Description:If you are a cross-country racer considering full-suspension, consider this: The Racer X is the only cross-country specific design with a history of winning in both National and World Cup competition.
The Racer X's stiff, lightweight frame and 3.5" of high quality rear wheel travel give the competitive racer everything he/she needs to win as well as providing enhanced performance, comfort and control to every level of rider on all types of off-road terrain.
The Racer X is available in either titanium or Alcoa Alcalyte aluminum in sizes to fit individuals from 4'11" to 6'3".
Submitted by
Luca F
a Racer
from Door County, WI Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
---
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$960.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Agility, efficiency, just floats....
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 98, Intense Spyder, Giant NRS.
Bike Setup:
Reba Team w/ lockout, X Lite Stem/Bars, XT Shift/Brake, Cking headset, Bontrager Race Lite wheels, Truvativ Stylo cranks/bb, XTR RD, XT FD, Thomson Post, Serfas Saddle, Avid SL Ti V Brakes.
Bottom Line:
Rode nearly IDENTICAL to Intense Spyder/Blur. Just floats over medium sized rocks and roots. Super fast handling, out of the saddle it's a hardtail. Just sold my Fuel 98, 2005 full carbon model, for this 2001 Racer X. Who new that Titus had it this good in 2001.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from Knoxvegas Baby Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Writing this for my wife, but she says she feels no pedal bob at all.
Weaknesses:
Price if you can't afford one. Only bottle cage is under the downtube for the extra-small.
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden Trek fuels, Intense Spyder and 5.5, Santa Cruz Blurs, I've had 2 Yeti AS-Rs and many many hardtails.
Bottom Line:
It made my wife want to ride more and go to all the races with me. I bought this frame for my wife for Christmas last year. I have a Yeti ASR-SL that I really like so I was looking at a Yeti or a Santa Cruz when I stumbled on a great deal on an extra small Racer X in pink. I always liked the Racer-X so I just had to buy it for her. She just won the beginner category at her second race ever and all our friends are amazed now that she her riding is improved by a bike that fits well. The full suspension and disc brakes have radically improved her confidence and she is riding Great. Now I don't have to rush home after races. I'm totally sold on Titus especially for small riders. They seem to really have the geometry thought out well for their small frames. If I were getting another bike right now I don't think I would consider anything but another Yeti AS-Rsl or a Racer-X. I've ridden VPP designs and I didn't find them to pedal any more effeciently than my yeti with a 5th element and they have annoying suspension stiffening under braking. A light 4-bar is the way to go. Between the Titus or Yeti, it's all a matter of finding a deal or which one fits you better.
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Submitted by
Greg Post
a Racer
from Plano, TX Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Classifieds
Strengths:
Best bike I have ever raced! Fast, solid, great handling! It's fun to ride again. The strong frame inspires one with the confidence to push this bike to the limit and beyond! Wow!
Weaknesses:
Mud clearance on the rear could be a little better - if you have to race it in the mud.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 100, Specialized S-Works M5, Specialized Epic Pro
Bike Setup:
XTR Everything, including disc brakes, CrossMax Tubeless w/ Specialized Roll-X Pros. Thompson stem/seatpost, MAXM Flat Bar, Selle Italia SLR Saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike looks great and rides even better. Some reviewers talk about the weight of the bike, but if you're over 165 lbs, the small weight difference is worth the extra confidence you get from the strength of this bike. I know others that have this bike setup (w/o discs) at about 23 lbs. Get it, ride it, love it!
