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Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley,Ca
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | North Star | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 1100 | | Strengths: | Frame geo and strength
drivetrain
pedals
wheelset(a year of bashing 3-4 times a week, not bad for a dual duty FR wheelset)
| | Weaknesses: | Metel RP and DOIII blow(replace them when they break)
brakes can be set up well. Just clean the pads and rotor after each ride and they will preform well.
| | Similar Products Used: | Big Hit 2, Sinister R9, a few Ht XC bikes, Haro X7, Vp-Free, Nomad, Versus Bliz, etc | | Bike Setup: | 06 7point frame, 888RC, Roco RC, Saint Brakes, X7 rear, Gamut p20(32ring) etc.
| | Bottom Line: | There are still some 06 7.3's floating around for dirt cheap. Pick them up, upgrade them as you get the funds. They can be set up as some of the best pedaling, FR/DH bikes on the market.
I've had mine for over a year, a few days ago I busted a spoke, that is the only problem that I have had with any stock part. The hubs are not the best but if you keep them greased they last just as long as any other hub on the market.
They might be heavy compared to other 7" bikes on the market but then again you have never heard of a snapped 7point frame or broken chain stays on a 7point. With the extra weight comes a huge boost in frame strength. There is no rear triagle flex (which is where the frame weighs the most)
All in all I've had this bike for over a year. I couldnt have gotten a better bike with the same ammount of money. If your trying to figure out if you want to get a 7.3 or 7.5 go with the 7.5 you will not regret it. Better specs for a few hundred more! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lahuman8
a Downhiller
from ytic radec
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | darkhollow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | rs cycle | | Strengths: | everything I have thrown at it,it has handled,to big drops to big hit jumps,step ups to step down,this bike feels amazing,I love the DW link I don't feel shorted on travel and is buttery smooth with the right setup. | | Weaknesses: | Drop off III was alright for beginers,the rear shock manitou metel was not at all any good didn't allow the full amount of travel you bought,other than that been excellent. | | Similar Products Used: | bighit,kona,banshee. | | Bike Setup: | 66 rc2x,dhx 5.0 w/titanium spring,minion 2.7 super tacky fr.minion 2.7 slow rezzay rr. | | Bottom Line: | this is well worth the money and easy to upgrade,working on it is the best bike to manage,its been bomb proof to flickability,hold corners very nicely.
best FR bike I have bought!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff H
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, Arizona USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | National | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Beefy, strong frame, DW Link is smooth, Plush travel, Sram parts work well. Price. I got it for less than a grand, because it was returned to the local shop by a kid that could not afford it. too bad for him. | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailer cable routing, 5th Element rear shock sucks A$$ the rebound dampening does not work, so the shock tops out violently, stock fork is lame, as are all low end Manitou products. | | Similar Products Used: | lots of others.... | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas 36 fork, Fox DH-air rear shock. All stock other than the suspension changes. | | Bottom Line: | Throw the 5th element, and the Manitou away, and replace with the parts that I listed above. You will shave about 3 lb off of the bike, and it will ride super sweet!
it is a great bike, not too heavy for all day rides, the granny gear and the DW Link help it climb well. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin
a
from Hicksville, WA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Flowtron 3000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Beastly Frame, decent stock components, 1.5 HT, DW linkage. | | Weaknesses: | It's a little heavy, but that's OK. Better exercise! The stock fork only has 6" travel and barely any adjustment, the rear shock sucks, and the brakes don't have much modulation. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Dee-lux, Stinky nine, and a stinky. | | Bike Setup: | 66RC2X, Roco WC, and Codes. | | Bottom Line: | It's a heavy-ish bike, but you probably won't break it, and the DW linkage makes hills alot less painful. It's a great FR bike, it's fun to ride, it's my do-it-all bike, and I ride it everywhere. Components aren't "top notch," but they work, and they're pretty durable. Besides, you can always upgrade it into a FR beasty! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | DW linkage
Burley Frame
Geometry
| | Weaknesses: | Frame weight (with weight comes strength) | | Similar Products Used: | V10, Bullit, MKIII, Nomad, Enduro SL, etc etc | | Bike Setup: | 06 frame
Super T
RS Pearl 3.1
Saint brakes
| | Bottom Line: | This is a great FR bike that can be taken to the DH parks and still beable to man handle the mountain. Jumps better than any DH bike but is still able to keep up with the pack.
