Description:The Racer-X is a Pro-Level Race bike that every rider can enjoy. It is the lightest, fastest, most efficient full suspension bike ever made! For 2004 the Racer-X continues to set the benchmark for all other suspension bikes to follow.
Submitted by
Jeremy Smithson
a
from UK Date Reviewed: October 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Richards Bikes
Strengths:
Good weight and balance
Bike Setup:
Still tuning..
Bottom Line:
Manufacturing quality is great. Performance is great. It's early days, but this is probaby going to be the best MTB I've ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davo
a Cross Country Rider
from Highlands Ranch, CO Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
The Racer X is one of the finest bikes I have every ridden. I spent four months trialing other high-end XC bikes - Ellsworth Truth, Yeti ASR, etc. - to replace my GT i-Drive that I've ridden for 6 years. The Racer X won out. It has a solid design, the frame is stiff, nice features like the carbon rear stays, climbs like a goat, the suspension system with the Fox RP23 and 100 RLC on the front is ouutstanding in eating up rocks and smoothing out even the nastiest technical ride. It is simply a BLAST to ride! On top of that, the anodized finish is great looking. I've only had it three weeks and already have about 100 miles on it - inlcuding an epic of 30 miles and 3300 vertical ft. of climbing. You must try one if you are in the market for one of the finest XC bikes.
Weaknesses:
Expensive - but well worth the investment. Had a little trouble dialing in the front derailleur, but all is tuned now. The Racer X frame has no known drawbacks...
Fox RP23/32F100RLC, Crossmax SL disc wheels, X.0 shifters/rear derailleur, X.9 fron derailleur, Truvativ Stylo carbon cranks, Candy ti pedals, MonkeyLite carbon bars, Easton stem/seat post, Fizik Gobi saddle, Avid Juicy 7 discs
Bottom Line:
This is my dream bike! It holds a line - whether climbing the steepest technical sections or screaming downhill into a tight corner - without diving or wheels breaking loose. The Racer X has given me confidence and improved my bike handling and climbing ability while renewing the thrill of mountain biking for me. For those that think that spending $4K is nuts for a top XC bike (which I was in that category until recently) have not ridden a Racer X. It will improve your riding expereience and as one reviewer reminded me - this is an investment in your health! Thanks to the boys at rbikes for help with selection of the component mix, rapid delivery in pristine condition and help in dialing it in...And special thanks to my wife for the great gift!
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Submitted by
Bret Bassi
a Cross Country Rider
from Çhicago IL USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Light, fast, stiff pedaling platform, I bought it with crappy tires (my lack of funds, no fault of the bike or bike store). The Gobi saddle rules! I wasn't familiar with the Hayes El Caminos before I bought them at the suggestion of Mike at Rbikes. They turned out to be awesome.
Weaknesses:
The XTR rear derailleur bangs against the chain stays...but everyone new that already but me, I would have gotten the XO. Fox needs to quite screwing around and make their F series forks in cooler colors.
Similar Products Used:
I went into the store and rode a tone of bikes at Rbikes: Ellsworth, Intense, Jamis, Turner, etc
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR drive train, Stylo cranks, F100RLC, Gobi saddle, Hayes EL Camino
Bottom Line:
This bike is sexy, fast, stiff, and makes me feel super confident on the trails. I have taken it all over the country and have never been let down. I fly by my friends and they are all jealous.
I think the brace between the seat tube and top tube is bulky and probably could be engineered out of the frame design.
I originally went to rbikes looking at the Blur XC and the sales person filled me on the supiriority of Titus. I totally agree with him. The Blur felt like a toy compared to this bike.
A note about value, I think I got a great deal on the bike. This is the first expensive racing bike that I have purchased and ridden for an extended period of time so take that into account.
Also, note that ths is a XC bike. It works for me as trail bike too but that probably because I have always ridden hard tails in the past.
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Submitted by
scott tonn
a Cross Country Rider
from farmington hills, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
potowatomi trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Very fast on tight single track. Very intuitive.
