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Submitted by
robtre
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | John Muir | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Crank Daddy's | | Strengths: | For the weekend warrior its a great value it can take anything you throw at it. Sturdy shocks both front and rear, Brakes are great, great climber. | | Weaknesses: | Compared to other bikes at this level its heavy. I am not impressed by the shifters I will be upgrading to SRAM. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic Comp 2006, Rockhopper 2007 | | Bike Setup: | All stock parts for now, end bars for climbing. | | Bottom Line: | For my level of riding I love this bike. I am going to ride hard and hopefully get a lot better. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a
from NY
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Joe Fix Its | | Strengths: | The feel, smoothness | | Weaknesses: | Not a US product, Rear Shock | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow on review for the FSRxc Comp I got my hands on.
I still find it an EXCELLENT bike and I am happy I bought it.
I replaced the pedals with SPDs and will upgrade to XTR once I get out of Iraq. I added bar ends for climbs (I just like the feel of them better). I also changed out the stock tires, which I found lacking in traction for Panaracer Fire XC Pros. I also threw a water bottle cage on there for racing.
The biggest upgrade is that I special ordered a Fox/Specialized Triad RS to replace the X Fusion one, which I found to be unresponsive. The Triad only cost me a little over $200 through my LBS, a great deal (close to $400 MSRP). It is VERY hard to find a 1.6 x 7.0 RS for that bike. However, putting a non-Specialized RS on there voids the warranty. Also, they recommend against putting anything but a 1.6 x 7.0 on the bike. I also wanted Pro-Pedal
I am also looking at throwing a Fox F RLC (100mm) fork on there, to make it a more competitive racer, but I am very, very happy with it up right now.
It has taken quite a beating in crashes and being lugged from one point to another, but it has held up amazingly well (even the paint!)
A great bike.
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Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Renaissance park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | private seller | | Strengths: | Good components, especially for the price I paid; great climber for a FS, the brakes are excellent, the tires are very good, and I don't really notice the weight on the trail. Looks fantastic | | Weaknesses: | Weight; grips suck; stock pedals not my preference | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Kona Dawg, 99 Rockhopper (steel, SS, ~24lbs) | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock 2007 FSRxc Comp: Rock Shox Recon 355, X-Fusion 02RC shock, Avid Juicy 3, XT rd, Deore everything else, Crank Bros Eggbeater pedals | | Bottom Line: | I got lucky and got this bike virtually brand new for the above price. At that price point, it is a fantastic bike, and my first FS. Once I got the shock dialed it, I rarely touch it. I can still climb very well, and bombing downhill is a blast. The bike handles very well, and I find myself taking turns at scary speeds (for me anyway). The drivetrain works flawlessly, and I am constantly amazed at the performance of modern, quality hydraulic discs. The stock tires seem to be a good compromise of grip and rolling resistance. I'll be changing the grips soon. I'm very happy I got a 2007 instead of the 08, as I like the component specs much more, and saved a bundle. Eventually I'll drop some weight with a quality wheelset and lighter bar, stem, and seatpost, but honestly, it doesnt feel that heavy on the dirt. I notice the weight on climbs of course, especially compared to my 24lb SS hardtail, but its not nearly as heavy as the Kona Dawg, and handles single track much better. Overall, its a great XC bike for less than $1500. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Michaux | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountainside Ski and Sports | | Strengths: | The juicy threes and the rear shock.Im 6'1" 180lbs the bike just fits very well.And climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | The paint!!! | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale rush and haro sonix. The FSRxc just fit me better. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for egg beaters and a race xxx lite bar and truvativ team carbon seat post. FOR NOW!!! | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a great full suspension bike for not an arm and a leg this is it. Its handles fast it climbs its got good components and it looks great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Avendano
a Weekend Warrior
from anaheim
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | fullerton loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ONE WHEEL ONE PLANET | | Strengths: | the bike is an awesome down hill bike, it handles very well. ive never had problems with stability control coming down hill. its very fast thats for sure. | | Weaknesses: | i did have some problems riding up hill. the bike chain did skip frequently, but have made the adjustments. mechanic adjusted rear deariler and adjusted the chain. | | Similar Products Used: | ive used a giant hard tail before, worked very well, its a different ride when you have full suspension you will have a drag and will have to put more effort on the ride up hill. adjustment to have a better ride up hill if heaver than 200 pnds will be a lock out on rear gear. | | Bike Setup: | bike set up is stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line the bike is an excellent down hill bike, it is very fast and handles very well. the brakes are awesome as long as you keep maintence on them, the stop very well. suspension is cool i would change the front fork based on my weight but if you weigh under 190 you should be cool. the bike did have some chain skiping but it can be fixed with rear deariler adjustments. i do recomend changing gear wire, i just changed to spring it is awesome quick gear change. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alberto Ignacio Mannil
a Downhiller
from Caracas, Venezuela.
