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Giant Anthem W Womens Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

Are you looking for a women’s mountain bike that delivers on frame and fork as well as coming with great components right from the start? Then the Giant Anthem W is the bike for you. Reviewers felt that this was not a stripped-down version of a better guy’s bike, but a bike made for women that men can respect — and may even drool over.

The bike comes with high-quality brake levers, shifters, front fork and a rear shock that is as adjustable as almost any woman that rides it. A comfortable saddle means that even when new, you will feel like you’ve been riding this bike for years – an inherent sense of comfort that comes from the saddle as well as the rear shock and absence of any pedal bob. Even a beginning mountain bike rider will find that the drops are less scary when there’s a Giant Anthem W under her to help stick the landing.

Our Sources
1. Bicycling.com
Reviewers found that men were giving them the thumbs up on the Giant Anthem W. The specs include name-brand components that can be found only as upgrades or after-market on other bikes.

2. mtbr.com
After the initial dial-in, the front and rear are well balanced and the bike has good suspension overall. The Giant Anthem W also has a Pro-Pedal feature and a front fork lockout, making uphill stretches less intense and easier to cycle through without excessive fatigue.

3. TeamEstrogen.com
Our reviewer loved that she did not have to fight the bike while taking it through a rough trail. The responsiveness was second to none. The Giant Anthem W began to feel like an extension of her body rather than a bike, which made climbs and drops much easier to navigate successfully.

Soulcraft Option 3 Cross Country Hardtail Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

The number one mountain bike choice for the rider looking for an amazing cross country hardtail experience is the Soulcraft Option 3. Our reviewers found the Option 3, once fitted properly, with a fit better than any other in its class.

Even more importantly, the Soulcraft team is considered one of the best in the business. The customer service starts before purchase and lasts long after your purchase has been made. Whether it’s a custom frame or a certain brake mount, they are there to help.

The Option 3 is a former People’s Choice Award Winner from MTBR in 2002, but the quality remains to this day. You get a fast, responsive ride – but the control isn’t loose, so even after hours of riding you won’t find your bike handles slipping out from under your hands no matter how fatigued you are. From a rocky desert trail to an uphill dirt ride, the Soulcraft Option 3 is a bike that’s great for endurance racing, with a lifetime warranty to match.

Our Sources
1. mtbr.com
The highlights of the bike are the attention to detail as well as an awesome frame. It’s reviewed as an all-around great bike that does everything well. Customer service is amazing and the design works for both racing and endurance.

2. DirtRagMag.com
Reviewers love the custom steel mountain frame, especially since the ride matches the high quality of the frame. Wear and tear is minimal even when put through the toughest courses. Comes in a range of sizes in prebuilt frame options.

3. CyclingForums.com
Every time the Option 3 was ridden it was a sweet experience. The Soulcraft Option 3 was also the People’s Choice Award Winner for 2002 from MTBR.com, the leader in all things mountain bike.

Titus Racer-X Cross Country Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

The top pick in the cross country full suspension mountain bike category is the Titus Racer-X. Beyond the cool name, the bike shows superior balance that lets a rider focus on the ride rather than the mechanics of riding.

Not just for the straightaway, the Titus Racer-X is amazing on multiple surfaces, including riding in the snow. While the price was a concern for some reviewers, it did not deter them from making this their final purchase. With the range of available components and models it is possible to have a great ride on the standard aluminum frame unless you absolutely need the ultra-light carbon or ti model.

Offering award-winning design and performance rarely seen from a full suspension mountain bike, the Racer-X can climb as well as a hardtail and take an uphill slope without feeling like the bike might give out before the rider!

If you are looking for a bike with such superior balance it feels like an extension of your body, the Titus Racer-X is the top pick across the board.

Our Sources
1. mtbr.com
Reviewers kept coming back to the term “awesome” to describe the Titus Racer-X. Quality and balance win the day as the RX is given top marks. Especially important is a noticeable lack of brake jacking, which can be a problem in other cross country full suspension bikes.

2. NationalOutdoors.net
Best frame for the money is a tall order when a bike is at the high end of the price spectrum, but the Titus RX delivers. A surprise to reviewers was in the form of the FOX Float RP3 and the rear shock, which were useful even if they didn’t seem to be initially.

3. GearGals.com
The Titus Racer X made one reviewer a “bolder rider” by the end of his first ride. Continued use increased rider confidence as well as skill level. Again, balance is mentioned as one of the most important qualities in the RX.