Weaknesses:
none so far, thought it might be lighter than what it is
The RacerX is a great ride that begs to ridden hard..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ
a
from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
FAST ON THE CLIMBS AND FLATS. AGILE. STIFF. GREAT PEDAL EFFICIENCY. LIGHT WEIGHT FRAME. VERY WELL MADE BY TITUS.
Weaknesses:
NOT THE MOST ACTIVE AND FORGIVING 4 INCH REAR TRAVEL SUSPENSION.
Bottom Line:
AWESOME BIKE FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE: XC RIDING / XC RACING. GREAT BIKE TO CONSIDER IF YOU WANT TO TRANSITION FROM A HARDTAIL TO FULL SUSPENSION AND STILL WANT THAT FEEL OF RIDING A HARDTAIL, BUT NEED SOME REAR SUSPENSION ACTION. GOOD BIKE FOR XC RACING AS IT IS FAST, STIFF, LIGHT WITH GREAT PEDAL EFFICIENCY WITH MINIMAL TO NO PEDAL INDUCED BOBBING WHEN THE FOX SHOX IS SET IN THE PROPEDALS FIRM SETTING. NOT SO MUCH OF A FULLY ACTIVE, PLUSH SUSPENSION ACTION EVEN WHEN RIDING IN THE SOFT PROPEDAL SETTING. THIS BIKE IS EXCELLENT ON THE CLIMBS AND FLATS, BUT AS FOR DESCENDING ON A ROUGH TRAIL - NOT THE MOST FORGIVING SUSPENSION ACTION. IF YOU NEED A FULL SUSPENSION RACE RIG THIS BIKE COULD BE FOR YOU. THE BIKE COULD ALSO BE GOOD FOR XC TRAIL RIDING BUT NOT MEANT FOR HUCKING, JUMPING, OR BOMBING DOWN A ROUGH DESCENT. TRAIL RIDERS MIGHT NEED TO LOOK ELSE FOR A MORE VERSITILE RIDE THAT CAN BETTER HANDLE A VARIETY OF TRAIL CONDITIONS. I GIVE IT 5 FLAMIN CHILIS FOR THE BIKES INTENDED PURPOSE.
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Submitted by
ROB RODRIGUEZ
a Weekend Warrior
from TUCSON, AZ Date Reviewed: June 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
50 yr trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4700.00
Purchased At:
Javalina Cycles
Strengths:
Sweet bike, fits like a glove, real fast up and down hills. Very responsive. Weight about 23-24 lbs.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup:
Fox F100 fork, Fox float rp23,Sram XO twisty, Sram XO rear derailer, XTR front derailer, Race Face Deus Crankset, Thomson Masterpiece seatpost, Easton Monkeylite SL Bars, Easton EA70 Stem, King headset, Crossmax SL wheels. Avid Juicy Carbon disc brakes, Eggbeater SL
Bottom Line:
This is a fast bike, so be ready to hall ass!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Hayden, ID Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Mountain View Cyclery
Strengths:
Lightweight, handling (properly set up), efficient, comfortable, eats trail obstacles, climbs ridiculously well, feels balanced on rolling singletrack, holds corners with the right tires
Weaknesses:
Paper-thin anodizing chips easily, thin-walled down tube vulnerable to dings, stock Float RP23 sleeve is way too progressive to get full travel, geometry not conducive to steep descents, carbon gloss coating on seatstays scuffs.
Similar Products Used:
Tested/demoed Kona King Kikapu, Titus Moto Lite, Turner Flux, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Specialized Epic, Turner 5 Spot, Jamis XLT, Felt Virtue, Jamis XAM
Bike Setup:
2006 L Ano frame w/ carbon rocker and seatstays, Rock Shox Revelation 426 dual air U Turn fork, Fox RP23 shock with high-volume air sleeve, Mavic Crossland UST wheelset, Panaracer Fire XC Pro UST 2.1 tires, Thomson Elite 90mm 5 degree stem, Answer Pro Taper bar, SRAM X.9 shifters and rear derailleur, Shimano LX front derailleur, Avid Juicy 5 brakes (soon to be Shimano XT), Eggbeater SS pedals, WTB Speed V Pro Gel saddle, Thomson Elite seatpost, ODI rogue lock-on grips, Truvativ Stylo crankset.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to wait six months before I wrote a review of this bike in order to make sure I got it exactly right. For some odd reason, the geometry of this bike is tremendously sensitive to small changes. I've made several adjustments that changed the feel of the bike drastically from something I did not entirely trust, to a rocket of a machine that allows me to push the cross-country envelope.
