Submitted by
singlespeed1985
a Cross Country Rider
from Vista, CA, San Diego Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Calaveras
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Same as any 9er: rolls over anything.
Weaknesses:
original seat collar slipped Salsa Lip-lock took care of that.
Similar Products Used:
G.F. Rig, G.T. peace niner SS,
Bike Setup:
Converted it to singlespeed before I even spun it through the parking lot. 32t Surly SS ring, 20t Surly Cog, Spot Brand Bashring, Forte Singulator, Changed to Lizard Skin locking grips,
Bottom Line:
Amazingly fun rig to ride. Wanted a single speed 29er for a while, but didn't want the price tag of starting from scratch and I wasn't pumped with the idea of rigid (too many rock gardens here). Picked this one up single speeded it, and got a pretty penny for the X-7 drive-train on craigslist. I am a cross-country guy and I love climbing and this thing sticks to the ground, so even SS it just climbs away. I know all you purists say that single speed 29ers should be rigid, but I am sooooo glad I got the 80mm because I tend to push whatever bike I have as far as I can go. I have the fork set for a rider about 50lbs heavier than me to keep it stiff enought it just takes the sting off. I know it would look cooler rigid, but I keep up on the downhills, rock gardens, rutty single-track just as fast on my hardtail SS 29er as I do on my 3X9 FSR this way. With those big wheels as long as you stay off the brakes and ride with some flow I can keep up with the same group of guys as normal with the exception that I beat them to the top of the climbs. This bike def. makes the same trails (espectially climbs) new again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtnbiker72
a Weekend Warrior
from Rainier, OR Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stella
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$770.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Phenomenal traction, Wheels hold momentum, The bike feels fast, Big wheels roll over roots, logs, etc with relative ease, Bike feels light despite being near 30 lbs. The 2008 SRAM X-7 shifters are nicer compared to the previous 2004 and 2005 models I've owned, Avid Juicy 5's are very nice, and oh yea THE PRICE!
Weaknesses:
Needed a very thorough build (not customer ready IMO), Bike feels tall (but my first 29er so may just be me), Stiff frame and 31.6 mm seatpost means sharp impacts go right up the spine, Cheap crankset
Similar Products Used:
First 29er
Bike Setup:
Upgrades from stock include Titec Carbon Riser Bars, 3D Gold Stem, Crank Bros Candy C pedals, Alloy outer 44 tooth chainring, Sette 2 bolt seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This review is for a Windsor Cliff 29er Pro which is exactly the same bike (other than color) as the Tahoe 29er Pro except contrary to the spec sheet...the Tora 318 solo air fork came setup in the 100mm mode.
Since I'm a former bicycle mechanic with 8 years of experience, I was not concerned about purchasing online. It should be stated that the bikes from BikesDirect.com come strait from the warehouse so they are in DEALER READY condition. If you are not an experienced mechanic, pay a qualified LBS to do the work for you. There were many needed adjustments that require specialty tools that would be easily overlooked by just putting the bike together.
That said, saving $500 over the exact same bike from Fuji (or most other similarly equipped 29ers) was a big draw for me. Riding a 29er has made the local trails seem new to me after several years of riding a all mountain full suspension. I love how this bike feels sooooo fast and holds momentum. The traction is out of this world (I'm sure the Kenda Navegal tires help too). It clears logs better than my full suspension did! Great overall product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a
from bakersfield CA USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Because the hubs are higher off the ground than a 26" bike but the hieght of the bottum bracket is the same, you get a lower center of gravity which feels great in fast paced turns.
Weaknesses:
Only 80mm of travel in the fork. 29er or not, 100mm should be the standard.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback overdrive and overdrive pro, marin alpin trail 29er
Bike Setup:
switched out the stem for a 60mm, made the cockpit length fit perfect and made my steering response much more to my liking
Bottom Line:
Because the wheel is so much bigger the gearing of the bike is entirely different than a 26" bike. Clipless pedals are a must to keep this thing powered when climbing. This bike has cross country written all over it. The great advantage is a higher top speed and with hydrolic disc brakes, you have the stopping power. I plan on switching to a 7" rotor up front and get rid of the organic pads. The only thing I think needs to be different for next year on this bike is 100mm of travel. Everything else I've done is to suit me and my riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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