I thought about getting a 9" travel bike but I love to jump, drop,basically fly. Im experimenting with a 8" fork gives it alittle more length and helps on the steep tech DH sections but doesnt limit its FR ablility.
Great bike wouldnt even think about buying it again.
If you have the money buy the next model up you wont regret it. (stock parts on the 7.3 suck) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirkland, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | rscycle | | Strengths: | DW link, strong frame, all around comfortable to ride | | Weaknesses: | suspension and stock tires but those can always be upgraded | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Sick bike, can handle anything, you won't regret buying it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G C
a Weekend Warrior
from Norfolk, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | - DW link (fantastic to have 7 inches of travel with no bob whatsoever)
- Excellent rear shock (this is a 2005 model, so I got a 5th Element Progressive 2-way)
- Solid component setup, not the best but good enough
- Sturdy frame and nice welding
- 1.5 inch head cup adds rigidity to front
- Very clean suspension pivot cartridges
- Very good leg clearance thanks to nice and curvy toptube
- Short wheelbase for a 7-inch bike, yielding more manouverability
- Nice paintjob | | Weaknesses: | - Original rear-derrailleur cable routing messed up cable sleeve. Solution found in Mtbr forum. | | Similar Products Used: | DBR X2, KHS Witchdoctor, IH Yakuza Aniki | | Bike Setup: | Stock but:
- Fork : Manitou Travis 180 single
- Cranks : Bontrager Big Earl
- Seat/seatpost combo : a regular more cushy system
- Handlebar/stem : Syntace VRO
- Tires : 2.8 Bontrager Big Earl (F) and 2.4 Maxxis Holy Roller (R) | | Bottom Line: | Got an awesome deal for a nearly new bike (well, a few scratches and a badly bent rear-derrailleur hanger that I fixed quick).
The bike is awesome, decently-spec'd and with the Travis 180 feels very well balanced (7" F and R). Waaaaaay better than anything I've ridden before.
Thanks to the DW-link, rides real nice when pedalling hard. But it also eats all bumps, small and big, with ease and stability. I tried a Romic rear shock with my KHS Witchdoctor and loved it, this DW-Progressive is the bomb.
About the componentry, I love the SRAM version of rapid-fire. The brakes work perfectly, yeah some noise every now and then, but nothing too bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Q
a Downhiller
from Canton Georgia
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | bull mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | very responsive and abuse handler.
I love how the dw link is set up it is an amazing technology. | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy | | Bike Setup: | all original | | Bottom Line: | If you like going on trails and do some jumps, tail wips, descend stairs, ascend stairs, etc..... this bike is for you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
El Chivo
a Downhiller
from Tahoe, California
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Live Wire | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Randall Scott | | Strengths: | Versatile, bomb proof. Fantastic value for the money -- paid less than $1,100 for an E-ticket to summer fun. Suprisingly agile and you can pedal it uphill if needed. Great looks. Balanced very well. | | Weaknesses: | Marzochi Drop Off III front fork is undersized for bike. Everything else is excellent. | | Similar Products Used: | SC V-10, Titus Moto-Lite | | Bike Setup: | Stock '06. SRAM X7, Drop Off III fork, WTB rims, CB Mallet pedals. | | Bottom Line: | New to freeride bikes and freeriding, I started riding this beast on my favorite Tahoe rides. Harder to get up, for sure, but handled technical climbs surprisingly well and really handles drops, log rides and kickers with supreme confidence. Balanced very well... you really maintain good control on jumps on this thing. As soon as Northstar opened, I started riding the park once or twice a week. With this bike, my confidence and skill level doubled, at least, over the course of the summer. One consequence of this was that the Drop Off III fork has proven to be too small for the bike and its capabilities... gonna have to upgrade. Keeping the bike though, it rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steven marcin
a Downhiller
from sudbury ontario
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | little springs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop(bike warriors) | | Strengths: | I love the look of this bike compared to ALL the bikes in this price range, the stock components could be better......but for this price there GREAT, rear suspension is more then enough for up to 6' drops, and i weigh 145lbs | | Weaknesses: | front fork tends to bottom out on those 6' foot drops i ways talking about, but i've nevver snapped the frame so its all good | | Similar Products Used: | 04 7point5 ( i like the 07 7ppoint3 way better) | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for my eastern side handle bars | | Bottom Line: | if you wanna ride like the pros but have a budget....this is definitly the bike for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe Toth
a Downhiller
from El Cajon, California
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | gabrielt123@hotmail.com | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | The bike over-all is GREAT. the suspension can take anything for the average guy...ive hucked, dropped, and even rode park and the bike is amazing...it can handle anything. | | Weaknesses: | the first week i had it the rear derailer stainless steel braided cable was routed ALL wrong and got chewed up in my front sproket...LAME...make sure you check it when you buy it...