Ibex Bicycles Alpine 320K Kids Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

Looking for a children’s bike but don’t want to sacrifice quality just because you’re getting a smaller size? Our reviewers found that the Ibex Bicycles Alpine 320K was the overall pick for a great bike that a kid can really use. Not for the child that just wants to go around the block once a week, the Alpine 320K delivers a real biking experience that may lead to a lifelong love of biking.

If you are looking for a bike for your child, or looking for a child in your life, giving a great bike will start a love affair not only with biking but with health. Those are both gifts that last a lifetime. The Ibex is a bike that will last, too. High quality with high performance, all in a pint-sized package perfect for the new or even experienced child mountain biker. With 21 speeds and a lightweight frame, this bike can handle the trails and transition seamlessly to an afternoon of urban biking with the family.

Our Sources
1. mtbr.com
Reviewers loved that this bike was lightweight with 21 speeds, giving the child a true mountain biking experience that allows them to learn trail skills from a young age. A bike that’s high quality enough to get mom and dad excited with a smooth ride and good control to keep the kids happy and outdoors.

2. socaltrailriders.org
The Ibex Bicycles Alpine 320K was purchased by a reviewer over a year ago and the reviewer is still impressed by the quality and how long it has lasted in the family. It is not only lighter than other brands, but less expensive as well, making it a great value among children’s mountain bikes.

3. more-mtb.org
The Ibex bikes are the best value in children’s mountain biking available. The Alpine 320K is easy to assemble and lasts a long time. The reviewer’s child loves his bike.

Santa Cruz Bullit Freeride Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

Freeriders rank the Santa Cruz Bullit number one among the competition. Some adjectives reviewers used to describe the Bullit are: sturdy, fast, strong, and agile. So many different qualities in one freeriding bike come from the history the Bullit has in the freeride arena. The suspension allows for comfortable long-travel and riders are given a choice of swingarm in order to give the bike a more custom ride.

Reviewers like that the brakes on the bike are very responsive and won’t let the bike “get away from under you” when you need to make a fast stop. This makes the Santa Cruz Bullit a great choice for urban freeriding. The Santa Cruz Bullit has a shorter wheelbase than its predecessor, but it only makes the bike more agile and responsive to the rider than the original Bullit. This is a strong bike that can go the distance and still remain a great choice for the biker that needs an agile, quick bike.

Our Sources
1. mtbr.com
The Santa Cruz Bullit is sturdy, tight, and fast. The reviewer loved that the Bullit was able to go from landing a big corner to whipping around a steep curve effortlessly. Also has amazing braking capability.

2. Bicycling.com
Our reviewer found that the two year wait was well worth it to see a newly redesigned Bullit come back to market. Enjoys the versatility and the plush suspension for long rides.

3. dirtworld.com
Felt the Bullit was an extension of the body, with an intuitive ride. Hangs walls without a problem and still feels light. Great at pedaling uphill as well. Suspension is adjustable enough for almost any rider.

Giant Glory DH Downhill Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

In the downhill category, the bike that stands out from the rest is definitely the Giant Glory DH. Reviewers loved how the bike jumps well but still sticks to the ground for safety even in rocky terrain. With great components included and a great looking frame, our reviewers felt this bike exceeded expectations during testing. Updated technology brings the newer Maestro suspension system and only adds to the balanced suspension that is a favorite among the features of this bike.

The only drawback to the Giant Glory DH is the overall weight of the bike. But even if the Glory DH isn’t the lightest downhill bike available on the market, some reviewers found the weight improved traction on the slope. It can make it slightly more difficult to ride with maximum speed uphill, but that is the only complaint and even with that drawback it is still clearly the downhill favorite among reviewers.

Our Sources
1. mtbr.com
Reviewer loved the plush feel of the bike. Found that the value for the money exceeded expectations with a sizable number of included components. Also loved that there is no pedal bob, which can be annoying when riding.

2. bikeradar.com
Giant has a history of coming in first in many bike categories and has a track record of success at the World Cup. The company’s knowledge of the sport, as well as what it takes to make a successful downhill bike, probably mean the Maestro suspension will be a success as well.

3. Buzzillions.com
Reviewers found nothing to complain about in the Giant Glory DH, with raves being for easy adjustability, good handling, lightweight build and the plush feel while riding. This bike is appropriate for casual riding, mountain biking, downhill, and even urban riding.

Sinister Bikes Ridge All Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

In the all mountain hardtail category the clear winner is the Sinister Bikes Ridge. Our reviewers loved the wear, tear, and abuse they could put the bike through only to watch it come out of the experience with flying colors.

