Submitted by
thomas
a Downhiller
from Nocross, Ga, Gwinnett Date Reviewed: August 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything Downhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycles
Strengths:
Good Spec. Good Value. Strong Frame, held up to 6 months of dh and freeride fine.
Weaknesses:
Frame is a little heavy for only 5in of travel. Fork Sucks, travel adjustment breaks easily, also easily fixed, too soft, way to heavy, and it flexes a ridiculous amount. Rear Shock could be better, but at last its air with rebound adjustment. Stem is way too long. Front rotor is too small, needs a 7 inch. Wheels aren't the worst, but aren't very good. Hayes Sole... Cranks are sooooo heavy. Headset sucks.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar3, GT I-drive 4 5.0, GT I-drive 5 3.0, Fuji Thrill LT 1.0, Specialized FSR XC, DiamondBack Mission2, Mongoose Teocali Comp, Specialized SX Trail 1, Mongoose Otero Super, GT I-drive 4 4.0, GT I-drive 5 4.0, GT Marathon 3.0, Intense Spider, Iron Horse Yakuza Aniki, Iron Horse Sunday, Iron Horse MK III, Iron Horse Azure.
Bike Setup:
Stock at first. Then Stock with a 2006 Marzocchi AM1, Truvativ Hussefelt 60mm stem, Forte Shovel pedals, Forte Lock-on grips, Michelin 2.5 front tire, FSA Bach ring.
Bottom Line:
This Bike Is a great value and excellent beginner bike. However, honestly, it is way too heavy to be a trail bike, it pedals fairly efficiently for single pivot, but the frame is just too heavy. The combined with the heavy fork and crankset, the thing just weighs too much for what it is. The components are excellent, you wont find that spec on any other bike under $1500, unless its a motobecane, which suck. Its great if your broke and need a bike you can beat the hell out of.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trumancapote
a Downhiller
from panorama bc canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
crazytrain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
jack of all trades, well balanced, jumps well
Weaknesses:
terible suspension, terrible brakes (the rear brakes inexplicably stopped working), rear suspension bottoms out, cant do anything particularly well
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz nomad, transition bottle rocket
Bike Setup:
wellgo dh peddals, db stem, panoracer tires, juicy3 brakes
Bottom Line:
this bike is an ok entrylevel bike for terrible riders. i was only convinced into purchaing it because of the price and colors. if you are looking for your first mtb, buy a good hardtail bike for the same price.
good full suspension bikes do not come for less than $2000.
if i see you on this bike i will spit on you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Weekend Warrior
from blood run va us Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong frame, great components, and great geometry.
Weaknesses:
Front shock. Other than that the bike is great. I have had no problems with this bike.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
wonderful.
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you like to ride xc/am. I love it. Can do anything you will put it up to. Ironhorse did a great job with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buzzard
a Downhiller
from Ridgecrest, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
my downhill course
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At:
Randal Scott
Strengths:
frame is very strong (enough to hold up to an 8' drop on my dh course) good suspension with limited bob, seams to like flowy downhill trails
Weaknesses:
suspension stiffens a bit while you're on the brakes (it's a single pivot), i've broken a few spokes on the wheels
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar, Kona Stinky, Kona Coiler, Giant Faith, Spec. Enduro, Rockhopper, (my friends are hardcore freeriders)
For a designated trail bike, this thing has proven itself as a lightweight freeride bike. The frame is VERY strong! I still do dirt jumps in my backyard every day and it feals like a very comfortable slopestyle/ 4X bike. It handles very well on flowy technical rhythm sections, and negotiating steep gnarly downhills. Flickability, jumpability, and firm pedalling are its most enjoyable assets.
It's one major weakness is how it handles under hard breaking: the rear stiffens and the fork compresses, causing some pretty frustrating break jack (as all single pivots do). I LOVE this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton Date Reviewed: September 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Strong frame, good components for the money, handles well for it's market segment
Weaknesses:
Fork is a little weak, needs a better one.
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, so far.