When I initially built the bike, it had a Fox F100R fork, a flat handlebar, and a 100mm 7 degree stem. Three issues came up immediately. First the Fox fork, while smooth, had a tendency to dive on descents, creating an inherent unstable feeling that the flat bar was unhelpful in counteracting. Secondly, the stock air sleeve on the RP23 had too much compression damping when dialed in to the correct sag (10-12mm) creating a spiking sensation and the feeling that the rear was half a second behind in reacting to the terrain. Thirdly, whether due to the suspension or the Kenda Nevegal tires I was running, the rear was sliding on off-camber trails and the front end was skating in hairy technical situations. I was close to unloading the bike.
Here’s what made this bike handle ten times better: a Rock Shox Revelation fork (you’d get the same results with a Reba) dialed between 100-110mm of travel with the floodgate blowoff valve, a 1” riser Answer Pro Taper bar, a 90mm Thomson stem to shorten up the cockpit, and a high-volume air sleeve from Fox for the Float shock, and tires with a solid cornering tread (in this case, Panaracer Fire XC Pros). The fork allows for small adjustments to compression damping, as well as the option of going completely locked until you hit something that exceeds the dialed threshold on the motion control valve. The shorter fork and riser bar let me drop back behind the seat easier to flow with the terrain. The tires just plain grip better. And finally, the high-volume air sleeve removed all hint of spike in the travel. In fact, the rear is much more responsive to the terrain, tracks better on climbs, and eats obstacles going down. Pedaling on pavement or smooth fire roads? Click Pro Pedal 2 into place, lock the fork, and you get instant efficiency. The Racer X will countersteer and lean now without fear of washout, will nose stand if I feel the need to show off, and I can lift and redirect the front if I need to. All things being equal, the front stays planted fine on climbs and the bike feels well-balanced.
Now the remaining bad: the anodizing is thin and chips really easily. Additionally the down tube is quite thin and will develop dings from rocks. This should probably be expected given the low weight of the frame, but the Moto-Lite’s down tube has a similar thin feel to it when you tap it.
Buy this bike if you race and intend to use it for rolling/twisting singletrack, mountain goat climbing, and all out racing. Don’t expect it to be the do everything bike that descends like a bulldozer. This one needs finesse given its steep head tube angle. If you live for the downhill after the climb, get an El Guapo. If you want bling without dings in the metal, find the Racer X in its new carbon incarnation.
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Submitted by
sven
a Cross Country Rider
from NORCAL Date Reviewed: December 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Roaring Mouse Cycles
Strengths:
Super efficient on long climbs and fast on flats. Very rigid. Very quick accurate and responsive - just think where you want to go, and it goes there. Loves to be leaned over and carve the turns. durable anodized finish. Attractive.
Weaknesses:
Not very forgiving: the bike begs to be leaned and ridden quickly, it also responds very quickly to loose rocks and loss of traction, and can get you into trouble quickly. Not very confidence inspiring on technical sections.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude, Maverick ML7.5, Titus MotoLite.
