Mountain Biking - Specialized P Series & Alike

I little background on me. I grew up BMX racing. I moved to Idaho 2 years go. Right now my set-ups are a Mosh BMX 24" Cruiser. I love that bike for free riding and overall riding in town. There is a dirt jump track close to my house that I sometimes go to. My other bike I have is a older Rockhopper. I think it was new in 98. Its doesn't have a front shock or anything. I was looking the other day for a new mountain bike I came across the Specialized P series, which seems like the ideal bike for me ( a combo between my mountain bike and my BMX ). I should also mention I am 6'-4" 210 lbs.

I have read alot of reviews and it seems like people either love them or hate them. What are some other companies that make these models of bikes? What do you all recommend, Specialized or another brand?

Those of you that you that do ride these style of bikes, how do you like them, what should I look for, how well do they climb hills ( I know they are not made for that, but if has to be better than my single speed 24" BMX bike ). Would you buy new or try to find a used one?

One thing I want to get into taking this bike up ski resort lifts in the summer and riding trails down, I think this bike would be ideal.

Any info you can give me on these bikes I would greatly appreciate it.

Just about every major bike brand makes a dj frame.

yeti dj: link (http://www.yeticycles.com/Bikes/BikesDJ.cfm)
trek jack series: link (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1031600&f=16)
specialized p series: link (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=06PSeries)
transition t or p: link (http://www.transitionbikes.com/TrailorPark.cfm)
giant stp: link (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?range=247)
fisher fr/dj series: link (http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/series.asp?series=freeride-hardtail)
kona dirt jumping series(cowan, stuff, scrap, shred): link (http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=318&parentid=253)
azonic steelhead: link (http://www.azonicusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=52_30&products_id=191)
haro thread: link (http://www.harobikes.com/atb/threadone.php)
khs djs: link (http://www.khsbicycles.com/01_dj_300.htm)
rocky mountain flow series: link (http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2006/flow/index.aspx)
santa cruz chameleon, jackal: link (http://santacruzbikes.com/chameleon/) link (http://santacruzbikes.com/jackal/)
norco sasquatch: link (http://www.norco.com/ts/pass/norco06usa/templates/bike_model.php?lang=en&loc=fs&sloc=fr&tabloc=1&id=sasquatch&col=black)
cannondale chase series: link (http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/cusa/cats/mtn_dj_chase.html)
scott voltage series: link (http://www.scottusa.com/category.php?UID=219)

A P. Street would be good, but I think they're only available in canada.

That link didn't work,

What Model of specialized are you refering me too? Also I know nothing on the sizing of these bikes. I have read that they do measure frame size different than they do for regular mountain bikes. Whats a good size for me.

What Brand of DJ is yours?

Thanks

dont buy a used bike. dirt jumpers put bikes through alot of abuse. i think if you want to shuttle you are going to need a diffirent bike.

as for other bikes. the p2 is nice as is the cowan and if you want more of a boutique bike go with the transition.

for sizing it is best to go to a shop

That link didn't work,

What Model of specialized are you refering me too? Also I know nothing on the sizing of these bikes. I have read that they do measure frame size different than they do for regular mountain bikes. Whats a good size for me.

What Brand of DJ is yours?

Thanks
All he did was link you to a one of the p series. They all are similar just each model has better components with p.1 being the best.

I didn't see all the links up top

Thanks dude

I didn't see all the links up top

Thanks dude

Yea I was adding them as I found the links. My suggestion is this- check out your local bike shops. See what kind of brands they sell. Test all the dj models, and come back to us and tell us what you liked and are thinking of considering.

They all are similar just each model has better components with p.1 being the best.
ugh, no, the P.3 is the best.

Any of the P. series (except the P Street) would be perfect for you. As for the fitting I would go to your LBS and they can help you out with that. Good luck searching!

All he did was link you to a one of the p series. They all are similar just each model has better components with p.1 being the best.
The P.series starts with the P.1 being the lower end and the P.3 being the higher end. They make a P.1 in '06 but it is a singlespeed with a 24" rear tire. The P.3 has all the goodies like Juicy 5's, etc. while the P.2 is in the middle.

I've got an '05 P.2 and the best way I can describe it is a big BMX bike. I've ridden a few trails with it, but I prefer my Rockhopper for that duty. I do, however, think that you would definitely feel comfy on a P. bike as a result of your BMX background.

With that being said, you can't really go wrong with any of the top brands, just ride as many as you can and see what feels best.

EDIT:
ugh, no, the P.3 is the best.
Too slow on the reply, Jason beat me to it.

