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Submitted by
Les Noriel
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$86.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Improved stiffness and eliminated friction caused by plastic bushings. | | Weaknesses: | Although they improved instructions with pictures, the parts list did not have pictures of the parts described. So following instructions required process of elimination to identify which part to install | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 00 Stumpjumper FSR with MRP XRated link, Fox Vanilla R, Manitou Mars | | Bottom Line: | Although these aren't made anymore, if you own a 99-00 +FSR, you need to get one of these. They are still around on eBay.
This modification was incorporated into Specialized FSR in subesquent model years so the concept is sound.
It made a noticeable improvement in the smoothness and functionality of the suspension. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pitt53
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Noble cyn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | smooth ride... what a change | | Weaknesses: | the seat stay link is weak... I had to switch back to OEM bushing. the MRP bearing on seat stay was not tight enough and creating too much play within the link. | | Similar Products Used: | none
| | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR enduro..(yeah that blue, red , white one)Marzocchi Z3.5,salsa moto stem,deor hubs,mavic 223,avid discs, deor crank, phython gold, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I don't know if it's worth it or not. I had performance bike shop install the kit...cost me $30... the kit was $99....OEM bushing $20...OEM rods $20.....reinstall labor $15.....the ride.....priceless.....NOT! I even contacted MRP... they suck!! didn't even return my email or calls. the hell just change the OEM bushing here and there is cheaper I think. This bike is gonna be my second bike now. I'm jsut gonna ride my 2001 big hit for everything. by the way they stop making this kit now... no wonder. I didn't see that much of improvment over OEM new parts. I'm so used to Big Hit's butter smooth sus anyways lol. I would not get it lol. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Great Mills, Md
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | All the ones in Western Wa. state | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Well designed system, smooth travel, outstanding customer service | | Weaknesses: | high maintenance, bushings tend to wear out quickly in muddy/wet conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | '99 FSR-XC M4, XT/XTR, XT discs, IRC Notos tires, Easton monkey lite bars. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent product from an excellent company. Everytime that I have had to deal with them (twice in 1 year), I have had nothing but good service. Great design, however, I will have to mention that the bushing in the shock wore out pretty fast and I have had to replace it once already (I need to replace it again). It is mostly due to the wet and muddy conditions I was riding in. I will also mention that the drop out bearings will still get wet (hence the high maintenance). I recommend a complete tear down of the rear end about 1-2 times a month depending on the conditions. Also, the link will tarnish after a while, but it would be no more than a nuisance to some. For those of you thinking about buying this, I would highly recommend it if what you are looking for is smooth travel and another inch or so. If the maintenance is more than you expected, well it just goes with the territory. I am thoroughly satisfied with my upgrade, the extra travel and smoothness more than make up for the extra maintenance. Besides, I love working on my bike anyhoo. Take care | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Strengths: | good quality parts, easy to install, | | Weaknesses: | none, so far! | | Similar Products Used: | X Factor for FSR-XC Comp | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR-XC Comp w/ WTB 2.4 Mutanoraptors, X Factor and dropout bearing kit, Fox Float R rear and Mars front.. mostly stock so far. | | Bottom Line: | For owners of '99 and '00 FSR's, you gotta have this bearing kit and the X Factor. BIG DIFFERENCE. The back ends of the FSR's are so wobbly. This made everything very tight and the back end nows goes up and down and not so much side to side.
A must have for owners of FSR's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlsbad, CA.
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Noble canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | Mrp website | | Strengths: | Makes your FSR rear end swing as smooth as a baby's butt | | Weaknesses: | 1. Price (i upgrade because i am too poor to buy a new bike) 2. The instructions are crapola (need pictures) 3. Weight 4. Not sure about o'ring seals (look what happened to the space shuttle) | | Similar Products Used: | There is nothing else like it | | Bike Setup: | 97' FSR with the usual stuff in the failed attempt to lighten a sub 8 lb frame | | Bottom Line: | This kit is sweet. Made a night and day difference in the ride quality of my bike. 97' was the El Nino year here in California and it seemed to rain every day i rode, so my bushing quickly worn out. I was cleaning the pivots about every 4 month. After a while i was getting lazy and only cleaned it when the suspension stuck 1/2" from full extension.
For the last 12 years i have worked in the service centers for a bike shop, a scuba shop, a scuba manufacturer, and an ambulatory holter heart monitor manufacturer. I have helped write repair manuals for new products so when i say the instructions could use some illustrations, it would do no harm for Mrp to add a clear picture.
