Submitted by
bumptoe29
a Weekend Warrior
from boston, MA, USA Date Reviewed: November 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mmmm do I have to pick?
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$830.00
Purchased At:
Back Bay Bikes
Strengths:
This is my first mountain bike, and I think it was a really great choice since I wanted to see if I liked mountain biking, but also needed a commuting bike. It's fast for a nubbly tired bike, and that's great for the commute.
Weaknesses:
My fork started leaking fluid at least a week ago, but it might have been going on for longer. Massive stickshion, and lockout is broken. It also makes some interesting noises. Thought about spending $$$ on a better fork, but I think I'd rather save my pennies for a full suspension ride. Also the rear deraiuler got trashed by a small stick on 50' into my first ride
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
All stock, w/Shimano L540 pedals
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. Great to learn on - I've really felt I understand my bike, and how i need to move with it so i can let it do what it needs to do for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevino
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Boulder Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
B and B in Cedar Hil
Strengths:
A mostly solid bike to get someone started in mt biking, climbs great, rolls over most everything
Weaknesses:
Rims, Like others have said here rims will need to be trued often. I had a minor crash and my front wheel was untrueable. My wheels were already becoming untrue after 50 miles of light riding and no crashes. Stock rims suck really hard and make this bike a poor value as you will need to replace them or spend a fortune getting them retrued. Because of this I think the GF cobia is a better deal.
You have to pay a premium for a 29 inch frame Compare this bike to a gary fisher marlin 26er and you will pay 150 more and get mostly the same components but the GF has better derailers.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Rims really hold this bike back and I don't think they changed them for the 2009 model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rocktrailrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Chambersburg, Pa, USA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Piney Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Gettysburg Bike Shop
Strengths:
I like the 29" wheels and stock tread. The frame is tall yet easy to manipulate. This bike is butter compared to much higher prices models.
Weaknesses:
None! Whiners whine about everything, don't listen. Very few riders require more than this bike provides.
Similar Products Used:
GT (own three), Gary Fisher (test ride), Trek (bad set up). I've owned GT's for 11 years. The price range didn't get squat with GF and GT was comparable. It was a tough choice bewteen the two. I never thought I'd buy a Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Stock with after market grips and bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I sail over all obstacles. After a hard crash I only had to true the front wheel and rebuild the front shock (just try not to crash). All other crashes resulted in no damage except scratches. The tread grabs good on trails and tar. I ride on rocky, muddy trails where elevation delta's 1200-1500 feet. So, down hill to terminal velocity is easy and I haven't roasted the brakes yet but expect to soon. (I really don't use brakes, this bike feels stable at all speeds.) I cross deep water every ride and no problems. I travel with the bike on a rack in all types of weather and no corrosion issues. I only hose it off and dry it well after a ride. The people complaining must be nutcases because I average ten miles off road three times a week, more on weekends and no problems. So, they must ride MUCH harder distance and trails. Most of us won't ride up/down Pikes Peek so don't blow the wod on something you won't need. FOR THE PRICE, this is a great ride. Included one year free service and warrentee. When I crashed and blew the front shock out in the first month, it was rebuilt free and since then absolutely no issues. The only thing you'll need to replace after one year of ownership is your helmet! If you want to spend big bucks, start with your head. This bike looks good and the handling lets you ride like a pro. I think those who paid over 800 got ripped. If they really knew what they were talking about they'd have never got taken like that. The truth is in the trail, don't take my word for it, go ride one.
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Submitted by
joeyoftheyear
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anyone I can find
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Intersport
Strengths:
The components are pretty good for the price, and it feels more natural to ride than a 26 inch bike, specially if you're a tall person like me(i'm 6'5, 220lbs). It's pretty tough, extremely light and is great for your sunday trail riding in the woods with friends. Great value, cool design and good performance either way your climbing or going downhill.