The main drawback of the bike is the chainguide, but with regular checks there shouldn’t be a problem with the chain getting caught between the guide and the chainring. Reviewers also had difficulty being able to do a few technical tricks involving the front end due to the long chainstays, but even so it still comes out way ahead of the competition.

The Sinister Bikes Ridge is able to perform jump after jump with precision, up to the skill level of the biker, of course. While no bike is going to make you a better rider, this one comes close and our reviewers all agree that the chainguide and chainstays were not enough to deter them from feeling this bike is only limited by the rider’s skill. The rider’s skill is not limited at all by the Sinister Bikes Ridge.

Our Sources
1. mtbr.com
Reviewers felt this bike was created for jumping. From different types of terrain to different tricks, the Ridge delivers and keeps performing. There was some concern about the cost, but the quality makes up for the slightly higher price tag.

2. DirtRagMag.com
Reviewers had slight problems with the chainguide and chainstays but overall still highly recommend the bike. The overall feeling is that the bike has exactly what a rider with an aggressive attitude needs to succeed.

3. OutdoorReview.com
The Sinister Bikes Ridge comes through as the clear favorite with the balance between build and weight being emphasized in the review. Also noted is the interchangeable fork and tire sizes in order to achieve a custom ride.

Niner Bikes S.I.R. 9 29er Mountain Bike Review

August 21, 2010 BY

If you’re looking for the best mountain bike out there with 29″ wheels, the Niner Bikes S.I.R. 9 is where your search can end. With a long wheel base and great ground-tire contact, the 29er is a workhorse at climbing and a speed demon all in one bike. It’s a single speed bike that will make you forget you ever wanted more than one speed to choose from.

Reviewers were skeptical of the rigid fork, but paired with the frame you won’t realize that anything about the bike is rigid. While there is no mechanical suspension help, the frame and fork work together to give a smooth ride even on rough patches. Although this bike is a hardtail, some reviewers found they were riding terrain not necessarily appropriate for a hardtail, just because when you’re riding it’s easy to forget that the S.I.R. 9 is a hardtail. One reviewer even felt this bike “off the shelf” performed better than a custom bike that was purchased prior to the Niner Bikes SIR 9.

Our Sources
1. DirtRagMag.com
Amazing ride that makes you forget you are on a rigid hardtail bike. Smooths out the bumps in the ride. Reviewers love that the frame is hand built and feels it only adds to the high quality of the Niner SIR 9.

2. mtbr.com
Wonderful steel ride quality and clean lines. The wheels, steel, and construction all work to give a ride that will make the rider feel like this is a full suspension bike. Removes chatter from ruts nicely and sticks well due to increased ground-wheel contact. The bike feels lighter than it really is due to quality construction.

3. OutdoorReview.com
The reviewers loved that this is an aluminum bike but an updated version as opposed to an “old school” bike. It offers great handling, a high-quality frame, and the ability to handle technical trails better than any other frame.

Mongoose Tyax Comp Men’s Mountain Bike

November 10, 2009 BY

mongose Mongoose Tyax Comp Mens Mountain Bike

Check Amazon for Mongoose Tyax

A mountain bike is a ‘dream come true’ for most young men who aspire to go out for an adventure. The Mongoose Tyax Comp Men’s Mountain Bike with 26 inch wheels is ideal for this purpose. This bike has been manufactured from 6061 heat treated alloy frame. The heat treated frame allows a lightweight bike which ensures comfort. It has Promax V-Brakes that makes the ride smooth and secure.

Check Amazon for Mongoose Tyax

Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

November 7, 2009 BY

Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike_

Check Amazon for Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual

The Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike has all the qualities of a good mountain bike that will enable you to go for a lengthy trip. The bike has a powder coated aluminum frame that is durable and rust resistant. This ultra light bike weighs just 46 pounds and comes in attractive colors. It has 24 speed Shimano Easy Fire shifters which makes it easier to change gears smoothly and quickly. It also has MTB 31.8 riser handlebars for superior support.

The black anodized alloy rims and 26 inch thick tires provide firm support and grip that can cover even the toughest of roads and mountains. The Promax disc brakes along with levers from Shimano also help in this process. It also has an alloy forged 3-piece crankset from SR Suntour and a seat post from QR. This mountain bike is stylish and is a value for money. It comes with a one year warranty.

E: The Mongoose Status Dual Suspension Mountain Bike comes with 26 inch wheels and Promax disc breaks that make it user friendly and effective on all terrains.

Check Amazon for Mongoose Status 26-Inch Dual