We've been improving this design since we first developed it 10 years ago.
The Burner features 3.6 inches of travel, double butted tubing, bushings with zerk fittings, the Fox Float R with Pro Pedal, disc or cantilever option and the same U.S.-made quality you've come to expect from Turner Suspension Bicycles, Inc.
Submitted by
aiden mc donald
a Cross Country Rider
from ireland Date Reviewed: October 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
skull alley
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
longevity reliability and it seems to just want to go on forever.
Weaknesses:
swinger shock so i changed to fox
Similar Products Used:
epic, fuel, dawg, stumpjumper,
Bike Setup:
chris king headset(11 year old swapped from one bike to another and stil goin strong. how is that possible in this irish weather!? thanks cathy and jim for introducing me to C.K) and C.K hubs(6 years old and still as smooth as silk Ha! i laugh at people who buy other hubs!) xt groupset except brakes which are hope mono mini thompson seatpin and easton bars
Bottom Line:
this bike has been ridden and raked all year every year since i bought it in 2004 and has never ever given me any trouble . changed the bushings once . still rock solid at the back . changed everything else on the bike except the frame over the years .well except the hope brakes that is . So the bottom line ? i will never sell Tina
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TJ Zimm
a Weekend Warrior
from everywhere east and west Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Pedalim Jerusalem
Strengths:
Frame has stayed true and smooth for 1000 miles through rock garden and single track
Weaknesses:
chain sucking was an issue...
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Gary fisher, Klein, LItespeed, IF, need I say more?
Bike Setup:
Marz AM SL 110-130mm, SRAM x9, Hope/Velocity, Romic Ti spring, standard rockers, me
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Can't think what I would do next for an upgrade. Therefore I am staying put. (XR rockers do little for this bike but raise the BB)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug V
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX Date Reviewed: December 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Supego
Strengths:
See previous reviews
Weaknesses:
See previous reviews
Similar Products Used:
See previous reviews
Bike Setup:
Changed out the Manitou Minute2 130mm for a Fox Float 100 RLC
Bottom Line:
The right fork makes a world of difference. With the 130mm fork, the bike was taller in the front making stand-over height taller than it should have been; the handling was ungainly; and it was just down right awkward. I contacted the great folks at Turner and they confirmed that the fork was too long for this travel bike. I swapped out the min2 for an 08 Fox Float 100 RLC- BINGO! Need I say more. Now it rides as intended and then some. I have yet still needed to perform any maintenance on the bushing. This ride is as sweet as the day I bought it and even better now. The mistake I made was I let Supergo pick out the fork when I was assembling the bike instead of doing more research and ensuring the right fork was installed. I should have known better- they should have advised me better. Water under the bridge and now it is time to go find that water. Merry Christmas and GOD Bless America.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manteca
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Helens Cycles
Strengths:
- Quality construction and craftsmanship - Plush ride - Bushings have been problem free - Smart cable routing
Weaknesses:
Seat tubes run kinda short for the size medium (17")
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialized Stumpie, Jamis Dakar
Bike Setup:
XR 4" Rockers with Fox RP3
Bottom Line:
The bike just works. Headache free and hassle free. The craftsmanship is very high. Every suspension frame has required routine pivot maintenance, even after 4 rides or so. But the Burner is maintenance free. It simply just works and I am fan of the Turner's decision to use bushings instead of bearings. The Burner with the XR rockers feels very plush and smooth and doesn't make you feel like you needed anymore travel at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Walker
a Racer
from Mission Viejo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Upper Trabuco
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Used
Strengths:
Everything! Great climber, nimble in technical and turns, fast on the downs, solid, stiff, and precise. Tracks like it's on rails.
Weaknesses:
Stickers suck. Peal off easily.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
Manitu R7 Elite 100mm, Fox Float RL w/lockout, Crossmax SL UST Tubeless Wheels, Thompson post and stem, XTR 960 cranks, XTR calipers and rotors, XTR front derail, XO Grip shifters, X9 rear derail, carbon bar.
Bottom Line:
The most awesome frame I've ever ridden. This bike is never the limiting factor in riding ability. Excellent for short XC races or 24-Hour events. Can also be used as your recreational trail bike. Best frame Turner has ever designed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido, Calif. USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Daley Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Beautiful workmanship, high quality, designed and built by someone who cares, USA made!
Weaknesses:
Couldn't get the color I wanted in my size; this model has been discontinued.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh, Mongoose, KHS, Fuji, Specialized fsr
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RL 100 mm, Swinger 3 way, Truvative Stylo cranks, X9 triggers and rear der., Mavic Crossland, Avid mech disc, carbon bars, Conti Vertical Pro 2.3 used tubeless, WTB saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike is all about precision, quality, and handling. The balance is absolutely astounding; technical stuff used to be my weakness, but no more. Just point it, and it goes there. Need to hit a two inch wide spot in tough terrain? It will go there every time. Very efficient, pretty light. I always wondered whether these high end bikes were really any better than the rest of the bunch. Now I know. This bike has made me feel almost superhuman at times; I feel like I can go anywhere no matter how steep or rugged. I'm a bit of a local legend at my age(57), and Turner shares a large part of the credit. Well, maybe I'm just a legend in my own mind, but if I ever have to buy another bike, it WILL be another Turner. There can simply be no other choice. For anyone riding cross country with a little rough stuff thrown in, this bike has no peers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Berardino
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: May 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe, Greenbelt, ...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo Laguna Hills
Strengths:
Barcalounger plush suspension, very still rear end
Weaknesses:
none found so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, some hardtails
Bike Setup:
XR Rockers, Float R w/AVA, Hope XC/DT Swiss, X.9 shifters, XT cranks, various other goodies.
Bottom Line:
An awesome ride, now that I've got the suspension dialed in the ride is amazing. I had been off my bike for a while after a fall last year that laid me up in bed for a few days, and used buying this bike from SuperGo while on a business trip to San Diego as the excuse/reason to get back on dirt. What an excuse it has proven to be :)
Compared to my old FSR, this think is 10x plusher while being 10x stiffer in the rear for climbing/descending. I can climb stuff easily now (out of shape and all) that I could barely climb before. For descending, the suspension just sucks up the bumps without complaining. For cranking efficiency I'm running the big ring much more than I ever did with my FSR. I can't wait to get back in shape and really see how much this bike hauls :D
Given the price I paid it's definitely worth 5 chillis, I have XR (~$100) rockers (gives 4" rear travel), my original choice was a flux but given that I saved about $700, I think I made the right decision :D
Final comment is the same as my first, an awesome ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom hills
a Cross Country Rider
from adelaide, SA, Australia Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
betws y coed
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
dh direct (aust.)
Strengths:
performance (up & downhill) quality looks
Weaknesses:
weight compared to cannondale hardtail - not a fair comparison I realise
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale hardtail Brief stints on Spec FSR
Bike Setup:
Hope, Sram X-9, Fox 100X, Monkey lite bars, Thomson seatpost
Bottom Line:
After riding a hardtail for 10 years I thought I would explore the benefits of dual suspension. Thanks to mtbr reviews and a particularly good deal, I ended up with a 2004 Burner. What an incredible difference 3.6" of quality suspension makes! The confidence this frame inspires downhill and through rocky sections is closely followed by the traction it provides on technical ascents. It's probably made me a lazier rider - there's less need to pick a line, just ride it. If you like the responsiveness of a roadbike when climbing out of the saddle on a smooth fire road buy a hardtail. If you like all the other aspects of mountain biking but would like to love them, buy a Burner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
noD
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Foothills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
supergo/performance
Strengths:
Great bike, great value, good ride
Weaknesses:
weak decals,26" wheels, discontinued
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS, Specialized FSR, Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
CK Hubs and headset, Shimano LX, Mavic 821 Tubeless
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike that soaks up everything any cross country trail can throw at it. Of all of the FS bikes I've owned, this rivaled the Santa Cruz Superlight, although not quite beating it. I have seen the light and now ride 29" stuff, but if you are looking for a good deal on a great 26" bike, this one would be it (plus it's made in the USA). If you can't find your size/color at Supergo, then look at it's replacement the Flux.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mick Mulcahy
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
Supergo!
Strengths:
The geometry on this bike is ideal for me, making it very snappy on singletrack. The four bar suspension is the best out there, it climbs as well as my hardtail, and... dude, it's a Turner man, what more do you want?
Weaknesses:
The headbadge is peeling off, and yeah - the lack of hydro routing for the rear disc is a bit of a pain.