Maybe you can answer this quick question. I have been looking at the P series for about a week online. I finally found a local dealer that has them in stock. They are closed already tonite but I will stop by there tomorrow and check them out.

Question, I see on Specializes website they basically only have 2 frame sizes "S" and "L". Is that true and if it is what does it stand for. I have seen people call it Small/Large as well as Short/Long.

Does anyonw know how the long compares to a 24" BMX Cruiser, I would assume it would fit me better since its got 26" rims versus 24". I am just curious so I kinda know what to expect when I roll in there tomorrow.

I wouldn't go and say what will or won't be the best for you. Just try out whatever you can.

I'm 5'7" and got the short. You are pretty tall and will most likely want the long, but you never know. You could like the feeling of one or the other better, just ride whatever you can and make a good pick.

Mine says "Short" right on the tube, so I would imagine its Short and Long...unless Specialized is trying to trick us with a short and large!:eek:

Thanks alot guys, you have been a huge help. I have been out of the loop for so long riding my cruiser and old school Rock Hopper that I didn't even know these bikes existed. I can't wait to get my hands on one. They look so smooth to ride compared to my cruiser.

Thank again,

I'll keep you updated after I ride one tomorrow.

Here is my update,

I test rode the Specialized Long 2005 P2 this afternoon( identical to 56Bulldogs's ). I love this bike, its way better than I thought it would be. It fits me ALOT better than my 24" BMX Cruiser, it rides very smooth. They had a price take on it for $899.00 and I talked him down to $750.00 and that comes with the standard 1 year tune-ups.

I did do some searches for dealers of other brands and I didn't come up with much for the brands that had models in my price range. This was the only p series bike I could find in the Valley out of all the bike shops I called.

I personally think this Brand New p2 is a steal for $750, what do you think?

Is it the cromo frame or alum alloy? either way, 750 is quite a bit under msrp.

Its aluminum, I believe this year is the first year they made the p2 in a chromoly an Aluminum model, not 100% on that.

I don't see how I can pass that deal up.

Ok sounds good then. The msrp on the alum is 1100. Sounds great.

I don't think I will find a better deal. Now my next step is what do I do with the other 2 bikes I don't need or want anymore. I guess I will have to find a bike shop that buys used bikes. I really don't want 3 bikes or do I need to have 2 bikes.

Ok sounds good then. The msrp on the alum is 1100. Sounds great.
The MSRP on the '06 P.2 is $1100, its got some Hydraulic brakes and some other goodies.

The MSRP on an '05 P.2 is $900. I got mine for $700 even, but the frame had quite a few scratches on it because it had been test ridden all over the place. I considered that a steal because I was gonna probably scratch it up anyway. So far it has been a really stout bike. $750 sounds like a pretty solid deal.

Thanks alot for the additional info, even though I don't feel like I am getting that great of a deal anymore, haha. I am thinking maybe I should roll in there and throw $700 cash on the desk and see if they bite that way. You figure $750.00 plus taxes you are really close to $800.00

I'll Give it a day or 2 of thought and see if I can sell my other bikes by then.

One question for ya 56Bulldogs, I notice the pedals on this P2 are pretty crappy pedals, I didn't take a really good look at them but they looked plastic to me. Are the pedals on your bike stock? I have some on my Cruiser I could swap of they are both 3/8" which they should be with the 3 piece cranks.

Anything else I should look out for on this bike, I wish I had it home right now so I could go biken tonite.

They are some kind of alloy...the ones in the picture in the sig are the stock ones and I still have those on there.

If there was anything that I would say that I wasn't so fond of on the bike, I would say it is(was) the bashguard. I broke it in no time riding up some stuff. Maybe because it was weak, or maybe because I suck...no one knows.

If you want any pictures of anything specific, lemme know...I've got quite a few high-res pics from when it was new.

Oh, and on a side note, the reason you aren't able to find many of the P. bikes to test ride is that Specialized dealers pretty much only order them for customers who want them. The bike I bought was the only one within a 100+ mile radius of my house. They just dont stock a whole lot because they don't sell like Hardrocks, Rockhoppers and Stumpys.

Would you say the bike is worth the $700 you paid? I have never spent this much money on a bike in one shot ( I have built bikes over time ). Thats all I can think about is if I will get my $750 out of this bike.

If you can let me know all what you have done with the bike, have you ridden it down any mountain trails, back country trails or mostly urban. I was really impressed with the low gear, I think I could climb some respectable hills.

I just fit on this bike so much better than my 24" cruiser its not even funny.