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Heredia Dh, Costa Rica | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mibici | | Strengths: | can't go wrong with specialized, the frame is very high quality. Components, though not the best, they aren't bad. The X Fusion rear shock? amazing! i've used the bike on Downhill and Freeride trails weekly for around 3 months. the rear shock, has bottomed out almost every day on the usual 4 feet drops and the casual 6 feet drop. the front shock, a rockshox Tora. i blew the lockout. but i guess thats not the frame's fault. rims are not the best quality. i bent the front one, but the rear one has held up a lot of abuse! great geometry! the paint is awesome. i've chipped some of it when it scratches against metal, usually in the bed of my pick up truck. during falls and crashes on the trail the paint has withstand a hell lot of abuse! overall great xc bike! | | Weaknesses: | brakes are definitely a weakness. i'd be happy to see at least mechanical disc brakes... V-brakes arent that good compared to the actual disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | No double suspension XC bikes, only hardtails and All Mountains. | | Bike Setup: | stock, excepto for stem (changed it to a 60mm), front rims, crankbrothers 5050 platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | if you're looking for a weekend bike that wont be using more than 3 days a week and want the comodity of a double suspension rig. Go for it..! Its directed toward the XC crowd. if you change the brakes for some disc brakes you can definitely use it as an all mountain bike... ive done drops and jumps, weekly on this bike and it can take all of the abuse!
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Ontario
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great value for the price. High-end parts but not over the top. | | Weaknesses: | I was worried about the rear shock, but its a solid performer. just keep a pump around... The only upgrade I would suggest is a better set of tiers - I put on Panaracer fire XC pros with light tubes and got a much better response in both grip and handling . | | Similar Products Used: | I tested out the stumpy and the higher end FSRs as well as a few Konas and other comparable bikes, also some hard tales. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded: Rims - Mavic 717/ tires - Panaracer fire XC pro /spokes - DT swiss /front hub - Hope Pro II and a few other minor upgrades like the chain and of-course some in the works.. | | Bottom Line: | What I think overall:
No bells and whistles or gimmicks. Just a good solid dual suspension bike. Great for an avid biker or a weekend warrior but not for a pro, super hardcore, highly experienced biker. Great first or long overdue second upgrade to dual suspension.
What I think about the stock parts:
I had concerns about the rear shock, but for me it has been a solid performer... there isn't as much response as I would like. It is a cheap shock, yet still surprisingly good. The Avid Juicy 3's and the huge discs on the bike provide ample stopping power and inspire confidence in your stopping ability with out going overboard. The crankset seems very solid as do the gears, and shifters, all of the drive-train components really are fine. However there is at times some chain slippage. I put bit of chain-oil on before every second or third ride (I should probably be doing this anyway). I also upgraded my chain when I had the bike in for a late season tune-up and have had no real problems since. The front fork is a really solid fork, great response and no problems with bottoming out on hard landings (I may upgrade to a lighter Fox fork if I decide to start racing, but I think its unnecessary if I'm not racing). The wheelset seems is fine to start out with, but I do feel that they are a weak point on the bike, it guess hard to get a good wheelset without spending a lot of money. I would highly recommend changing out the stock tires, it really makes a big difference.
What I think about the Frame, Build and Value:
As usual Specialized puts forth a high quality, well thought-out, appropriately priced product. The geometry just feels right, and sitting on the bike makes me want to go fast through some rugged terrain. Although a lot of bikes do elicit those type of feelings, not many do it for this price, and fewer do it with a list like the FSR xc's, of quality parts. You can look at the stumpy and of course a few other models and brands, as well, there's plenty to choose from. But if you have a budget and you need to stick to it, this bike should defiantly be on you list to test ride.
What I think about the ride:
This bike really does ride like a much more expensive bike, its very responsive and handles very well. It really does climb like a mountain goat, and it can handle steep downhill sections with out making you feel that you're about to go over the handlebars. It a real joy to ride, and if you have some good single track, or even some light stunts this bike can handle them. If you're a north shore, big hits, and stunts rider this isn't your bike. But if you're thinking you might want to do a bit of fun XC racing (its not a highly competitive bike), some light to difficult single track trails and have a bit of fun on some stunts and drops this bike might be for you.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glen
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood CO
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Green Mountain, Deer Creek Canyon, Keystone | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Large brakes, bang for the buck, the brakes, strong frame, xt dérailleur, and did I mention the brakes? | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new Salsa S.U.L. stem and Continental Explorer tires | | Bottom Line: | I couldn't find a better deal for the money. I wanted a lock out rear shock for climbing since I rode a hardtail before and things like the Juicy 3 hydro discs but for the price no other brand could match it. The components are what drew me to the bike. After my first ride going down a steep hill I understood why hydro discs are praised all the time. With 8" rotors (203mm) upfront they are simply amazing. It took me a while to get accustomed to a full suspension while climbing and the rear lock shock helps. The stock tires left a lot of traction to be desired out here in the dry hard pack, so I put on a set of Continental Explorer Protection's and they have been a lot better. Also I felt a bit stretched out so I changed the stem for a Salsa S.U.L. with 25 degree rise and I am more comfortable now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gianni
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | good specs/bang for the buck, reasonable weight, nice ride, both up and down the trail | | Weaknesses: | not shure about the rear shock (I'm 6.1', 240 lbs) | | Similar Products Used: | Coming from a Kona HT. I'm looking for a full susser and tested the following bikes to date: Specialized FSR XC Comp, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp, Cannondale Rush 4, Kona Kikapu Deluxe (2k5) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | For comparison/information, the weights (digital bike scale at LBS) of the tested (stock) bikes were:
- Specialized FSR XC Comp (L) = 29.8 lbs (MSRP $1600)
- Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp (L) = 28.7 lbs (MSRP $2200)
- Cannondale Rush 4 (L) = 28.9 lbs (MSRP $3173)
- Kona Kikapu Deluxe (2k5, 20") = 30.9 lbs (MSRP $1599)
The Specialized FSR XC and the Stumpjumper FSR share +/- the same geometry, thus the ride/feel on both bikes was pretty much the same. I didn't care too much for the ergonomics of the SRAM shift levers on the Stumpy, especially for shifting the gears up and down, and liked the Shimano shift levers of the FRS XC better. The same for the F/D and R/D. But that's a personal preference and I'm just used to the Shimano stuff.
If you don't care for the 1 lbs weight difference and the Fox fork on the Stumpy, the FSR XC is pretty similar and offers a lot of bang for the buck.
Cannondale:
The Rush was a very nice bike. Single pivot = less maintenance. Didn't find much of a disadvantage/difference compared to the 4-bar linkage design of Specialized. I liked the Rush better than the Specialized Stumpjumper since the shift levers, F/D, R/D etc. are Shimano, but the price difference compared to both the Stumpy and especially the FSR XC is very steep, with no particular advantages both in terms of weight/specs compared to the FSR XC except for the lefty fork. The FRS XC had even the better brakes (bigger rotors).
Kona:
Similar spec'd as the FSR XC, LBS would make a good price. Although the heaviest bike of the bunch, there was no big difference in terms of pedal efficency. Maybe it took a bit more effort on climbs. Otherwise nice bike, but somewhat average/unspectacular looking compered to both Cannondale/Specialized.
Bottom line: I'm not decided yet as I want to test some Santa Cruz models before I decide, but as for now, I think that for a new, 2007 model full suspension bike, the FSR XC Comp offers the best in terms of value and ride quality for somebody who's using the bike for CC, trails etc.. The Stumpy is OK, but honestly I was a bit surprised that the weight difference was only 1 lbs. With Cannondale's Rush model, I think it's better go for the frame and build up a bike to your specs since the stock bikes come with components that are a bit sup-par for the price of the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Calhelha
a Weekend Warrior
from Germany
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | "The Holy Land" Newburgh, NY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Joe Fix Its, Goshen NY | | Strengths: | Lightweight, stable, responsive. | | Weaknesses: | Not made in the US. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | All stock, but I will put my SPD pedals on it. | | Bottom Line: | This is by far, the best bike I have ever ridden. Where my old bike used to toss me off like riding a bull, this bike seems to be loath to even stop. It drives itself.
The tires have great grip. I have had no problems with roots, rocks, gravel or leaves. It corners fantastically. I don’t like the stock pedals to much, my feet keep bumping off, but I will upgrade to my SPD pedals as soon as I get this thing home. I do not plan on any other upgrades, as the stock components are pretty good.
I rode with a friend who had a Cannondale Prophet, and the FSR outperformed it on everything, especially climbing.
Would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a MTB to take them places.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
omer ahmed
a Weekend Warrior
from bristol
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | afan forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light and agile, with low cenre of gravity for rapid direction changes. The suspention both front and rear is a peach. It works so well. The small- medium hit performance is excellant. The accleration is top notch as well. My avid juicey 3 are magnificant. let me tell you guys some thing if you like your brakes to come on with little lever travel. what you do is squeeze the breakes as hard as you can. the caliper flexes and more fluid flows to the compansation reserviour and lever bite point changes. clever hay | | Weaknesses: | rock shox recon are good, but i wish o could afford some coil forks. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz nomad, marin mount vision | | Bike Setup: | mavic crossrrides 2007 disc's and shimano 647's | | Bottom Line: | Top kit, you can bomb down trails and single track like a demon. it is an absolute hoot. with this bike you can bee a speed demon and also improve your ride as it tests you, and encourage you not to be slack.
whata bike for 1500 dollars. the best think i ride under 2000.
the avid 3 are so good i decided not to get hope moto V2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
colin
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | llandegla | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | wheelies | | Strengths: | lightweight ,good climber | | Weaknesses: | rear wheel | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all stock except respoked wheels | | Bottom Line: | this was an insurnce replacement from wheelies direct in swansea.it is my first full sus so am no xpert ,so far its peformed well uphill and downhill although the bmx pedals i fitted wewe catching alot on the trails,ive upgraded to spds and the prob has now all but disappeared ,the big problem ive had is with the wheels .ive had numerous broken spokes on back wheel and have now had them all changed to steel under warranty so hope fully this will resolve situation.wheelies in swansea were very good on customer care with no problems with warranty issues and would reccomend them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from North Yorkshire
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | singletrack (Glentress red and black routes) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2170.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelies | | Strengths: | All day comfort, great brakes, best saddle yet, quick and easy to set up suspension with v little fuss. Feels 'just right' as soon as you sling a leg over it. | | Weaknesses: | May experiment with a slightly shorter stem as I would prefer it to be just slightly quicker steering. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 1000 XC | | Bike Setup: | '07 stock | | Bottom Line: | What a fantastic bike. Had first proper ride on it yesterday (at Ae in the Scottish borders - which I can highly recommend). Was out with my (much fitter) mate who was riding his Ti hardtail. I started the day exhausted (long week at work + bit of a sore throat, etc.) but was able to keep up with him all the way round - which is very much due to how good the bike is!
The trails there are pretty much all singletrack (and bone dry for a change) with a predominantly rough and rocky surface (my mate picked up 3 pinch punctures!) making for fairly brutal going a lot of the time and yet I feel up for another ride today!
I've just come from an 11 year relationship with my old GT and I can tell you that full suspension has really moved on in that time!