Bottom Line:
This bike is everything that I need right now. I'm getting into downhill and freeride, and this bike can take all that I'm willing to give it. Sure it doesn't have fancy suspension systems, or more travel than a truck, but it works incredibly well for mild DH and FR. I reccomend this bike to anyone looking for a hell of a deal on a good bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam Lowe
a
from Freeville, NY, US Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Shindagin Hollow
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Rack
Strengths:
Climbing ability (for full suspension), plush suspension, sturdy frame, can handle everything I throw at it
Weaknesses:
Fork needs to be replaced, for such a quality bike it is not very good. Also, rims (and tires?) aren't very good. When I corner I often roll the tires off the sides of the rims. I was told this could be fixed with wider rims so I'll replace them soon
Perfect bike for the kind of riding I do (a combination of cross-country and freeride). Light enough to haul up the hills , tight enough suspension to pedal (as long as you don't stand up) but beastly enough to hit some nice drops and such. I haven't pushed this thing as hard as I could yet and I've hit 4-5 foot drops on it. I've biked Whiteface on it and it held up fine. I'd love to ride it somewhere even more intense (The Shore!) if I could. A great all-mountain, do anything bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Gloucester Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Dicks sporting goods
Strengths:
>>>>>>>> VERY STRONG FRAME! nice parts for the price!
Weaknesses:
deraileur hanger..... rear shock ,fork,wheels, i wish the frame was a little different so a bigger shock could be compatible.
Similar Products Used:
maverick
Bike Setup:
truvative hussefelt stem, maxxis highroller 2.35, bontrager earl 2.4, putting vanilla rc or dhx on it,Azonic strip bar,snafu Dj seat, putting and all mountain 3 on also.
Bottom Line:
>>> nice bike. easy to j hop on, beast on downhill parts of trails ( With new tires ), just could use some upgrades. Dont buy this bike if u are a person who loves drops this bike can only take drops up to 4 feet,over all its bombproof
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from oc,ca Date Reviewed: June 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
go-ride.com
Strengths:
value, strong frame, plush travel
Weaknesses:
weight, long cockpit with oe setup, feel some flex in the frame
great value!!! 5 inches of plush travel. Great starter all-mountain bike. I will continue to upgrade components. I am 5-11 190, this bike has been very solid so far for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Posadny
a Downhiller
from Toledo, Ohio Date Reviewed: February 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mohican Wilderness
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$998.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Paid under 1K and all parts are name brand. True all mountain bike, jack of all trades but master of none.
Weaknesses:
front fork (manitou splice) to squishy and no adjustment. I'm gonna put a Nixon on it in a few weeks. WTB SX 24 wheels bent all to hell after first couple rides.
Similar Products Used:
This is the first bike I've had that wasn't a hardtail.
Bike Setup:
X-9 triggers, X-7 der(rear), Shimano Deore(front), Sun Singletracks, WTB Weirwolf's, Fox Vanilla R, Truvativ cockpit, Cane Creek Aheadset, FSA Gamma Drive, Avid BB5, Manitou Nixon (soon)
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike cause I wanted to get into DH but I didn't want to wait to buy a committed DH bike. I'm glad I bought it cause you can do everything on it. Goes up good but you have to stay seated, comes down great. The front fork sux Id give it 5 stars if it came w/ a better fork for the same price, Or at least close. The WTB SX 24's are to weak for DH and got replaced within the first month. They got bent all to hell and couldn't be straightened out. The X-7 shifters broke the second or third time I crashed but that was my fault, I put X-9's on it and now I'm even happier with it. The Truvativ 110mm stem that came w/ it is too long for FR and will be replaced shortly. I caught the left crank arm on the edge of a brick wall doing 25mph riding urban and bent up the Wellgo peddals that came with it. They were good tho but I got Funn Soljam Vipers and they own. The crank arm got a little tweaked but the BB is still perfect. Handles smallish drop-offs great I'm in ohio and you dont really see drops bigger than 6-8 feet very often so this is a good bike for our little DH scene. The Vanilla R has no bob (pro-pedal) and the rebound adjustment is nice. I'd buy it all over again and recomend it for anyone looking to do a little of everything on the mountain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Schneider
a Cross Country Rider
from New york Date Reviewed: January 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Randall Scott
Strengths:
The avid BB5 brakes are responsive and feel just right and the shifters, once I got used to them work well also. There are plenty of choices of gear combinations to help tackel a wide variety of terrain. The derailurs, rear;SRAM X.7, front;SHIMANO DEORE, move the chain smoothly from gear to gear.
