Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Pitsford Cycles
Strengths:
Fast, Solid, Comfortable, Fast, Fun, Adaptable, Fast, Light, Powerful, oh and did i say fast?
Weaknesses:
None so far. Would of been nice to see a bit of carbon though.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance, Specialized XC Comp,
Bike Setup:
As stock plus upgrades - Easton EC70 Carbon Handlebars, Easton EC70 Carbon Seatpost,Hope Handlebar Stem, Raceface Good v's Evil Grips, Easton Carbon bottle holder
Bottom Line:
With the upgrades i have made this really is a super slick, lightish, very fast trail bike. Handles great on all surfaces and makes up hill riding seem so easy you;ll wonder why you struggled before. I looked at similar bikes to this with better components but i felt the look of the XC Expert and the black colour made for an easy choice to pick this one and upgrade the parts i wanted to.Would suit riders of all ages and experience wanting something light and fast but also pleasing on the eye.
Overall excellent value for money even without the upgrades. I don't think i'll be buying another mtb for years to come. Love this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BruceBruceM
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cape Split
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Frame, brakes, suspension...everything works very well and feels tough. Overall weight is great. Most full suspension bikes look heavy and ungainly to me. This styling of this bike, however, looks great to my eyes.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Hardtail only for many, many years.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike that makes me a much better rider. The bike accelerates and climbs as well as can be expected from a full suspension setup and descends wonderfully. Tight woods trails are no problem.
After nine years riding the same bulletproof hardtail I was hesitant to go full suspension for my new bike. After months of searching I bought this bike and am completely happy. There is nothing I would change about this bike. I keep and ride my bikes for many years and this bike feels like it is made to last.
Bottom line is this full suspension bike seems perfectly suited for cross country riding which is exactly what I had hoped for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bavington
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Snitgers Bike Shop
Strengths:
Overall geometry, feel and versatility. Components are also a thumbs-up and speed can be noticed on your first ride.
Weaknesses:
I have never ridden the Fox rear suspension,but I hear it is nice, however I cannot complain with the XFusion. In fact a factory rep (shall remain nameless) said he was very impressed. I would say upgrade front derail.
Similar Products Used:
All hardtails, first FS.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I shopped and shopped until I could no longer look at another bike. The folks at Snitgers were great and I was there for 5 minutes and made my purchase. The bike handles very well and I have put my 29er on the sidelines for the summer, sorry Gary Fisher. I outclimb my old/brand new 29er, respond better to obstacles and complete my trails faster with this bike. Good, not great value but how do you put a price tag on satisfaction...... well excitement! AWESOME BIKE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
Montrose Bike
Strengths:
Good brakes, light, good overall suspension.
Weaknesses:
The rear shock is somewhat difficult to get just right. It's either too soft or just a little on the harsh side. I ride dirt bikes and I like fiddle with the suspension set up anyway, so it's really no big deal for me. Overall, it works well.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
This is the first "expensive" bike I have purchased. I spent more on it than I did my first (and second) car. I ride this thing almost everyday and I love it so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
I've upgraded a few things: - Thomsom stem - Thomsom steat tube - Maxxis Monorail tires (with Stans no tubes kit) - ODI grips - Shimano XT Rapid shifters - Shimano XT front derailleur - Shimano XT crankset - Shimano XT pedals (best clipless pedals I've ever used)
Bottom Line:
Love riding this bike, great, proven geometry. The frame could be lighter, but this is great value for the money. With the upgrades mine is at 27.5 lbs which is not bad. Even if I eventually get another bike (with more travel 120mm - 140mm) I'm keeping this baby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkton MD Date Reviewed: February 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
NJ/MD/DE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Aggressive geometry, Shimano XT Shadow rear derailleur, Avid Juicy 3 brakes, X-Fusion Rear Shock, Good starting point if you can't afford to do a custom build.
Weaknesses:
Not a huge fan of the Deore shifters, The Recon isn't a very light fork and is only rated for a person that weighs 160 lbs (with the oem spring), Shimano 505 pedals are heavy and don't work very well, The seat rails bent on me and it was ready to crack.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Bike Setup:
Heres the stuff I've changed: -Mavic 717 disc rim/Shimano XT hub wheelset w/ kenda nevegals -Shimano XT cassette -Shimano XT front derailleur -Shimano XT shifters -Shimano XT crankset -Shimano 540 SPD Pedals -Thomson seatpost -Cane Creek S3 headset - Selle Flite seat - Stiffer spring for fork
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that if you have the couple hundred extra bucks you should go for the FSR XC Pro because of the suspension alone. But if not, it's still an excellent platform to get things started. This thing climbs great and descends like a bat out of hell all while staying stable and predictable. The geometry isn't so aggressive that it makes the ride uncomfortable but it definitely urges you to push the envelope. This is a great bike and fits me and my riding style better then the Trance or Stumpy. This is my first Specialized and I am a satisfied customer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington CT Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Huckleberry Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
The Bikers Edge
Strengths:
Fork, Brakes, Lightweight, fast, good overall suspention
Weaknesses:
Derailer, seems to collect debris such as mud, grass and leaves.
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper pro, Jamis 1.0 xc
Bottom Line:
First expensive mountain bike i've purchased. It can handle what i throw at it, 4-5ft drops and nice jumps. Handles downhill as well as rocky sections of the trails great. The Hydrolic disks are definetly a perk for this bike, as well as the Rock Sox Recon fork. Great for climbing. Very Durable overall great bike. If you are looking for a lightweight fast xc full suspention, this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Felix van Oost
a Downhiller
from Hamburg, Germany Date Reviewed: October 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Verbier
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
JODY Cycles
Strengths:
Suspension Light Weight Brakes Handlebars Riding Position
Weaknesses:
Tyres Seat
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSRxc Comp
Bike Setup:
"L" Frame Rock Shox Reba SL Forks Fox Triad Shock Avid Juicy 3 SL Brakes w/203mm Rotors Shimano Deore M530 Front Derailleur Shimano Shadow XT M772 Rear Derailleur
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike overall, and suits my aggressive riding style quite well. The suspension is very good, although a little more travel would be awesome (120mm or 140mm). The bike is extremely manoeverable, even though I am only 13 years old. It is also very light, and I am a lot less tired when riding than with my older bike. The brakes are awesome, and have a very good fell in general. The only problem is the rear brake is too powerful, and the rear wheel locks up instantly with a tap of the lever. The derailleur mechanisms are simply awesome, and are extremely high quality.
The only weaknesses so far are the tyres and seat. The tyres are very soft, and already had a puncture on the 2nd day of use. The tread design is good though, and the tyres have a lot of grip. The seat is not very comfortable, although this could just be because of my small size.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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