Enough rambling on and down to specifics:
Brakes - the Avid Three brakes are absolutely fantastic (much better than the various Hope brakes I've used). They offer a rediculous amount of stopping power whilst also offering good modulation. Can't emphasise just how good they are!
Saddle - an unexpected gem! I have been trying to find a comfy saddle all my riding life (30 years +) and, quite by chance, this is it. Finished the ride and although my legs had had enough my bum & 'undercarriage' felt as fresh as when I'd started out! Brilliant!
Gears - what can I say, they work perfectly and reliably 99% of the time. The other 1% of the time was when I had chainsuck changing from middle to small up front. Happened twice in the whole ride but I hope this doesn't become any more frequent. This may jsut be a 9-speed thing? Will keep an eye on this.
Wheels - a nicely built pair of wheels with light yet large tyres that soak up the trail and grip it in equal amounts. Nothing flashy about these wheels but they inspire confidence and I fully expect they'll ride straight and true, coping with lots of abuse, for a very long time. Tyres great in the dry but may need a swap for wetter, muddier UK riding.
Forks - Rock Shox Recon - what can I say, minimal setup required, add a bit of preload (which I ended up backing off again later), dial in a bit of rebound damping, compression damping didn't require adjusting and that was it. They performed flawlessly. So much better than my Marzocchi MX Comps. Very stiff, no fore/aft flutter at all, very supple, even on the first ride, and capable of soaking up big hits.
Rear shock - super easy to setup (although a good shock pump helps). Just use the sag measuring tool and adjust air pressure to get the sag right. Then set rebound and compression damping. Having initially set this up I only tweaked the damping adjustment once (I'm very happy to have active suspension and not the kind of rider to be forever locking out suspension on the fly - although this can be done very easily). The rear shock, like the front, just performs super competantly; it soaks up everything but in a very understated way. It soaks up both smaller chatter and huge hits.
Frame (+ overall performance) - what a bike! Straight out of the box and ready to ride. As soon as you sling a leg over it everything about it just feels right. They front and rear suspension is extremely well matched and both carry out their duties, on the harshest of trails, extremely competently and despite XC length travel (100mm at both ends) you never seem to truly run out of travel - must be down to very cunningly progressive shock setup.
The front end of this bike inspires confidence, oversize bars linking through to super stiff forks to give a super solid front end. Combined with such awesome braking power this is a confidence inspiring combo.
For a first ride I am VERY impressed. Everything works perfectly (the occasional chainsuck being the only fly in the ointment). It inspires and enables fast riding over harsh, rocky singletrack whist keeping you isolated from all the brutality the unsuspended parts of the bike are putting up with.
I can't wait to go ride it again!!! :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Bizzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehi, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Canyon Bicycles Draper ,UT | | Strengths: | Full suspension. Complete Shimano drivetrain. Styling and Comfort. | | Weaknesses: | Non yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper '06. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Just like anything else in life you get what you pay for. After shopping around for different brands I felt that you got the most bang for your buck with the FSR XC Comp. After coming off of a hard tail (Specialized Rockhopper) I felt all the differences of full suspension. The disc brakes also have mad stopping power. If you are in or around the $1500 price range check out the FSR XC Comp. Although you do not get the Fox triad shock, you do have the option of tuning the Specialized shock to minimize bobing when climbing. I love it so far! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tsali, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Outback Bikes | | Strengths: | This is my first bike with a suspension and overall I like the bike | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur/chain. I wish all the reviews about this problem were up when I bought this bike. My chain broke in half riding on street last weekend, and I've had to take it to the shop several times for shifting problems and derailleur adjustments on the front. The hesitation on changing gear on the front derailleur has caused the chain to come of several time making me bang my knees on the handlebars. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Stock. | | Bottom Line: | All in all I like the bike. I've had the bike for about a year and ride it mostly on the streets and intermediate trails. I've only been on the trails about five time in the year I've owned it. I'm frustrated by constantly having to take it to the shop for the shifting issue. I suppose I'll upgrade the derailleur, and I'm already getting an upgraded chain since mine broke.