Weaknesses:
Rims; Rims began wobbling after about 2 rides. I brought them to two local bike shops for truing, neither was able to true up the rims. I recommend replacing the rims
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback Coil EX
Bike Setup:
needed to replace the rear coil; The bike came with a 550 pound coil which was to soft for my weight, to low of a spring rate, for my weight. Otherwise I found that with some adjustments to the seat and handlebars, the 19" bike I purchased was perfect for my height and reach.
Bottom Line:
I am 6' tall 215 pounds. I have been riding this bike since may 2006 and I have to say this bike fly’s on the downhill and straight-aways, thanks to its weight approximately 30+ pounds, once I got used to the gearing I found out the bike climbs well also. Once I replaced the rear coil, called FOX Racing Shox to size the spring to my weight, and the rims this bike became everything I was looking for in a bike. I don’t feel that I have pushed this bike to what it is truly capable of doing. I ride this bike on the local intermediate, blue diamond, and some, black diamond, advanced trails, and I find the bike to be perfect for tight hilly terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeffrey
a Weekend Warrior
from harrisville Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$690.00
Purchased At:
rscycle.com
Strengths:
i have the 2005 warrior pro ds 15 inch frame great bike, im 5'5" and it fits me perfect just got this bike a few days ago
NO pedal bob fork is good seat is comfy shifters are great brakes are very good great tires
Weaknesses:
doesnt come with flat pedals rear air shock doesnt rebound to quickly grips arent that great
Similar Products Used:
friends bikes... giant canyon special edition... cannondale chase...kona dawg...
Bike Setup:
oddysey pedals... soon hopefully going to get a bashguard.. new grips...maybe a coil shock in the rear...eventually hayes HFX 9s or Juicy 5s
Bottom Line:
awesome bike for the money. good feeling. no pedal bob. awesum for trails and isnt terrible for riding around town. can handle some smaller drop offs and jumps if you are light. i ride around on streets and at skateparks and still have a blast. does great wheelies. its a great bike and i would reccomend anyone to buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtysock
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Price, frame, decent components, low maintenance, looks good, All Mountain
Weaknesses:
Heavier than the lighter duty x country bikes (obviously) Front shock lacks adjustability. Will probably upgrade in the future.
(As of right now) Mavic Crossland wheels, Hutchinson Mosquito Lite tires, Black Spire Ring God bash guard
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the 06 Warrior Pro. I've ridden the bike for a little over a month and so far it's everything I've wanted it to be. I took it to Pedrosfest and really broke it in and it handled everything I threw at it. I don't go crazy on drops but I do mix it up a little. This bike is branded All Mountain and thats probably about right. To me it's basically a harder core x country bike. Heavier than some people would like but not that bad. Climbs fairly well and the suspension does a good job. Downhill it is also well suited. Pedal bob is not really noticeable at all to me, and thats probably due to the pivot design, and pro-pedal of the fox shock. Best value I could find at this price-point, and the performance is also there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA (USA) Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
havent gone to many except for Deep Run Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$501.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Just an all out good bike. good price.
Weaknesses:
the derailer is messed up, and a few other little stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Eliet(spelling)
Bike Setup:
do you mean what my set up?
Bottom Line:
a great begginers bike. has all the stuff you want/need for a great price.
just needs a little tweaking during break in. ex: brakes, and pretty much just the brakes, or atleast for me i needed to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MILLER MIKE
a Weekend Warrior
from LOVELAND CO. USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
THE BACKBONE
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
PERFORMANCE
Strengths:
GREAT LOOKS, AWESOME VALUE, STURDY AND STIFF. GREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY
Weaknesses:
SRAM DERAILLEUR IS PRONE TO HITS AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS. STOCK TIRES SHAKY ON HARDPACK. LACK OF ADJUSTABILITY ON FORK WTB SEAT A BIT WIDE.