I should have weighed it first but this kit of 8 needle bearings and 6 hardened steel pivots is about 15 times heavier than the nylon and aluminum it replaces. The pivots could have easily been lightened with some minor cuts and it does not have the hex cuts on the inside so i am wondering how in the world i am going to disassemble this later.
When i first rode the bike i just about went over the bars on the first big hit because i was relying on the the stiction for damping. After a few adjustments i was truly amazed at the ride quality.
Bottom line this a must have part for your FSR and if you are waiting for someone else to make a lighter, cheaper kit with better instructions thats like me waiting to marry a super model, not going to happen. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Sultan, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jolly Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | www.mountainspeed.com | | Strengths: | VERY smooth action on the rear of the bike. Quality parts. Great for anyone who wants to really ride a FS bike. | | Weaknesses: | Instructions. I sure could have used some pictures. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Specialized FSR Comp, Zoki Z2 Atom 80, ALL XT components. | | Bottom Line: | This kit made my bike new again. I'm amazed at the difference!!! Part of the directions tell you to remove your rear shock and then manually move the rear of the bike up and down. It took 2 hands. After the upgrade the rear of the bike could be moved with one finger and when I let go it would fall. You can really feel it on the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brandon wendling
a Cross Country Rider
from mobile, AL, usa
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | mrp web site | | Strengths: | sturdy nature of x-link, ride transformation, jealous looks from passing trail riders | | Weaknesses: | i guess fat price is a weakness but i did get my moneys' worth | | Similar Products Used: | is there anything like it... anywhere | | Bike Setup: | fsr xc, float r shock, sxr fork, stylo team crank and bb, xt transmission, avid single digit brakes, thomson seatpost and stem, king headset, stock specialized wheels, performance supretrac tires | | Bottom Line: | my fat 205lb. butt must have tortured the old stock links on my bike. it felt like my end was flopping around like a fish on even the smoothest and slowest of switchbacks or sharp turns. in comes mrp and the solution to my problems. while i can barely notice the increase in travel (i keep 200psi on my rear fork(see above 205lb weight reference)), i do certainly understand what all the hubbub is about concerning ride improvement. i believe quality travel is more important than quantity. the x-link and dropout bearing kit have given me a reason to love my fsr xc again. so much so, that when i recently had a warranty issue with specialized and they had to replace my frame, i was offered a 2001 model frame. i turned it down even though i knew they made a effort to improve the rear end. i begged them to somehow find me a 2000 model frame so i could reuse my mrp x-link and bearings. i used the old don't fix it if it ain't broke theory, and didn't want to chance specialized idea of improvement. remember, specialized old bushing and link idea got me to buy the mrp x-link in the first place. therefore i have some loyalty to mrp for there solution | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Clodfelter
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | TRTP (Close to Home) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountainspeed | | Strengths: | Gets rid of all the slop in the FSR suspension | | Weaknesses: | May wear out shock faster due to greater lever arm and required higher pressure (in my case) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2000 FSR Comp., Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought the X-Rated setup with the dropout bearings. Completely got rid of the rear end slop generated by worn out bushings after 700+ miles. This product is a must for anyone wanting to stiffen up the lateral movement of the rear FSR suspension. I am running about 20 psi higher in the standard Fox Float shock. I am 6'-2" and 210lbs and am running about 160psi, that gets me about the 0.4" of sag and a really good ride. I am using the stock geometry setup on the pivot. Make sure you have some extra cable housing around when you go to install, the rear brake and deraileur need about 1/2" extra.
BUY IT!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gil cretney
a Cross Country Rider
from hayward
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | gilcretney@cs.com | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | on-line msp.com | | Strengths: | It works and it was pretty easy to install | | Weaknesses: | I guess the price could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | M-4 with Psylo SL (new) and all xtr except for the race face cranks | | Bottom Line: | I'm impressed with the tighter rear end action. Had to pump up the pressure in the shock. Also installed the drop out kit. Easy also. Basic tools, a piece of wood and a vice or c-clamp will realllly help. I'm a little confused about the extra travel. I have the stock Fox RC FLoat. I don't understand where the 90mm of new travel comes from compared to the stock 75mm. My wife has a 2001 Superlight and her Fox RC FLoat is a inch longer than the Specialized Stock Fox. Is that where the extra travel could be...if I installed a newer Fox? Would that screw up the geometry of the FSR? Still so many Questions. Any way , like the product and felt REALLY good about the installation (Hour). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Esteban (steve)
a Racer
from NYC
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | ringwood, NJ. plattekill, NY. Mt.Snow, Vt. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | www.sidsbikes.com 34 st off 2nd ave NYC | | Strengths: | x-rated link and bushing upgrade.lateral stiffness silky smooth action, x-tra travel | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Black 2000 fsr m4 xtr brakes levers and drive train cassette xt. X-max tubeless w/hutchinson pythons.