I'm now maybe wishing I'd bought the Stumpjumper with the higher end components, but I assumed a 1,300 dollar bike would have some nice components on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
X3D Media
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco CA 94112
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt Tam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bikes | | Strengths: | Great Bike for the price. Can upgrade | | Weaknesses: | Cheap parts especially shocks. 31 lbs | | Bike Setup: | Added DT swiss 240 wheels, Easton carbon Bars/seatpost. Shock next once I kill these. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike overall for the price. Climb great and is fast downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
StudioDino
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbert, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hawes trail, South Mountain (telegraph pass, desert classic, etc). | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Global Bikes | | Strengths: | Great value for a full suspension bike. Solid frame and good specialized 'resolution' tires. | | Weaknesses: | Low BB and wear on body due to cable rub. Some components, like the chain, etc are low quality, best to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Specialized, Shimano components, crankbrothers pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Stumpjumper’s little brother. For the money, this is a great bike. I have rode the bike across jagged rock gardens, twisted switch backs and rocky single tracks and through it all, it has been a work horse. Perhaps I’m pushing the bike more then it was designed for, but so far, it has proven itself over and over again. Yes, the bike has a low bottom and my pedals are hitting rocks, this is where the rider has to work it by using body English. For the money, if you want a full suspension bike that performs then I would start with the XC FSR. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Sovereign Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | $800 | | Strengths: | Fast, smooth ride. Handles well through the rough stuff. Takes smaller hits well. | | Weaknesses: | Low BB. Major frame wear problems from brake lines (I think Specialized has addressed it since) | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd Cannondale Prophet, Haro Shift; Previous bike was a Haro ICS 4.0 Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Factory except Avid bb7s, Armadillo tires, wtb Speed V saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension and I love it! I bought it used from a lbs, so it had some wear on it, but it's performed well on all the Moab classics (Sovereign, Slickrock, Gemini Bridges, etc.). It's a great intermediate bike, but if your looking to take drops over 3 feet, the suspension won't like you. Overall, great ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey JAMIESON
a Racer
from Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Karingal scout trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | NRG Cycles, Jindalee | | Strengths: | Quick and very capable on all terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Frame a little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Aggressor, Schwinn Mesa. | | Bike Setup: | LX drivetrain & disc brakes, Thomson stem & seat post, Flite saddle, Fox vanilla RL 100mm Forks, A Class D5 rims, Ritchey WCS carban bars, variety of tyres. | | Bottom Line: | My bike originally was a standard FSR XC, however my review as the bike is now, is more comparable to the FSR XC comp. I up graded to a suspension bike to due back pain and haven't looked back. The only original items on the bike are the frame and a X-fusion rear shock. Due to the weight of the frame which is not that heavy. I have tried to reduce the weight for competitive racing. I race marathons, enduros and short course races.
This bike is fast and smooth. It climbs extremely well, on bar with a hardtail. One race I climbed for 4km on a 20 degree angle and it performed great. The only faults I can give is that you need a shorter then supplied seat post as it can strike the rear shock and make certain you have the X-fusion rear shock set to the correct PSI and rebound as it will soak up your energy otherwise.
