Description:Imagine your favorite gnarliest, most root-crossed, babyhead laden, obstacle-strewn single track all paved over with a nice smooth bed of asphalt and then a deep-pile shag on top of that. Sure it’s an ugly picture, but a plush one. Make that up to 4" inches of rear travel plush. Now, forget the crummy asphalt and tacky shag and turn your thoughts to our velvety smooth 29-er, the Buzz Bomb FS. From now on, if you want vibration, go operate a jackhammer.
Frame: Reinforced Competition 7005 triple butted FS
Fork: Marzocchi MX Comp 29" or White Brothers Magic 29"
Shock: Fox Float R or RP3
Head Set: Cane Creek ZS2
Frameset Price:
-With Fox RP3 / White Brothers Magic 29 $1599
-With Fox Float R / Marzocchi MX comp $1149
Submitted by
Todd S
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Big Bear, WV
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
Looks pretty, great parts package. RP3 rear shock minimizes bobbing and increases efficiency.
Weaknesses:
HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY. Headtube angle is super steep and almost too twitchy. Due to frame weight and heavy wheels ( rotational weight) the bike takes a calendar month to get up to speed, and doesn't stay there very well. Way tall standover height for each size.
White bros. fork, El camino brakes, Bonty race lite wheels, X.9 drivetrain, FSA Afterburner crankset, Ritchey bits, Van Dessel Saddle.
Bottom Line:
If you like a heavy, heavy 29er.... then this bike is for you. It weighs in at a porkish 30 lbs for an XC full suspension 29er. The frame alone wieghs 8.2 lbs... This bike shows some promise, but I think it's a bit off. the steep 71.5 degree headtube angle is too steep for good handling. It's too twitchy in the rough stuff and has no flow to it at all on swooping trails. Climbing is severely inhibited due to the curb weight and short, steep pitches are a handful unless you have speed going into it. The standover height is minimal, unless you have a freakish inseam. The bike is pretty efficient due to the acclaimed Fox RP3 rear shock and the front squish, handled by the White Bros. fork, is sufficient. However, the frame geometry and weight of the bike really hinder it's potential. the bike has some nice parts hanging off of it, but it's heart needs a kickstart.
$ 1149.00
Overall Rating:
