Mountain Biking - Specialized FSR XC... Is it worth it?

:rolleyes: I have been mountain biking for over a year now. I currently own a GT Aggressor 2.0 (hard tail). I want to upgrade to a full suspension but I can't afford to spend $1000 on a bike. I was leaning towards the Specialized FSR XC (MSRP $880). I know the bike has cheaper and heavier components but I figure I can upgrade the components little by little (I've heard that it's pretty easy to do with Specialized bikes). And I kind of like the life-time warranty on the Specialized frames too. Also, does anyone know how much the bike weighs? Specialized does give out information on bike weight on their web site.

one last note:
My brother told me to check out the 2004 Jamis Dakar Sport (MSRP $800).
Any suuggestions?

Thanks everyone!!

Specialized FSR XC

This Bike Rules: The venerable four-bar Horst link is still one of the best, most-proven suspension designs around. Here, it's priced under a grand and ready-made to accept a disc-brake upgrade.
Forget It If: You're weight-conscious or want plush travel. The coil-sprung rear shock is heavy and has limited adjustment, as does Manitou's Axel suspension fork. Parts are good, solid and durable, but not light.
Component Highlights: 27-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain; Specialized Roll-X folding tires; Shimano M-475 (r) and Specialized (f) disc-ready hubs
Price: $880
Contact: 408-779-6229; www.specialized.com

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Based on that short review, I'd say that it weighs close to 30 lbs. I do know for a fact that the Specialized FSR XC Pro weighs only 24 lbs. (medium), it has the XTR group and much lighter and better Fox Talas fork, and no coil-over rear shock. But one word of advise, don't turn into a weight weenie. Get the bike YOU want and like even if it weighs a couple more pounds. It's all about how you feel riding the bike. Who cares if Joe Blow will be impressed.... Have fun! :)

This could be interesting if you don't mind a used bike....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58081&item=3676704491

FSR's are around 31-32lbs actual weight. We have one at the shop, whichever model comes with the XT der. and its 31 on the nose.

The fsr suspension with the Horst link is what can be called the most active suspension.
It doesnt lock out under braking, and it does not bob during peddling, unless you bob.
When I test rode mine, the salesman told me I had to buy one, I had the biggest cake eating grin on my face, if thats any indication.
your milage may vary.

Scoob

I do know for a fact that the Specialized FSR XC Pro weighs only 24 lbs. (medium), it has the XTR group and much lighter and better Fox Talas fork, and no coil-over rear shock.



Uhhhh..........what?

Uhhhh..........what?

Lol... exactly... the FSR's are all in the 30lbs range last I checked.

...or what about the Gary Fisher Sugar 4+.........?

Please let me know
Thanks

Uhhhh..........what?
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You & Seely, the FSR "PRO" does weigh only 24 lbs. It costs an arm & a leg however.... So, "Duh What" if you want. The joke is on you guys, not me....

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You & Seely, the FSR "PRO" does weigh only 24 lbs. It costs an arm & a leg however.... So, "Duh What" if you want. The joke is on you guys, not me....


Dude the FSR XC Pro is a 30lbs bike... I sell them... and they ARE NOT XTR EQUIPPED. I don't know what bike you are talking about, but the XC Pro is an A1 Monocoque frame re: heavy with XT/Deore/Mavic 117's, not the lightest stuff out there. Not to mention the Axel fork, which is no trail ballerina. I'm not saying its not a good bike, but any F/S thats 24lbs is going to cost you $$$$$$$$$... there are VERY few that are even that light period, and the FSR XC Pro isn't one of them.

I think you're thinking of the Stumpjumper FSR Anniversary Model.

VERY NICE BIKE! Cost MSRP: $4120

Dude the FSR XC Pro is a 30lbs bike... I sell them... and they ARE NOT XTR EQUIPPED. I don't know what bike you are talking about, but the XC Pro is an A1 Monocoque frame re: heavy with XT/Deore/Mavic 117's, not the lightest stuff out there. Not to mention the Axel fork, which is no trail ballerina. I'm not saying its not a good bike, but any F/S thats 24lbs is going to cost you $$$$$$$$$... there are VERY few that are even that light period, and the FSR XC Pro isn't one of them.

totally agree. The axel fork really weighs it down. No way you'll find an axel equiped dually bike coming in around 24 pounds. Unless every other part is XTR, carbon, Ti etc

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So, "Duh What" if you want. The joke is on you guys, not me....

Hmm sometimes words come back to haunt you...

...what about the Gary Fisher Sugar 4+.........?

I haven't ridden one but it looks ok...

Not a big fan of the Sugs! I rode one as a demo for a 12 hour race and the geometry just didn't agree with me. Since then, I've been jaded away from GF's.

L8R

:rolleyes: I have been mountain biking for over a year now. I currently own a GT Aggressor 2.0 (hard tail). I want to upgrade to a full suspension but I can't afford to spend $1000 on a bike. I was leaning towards the Specialized FSR XC (MSRP $880). I know the bike has cheaper and heavier components but I figure I can upgrade the components little by little (I've heard that it's pretty easy to do with Specialized bikes). And I kind of like the life-time warranty on the Specialized frames too. Also, does anyone know how much the bike weighs? Specialized does give out information on bike weight on their web site.

one last note:
My brother told me to check out the 2004 Jamis Dakar Sport (MSRP $800).
Any suuggestions?

Thanks everyone!!It's essentially the same bike I started out with last January. I made a few changes link (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=40342) as I discovered what I wanted / needed. I am jealous of that Propedal shock however even though the current Float R functions well for my needs. In short it's a nice bike, not on the cutting edge any more but still worthy.