Strengths: Pedals well up hill. Fantastic Downhill. Like the simplicity of the rear suspension. Great build quality. Versatility you can set it up cross country light or free ride heavy it works well either way.
Weaknesses: Replacing the rear shock bearings is a bit of a faff which fortunately doesn't occur very often . I would also prefer a full length outer cable on the the front shifter. But these are minor niggles.
Overall: Been riding an 07 575 with Carbon rear triangle for over a year now. I have had mine set up light with a Pace RC41 Fighter and heavier with a Fox Van 36 RC2 which is where it's currently at. Either way the bike gave me confidence to start trying jumps and drops that I never thought I would attempt. My son has now nicked the 07 575 off me because I kept leaving him for dead on the downs, so I have an 08 on order. Should be here next week, that'll get a 36 Van up front as well. I was initially concerned about the durability of the Carbon rear triangle but I have trashed this bike and had no problems. Get one, they make you smile :)
Overall: Set mine up with a mixture of X0 and XTR, Pace RC39 100mm Fork, Mavic SLR Wheels, Hope Mini Mono Pro. Cant weigh it but it aint heavy. This is a return to hardtails from full sussers for me and I'm really enjoying climbing with this bike. Also I picked it up for half price in a sale, so pretty pleased with the value as well.
Strengths: Light Weight, Short Length, Very Plush.
Weaknesses: No Hose Guide, The cap on schraeder valve can be difficult to remove. Can't get them anu more in this guise.
Overall: Since running in (about 20 hours) the fork has performed flawlessly. Very happy with the way it feels on my Yeti 575. Launch Control is excellent for climbing and much easier to use on the fly than other travel adjust systems. It's just a shame that they had to sell out to DT Swiss. Sure the product will be as good, perhaps better but think they have spoiled the look of it (not that this should matter).Have pounded this fork for about a year now without any issues.
Strengths: East Set up, Great Feel, Great Modulation.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Overall: I have two sets of these both with floating rotors, one standard on my Yeti 575 which gets a thrashing and the Pro (Lightweight) version on my XC hardtail. Both sets went straight on and centred up with no shims (perhaps I'm just lucky). Personally I really like the feel of the levers for one fingered braking and they are plenty powerful enough for my use. I will definately be fitting them again.
Strengths: Well put together, strong materials, just big enough for what you need on an average day.
Weaknesses: A full face helmet will only just fit with a struggle.
Overall: Comfy pack with great hydration system. Not a lightweight but not overly heavy. The rear helmet pocket is great on days when you don't need to take a full face helmet. But on days when you do it is very difficult to force the helmet into the pocket provided and this is supposed to be the point of it. If you really want to carry a FF Helmet get a Havoc instead it fits easily.
Strengths: The suspension just works, the brain is particularly easy to set up, does what it says on the box. Very light and fast accelerating. Great mix of components.
Weaknesses: Pricey but you get what you pay for. Little concerned about where the rear brake hose is routed at first (a little closer to the disc than I would have prefered) but after 4 months of hard riding it has given no problems.
Overall: I must come clean, this is my son's bike I normally ride a Trek Fuel EX9. But i think I will be getting one of these sometime in the future. The suspension system is the most effective I have used. This is the first bike i have had in long time which has not had any problems in the first few months so credit to Specialized quality control. Although not designed for jumping he does regularly on it and it takes it like a bike with more than 5" travel. All in all a very solid and usable bike.
'Great Shock but Flawed Quality Control Spoils it.'
Strengths: Easy to set up, ProPedal works well at the flick of a switch.
Weaknesses: Since fitting it (Sept 2006)has been returned to Mojo twice. First time stuck down, which I believe is not un-common. Second time the main seal is blowing out. It would appear there are some major quality control issues here.
Overall: As a shock it works much better than the RockShox MCR3.3 it replaced. But the failures have spoilt the experience. After trawling the web it would appear I am not alone.