| | Bottom Line: | the upgrade paid off imediately, raced Ringwood race #1 on april 1 2001 got first place sport class master.
w/this kit and the wheel set i smoked the course and cleaned all technical sections and if you know Ringwood NJ. you know this place is no joke!!
Drop out link on back order. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel S.
a Weekend Warrior
from San Pablo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any and All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | MRP | | Strengths: | Immediate noticable feel in suspension performance; increases FSR's rear travel; makes your bike look sweet! | | Weaknesses: | A bit expensive; instructions aren't that detailed. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock FSR linkage. | | Bike Setup: | '00 Specialized S-Works M4 FSRxc w/MRP X-Rated Link Kit and Drop-Out Bearings; misc. upgrades throughout bike. | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike even more with this upgrade and can't wait 'til my next ride! It took me awhile to put it together and figure out the instructions (they weren't that hard to figure out, but I'm a novice mechanic), but after installing everything the bike felt immediately smoother. You'll notice alot of stiction in the drop-out area with the stock bushings. My bike rocks even more on the trail and looks alot cooler! 1-chili off for being a bit expensive, but I would recommend this product if you own an FSR. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | 501 Crested Butte, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | MRP website | | Strengths: | This review is for the X-Link only. I didn't buy the dropout bearings yet.Difference between stock link and x-link felt immediately. Better overall suspension feel. Silky over the little stuff, and I could definitely feel the extra travel over the rough stuff. I loved my FSR when it was stock, but now the link takes it to another level. Highly recommended. | | Weaknesses: | Little slow on delivery from MRP, but I ordered it right when the MTB Action article came out and they must have been inundated with orders because it took almost a month to finally arrive. Alternate shock mount lays the geometry back and for me it felt uncomfortable and "out of whack" All that extra movement may work that weak Fox Vanilla air shock into submission. Mine's been losing 20psi per ride. | | Similar Products Used: | None, but did hear Risse making a similar product. | | Bike Setup: | 1999 FSR XC comp, 2000 Zoke atom 80, XT shifters, XTR brakes, stock drive train, Mavic and King wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking to spend $160 bucks on cranks or drivetrain or whatever, stop and reconsider spending the cash on this link. Its a drastic change from stock, and the difference is felt on the first ride. Installation is a 45 minute process that didn't require any special tools, although they say use a vice. Customer service from MRP was good, they even return emails. Kind of pricy, but for less than $200 its a large return on investment. Great product so far can't wait to take it to Pisgah and Tsali and give it a good lashing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blanco
a
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | San Juan Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$149.00 | | Purchased At: | MRP | | Strengths: | Without the upgrade my suspension felt like a sticky 2 inches of squeaky travel. Now it feels like 3.5" of smooth stictionless full bodied travel. Improves the lateral stability of the entire rear-end (buy the dropout upgrade too).
