Strengths: I picked these up not knowing how they'd perform, basically because I wanted a bigger tyre and the grip layout looked like it'd shed mud in the gloop and grip well in all conditions. I have been proven right time and again, I've never flatted in 2 years of running these, let them down and hit the trails, pump them up and ride a marathon, I find them excellent for all riding styles.
Weaknesses: Probably not the best choice for marathons in terms of rolling resistance. Really can't say anything else bad about them.
Overall: I'll keep riding with these, Conti explorers, Maxxis High rollers, Spesh Revolutions have all come and gone pretty quickly in comparision.
Strengths: I live and got the bike overseas so the package and deal was superb. Introducing me to SRAM rear mech and shifters was a revelation - no matter what they just keep shifting - it'll take alot to get me back over to the big S, Avid 7's are superb, Fox Float is cracking, weight is incredible for the package and considering it's a 5ins full susser. Rear shock bob does seem to lock out on the flat, rear sus is smooth and well controlled, sometimes it scares me that when I'm about to give up it just keeps going - I have been known to talk to myself on climbs I really shouldn't make saying over and over "what a bike, what a bike..." This is a frame to build on, even with the revamped 2008 model coming in... The looks are sweet.
Weaknesses: Either the rear linkage or the seat post binder can get noisy as hell. The binder works loose and creaks, the linkage needs checking and lubeing regularly. This can do my head in on a long ride. Not too good when the going gets muddy / claggy, rear tyre clearance in OK but not the best and the linkage is right in the line of fire for crud. I changed some of the Spesh own brand kit for WTB Rocket 5 saddle and Thompson, I should have changed the Bar too - waaay too narow for the bike for a larger bloke, changed it recently and have found a new dimension in the ride.
Overall: Generally I love it, as my first susser it has opened my eyes to another riding style which is what I use this bike for. An XC/Marathon bike it isn't for me, mainly due to it not dealing with all weather conditions that well, but as a day bike for hitting the trails it'll go up, down and anything in between. Top bike, top kit on the whole - change the bar, ride is great, it's tuneable to any style I reckon, could do with being more adaptable for UK conditions but that wouldn't stop me getting one all over again. The new 2008 FSR must be something if it beats this.. PS: would have got a 5 on Performance if it didn't creak so much, 4 for reliability is fair as could do with being more UK specific, value isn't bad but there are a few spec clangers for me - narrow bar, spesh own brand kit is questionable, rear hub is a cost saver.. that said I'll keep upgrading this frame for a long time yet.
'THROW BACK TO A BY-GONE AGE WHEN ONE BIKE DID IT ALL...'
Strengths: Solid as a rock, climbs like a mountain goat, great response, delivers a really confident ride whatever the conditions or the type of riding.. The wishbone rear seat-stays deliver a tight rear end as well, so power tranfer is scary, and even V brake's stop you on the spot.
[Update 20/04/08] Since my original review I've added a Reba Team, Juicy 5's and Mavic Cross lands, plus all kinds of other new kit. In fact, other than the frame the only original parts are the front mech and WTB Rocket 5 saddle (best saddle ever maded by the way). All this has made me enjoy the frame more, I also went for my first foray into full sus with a Stumpy FSR which I love, but the P7 just waits to be taken out to show what she can do all over again. This frame/bike is that good. I completed my first Marathon 100k last weekend, the toss up between the FSR and the P7 was a tough one but the all round ability of the P7 won through. In fact I'm about to go for it again and upgrade to Hope Mono Minis, Hope wheelset and a F100 fork.
Weaknesses: Mine had the old Manitou Axel fork fitted as standard, which was a dog. I've now changed to a Kona Project 2 to go fully rigid until I can afford a better replacement. Even going fully rigid I can't stop grinning when out on the trails.. it's like a whippet..
[Update 20/04/08] Don't know how long I can go before I need to move on to the new frame, mine is 5-6 years old now, so am restricted on fork length. Could argue it's a touch heavy but the ride feel makes up for that. Chain suck is never good on a steel frame either so need to keep a close eye out for an onset of rust, nothing yet though... Also wish I could get rid of the Canti bosses on the seat stays... and on that topic the rear disc has caught the chain stay once or twice. That said, it's nothing that would put me off another one though.
Overall: Having started out on a '92 Clockwork and loved Orange ever since I have to give them 10/10 now I've changed the fork.. can;t wait to see how it feels with a decent 120mm fork fitted..
[Update 20/04/08] I still love this bike, and it will always draw more attention than the FSR... Sure the FSR can hammer down techy trails but the P7 is the better all rounder, even considering comfort, for me.