Similar Products Used:
SC Blur and Superlight, Giant NRS, Ellsworth Truth
Bike Setup:
Marz MX fork, all SRAM, WTB Laserdisc Lite wheels, Juicy 7 brakes.
Bottom Line:
This frame rocks the house. The build I have ain't ideal, but that doesn't detract from this example of how a company should build a bike, and I'll upgrade over time. I always wanted a Turner, and when I heard about Supergo blowing these things out, I sold my Blur and jumped on one. Best decision I ever made - I thought the Blur was good, but this bike makes it feel like a Huffy. It climbs SO MUCH BETTER than the Santa Cruz. The geometery makes it feels like it was custom built for me. And unlike the Flux, there's something about the Burner that makes you feel like you can be more agressive on trails than with something like the Blur. Turner has dropped the four bar in favor of "faux bar", so these horst Turners are quite frankly like gold. Get 'em while they last, people. Five chilis all round - heck, I'd give this thing six if I could!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug v
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. We-Still-Gotcha, AZ Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Yup...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Super...er...Perform...er...Supergo
Strengths:
See previous review...
Weaknesses:
Yukkie stickers
Similar Products Used:
See previous review, though I added an Airborne Ti-hag to my line up since.
Bike Setup:
See previous review
Bottom Line:
Great bike that handles sweet. I previousely down-graded the bike because of the wheels and fork. However, the bike doesn't affect how the wheels and fork perform, but vice-versa...therefore, I have upgraded my previous review. It's a great bike, especially when compared to the designer set that goes for $1500+. I also adjusted the purchase price to the cost of the frame in lieu of the full cost to assemble the bike ($2400). There is nothing wrong with the fork except that I installed a 130mm fork but should have installed a 100mm. The wheels- well, never again will I NOT put hand built wheels on a bike (see my review of the wheels- Mavic 717 with XT). One last note- I did fall recently and the TT hit something hard causing a ding in the frame, however, the paint didn't chip- but that ding stands out...my specialized never dinged and it has gone through a lot of rough falls, but I'm not "dinging" the value or overall rating because I fell, but then again, it wasn't a dramatic fall so maybe the frame shouldn't have "dang"...but, then again, it did land right on top of a small boulder- my specialized only slid down a nice soft mountain and the frame is heavier so 5 flames stands. If you can get them at the price, get one (Supergo...er, I mean Performance) still has some in Tucson (larges I think).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D Line
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
This is a 1 year followup to some earlier reviews. I still love this bike. I've changed a few things that I feel has improved it over time, though. First, I ditched the Swinger shock. Not a bad shock, but more trouble (to me) than it's worth. I just got a simple Fox Float R (propedal - 05 model) and it suits me better. The preformance difference really isn't drastic between the 2, but it's alot easier to deal with. The Swinger is now a backup.
I got the "XR" rockers from Pauls Components to bring the rear wheel travel to 4". This did make a significant difference in both the plushness and overall feel of the travel throughout the stroke. Highly recommend it.
I'm running a Fox Float 130 fork now. It is too tall for the bike on the uphill, as I have to really shift forward to keep from wandering, but the down is nice. I do notice some spiking from the fork, though. Overall, it's much better than what I had previously, and the stiffness is good. This winter, when I do a rebuild, I'll drop it down to 115 or so to better balance the bike. The funny thing is the front suspension at 5" feels very close the rear suspension at 4".
I still occasionally entertain the though of getting a 5 Spot, but haven't made the jump. Just can't justify the added cost when I'm pretty darned happy with the Burner. It's really a classic. I don't know if this will help anybody, but there you have it. Happy trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gaz Edmunds
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere dry and away from rocks!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
You name it. Oh God, where do I start? Perfect geometery, light, handles like a rat in a drainpipe, climbs like a billygoat on speed! Horst Link suspension is phenominal. The only bob on this bike would be if I let a guy called Bob ride it. But I won't - it's mine, so STAY OFF!
Weaknesses:
None, zip, zero. If I wanted to TRULY nitpick, I could chime into the decals, but this doesn't effect the ride in any way, so it's more an irritant than a weakness.
04 Burner with Reba Team U-Turn, DT 240s hubs laced to VXC rims from Odds and Endos, SRAM X9 all over, Hope Mono Minis, Race Face Turbine Cranks... AND A PARTRI-IDGE IN A PEAAAR TREEEEE!
Bottom Line:
This bike makes you a better rider. Period. I tend to avoid hucking my carcass off 8 foot drops, so wanted a rig that was designed for light all mountain/XC use, and this is it. I test rode my girlfriend's bro's one in Marin and fell in love, and after calling the Supergo retail stores, finally managed to get one of my own. Compared to all the other bikes in this category I've ridden, this is the best, hands down. (apart from the Flux, but that's $1,000 more expensive!) I ride east coast singletrack - so while it's not crazy climbs and descents, it's technical, technical, technical, covered with roots and rocks - and this bike eats it up. When climbing and descending the superior Turner suspension shines like... a big shiny beacon of shininess. But even though you're pedalling around on a relatively low travel XC bike, it's touch of beefiness inspires a confidence that lets you hit that corner just that BIT faster than if you were on a "pure" lightweight bike; lets you choose the line that's a BIT more aggressive. So bottom line. If you're an uber weight weenie who wants a bike to weigh in sub 22-lbs, this may not be for you. If you wear full body armor, and like to jump off stuff, this may not be for you. But if you're in that 5%, and want a fun bike to take on the trails, than annihilates the competition, then you want this bike. (Just not THIS one, cause like I said, IT'S MINE!! ALL MINE!!) And at $799 from Supergo, you'd be mad not to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug v
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Whee-Gotcha, AZ Date Reviewed: September 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Yup
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
lots of 'em
Weaknesses:
Factory wheels gotta go; 130mm fork too long
Similar Products Used:
see previous post
Bike Setup:
see previous post
Bottom Line:
Great bike. This is a follow up to a previously submitted review. The two points here are the wheels and the fork- none of which have got squat to do with the bike itself. The factory Xt/717 disc wheels camy untrued after a few rides. That's jsut plain lousy workmanship- should ahve had the wheels hand built. The fork- Minute 2 130mm is too long for this bike. I was naive when I bought it and should have done better research. I am happy with the fork, but for this bike, I should have known to get a 100mm- it would have been a better match to the rear's 3.75" of travel- I find the front too willing to come off the ground, but I have adjusted my riding- I might start looking for the sales.
Remember, the downgrading in flames is not because of the frame, but the wheels and fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregg
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: August 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mammoth
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
SuperHo
Strengths:
Everything that embodies Turner!! 4-Bar, Build Quality, Customer Service, etc.
Weaknesses:
Top Tube Hose Guides (a little Dremel action fixed that)
Fox F100 RLT, XT cranks, Marta SL brakes, X.9 Trigger, X.0 Rear, XT Front, Mavic 819 x/King ISO Hubs, Thomson X4 Stem, Thomson Seatpost, Race Face Next 31.8 Carbon Bar, XT Cassette
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best bike I have ridden period!!! I have it set up pretty light (~25.5 lbs.) and it rides awesome. Great on the climbs, and bottomless on the descents. Sure feels like more than 3.6" in the rear. Envokes confidence on every ride!!!
A note on Turner customer service; The first frame I order from SuperHo was messed up by an idiot LBS worker. Turner found me a frame at a cheaper cost than SuperHo and rectified the situation!!! They were outstanding!! The LBS was a joke and SuperHo was great at taking the frame back!! Turner Rules!!! Now, all I need is to get the wife to buy in on a Highline.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Walker
a Racer
from Mission Viejo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Used
Strengths:
Solid frame, no flex, tracks incredible. Rear travel feels like much more than 3.6 inches. Strong climber and solid on fast, technical downhill.
This bike has made me a much stronger rider. Although it weighs a little more than my Giant NRS it is much faster going up, down, and on the flats. This bike has gotten me out of a lot of trouble on fast technical descents. Great for either short cross-country rides/races or epic rides/races.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Jewell Pass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$895.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
You can shift while climbing and the stiffness of the frame
Weaknesses:
???
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Cannondale Jekyl, Trek Y22
Bike Setup:
Fox Float 130mm, Sram drivetrain, Hope Mini Brake, CK wheelset.
Bottom Line:
I got my Y22 when full suspension bike first came out, yes it had its short comings. So I replaced it with the Jekyl, a do everything but nothing well bike... A month later onto the superlight. That is a great xc climbing bike. The front tire sticks on the climbs. But downhills, well it likes to climb. You feel like it'll pitch you over the bars, gotta keep the weight back. And any kind of freeride or ski hill rides, well forget it. So what was I looking for, well will to sacrifice some climbing for a bike that did everything. Take some drops, but still climb.