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Submitted by
Jeff Seaborn
a Racer
from Calgary, Canada Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Direct from Titus
Strengths:
Exceptional quality, light, stiff, active suspension. Total bike weight, ready to race with bar ends and bottle cage, is under 23 pounds. (medium frame size)
Weaknesses:
You're left without any excuses. Your friends get slower.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel, Ellsworth Truth, Outland VPP (that's right, the original VPP), Santa Cruz Super Light
Bike Setup:
Rock Shok Sid Race Carbon fork; Bontrager Race X-Lite Wheels; Race Face Next LP cranks, Rings and Ti bottom bracket; XTR brakes, shifters, rear derailleur, cassette; Egg Beater Double Ti Pedals; Easton EC70 bar; USE Alien Carbon post; Selle Italia Flite saddle; Ritchey WCS stem; Chris King headset; Titec bar ends
Bottom Line:
The Company: From your first call you will feel like you're in good hands. You will talk with Stephanie who's as knowledgeable as she is friendly. She will provide some advice and then put you in touch with Alan. He will dig into what you're looking for. He will set you up with the right machine. The Quality: Clint, the welder, is an artist. The welds are complete, evenly spaced, and straight. The machining quality is superb. There are no burs or rough edges. The Design: Active rear suspension, light, stiff. Oversized chainstays and oversized pivots keep the back end from flexing. Chainstay pivots are held on both sides of each horst link. Geometry provides quick and responsive riding. The Ride: An active rear suspension puts your power to the ground ALL THE TIME. This means that the suspension is working regardless of which gear you are in. Bombing down a fire road at high speed, the bumps are smoothed out and the bike is balanced, climbing a rough, steep, sketchy single track, the rear wheel follows the terrain and bites into everything. You don't need to worry about picking the right line, the active suspension ensures that you have maximum traction. A rear lockout is not necessary. In fact, it would be pointless. You want the rear to stay active. The only time you need a lockout is when you forget how effective the active suspension is. Lock out your rear shock and then try climbing the rough, loose trail that you just cleaned. You'll then realize what an advantage the active suspension is over the semi-active designs that your slow friends are riding. Learn to ride the fully active suspension properly with full 360 degrees of pedal revolution (spin, don't hammer) and you will be treated to a better ride, more endurance, increased efficiency, and increased speed. You end up using different and more muscle groups than if you just hammer. The bike accelerates like mad and carves around the single track like it's on rails. I've got 5000 km on my Racer-X (3000 km outside, 2000 km on the rollers) and it looks and feels brand new. The bike is designed to last. If you deserve the best XC bike out there, this is it.
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Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from grand rapids, mi Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm on!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
cambria bike outfitters
Strengths:
light, stiff laterally, no bob in out of the saddle sprints and climbs, fantastic construction
Weaknesses:
derailleur chatter on fast, bumpy downhills (fixed with a small neoprene pad on the back of the hanger)
Similar Products Used:
slingshot
Bike Setup:
rock shox SID race, xtr derailleurs, sram rocket shifters, pauls love levers, easton carbon bar, salsa moto stem, syncros carbon post, slr saddle, chris king headset, truvativ crank/bb, bebop pedals, sun/ringle rims and nokian X tires
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. Despite being slightly heavier than my previous hardtail Dean, it more than makes up for that minimal weight gain in "sheer joy" to ride. I took it to Colorado this summer and it performed like a dream. Raced it this fall in terrible conditions (snow, sand and cold) and it worked perfect. The bike climbs well (even out of the saddle) and is quick handling for a FS bike. The construction and finish of the frame is top quality. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for the ultimate FS/XC frame.
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Submitted by
Billy Mathisen
a Cross Country Rider
from Faifax, VA USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fountain Head
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
ordered, no dealer in my area
Strengths:
craftsmanship, attention to detail, cross country geomtry,lateral stiffness, efficiency, climbing, and especially cornering
hand-built wheels (Chris King hubs on Mavic 517's),Thomson stem & post, Eastons CT2 riser bar, RaceFace Turbine cranks, Selle Itallia seat, Avid Black Ops levers and brakes, xtr shifters & derailers,GEAX Arrojo tires, Sid Sl fork
Bottom Line:
It has quality and attention to detail. From the internally machine-butted head tube to the drop-outs, every small part has been gracefully machined. The deep-blue finish looks like a high-gloss paint but does not scratch. (It is some sort of anodized finish). But performance is the real benefit of this bike. I can throw this bike into a corner and really carve a line better than any bike I have ever owned. The steering is very responsive on single track. It smooths rough terrain out, but you still feel really connected to the trail. You can finesse it through single track with the agility of a hard-tail but is much more forgiving than a hard-tail in the technical sections. My opinion - If you enjoy the snappiness of a hardtail but also feel you are limited by one, then the Racer X is your answer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
troy
a Cross Country Rider
from atascadero Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
montana de oro, cabrillo peaks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
arts cyclery- slo
Strengths:
it's a titus: stiff, climbs like a goat, stack o dimes welds, takes a beating......
