Weaknesses: Done over 2000 miles on my bike (on and off road) and it's already knackered.
Overall: There was a time when Race Face ment something, ie quality. Now, it seems that their egos have got big and the quality has suffered due to the mass quantity of items that Race Face produce to make that little bit more profit each year.
I also have the Prodigy Evolve crank set on my bike and it has been good, shame about the BB.
I think, personally, I will think again about getting a Race Face product.
Strengths: Bedding time is quick 2 sets of pads in the box Looks good
Weaknesses: Comes with Shimano 'splined' rotor (not an issue, but should have an option to buy the XT 6 bolt rotor) Only the caliper in the box, No brake leaver
Overall: I brought these as a kit (front and rear) from Merlin for £167. I have Magura Julie on my other bike, but as these are going to be used for my XC bike, the Magura's seem a little cheap especially the brake leaver....
Overall these brakes took one ride of nearly taking down walkers on my faviorate down hill section to bed in. The only problem I did have with these is I took my bike to the LBS to fit them and after ONE ride, the oil decided to leak out of the banjo. It turns out that one O ring was missing...... Got it sorted now, free of charge.
Strengths: Light Great to wear + fantastic fit Plenty of ventilation Weighs next to nothing
Weaknesses: Hair like Kieth Flint from the Prodigy after wearing this lid. The pads inside the lid don't seem to soak up the sweat efficently.
Overall: Got mine in 2004 (Red & Silver) and it's been used every day in all weathers that mother nature could throw at you and still as good as new. For the 60 quid I bought mine for, I'd say it's worth it.
Strengths: The red phoenix graphic on the side of the tyre
Weaknesses: Oh so bad. Like everyones saying, they are crap. Sh*t in muddy conditions, snake bites, a complete b*stard to get off the rim (2 man job)......Just bad really.
Overall: Overall, this tyre is a complete waste of rubber. It has nothing going for it and even at £27.99, why not get yourself some Maxxis High Rollers from CRC for £21.99 (2.35) and with the change, buy yourself a pint!
Weaknesses: A load of things for the price. Firstly it didn't cost £2,100, not sure where this figure came from.... It was £850 from Wiggle and other shops. The Marzocchi MZ comp forks are appaling, the geometry of the frame is pretty bad, cable discs are terrible as they have the resin pads fitted. The rear shock (Fox Float) has no rebound adjustment, The Tioga tyres are sh*te, the side walls are thin and perform like slicks in real muddy condidtions. No where near as good Maxxis High Rollers. Not had any problems with mud cloging to the rear shock, as the rear shock is infront of the seat tube, so not sure what the other guy was on about (See review below)....
Overall: I have owned this bike for 18 months now. Riding it every Thursday evening and Saturdays rain or shine. Spent most of the year saving up and fitting good quality stuff on it to make it more ride-a-ble. Firstly, changing the forks with Marzocchi MX Pro ETA's was a wise idea, along with a 120mm 8 degree rise Raceface Deus XC stem. Just by changing the forks and stem change the geometry for the better. Getting rid of the cable disc brakes for Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes makes it better (deal on at Merlin. Front and rear £167 all in). Might be worth changing the rear shock one day. In my opinion, I have spent £500 on it so far just to get it to how I like it. If you do decide to go for this bike, it might be worth trying one out first before you buy one. I didn't do that, and as a result, I've almost changed everything. Oh and before I forget, the bike does weigh a bit as you'll expect from a full suspension XC bike even with mud attached! I think the guy that reviewed the bike before me exaggerated a little.......