Bike Setup:
Large. XTR, Avid/sram carbon. Fox F100
Bottom Line:
I demoed this bike for 10 days, and put it through it's paces on a variety of terrain. When looking for a replacement for my (pre-trek) Klein, I was worried that no FS bike could match the Klein's efficiency. Well the Racer X dispelled that myth. The Racer X is every bit as stiff and efficient, and in fact, it's more efficient in some situations, like on technical climbs where a rear suspension will increase traction and smooth things, allowing you to concentrate on getting the power to the ground. And at the end of the day, you feel fresher and less beat up, which leads me to believe that it may be more efficient that a stiff hardtail like the Klein. I never once felt I'd be giving up any of the things I liked about the Klein. There are no issues with brake dive, bobbing or responsiveness. The bike feels like a sports car, begs to be leaned over into corners, and feels great on fast smooth terrain. This would be an ideal FS race bike. It also loves fast swoopey singletrack. All in all, the bike felt like a natural fit. But it was not as confidence inspiring on tricky, steep descents as I would have liked. But that's not what it was meant for. This is a no compromises XC bike, and it is close to perfection in that role. In the end, I decided to forgo some of that zippiness in favor of a more versatile ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Leesburg, VA Date Reviewed: December 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
This is a fast, smooth cross country machine
Weaknesses:
price? Good value, though
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Ventana El Saltamontes
Bike Setup:
Sram 9.0, V-Brake, SID, Fox rear shock
Bottom Line:
I bought a used Racer-X 80mm, and this bike is simply amazing. I felt completely comfortable on it the minute I clipped in, and that feeling didn't end until I pulled back into the driveway. It is quick, light, EXTREMELY responsive. I felt like I could do anything I wanted on this bike, except maybe any serious downhill/hucking stuff. It climbed like it wanted to get to the top of the hill, and for a short travel bike the bumps were smoothed out very nicely. I never felt out of control or worried, and I was ripping down the trail. This is my favorite bike and I would highly recommend it. I'm 5'11", 155 lbs; I bought the large frame, and feel very comfortable on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from DFW, TX Date Reviewed: November 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
awesome, awesome, awesome x-country bike. Did I mention Awesome bike?
Weaknesses:
uhm, rear-tire clearance could be better, though i hear it's been improved on 2006+ bikes. Stickers are fugly! carbon-fiber sticks on an alloy frame? but they come off...
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Mongoose fs bikes, various hardtails.
Bike Setup:
usual hi-ending stuff: Float, XO, Thomson, Nokon, Hope Mini's, Chris King, etc.
Bottom Line:
What can I say that has not been said before? I bought this based on the reviews of those who came before me.
This must be one of the select few best full-suspension XC bikes out there.
Low-speed handling, while twisting around trees or untangling switchbacks, is fluid and smooth. The mid-speed ride, 8-15 mph, where most of the time is spent, is pure magic. Twisting through the flora, over and around whoops, floating over rock gardens, the bike completely disappears beneath you. It turns, flicks, dances, and skips as you wish, with barely a thought. Too wide mid-turn? Not the bikes fault…but pop the front with a slight yank on the bars and a pedal burst to lift and put that front wheel back on line with unerring precision. In midturn, at speed! I am no expert, but this bike makes it instinctive. Going too slow around a switchback and cut in too close to the apex? Pop the rear wheel up with a little front brake & weight transfer and put it back down where you want it. Completely wrong line? Compress the bike and bunnyhop to the one you wanted!! Telepathically! Keep your momentum, choose a smooth line up, over, and through obstacles, and the Titus will get you there.
Concentrate not on the rock or root in front of you, but on the line you wish to carve 20-40 ft down the trail. High speed descents, while not the bike’s forte or intent, are dispatched without trepidation. No hucking machine is this, but you knew that... That said, 30mph down the fireroad is easily attainable, and 2-3ft jumps (the limit of my comfort factor & suspension setup) are liquid smooth.
I have actually cleared scary things that came up too fast to hesitate, then stopped and walked back to it, wondering how the heck I just went through that... on 2 wheels...
The most effort comes with simply trying to keep up with the furious pace at which the bike unwinds the trail. You CANNOT ride this bike slow, it can’t be done. I have gone on a few rides, feeling tired at the start, thinking “I’ll take it easy”... and 10 minutes later I’m pounding on the middle ring through the trees, sliding through turns, grin, bugs, and spiderwebs across the face. This is NOT a sit-back-and-enjoy-the-scenery bike! THIS IS A RACER-X!