Weaknesses:
only one : poor mud clearing
Similar Products Used:
90's proflex, amp, greencycles.
Bike Setup:
fox forx, ritchey wcs stem, monkeylite bar, avid levers & brakes, truvative stylo team cranks, eggbeaters......
Bottom Line:
this is a followup from a previous review: this thing still rocks but my supicions were correct- not a good candidate for mud, especially the nasty clay spooge we get around here (you could make pottery out of the stuff). if you seldom ride mud this is pretty much a non issue; if you do , look elsewhere. overall, i'm very pleased with this product, i,ve got my hardtail as backup for those really sticky days. the rx is still the best fs xc bike there is if you can shell out the $1500 - 2000 give this baby a close looksee
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lung Transplant
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, US of A Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch, Chutes & Ladders (Fruita)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Veloswap
Strengths:
Uncanny uphill abilities- rear wheel holds it together on the rocks and roots, just enough cush on the downhills to have children in your future without giving up that "I'm gonna die" feeling, bomber welds and beef, Bottom line... I go faster uphill and down!
Weaknesses:
If you want to feel the rear suspension working, try to stand up and grind on a steep climb- a little squishy. Here's the rub, you don't need to stand! Point the stem uphill and do it in the saddle- so efficient. Heavier than some FS bikes but it translates to all business- indestructible and solid between your legs.
Zoke Atom Race, Altek levers with XTR brakes, XTR shifting and drivetrain all around, Hugi 240s with Bontrager Valiants, Thompson stem and post, 959s- she's little porker but I'll break before she does!
Bottom Line:
First let me say that I haven't ridden a Blur, Epic, Truth, or Maverick. I'm not going to compare the RX to these rides but I will give you my opinion of what I've been logging time on- a 2000 Racer-X. I picked this RX up at the Veloswap in Denver a couple of weeks ago. I've had the chance to take it out quite a bit and, shucks, have I been impressed! In the hills of Colorado I couldn't ask for a better climber. What really blew me away was coming back down though! The Racer X isn't a plush freeride bike that seperates you from the trail by any means but I did notice that I was clearing root and rock sections in the air rather than riding through them. The RX does get a little mushy when mashing out of the saddle but now I definitely tend to stay seated more when climbing anyway. I'd say this bike is an strong option for XC riders/climbers looking to rail the downhills a little faster while not giving up the quick handling and "old school fun" of a hardtail!! A new frame gets 4 Hell-Turds for the price (my "used" deal used gets 5) and a satisfied 5 for overall "I MUST go ride again tomorrow!" satisfaction!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lamar
a Cross Country Rider
from freakville fl Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
attention to detail. weight of the frame.
Weaknesses:
stickers.. the polished frame seems to stain with water marks, they are very hard to get off.
Similar Products Used:
voodoo,klein,ellsworth
Bike Setup:
full xtr/xt disc/iso kings
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike off of reviews and advice and i am not impressed with the frame. I rode a klein adept pro before this bike and it felt more plush than this bike. i have put alot of time tring to dial this bike in and just cant find that sweet spot.The rear end is way to harsh. I will be bying the switchblade if i can sell this frame. On a positive note the bike does scream on the ascents and in tight singletrack. This bike is perfect for racers but look for somthing eles for a trailbike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Calabasas, CA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Johns
Strengths:
Climbs almost as well as my 21 pound S-works hardtail, Handles Single track very well. Very Stable on high speed downhill fire roads. Very high quality welds.
