Description:This is a free ride frame, period. We applied the lessons we learned on the DH race circuit to this frame so you can go for the biggest wheelie-drops and G-outs that your body can take. With 27 speed capability and optimized pivot locations, after bombing to the bottom of the mountain you can actually ride back up. The RFX enjoys 5 or 6 inches of wheel travel controlled by a Fox Vanilla RC reservoir shock with compression and rebound damping. For proper balance and geometry, match the fork travel to the frame travel. If you are a free rider seeking the finest in design and construction, nothing comes close to the ride or quality of the RFX.
Submitted by
zz3b
a Cross Country Rider
from san francisco, ca Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
downieville downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3700.00
Purchased At:
frame: path bike sho
Strengths:
Excellent all-mountain bike, climbs just as well as it descends, and can still get around the single track, all the while eating up the bumps. The bike is built to last. The welds are perfect and tube cross sections vary depending on the stress points, a very interesting configuration. Overall a very strong and stable platform.
Weaknesses:
$$$ but in the realm of similar brands.
Similar Products Used:
Trex Fuel, Specialized Enduro, Ironhorse
Bike Setup:
07 Turner RFX (XXL), fr shock: Fox Vanilla RLC 140mm, rear shock: Fox RP23, wheel: Mavic crossland, drive: Shimano XT, brake: Hayes 9 disc, Bar & stem: Easton EA70, saddle & post: WTB Speed V Comp & Thompson Elite post, cranks: Race Face Evolve XC, tires: Hutchinson Python 2.3" tubeless.
Bottom Line:
Great all mountain (XC & DH) bike and the most comfortable I've ever ridden, tho' maybe that's the seat? Should have bought it years ago.
At a lanky 6'-3" and 190lbs I've always had a tough time finding the right fit, w/o modifications like extended stem, seat way back on the rails etc. Resulting in a squirrley unstable bike, especially climbing.
The RFX is touted as an all mountain bike and it certainly does that for me. The geometry on a Turner is different from other brands. Two obvious ones: (1) the fork tube angle is flatter than most others and (2) that results in a longer wheelbase, or axle to axle dimension (eg. 4" longer than my old Ironhorse w/ it's XL frame). It can be tough getting me and the T around obstacles!
I ride mostly XC, climb as much as descend and occasional fire roads. At 43 I'm not a racer so bike weight isn't too much of a concern. The frame alone w/ shock is decent at 6lbs +/, my rig got heavy w/ component choice, budget after all. Maneuverability could be solved by a smaller XL frame but comfort and longevity are my priorities.
The T's well worth the 5 flamin' chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gus
a
from NZ Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Burly. Still pedal up hill well. Solid rear end. Must have been well ahead of it's time when they frist came out. Mine still has the origional bushings in it - and they're still going srong.
Weaknesses:
Powdercoat is coming away in a few places.
Similar Products Used:
Origional Spec. enduro's. Newer version 6 packs/RFX's
Bike Setup:
2002 Turner RFX, Marz 66Sl ATA, Thompson stuff, Hadley hubs with mavic EX823 rims, SRAM X9 & FSA afterburner cranks with E13 bash rimg and blackspire guide, Formula Oro K24's (203/180mm rotors)
Bottom Line:
Great frame. I have the 2006 rockers on mine to lower the BB height a little, with a 2005 5 Spot chain stay to legnthen the wheel base and further lower the BB.
Wicked bike. Rails well and is most likely more bike than I need.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Decorator
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallyhood Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kessels Run
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com
Strengths:
Bombproof, stout, burly. Build quality end to end. Fit, finish, detail, etc.
Weaknesses:
Heavy - But so am I. Besidesm, if you want a featherweight frame, get one, this is just not your girl.
Pricey - But you get what you pay for. Aside from Cyberjay (the Turner R&D guinea pig for stress testing), you will be hard pressed to find many broken Turners.
Similar Products Used:
Speshy FSRXC ('00), Jamis Dakota, Ellsworth Isis SL (R.I.P.), El Saltamontes, Jamis Dakar XLT, El Chamuco, Heckler
Bike Setup:
Z1, Vanilla, Talas, Romic, M4s, RF cranks, CK hubs/F219s, XT/XTR, etc. Not yet used a DC fork on 'er (but want to).
