REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Spec FSR or GF Caliber?

657 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Bird, Jan 7, 2009

robbybird

Discussion Starter · Dec 22, 2008

Hello,

I am an advanced beginner looking for a XC bike. I thought I would stick with a hard tail, but I have found a few good deals on full-sus in the last week. I am hoping you could give me some input on these bikes. I ride XC and a lot of climbing, but that also means a lot of down hill. I also do a fair amount of semi-technical rocky climbs mixed in with step fire roads.

Specialized FSR XC 2008 (new): feels goods when I rode it, looks like a good climber, the forks suck (rockshox Tora) and I would upgrade the brakes before it leaves the shop to hydraulic brakes (Avid Juicy 3). It is $1150 with a $150 in store credit. With the new brakes it would come out to $1250.

OR

Gary Fisher Caliber 2007 (new): I have not taken for a test spin yet. Although I will upgrade most likely in the future, stock parts seem okay. The MSRP is $1870 and with a sale it is marked down to $1150. I will take it for a spin tomorrow if it is not raining. I test rode the GF Tassajara HT and I loved it, fit perfect. However, it was $979 and I figured if I was spending that much I should just take the leap into full-suspension.

Any suggestions?

Thanks! Robin

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1 - 7 of 7 Posts

CupOfJava

· #2 · Dec 24, 2008

Isn't advanced beginner an oxymoron?

Personally I don't like either but if I had to choose i would go with the FSR because it's a horst link bike.

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Bird

· #3 · Dec 24, 2008

Unless your a racer i'd go for the spesh.

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clarkfam3

· #4 · Dec 26, 2008

The caliber is a race bike. It will climb well. It will feel the most like a HT(of the 2). hope that helps.

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robbybird

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 6, 2009

Thanks for the comments. Would a racing bike be bad for someone who isn't entering into actual races? What are the downsides?

Thanks again.

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mtbdcd

· #6 · Jan 6, 2009

No. My opinion, the characteristics of a good race bike make it fun to ride. Not much downside to a good race bike.

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Bird

· #7 · Jan 7, 2009

robbybird said:
Thanks for the comments. Would a racing bike be bad for someone who isn't entering into actual races? What are the downsides?

Thanks again.

I actually prefer the performance of a race bike even if i don't intend to race but i'm a light weight.

Strenghs= more efficient,light weight.
Weakness= less comfortable and less suspension travel but heavier.

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