2005 Big Hit FSR any good?

[pin'd_it]

hey guys. im wondering what peoples views, personal experiences or recommendations are for a 2005 Specialized BigHit FSR. i have searched and didnt find anything so please dont flame me even if i missed a thread.

if you dont know the bike this is it at:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=21301

please try not to comment on the forks as they can be changed but particularly the frame, rear shock and how it feels, the geometry, 24' wheel and how that is compared to two 26', etc

so if anyone is able to provide information about this bike it would be very much appreciated.

cheers andy

[mullan2304]

They are a great bike. They can handle pretty much any track and can even be used for dirt jumping if you set it up correctly

[AngoXC]

Fantastic bike mate. I once rode an older version momentarily between two train stations while a mate was on the train...(it was the version with the modified Dirt Jumper 2s...woo!) and from that simple ride, I must say "mean manuals are definatly its thing" The 24" rear end means it has a shorter wheelbase and as Mullan2304 mentioned, they are very agile out on the trails. The 24" back wheel felt like it was slowing me down but usual bike at that time was sub 11kg so anything more was an anchor!

Fairly capable on the DH runs but I found its probably better as an entry-level DH bike...certaily drops off shit well but that said, dont have much to compare to.

Good pick up on the fork...Stances are pretty ordinary. My preferance would be to put on a set of long-ish single crowns (think 66) keeping the bike fairly versatile for DJ as well as DH.

The rear shock is fairly basic ajustment wise but does well. If you have the money, consider a Fox DHX as an upgrade...if you are a little strapped for cash, maybe a second had Manitou Swinger?

If I was going to ever consider DH myself, probably one of the first bikes I would look at purchasing...

Hope that helps!

[pin'd_it]

yes at the moment im riding a ht and am quite liking downhill and this would only really be used as an entry level bike.

thanks for that info guys
please keep it coming

andy

[samjam]

ive only had a quick glance at one of these bikes on the track.guy said its as nimble as.he had boxxer teams on the front.it looked like a chopper.but if it goes as good as it looks,it would be great.great paint on the 05 model too.im not sure but i think there was a review on this bike in a old mag i have.one of the USA ones..will look for it for you.

[rocky_mtn50]

Yep, I have an 03/04 (basically the same) and they are great bikes. They have great dh geometry, and the 24" rear wheel doesn't make a huge difference as far as I'm concerned.

I'd be looking at a new shock (it's a vanilla R stock isn't it) and grabbing something like a swinger/dhx in 8.75 x 2.75 so you can run the full 8.1" travel.

Pretty strong frames as well. I'm extremely happy with mine and by no means am I new to downhill and the associated bikes.

[Dougy]

I have an 05 Big Hit FSR, well sort of, there's nothing left of the original parts save for the frame. As has already been said the frame has great geo and is very well built. I used mine as my work truck for a season of guiding at Thredbo and it never gave me a problem. Even after two solid years of DH the rear is a solid as a rock.

The shock is a capable unit and is up to the job with yearly maintenance. The only reason I changed mine was because I can service a Swinger myself but not the FOX.

The 24" wheel is only an issue because it's getting harder to get tyres.

You can do a lot worse than a Big Hit to start out in DH.

[pin'd_it]

thanks guys this is really good info keep it comming

andy