Submitted by
irish_mtber
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: November 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Long Mynd, Shropshire
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes Wolver
Strengths:
Spot on geometry, UK-friendly, bomb-proof, climbs better than it's weight and geometry would suggest, descends beautifully.
Weaknesses:
Expensive (UK built), fork travel keeps creeping (RockShox Lyrik), a little on the heavy side for quick acceleration from standing.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro FSR 2006
Bike Setup:
RockShox Lyrik 2-step (115 - 160mm) Air Fork, Hope Mono M4 brakes, SRAM X-9 rear, Shimano XT front, X-9 shifters, Race Face Evolve cranks with bashguard, Fox RP23, 140mm travel, WTB rims with Hope II hubs, Kenda Nevgal 2.35" tyres, Easton Monkeylite Carbon Riser bars, SDG Bel Air saddle, Thomson seatpost and stem.
Bottom Line:
Compared to my Stumpjumper, I definitely feel more "in" than "on" this bike (partly because I don't have to raise the seatpost so much). Easily adjustable travel on the fork is great and the geometry at the 115mm setting definitely keeps the front end planted on steep, techie climbs. On the descents, the full 160mm of travel and relatively slack angles inspire a lot of confidence and make you feel like a much better rider than you are. I have done a 24-hour race on this bike (albeit in a team of 4) and done some well known UK downhill tracks on it also (e.g. Cwm Carn) and it's coped admirably with both scenarios. You definitely need to ride technical, rocky descents to get the most out of this bike, though. For a lot of general trail riding, it's overkill.
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Overall Rating:
