| 'GREAT BIKE FOR XC' |
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Strengths:
Bought the 2004 model in december 2004, still looks imaculate even today. Excellent frame and forks. Handles all the bumps and drops with ease. Absolutely flies downhill, and climbs really well in the 5inch (rear shock) setting. Handles my heavy weight with ease (after upgrading some parts)even after bringing the total weight of the bike to below 29Ibs. Really comfortable ride for long days in the saddle. After spending (and I know you will think i'm mad!) £1000 extra on new wheels and hubs, full XTR drivetrain and middleburn cranks/rings this bike's now a really tasty bit of kit that handles my hefty weight and everything that i can throw at it. |
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Weaknesses:
Magura Julies do not give any confidence in stopping. Some poor components elsewhere let things down. Wheels are to lightfor a heavy rider. I snapped the spokes in the back wheel after just 3 rides. Very high bottom bracket height does not inspire confidence on tricky trail sections. Has quite a long wheelbase so tight corners are tricky, combined with the high bottom bracket height this makes it difficult to feel totally at ease. |
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Overall:
This is a superb bike for anyone new to full sussers and even maybe to those who have owned a few. With a few upgrades it makes an excellent all mountain machine that will stand up to years of abuse. Only a few niggles that to be honest are really nothing that a few extra quid cant sort out. Well except for that high bottom bracket. |
