Frame is bomb proof, but components are crap. I have upgraded to Shimano XT shifters, brake levers and derailers. Traded in stock fork for a Marzocci Bomber in 04. Recently upgraded to disc ready wheels and disc brakes. Upgraded crankset and bottom bracket. Beginning of this summer (2015) I upgraded stock rear shock with a Manitou Revox Pro shock and it is awesome. Bike feels 10 lbs lighter. I plan to get a new seat post, stem and handle bars. Once that is complete the only thing left original on this bike will be the frame. I spent $550 new in 03 and have spent a total of $700 over 12 years upgrading as parts deteriorated to get a bad ass bike. I got off a GT LTS 2 for this bike and find it much better and more fun to thrash single track.
THIS IS A GREAT BIKE. THE FRAME IS TOUGH AND WILL LET YOU BANG IT AROUND FOR A BEGINNER BIKER. IT'S A GREAT FRAME TO UPGRADE PARTS ON. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU HAVE A GREAT XC BIKE AND IT DIDN'T COST YOU A FORTUNE. I WOULD BUY THIS BIKE EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK.
Pros RUGGED
DURABLE
PRICED WELL
UPGRADEABLE
COMES WITH GOOD PARTS AS STOCK PARTS
I just received this bike in trade for a project. I have just finished going over it and sitting on it, no brakes so I can "ride" it yet. So this will just be a first impression overview.
This feels very plush and the back shock is easily adjusted while mounted. As the knob is turned you can feel the adjustment, it's not just a really stiff or really spongy adjustment.
The frame feels very solid and strong. The kid I got it from went on and on about how tough this bike was and from what I am seeing I totally believe him and I cannot wait to get this out on a trail!
UPDATE:
This frame DID NOT take the abuse I previously thought it would. It started with small cracks in the front most rear shock taps at the top of the tap. From there they cracked fully thru and then the tube that supports the seat tube pushed its way into the down tube at its base.
This is slightly disapointing as I spent most of my winter tearing this down and rebuilding it with nicer componants. The cracks were not there when I built it up, they appeared after my first month of riding it, granted I ride hard and on very rough technical singletrack.
Pros - Feels sturdy as hell
- the rear suspension feel nice and plush
- very easy to adjust rear shock
- fine tuned adjustment capable on rear shock
- Its' a cool looking bike
- mine has lots of upgrades including the Psylo fork
Cons - little on the heavy side for a 4" travel bike
Frame is bomb proof, but components are crap. I have upgraded to Shimano XT shifters, brake levers and derailers. Traded in stock fork for a Marzocci Bomber in 04. Recently upgraded to disc ready wheels and disc brakes. Upgraded crankset and bottom bracket. Beginning of this summer (2015) I upgraded stock rear shock with a Manitou Revox Pro shock and it is awesome. Bike feels 10 lbs lighter. I plan to get a new seat post, stem and handle bars. Once that is complete the only thing left original on this bike will be the frame. I spent $550 new in 03 and have spent a total of $700 over 12 years upgrading as parts deteriorated to get a bad ass bike. I got off a GT LTS 2 for this bike and find it much better and more fun to thrash single track.
Pros
Durable, comfortable, and very upgradable.
Cons
| ThankNew came with crappy components.
THIS IS A GREAT BIKE. THE FRAME IS TOUGH AND WILL LET YOU BANG IT AROUND FOR A BEGINNER BIKER. IT'S A GREAT FRAME TO UPGRADE PARTS ON. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU HAVE A GREAT XC BIKE AND IT DIDN'T COST YOU A FORTUNE. I WOULD BUY THIS BIKE EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK.
Pros
RUGGED
DURABLE
PRICED WELL
UPGRADEABLE
COMES WITH GOOD PARTS AS STOCK PARTS
Cons
| ThankHEAVY
BASE MODEL COMES WITH V-BRAKES
I just received this bike in trade for a project. I have just finished going over it and sitting on it, no brakes so I can "ride" it yet. So this will just be a first impression overview.
This feels very plush and the back shock is easily adjusted while mounted. As the knob is turned you can feel the adjustment, it's not just a really stiff or really spongy adjustment.
The frame feels very solid and strong. The kid I got it from went on and on about how tough this bike was and from what I am seeing I totally believe him and I cannot wait to get this out on a trail!
UPDATE:
This frame DID NOT take the abuse I previously thought it would. It started with small cracks in the front most rear shock taps at the top of the tap. From there they cracked fully thru and then the tube that supports the seat tube pushed its way into the down tube at its base.
This is slightly disapointing as I spent most of my winter tearing this down and rebuilding it with nicer componants. The cracks were not there when I built it up, they appeared after my first month of riding it, granted I ride hard and on very rough technical singletrack.
Pros
- Feels sturdy as hell
- the rear suspension feel nice and plush
- very easy to adjust rear shock
- fine tuned adjustment capable on rear shock
- Its' a cool looking bike
- mine has lots of upgrades including the Psylo fork
Cons
| Thank- little on the heavy side for a 4" travel bike
Great bike for throwing around despite it's weight. Easy to upgrade into a nice trail bike.
Pros
Inexpensive yet tough as nails. Set-up is fairly easy to maintain.
Cons
| ThankFor the money, I can't grumble too much.