Mavic 517/Chris King hubs, XTR Drivetrain, XTR V brakes, 747 pedals, Thompson elite seatpost and stem. Chris King Headset, WTB Laser Saddle, SID SL Fork. Fox Float RL rear shock.
Bottom Line:
After only three rides I'm very impressed with this bike. It climbs very close to a light weight hardtail, an in some circumstances, better. It's the perfect frame for making the transition from hardtail to FS. Steering is excellent on single tack (just point and shoot). I will repalce my SID SL in favor of a Black Elite Air, the SID is just a little too flexible on high speed decents. Having a lockout on the rear shock is a nice feature, but I rarely use it...there is very little bob from the rear shock while climbing. The bike seems to adapt itself to almost every situation you can encounter on the trail. It's fast, comfortable, and will keep you out of trouble unless you make a really stupid mistake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Apex
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
WRC
Strengths:
Light, built solid, stiff, great climber
Similar Products Used:
Yeti AS-3
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi MXC-ECC, Hayes Hydraulic, Truvativ Team Solo, Easton Monkeylite SL 90, Time ATAC, XT/XTR mix
Bottom Line:
The difference between my old Yeti and this bike is night and day. This thing climbs like a mountain goat and descends great. The suspensions is awesome, you never notice it going uphill. I've cleaned sections of trails that I would never touch on the Yeti.
Bought this from Wheat Ridge Cyclery outisde of Denver, I only needed a frame since my Yeti broke and Yeti would not cover it. The only Titus frames they had in stock were complete builds. They stripped down the bike in one day and sold me the frame, also attached my fork and headset for me. Great Customer Service!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Belt
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Trail 8/1A/220
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Rage Cycles
Strengths:
Climbs like a goat. Very stiff. Perfectly sized. Beautiful welds.
Weaknesses:
Stickers are coming off, as a result of the high rate of speed the locals rocks keep hitting them...like that matters.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Marathon S 100mm; Race Face Next LP crank with ISIS bottom bracket; XTR rapid rise, cassette, brakes, hubs, and levers; XT front der; Mavic 517 wheels; 959 pedals; MonkeyLite bar; Thomson seatpost; and FSA stem. You know, typical build.
Bottom Line:
My bike is a Ti version, with the X-link. It was custom designed for me, my physical size, and my front fork. I worked with Chris (the owner of Titus), to design the bike perfectly, and I couldn't be happier. A lot of kudos need to go to Rage as well, for the great job they did building up my bike, and the post-sales support they've given me since.
The bike is just a dream to ride, on dang near anything I have the guts to ride. It's climbing ability is outstanding. It's XC prowess is superb. The bike loves to go fast, and it do so with ease. The only trail in Phoenix the bike isn't perfectly suited to is National, but that isn't a trail I ride frequently. For basically every other trail in Phoenix, the Racer-X is sweet, and that includes Trail 100, McDowell, Hawes, Pima/Dynamite, Desert Classic. You name it, I've ridden it, and ridden it fast and clean.
If you've got the $$$, and you like to ride XC, you are going to be hard pressed to buy a better bike than a Ti Racer-X from Titus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonathan beck
a
from Alamo, CA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
I like everything
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Danville Bike
Strengths:
this bike rocks!!!! you can do everything on it!!! i have an xs and have no seat stay pivot like the newer ones. i can do everything on this bike from racing to dirt jumping!
Weaknesses:
pricy
Similar Products Used:
gt's
Bike Setup:
sid sl, xtr,, mavic 517, kooka cranks, richey control stuff
Bottom Line:
this bike is in my opinion the best bike you can get if your 13 and you way 95 pounds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat Springs, CO Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
titus
Strengths:
quick, stable, nimble, laterally stiff, durable materials and pivots, plush, horst-link pivot!, custom geometry, Ti bolt kit, light weight FS frame and the X link.