Installation took me about 45 minutes or so (it was a breeze). | | Weaknesses: | I guess you could sat price, but look at it this way... I spent $175 bucks on an upgrade instead of a few thousand dollars on a new frame... | | Bike Setup: | 2000 M4 FSR S-Works, XTR 9 speed drivetrain, XTR brakes, Mavic 517 Ceramic wheels, Wild Gripper Comp S tires, RaceFace Team SL headset, Thompson seatpost, RaceFace stem, SDG saddle, Shimano pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I don't feel like I'm riding an outdated full suspension technology anymore. This upgrade doesn't convert your FSR into a cliff dropping free-ride bike, but definitely inspires a more aggressive riding approach because you can use all 3.5" of travel without any performance degradation... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, south
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Table Mountain/Charcoal | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Keps your rear nd on the trail! | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Bike Setup: | 2000 FSR xc pro, sid, race face next lp's, XTR Blah Blah Blah | | Bottom Line: | I have spent a lot of money on performance upgrades. This is by far the most significant prformance enhancemnt you can get. Forget the cost and forgt the wieght. This link kicks ass! Ride hard and take chances! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
xerxes
a Cross Country Rider
from Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Manana | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This review is for the X-rated link for FSR-XCs. Easy to install. Works. Eliminates stiction in all pivots (with drop out pivot bearings...another $25.00). Rear end is very solid now. Hooks up on bumpy corners and uphill. New link increases travel by 14 mm and allows head angle adjustment from stock to one degree slacker. | | Weaknesses: | Machining looks a little rough, but not bad. High cost. | | Similar Products Used: | Just the stock bushings and link. | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Stumpjumper FSR-XC. Fully upgraded: X-Vert Air, RaceFace turbine, Thomson stem and post, MonkeyLite Low Rise Bar, XTR, custom Valiant wheelset, Spec. Teams, Avid Ultimates, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Though pricey, the kit is complete when ordered with the drop out pivot bearings. Installed in a few hours, but could have been faster if I was in a hurry. Instructions are complete and come with photos. Any competent mechanic can do it with no problems and any rider can do it with thought and proper tools. The difference is palpable as soon as you get on the bike and ride in the rough. Back end is very stable with zero flex. Biggest improvement is in cornering where the rear end just hooks up like it has suction cups. Stutter bumps are taken with no drama whatsoever. Stiction has disappeared. As mentioned by another reviewer, when you take the bike apart for the install you will notice a TON of stiction, especially in the drop out pivots. After installation, the thing is floppy like a wet noodle. Translation: this kit lets the shock do its work without stickiness! Hard impacts remain the same, but those little bumps just disappear. I love it. Weight penalty is insignificant. For the weight weenies, here are some numbers:
MRP X-Rated link and bearing kit: 163 grams
MRP Drop Out Pivot bearing kit: 35 grams
Total: 198 grams
Weight of stock parts removed: 71 grams
Net added weight: 127 grams or
4.5 oz.
This quarter pound net gain is well worth it and can be easily recovered with lighter tubes or whatever. Just for the record, the stock link weighed 42 grams and the new link weighs 94 grams. Both values are without bearings/bushings installed. I highly recommend this kit to FSR riders. I have no experience with the other kits available, but I can say that I got this kit on the recommendation of my Specialized LBS mechanic who told me that all the guys he works with who have FSRs (five guys) installed this kit and are very happy with it too. I downgraded the value to 4 chilis because of the high cost. If the machining was pristine, like a Thomson, I would have given it 5 chilis for value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rev ART
a Weekend Warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | See review below | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Speed | | Strengths: | See review below | | Weaknesses: | See below | | Bottom Line: | Just got off the phone with Mountain Speed, YOU CAN GET EACH LINK SEPERATLY!!! Now I can take my time and put the last link in without being an idiot and breaking bolts. Seat stay replacement kit is only $30.00, pretty cheap considering I nearly blew a gasket at my own stupitity and thought I'd be tossing out another $130.00 for a complete 99-00 kit. I'll have to give them the highest rating possible, because they've hooked me up so far. Now all I need is the long travel kit.
Remember, take your time installing these. I've learned from my mistake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rev ART
a Weekend Warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | F Gilbert, Borderland, Killington, Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Speed | | Strengths: | Smoooooooth, fairly easy install | | Weaknesses: | Don't think you can buy link/bearing replacements individually | | Similar Products Used: | Stock bushings | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Rockhopper FSR A1 comp, 98 Manitou X-vert Dual crown | | Bottom Line: | These things are a great idea, Specialized just started putting bearings in their 2001 line up. I had a problem with the seat stay link, one bolt broke off, the last one going in (I should have known better, but it was late and I wanted to finish). I had a nightmare of a time getting that link apart and had to use the old bushings in that pivot.
Other than my stupidity, install was quick and easy especially since I only needed the kit for 3 pivots (I hear the main pivot in a pain). Even with the drop out and link pivot bearings, this thing is smooth as silk. I'll have to call Mtn Speed on Monday to see if I can get one link seperately (I'll update my post with rave reviews if I can) or if I have to buy a new kit. I can't hold my own blunder against them, but they could probably have kept the price under $100.00.
Finally, If you have a pre-2001 FSR and want the first upgrade to spend money on, get this kit. Learn from my mistake and take your time putting it in. I'll know better when I need to replace these, because I plan on keeping this bike for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
damian
a Cross Country Rider
from laguna hills, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | too many to choose a favorite! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Speed | | Strengths: | Quality is great! The supplied tools make the install a breeze. Nice fit on all pivots. Everything fit so well. | | Weaknesses: | Some diagrams would help with the install but the directions are clear. Anyone with mechanical experience could perform the install. | | Similar Products Used: | Crappy stock bushings. Once the bearings were in I laughed at the difference. | | Bike Setup: | FSR Xtrm w/Judy Race fork. Stock RS CPE DLX rear shock, wonder how long that'll work now that it really has to. | | Bottom Line: | The kit is expspensive. The quality and the results are worth it. Have it installed if your in doubt. I give it four chilis due to price but five because it fit so dam good!