Bottom Line:
No question this is a built to beaten on frameset (9.5# w/ Romic and 750# spring). Option of 5" or 6" travel (w/ extra set of rockers). Did I say bombproof? I go 250+ with gear and use it as my XC bike.
Pedals great and very balanced in 5" front/rear mode. Working on setting up with air/air for primary Midwest riding. Also working on converting to SS! We'll see about that one. Run with 2 rings and a basher or 1 ring and an e13 chainguide (standard ISCG mounts are great).
Fantastic customer service. Any set-up questions just call Turner and they are always happy to help. Wish I had the ends and reasons to buy another just to build up with DC fork.
No longer available - I was one of the last customers to order from scratch the end of '02. The 5-Spot looks like a good placeholder, save the lack of DC compatibility.
I could still drop weight from the bike (and myself) but don't mind pedaling around a mid-30# steed knowing that it will not fail under me when I least want it to.
Overall a 5. Value I have to give a 5 too as I know this will last for as long as I keep it. I don't have that confidence in any other brand.
Sean
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Submitted by
RT
a
from Eastcoast Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The is the new RFX with hydro guides(amazing feature), iscg guide mounts at the BB and industrial strength headtube. The headtube is now a much thicker gauge that is shared with the one that is on the DHR downhill frame. If the term "rock solid" ever described a frame's build quality than this is the one. With the 6" travel plates, the RFX can absolutely eat up any technical terrain you choose to ride on. It has that bottomless travel feel despite being the best climbing 5"-6" travel frame I've ridden. I've ridden just about all of them that are available. The frame's design is what dictates how responsive and active the suspension will be, not having to depend on a new generation shock to make up for any inadequacies or design flaws that some frames have. What's even better is that if you do decide to put on say a Romic, you will be improving on a design that is superior from the get go. The rear stays can accommodate HUGE tires with room to spare, I've had Gazz Jr 2.6" on mine with plenty of mud clearance. Turner actually realizes that people will want to so some DH as well as trail ride with this frame. The massive machined one piece BB area is functional artwork!
Weaknesses:
So far just like every other experience I 've had with Turner Bicycles....Flawless. Did take awhile to recieve the frame but it was worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Similar Products Used:
There isn't really too many frames quite like this. I've spent a fair amount of time on an Id (trust me don't bother, a very confused bike design) and have been on an older Uzzi dh(which at the time back then was a pretty cool frame). I also own a few other Turner frames as well, mostly they are all set up for specific disciplines and uses.
Bike Setup:
My first set up with the RFX is with a 02' Super T with King 20mm fr hub,King rear, d521 rims,XTR cranks,SRAM der, EVIL SRS guide(great company and support as well),Thomson stem and post( the absolute standard in stems and posts hands down), SDG saddle,Stan's tubeless, and the tire choice changes weekly! I'm going to try a lightweight version next and go with a Singlecrown fork and smaller tires.
Bottom Line:
To make it simple, this bike is Versatile! You can make this bike the strongest trail bike you've ever ridden or a lightweight DH bike with 6". This is the frame you get if you want to do it all and can only afford one frame. Obviously it's not a lightweight 3" travel xc frame but that was never it's intent. I wouldn't call the frame a jack of all trades and master of none because that would imply that it was only mediocre across the board which simply is not true. I'd say this frame will do any trail riding you'd like as well as take repeated shuttle runs until you can't stand waiting in the lift lines any longer. The only times I would suggest not to get this frame is for XC racing and full on DH racing. That is when you need a specific tool, you go with a O2 or a DHR for those types of riding.
No need to dwell on Turner's impeccable customer treatment and service. That is an aspect of the company where they distance themselves from the others by the greatest margin. They are many excellent frames out there to choose from like Intense and Titus. It's almost hard to pick a really bad frame in the 2K+ price range( unless it's a anodized and over hyped piece of aluminium with old english writing on it). David Turner realizes that HIS name is own the downtube and his customer service and frame quality are a reflection of him. Like I said before in other frame reviews, I'm a Turner owner for life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jørgen Sæther
a Weekend Warrior
from Trondheim, Norway Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Snaken
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Dunkedalen.no
Strengths:
Quality, bushings instead of bearings(with greaseports), color, welds, RIDE, RIDE, RIDE, it just rides like nuttin out there. Climbing for e "freeride" bike, decending, balance, plushness...REAL 4-bar performance...