Weaknesses:
waiting time to get the new 02' frame
Similar Products Used:
95' Titus Racer X (SFS), 01' Moots YBB
Bike Setup:
Fox 100 RLC, King Headset & all the other good ^$&*#(
Bottom Line:
This bike eats up the single track, whether at speed or in slow technical sections. Titus built the frame (Ti frame) to my geometry requests and to fit the Fox 100. It is much stiffer laterally than any other light weight FS bikes I've ridden (Special. FSR, Santa Cruz SL, Ellsworth, etc.) yet very supple vertically. It is stable at high speed and motors up technical steep sections. It holds a line (straight and in corners) like no other frame/fork combo I've ridden over the past 19 years - none! I had to wait a while to get the frame but my first ride was all it took to make me smile again. If you're a serious single track attack rider, here's THE tool of choice. Look no further. Chris and company have built one great frame with 02' Racer X.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2425.00
Purchased At:
Beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
light, strong, quick handler, awesome climber, good on the way down, construction, smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
annoying rear der clanking on chainstay (if using shimano rear der). none as far as performance.
Similar Products Used:
fisher, trek, specialized.
Bike Setup:
full xt, duke race, valiant rims, thomson stem, and inexpensive saddle, post, and flat bar.
Bottom Line:
this ride is awesome. climbes better than my old hardtail. smoothes out the terrain giving me more energy to go longer and faster. handles super quick on tight single track. the suspension works as it should: you dont notice it working, but at the end of the ride your not beat up or tired. at 3.65" of rear travel with the fsr design i felt it was a bit better than other xc bikes (fisher, trek were a bit too stiff for me offering less travel) for xc riding. same susp design as the spec fsr, but quality of construction is far superior, and geometry fit me better. im no expert on other small company high end fs bikes so i wont compare to those (ellsworth, ventana, etc). theres no going wrong with this bike if you have the $. i got a super deal from beyond bikes at only $2425 complete w/free shipping and no tax and arrived at my door fully assembled.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Mui
a Weekend Warrior
from San Bruno Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sequol Demo. Any SINGLETRACK
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
HammerHead Bikes
Strengths:
Quality of construction. FSR rear-end. Enhanced rigidity for 2002
Weaknesses:
None. I MEAN NONE!!! Maybe the LONG wait due to backorders at Titus. Oh well....you have to wait for a quality bike!!
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Fox Float 100R. XTR hubs on Bontrager Valiant ASYM wheels. XT splined crank and F. Derailler. XTR rear. Thompson seatpost and stem. Chris King headset. CT2 handlebar. LX shifter/levers. Selle Italia flite gel saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is actually a reivew for a custom Titus that is made only through HammerHead bikes in Austin, TX. I was looking for either the X, Switch,, or Intense Tracer. I have done my research on all bikes and when I called Charles at HammerHead (another person that rode a Switch told me to give him a call), he was going over the strengths/weaknesses of each. We talked about my riding style (trailriding/cross-country), how much I wanted to spend, what I wanted from the bike, fit, etc. After talking for a few days, he told me about the Hammerhead 100X. Basically it's a Racer-X configured specifically for a 100mm fork. The rear-end is bumped up to 3.8 in of travel and the downtube is straight-guaged tubing to enhance strength. The BB shell was also raised to 12.8 in. It's made to be a compromise between an all out racer and a typical trailbike. So this is not just a tinkering with geometry just to sell bikes. Charles worked with Titus over the geometry to make this bike the perfect trailbike. In fact it was sized specifically for the new Fox Forx line. It'll carve up singletrack just like a race/crosscountry one, but give you that extra travel to tackle to rocky 2-3 foot drops no problem. I've only ridden it once so far on one of the local favorites, and coming from a hardtail, it was a MAJOR improvement. DUH, right? What I meant was that it handles just like my old GT, it's just about the same in terms of dimensions, just a tad longer over the top and higher so it carves up singletrack like a hot knife through butter, negotiates switchbacks w/o a problem (tall BB..no way), and negotiates rock gardens without a problem. Braking is phenomenal (thx to the FSR rear-end), the rear wheel tracks truer....and on and on and on. Basically, if you are looking at the X or the Switch and cant decide, give Charles a call at HammerHead and talk to him at least. At least find out about this bike. I'm glad I did.
