Description:• Custom fabricated for Asylum by Titus Cycles, Tempe, AZ
• Designed specifically for 29" wheels
• Race-ready with 80mm RockShox or White Bros. forks
• Optimized for 100mm travel RockShox, White Bros. and Maverick forks
• Classic handling - built for speed, distance, comfort, and maneuverability
• 3" rear travel
• Fully active suspension design
• 3-piece X-link suspension linkage for maximum torsional stiffness
• Incredibly stiff rectangular hollow box lower swingarm
• 4-cartridge bearing main pivot lasts a long, long time
• Replaceable rear derailleur hanger with stainless steel upgrade option
• Multiple rear shock options
• Hollow Box II™ oversize motocross-inspired swing arm
• Clevis-style Horst Link™ captures each side of the dropout for unmatched stiffness
• 30.9mm seatpost diameter on all sizes for 2006
• 73mm bottom-bracket shell
• 34.9mm derailleur clamp
Submitted by
hillsocs
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, Wa Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Capitol Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat closeout
Strengths:
It fits me. XXL 25" 6'8". Strong, stiff and efficient. rp23 propedal shock works well.
Weaknesses:
Not enough travel.
Similar Products Used:
gf super cal 29er
Bike Setup:
reba 100mm, xt
Bottom Line:
It seems to be 2" off the mark for me. 1 more inch of travel and 1 more inch of top tube and it would be perfect. Great racer X design. 5 chilis for value due to closeout price, 4 overall due to lack of rear travel. Its a great bike for bigger riders, feels tough and confidant. It felt like I had been riding it for years after about 20 minutes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: May 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Handling, overall control
Weaknesses:
Not enough suspension if you're dealing with particularly rock terrains
Similar Products Used:
Fisher 29ers, Haro Mary 29er
Bike Setup:
Juicy carbon, XO drivetrain, Xlite wheels, carbon bars, XT crank, King headset, Thompson post, Fiziki saddle, etc.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for midwest or long distance racing. I sold it off b/c there wasn't enough rear suspension (2.8") for my rocky environs. I bottomed on jumps if I had it set for cushy XC, so it had to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Racer
from Bradford, PA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
My own
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
justridingalong.net
Strengths:
All the usual 29er raves are true. Bike is more stable at speed that my Fisher 292 was. The bike is also laterally stiffer and doesn't creak. The square tubing in the rear end makes the bike feel really strong.
Weaknesses:
Decals are not clearcoated, but you can take them off easily if you want the stealth look. I had to take the knurled adjuster off my Reba Fork to clear the downtube.
Similar Products Used:
Bulldozers, Steamrollers
Bike Setup:
XTR King hubs and Headset Bontrager rims WS XL spokes Maxxis Ignitor tires Paul Thumbies Hayes Brakes Thomson Stem and Post Bontrager Big Sweep Flat bar SDG Ti Belair saddle
Bottom Line:
Bike riding is 95% rider, so while this is a great bike, it won't make you press down on the pedals any harder. I spent a lot on this bike, but it's worth it. With all the trick components my XL weighs about 27.5 lbs. In my opinion this is not bad for such a tough, huge monster. I race it, and it seems fast. I have a medium in stock at my store built up if you are intersted. Thanks
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Submitted by
Ty
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2795.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
EFFICIENT SUSPENSION SETUP, GREAT STABILITY & CONTROL, AVAILABLE XXL FRAME: The 3 inches of travel feel more like 4" when combined with the 29" wheels. Also, when the shock bottoms out, it is almost unnoticable. Once you pick a line, it takes a major obstacle to knock you off course.
Weaknesses:
REAR TIRE CLEARANCE, DECALS, PAINT, WARRANTY: The stock 2.3" tires rub the paint on the inside of the chainstays (strictly cosmetic). Decals are still intact, but they don't appear to be very durable. There were a couple of minor paint blemishes on the top tube. Frame is only warrantied for 2 years.