I say that if it fits, you ride it, you get some exercise, and you have fun doing it, then it would be worth the money you would pay for it. I ride it pretty much every day, and I can't say that I have had any complaints other than the bash guard shattering. Other than that, its been a blast to ride. Lets put it this way: if I was given the opportunity to buy the bike again tomorrow, I would do it in a heartbeat.

I mostly ride Urban around my college campus. I haven't ridden it any super long distances, and I ride with the seat slammed. I can't really comment on how well the geometry suits long distance riding because I haven't really done any.

I took it on a short mountain trail, but I didn't feel too comfy on it due to the Maxxis Hookworm tires. They are pretty much a strictly urban tire, and I was feeling pretty skittish on the trails. However, I think that if I had some knobbies it would have been a much more enjoyable experience. I haven't done any real climbing because I currently live in the plains of West Texas. The highest point in the city is in the middle of a park, and its probably a 20 second ride to the top. Fun.

Oh yeah babyface_311, I sent you a PM about some other stuff.

When you say bashguard do you mean the chain guard?

When you say bashguard do you mean the chain guard?
Yeah, this little bugger right here. Here's a thumbnail-

http://www.tinypic.com/x3s6dc_th.jpg (http://i1.tinypic.com/x3s6dc.jpg)

I added the arrow because I don't have class today and I'm bored. I think it nicely illustrates the crack. Sorry for the poor quality, I took it with my phone.

Right on, thanks

I actually like the chain guard so a guy can wear pants when he rides and doesn't have to look like idiot with his pant leg rolled up.

Nice Arrow,

O-ya,

I am going to stop by the bike shop after work, test ride it one more time and if it all checks out I will buy it.

I did it, I went to test ride it and couldn't say no. I can't want to take it on a ride in the foothills this weekend.

The P bikes arnt made for going up...
Uphill is going to kick your arse.
Gowing Down is what its all about..

The P bikes are geared towards dirt jumping and park/street/urban, you can do XC comfortably in them but don't expect them to climb like mad, still if your physical cllimbing condition is good they should climb really well just not maybe as fast as a race bike would (I know that with my climbing ability, even a Madone SSLx would burn me out lol)

my riding buddy just bought a p. 2 cro-mo. it is sweet for urban a jumping because of the steel frame. the aluminum frames are incredibly stiff and jarring. do not buy the small, the front wheel does not clear the pedal when its backwards, and your foot with probably rub when you just turn. these bikes dont climb well at all. the gearing is way too high for one as they only come with one front ring (a 34 or 36 depending on the model). furthermore, the handling is way relaxed compared to an xc frame, making it awkward while climbing. the p street is a 24" (or 26", i cant remember) bmx bike. it comes with pegs, hub protectors, one brake, and its single speed. a regular p bike would be much more sound on trails. im sure it would perform well at a ski resort, granted you're not too big for the fork.

I hear that, I have the Fisher GED and I converted it to a Singlespped, it climbes alright, but not like an XC bike thats for sure..
The burn is always good...

There are alot of trails in teh foothills that I am going to hit up. I'll have a buddy drive me up there and than ride down. There will be a little uphill climbing but not much. I won't pick the trails that do have alot fo uphill climbing. I just want to cruise down and hit some natural kickers.

Its going to be a blast playing with downtown too, Way more fun than my 24" BMX cruiser, this bike just fits me so much better being 6-4.

I'm 6'3 and had to get out of the whole BMX scence when I hit 6'3 in highschool.
Urban Assult is frekking great. You can do so much more on a bigger bike. Bigger hits, bigger drops, up stairs, down stairs, Stair Gaps, just get mean with it. The only downfall is the price of parts your going to spend when you break them.
Urban by far is my love, there is nothing quite like getting a crowd of people watching you throw down your best moves. I get people asking me all the time if they can take some photos of me just playing around on my bike. I feed off it so so so much, I just keep goin bigger and getting more techinical with it.
Ill get some pics of my fisher up soon, I just have to locate a camera since somone stole mine.

You gotta check out some bikes movies now that your a mountian biker, the urban stuff will open your mind to a whole new barrage of moves; so check out some of these: Link for a lil urban trials movie MG VS FM (http://tobe.observedtrials.net/M.G.vsF.M.wmv)
Jib
Jib 2 Sessions
Unchained
Cranked
Chain Reaction
Manifisto w/ Ryan Leech
The Art of Trials with Ryan Leech (Learn Trials)
Red Bull Retrospective 5 DVD Box Set
The Collective

Before you know it, you will find yourself a lil krew of urban riders, and just go tear stuff up downtown.. Security guards will become your mortal enemies.

^^Add Roam and the Drop In Series to that list and it's good to go.^^

Awesome! Congrats on the new ride! Theres only one thing missing in this thread....PICS!

damn the video is sick,

I'll get you pics most likely tomorrow. I officially have 3 bikes now, hopefully I can get back down to only 1 very soon. I think I might buy myself a new set of tires for "urban" riding. I don't think I need these narly tires for riding around town where 80% of my riding will be.

What do you recommend for Urban/street tires?

Maxxis Holy Rollers 2.4 inch
Maxxis Hook Worm 2.5 inch
I ride the Holy rollers, and love the flock outta them! They are great for Street and dirt.. the actual Maxxis add goes:
Urban Assult in the Morning, Dirt Jumping in the Evening
Kenda makes a street tire like the Holy roller, I cant remember the name, I'm getting a set of these Kendas on Saturday and test them out. I'll let ya know what I think.
Holy Rollers:
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/acatalog/Holy_Roller.JPG
Hook Worms
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/acatalog/Hookworm.JPG

Kenda makes a street tire like the Holy roller, I cant remember the name, I'm getting a set of these Kendas on Saturday and test them out. I'll let ya know what I think.
Kenda K-Rads? I think thats what you are talking about. I have the Hookworms on my ride...corner like you are on rails...perfect for urban use. Pretty heavy though (1250 grams each) versus the Holy Rollers (865 grams). Its like a pound more for each tire.

I finally took pics but now I can't remember how to resize them. I will work on it and eventually get one on here.

One more question for you experts. What are good Shin guards to get? I haven't bought a pair in 10 years and I am sure some things have changed.

Whats everyone wearing these days?

my bike climbs ok but it comes down to muscle endurance and your cardio shape, my bike liwest gearing is 36T front and 34T rear, the single front ring limits the hell out of my climbing, The other day I rode with a buddy that has a Trek Fuel 8, kicked my ass on climbs, downhills i was in front. I love my bike

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PG601B00-Fox+Launch+911+Kneeshin+Guards.aspx i hear these are pretty nice

Urban Assult is frekking great. You can do so much more on a bigger bike. Bigger hits, bigger drops, up stairs, down stairs, Stair Gaps, just get mean with it. The only downfall is the price of parts your going to spend when you break them.
Urban by far is my love, there is nothing quite like getting a crowd of people watching you throw down your best moves. I get people asking me all the time if they can take some photos of me just playing around on my bike. I feed off it so so so much, I just keep goin bigger and getting more techinical with it.
Ill get some pics of my fisher up soon, I just have to locate a camera since somone stole mine.
Same. I'm in desperate need of a real trials bike though.

And, I HATE kenda K-rads. My brother has them on his bike and I absolutely cannot stand them, nor can he.

get a stp. lol

One more question for you experts. What are good Shin guards to get? I haven't bought a pair in 10 years and I am sure some things have changed.
Whats everyone wearing these days?

I ride Fox Launch, and I love them, they have held true for over a year, with hundreds of pedal bites, and crashes on concrete.
They look nice, and cant even tell your wearing any under jeans.


Same. I'm in desperate need of a real trials bike though.

And, I HATE kenda K-rads. My brother has them on his bike and I absolutely cannot stand them, nor can he.

Id get yourself a Echo Hi-Fi, or a Koxx, there are so many too choose from, but you are more likley to have to order online.
K-Rads, thats them, and they suck eh? Mabye I should tell the shop to just keep em. There expected to get here next week. I'm a die hard fan of Maxxis, love all Maxxis.



http://www.bikesmart.com/products/PADFOX_launch_kneeshin.jpg

Since I don't know much about these bikes. What are some upgrades worth doing to my stock 2005 p2? Like when guy has an extra $100 or $200 laying around he doesn't know what to spend it on. One knock I do have on this bike is it is kinda heavy. What are some cheap ( or expensive ) but effective ways to lose some weight?

If I am looking to upgrade the fork, where do I turn to look? How much is a decent fork?

Thanks guy,

Thanks alot

lol, tripple post even.

For a fork upgrade, 100-200 isnt going to do you much but put a payment down on a nicer fork. DJIII's are nice, Fox's, I use a Drop Off 160mm. Seems to like the bigger hits.
As for weight, P series are designed to be a strong bike that can take abuse from hard riders. Its heavy for a reason, strong, solid while in the air, and well.... strong.
You can lighten er up by replacing your wheelset, switching to a singlespeed, hacking down your seat post with a hack saw, or buying lighter componets. Diffrent crank set, diffrent bars/stem... that sorta thing.

I'll get my GED pics posted up within the next few days, once they come back from the film people.