I'll let you know how the next few months go as I really get settled in. I can't imagine how it's going to ride once I really get dialed in!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
East Mt. Hood area
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Stiff, Dependable, Titus backs their stuff up no problem
Weaknesses:
Ha! It laughs at weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Why? The Racer-X is the best there is.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, 2001 Rock Shox Psylo SL set up w/4 inches of travel, 1998 Fox Alps 5 R on the back
Bottom Line:
This is actually a follow up to my last review of my bike 4 years ago. (I'm the same Dave from Durango but I moved to Portland almost 3 years ago) I have a 1997 Racer-X and let me tell you boys and girls, my bike is kickin it old school. I have had no trouble with the frame at all. I've had to replace the bushings twice in 5 years and that's about it. The rear shock blew out on me 3 years ago and I got a 98 version of the same shock from Titus for a little over 100 bucks, not bad. I'm still happy with my racer-x. In fact, when I'm riding hard and fast the bike becomes a natural extension of myself. It's a beautiful thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from York Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lake Redman, Trail 7
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
The Cycle Works, Wrightsville, PA
Strengths:
Customer service from Titus, Custom build options, Stiffness of rear triangle, Great working suspension front & Rear. The only bike of it's kind ANYWHERE!!!!
Weaknesses:
Price, cable routing for front deralier could have been improved
Similar Products Used:
Spec Enduro, Fisher Sugar 2 Rocky Mountain Hammer & Blizzard .... Too many to mention
Awesome customer service, and design service. I specified all the critical dimensions (Rider weight, conditions to be usd in, TT Length, Seat Tube angle, Saddle Height, and difference in height between handle bar & seat). Also specified the most standover height possible. Chris from Titus did the rest. I love the way he thought outside the box, and produced a dropped top tube, similar to how Haro's are built. This bike has made me realize how badly bikes have fitted me in the past (I'm 6 ft1, with a 35 inch insteam, and huge arms, the bike is about 22 inch equvalent)
I've picked up several places in races, and I credit all to the bike.
The rear suspension is extremly plush, and there's no flex or chain suck (even during a recent 6 hour enduro/mudfest). The rear end (get the lockout option, it's worth a gear on long, non technical climbs) is well balanced to the Marathom 100mm shock. The pivots are all bearing where it counts, and well sealed. Worth every cent I paid for it, and I wouldn't heasitate to recomend it to any cross country rider/racer (so long as their pockets are deap). I have a hard time getting out my Blizard, even for race day, now I own a piece of modern art!
The cable routing wll be fixed next time I'm near the Titus factory.
Thanks Titus for a great, well thought out product, and excellent customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Peabody, MA Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ridge Trail, Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Ace Wheelworks in Somerville
Strengths:
Incredible frame, no flex. Rides like a hardtail but suspension is their when you need. it. Inspires confidence and can handle anything I have throw at it.
Weaknesses:
Very Funny. This frame has no weaknesses.
Bike Setup:
Chris King headset, Raceface turbine cranks and rings, Thomson stem and seatpost, Sram 9.0 sl shorty shifters and rear derailleur, Marzocchi Z2 bomber.
Bottom Line:
This bike is absolutely incredible. It challenges me to do things I am really not capable of doing, but it always pulls me out of trouble. The handling is great and you hardly know the suspension is working. I would recommend this bike to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
troy
a
from atascadero,ca Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
montana de oro
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
arts cyclery
Strengths:
build quality, custom ti-no xtra charge, nil flex
Weaknesses:
?mud clearing.