up until 2 weeks ago the front derailer became unalaigned while i was on the trail(S.O.D) and at about half way through the travel the derailer took a massive chunk outa my lower swingarm. as soon as i got back i went down to performance and they said (after a week of it sitting in there)they would have to send it to iron horse's main warehouse in washington or w/e and they would access thee damages and if its bad enough(which it was) theyd give me the new 08 frame...i havent heard from em since. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | al stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great overall...all you have to do is make sure that everyting is right when you buy it...amke em double or even tripple check everything. so ill give this bike 4 hot chilis | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sina Pourcyrous
a Racer
from Alameda, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything in Lake Tahoe!! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Durability | | Weaknesses: | Stock Components | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Faith 2 Demo'd | | Bike Setup: | -Marzocchi Drop-off
-FSA Pig H.S.
-Truvativ Hussefelt Cranks
-E13 Bashgaurd
-Sram X7 Drivtrain
-Sun Intense Mag Rims (soon)
-Maxxis Minion DHF Tires (soon)
| | Bottom Line: | Great bike, built great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rachid Nayel
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nicole's and Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Down Cycles, NY | | Strengths: | tracks well, rides well, upgradable and well everything | | Weaknesses: | the stock parts | | Similar Products Used: | Norco FR hardtale | | Bike Setup: | '06 7point3, 06 Swinger 6-way, 07 Marzocchi 66SL 1 1.5 steer, Shimano Saint crankset, Gravity DH stem, Cane Creek Double X headset, '07 X9 shifters, otherwise stock :) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, the biggest improvement I found was with installing the Marz 66's, it really made the bike come to life. The bike jumps like a champion and is efficient enough to keep up with the all mountain crowd on the way up and rip the trail on the way down. Hat's off to IronHorse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Milford MA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Randall Scott | | Strengths: | The frame is really strong, component spec is great for the money I spent. The DW-Link is great, smooth and effective. The same frame used throughout the 7point family | | Weaknesses: | A slight snapping noise when it goes through first inch of travel. I think it is the r.derailer cable getting in the way. That is no big deal. | | Bike Setup: | 06 IRONHORSE 7point3 stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for anyone who wants a bike the pro's ride without blowing a whole in your bank account. The same frame as the other 7points just more affordable compents. You can upgrade components as you wish. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Downhiller
from Kalispell, MT
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rasta Goob Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | randall scott | | Strengths: | Super solid DW-link, good for the money components, plush suspension on all drops and jumps. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the derailleur hanger really easy, but it was an easy problem to fix. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great buy, and can handle almost anything that the two things between your legs can handle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ruairidh MacKenzie
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow, Scotland
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Glentress/Innerleithen/Fort William Downhill Track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid bike, pedals great with DW-Link. Heavy beast but can still be cranked up the hills if required.