Weaknesses:
Price?
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Joker, GT LTS, GT I-drive Ruckus, Schwinn Straight 6...I'm, not sure anything can be similar to the RFX...
Bike Setup:
2002 RFX Charcoal Green Metallic 16.5" frame with the 6" rockers. Monster T '99/Marzocchi Z1 MCR 2001, Azonic Shorty stem and 2" riser, Mavic 321's, XTR rear deraileur, LX front, LX shifter, XT cranks, Chris King Headset, Thomson seatpost, SDG saddle, Continental Explorer Protection 2.3 tires, crappy Edco hubs(from my old Schwinn Straight 6), Hope C2 Pro discs. Time Atac/Azonic Aframe pedals. Weighs close to 40lbs with the Monster.
Bottom Line:
This is a bike for the guy who, like me, only can afford one bike. This one bike would be used for shuttle runs at a DH-track, it will be used for longer XC-rides with the guys girlfriend, it will also be used to ride urban stuff, stairs, drops, jumps, and on top of that can climb technical stuff better than any XC_bike(except the XCE maybe), than the RFX is the bike to get. It will be rather heavy, but it can be used to do anything in the world. I plan on riding it with the Z1 in a 100km race. I will also be riding it in sportsclass downhills, but mostly I will bomb down my favorite technical trails, and then climb them up just to ride down them again! The bike eat's tough singletrack for breakfast. It's not cheap, but the way this bike has made my riding more confident is almost priceless. I have done higher drops and bigger jumps on this one than I have ever even considered on other bikes. It just makes you go faster, and in more control. It's expensive, but if you have the opportunity to get one, do it! I can't rave enough about it.
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Submitted by
christina
a Downhiller
from south lake tahoe, ca usa Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Dille dh & Mr Toads
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Sports Ltd
Strengths:
great construction, comfortable fit, dh/freeride capabilities, bombs thorugh anything, smooth and plush pedaling, stays connected to the trail
Weaknesses:
I whine when I climb a 38 pound bike up hill
Similar Products Used:
Kona stinky, Intense tracer
Bike Setup:
Fox fork, romic shock, wtb xc wheels,tires and seat, five star stem, hayes 6 inch discs front and rear, xtr derailuers, thompson seat post, truvativ cranks, race face BB
Bottom Line:
I fell for the RFX within a 100 yards of my first descent. I dropped into a trail I ride quite often. The RFX hooked-up immediatedly and powered effortlessly through the turns with velvety cornering and precise performance. The pedaling power of the RFX is rich and efficient with straight forward suspension. I was amazed with every aspect of this free ride bike. I feel the RFX can handle, pound, crush and rocket through any free ride trail with minimal effort. "Ride fast / take chances", hold on.... This bike rocks.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
christina probert
a Downhiller
from south lake tahoe, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Dville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
sports LTD
Strengths:
great construction, comfortable fit, DH/freeride capabilities, bombs through anything, smooth and plush pedaling, stays connected to the trail, and made in the USA
Weaknesses:
a little weighty on the climbs
Similar Products Used:
Kona stinky, Intense tracer
Bike Setup:
Monkey lite bars, hayes front and rear 6 inch disc, romic shock, fox fork, wtb wheels and tires, xtr derailuers
Bottom Line:
I fell for the RFX within a 100 yards of my first descent. Dropping into a trail I ride quite often, I expected the RFX to ride like my old xc-free ride bikes. The RFX hooked-up immediately and mashed effortlessly through the turns with velvety cornering and precise handling. This bike has rich and efficient pedal power with smooth straightford suspension. I feel that the RFX can handle,crush,squash and power through any free ride trail with minimal effort. The RFX bike rocks; hold on and ride fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, CO. USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Vail Bike Services
Strengths:
Great Construction. Confort. Design. The bike climbs great while having extraordinary downhill/free ride capabilities.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
K2 Razorback SL, Klien Attitude, Manitou FS, Mountain Goat Whiskey Town Racer, Daimond Back Ascent EX.