I keep my suspension pretty soft, ~25% sag and little or no “stable platform”. Personal choice, but to me the bike feels like it’s working best, getting best traction, and is quite cushy in that range.
Two things deserve special mention: Stiffness and Fit. This bike is STIFF! It is light, one of the lightest 4” bikes out there, but is seriously stiff. Much credit goes to the massively shaped down tube & uncompromising rear triangle design. There is zero detectable frame flex from me (190lb 75”), feels more laterally rigid than my hardtail.
Fit: Like any bike, Experiment to properly fit the bike. I’m a bit odd-sized, shortish legs & longish torso for my height, and ended up needing a negative-rise stem to get the bars where it felt best. Any higher and the bike lost a lot of the telepathic sense. Included in Fit: experiment with your suspension & tire pressure to get the ride feeling best. But you knew that.
Last thing: get brakes with excellent modulation. On this bike, brakes are not stoppers, they are speed-adjusters. This bike despises absolute power, it NEEDS precision to adjust corner entry speed.
Price: well most folks can’t understand spending big $ on a complete bike, let alone a frame. If you do understand, you will appreciate and love this bike. I got mine 9mo old, paid $2900 for a ride that cost $5500 new. If you’re wavering, troll mtbr classifieds and Ebay for a nice (depreciated) used one, in the winter, when a lot of racers replace their bike, and disenchantented suburbanites bail out. I give it 5 stars because nothing else gives me more giggles per minute.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Calvinator
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Isle du Bois
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3700.00
Purchased At:
Plano Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
It is fast, quick and efficient. It climbs like a ring-tailed lemur. Well balanced to get the rider out of almost any trouble. Comfortable ride.
Weaknesses:
None as far as Titus is concerned. Not crazy about Sram shifter/deraileurs or Kenda tires
Similar Products Used:
This is my first full-suspension bike. I have a Gary Fisher Rig as well.
Bike Setup:
Sram X7, Avid Juicy disc brakes, WTB grips and saddle, Truvativ crank. Fox R100 and RP3 shocks.
Bottom Line:
I went from a 1990 Schwinn KOM S9 to this rocket ship. It is one heck of a bike. More bike than I should be allowed to ride. I had some issues at first adjusting to the full suspension as far as cornering. (probably bad technique more than anything) I changed to some WTB Velociraptor and Timberwolf tires and adjusted the suspension a little and my problem was solved. My riding partner actually got scared when test riding the bike on a bombing downhill run. Had some problems with the SRAM X7's. I broke a rear-deraileur on a climb on my 5th or 6th ride. The Plano Cycling team took good care of me. At some point I broke a thumb shifter. Not sure how but I was a little shocked. I would recommend this bike to anyone who is an experienced XC rider that wants to push their speed and performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Buttermilk
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
3-Sports
Strengths:
Frame geometry, light weight, and this bike climbs better than my hardtail. This bike handles high-speed corners and technical decents very well for only 4 inches of travel.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Rush, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
All Mountain II kit: SRAM X.9(r)/Shimano XT (f), Avid Juicy 5 disk, DT XR4.1 wheels, Fox RP3 and Fox Float 100 RLT
Bottom Line:
In the realm of XC FSR's ther is no substitute. After 3+ years of riding hardtails this bike has made me a better rider. There was virtually no adjustment period for me in trems of transition as this bike immediatly became an extension of my body. I am amazed how much better it climbs vs. my hardtail. I am riding much faster and pushing more aggresive lines than I ever did before. Ben @ 3-Sports did a great job of setting up the bike to suit my riding style. This bike is slighly heavier than my hardtail but the differential in performance neturalizes the weight gain in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, US Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Roaring Mouse-SF
Strengths:
Corners like it's reading your mind! Truly no pedal-induced bob. FS is just the way to go. Can be light if you want to pay for it.
Weaknesses:
2 year frame warantee? Who does that? Tough on the credit cards. Trust in the bike makes me try things I probably shouldn't.
Bike Setup:
Fox RLT 100, RP3. Custom build somewhere between the middle & top Titus builds.
