Mountain Biking - Opinions Wanted -- stuck b/t two specialized models

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bigj
09-29-04, 08:13 AM
In the market for a light xc fs bike -- and looking for prior year model "deals", i've found the following at local bike shops: (1) 2003 Specialized S-jumper FSR (base model - ie, no disc brakes, but has Fox Float RL rear shock - can lock out; and manitou axel super fork) for $1000 (lbs will put on avid mechs for $200 if i want); (2) 2004 Specialized XC FSR Pro Disc (shimano hydraulic discs; fox Foat R rear shock, manitou axel plus LO fork) for $1225. Both are Large size ( i'm 6 feet and weigh around 195). If read the various thread discussing both bikes, but i'm interested in any knowledge or opinion re the difference b/t the two model years. Type of riding: I do a lot of xc riding -- no big drops or the like (i don't race). this is my first fs bike. i currently ride a trek ht and love it, but with age and desire to lessen impact on my back from long rides, i want my new bike to be a fs. The Specialized 05s look great and i'd love to get one of those, but prices are pretty high so i'm wondering just how good a deal these options might be. Thanks in advance for the thoughts.

a2psyklnut
09-29-04, 08:48 AM
Is the FSR base model the 2003 or the 2004?

If it's the 2003, although a good bike, $1,000 would be a deal if they included the Avid's for the same price. Sure it retailed for $1350, but it's now 2 model years old. The 2005's are hitting the streets as we speak.

The 2003 Stumpjumper frame, became the FSR XC for this year (2004).

If it's the 2004, retail dropped to $880, so it's NOT a good deal.

So, the 2004 FSR Pro disc is the better deal. It has last year's Stumpjumper frame, a better component spec, plus it has the Pro-Pedal rear shock! And it's Red, everyone knows Red is a faster color!
seely
09-29-04, 10:09 AM
The XC FSR is a pig! The things like 33lbs if I recall correctly. To put things in perspective, the Enduro's weigh about that much, or less depending what options you go for, and thats a 5" travel trail bike.

LeviBike
09-29-04, 12:46 PM
The XC FSR is a pig! The things like 33lbs if I recall correctly. To put things in perspective, the Enduro's weigh about that much, or less depending what options you go for, and thats a 5" travel trail bike.

Oi vey i had to carry my FSR up a pretty steep mountainous region and to put it in perspective my bicep curl max is about 20 lbs. Man that hurt.

Regardless, the bike is squishy-plush-fantastic, i love it.