Bike Setup:
• XXL Frame • Cane Creek S3 Headset, Black • RockShox Reba Race 29er 80mm Fork, Black • Shimano XT crankset 180mm • Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc Brakes, 160mm Rotor • SRAM X.7 Rear Derailleur • Shimano® LX M580 Front Derailleur • Shimano® HG-50 9sp 11-32 Cassette • Shimano® CN-HG73 9spd Chain • Custom Shifters with Micro-adjust front SRAM Attack and SRAM X.9 Rear Trigger Shifter • Shimano® XT 6-bolt, 32h, Salsa 29'er Delgado Disc Front Wheel • Shimano® XT 6-bolt, 32h, Salsa 29'er Delgado Disc Rear Wheel • Shimano® skewers • Ritchey Comp Seat Post 30.9 x 400mm Post • Ritchey Comp Rizer Handlebar • WTB Trailgrips, Black • 130mm Stem • WTB Speed V Comp Saddle • WTB Exiwolf 2.3" DNA Tire • 29" x 1.9-2.3" (700c x 47-52mm) 34mm Presta Valve Mountain Tubes • Velox Cloth Rim Tape
Bottom Line:
Big guys, this is your bike. I'm 6'5", and have always had trouble with fit. In the past, I've been able to stretch XL frames using setback seat posts, longer stems, etc., but I always felt like the ride quality was compromised. I had no idea how a bike was supposed to feel until I had the opportunity to ride one that actually fit. With the XXL frame and 29" wheels, the weight distribution and handling is perfect. The speedgoat guys also suggested moving up to 180mm crankarms, which not only creates a pedal stroke more desirable to taller riders, but gives you a little more leverage to help offset the increased resistance of larger wheels. Most of the weaknesses are strictly cosmetic. Bottom line, the ride quality and efficiency of this bike would be tough to match. Especially if you're a tall rider and frame size is an issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington VA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Great lateral stiffness, quality fit and finish, good suspension feel\tradeoffs
Weaknesses:
Pricy, Reba will hit downtube, some additional tire clearance would be nice
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher X Caliber, Salas El Mariachi, 26 er FS bikes Heckler, VT, Prophet, Stumpjumper 120, Old Schwinn Rocket 88
Bike Setup:
WB BW 1.0, Reba, XTR, Juicy 7s, Ignitors
Bottom Line:
Great bike. More stiff laterally than any other FS I have owned. With 3" of travel its not as plush on big hits as a 5" dually 26er, but goes over terrain just as fast. Suspension design and Fox RP3 enable multiple settings of suspension, and allow the rider to tune in the ride trade offs as they see fit. Additional mud clearance would be nice, but it fits the 2.1 ish tires in line with its purpose with room to spare. Definitely a quality bike, with great handling. I may actually keep this one around for a while
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Hitchens
a Cross Country Rider
from elkton, MD USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
The big wheels roll over nearly anything I'm willing to ride. With the Fox rp3 shock and the Reba fork the bike rides very well. The bike corners great and is a very efficient climber.
Weaknesses:
Big wheels make you feel like your sitting high in the saddle but something you get used to.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Paragon, Gunnear 29" singlespeed, Titus Racer X, Santa Cruz Super Lite
Bike Setup:
RP3 Fox shock, Reba fork, XTR rear derailler, XT front, XT cranks, XTR shifters, Hayes carbon hydraulics, American Classic Hubs with Stans rims
Bottom Line:
I was very concerned about giving up the Titus Racer X since that has been the best handling bike I ever owned. However, I found myself wanting to ride my 29" single speed because of the way it rolls over obstacles. I was very releaved once I rode the Asylum that I was not giving up great handling or climbing infact I was gaining better climbing and rolling. I am very satisfied with the bike and with Speedgoat. They are a great bunch to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Mellers
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cinderella
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com
Strengths:
This bike is incredibly stiff, smooth, and handles beautifully. This is also my first 29er, but I have ridden a number of bikes over the years and there is no comparison. With the big wheels and suspension, I am able to climb rougher trails and take new lines that I did not think were possible. When racing, I am able to remain seated and easily pedal smoothly while others around me have to stand and mash just to keep up when going through rough sections of the trail. The biggest difference is when decending. I have found myself enjoying trails that I could barely ride with my other bikes. This bike ust really shines when in rough and loose terrain, since the big wheels hook up and the suspension is beautifully efficient. Finally, when buying this bike, I was nervous since I was unable to go out for a test ride. Chris was immensely helpful with sizing and helping me pick out components that have all performed flawlessly on a bike that fits me like a glove.
Weaknesses:
The decals are really cheap and were peeling right out of the box, although the paint has held up really well. I also wish there was more tire clearance since I already have lines on the inside of the rear swingarm from tire rub.
Similar Products Used:
A number of FS, soft tail, and hard tail 26" bikes.
Bike Setup:
I am 6'2" and 190. XL Asylum, WB Magic 100, Thompson, Race face Deus cranks, FSA stem/bar, Sram XO twisties/RD, Hope Mono Mini brakes 180/160 f/r, custom wheels by mikesee
Bottom Line:
This is a great riding, sexy bike. Buy one if you want to go fast over rough terrain or are looking for all day comfort. Forget this bike if lightest weight is your goal, although once riding, the weight becomes a non-factor. It is pricy, but well worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fisty
a Cross Country Rider
from ithaca ny Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Frame only (Speedgoat)
Strengths:
The greatest attribute to this bike is CONTROL. I can ride this bike so much faster than my 26ers. More traction in cornering and climbing. I can ride trails that were near impossible to ride on my little bikes. What used to intimidate me, I know ride with confidence. One area where I ride has a dirt road foundation in consisting of up to bowling ball size rocks. I can ride this like butter with my OCD and it is near impossible with my 26FS. I usually crash 3 or 4 times a month. Since I riding this bike I have yet to crash and Im riding way more tech stuff. The frame is very stiff in the rear so flex is not an issue. The geometry is spot on with a 100mm Reba fork. I can tell that the 3 years of development of this frame was done meticulously and with utmost attention to perfection. Ride 1 if you get the chance!
XT drivetrain, BB7 brakes, 20/30/42 rings on RaceFace next LP cranks. Hopey steering damper. Hope pro2 hubs w/ salsa delg disc rims and ignitor tires. 29lbs using strong non weight weenie components.
Bottom Line:
If you got the $ go buy a complete bike from Speedgoat for a mear 2,795 ( a killer deal for a bike with a $1900 frame). I ABSOLUTELY GUARENTEE YOU WILL LOVE THIS BIKE IF MAKE SURE IT FITS YOU AND IT WILL RAISE THE BAR OF YOUR RIDING RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Baker
a Racer
from Cornelius, NC USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lake Norman State Park "Itusi"
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat - various other bike shops & online retailers
Strengths:
Solid bike, more of a monster truck, rolls over everything, more nimble than I thought it would be. I'm 5'7" and thought this might be too big of a bike (Med frame) but it it just right...all you other altitudinally challenged riders take note.
Weaknesses:
No 29er tubeless tires and rims yet. Pricey, but I guess no more so than others.
Tires Maxxis Ignitor 29er Tire Shifters XTR Sti 960 Shimano XTR - 9 Speed Stem Thompson X4 Mtn bike 31.8mm Handlebars Raceface Diabolus Seatpost Thompson Elite 30.9mm Crank Shimano XTR M-952 Saddle WTB Speed V Comp Saddle Grips ODI Intense Lock-on Grip Front Shock RockShox Reba® Race 29er Fork (2006) W/Poploc Pedals Shimano M959 spds Bottom Bracket M-952 Cassette Shimano 9 speed Chain Shimano 9 speed Front Brake Avid BB7 Front Disc 160mm Rear Brake Avid BB7 Rear Disc 160mm Tubes Continental 29er tubes x2 Headset Chris King 1-1/8 Nothreadset Front Derailleur Shimano XTR 961 Rear Derailleur Shimano XTR 960 SGS Long cage
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I just wish the 29er tubeless Tires and rims were available when I built this bike. I raced over the weekend and had a pinch flat with 5 miles to go. Haven't had a flat in over 3 yrs with tubeless on my Santa Cruz. Cost me a spot on the podium
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curtis
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: February 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com
Strengths:
XL frame actually FITS me! (thank you Speedgoat/Titus!) That's 6'7" and nearly 300lbs in riding trim. Stiff stiff stiff...my Cannondale was so flimsy. 36h Hadleys on Salsa Delgados with WTB Exiwolfs...very stiff, very true, very nice!
Weaknesses:
the race face Deus..ugh...granny gave up on first ride, middle chain ring about the 3rd. ugh.
Similar Products Used:
Cannodale Jekyll 3000
Bike Setup:
XL frame SRAM X0 rear w/ X9 triggers White Bros 100 air for 20mm hub (stiff!) Hadley rear thru-bolt (stiff!) Race Face Deus XC 180 Magura Marta S/L brakes w/ 180mm rotor/adapter on front. Fox RP3 shock Easton EA70 bars
Bottom Line:
Perfect for a Clyde. Perfect if you're in the 6'6"-height range. Heavy compared to others (they way I had mine built). Great support by Chris at Speedgoat. No regrets! Just Awesome for me.
I've heard others say that it feels sluggish and "boaty" in the front end. Chris cut my bars short which speeds up the turn-in...It works great for me.
$ 1899.00
Overall Rating:
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