Bottom Line:
I too am a FS convert. It's just almost not the same sport! You can just point this thing and go. Granted, you have to point a little more conservatively than a freeride rig, but then this thing just about pedals like a hardtail. I'm 6'4" 215 lbs., and this is the only bike I test rode (including the MotoLite) that didn't bob if I let my pedaling get a little sloppy (like it does during a 4-hour ride). The gained traction from the FS more than makes up for any lost efficiency for me. The Fox fork kicks a** too. It's fun to hear the rebound slurping out when you bomb down a rocky section. So I love the bike, now some other lessons I learned:
I was coming from an old, decent, hardtail. I thought going to FS meant finding a bike that was like my hardtail, but the rear wheel traveled. Well, not so simple. There are now truely different "styles" of FS bikes, that really do ride differently. You get vague answers when you ask folks the differences. I think this is b/c the differences can be subtle, they can be specific to your build and how you ride, and it's ALL about personal preference. For me, it turns out that I did essentially want a bike that felt like my old hardtail, but bounced in the back. That's a RacerX. I'll NEVER race it. But that's how I like to ride. Precise. Quick. Speedy. BUT! Give a freeride bike a chance too. Try a MotoLite for instance. It's a more flowy, laid back, hang loose kinda ride. It may not cut that exact line you need to weave through a rock garden like the RX will. But who cares dude? Just ride over it, man. A total gas, and I would have one of those too if I had more Discover cards.
Also, about the build: Do the math on the Ti frame option. I think you lose 1/4 pound or so. Wasn't worth it to me (although the stock size fit me well). I'd rather have a MotoLite or DH rig hanging next to the RX. If your shop'll do it. Customize a bit to get the best bang for the buck. I went with essentially the XT build, then swapped for carbon bar & seat post, and a good Ti rail saddle. And my XL checks in around 26.5 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert przykucki
a Cross Country Rider
from redwood city, ca, USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Titus
Strengths:
Looks cool.
Weaknesses:
I have a previous post on this bike and it was a good review. However, I recently broke the frame and Titus gave me no affordable solutions to replace the frame. I believe this is a design flaw with the frame. The frame is vulnerable at the intersection of the top tube and the seat post tube. Mine cracked at the welding intersection of these two points. I used their seatpost and it was well below the magic line on the seat post. So I'm looking for a new bike that is not a racer x...
Bottom Line:
Keep your receipt and send in your warranty card. Don't rely on customer support from EJ at Titus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T J
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything in Park City
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bikers Edge
Strengths:
Quick handling, light, plush and good looking
Weaknesses:
Water bottle mounts.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
all the good stuff
Bottom Line:
I am a hardtail convert. I have been riding cross country style hardtails since the mid 90's but finally decided to take the leap. I cannot say enough about the 06 RX. It is a very nimble and quick handling frame. It is every bit as responsive as my favorite hardtail. The rear suspension is simply amazing. It allows way better traction and comfort while climbing. The pro-pedal setting is quite plush yet incredibly will not bob unless you stand and bounce on purpose. I now seek out the bumpy and rocky sections just to feel how cool it is to be able to maintain speed and momentum. When set to the "open" position, the suspension becomes fully active and really eats up everything in sight. It is way better than I dreamed it would be and cannot be adequately described. You must try it for yourself. I have managed to bottom out, but only after launching off of some pretty good jumps. It is no freeride bike, but I cannot concieve of a better XC rocket.
My bike is the XS-80 and I wish they would set the water bottle mounts lower on the downtube. There is no room to put even a small water bottle in because it interferes with the shock. Now I have to use a camelback which I do not like. Also, I have noticed that the carbon stays have dented a bit from flying pebbles. It may be a good idea to add some type of reiforcement to the finish on the bottom of the stays. I am going to just use some of those clear stickers.
My thanks go out to Zach and Chris at Bikers Edge for working with me to create my dream bike. I may be the most picky customer on the planet yet Chris has managed to shut me up. The final build was absolutley flawless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ismail
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town South Africa Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Well made frame. Excellent suspension design.