Similar Products Used:
proflex-mid 90's version
Bike Setup:
king hubs & headset, ritchey wcs stem, easton monkeylite bar, pslyo shock, bontrager rims, frog pedals
Bottom Line:
this thing rocks! climbs almost anything-legs & lungs willing. i feel much less beat up after a bumpy ride. handles technical to wide open dh equally well. i'd give it a 5.00 if it weren't for the tight wheel clearence in the rear. this is the best cross country fs period, if you can fork over the cash you should nail it- you won't go wrong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Scialfa
a Downhiller
from Park City, UT Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge Cycles
Strengths:
Great workmanship Simple design Superior product Excellent product support
Weaknesses:
Not as plush as some other rides, but it's a race bike not a trail bike.
Similar Products Used:
R.M. Element Team Sc Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox SID SL (80mm) Race Face Next LP crankset w/ISIS drive Time ATAC carbon Ti pedals SRAM 9.0 shifters and 9.0 SL rear derailleur XTR front derailleur Mavic 618 rims custom laced on Chris Kings Avid Single Digit Ti brakes Avid Speed Dial Ultimate levers CT-2 bars Thomson post and stem
Bottom Line:
The bike was delivered in June and was built by Wheat Ridge Cycles to my specs with top end components. Hands down the best XC bike I have ever ridden. Weighs in at 24.5 pounds. Could be built in the low 23's with lighter tires. Also, the ISIS bottom bracket is a little heavier than most, and the 618's add 50 grams per wheel.
Great climber and suprisingly good descender. As an ex-motocross racer and current downhill MTB racer on an FSR-DH, I ride this bike very hard and agressive in the Rocky Mountains and in Moab. I have taken this bike to it's limits and then some and it continues to deliver. The awesome wheel set that Wheat Ridge built has never required any truing as of yet which I find amazing. Spend time in setting up your suspension, it will pay off.
In retrospect, I probably should have purchased the Titus Switch Blade (an excellent bike also) for my style of riding. But at the time I wanted a light XC bike to ride with my friends that was much different than my DH bike. No regrets though.
In closing, I would like to mention that the folks at Titus are great. They are always a phone call away, and if you have any questions, they will spend as much time as needed to answer them. I've tried the rest but bought the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Serac
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Theres this one up by Los Alamos, NM
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Stiff, light, feels like a hardtail when it is needed, but acts like a full-suspension when needed. Just like the guy below said: a "full-suspension hardtail." Climbing is outstanding!!!
Weaknesses:
Really...you must be kidding. There are none that are significant. However, if you happen across a Y2K model, you may run into a frame that was not properly undercoated. This leads to severe chipping of the topcoat. While this is troublesome, it is merely cosmetic and will not impair the integrity of the frame. If this does happen to you, the guys at Titus will fix up the frame properly.
Similar Products Used:
SC Superlight, Gary Fisher Sugar line (1 and 2), Trek STP 3000, Trek Fuel line, Titus HCR, Yeti ARC, Kona Mano Mano, Kona Cindercone (these are all bikes I have owned or test-rode in no particular order)
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX (reasonably light, inexpensive, and works well), XT crank with full XTR otherwise, Fox Vanilla Float R, Selle Italia Trans Am, Mavic 517, IRC Mythos, Chris King Headset, Syncros seatpost
Bottom Line:
This is an outstanding frame. This is a frame that crosses the boundry between race specific frame and serious cross-country riding. I occasionally race and found the bike ideal for this activity. On the other hand, hammering my favorite trails is also handled with general aplumb. Perhaps the most outstanding thing is the improved climbing afforded by the design. I am noticably faster and fresher than when I am on my hardtail. The stiff swingarm keeps the rearend tracking steadily on rocky high speed decents. There is no flex like I felt on other bikes. In short, you would be hard pressed to find a better frame. I can't recom
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