Weaknesses:
I think the components are good enough for a casual rider like me... the mechanical disc brakes (Avid BB-5) are pretty good, the bottom bracket seems pretty tough and the Rockshox Dart3 is great, too. But... if you're a hardcore XC rider, you should go with the Rockhopper 29er Comp or a Stumpy.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
If your a tall person like me who likes casual mountain biking (which can still handle pretty hardcore stuff), you should definitely consider on buying this bike. The 29er wheels are amazing and climbs like nothing else on the market. Amazing, good looking, tough and light bike at an affordable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bmellott
a Racer
from Shawnee, KS 66226 Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Landahl
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$720.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
Great frame, solid affordable ride
Weaknesses:
28 hole front wheel, 8 speed drivetrain
Similar Products Used:
Breezer Hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
After focusing on Road racing for many years finaly got back to MTB for fun and to klll burn out. Specialized really hit it with this one. At 6'6" and a 40" inseam, I've always had problems getting a bike that fit. This is the first off the shelf, non-custom frame (23") that I've been able to get. Despite the low end components, this bike makes it real easy to ride really tough terrain. Wheels and tires are real heavy and 28 hole front wheel is junk. Dart 3 fork is just ok, figure I'll blow through these by the end of the year and replace with better equipment. Drivetrain actually works ok and as I typically replace derailleurs/cassettes etc... annually, I'll just replace with sram next year. UNLESS I decide to make a fixie out of it. Feels much more solid than the Fisher Cobia.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pedal955
a Racer
from Johnson City Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
geeeez, too many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$710.00
Purchased At:
Mtn Sports
Strengths:
The frame! good quality
Weaknesses:
everything bolted onto it. At this price you shouldn't expect XTR grade on anything...........REPLACE it all!
Similar Products Used:
Niner, SE
Bike Setup:
Xtr drivetrain, hollowtech II cranks, Rockshox Reba up front, Monkey lite bars, Thomson stem, Mavic Crossmax 29" wheels
Bottom Line:
Im 6 ft tall and I ride the 17" frame. I ride a size smaller because I always have. It seems more nimble to me. The 29er rolls over everything! They are here to stay and Im an lifetime specialized customer. I wish they had a titanium line of frames though. Excellent price if you want to get started or try a 29er. The stock components will get you by until you want to get serious.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
panzer07
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Toads-Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Garage
Strengths:
The fun factor is off the charts! Bike is so fun to ride in singltrack that my Nomad - yes the mighty Nomad has been bumped to #2 bike. Climbs great once you swap out the super heavy stock wheelset and cheesy wire bead tires.
Weaknesses:
Porky wheels, HEAVY components, lame short stem - this is not a downhill bike and awefull bend on heavy bars - pitch them ASAP. Also change to 9 speed - you will need the 34 tooth cassette to climb any steep hills with big wheels.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list.
Bike Setup:
XT drivetrain, Fox 29r fork, Stans wheelset - very light, Easton lowrise monkeys - best upgrade with 90MM 0 rise stem.Oh yea I am 5'11' and the 17' fits me perfect with 90MM stem and wide lowrise Monkeys.
Bottom Line:
The big wheel movement is here too stay - just more fun smashing over stuff. I am seriously considering selling Nomad to buy a Niner full suspension bike and I have only been riding 29r for less than a month. The bike has a great frame and good brakes but thats it! The junky stock components will let you get a feel for things though and then you can upgrade everything like I did to have a very fun 29r.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spraly
a Cross Country Rider
from ben lomond, ca Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
too many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Sports
Strengths:
Great bike. Got a 21 incher and I'm 6 feet. Feels like riding a cadillac on the single track. I can still manuever through the trees easily. Haven't riden my full suspension since which now feels way too small. Mechanically still working well after many good hard trails in the santa cruz mountains.
Weaknesses:
Components on the low side, but expected to replace them gradually as they wore out. Wanted to the Orange frame and didn't have a choice.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock for now except for a more comfortable seat .... but eventually would upgrade brakes to BB7.
Bottom Line:
Love the bike, and looking to get a second setup as a single speed. I'm not a hard core downhiller and get more satisfaction out of the climbs. This ride is awesome on the climbs. It will rough you up on the very bumpy fast trails but that's part of riding a hard tail. Components are middle grade but that's what you get for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Avanti Plus
Strengths:
Frame, Gearing and Brakes
Weaknesses:
Rims and Shock
Bike Setup:
Stock.... For now
Bottom Line:
Good solid foundation, needs work though. The wheels got destroyed way to easily I have ruined both already in minor riding conditions. The Dart 3 locks up and gets all stiff when cold and wears badly.
