| Rating: |   | Tuesday, September 23, 2008 |
Bob a XC Rider from San Mateo, Ca writes:
Overall, the frame is a really good deal. Its not like steel bikes would just fall apart while you're riding it. Also, you get to experience riding a 29er. Other people pay more to get that and you get one built from the frame up with an ebb. I highly recommend it, but I give it a four star for the engineering flaw of putting the spanner holes on the drive side. I think the frame is better than those with track ends. You can use any kind of wheelset for it, just get a spacer kit and a cog.
Product Used For: 6 Months
Product Strengths:It is incredibly cheap. But it does what its supposed to do. The geometry is relaxed. Turning is decent, its not race bike snappy but its enough.
Also, the frame can be set up with 26 wheels with a 130mm fork. I had it set up as a jumping bike once. The bb height might be lower but that doesn't matter when you're jumping.
Product Weaknesses:The spanner holes to tighten the tension is on the drive side for some reason I can't understand. The chainring gets in the way, and with a narrow bb, it is impossible to actually use the ebb. Maybe if they put the holes on the non drive side of the bb, it might make things ten times easier. Other than that, if you use ISIS or Octalink cranks, there's usually enough space to slide the spanner in there. Also, it is a tad bit on the heavy side but who cares, you get what you pay for. Also, the decals are hideous, I wrapped/covered them with electrical tape to give my black frame a slick all-black look.
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| Rating: | | Friday, April 25, 2008 |
Andre a XC Rider from Gainesville, Fl writes:
In summary: cheap, durable, tough 29er with an EBB. You can't lose at the price. Fork clearance can be an issue with anything but a simple steel fork (I'm using a Surly with no probs). The frame accomodates up to 2.2'' tires, but it's a near tight fit with 1.9'' Karmas--so the tire or the frame is not as advertised. The EBB works like a charm and is so much better than chain tensioners when changing a flat. It's not as rigid as more expensive steel bikes, but moreso than most aluminum alloy. Does pretty well on medium difficulty singletrack without being too punishing. Great value.
Product Used For: 1 Month
Product Strengths:cheap, durable, fun, EBB
Product Weaknesses:fork clearance, not as rigid as more expensive steel bikes, tire clearance, silly paint job
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2 out of 2 cyclists found the following review helpful:
| Rating: | | Monday, February 18, 2008 |
Patrick a Weekend Warrior from Martinsville, Nj United States writes:
I bought this to replace my Mary frame that was too small for me. What I didn't expect was that this was stiffer, lighter, smoother and handled better than the Mary. I also had a toe clearance issue with the Mary, common to Bontrager switchblade forks and this solved that as well, no more toe rub. I love this frame and will keep it even though I thought it was a temporary frame that would hold me over until I found something better. It is worth a lot more in my opinion.
Product Used For: 3 Months
Product Strengths:Smooth, stiff and cheap and great toe clearance.
Product Weaknesses:None, well it should come with a seat collar but for the price I won't complain.
My Bike:SS ridgid with Bonty carbon fork
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2 out of 2 cyclists found the following review helpful:
| Rating: | | Sunday, January 27, 2008 |
Tony a XC Rider from Arizona, Usa writes:
Its been a good bike that earned my respect with its performance. I knew what I was buying, a cheap 29er frame I built with hand me down parts and cheap wheels, but I've gotten some great riding experiences from it. It may have earned a new powder coat paint job for next year! For this price you can't go wrong!
Product Used For: 1 Year
Product Strengths:This frame is underrated. Geometry is very stable. Firm, not harsh, ride is what steel is all about. This frame does that very well. It does not clear the Reba fork. From what I heard and have read, neither do a couple of name brand frames. I've never had a situation arise where that was a problem. For this price, its not an issue for me. Its been a great ride and I've embarrassed alot of people on high dollar rides with this frame.
Product Weaknesses:Doesn't clear the Reba. If you don't crank the bottom bracket bolts down hard it will slip. The paint and great big ZION logos. Bike snobs aren't impressed. I stripped my frame and run it raw with clear sealer. Went from upturned noses to "hey, cool ride, what is it?"
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16 out of 16 cyclists found the following review helpful:
| Rating: | | Saturday, January 20, 2007 |
Eric a XC Rider from Usa writes:
Ride is a 5
Execution of proper design is a 3.
If you ride it Rigid, you won't care about the fork clearance.
I like riding it, just wish the fork cleared....my only beef.
Product Used For: 1 Month
Product Strengths:Nicely built. Rides very softly with not a lot of flex. Short chain stays. Plenty of rear tire clearance. Very cheap. Good geometry
Product Weaknesses:This thing does not have enough fork crown clearance for a Reba (the most popular 29"er fork). Even with a Cane Creek +5mm lower tall cup, or a Ventana +7mm lower Race, it requires modification of the fork to fit.
This is simple to design around, and should have been done.
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