Similar Products Used:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SWITCH
Bike Setup:
LOWER END MANITOU COIL SPRING REAR WITH MARZOCCHI MZ RACE UP FRONT. SWAPPED REAR TIRE FOR SCHWALBE BIG BETTY. CHANGED STOCK WELLGO PEDALS TO MOSH PLATFORMS. ADDED HOPE QUICK RELEASE. ALL ELSE STILL STOCK.
Bottom Line:
ALTHOUGH I'VE ONLY HAD THE BIKE 3 WEEKS, ITS TAKEN SOME ABUSE FROM 4 FT DROPS TO SOME MISHAPS. I'VE CLEANED PARTS OF MY TRAIL THAT I USED TO WALK UP!! I HAVE'NT NOTICED MUCH BOBBING WHILE PEDALING. FOR 6 BILLS THIS BIKE IS A STEAL. I BOUGHT IT AS A LEFTOVER, BEFORE BUYING, I TRIED THE '06 MODEL THAT WAS $150 MORE, AND THE SETUP STUNK !! THIS BIKE WILL TAKE A POUNDING AND KEEP GOING, ITS GREAT FOR URBAN TOO. I HAD A SPECIALIZED ENDURO PRO HARD TAIL, AND THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER GET A FS BIKE AGAIN!! I'M GLAD I FOUND THIS BIKE ! 5" OF TRAVEL UNDER A GRAND, JUMP ON ONE !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from Bridgewater nj USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sourlands NJ
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Adrenline Bikes
Strengths:
I bought the frame only for $299 because I had an old Trek 930 that was a donor that I upgraded over the years. For the price it is a great frame. It took a couple of rides to get it tuned, but it's running great now (big thanks to Mark and the Guys at Effigners - Boundbrook NJ "The best shop in Jersey!"). I'm 215 lbs & I really beat on a bike so I needed a stronger spring for the X-Fusion coil shock. I got the spring and the problem was solved. Once set-up, this is an outstanding frame for a heavy guy.
Weaknesses:
The stock fram came with a 350lb spring which is useless if you plan on riding the bike over rocks. This problem was quickly remided by the guys at X-Fusion swapped the spring for free (less shipping). Now i have a 650 lb spring.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 95, Raleigh Titus, Trek 930
Bike Setup:
Psylo Fork, XT rear, LX front. XT Shifters
Bottom Line:
I wanted to get a bike that did not break down like my Fuel 95. If you are looking for a race bike, this is not it (I ride my hardtail). However, I prefer this bike over my old Trek Fuel 95. Chainsuck is impossible (common with the Fuel. With the rear set-up, if you are over 200lbs I strongly reccomend staying away from the air shock (Upgrade the spring). My overall rating for the bike is a B+ (For the price, it's an A).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buzzard
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgecrest, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rodemacher loop trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$690.00
Purchased At:
Randal Scott
Strengths:
For the price, this bike is one of the best deals you can get. The Vanilla seams to be the perfect match for this bike, and the shifting hasn't had one problem yet. The brakes feal like they're hydraulic after they broke in a little. Holds up to jumping every day after school and four foot drops to a flat landing quite nicely. This is where the shock's unadjustable, slow rebound is OK.
Weaknesses:
On the flip side, flyin' down tails at around 30mph+ is not too smart. The shock doesn't spring all the way back in time to soak up the next hit. Also, this bike isn't the greatest at climbing due partially to the weight(~34lbs) but mostly the pedal bob... a nice shock with more adjustability will fix it all! AND THE TIRES!!! man, you have to be careful with these things! They don't grip too well on hard packed dirt, but at the same time nearly impossible to lock up the front brake. But I love it now that I got used to it. On downhills I learned to make it a "controlled slide".
