FSR xc expert or stay hardtail?

Matt N

Hi,
i'm looking at getting a Specialized FSR xc expert 09, but originally i was thinking i would stay hardtail as i do a lot of long xc rides. Is the FSR xc up to it or am i better sticking with hardtail? A bit of advice would be great especially if you have or had one.

seward4or5

Hi Matt,
I've just bought one, to replace an 07 rockhopper and asked myself the same question. Have only had it about 10 days so can't fully answer you yet.
However, the full sus is definitely good fun, but it doesn't seem to have the same snap in accelerating as the hard tail. The rear shock on the expert does lock out though. It also seems heavier but this doesn't bother me too much - I reckon it needs some easier rolling tyres than the stock, as other reviews have mentioned.
I rode my hardtail quite a lot on road too, but plan to get a road bike next year, so the FSR suits me. Don't want the above to sound too negative - I am pleased with it now have had a few rides.
Cheers.

Matt N

Thanks a lot for the advice. I know you've only had it a few days but, do you think it would be ok for quite long all day rides because that's what I tend to do on my hardtail.
Thanks again
Matt

RealMan

How long is long? Time and distance?

Team515

Ive had one for 2 months and think its great. been out on a few long runs with it aswell

Wotski

How about one of the Scott Spark models?

Matt N

A Few replies:

Real man: when I can it's nice to do 40 odd miles, I did mtb coast to coast so that sort of thing
Team 515: nice to hear it
Wotski: it's this or a rockhopper because the FSR xc is the reduced 09 model, I haven't found a Scott which is reduced so much locally

fcumok

I have a 08 XC Pro and a hardtail. For a short blast I normally take the hardtail. If I'm going for a long ride I take the XC Pro. A hardtail can be more fun but a full susser is more forgiving on a longer ride.

dickydulux

Hi
As you can see from the pics I've got an Expert, previous to this I had a Scott Scale 50.
I find on road the Expert hard work. The riding position is very "sit up and beg style", whilst the Scott was more racerish.

Off road when it gets rough I favour the Expert. Uphill road or rough I'd go with the Scott.
Those few pounds in weight difference do add up on the long treks.
I'm going to get some faster rolling tyres for the Expert.

When I did the Pennine X a few months back, downhill rough I was beating the hardtails but uphill I had no chance. Like the previous replys say the Expert doesn't have that snap.

As an all round bike the Expert is fine apart from the low bottom bracket, that can really p*ss me off at times. Everything else I like especially the front suspension.

Hope this helps in someway

Matt N

Out of interest how would you say the FSR xc expert is on the road Team 515. Its not that i dont believe dickydulux It's just that people are used to different things. I'm currently on a budget hardtail, with the rear suspension locked out will the responsiveness be similar? And another thing - does the bike have a pro pedal setting?

Team515

Agree about the bottom bracket being a bit low sometimes. On road i just lock out the suspension, i dont find it hardwork on road, i used to have a diamondback sorrento which was a bit lighter, and only 24 gears. but im used to the fsr now.
The suspension and brakes have been great on mine

Hougham

I am a huge full sus fan but I was not overly impressed with specialized FSR XC expert. For the money I would get a Giant Anthem X2. Or you could always buy my next to new X1. As I am hoping to get a Sunn Shamann Finest

saltyman

i use my full suspension as an all rounder, mainly single track but often many many miles are done on tarmac cycle paths etc, i have done 60 mile rides some days and in total comfort, no problems at all.

first full suspension bike i have owned and im loving it. it does everything.

Daz555

Matt N wrote:

Thanks a lot for the advice. I know you've only had it a few days but, do you think it would be ok for quite long all day rides because that's what I tend to do on my hardtail.
Thanks again Matt

FSRxc is great for long rides due to the comfort that the lovely FSR rear end provides. You'll finsh the day less fatigued that you would on a hardtail.

dickydulux

Matt N Whats not to believe :?
I love my Spesh, although it's got XC in it's name, I wouldn't call it a true XC bike.

As an all rounder it's great. It's done everything I've asked of it and I've yet to reach it's limlts. There is no pro pedal, I think that's for Fox suspension.

Don't be put off buying this bike, I agonised over what to do hardtail/full suss as well. 99% of me says I made the right choice but there are times when I think "this bit was easier on the Scott".

You mentioned having a budget hardtail, maybe that's the difference. Have you thought of testing a high end hardtail?

What ever you decide good luck and enjoy!!

Matt N

Thanks a lot everyone for the advice. Now I have some thinking to do.
But keep the help coming if you can :!:

dvoodoo

I have a 08 Stumpjumper Expert and do a mixture of trail centres and decent hillside / country trails with it and my hard tail is hardly used these days. I have done multiple 30-50 mile runs around the scottish lowlands along with a couple of 70-80 mile offroad runs in fife including the fife coastal trail and with the brain it works a treat and you dont lose much power at all.

Hope this helps

Matt N

Just to say I went ahead and got it! Took it for its first proper cycle and can know understand pretty much everything everyone said. I love it and thanks again for all the advice.

dickydulux

Welcome to the club Matt N