Bike Setup:
Foes F1-Wet One Fork (6.5"). 30MM Foes Front Hub. Sun Singlewides. Hope Rear Hub. Truvativ Hussefelts, SRAM 9.0, 6" Rocker Plates, Hayes 8" Hydraulic, WTB 2.5 Weirwolf.
Bottom Line:
Sick Ride. Some may say my bike is a bit heavy at 37 lbs, but I still climb everything that I used to on my Razorback SL and only lose about four minutes an hour on the uphill.
For that I get a bike that is indestructable, has bulletproof wheels, and rages on the downhills.
This is a great all around bike for our area, the rocky mountains, where the terrain can be abusive, and we have the option of riding lifts too if you want to just go out and log a lot of DH miles in a day.
I would reccomend this bike to any STRONG rider who wants to have a bit more stability and speed on the downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, UT USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
WrenchScience.com
Strengths:
- Quality build (paint, fit and finish, etc.) - Bombs through anything! - Super plush, but pedals like a dream! - Loves to climb - Stiff rear end
Weaknesses:
- Price - Non-continuous "continuous" seat tube. I could only insert the post about 8 inches before it hits welds or something inside of the tube. - Sits pretty high
Similar Products Used:
- Santa Cruz Bullit - Intense Uzzi SLX - Ellsworth Id - Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup:
Super T Pro, RaceFace North Shore DH cranks, Sun Rhyno Lite XL rims, XTR rear, XT front, XT shifters, Hayes 8" Hydros, SRAM 9.0 cassette & chain, Easton MG60DH stem, Blackspire DH headset, Maxxis Mobster 2.7 and Gozzi Jr. tires.
Bottom Line:
I have continued to be amazed at how well this bike handles everything I've thrown at it. Drops? You don't feel them. Rocks and roots? You just fly over or plow through them. What about climbing? I kept up with my buddy on a Giant NRS!
The best thing about this bike is the pedaling efficiency which helps on climbing and descending. There is NO bob at all... even when standing! Actually, when I stand to power through short, steep climbs, the rear wheel actually digs in better and I get more traction! I have NEVER had a full suspension bike that pedaled better while standing. WOW!
With 7" up front and 6" in the rear, I can't believe how well this bike climbs and handles anything I can throw at it. It remains very maneuverable and I feel I can throw it around just fine.
The bottom line... I have NEVER had so much fun on a bike as I do now. Turner is the bomb! If you're looking at getting one, go to WrenchScience.com. Those guys will dial you in!
If you want to see my bike, cut and paste this: http://www.turnerbikes.com/bom/062002/2125JasonMitchell.htm
The best rig on the planet! Only 4 chilis for the overall value since it is a spendy frame (though I won't tell you how much I paid for real!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kent
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, Utah Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Flat Pass
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Top Of The World Cyclery
Strengths:
The frame is very stiff. Pivots are smooth, easy to grease, don't wear out. Top quality design and construction throughout. The suspension design provides a great ride without feeling like you're bouncing down the trail. The rear wheel stays connected to the ground when climbing and descending. Choice of Five or Six inches of travel.
Weaknesses:
You have to pay if you want the very best. The high price excludes a lot of riders who could appreciate the difference you get in a Turner. Do you get what you pay for? Absolutely.
Similar Products Used:
ProFLEX, Moots YBB, and a Turner XCE for the last 4 years
Bike Setup:
Five inch travel rocker, Psylo SL Tulio, XT crank and BB, MRP Long Range Patrol, Sram shifters and rear Der, Avid discs, Hadley hubs and Ritchey OCR rims, WTB MotoRaptors 2.4, Thompson stem and post, 33 1/4 lbs
Bottom Line:
It's a little on the heavy side for the light weight nuts, and I used to be one, but it pays you back when the steep climbing is behind you. The suspension design climbs well and is always working, it doesn't lock out just when you need it to hook up. And you rear brake works a lot better too. Everybody who rides it says they didn't feel the suspension working. I think a good design should feel invisible to the rider. The head angle is good for single track and drop offs, it flys when the trail opens up. Every year I've lived in Moab my bikes have gained weight and travel. Where do you ride, and how do you ride? This bike does a lot of things really well.
$ 2100.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