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper; demoed a Haro X7(hated it), my friend has a Enduro
Bike Setup:
80mm stem, med. rise handlebars, and fox Vanilla R fork
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a climbable bike that's almost on par with an Enduro and can hold up to the frequent hard landing but costs half the price, this is the bike for you. It would be five stars if it weren't for the shock... Anyway I love this bike and I'm not planning on replacing it ever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan ford
a Downhiller
from san diego Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anderson truck trail ( world cup )
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
performance Kearney mesa
Strengths:
bullet proof frame. Single Pivot keeps it simple, value good drive train and ok front fork.
Weaknesses:
heavy ( like all good dh bikes )
Similar Products Used:
first real full suspention
Bike Setup:
sram x7 drive, wtb 2.5 tires, loco front stock rear rim, Manitou metal platform pluse rear shock w/spv. Marzocchi drop off II front fork. Avid 5 series 6" disk
Bottom Line:
I F***ing love this bike. I've been all over alot of bikes. My last was a hardrock That I through about 800 bucks into. I loved it to very strong. Took a few rides to get used to the rear end moving around but now it's so nice. I beet this thing, Not a great rider so in making mistakes I've realy tested the structure of the bike. I have no petal bob ( thanks to SPV ). I compaired it to the 6" travel yakoza and a 1500$ Fuji 5" travel and none of them felt as strong or as plush. Parts may help make a bike the without a good frame you have nothing. If you buy this bike upgrade the front fork and never worrie about another thing. HA
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stevo
a Weekend Warrior
from VA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$728.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great bike built like a tank. Color. Great components. Alot of travel, Good price.
Weaknesses:
This bike does bob alot put all you got to do is add some air, That is the only weakness.
Similar Products Used:
GT Trek Khs
Bike Setup:
New platforms for street ridin, It comes with clip in pedals!
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, Buy a suspension pump to take away the Bobing, And have fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any rough one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Tough as nails, fat 2.4 tires, nice bars, decent brakes
Weaknesses:
Climbing (wants to wheelie), pedal bob. As soon as you stand up it bobs and the rear tire spins up. Grips are too hard too, but $8 fixes that. Wheels not strong enough. Too heavy. Cassette crappy = crappy shifting.
Similar Products Used:
hardtails, GT I-Drive XC 2.0
Bike Setup:
Manitou Black fork, XT rear derauller and shifter
Bottom Line:
***REVIEW FOR A WARRIOR DS SE, not the PRO***
My first full suspension bike, I've bashed it pretty darn hard and it takes it all. Wheels aren't the best, I've bent them up pretty good already.
My buddy had an extra 120mm manitou black fork lying around, I bought it cheap and it helped the plushness.
The only real weakness is when you try to climb steep hills. When you transition from sitting to standing the bike starts bobbing and the rear wheel spins up. I'm thinking of upgrading the rear shock to a FOX DHX air (big money) but I think/hope the pro-pedal will keep it from bobbing so bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobby
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ted Williams Jumps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
You get a whole lot more than other manufacturers in the price range. Good bike and you can upgrade it later. Not too much bob out of the rear but the front is too plush.
Weaknesses:
Heavy tires, cheapish deraileurs, soft fork, lack of adjustability. The bike is about 34 pounds for a 21 inch but with some upgrades to the tires, bar, post it drops a little
Bike Setup:
Azonic A frames, Panaracer FR pros (for swapping), Easton EC70 bar and seat post, Marzocci AM sl 130-150mm, Saint front hub, Fox DHX 5.0 rear coil, Lizard grips, HFX 9 (6" front 8" rear)
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I needed a new one right away but later realized I wanted more from the bike. Instead of trying to sell it and buy a more expensive bike I decided to build it up a little more. The bike was fine stock but with a little money it is a way better performer. Nex upgrade is a new crank and maybe a guide or a bashguard. Since my bike is nowhere near stock I can only really review the frame. It is pretty sturdy and can handle what you dish out but is limited only by its rear travel and single pivotness. On second thought, this bike fawkin sucks and I wish I had just bought a new one. Im a douche bag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alec
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: December 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Durham Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The components you get for the price. Nice geometry for me. Plush. Ladies seem to dig the colour.
Weaknesses:
It's heavy. There are a some creeks from the suspension pivots. Lack of adjustment on both the rear and front shocks.
Similar Products Used:
An old Norco that I forget the name of.
Bike Setup:
Stock, with some cushy Oury grips and Hutchinson Aligator tires.
Bottom Line:
It's an awsome bike for the price. I used to ride all the time then stopped for about 5 years. I usually ride for about an hour and a half 4 times a week in the warm months with a long ride on the weekends and the bike's given me no probs.
The suspension could have more adjustments (like lockout) but for the price the fork and rear work great. The BAR rear shock is not as bad as the reviews would indicate and has lost no air.
Dump the grips and get some Oury's. Your hands will thank you. You also should replace the tires. The stockers are heavy and you'll feel a big difference with a lighter tire (less rotational weight).
I'm a struggling student so this bike was perfect for me. If you want a bike that you can get into the magical world of full suspension with and are tight on cash, this is a great bike. The best analogy I heard on MTBR was that it's a "poor mans Heckler".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a
from Mountain view, CA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Value. Powerful disk brakes. Air suspension 5 inches front, 4 inches rear. Solid frame/components. Ironhorse shipped a Splice Super fork to make up for the shipment delay.
Weaknesses:
Heavy. Front (deore) derailleur slips if you get caught switching gears too late up a steep hill. Cheap hubcaps. Ironhorse put the wrong fork. 3 months delay for replacement fork, which was still the wrong one, after that they sent the better fork.
The bike for your budget with all-mountain capability. More of a freerider than an XC. Good at doing what it's built for. Supergo is also a great shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steven woznicki
a Weekend Warrior
from lombard IL USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Excellent value for the money; Bike was really easy to get used to; climbs well; stable while jumping; corners well; surprisingly little pedal bob; looks great; cranks have held up to my abuse!
Weaknesses:
I managed to destroy the stock Splice forks, but to be honest, I was totally thrashing the bike when they went. For moderate trail riding, they are not as bad as advertised. Brakes have been disapointing.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a Marzocchi All Mountain 3
Bottom Line:
I have the limited model that Performance was selling. I can't complain about the bike at all. It is a perfect all mountain ( trail ) bike that you can get a little crazy on. I use it on singletrack that is peppered with log crossings, jumps, log stunts, and natural drops and for this type of riding, the bike is perfect. I don't think I would classify it as a freeride bike, but if you like to do some moderate jumping and drops you will have no problems. On this bike I would say six feet ( with a tranny ) would be about right. If you think you would go bigger I would wait for the six inch travel version ( the only thing I would wish for ). I am really hard on cranks and the FSA's have given me no problems whatsoever, the Sram deraileurs also work great. I have had the Sole' breaks back for adjusting twice, and I would budget for a fork upgrade in the near future if you are more than a recreational rider. But all things considered, since you can get this bike on closeout for under 850.00 you can't really complain. I see lots of fork bargains on the web right now ( minutes and Fox if you want to lighten up or Sherman Flicks and Fireflies if you go bigger ) that would give you an awesome ride for about a grand!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stinky
a Cross Country Rider
from Arizona Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
strong frame, excellent parts for the money
Weaknesses:
could have a nicer shock with more adjustable damping, but that would cost more, so really this is no weakness. Needs to be stocked with 2.4 or larger tires.
Similar Products Used:
I-Drive, Enduro Pro, GT hardtails of all sorts, 5.5, Blur, RMX, etc. etc.
Cylopes (?) what are you doing even putting a review on here?! I raced for 22 years before even getting serious about MTB riding. Get some more experience before shooting your opinions off like they're Gospel! As for opinions, they are like as@holes, everyone has one. Realistically, assuming that the frame is the right size, this is an excellent entry to mid level all mountain bike that can easily handle any South Mountain trails and in the hands of a good rider, can negotiate National Trail with confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cyclopes
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland NZ Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
$
Overall Rating:
