Submitted by
bangzilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
local
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
bike show
Strengths:
Sturdy, light weight frame for the price, about 28 pounds
Mostly good components
Looks nice in black
remote lockout
suspension is effective
bike climbs well
Weaknesses:
Comes with Juicy 3 brakes that started squealing, but after a few downhill sessions the squeal went away.
The pads somtimes contacts the disc even when not applying any brake.
Similar Products Used:
none, my first full suspension
Bike Setup:
all stock
but will consider new grips, maybe new brakes
Bottom Line:
Ive been riding this bike all season both on the road and on the trails and its performed well, without any major problems at all.
The juicy 3 brakes that came with mine didnt have too many of the problems ive read about. The brakes i got have plenty of stopping power. they did however start squealing after a few rides but that went away eventually. There still remains the issue of the pads slightly contacting the disc when im not even touching the brake. I might consider new brakes but it doesnt bother me too much.
The suspension works well, the lockout is effective and the bike climbs and handles well. I weigh 150 pounds if anyone is wondering
I thought it might be worth mentioning that i experienced none of the derailleur problems mentioned in one of the other reviews.
Overall, pretty good value for a solid lightweight package.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zxc1974
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA. USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
is near my house
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great value, strong frame, good components, rear shock lockout(hard to find at this price), made in the U.S.
Weaknesses:
discontinued, so only available used or on a closeout, Juicy 3 brakes squeal(so what)
Similar Products Used:
C-Dale M400 a long time ago
Bike Setup:
all stock so far except the shimano M324 pedals I use for the city: Rock Shox Reba w/ remote lockout, Cane Creek headset, stock Bontrager and Deore components...
Bottom Line:
I'm just getting back into MTBs again these past few months after a 10+ year hiatus. Back then I had a hardtail w/ rigid forks. A lot has changed technology-wise and there are so many options out there it's easy to get a headache thinking about it all.
Bottom line was I wanted a full suspension bike. I didn't want to spend a ton of cash but didn't want to chince out on quality, which is a lot to ask for. I was surprised to find the Top Fuel 7 on close out at my local LBS and it has not disappointed. Similar products like the Santa Cruz SL cost $600 more, and honestly for my level of riding there's no point as I can't justify the difference. Some complain about the Juicy 3s, but I think they're fine.
A great bike at an even better price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
snowmassbiker123
a Downhiller
from Aspen CO Date Reviewed: July 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Government
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
it is ok going up hill. the geometry is good.
Weaknesses:
There are many weaknesses staring with the fork. it need replacing after months. I have Also had to replace the rear derailer 3 times. it is very weak and gets into the spokes and rips right off.
Similar Products Used:
trek hard tail (not sure of the model.)
Bike Setup:
all stock. 2 new derailuers
Bottom Line:
i really have only had problems with this bike. i have had to have it serviced so many times and had no really positive experience with this bike. i would suggest saving your money and buying a better bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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