[wilcox510]

I'm looking at a few different bikes,all around 5" travel, particularly the Rocky mountain ETSX, YETI 575, and possibly the Blurs. How does the FSR 120 fit in/compare with the rest of these? im mostly a XC rider, currently on a schwinn rocket 88, so any of these bikes will be a step up in travel. i put a lot of emphasis on weight and climbing ability. Dont really do any drops or anything like that. I've heard good reviews of the high end FSR 120, especially with the brain. what about slightly lower end models without the brain? i would probably buy a new or used frame, then build it up myself.

 

[d365]

i'm looking into the same bikes, but also considering a giant trance2. but i cant get any response to a sort of comparison between bikes from stumpy owners. can you tell me the good/bad info about the bikes you've researched?

 

[wilcox510]

I've actually gotten the worst feedback about the blurs, several people have said they just didnt like the feel of the suspension and that the VPP requires a lot of maintenance. almost everyone has raved about the etsx and the yeti, havent really heard any big negatives on either of those. so, sorry, but not much useful info yet.

 

[Barkdog]

I'm looking at a few different bikes,all around 5" travel, particularly the Rocky mountain ETSX, YETI 575, and possibly the Blurs. How does the FSR 120 fit in/compare with the rest of these? im mostly a XC rider, currently on a schwinn rocket 88, so any of these bikes will be a step up in travel. i put a lot of emphasis on weight and climbing ability. Dont really do any drops or anything like that. I've heard good reviews of the high end FSR 120, especially with the brain. what about slightly lower end models without the brain? i would probably buy a new or used frame, then build it up myself.

I can talk a little re: Stumpy (I own a 2005 120 Pro) v. Blur (test rode one, loved it). Both are great bikes; excellent handling/geometry. And personnally, I loved the VPP. While the Stumpy feels very efficient, the Blur felt great when you really stomp on the power (a slight edge on the Stumpy there?). For me, it came down to the price/spec; my Stumpy was a better deal and has a better warranty. I think the Stumpy -- which probably best compares to the Blur LT -- has a lighter frame than the LT (at least a 1/2 pound or so).

I haven't ridden the ETSX; I'd give that a serious look, people seem to really like them. The only bike that I'd probably shy away from is the Yeti. Yes, they get great reviews, but I believe it's got a very upright or freeride-oriented riding position; I prefer a little more stretched out, or cross-country like ride.

 

[TrainingWheels]

I just went too the shop too buy the SantaCruz and changed my mind when I got there. I ended up buying a Specialized Stumpy Expert. I was sold on the bang for the buck$. The components on the Stumpy Expert were better in most places than the $4k Blurs LT. The $$ was the biggest selling point for me. I got the Stumpy Expert for $2500 instead of dumping $4k on the Blur. Both seemed too ride great.