This bike is suitable for weekend riders and mid level racers. If you want a competitive priced capable suspension bike this is a winner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dirtbagdave bloodworth
a Weekend Warrior
from herrin,il,usa
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | anydirt offroad | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | carbondale cycles | | Strengths: | FSR SUSPENSION, DISC, AND LOOKS FOR NOW! | | Weaknesses: | HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED ANY YET, JUST BOUGHT IT, SET UP THE SUSPENSION AND TOOK IT AROUND THE BLOCK. | | Similar Products Used: | HARO EXTREME, GT I-DRIVE, MANY OTHER HARD TAILS, I COLLECT, TREK, SCHWIN, GARY FISHER, UNIVEGA, BRIDGESTONE, BARACUDA, | | Bike Setup: | STOCK 2007 FOR NOW | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE ABUSE, THANKS TO THE SUB FREEZING TEMP. I WILL UPDATE MORE LATER. THIS IS THE FIRST BRAND NEW BIKE I'VE BOUGHT IN SEVENTEEN YEARS OF MTBING AND PAYING THIS MUCH. I USUALLY BUY USED OR CLOSEOUT MODELS. SO FAR I'M PRETTY IMPRESSED. THE BIKE SHOP THREW IN A BOTTLE CAGE AND FSR HAT, BEST BIKE SHOP IN TOWN | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
XC_Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from East Coast Canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Darlings Island Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Climbs like a hardtail, rides smooth as a couch | | Weaknesses: | Manitou fork is cheap, Specialized tires don't have much grip on gravel, BB is low and you will grind the chainring so be careful | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XCR, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock - Fox float, Manitou Splice, Avid BB 5's, Shimano Deore LX, Mavic M117 | | Bottom Line: | Horst Link - Everything you have heard is true. There is a reason other bike companies have licensed this design...it just works. No flipping levers or turning knobs...climb hills just like you would on a hardtail. This bike is plush and fast. Perfect for a guy who is past 40 and can't take the back pounding of a hardtail anymore. I am thrilled when I ride this bike. It works as good as it looks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from St. George, Utah
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Specialized | | Strengths: | I have the 2007 FSRxc Pedal and I have found that the FSR technology is superior to other rear suspension designs. The bike handles well downhill and is built to climb. | | Weaknesses: | The seat post bottoms out. | | Similar Products Used: | 2005 StumpJumper, Gary Fisher WAHOO, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Full Suspension | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE, in fact it is my dream bike. There will come a time when I want to upgrade the front and rear suspension systems, however the frame is superior to any other frame I have used. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel hoefer
a Cross Country Rider
from kassel, Hessen, Germany
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Habichtwald Herkules | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | custom made | | Strengths: | perfect rear suspension, love the Fox Pro Pedal. Great handling. | | Weaknesses: | Frame a little bit heavy, Rear Shock position not well proteczed from dirt while riding | | Similar Products Used: | Begwerk Faunus, Cube AMS | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC 2005; Manitou R7; Fox Float R ProPedal; Front-Rear Deraileur, Shifters. Shimano XTR; Crankset Shimano XT; Wheels: Mavic X317/Shimano XT Hubs; Tires: Michelin XCR Mud
Total Weight: 12,00Kg | | Bottom Line: | Great Allround Bike fast on uphill and on singletrails, gonna try it for Marathon-Racing next season (have used my GT Zaskar Team this season). I use the bike as a more comfortable ride on long training terms, for races i will still use my GT Zaskar Hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Dillard
a Cross Country Rider
from Reston, VA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | FSR, fairly light weight, decent stock components | | Weaknesses: | Low BB!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | '05 FSR XC Comp - all stock except eggbeater sl pedals | | Bottom Line: | Good all around bike. Could be a semi-tough trail bike, could be a racer. Very little pedal bob but still a plush ride. Low BB is a pain, I'm always worried about hitting the pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Castaneda
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunny Isles Beach, Fl
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Oleta | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Great handling bike, great looks, excelent attention to detail. | | Weaknesses: | major issued with chain skipping while pedaling hard. | | Bike Setup: | stock rode it for only a month | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS and loved the improved handling it offered as compared with my HT. I only ride single track trails 3 times a week. From day one I had an issue when pedaling hard the chain will jump and most times it felt off the crankset. at the beginning I thought it was just part of the initial tune up while everything gets stretch and settled. took it to the store 7 times and we were not able to find what was causing this to happen. The 1st response from specialized was to suggest that we changed the bottom braket and new chain (there was an know issue with the stock bracket being to large and the gap b/ the crankset and frame to large) this stopped the chain from falling off as often but the chain kept skipping. The guys at my bike shop were helpful thru the painful process (it's not fun when your chain skips while you are pedaling as hard as possible and end up slamming your knee into the handlebar and falling off while going up hill) at the end of this nightmare we ended up returning the bike to specialized. In other words my bike was a lemon. I am sure this is not the norm for this bike since my buddy bought the same bike at the same time and works great. must be a frame issue. I just ordered an epic disc and can't wait to try it out. I never had any issues with any products bought from specialized so I am sure my epic will run great and this was just an isolated incident. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
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$ 1400.00
