Strengths: big hit capability, infinitely tunable rear shock, great spec, stability. 8 Bl*&din' inches ferchrissakes.... sealed bearings, adjustability of angles of dangle, looks, ISCG mounts oh i could go on....
Weaknesses: errr, i can't have more than one?.....
Overall: first time on big hit having always ridden single pivot full sussers (Giant AC team play bike excepted) and the way it rides is, in my humble opinion, far better than any single pivot bike. Now i'm not talking if Steve Peat was piloting it, i'm talking about your average man in the street, occasional racer with a job and a real life, rather than a world-class career racer... This bike forgives my failures far more than a single pivot, putting the brakes on keeps me rooted rather than skipping but better still, taking the brakes off moves me up to a speed that should scare me but instead inspires me.... Not really a big jump/drop-off monkey but i can, will do and have done it on this bike....
spec on mine:
Big hit expert frame, 4-way swinger shock RS Boxxer 02, TFtuned Hope bulb F&R, 521 front, DMR revolver rear. Hope mono 4-pot 203 mm front, hope M4 185 mm rear. SRAM X0 shifters, mech, road cassette and chain Answer pro tapers, tioga multi-control, Maxxis high rollers F&R Truvative holzfeller cranks, Goldtec manacle chain device.
Weaknesses: secrureness comes at a price, for extended wear and bending your knees i found these a bit chaffing round the back of the knee. Some localised hair stretch too...
Overall: Not bad, have just bought a pair of roach DH pads to replace these as they're comfier. They're also twice the price so the 661's aren't bad for the price
Strengths: everything. Exceptionally well thought out pads, full length protection, open back (mesh kinda thing) plenty of straps but surprisingly comfy for digging and course building in also....
Weaknesses: Sizing is odd, got medium first thinking i'm not a big bloke and there was no indication on chain reaction cycles. when they arrived i couldn't get them over my claf... they're supposed to be for riders 5"2' - 5"8' but i think anyone with slightly large calves might struggle.
Overall: absoultely blummin marvleous. well worth the £55 i paid, comfy, tough and well thought out