Weaknesses:
Would have liked the frame to be lighter.
Similar Products Used:
Epic, Spyder, Scott RC, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
XTR groupset. Fox suspension. Etc.
Bottom Line:
I spent the better part of 2004 looking for the right bike. I needed something awesome for the April 2005 Cape Epic (900km over 8 days with 16000m of vertical). Criteria for bike choice were zero bob, zero flex, light weight (less than 11kg), frame longevity and ride experience.
By December 2004 I had tested Scott RC20, Specialized S-works Epic, Intense Spyder and Giant NRS. My main concern with the Giant was that the suspension didn’t perform on dips only on bumps. Also the design had become dated. The Scott had the worst feel of all the bikes tested. The Spyder felt really good but I was worried about VPP. (too much hype). Also the agent for Intense wanted 20% more bux for the frame than any of the other brands AND I had to wait 3 months to get the bike. Great bike but….no thanks! The Epic suspension design won me over. It made the most sense and was proven to work. Only 1 problem. No frames in my size available country-wide!
In my search for an Epic frame I came across a Titus Racer-X. It only took 1 test ride to know this was the bike I’d been looking for. The lightest bike with zero bob, zero flex and 1 year later is still making me ride with a smile on my face! Honestly. My first thoughts while riding was that the bike just knew where I wanted to go. You don’t ride this bike, you fly it. Aim for a tiny stone in your path and you’ll find it with the center of your tire – every time. Climbing is better than with a hard tail. There’s no bob, even when standing. There’s constant traction so you can stand even on the loose stuff. The bike has no problems like cables running under chain stays (Epic) or brake jack (Spyder) or poorly designed shocks (Scott) or semi-active suspension (Giant). The geometry is perfect for single-track. Bumps are wonderfully soaked up by the suspension. My best compliment came while riding Cape Epic. I was riding alongside a Spyder when the rider looks at me and says: “That’s my dream bike.” It certainly is mine. If you find anything better for xc out there, please let me know. As per review guidelines - who should buy it? Any serious amateur biker or enthusiast. The pro's get paid to ride crap.:)
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Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Incline Village, Nevada, USA Date Reviewed: January 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lloyds
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Freewheel Cyclery, Edwards, CO
Strengths:
Amazing Climber, really sticks to the trail. Turns like you are riding on rails, just tip it and hang on. Quiet, low maintenance ride. Lightweight, yet rugged. Very fast -- allows you to sit and spin through rough sections with high efficiency.
Weaknesses:
80mm version just doesn't cut it as a trail bike in rugged conditions, (duh).
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel EX, Specialized FSR SJ, Titus Loco Moto
Bike Setup:
Has evolved from light race to light trail... Fox 80RLT, Thomson stem and seatpost, XT cranks, SRAM XO drivetrain, Mavic 517, Avid rim brakes, WTB Mutano 2.4 F, 2.25 R
Bottom Line:
Amazing as a race bike and all-around XC ride for smoother trails. In Central Colorado, it was perfect. Personally, I think the 80mm is undergunned for the type of trails and riding I do now, which has nothing to do with the bike. The frame quality is outstanding -- no creaks, (like all my friend's Blurs), and low maintenance. I have the bike setup pretty plush and it handles most trails with ease... climbing is its strong suit with the only limitation being the engine. It also really rocks on smoother trails or tight singletrack. Overall, a fantastic bike. I've got a Motolite on order as it is written up as a slacker, burlier Racer X. It is my fourth Titus.
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Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Chicago Date Reviewed: October 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great handling and stability, 4-bar link suspension
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC
Bike Setup:
SID WC fork, RP3 shock, Crossmax SL disc wheels, Avid Juicy 7, XTR front derailleur, SRAM PC991 chain and cassette, X.O rear derailleur and grip shifters, Easton EA70 stem and EC90 flat bars, Oury grips, Time ATAC carbon/Ti pedals, Fi'zi:k Gobi saddle, Kenda Kozmik front and rear
Bottom Line:
I've only got two races on it, but so far it's a great bike; I couldn't be happier with how it handles and rides. Not for big hits or crazy downhills, but as a XC race bike, it's fantastic. It seems to be a bit heavier than my FSR (same components), but I can always lose a pound or two. Very predictable and stable in rough stuff, absorbs braking bumps well and still provides a solid platform for climbing and sprinting (with the help of the RP3). Handles fairly quick in tight singletrack, but without the "twitchiness" of a shorter wheelbase frame. Also sticks to lines in corners.
