Specialized Big Hit FSR II 2010 Mountain Bike Reviews – Downhill | Freeride

About Specialized mountain bikes

Specialized mountain bikes are the most favourite downhill and freeride bikes for many bike riders. Specialized is the first company in the world who manufacture major production mountain bikes by introducing Stumpjumper hardtail cross country in 1981. It has many specialized line-up of mountain bikes that caters to the need for light suspension, full suspension performance and for different riding style. Specialized is the only company who manufacture and place many of their own bike parts on their variety of mountain bikes, which is normally not found with other major mountain bike companies.

Specialized has revolutionised Big Hit II 2010 Downhill cum Freeride bike at a lower price range with famous FSR suspension and steep frame work. It is the latest bike in two Big Hit bike 2010 range and comes with the lesser price range of £1500. Big hit really works hard and push to the limit when it comes to value for the money. This new Big Hit rolls out 26” wheels both in rear & front end and specially designed rear suspension with alloy frame. Big Hit has pulled the interest of many Downhill/Freeride lovers for more than a decade. This Big Hit FSR I mountain bike is much different from Big Hit FSR II range but has common FSR frame structure with a two piece forged linkage rear suspension. Big Hit FSR I costs less than £200 and it has a moderate profile without fuss.

Aggressive Riding Performance

Generally a full suspension downhill mountain bike weighs much, but in this case Specialized Big Hit FSR II 2010 Mountain Bike weighs just 38 lbs, which is considered to be light weight in its class. Weight is not a major concern for downhill sports but the strength plays important role. Well crafted power of sheer agility can be expected with Big Hit FSR II, which highlights its extreme action with bigger hits on the ground.

Specialized has filled this mountain bike with their ‘Specialized Pro’ tyre that is well accompanied with strategically built geometry and specification, which makes this downhill mountain bike a well deserved machine for confident and aggressive riding. Big Hit performs more than a race rig when you race down with greater speed and the speed would be well handled with consistent stability. All this is possible with the help of 185 mm of wheelbase and 65.5 degree slack head angle that really maintains the stability at peek speed. Not even a minor fault could be found in improved Big Hit FSR II freeride mountain bike.

Full Action Suspension Performance

This Specialized mountain bike is built with Rock Shox 180mm of coil-spring and Fox Vanilla custom-tuned coil shock that is specially designed for FSR sporty frame. These suspension system works together to provide greater control and balance during gusty rides. With the help of custom tuning of the rear suspension you can tune the bike, based on your riding style. This FSR suspension system coordinates well during peek braking and enables you to handle the bike as you expect to. It takes more from the RockShox fork while keeping the rear wheel firmly on the ground during quick turns and consistent jumps. You can confidently ride this freeride mountain bike through riddle turns and it takes all these challenges in its stride.

The setup of the rear suspension is quite different in terms of shock position and it is directly attached to the down tube instead of top tube that is found in Specialized FSR XC Comp mountain bikes. It still maintains the reputation of FSR suspension system that has proven records of impeccable performance over time. The two piece linkage design enhances full action with stiffness and carries the bumpy rides well with responsive cartridge bearings that make sure the absorption is friction free.

Strongly Built Frame

Specialized Big Hit FSR II 2010 Downhill/Freeride Bike has the improved alloy frame work and tries to maintain its light weight structure with hydro-formed tubing without any whacky lines. For 2010, Big Hit FSR II has major components built with active hydraulic brakes, gears and stem design. Specialized has designed this Big Hit FSR II with a blend of performance and strength, supported by aesthetics. It is an unshakable reputation, which Big Hit has earned for many years. The headset of this downhill mountain bike is made with alloy thread-less cartridge 1.5″ bearing at the bottom and 1″ at the top, which enhances the strength but keeps the weight to the minimal.

There is no extra gusset welding around the tear drop shaped head tube that joins the top tube together, which gives maximum strength. The down tube and top tube along with 12mm bolt up rear axle has interesting graphics. Though this mountain bike has good ground clearance, the rear brake and gear cables are routed below the bottom bracket, which makes the cable vulnerable to rocks. You can expect more than a freeride and downhill performance with this Specialized mountain bike. With adjustable seat-post and lower stand-over, this bike can be easily accessible on all technical terrains.

Our Analysis

At this low price range, many may not have expected such Specialized freeride cum downhill mountain bike with remarkable frames and component setup. It is thoughtfully designed without any faults and Specialized keep improving the frame structure to minimise the weight of the bike. Though it weighs 17.2 kg it is still a heavier bike with full suspension and some users still feel hard to pedal the bike for freeride. You can better use this mountain bike for downhill. If you want to try light weight freeride and downhill mountain bike then you need to spend extra money for aluminium light weight frame. In that case Kona Stinky works well.