So onto the turner burner. I went with the Float 130mm since its travel is adjustable. But setup the bike without adjusting it. The first couple rides were disappointing. The front tire kept popping on the climbs. But it descended amazing, really stiff in the back end. I've gotten used to that now and find that it climb pretty good even with the 130mm up front. I'll probably end up running it at 110mm. So the only negative that I can find with this frame is the result of my running too long of fork on the front.
Bottom line I'd buy this frame again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott H
a
from Homeland CA USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Cyn, Thomas Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$949.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Awesome handling, great rep. for reliability. Fully active Horst link.
After 9 months and lots of rain and mud, (not typical for here in SoCal) I have had no probs whatsoever. The swinger 3-way takes some experimenting to dial in-I found a sweet spot and now it is as close to perfect as I could ask for. The bike handles like a dream- the steering is intuitive. This bike has saved me many times due to its precise handling. The Horst link design can't be beaten, I loved it on my AMP B3 in '99 and love it know. I don't miss my previous frame; a Jamis that has 5" of travel. It's also nice that I live about 15 minutes from Turner, so if I need anything I can drive right over.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Turner
Strengths:
Plush. Amazing traction from the active suspension. Handles exceptionally well. No flex whatsoever.
Weaknesses:
The rider every once in a while.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
SRAM X.9 shifters/RD, XT FD, Avid Mechanicals, LX Hollowtech II Crank, Thompson post and stem, other stuff
Bottom Line:
Honestly I bought the frame because I wanted an upgrade from my NRS and I got a killer deal over a Flux or Hammerhead/Racer-X. I wasn't sure exactly how much better the bike would be over my NRS with similar travel and a 4-bar suspension. WOW! I am faster, smoother, and more confident than I ever thought I would be. The handling is incredible - I can hit things I was sketchy over on my old bike with no problem now. The suspension really works well on technical climbs (my weakness in the past). The Swinger either wasn't that tough to set up or I got lucky - it does a fine job of giving me plush travel without bob in conjunction with the frame. I also never realized that my NRS frame wasn't as stiff as it could be. The Turner feels like it was machined from a solid piece of aluminum! On one hand I pity those that missed out on the Burner closeout. On the other hand they can buy a Flux!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Texas Date Reviewed: May 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fort Hood
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
True 4-bar suspension, highly evolved design, SPV adjustment, stiff chassis, quality welds, BB already faced for out-board bearings, nice gussets, and excellent handling.
Weaknesses:
No disc brake line guides on main frame, but has them on rear stays. Picky on the front derailure, the newest wide-swing ones dont work with the way the cable routes down, have to use an old style derailure.
Similar Products Used:
None, been riding a Fisher Sugar for three years.
Bike Setup:
Fox TALUS, carbon risers, Ritchey WCS stem and post, XT/Mavic 717's with No-Tubes, Maxxis Hard Drive 2.0, All XT discs, dual control, Hollow Tech II cranks, cassette, all Ti hardware, Egg Beaters. Built up to 26 lb.s
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks, I love it. Best suited for cross country riding, endurance racing, and long epics. Chassis is stiff and will take all you can throw at it. The harder you ride the better it responds. Handling is a great balance of quick steering and stability. My Sugar was slower steering on single track. Adjustable SPV shock: I run lower pressure in the SPV about 80 pounds to keep it supple. It pays to spend time setting up pressures for the ride you like. Front and rear suspension match great, both work in unison, not bucking me around like the Sugar, or having compression spikes. This chassis is sorted and will last years. I run the FOX TALUS around 110 mm, much more throws the geometry off, but I might try running more sag. Set up tips: Stans No-tubes are great, no problems with install, but a compresser is needed for some tires. Use a tough trail tire, not a high TPI/soft compound race tire for better reliability if your a trail rider. Maxxis Hard Drives from CBO for $12: hard compound, very light for wire bead, great for hard pack/loose on top, dry conditions. Did 9 miles on Austin's toughest rocky trail with no signs of wear. Ti Hardware: great way to cut about 1/2 pound. Several manufactures on the Internet have a reasonable prices on allen bolts. Dual Control: Overall, I like the improved control, but for some extreme riding triggers are prob better. Shifing has been great, and I like the "flick and forget" shiftin of DC. Boost Travel: Paul Components makes a linkage that will boost travel to full 4 inches in the rear. About $130.
I was bored by all the cookie cutter bikes like Giants and Specialized, and the numbskull bored college kids working at our bike shops. It was more rewarding to build it myself. No regrets, get a Turner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Racer
from Charleston, SC, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
They're All Good!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Bushings instead of bearings in suspension pivot points, frame geometry, looks killer, handles like a jaguar
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
'04 Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
FSA: XC-300 Wheels, K-Force Carbon seatpost and flat handle bar, Mega EXO crank, stem; SRAM: XO rear & front derailuer, XO gripshifters, cassete; AVID: mech disc brakes, brake levers; '05 Marzocchi Marathon SL fork; Xpedo pedals; Race Face Deus headset; Kenda Klimax Lite tires; Manitou 3-Way rear shock (stock on the frame); San Marcos Aspide saddle
Bottom Line:
This bike is one PHAT KAT!!! Smooth as butter and tight as a snare drum. The geometry creates a well balanced bike. Logs, rocks, roots, bumps, turns, ups, downs...it makes it all seem easy. The Stumpjumper, a good bike don't get me wrong, just doesn't hold a candle to this machine. I'm a racer and it has dramatically improved my game. It's much quicker and more nimble. I will say that the Stumpjumper was as good on the straight away down hills. But when it comes to manuvering and climbing the Burner is far superior. And the bottom clearance is fantastic. I was constantly smacking my pedals and crank on obstacles, very frustrating. But the Burner clears them no problem. I was originally going to upgrade my Stumpjumper with all the components that I put on the Burner. But I decided to buy the Burner after reading the rave reviews and finding the sweet closeout deal from SuperGo. 110% glad that I did! Outstanding job Turner...keep up the good work! I would give it 10 hot peppers if I could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Idaho Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Frame Geometry -Horst Link Suspension -Stellar Customer Support -User serviceable bushings -Attention to detail, well-crafted frame -Climbing ability -Descending ability -Nimble in the twisties -Stable and fast on the straightaways -Made in America -Just the right amount of rear travel for XC use -Does Everything Very Well
Weaknesses:
Not a thing!
Similar Products Used:
I've never used a Horst Link bike before, so none have really been similar, plus the Turner's are a bit different from all the others with their unique geometries, but here's what I've owned or demo'd:
Tomac 98, Jamis Dakar Expert, Mountain Cycle Zen, Giant NRS1, Rocky Mountains, Titus Switchblade, Intense Tracer.
Bottom Line:
The Bottom Line? This is, by far, the best mountain bike not only have I owned, but that I've ever thrown a leg over!
Climbing is something I enjoy and my bikes have to do that very well; with the Horst link the Burner climbs much better than any other bike I've ever ridden. I remember being totally amazed at how easily I rode up and over roots and rocks that had given me mucho trouble in the past. Everything is just easy on this bike .
Snaking through trees at speed is a breeze, needn't worry about that seemingly 'slack' head tube angle, she works really swell in the twisties, and then rockets with stableness down the scary stuff. Bottom bracket height is just right too, some bikes I rode were too tall and felt tippy. The Burner's is high enough not to bang pedals, but low enough to be stable.
Bottom line? The bike is just good, no great! I look forward to every opportunity to ride it as it really has taken my riding to another level of fun and confidence. I'll post again after six months have passed to let you know how the love affair is progressing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rmac
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
Mountain High Cyclery
Strengths:
Handling, light weight.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Quasimoto, Ellsworth Truth, Titus Switchblade, FSR Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
SRAM, Gravity Dropper SP, RP3, Marathon S, WTB
Bottom Line:
I have been riding the Burner for about 4 months and ride a mixture of packed dirt to bone-jarring singletrack. I bought it as a replacement for a ’99 Titus Quasimoto. Most of my rides are ‘training’ rides in the sense that I try and go as fast as I can and stop as little as I can. I loved the Titus and decided that rather than spend $1500 on upgrades for it, I would get a new bike. I originally planned to get a 5-Spot but the deals on the Burners pushed me to go with the Burner.