Significantly more capable than the person sitting on it! | | Weaknesses: | The fork that came with it was a little limiting but thanks to the joys of eBay I've got a Manitou Sherman Breakout Plus on it and this is the perfect balance. | | Similar Products Used: | None really, was an impulse buy after seeing the end of season sale price and getting the opportunity to ride the North Shore | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the fork with a Manitou Sherman Breakout Plus and upgraded to SRAM x.9 - all thanks to eBay | | Bottom Line: | Pretty new to the whole "big bike" thing but now spending time playing on big downhill tracks such as Innerleithen and Fort William and loving the bike. Even started downhill racing (though pretty poorly).
This bike is essentially faultless for the money and way exceeds my limited abilities but the grin factor even after a year of owning gets bigger day by day... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Friesen
a Downhiller
from Coeurdalene Idaho 83815
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | beacon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | the dw link suspension is plush smooth all the way through..so far the swinger 2 way isnt showing any weaknesses yet. feels tight and ready for action. havent had a whole lot to take it off of yet but it takes 5 to flat no problem. | | Weaknesses: | front fork(MANITOU STANCE) isnt the best but half the fun is upgrading your bike so no worries there | | Similar Products Used: | marin team downhill, ironhorse sgs, raleigh ram xt 3500, giant ac with a super t | | Bike Setup: | stock 05 7.3 manitou stance up front, swigner 2 way out back | | Bottom Line: | best bang for the buck ive ridden and will take just about anything you can throw at it with an upgraded fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dustin
a Downhiller
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | randall scott | | Strengths: | Awesome looking bike, rear suspension linkage works very well. Mostly good components come stock on bike. | | Weaknesses: | Stock suspension isnt the greatest if you plan on doing anything except the bunny slopes. Could use a chain guide if you do any kind of jumping | | Bike Setup: | 2006 7point3, manitou 6way, manitou travis intrinsic, e13 chain guide | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a good starting point for me to get into the sport without having to spend a $$$$. Same frame is used throughout the 7point series so you can upgrade components as you please. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley Ca.
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | JMP | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1145.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Bottom Line: | After alittle over a month with the 7point3 I've fallen in love. I changed out the rear shox from the stock Metel RP to a RS Pearl Air. Partly because I weight 110 with gear and partly becuase I wanted the adjustablilty. Other than that the bike has been great. Couldnt have asked for better. DW link is awsome. If you are considering buying a FR bike and are tight on cash I dont think you can find a better deal.
Future upgrades: Fork and brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley, California, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Backyard/ JMP | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1145.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Great frame design
Good components
Easy to work on
Looks killer
Instills Confidence
Climbs like a beast
| | Weaknesses: | Entry level Rear shock. Metel R
Front Fork (Drop Off III) is good, but not GREAT. (It probably helps that I weigh 105lbs)
Is a heavy lil bugger at 45 lbs stock | | Similar Products Used: | 03' Bullt with a Boxxer Ride Swinger 6 etc.
00' Norco real plush | | Bike Setup: | Stock with ESI grips
(changed the rear tire to a kenda kenitic to save a little weight) | | Bottom Line: | This is a wonderful bike for the money. The same frame is used all the way up the 7point line. You can upgrade the already preaty good parts as you get better yourself. With a beeft 1.5 head set you can slap on a sick FR fork later on. If you are getting into FR/DH this is a great bike. I can see you buying this bike if your a preaty decent FR'er too. Great buy. I know mech at performance bought one right after I left. (His bike was stolen) Its a good bike I say buy!
I give it 4/5 Value chillies cause of the entry level rear shock. But you can easily upgrade and make it a really sick bike! (my plan) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
clyde
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Rock solid suspension frame, no problems with any componentry so far. At 220lbs that says a lot, as previous suspension bikes especially front shocks gave out after a short period of time. SRAM derailleurs/shifters feel more solid than previous Shimano equipped bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Wierwolf tires wallow in the corners, on pavement or dirt. The uneven knob pattern on the side is the likely culprit. Will upgrade to Kenda Nevegal 2.5s when these are done.
