|
HARD TAILS |
Giant, '99 ATX 840
The 99 Giant ATX 840 is a pretty good bike for the money. It comes with a Alivio/ STX-RC
component mix, and a Rockshox Jett T2 elastomer fork, which I have upgraded to Marzocchi Bomber
Z5 fork, which performs well, despite the slow rebound. I have noticed no problems except for
the rear rim I bent hitting a curb at high speed. This bike has a stiff, light, 6061-T6 alloy
frame. I have found that upgrading to a riser bar makes riding this bike noticibly more
comfortable. Overall, this is a good bike for someone who is entering the world of mountain
biking.
Daniel 5/25/00
|
Raliegh, M-400
Alumium frame with STX RC and LX parts. The 97 model was rated
as bike of the year by some major bike magizene. The M-400 meets
the $700 dollar price point. With the exception of the squeling LX V
brakes and the pogo Indy C fork this bike is fit for a king. Not
to weight concious (26-27lbs.) the bike is over built and stiff.
Jay 8-28-97
|
Raliegh, MCC-9
This Carbon fiber frame with mostly XT partss is heavy for what
it is, but economically sound. I believe the 96 model is still
available for down near $1000 now, outstanding value for those with
a wine taste but a beer budget.
Jay 8-28-97
|
Trek, 8000 SL
The 8000 comes
stock with an all LX/XT mix, and a system 3 front hub. It also has a
Judy (I admit to not knowing which one, because I swapped for a
Manitou Pro-C immediatly after I got it). I also swithed the stock
clipless peadals for Shimano M-747's, which have preformed
wonferfully. Over all this is the best hardtail bike I have ever
owned, I had some troubles with the LX crank, the chainrigs seem to
wear way to fast, but thats about it. It weighs around 24 pounds,
does awesome on the climbs and the Avid brakes work really really well
on the downhill. For me, this is hte ultimiate raceing bike. The
manitou pro-c has worked really really well for me, being able to
adjust the fork (tho not without tools!) exactly to my needs. In my
humble opinion it is a good all around fork, the steel springs being a
nice touch.
Pat 9-26-98
|
Trek, 9900
The Trek OCLV bikes rule the planet...the frames weigh 2.75 pounds and are stronger then 4+pound frames made out of the ever faithful, rugged and heavy Cromoly tubing we have all come to love...the carbon's natural damping capabilities give an outstandingly smooth ride...avaiable in '98 as frames ($1250) or as a Team Issue Bike ($3700) only, they are costly but well worth
it...for about $2400 you can build up a race bike that weighs just under 23lbs...sweet...the Team Issue bike [9900] comes with a SID fork, Full XTR, Cane Creek headset, Cane Creek Crono wheels, a Carbon Fiber Handle Bar and Bar ends, and only weighs about 22.5lbs...sweet ...perfect choice for the Privateer XC racer.
Gary 4-9-98
Any of the Trek 9000 series bikes are outstanding, but the XT/XTR
equiped top of the line OCLV bike weighs in under 21 lbs. stock,
great for climing. Despite the poor color choices for '98 this bike is
tops on my wish list. Price hovers the 3k area.
Jay 8-28-97
|
|
FULL SUSPENSION |
Klein, Mantra Race
Its plenty stiff sideways, a little short top tube, and as a
XC machine it works just OK as it is not a fully active bike, but for
the hard core riders and for Downhilling, it just hasn't got the
pluse and cool feel of bikes as the GT LTS, or Cannondale Super V's.
It's components works fine, and for its price (and the name) I think
its a kinda good deal, except the upgrade need on most Rock Shox
equipped bikes, coil springs. For XC riding I'd give it a 4 out of
6 but for DH I'd give it 2 out of 6.
Pottis 8-29-97
|
Klein, '98 Mantra Race
I've had my Race for almost a year now. I agree with the previous
Mantra Race review although for XC I would give it 5 out 6. The front
wheel is really close to the pedals and while pedaling in a turn my
shoes sometimes hit the wheel. I got use to this really quick and
usually isn't a problem any more. Another shortfall of the Mantra is
that the distance between seat and pedals change when the rear
suspension compresses. This has never been a big problem for me
although I've heard others complain about it. It's not very good for
downhill(in fact its really scary in steep decent) but climbs better
than any other FS I've rode and it's excellent for XC. In my opinion
the pros heavily out weigh the cons.
John 11-26-99
|
|
WHEEL SETS |
Spin
OK, people think these wheels are much too heavy, but they have
never tried a pair of them (acctually, the only thing they've ever
heard about them is what magazines say). [Editors note: This is why I'm
here] I like the wheels, and I like them much. They may flex
a bit under pressure, but they roll about 3x as good as any spoked
wheel, they can stand enormous abuse (yeah, I know), and the extra
weight gives them one hell of a momentum, they feel like they will
never stop rolling. These wheels may be a tad heavier than Spinergys,
but spinergys are like 28 spoked wheels in DH compared to Spin...
The 3 spoke design also helps for the aerodynamics, you'll notice it
when you start getting some speed...
I'd give them 5 out of 6 for the hard rider, who want something BOMBproof,
but for XC racing I'd rate them about 3-4, depending on the track.
Pottis 8-29-97
|
Spinergy Mt Extra Lights
This is the biggest up grade I've ever made to any of my bikes. These Wheels
are slightly lighter than my old XT/mavic 211 wheel set. The best
part is their rotational rigidness. When you step on the pedals
they instantly go. They flex a little laterally, which all wheels do
but some times it's a violent snap back into place. This makes oversteering
common problem. Expensive, but probably the last set of wheels you'll
use. Approx $1000 for pair.
Jay 8-28-97
|
|
Submit your own review.
|