The Burner is superior in nearly every way to the Titus for me. I do a lot of climbing and the geometry and weight of the Burner are a huge improvement. The components on the Burner also contribute to the superiority (Gravity Dropper seatpost, Marathon S and RP3). The handling is a little quicker which is great in the tight stuff but took a little adjusting to in the high speed downhill stuff. The lower BB was also what I wanted for the slow technical descents and also took a little getting used to (I now, however, almost never hit the pedals!). On the slow technical descents with the high BB height of the Titus, even with the seat down as far as it would go I was intimidated by the ‘dabbing’ difficulty. With the Burner – no problem! The RP3 shock also makes the Burner very plush and handles the rocks extremely well for its travel. I also seem to be jumping much better on the Burner than the Titus which is unexpected. I seem to be much more balanced in the air (not a lot of air!).
The only thing I occasionally miss is the longer travel of the Titus but I wonder if it’s only because I may be going faster on the Burner due to its more confident handling. I keep thinking I need to get a back-up frame before they are gone because the replacement Flux is a little racier than the Burner and I like the more trail-bike oriented geometry.
Very happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Overall, great bike. I usually like to give a frame a years worth of riding to asses durability but I feel I've put this bike through enough abuse to say it's one tough bike.
Great geometry. Large bike w/ 24" TT and 70 degree HA is spot on for a 100mm travel fork, for xc and trail riding.
Bushings with Zerks should be an industry standard.
Horst link rear end. Yes it does make a difference.
The rear suspension design and modest travel allow a super effecient dually without SPV shocks.
Super customer support.
Made in America. (Anyone who scoffs at this point... what would happen to you if your job was Suddenly outsourced to China.)
Weaknesses:
None for the frame.
The Manitou 3-Way SPV rear shock made for a harsh ride and was not necessary on this frame. I change over to an old fashioned Cane Creek or Fox "non-SPV" rear shock.
Similar Products Used:
Many through the years. Blur...nice ride but failed in the durability department. Epic. Klein Adept. Heckler (not really similar).
Bike Setup:
Talas up front.
Bottom Line:
Super bike. The price deserves 10 chiles for value. For every day xc-trail riding it would be tough to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Pacifica, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
First 3 rides and so far - Great geometry, super stiff rear end, build quality as good as it gets, Swinger SPV 3way shock, attention to detail is higher than the other bikes I own.
Weaknesses:
We've heard enough about the decals. Silver paint is actually very good. The trans colors are a bit thin.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana El Habinero, Marble Peak, El Fuego, Intense Tracer
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC, Sram XO twist, XT crank / f.drlr, XTR cassett and chain, XT 317 disks, M555 disk brakes, IRC Mythos 2.0 tires.
Bottom Line:
I have owned and built many bikes over the years. I was thinking of buying a Racer X 100 when I decided to check out the Burner for $850 at Supergo. Buying this frame is the single most satifying bike purchase I have made to date. The tracer will be retired and the EL Fuego is getting an RP3. The geometry is spot on and the Swinger works perfectly with the Talas fork. The balance of this bike is just about perfect. It reminds me of my steel hardtail without the beating! This bike climbs, decends, and single tracks better than anything I've ridden so far. Out of saddle sprints are a blast! I'm sure a lot of this is due to the SPV shock, but the lateral stiffness of the frame just brings it all together. Bottom line - as good or better than my Ventana - way better than my Tracer. The new shock technology is outstanding! I can't wait to get an RP3 for the old Ventana!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Ebberoth
a Racer
from Seaside, California, United States of America Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
End-o-Bend-o
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
SUPERHO
Strengths:
Everything is the best on this bike the Manitou SPV 3-way shock works perfectly superior handling, climbs and descends better than any hardtail.
Weaknesses:
The damn paint job, the cables wore strait through it after a few rides. also that the did't clear coat over the decals.
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel 90, Ellsworth truth, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
XL 2004 Turner Burner,Speed Dream custom built wheels with Chris King Hubs. Manitou Skarab Super 100mm,Avid Mechanical disk brakes, Chris King Pink headset, Weyless 31.8 Carbon road stem inverted to -5 degrees, Richey wcs pro rizer carbon 31.8 bar, (i like the stem inverted because it provides a more race like feel to it), XTR 8speed shifter\brake combo. XTR cables, XT top Pull Bottom Swing front Deraileur, XTR 5-bolt crankset with rebuildable bottom bracket (these are rare they only made them one year) the gearing is (48,36,26) XT rapid rise rear deraileur, XTR 8speed cassette gearing is (11-30) Thomson elite seatpost, terry seat. Xpedo sl pedals, oury grips, continental explorer tires.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike i am 16 i used to race a titanium Dean Scout hardtail and i was skeptical about the pedaling efficiency on a full suspension. so i bought this 2004 Turner Burner and ever since i completed the bike that old hard tail is gathering dust in the corner. this is THE greatest XC full suspension ever created. i am 6'2 and 180 pounds and i tend to hammer on the gears and this bike suits me perfectly. this bike is also very light for being an extra large mine weights about 26 pounds and there is still room for improving this shimano drivetrain. if you are hesitating to buy this bike DON'T it is the single greatest thing i have ever spent my money on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hector
a
from San Diego Date Reviewed: February 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lake Morena
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Excellent Costruction, welds, geometry, made in USA
Excellent bike for the money!!!I can easily compare it my 4500.00 Trek Fuel 100, it climbs like a goat and descends like a cheetah!! after owning defferent bikes from all brands this burner is a keeper!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a
from California Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent geometry... rides and handles well. Stable descender, suspension feels firm under power. Minimal bobbing. Looks good and seems built to last.
Weaknesses:
Would prefer a bit more standover clearance in the XL size.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Racer-X
Bottom Line:
What a great bike. I'm coming over from a Titus Racer-X and prefer the ride of the Turner. -- I like the slacker head angle of the Turner...The Racer-X may be good on trails with slow tight twisties, but for all around trail riding, there's just no comparison. The longer wheelbase and slacker head angle of the Turner makes a big difference in overall stability. -- The Burner also has seems to have less pedaling bob than the Titus. Feels really good under power. -- I highly recommend this frameset, if you can still find one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Holt
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: January 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
This bike just rocks on the uphills, and downhills great. It beats the pants off the Ellsworth Truth and Santa Cruz Blur that I owned. Very stiff, just feels like an extension of your body. No creaks, no noise, easy to lube the bushings.
Weaknesses:
None, unless you want more travel. I also own a Santa Cruz Heckler. The Heckler will beat the Burner on the downhills, but I find myself picking the Burner on all but the nastiest trails.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth, Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized FSR, Specialized Enduro, Santa Cruz Heckler. I have owned all of these bikes.
Bike Setup:
Azonic stem, Race Face bars, Truvativ cranks, RaceFace XY seatpost (the best), XT shifters/derailers, SRAM cassette.
Bottom Line:
To have one bike, this would be it. It threads the needle on tight trails, climbs like a goat, and accelerates really fast. The best thing is that it is very easy to setup and just feel wonderful. I ride in wet conditions alot, and the Blur was not the ticket. The Blur packed with mud around the lower bearings and was impossible to get tuned to feel efficient and supple. The Burner does it all, for a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim Ng
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any worthy ground that my tires can lick!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Made in USA. Lite. Well designed geometry. Easy to handle. Pedaling made easy. Solid construction. Good poser value! A heads turning bike (Now I know why is it called Turner.)! Simple but beautiful!
Weaknesses:
Only those stickers... (what stickers do not come off???)
Similar Products Used:
Last made in USA Specialized M5 Full Susp
Bike Setup:
American Classic Huds, Truvativ WAVO, Shimano XTR parts, SRAM XO, Cane Creek Cloud Nine & others, Titec Hellbent & X-Wing Pro, 2004 White Brothers XC 0.8, Magura Marta SL, etc.
Bottom Line:
Weekend warriors, XC freaks, DH pro, whatever you are, once you get on one, you know that you are riding on a piece of gem. It is light and easy to pedal. Very forgiving during climbs and super efficient. Easy to handle during high speed down the terrains. The bike binds you together and you can do things that you cant when you are riding normally. What do I mean here? I had a few close shaves during descending in wet water and with some lousy drivers on the roads. I managed to pull away in split seconds without really knowing what I really did to steer clear of dangers. Some stunts which I could not re-enact. I am not a stunt specialist. I feel safer riding this frame than my last made in USA Specialized M5 Full Susp as you can focus better on other things along the ride. I love XC riding and riding for long hours. The M5 sort of tired me out after each ride but the Burner doesnt. I just feel that I could ride on and on and on... After each session, I always look forward to the next ride since I am a Turner converted. Be one too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug V
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Huachuca, AZ Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The one under my tires
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Can you say built in the USA? Though I do have a Ti Road bike made in China and it's sweet, but still, made in the USA for this price is unbelievable and light- well compared to my Specialized,it's light.
Weaknesses:
Damn stickers!
Similar Products Used:
Epic, Spider (I didn't like it), Giant Comp (I did like it a lot)
Bike Setup:
XT package (Supergo matched 123Bikes.com package which was the best package I could find for the $); Minute 2 (130mm) fork; Swinger 3-way
Bottom Line:
I'm still "dialing in" the bike. I've been riding a Specialized soft tail (Ground Control A1 Comp) since 1997 and this was my first venture into the FS market so getting the right amount of "plush" is taking time to get right. I've read and tried some of the other riders fine-tuning specs, and when I get mine just right (or get several rights for the various terrain here in S.AZ) I'll share that data with the WWW. Let's be honest why I bought this bike...the $! Not only did Supergo match the package (which included top of the line WTB Rocket Gel saddle, Thompsons, Carbon Bar, and Egg Beater pedals), but I happened to pay for it the same day Supergo was having its tax-free sale (at least on the frame and fork which saved me another $75). It will unfortunately sit for the next few months as I go under the knife tomorrow to fix a long-standing shoulder problem, but oh well, look what I got to look forward to! More to follow and look forward to reading others follow-on reviews. Okay, 5 flames for initial impression- I won't dock any flames for lousy stickers- that seems silly to worry about $10 stickers when you are spending a few grand. Buy this is you are willing to spend a few grand and want a quality made in the USA bike- especially at this price point. If you are just starting out or not sure if you want to spend this kind of money, there are good bikes for a grand or so, but I think this was a good bargain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
"Kottonmouth" King
a Cross Country Rider
from Po'tsmouth, NH Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the amicable back trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Kites w/ free dipping
Strengths:
Light overall, good HT angle, short CS for easy whipping, crazy TT; like it tho- no ball action, nice painting and decales dwn DT.
Weaknesses:
Rear brake houseing shouldn't be optioned for a brake in its travel like the der., fair travel but should have swingers that can adjust for an extra 1/2" just to be more versatile. Nothing else.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg Primo, Jamis Dakar + XLT(allofthem), Tomac 98 sped.
Bike Setup:
Volvo-red Burner frame, Minute 2:00 fork, Fox Float RL AVA shock, XT:crank,F+R der.,BB,cass.,Hope Bulb rear hub,KING ft hub and headset, Thomson SP, stem and HS cap, Azonic CF1 bar and carbon spacer, Lock-ons, LX ft shift, Sram trigger rear, Avid SD7 to their partners in crizzle-thy Avid mechs, Sram chain, SPD pedals, rollamajig, Flack-Jack housing all around, blk db spokes to Mavic 317's w/ Tioga Factory tires.
Bottom Line:
First off is my bike is the sh*t. Second it performs just as well. The rear is short so it can be thrown around a sharp turn in the woods and still get up hill w/o going into the granny gear. The TT is low and makes the bike feel almost like a XXL BMX bike. The lock-out on the shock gives me a hardtail anytime i want (very chill in dwntown so i dont loose my energy). Minute 2 fork is the danks, carbon is the perfect axent to the red and black. Great up hill as it is dwn. Very sick for just tooling around. MCL,
Dr. Nugs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D Line
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: November 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is a follow-up review to my first review a number of months ago. The product strengths remain largely the same - well-made, balanced feel, laterally stiff, excellent climbing and decending.
Weaknesses:
Really no complaints after a half-year of hard riding.
Bike Setup:
XT, Pslyo, Swinger 3way rear shock.
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this bike since early summer/late spring and put alot of hard miles on it (2+ rides a week, with a minumum of 1400 vertical feet per ride; a handful of all day epics of 30+ miles). I feel the same about the bike now as when I first began riding it - I love it. But there are a few things that have changed since I first started riding the bike:
1. The Swinger 3way shock: It's not had any mechanical problems so far. Its a good shock, but takes a good while of adjusting and tinkering to find the sweet spot. From threads in the discussion area, that sweet spot differs for different riders (yes, I know, everyone weighs in differently - but some run high SPV pressures, and some run low SPV, and everyone seems to think they have it right including me). After lots of experimentation, I've found I prefer a lower than recommended SPV volume in favor of better small bump compliance and a plusher ride. When I first got the bike, I was worried about bobbing coming from a hardtail - now I'm not that concerned with bobbing and I'm after an active and plush rear suspension. A low SPV volume filters out less of the small bumps, and helps keep the rear hooked up on both climbs and decents. Which brings me to:
2. Climbing performance: Since dialing in the shock to my tastes, I've noticed a big improvement in technical climbing over when I first rode the bike. I now rely on the suspension to get me through the initial impact of the technical section, and carry as much momentum through as I can muster. It holds a line well, and is much more forgiving than my old hardtail - which is what I orginally expected from a FS bike. Fire road and smooth climbs are as good as my hardtail - no complaints. Just stay seated and spin to the top.
3. Descending performance: Still as good as it was in the beginning. I was immediately faster on the downhills, and thankful that I swtiched to disc with this bike - you carry much more speed on it vs. a hardtail. The rear suspension is plush and progressive (I've rarely bottomed the shock). The 3.6" feels like more, and really helps smooth the trail - it doesn't erase it, however. There have been a few times where I've wondered "what would that section have been like on a 5" bike?" But I don't know if I'd trade the great all around handling for more travel...
The performance of this, and any other full suspension bike for that matter, is intimately tied to that of the rear shock. The frame and linkage work great, and once you get a shock performing the way you want it to, there's nothing that wil stop this bike. However, I'm not fully convinced this bike really benefits from having an SPV shock. The technology does work, and erases bob nearly completely, but at the cost of small bump sensitivity. I suppose I'd need to try a non-platform shock to make a truly accurate statement - so it's just a hunch.
Since I've purchased the bike, it's been reduced even further to $899 at some retailers - making an unbelieveable deal even better. But considering the overall performance and amount of smiles this bike has given me over the past months, it'd be a steal at retail price. Hope this helps someone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very well made. Zerk fittings. Great geometry. Nice cable routing. Great suspension design. Very stiff for a 4 bar. Good website.
Weaknesses:
The frame came with a Manitou 3 way SPV. The SPV decreases compliance and the stable platform adds little, if anything, to an already very efficient design. (This is not really a frame weakness.)
Similar Products Used:
Other fs xc bikes I've had: Klein Adept, Epic, Blur. (Also had a heckler and have a Bullit and a number of HTs) The Blur was a nice bike but failed in the durability department and the TT was too short.
Bike Setup:
Rear shock change for a very dependable, no frill, great customer service Cane Creek AD5. Talas fork. 317 (now 717) Mavic rims. Usually riding WTB Mutanaraptor 2.4. Great trail tire that rolls fast, corners great and is still pretty light. Avid Mechs (not flashy but get the job done without complaints).
Bottom Line:
Though I've only had this bike about 6 months I've put alot of hard miles on it here in PA's rocky Appalachians. It's one tough xc bike that's just light enough to race xc (if the course was not HT friendly) but tough enough to handle rough trail riding. I'm now a Turner convert and will likely go Turner for my next bike.
A great example of a well made, well thought out product. Too bad everything's not made as well as a Turner.
For those who play; Turner is to bikes as Martin is to guitars.
Mike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reece
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
sparrow hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
123
Strengths:
Handling, strength, efficient pedaling, relatively light weight, design and construction.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
AC, Enduro
Bike Setup:
UST wheels w/Python UST lite tyres, Swinger Air 3 way shock, F100X, SRAM X.0 driveline, Hope Mono Minis, Deus crank, EC/EA-70 bar/stem, Thomson post, Selle Italia SLK seat.
Bottom Line:
This bike was bought to be a cross country racer/enduro/trail machine and it works way beyond expectations, which were pretty high. The construction and strength give it fantastically predictable and easy handling on tight, technical singletrack and on fast, rough firetrails - it really does let you be a better rider. Climbs and sprints are a cinch too - the inherently efficient suspension design, coupled with a stable platform shock and intertia valve fork mean I can spin smoothly or pound like a rock ape as I wish - the bike just shoots forward, while soaking up the bumps with no pedal feedback.
I'm 6'4" and 210 and while I wanted a light bike, I needed it to be strong. I'm discovering that the solid construction even allows it to handle small jumps while competing or racing around with friends - the frame, shock and forks work very nicely together to make the landings seamless and straight.
Highly recommend the Burner for the uses stated above, it's an absolute gem of a bike that just keeps revealing more and more ability - I expect I will keep it for a real long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from flintstone, ga Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
five points, tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
east ridge bicycles
Strengths:
Blazes down single-track like a hard tail and handles the rough stuff with down hill bike qualities. The nearly four inches of travel front and rear is the best set up I have encountered in ten years of riding. Fox has revolutionized the suspension market and this frame was made for fox suspension components. I ride east and west coast and this bike adapts to andy conditions of riding.
Weaknesses:
The decals peel very easily
Similar Products Used:
trek fuel, klein attitude race
Bike Setup:
XT group, mavic wheels, easton, thomson, chris king
Bottom Line:
You will not find a more capable frame by any other maker in this world. Best of all, Turner is american made and is the Ferrari of mountain bike frames. I wish I had this bike ten years ago.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom McConnell
a Cross Country Rider
from Sioux City, Ia USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
One with dirt n rocks, please
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Rage Cycles
Strengths:
Un-matched build quality and THEE superior ride of this frame make the rest of the production and custom builders green with envy. The same can be said for those who dont own one. I've found mine to be close to bomb proof after years in Arizona and Utah. Sell the car, call in your order and ride to work. you'll never second guess this purchase! This bike WILL make you a better rider. promise.
Weaknesses:
Checking........ nope. Nuthin here. oh, I'm not fast enough to get em for free but thats not really a product weakness now is it?
Similar Products Used:
If you mean all the "rocker" copies, I could go on and on. But why bother? I'm a shop geek so I get to ride alot of stuff. I'll stick with the real deal.
Bike Setup:
Some XTR here, Race Lite there, Avid discs w/ Woodman disco system (it's a 96 afterall), and my still hot Marzocchi X Fly.
Bottom Line:
Ya know, It's easy to get up on my soap box. I met David when I was first lookin into gettin this frame back in 95. after followin 2 94 Burners down a 50 mph run at Big Bear. It was obvious that nuthin was even close to workin this well at these speeds on these hits. Nuthin. That same year, I ponyed up and smiled. My 96 Burner showed up 3 days after I was released from the hospital with a double compound fracture of the right arm. 1 less week and..... Oh well.
David was instantly helpful and just as excited as I was to talk about my new bike. Almost 10 years into the mission it's still the same way. We still stay in contact and he's kinda hammerin on me to get a new frame. Has been for years. He may get his wish as I just put a huge gank in the down tube last week while vacationing back home on National Trail and shes threatining to crack. Each time I think of gettin Somethin "newer", "cooler" or "better", I end up throwin the money at new parts instead and trust me, I've been tempted. But I keep hangin onto the old bike whom I've nicknamed Ike cuz it kicks A$$.
I, You and the entire dual suspension industry owe David Turner a huge thank you for his designs. They are pretty much why you ride what you ride now in most cases except for the hardtail and the Why Bike. Not only am I proud to call him my frame builder, but my friend. Thanx David.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpharetta, GA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek/Pinhoti
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Solid feel and so plush
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper HT, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
Swinger 3way, Black shock, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Coming off and NRS, this bike feels bottomless and actually has a bit less travel. This is what I was looking for when I origianally bought the NRS. I race some and I am very impressed with the almost bob free ride. I gained about a pound or so on this bike but I stay much more fresh on this bike. The fully active suspension is MUCH different than my NRS. No brake jack. I can stand and hammer on the climbs and pass my hardtail buddies. Buy one before they are gone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004
Tomac, Cannondale, Specialized, Santa Cruz, Intense
Bike Setup:
Manitou 3-way, Minute 3, Crossmax XL, XT/SRAM X.9 drivetrain with lots of bits by King/Goodridge/Easton/Thompson and RaceFace Mavic/Sram
Bottom Line:
This bike completely rocks! I've only ridden it a few times since building it up, but the performance was instantly noticeable. Bike feels lighter than it is (which is pretty light anyway - sub 26lbs) and tracks beautifully. She loves leaving the ground and is completely rigid. Climbs effortlessly - better than my old hardtail. This is the perfect trail bike for an aggressive, experienced cross country rider in Ontario/East Coast.
Had to chase the BB shell due to some paint in there, but it's a good idea either way. The braize-ons on the toptube do not accept hydro lines (which is odd, considering it's a disc-specific frame), but there are numerous solutions on the market for that little oversight. With a 130mm fork, the headtube is slackened only slightly making descents brilliant, but not really affecting climbing ability. Can't give an overall perfect rating due to lack of longterm exposure to this thoroughbred, but I've no doubt I'll be back to rave some more!
Supergo has the deal of the century right now - if you've always wanted one DO IT NOW!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Boudler, CO Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
SuperHo
Strengths:
Just about everything. Awesome handling, stiff laterally, very plush, fast, extremely predictable in handling.
Weaknesses:
at just over 6 pounds (large frame), it ain't the lightest, but that's not a legitimate complaint since it does everything better
Similar Products Used:
A lot...
Bike Setup:
26 pounds of heaven
Bottom Line:
Not much to add, but I do owe it to Dave Turner to praise the creation. This bike is simply amazing. It climbs better than my old hardtail, it descends worlds better. It is confidence inspiring, plush, laterally rigid and always asking for more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: September 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Rock solid from top to bottom
Weaknesses:
decal stickers (petty, huh?)
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
blah, blah, blah, Sweet
Bottom Line:
This bike is so awesome I felt I owed it to Turner to tell the world. From Porcupine Rim trail rides to 24 Hours of Adrenalin racing, this is the ultimate bike. Thanks for building the perfect bike, Turner. I love it! I'm faster, smoother, better, and enjoy riding more than ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Blankets creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Top notch construction. Flawless implementation of Horst suspension. Awesome customer service -- Call Turner bikes and talk to Dave Turner himself. Best deal in the industry. American made.
Weaknesses:
I wish the decals were clearcoated. That is honestly the only weakness here.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler w/5th
Bike Setup:
Lots of nice stuff
Bottom Line:
This bike is pretty much perfect. There are times when I wish I had more travel, but I would never want to sacrifice the awesome handling. The Swinger, when setup correctly will work exactly as advertised -- it seems to run better when set with at least 60-70% body weight in the SPV and 30% sag. Plush and very efficient.
Climbing is amazing with the Burner -- Fully active suspension when climbing over roots is absolutely a must -- My old single pivot would lock out and I would slam over roots on climbs like a hardtail. With the Burner, I have constant traction and a stable ride.
Riding downhill the other day, I was amazed at how this bike just rails corners. I felt like I was just hitting the perfect lines and apices of every corner and twisting between trees like it was nothing. This bike has made me a better rider and it loves speed.
Basically the Burner is a very efficient yet very plush bike. I love stepping on the pedals and having the bike shoot forward yet retaining a buttery ride. It's so much better than my old Heckler, it's not even funny.
There is not much to say here, except to believe everything that has been written here about the Burner. I am done looking at frames -- I have found the perfect one for my needs. More plush and efficient than my previous frame -- what more could I want?
$950 (or thereabouts) is an incredible deal on this frame --- I refuse to believe that there is anything better - just different. No gimmicks -- just a design perfected over a decade made even better with modern SPV shocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott H
a Weekend Warrior
from Homeland Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thomas, Sycamore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
you know!!
Strengths:
Unbelievably stiff. SPV works great. Tracks corners awesome.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Manitou blk elite mavic/hayes wheels protapers panaracer fire xc pro.
Bottom Line:
VP Whaaa??????? The whole virtual pivot phenomena seems like big waste of time. Why bother with losing active suspension with the advent of awesome stable platform shocks? This bike feels as stiff as a hard tail when pedaling, but it reacts to any bump! Second ride not too long (14 mile)but good sample of the awesome capabilities of this bike. Climbs like a goat and 26.8lbs with some pretty strong stuff. Buy one if you want an efficient all around (active) trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex C
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Strengths:
Awesome build. Good welds. Frame is stiff and true.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing is similar.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Marz Marathon S, Avid Juicy 7, Easton, Thompson, Mavic UST, Chris King hubs and headset.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best bike I have ever ridden or owned. I have now ridden the bike about 3-4 times a week for about six weeks and I seem to have dialed it in. I just got back from four days of riding in Crested Butte and Gunnison, CO.