What a difference!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilroy,CA USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Demonstration Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Cupertino Bikeshop | | Strengths: | Does everything it says it suppose to do. Much plusher ride with an inch more in travel. SEALED Bearings much superior to the bushings that came on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Bit heavier than stock, but well worth the weight addition | | Bike Setup: | 2000 FSR Stumpjumper Pro XC | | Bottom Line: | What a GREAT upgrade! Right away my rear suspension bottomed out with my old settings. So I pumped it up another 30 lbs to 160 psi (I'm 150 lbs). With an inch more travel and no resistance compared to the old bushings, my FSR has transformed into a great descending machine. It's not a Freeride or downhill bike, but it's made an excellant bike into a Great bike. I highly recommend this upgrade. It's a lighter version of an Intense Tracer. Although it looked pretty straight forward on the installation, I had my LBS install it. I didn't want to mess with installing it incorrectly and messing up my bike in some way. Besides, I didn't have the correct tools to install it.
This upgrade will transform your bike into a better machine. I went through familiar singletrack descents and can do them much quicker and in much more control. Descending is SMOOTH compared to what it once was. A bit pricy, but well worth it. I hear Specialize now has sealed bearings in all it's newer 2001 bikes. After the upgrade, I can see why. Only question is, why didn't Specialize do this from the start? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Speed web sight | | Strengths: | Good after market upgrade for FSR's | | Weaknesses: | Product support. The guy I emailed and called told me my 2000 Enduro had bushings and that I should upgrade (while I was buying a new rear spring). So I do. Find out 2000 enduros are FULL BEARINGS. Go to return it and I will be chared 15% restocking and out shipping both ways. Even though he admitted he didn't know about the bike itself to begin with. He just assumed it was bushings. That sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Enduro sealed Bearings | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Enduro FSR's are FULL BEARINGS!!!!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | If you have one of the FSR Enduros YOU DON'T NEED THIS KIT. No matter what the "tech" guy tells you.
Any other FSR, this is a must but customer service is where modern buisness is positioned. Mountain Speed screwed me on that.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from somewhere in MA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$168.00 | | Purchased At: | Through the web at Mountainspeed! | | Strengths: | The bearing kit is awesome! What the FSR was meant to be! | | Weaknesses: | Price...WOW! | | Similar Products Used: | FSR stock linkage. | | Bike Setup: | 98 FSR Comp, Rhino Lyte rims with WTB hubs, Race Face Low Riser bar...and the best damn pedals in the world...Time ATAC! | | Bottom Line: | Worth the money but...come on guys, hire a tech writer for eight hours and do something about those directions! I'm mechanically inclined and it still took me 4 hours! If you want to extend the life of your FSR...buy em! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Manchester, England
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Transforms FSR rear end | | Weaknesses: | Eye watering price in this country | | Similar Products Used: | Standard (ug) | | Bike Setup: | FSR Elite, Hope discs, Stratos MX6 fork | | Bottom Line: | Really really expensive in UK, but transforms bike.
No more stick, just smooth travel.
All pivot bearings easy to replace of shelf, except for Main Pivot bearings.
So convinced, I am not going to trade in bike, but going back to Mountianspeed for long travel kit!!
MegaBucks!!!
But cheaper than a new bike!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas (Feerider)
a Cross Country Rider
from Dale City, Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any in Cuba | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Needle-bearings vice plastic bushings -- no brainer there! | | Weaknesses: | Weighs more, but then it's like comparing riding a bike with a suspension fork vice riding a bike with a rigid fork. Something weighs more than nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock bushings | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR Expert, all XTR, SID XL fork, Mtnspeed FSR Horst Link upgrade kit w/Stratos Helix Expert rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I'm the 10th Reviewer for this product, and I must say that these bearings are a MUST!!! The French guy either installed it improperly or simply just got that one-in-a-million lemon products.
I can't imagine why Specialized doesn't sell these stock on the bike. The alternative stock bushings are a JOKE!!
As for installation, the two non-wrench-turnin' people who said they were tough to install must be just plain stupid. These things were a breeze to install. Just READ and take your time. Any moron can install them.