The brakes stop you, the gearing is good all over and the frame is solid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Ferro
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
none yet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$666.00
Purchased At:
Plaine & Son
Strengths:
Excellent Frame. Excellent Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes once broken in and adjusted. 17" is a perfect fit for my 5'7" 195lb. frame.
Weaknesses:
Dart 3 is total junk. After one ride a seal went and leaked fork oil all over the place. Will purchase the Fox F29. The wheels bend like over-cooked spaghetti. Crappy components need constant attention. Upgrade!!!
Similar Products Used:
First 29er.
Bike Setup:
stock...not for long.
Bottom Line:
Your buying a great frame for the money. Swap things out as they break. Trust me, every thing will break. By the time you're done, you'll have an excellent 29er...of course it won't feel like a screaming deal at that point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Cross Country Rider
from El Paso, TX Date Reviewed: May 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Crazy Cat
Strengths:
Frame is rock solid, the M4 frame on this was the Stumpjumper frame of 2 years ago and is an excellent platform to start with a build on. The components it comes with are lower tier but for someone new to the sport or a seasoned intermediate rider its a great combination that will certainly hold up.
Weaknesses:
The seat is a tad rough and after a few rides needs to be switch for something more comfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Bridgestone MB-1
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for someone new to the sport or not quite ready to jump to the pro level of bikes. The frame is as good as they get and can be upgraded into a monster if you so choose. I'm 6'3 and go about 210 and the 21 inch version of this fits perfectly. The larger wheels making climbing easier and overall stability is improved. My friend bought the comp 29er above this one and he is just as happy. Great bike for the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Doylestown Date Reviewed: May 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Scooters
Strengths:
Price & brakes are great when they are adjusted.
Weaknesses:
Wheels, cassette, chain, & seat
Similar Products Used:
This is my first mountain bike
Bike Setup:
XT cassette so far getting a new wheel set shortly.
Bottom Line:
The rear cassette is junk it lasted me about 3 rides before it was trashed. I replaced it with an XT cassette and it has been perfect ever since. The wheels bend easily and the 28 hole hub up front makes it imposible to replace the rims without buying a hub as well. My front wheel is beyond repair. The seat also bends easily and I had to replace that too. A guy I ride with has the same bike and the same problems. Everything else has worked well. For the price nothing beats it in a 29er.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Chambersburg, PA USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
buckridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Gettyburg Family Bike
Strengths:
Great looking, strong frame. Disc Brakes for downhill. Front suspensions reduces wrist and arm shock.
Weaknesses:
I am completely satisfied with this ride.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Yahoo Disc, GT All Tera, Haro
Bike Setup:
Dart 3 front shock (stock), Ergonomic grips, Bar ends, rest is stock equipement.
Bottom Line:
I paid less than anyone advertised!! This bike fits my ability perfect. I do very little jumping and no high speed downhill. I do all off road, brutal hill climbs and traverse water on existing trails for 10 miles or less per ride. The bike performs perfectly and the granny gear exceed my previous bike allowing me to climb more extreme hills than I imagined. The stock tread is not too aggressive but still provides sufficient off road and climbing traction without excessive road noise on paved paths. The handling of a 29er is excellent!! The tall wheels with the front shock and ergonomic grips provides precision control even on rocky downhill slopes. I'm not a pro, but now I feel like one. You should buy this bike if you are a novice to intermediate rider who prefers riding unpaved trails with limited mud or water hazzards. The large wheels make installing aftermarket fenders difficult because of limited space between the rear wheel and seat tube.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John J.
a Weekend Warrior
from Murfreesboro, TN USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$830.00
Purchased At:
Biker's Choice
Strengths:
23" frame for tall guys! i'm 6'9" tall and i don't have to ride w/ the seat maxed out. The frame is quite sturdy and i enjoy rolling over things w/ ease.
Weaknesses:
it shifts a bit rough sometimes and the grips that come w/ it are kinda lame but cheap to replace.
Similar Products Used:
none because i couldn't afford a bike that would fit me
Bike Setup:
stock setup
Bottom Line:
Specialized has made a nice bike w/ a great price that works its way into a market that they didn't probably think about....tall guys need bikes too! before this bike, the only other option was a 4000 dollar custom or to ride uncomfortably. I have beat this bike pretty good and everything seems to be holding up well.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