The Manitou Swinger took a little adjusting, but it rocks now. I ride it with about 40% sag and about 75% of my body weight in the SPV chamber. I have found the sweet spot on the rebound dial - it just soaks up chatter bumps like they don't exist. Even with less than 4" of travel, I don't think I have ever bottomed the shock out. This bike is rock solid on downhills. I think the Avid Juicy's combined with the frame quality let me be way more agressive. The Juicy's have tons of power and the bike is so stable I can wait much longer before I start breaking before a turn. Just pick a line and go.
On my old suspension bike, I had to sit to climb everything because the frame (chainstays) would warp so much. I just lost way too much power and traction by standing, so I never did it. The Burner begs to be hammered. I now have no problem standing and hammering up steep technical sections. I forgot how good it feels to get up out of the saddle and go (hardtail). The bike is a great climber. I climb sections I never could climb before and I'm only getting better as I get used to the new bike.
Best of all, you can go out and do an epic ride without feeling like you got your a$$ kicked. The bike does everything as advertised. I just want to quit my job and ride full time.
Turner service is excellent. I ordered a Salsa flip seatpost collar directly from Turner. The first one they sent me had been over-machined and was a bit loose on the seatpost collar. I sent them an email about the problem, they responded within 24 hours and they sent a replacement at no charge. The replacement is spot-on and so it the customer service. Thank you, Turner.
Bottom line - get one while you can.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Fraser
a Cross Country Rider
from Inverness, UK Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Traquair, Scottish Borders
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Wellgo
Strengths:
All rounder- great on the climbs because there is very little bob from the fox shock and it is grippy when it gets rough. Then on the downhill it is suprisingly agile and fast considering it has under 4inches of travel. good for Scottish conditions because there is plenty tyre clearance and the grease nipples provide longevity to bushings (so far they have remained smooth)
Weaknesses:
Difficult to get the grease gun to work in the grease port near the bottom bracket- involves taking the shock out and even then its tricky.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Mount Vision (for 4yrs) Santa cruz blur demo Trek OCLV hard tail
Bike Setup:
Pace RC36 Forks, XT drivetrain, Mavic Enduro Crossmax wheels, Easton carbon bars, XT discs, Thompson seat-post, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 tyres
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever riden and I have been riding mountinbikes for 19yrs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Homeland, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thomas Mt.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergoooooo
Strengths:
Stiff, SPV really works. Reasonably light. Reputation of Co.
Manitou Bk elite, Mavic/Hayes superlight hubs, Avid discs, flite gel ti, answer pro-tapers, panaracer fire xc pro.
Bottom Line:
I just drove down to supergo (oceanside) last sat. and had to get this while I could! Chris P. was my salesman; a nice and very informative guy. I had to try this thing out yesterday! It was 108 degrees here on Sunny SoCal(Sept 8). I knocked 4 min. of my short loop (6mi.) without even knowing! The frame is stiff. Pedaling is transferred to the ground. The Swinger shock is awesome. I was surprised how well it worked (when seated). The bike has less travel than my last ride, (5") but is waaayy more efficient. It built up to approx. 26.8 lbs. not too bad for fairly strong group. I don't do any gnarly drops (no more than 2 ft. or so)or stunts, so I don't feel like I'm missing much losing the 1.4" of travel (Jamis XLT2 was 5").Overall an awesome ride! Thxs Turner (and supergo!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean M
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport Beach, California, USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
El Moro
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo Laguna Hills
Strengths:
Great climbing with little or no bob. Great stability during downhill. Great Price for quality construction. Reliability.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
02 Specialized FSR XC PRO
Bike Setup:
Thompson post/stem, SRAM X.0 shifter, X.9 R Derailleur, XTR cranks, Magura Marta SLs, Fox F100, Mavic Crossmax SL, Specialized Tubeless, XTR F Derailleur, WTB saddle
Bottom Line:
I've been riding this bike every day for a week now and I love it! It's such a huge difference from my last Specialized (which I had a ton of problems with). This bike has little or no bob when climbing and eats up almost all the bumps downhill. Most importantly, the Burner is such a great value. I also have to give credit to Rob, the sales manager at Supergo in Laguna Hills. He was honest, knows his stuff, and offered some great advice on setting up the bike. If you go to Supergo ask for him, it will make your buying experience much better. Highly recommend this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex C
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo = Supershady
Strengths:
Incredibly well built. Stiff frame won't rob you of power and helps keep you tracking. Suspension is active when you want it to be and the SPV works to keep bob to a minimum.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Supergo is selling this frame at an unbelievble price, however, they sold me my Marz fork and charged me $30 more than they had it listed on the internet. Despite my emailing them about this discrepancy, they only refunded $10. Supershady. Needless to say, I won't be doing business with them ever again.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
XL frame; XTR shifter pods; XTR front and rear derailleurs; Marz Marathon S 105; Manitou Swinger 3 shock; Mavic X819 UST; Avid Juicy 7 disc; Thomspon seatpost; Easton MG60 stem & Monkeylite bars; Chris King headset and ISO disc hubs; RaceFace Turbine crank; WTB Mutanoraptor on front; IRC TrailBear on the back.
Bottom Line:
Just rode the bike for the first time this morning on some moderately technical single track. The Burner is incredibly stiff and tracks true over, through and around the assorted rocks and drops I encountered on my ride. It is so much stiffer than my old Sugar. I could feel the Sugar's chainstays flexing like wet noodles (I weigh 215 lbs). The Burner's chainstays feel like steel construction girders in comparison. All this stiffness does not come at a price because the suspension is much more active, plush and soaks up 2 foot drops like they were non-existent as well as eating up small rock gardens. The Burner climbs much better than my old Sugar. I'm sure when I get it dialed in it will be even sweeter. I'll post a new review in a few months. Despite my problem with Supergo, I would recommend buying this frame at this unbelievable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from SJ, CA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Toads
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
high quality crafted frame, highly maneuverable, strong climber, great downhiller
Weaknesses:
tapered seat tube makes seatpost collar hard to fit. It would be nice if Turner had a polished or anodized color option.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Fisher Sugar 3
Bike Setup:
Full XT tranny, XT discs, Marz MX Pro w/ ETA fork, Chris King headset
Bottom Line:
I loved my Santa Cruz Superlight but I'm totally blown away with my Burner. The Turner frame is a little heavier than the superlight but it makes up for it in great climbing and descending ability. I was a better rider on this bike than my Santa Cruz after only 2 rides.
I can't think of any weaknesses in the performance of this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Luge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
With the heavier Rhyno Lite rims, one can ride on or off the line with no problems; downhill control is incredible and cross-country maneuvering is beautiful. Aliso Woods, Whiting Ranch, Modjeska (Old Camp, Luge) and San Juan Trail are a pleasure to ride with this frame.
Weaknesses:
Top tube length was a little short for me coming off of an Alite 4000 KHS fixed tailed (10 years); however, that's user preference. Also, it's the weight is obviously heavier than a fixed tail (especially with the heavy rims) but the tradeoff for going downhill far surpasses the climbing agony.
All XT components, 2003 Fox Racing Shox TALAS RLC, Rhyno Lite rims, Weyless (monkey bar, seatpost, and headset) and Panaracer tires.
Bottom Line:
Could have gone with the Spot-5; but, like everyone else recently through SuperGo, didn't want to pay an extra $1000. Nevertheless, Turner is coming out with a lighter Spot-5 that should put the Burner out of existence? Trek Fuel 98 was comparible, Fuel 100 was to costly and the Cake's are single pivot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cochise
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rocky
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
SuperHo
Strengths:
Quick, climbs like goat, stable, easy, light, fast, nimble, plush when you need it, no bob, well built, light, fast, no bob, awesome, black is beautiful, no bob. The Horst Link suspension really does work. When you hit big things it soaks them up, when you hammer up a hill, it doesn't bob and is 100% efficient. Really incredible but this suspension is the real deal. Don't buy an imitation or a "modified" horst. The Manitou 3 way Swinger is THE SCHWAG!!! I wouldn't have touched Manitou a couple of years ago, but this shock truly is state of the art. It works, the spv works and it is tough.
This bike has made a much better rider out of me. I was concerned about it not having enough rear travel but I don't notice that. It feels like a 5" travel bike to me. The bike tracks very well and is a scapel on technical trails. You can manuever this bike very well and it is light and climbs like a goat. No really it can climb anything. My Trek felt very topheavy compared to this bike so my confidence level is much greater.