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Submitted by
Salem Derby
a Cross Country Rider
from Easthampton MA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tom cliffs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
TITUS
Strengths:
This bike is the best x-country ride ever! Solid construction and high quality! Titus know how to build a bike.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Santa cruz blur, trek fuel, schwinn factory home grown.
Bike Setup:
Titus racer-x 100, Hayes mag + w/carbon levers, Fox rlc 100, Fox rp3, SRAM x.9 shifters, XT front and rear and drive, Titus stem precision machined,Titus titanium rail saddle, Maxm mx-5 bar, Titus seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I have been reading the Harry Potter books to my 5 year old, and the image I keep getting when on my new Titus is that of Harry on his new lighting bolt! I feel free and fast on this bike. I find myself flying through technical sections that used to get me off my hard tail. This bike climbs like a goat and makes me feel like I am unstoppable! As a big guy (216 lbs) this bike is true and strong, it does not even waiver as I hammer in and out of the seat. The riding in w.mass can be technical, rooty and rocky and this bike just sucks it up. On single track it is like a bullet! I love this bike and will check in later to update as I am still only have about 15 rides on it. This bike is perfect for any x-country enthusiast and someone who want quality and performance for epics, or racing! This is not only a great bike it is a work of art.
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Submitted by
Serac
a Racer
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
This one down in NM
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
WRC
Strengths:
Stiff, reasonably light, good geometry, well thought out design that has proven the test of time
Weaknesses:
None. zero. nada except you, me and the baggage we bring to the race or trail.
Similar Products Used:
Does it matter? I am not sure much out there compares over the long haul (in the same category of bike).
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR mix, Rolf Propels, SID SL, etc. etc. typical racer stuff
Bottom Line:
So, I've been on this rig for three years. The design really hasn't changed much so I consider my three year old RX similar to the newer ones being produced today. That being stated, this review is probably valid for new RXs. You be the ultimate judge.
I intended this to be an update of my review of three years ago, but I am not sure what I can add that has not already be addressed. To be brief:
Climbing: Billy-goat. You will be the limiting reagent. The RX will not. Descending: Point and shoot. Very little squirrly-ness. Sprinting: A small amount of bob out of the saddle but if you build it with a lockout, this problem is eliminated.
There will be a slight 1-2 lbs weight penalty over a comparable HT but it is probably worth it. The RX will be more versitle (sp- sorry no dictionary) in the long run: from race-able trailbike to trailable racebike.
Bottom line: Fast (as you are), handles best at speed, will not let you down, climbs fantastically but is not necessarily plush. Looking for a true 5 + inch trail bike? Look elsewhere. Considering a new rig for racing, justing getting started racing, or just like to go fast over cross-country terrain? The RX is your prescription.
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Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
mtbr.com 2nd hand
Strengths:
Quality, versatility. This is a fast raceable trailbike or a trailable racebike!
Weaknesses:
Nil - it does what is should.
Similar Products Used:
Previous 2 years on a blur.
Bike Setup:
HH 100X with Fox F100RLT, Manitou swinger 3 way. 26lbs build.
Bottom Line:
It's been said often before - but it's true: this bike sorts out all the little things that always bothered me about the Blur - it climbs better, stays fully active, has no brake jack and has better geometry for general XC (particularly if you need an XL). It's not as plush as the Blur - if that's what you're after. But on a full ride it's much quicker. And maintenance is easier too.
If you always feel that the Blur is too slow for you - this is the bike to get. My BLur is gone, not to be replaced. Now for a 6" trail bike...?
$ 1599.00
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