Marzocchi dropoff III has very little tire clearance with the stock 2.5 tires. We'll see how that goes when the rain comes and the clay softens up. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a Specialized FSR, frame creaked and groaned especially if you tried to stand and pedal which also led to excessive bobbing. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2006 with Marzocchi Dropoff III and manitou metel, SRAM X7, Hayes HFX 9. | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike mainly as a super-duty XC bike, despite the weight it climbs well. The DW link can be pedaled standing up with no detectable bobbing, which is nice at times when going uphill. Previously owned bikes required front shock to be replace almost immediately or at least upgraded internally to something that wouldn't bottom out. Once the compression and pre-load air adjustments were setup correctly the dropoff III fork seems adequate, not the smoothest fork out there but OK overall.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Downhiller
from auburn,Ca,USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | DOWNIEVILLE DOWNHILL! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | it can be climbed up short climbs but you really have to be determined, pedaled descent till the cheap 5th element shock blew, goes over rocks like a hurricane goes through lousiana, in the air this bike stays level but dowsnt move around well, it is a fast bike | | Weaknesses: | heavy, 44.6 pounds, shock is cheap and is flat now, corners really stiff, i feel akward on this bike, stays level in air but doing tables and whips is a chore | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky(crap) 7.3 is 5x better | | Bike Setup: | stock except a truvativ holzfeller stem 50mm, old stem was heavy and it stripped and kept loosening, size small | | Bottom Line: | tgis bike was great for the price, the shock blew out but every bike has coponent problems plus it is under warreny so it can be fixed eaisly, it is a great beginner bike and can be climbed, it was fun the ride but i think i will get a 6 inch travel play bike that i can do everything on, i ride downieville a lot so i think a nomad, enduro, 6.6 should be in order.( my 7.3 will be on sale on many websites coming soon so be on the lookout for that) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim tettleton
a Downhiller
from la verne CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mammoth Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bicycles | | Strengths: | good frame, good geometry for dh/fr, brakes work well, rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | weight, stock manitou stance, bottom bracket started to go about 4 months in. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coiler, AC. | | Bike Setup: | replaced the fork with a marzocchi jr t. all else is still stock. | | Bottom Line: | Very good purchae for the money, the manitou stance fork that it came with crapped out after about 7 months, so I replaced it, if buying I would replace the stance off the bat, its heavier than my jr t., less travel, and the rebound did not notceably adjust. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Buchanan
a Downhiller
from Campbell, CA U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Sick and Twisted | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | www.craigslist.com | | Strengths: | All in all, it's a great frame. DW link is fastastic, and despite being a 43 or 44lb. bike, it's steller and climbs better than my SGS Pro... because I'm the only idiot who is stupid enough to XC ride on a 42lb. 2004 Iron Horse SGS Pro. | | Weaknesses: | The 2005 I bought had one of those crappy wrench-only 12mm through-axles. Mine was purchased used and needed some work and tuning, but the stem and handles bars had to go for lighter units. The Hussefelt cranks are apparently weak, because the bike I bought has bent cranks. Otherwise, no real problem. The stock cassette is cheap. Grips are horrible too. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse SGS Pro (previous bike). | | Bike Setup: | Maintou Shermann Break-out, Oury ODI lock-ons, SRAM PC-980 casette, PC-991 Goldlink chain, X7 rear derailer with X9 shifters, Crank Brothers Mallets, S.I.C. Stem with Easton bars, Holzfeller cranks, FSA Downhill 34t single ring, 2.5 Maxxis High Rollers (front and rear), Thompson Seat Post, WTB Saddle, Dangerboy brake levers, front drivetrain (shifter, cabling, derailer) removed, and I'll be putting a Gamut P40 BB-mount guide and bashguard on the bike soon. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, and I got it for filthy cheap. I've put at least a few hundred into it to get it up to par, but I moved a lot of my good and/or high quality upgraded parts from my SGS Pro over to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gino Cavallaro
a Downhiller
from menlo park california usa
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | mammoth lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGOOOOOOOO | | Strengths: | great frame holds up realllllllyyy well doesnt seem like it will ever break but a little heavy but if downhilling it doesnt matter and this thing sucks up everthing you hit and it will take annnnyyything you throw at it and the rims fewwwww those can take alloottt | | Weaknesses: | the fork suckkkkkssss balllssss get a new forkkkkk and other than that its good besides the usual hayes nines its a little heavy and doesnt cruise well on the street and the hubs start to go to crap in a coupl of months | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky deluxe | | Bike Setup: | mavic 729 with saint hubs saint brakes 02 boxxers cane creek reducer headset race face bars and stem maxxis holly rollers | | Bottom Line: | the final story of this bike is that it holds up really well but the stock form isnt the greatest but it just really needs a new fork other than that its a great bike just get a new fork and if you like to cruize on the street alot get a pair of holly rollers cause they will help allott and what ever you do dont buy this bike for 2500 its a waste of money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Meadow Mountain, Minturn,CO | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | PerformanceBike.com | | Strengths: | The bike bombs down everything. Super stable. Climbs like a mountain goat. 5th element Cvt 2 coil works well.
Affordable and tough. | | Weaknesses: | Bike is very heavy, Fork has no external compression adjustment. 5th element CV/t has no compression adjustment. | | Similar Products Used: | None! | | Bike Setup: | Standard 7POINT3 build with clipless pedals and triple chainring setup. Odi Lockon grips. | | Bottom Line: | My initial concerns were the bad reviews on the Stance Flow and the weight. The fork has held up well with no problems so far. Since I am blurring the lines between all mountain and freeride, I replaced the double chainring with a triple. I do lots of climbing on this bike and I will say I wanted to blame the brutality of the climbs on the weight of the bike. 3 months later I am much stronger and can now do all the climbs I could do last summer on a much lighter bike. The bike climbs extremely well on tight singletrack and absolutely bombs on the downhill. The fork and shock have very limited adjustability, a downside. But what do you expect from a $1500.00 bullit proof freeride bike. If you want better specs buy a 7POINT7 or 7POINT9. I have no doubt that these higher models are second to none. I love my 7POINT3. It's burly. You can't buy a better bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wako2
a Downhiller
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any where with large jumps and drops | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Cyclery | | Strengths: | The frame is so strong, it handles like a feather, corners well and is o-so easy to pedal uphill(for a 46 pound bike). The SRAM x.7 shifters and rear derailleur works like magic, they shift much faster than I ever expected, great value for the bucks!!! The Maxxis High Rollers are literally the grippiest tires that I have ever used! They even work on gravel and loose dirt. The tires help the cornering ability very much. The rear shock also performs better than I expected, it soaks up everything that I throw at it, 4 ft drops feel like curbs. The grips are alright... The Funn Soljam Vipers(pedals) are so grippy, they grip all the shoes that I have, unlike the old Azonics that I had. So yeah, there are a ton of strengths... | | Weaknesses: | The fork SUCKS!!! At first I thought the fork was great, but after I started to ride it more I realized how slow it was. It works if you like to hit drops, but not if you like to bunny hop and do dirt jumps. You can't adjust the compression so it is pretty fast and gives up the travel on the fork very quickly. You can adjust the rebound but it doesn't do much, I tried to adjust the rebound but it doesn't feel like it does anything. The Hayes brakes aren't very good either (although it might just be that the brakes aren't broken in yet...). It takes a year just to stop the bike and not only that but you have to put o-so much pressure just to start to stop the bike. I might have over exaggerated on the weaknesses just a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock, but I plan to upgrade soon when I get the money. First I will upgrade the fork. | | Bottom Line: | For one I don't race downhill yet, I am a freerider, but the DH was the closest they had to freeriding. This is a great bike and everyone should get it. Even though the fork and brakes are a little weak the bike still handles like a feather. Great value and is perfect for freeriding and DH. You should get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Camdawg
a Downhiller
from Monterey, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail:</ |
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