The 3-Way Swinger is an amazing piece of hardware. I almost went for the Fox but I am SO glad that I didn't. The Swinger is so much better. I'm sold on it 100% and wouldn't have even considered Manitou not that long ago. I weigh about 200 lbs all geared up and not a hiccup anywhere from anything on this bike. Turner was very wise licensing the Horst from Specialized, it truly is a world apart from other 4 bar link suspensions. Did I say there was no bob, no feedback, no brakejack, no nothing. Feels like a hardtail until you hit something.
I took off all the stickers and it just looks like a bad ass black piece of trail eating hardware and it is. I get bugs in my mouth from laughing out loud as I'm screaming down the trail on this thing. It's that good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Janice
a Racer
from Anchorage, AK Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lost Lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
RTR Bicycles
Strengths:
This bike is a replacement for my 4-year-old Turner 0-2. I thought that my 0-2 was the be-all, end-all for ultra-endurance racing, but the Burner is even better! I'm not the world's best technical rider, but this bike makes me look gooooood!!! Climbs like a hard tail, threads any little needle that I look at, descends with confidence, and is very, very nimble and controllable on technical single track. The first time I rode my Burner I climbed and cleaned things that I never could before. AND it weighs 24 lbs (see components below). I am so happy with this ride that I'm picking bugs from between my teeth after each ride. And in Alaska, there're a LOT of bugs.
Weaknesses:
NONE. ABSOLUTELY NONE
Similar Products Used:
Turner 02
Bike Setup:
Manitou Swinger 3-way shock; Manitou Minute 2:00 (100 mm) fork; XTR crank; XTR front derailleur; SRAM X.0 rear derailleur; SRAM X.9 rear triggers; SRAM front twister; Mavic 517 ceramics; King hubs and headset; XTR v-brakes; New '04 Time pedals (very sweet).
Bottom Line:
This is THE bike for riding technical single track for very long distances. The perfect 24-Hour or 100-mile ultra-endurance machine. The suspension that I'm using is nothing short of INCREDIBLE, stiff when you need it, super-supple over big and little hits. There're a lot of copycats out there, but the Burner is the Real Deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLine
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
They all beat working.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Legendary Turner reputation - quality and service. Uses 4 bar Horst link design - proven for 10+ years. Efficient and active on climbs and during braking. Maintou 3way shock has lots of adjustibility and completely eliminates bob on an already efficient design. A great price for a frame of this quality.
Weaknesses:
Stickers are easy to peel off (I like this feature). HT badge seems like it will go south eventually. Who cares? The bike rides great. I thought I'd need more travel, but the bike rides wonderfully as is.
Similar Products Used:
Test rode: 04 Stumjumper FSR Pro SC Blur Intense Spider Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Nothing better than XT. Psylo Fork (until it dies or I find a spare 500$).
Bottom Line:
Background: I've been riding a Schwinn Homegrown HT (great bike - love it) for 8 years, and finally decided to go FS. I ride cross-country around Denver and Colorado, and spend 80% of my time going uphill. I like to climb, and have learned to enjoy it more than the downhill (strange as it may seem). I needed an efficient bike that could get me through some of the more technical sections, and make the downhills go faster and smoother. I don't throw myself off cliffs, but occasionally find it necessary to jump off of a rock or drop down a step on trail, and wanted a bike durable enough handle that.
Research: I test rode a few bikes. I liked the SC Blur a lot, but have heard mixed reviews on the durability of the linkage. It's a great riding bike - time will tell. The VPP worked as advertised - plush with no bob. I also like the FSR design, and think it's probably the best out there. It's been around for years, and has gotten to a pretty high level of refinement. I rode the Specialized line and liked all of their offerings. The Epic was a bit harsh, the Enduro a bit heavy, but the 04 Stumpjumper FSR felt on the money. I had some concern about the upgradeability of the rear shock since it pokes through a hole in the monocoque seat tube - kind of limiting - but a great ride. I told myself I'd wait around for an end-of-the season sale and continue through the summer on my HT.
I came across the Burner through this site. I never test rode it. The reviews and commentary on the Turner forum convinced me that it was worth a shot (and a blowout price of 400-600$ less than MSRP helped). Check out the Turner forum if you're interested in this bike. The folks there are an informative, friendly bunch who seems to have only good to say about their bikes or the company that makes them. You won't find that attitude under most of the other manufacturers. Turner even interacts with their customers through that board, which is pretty cool - I wouldn't get that from Specialized. The reviews on this site helped a great deal - and I appreciate all those who take the time to write about their experiences with a product. So, I did a little more research on the bike, and it fit into my size/weight/travel specs (very similar to the Stumpy), and pulled the trigger.
The Bike: The Turner quality is outstanding. It's made in the USA - the welds are beautiful, and the machined parts and assembly are top notch. This bike uses bushings on the suspension pivots (as opposed to bearings), which translates to a rear end that is void of lateral flex. Much stiffer than anything I've ridden (except my HT). It tracks great, and is confidence inspiring in the corners. Out of the box, it came with a Manitou Swinger 3way shock - which is extremely adjustable and proves a pretty plush ride for a bike with 3.6" of travel. I was a bit worried that this wasn't going to be enough travel (as the Blur is 4.5, the Enduro 5+) but it really feels great (Keep in mind that I am coming from a hardtail, so my perspective is probably skewed). Overall the ride is outstanding. I climbs better than my HT, with no bob, and does everything I ask it to going slow or fast.
Would I have been happy with a Stumpjumper or Blur? Probably. As happy? Tough call - I like it a lot, and it's stiffer than either. The company reputation, service and price to quality put it over the top. But a bike is all a matter of perspective - and this bike does exactly what I needed it to. If your criteria for a new bike are similar to mine, seriously consider the Burner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve3
a Cross Country Rider
from LI,NY Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$949.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Stiffness, low maintenance bushings, tight handling, climbing. Durability and quality. Lower than advertised standover (much lower). Active rear still works (and you can feel it) while braking.
Weaknesses:
Stickers, but that's reaching,
Similar Products Used:
Tomac 98, FSR, Racer X
Bike Setup:
MX Pro 100 up front, XT Disc/317, XT, Prodgy crank and SRX bb, Formula B4 gold
Bottom Line:
Comprehensive ride results and pictures on the Turner board: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=15539
The bike is better than I could ever have imagined. The bushings are great and they are perfect for the wet sandy trails I have around here.
I can speed up hills and the bike only goes forward with my pedal strokes, not up and down. It's durable with all those welds and gussets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtber36
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Winterpark
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$949.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
quality construction,laterally stiff, little if any pedal induced bob, corners on rails, good standover, great price
Weaknesses:
Stickers, but I take them off anyway
Similar Products Used:
Several hardtails; Fuel, Kona Kikapu, 5 spot, (demos only)
Bike Setup:
Large Black with 2003 float, Zoke Marathon S, XT shifters, derailleurs, cranks, hubs, Avid mech disks,Panaracer Dart/Smoke, CK headset, Thomson seatpost, noname stem and bar
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I was ready to buy this bike at the MSRP of 1350 with fox propedal but when Supergo had the same frame for 950 with the 2003 float I could not resist and I'm glad I didn't. The workmanship is all everyone says; smooth welds, nice paint, tight pivots. I was able to do a mostly XT build for a total of about 2100.This bike corners like none I've ridden before. It handles singletrack as good or better than my Litespeed hardtail. I was a little anxious about 3.6 inches of travel not being enough but it certainly feels like more and it is super plush. Bottom line is that the Burner is a fantastic bike that could be set up as either a do it all trail bike or a light weight XC racer. Unless you are into big drops and all of that, take a hard look at the Burner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT
a
from Arizona Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
quick snappy handling, great climbing bike, sticks to the trail
Weaknesses:
Cheap decals
Similar Products Used:
Santa cruz Superlight, Racer X.
Bike Setup:
2004 Turner burner with "4 inch rockers" Size large, XT Hollowtech crank, SRAM 9.0 trigger shifters, Sram X9 rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, FOX Float RLC, Avid mechanical Brakes, Avid Ti levers, Mavic 717 rims with XT hubs
Bottom Line:
I have ridden 250 miles on this bike on various types of terrain and the bike's handling has been impressive. The Burner has a nice balanced feel to it.The fox pro-pedal rear shock with the "four inch" rockers provides a plush ride with unnoticeable BOB. The Burner has a nice balanced feel to it. The bike has been very impressive on climbs and in technical singletrack. With the "four inch" rockers the bike can be used for epic day rides but it is also light enough to race. The frame is a good bargain at $1,395 when compared to similar quality frames. The craftsmanship of the frame is amazing - great welds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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