As for the price, hey, it's worth it. There are only four alternatives: (1) whine and complain and ride your FSR with the sucky stock bushings. (2) buy an Intense Uzzi or Tracer (and oh by the way pay MORE as well), (3) stick to hardtails, or (4) stay a pedestrian.
These things are awesome! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah crary
a Downhiller
from S.B., Ca
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tunnel | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It makes your bike better! Smooth action. No god awful squeaking after a wet ride | | Weaknesses: | Hard to install the main pivot, everything else is a snap. Heavy yes, but I don't care, I'm a DH'er. | | Similar Products Used: | bushings (yech) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou xvert ti, mtn speed 6" kit, MRP, MRP brake adapter | | Bottom Line: | I have no Prob just giving 1/3 of my paycheck every month for my life to MTN speed for making my bike so much better. It sounds like the last poster forgot what bike maintenance was and didn't tighten his bolts (lol)I was going to sell this bike because it didn't track good, didn't have a disc mount and not enough travel. MRP solved each problem beautifully, I give them 5 flaming burritos for kicking a$$! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LAURENT ZANELLA
a Racer
from FRANCE
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | ski ressort | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | really plush, very good rear tracking | | Weaknesses: | start to work loose after 2 months | | Similar Products Used: | standard plastic bushes | | Bike Setup: | 98 FSR comp | | Bottom Line: | The price for this kit is really on the heavy side but anyway I was decided to try it on my 98 FSR comp. Indeed I was not satisfy with the original bushes: to much striction when new, the rear was starting to be plush when the bushes were worn out, and then the tracking was bad.
I ordered it on the manufacturer internet site because I'm living in France. One week after I received it and half a day after it was on my bike. The first 2 months were glorious. The rear was so plush, the tracking so good. It was like having a new bike. But after these 2 months, the whole rear started to work loose:good-bye good tracking. Indeed there was some play between the needle bearings and the hardened axles at every pivots. The bike became unridable due to his lack of tracking. And don't think I ride it in mud and water. It was 2 sunny months, and I grease the whole things on a regular basis.
Anyway I had to put back some standard bushes.
So I can't recommanded this expensive kit to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Gleason
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Scioto | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Superior design, outstanding bearings, no more need to break down the whole rear end every ride | | Weaknesses: | Expensive, poor directions need pictures | | Similar Products Used: | Stock assed bushings | | Bike Setup: | 98 FSR Expert. Coda Brakes (yep Coda), Zoke 2K Z3 air 100, race face Next LP crank, Stratos Helix Pro rear shock w/ lockout, Xt/XTR shift combo, Action Tec ti bb | | Bottom Line: | This is a very well thought out kit. It only took me an hour to do the whole thing, the biggest pain was the main pivot because of o ring placement. I orginally got my stratos rear shock with a 900psi spring, it was way too stiff and barely moved. After installing the bearing kit, it's the perfect spring, with the perfect sag. If you are a heavier rider, you may need to upgrade your spring, to a rate 50-100lbs heavier because of the frictionless pivots. Some concern about the o-ring seals, but time will tell. I would have preferred cartride bearting, but hey, I'm extremely please. I was so happy when I threw the old teflon bushings into the garbage can. No more squeaks, and it's like a whole new bike, very, very plush. P.S. I've tried Rock Shox delux (junk), and Cane Creek AD-10 (o.k. for a lighter rider, no lockout), the the Stratos Helix Pro is the best shock I've put on this bike. Yeah it's heavier, but it's BOMB proof. Feel free to email me about installation of the bearings, or shocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Qdog
a Downhiller
from Saratoga, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | tahoe chair lifts | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | It made the biggest difference in plushness. I can move the rear end with a toothpick!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | stock bushings(they suck) | | Bike Setup: | X vert R, Hayes, Ryhno Lites, missles,full XTR | | Bottom Line: | If you want a plush rear end spend the 150 bucks and get hella smooth travel! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse
a Downhiller
from brooklyn NY
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | much better than stock plastic junk. | | Weaknesses: | price | | Bike Setup: | 99 fsr comp, z1 QR20, berring kit. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it! Have the LBS install it. This Kit adds some weight, but i havent noticed it. Swing link is next! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Orange Co., CA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Laguna Downhill | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Works great, low maintenance, well thought out instructions and packaging | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Stock bushings | | Bike Setup: |
98' FSR Elite | |
|
$ 159.00
