Strengths: Quite light (for 130mm) Very nice finish Very adjustable and tunable Has that 'Fox' ring to it.
Weaknesses: None really - perhaps a video showing how to use all the adjusters! Perhaps a handle-bar lock-out included?
Overall: I got this to go with my Tomac Eli frams, and it went perfectly. I have this running on a Chris King headset, and the steering is sublime.
The fork is very resonsive, and it just works. There is no delay or feedback, it just moves in and out. It doesn't bring attention to itself, and you can concentrate on riding,a nd not worring if your fork can take it.
The lock-out feature is very useful, as it does bob a bit on roads. I haven't got to grips with all the other stuff, but it certainly has enough fiddly bits to keep even the most specific riders happy.
Iti is expensive, there is no debating that, but you really have to use one to understand where that money has gone. It is nothing like any other fork I have used (Rock Shox Dukes, Pace RC38's). I looked at the Manitou Minutes, but chose this because of the Fox brand.
It has amazed me, and I feel that if you can spend that much on a fork, this should be a very worthwile choice.
I haven't tried the 04 one, but the 05 is amazing. The decals are different to the 04 stuff, but I'm getting used to them, and they look class.
It oozes quality, but again, doesn't stand out unless you know about bikes.
I've only run it at 130, as can't see the reason for putting it down lower, as you can use the lock-out for road, and the full travel for the rest, but I'm sure it will come in use soon.
Strengths: It just 'Floats' Quite light - and feels it Strong (I presume) Finish It oozes quality, but isn't 'bling' Climbs very well
Weaknesses: None really, maybe the paint, but that is really nitpicking.
Oh, and you will have to take it with you everywhere, because you wont want to leave it out of your sight for a minute!
Overall: I bought this following a reccomendation from a friend and a couple of bike shops, and paired it with a pair of 05 Fox Talas RLC's (Which I believe are the perfect fork for this bike) and other usual running gear for this sort of bike.
I took it out for the first ride a couple of days ago, and it was incredible. I had a Dawes Edge FS Team before, which is a very competent bike, but this is just in a different league. I didn't realise how much of a difference this frame would make. It just gobbles up everything in its path! It requires no work, but does exactly what you want it to.
It doesn't argue, or fight, but just beckons at your every command.
It is very efficient, with the Manitou rear shock, and pedaling is like a hard-tail when sitting down. Compared to an Epic, it is a lot more natural, without the 'on-off' of the brain. When standing up it moves at an acceptable level, but when jumping and going down stuff, it is so responsive and forgiving, but never feels strained of overworked.
There is no doubt that this is a lot of money for a bike, but this is not to be confused with inferior bikes. This is a do-everyting bike, and therefore you save money by having only one. It can be used for pretty much anything, and that reassurance is worth the money alone. It can take anything in its path, but still feels light and nimble, and never out of control.
I concidered getting a hardtail, but riding both a Giant XTC and a Trek 6700, neither come close. Although this is a step up in price, it really is worth the extra.
I have never seen one of these out on a ride, and if exclusiveness is important to you, this is a perfect choice.
It looks stunning in black, and with black wheels and forks, looks the business.
I didn't go out and try all the other bikes, however I rode on an epic, and although that is a fine bike, it wasn't as good. I suppose it is a matter of preference, but this shoud be on your shortlist.
You could build this up into a 28 pound bike with reasonably light finishing kit (it weights 6.4 pounds for a ML size), so for the travel and durability, it is very light.
I have no hesitation at all in recommending this frame, and I can asssure you it will impress.
Strengths: Good stopping power. Modulation. Looks.
Weaknesses: None really.
Overall: I was slightly doubtful about these, after mixed reviews, but I didn't want to cough up the 'very' extra cash for hopes.
Merlin Cycles offered a great deal including wheels, and I am not dissapointed at all. I cannot compare to others, as I have only used these discs, but it was a very worthwhile upgrade from v's.
They look nice, and are veryy efficient, with no squeal at all! Modulation is spot on, and you feel much more secure than with v's.
Strengths: Solid. Good parts for the price. British (I believe). Handmade. Cheap (Ex Demo £400)
Weaknesses: Heavy. Bottom Bracket (15 for a shimano one tho!) Headset is a bit poo. Rear Shock a bit bobbish. Pedals make really dodgy sounds! Brakes - might want to upgrade
Overall: Well, I originally got this as a bit of a substitute as I really didn't want to spend that much money on a bike, and I really was suprised.
The ride is comfortable, and you can hit drops (6ft)(badly) and its forgiving and strong.
This does come with weight, but this is maneagble, and even with this it is very quick. The bike can stand up to most punishment, and the paintwork is very good (hardly any scratches).
The stnadard spec is good, but not spectacular (but then again, look at the insanly cheap price) and its no wonder.
This is why its a good frame, becuase everything is good, you can upgrade as little as you want, and not be worried about the rest failing.
If budget is this sort of range, it really is a ghood choice, and you will not be dissapointed - becuase lets face it - not all of us want to spend that much money on a bike!
Strengths: Well, it works but not that well, and its still there and doing its job.
Weaknesses: Creaks like mad! Not sealed well at all Last about 6 months to a year (just normal riding).
Overall: This came stock on my Dawes bike, and although it does creak and sound as if its going to snap it is still working.
The ball bearings have rubbed down and it now keeps swinging to straight which does affect steering control slightly, so I will have to replace it soon.
It's reliable in the sense that it is still working and doing the job, but not as well as it should. I wouldn't reccommend a purcase of this unless it came stock, and then I would suggest an upgrade if it really gets bad.
