|   "Quick review on my new Hamerhead" | BrianN
Aug 5, 2002 7:56 AM | | This is a review I posted on my new Hamerhead 100x
Set up:
Hammerhead 100X 23.5" with Fox FloatR
Fox Forx Float R fork
Thomson post and stem
King Headset and Hubs
XT Drivetrain
Titec Hellion Ti bar
Hope Mini brakes 185/165
Strengths:
Very well crafted, stiff, simple, attractive design and finish but most of all its ability to go fast on singletrack.
Weaknesses:
Only 1 water bottle mount, Top tube cable routing is very tight, everyone asks why you have so much seat post exposed. I'm really nitpicking on these items though; the bike is near perfect for me.
Bottom Line:
A little about me: Im 6'1" about 180 lbs. I have spent the past 4 years on a Superlight with different Marzocchi forks (I broke 3 swingarms in that time). I ride over 100 miles a week about 50/50 road and mtn. and have done so for many years. Ive had my HH almost a week and put hair over 100 miles on it.
I was pretty happy with the Superlight for a long time but started noticing its shortcomings more and more so I started researching for a new bike. I really struggled with nailing down what I needed in a bike (fit/geometry, travel, durability, weight) and finally decided to go for the 100X. Looks like it was the best decision I've made in a while. The bike Is near perfect for me. It feels fast all the time accelerating, descending, climbing, and carving. I was a little concerned that the steeper head angle and shorter travel compared to my SC may compromise the bikes descending ability, boy was I proven wrong. Maybe it's the stiffness and suspension quality of both the frame and the Fox Forx but this bike is rock steady at high speeds. While I'm on suspension action, I am now a total believer in the superiority of the horst link over a single pivot. The difference is substantial; I didn't know what brake jack was until I didn't have it anymore. Climbing traction is substantially better and peddle feedback is nil. It has been a real lesson for me in the differences in suspension quality.
The bikes geometry is spot on for going fast all the time. The cockpit is roomy but not so long you can't get of the back in an instant. The head tube is fairly short and my riding position is low and aggressive. The whole package responds well to being thrown around with body english. The bottom bracket is a perfect height, it feels low but I can clear logs that other people's chainrings have chewed up. The top tube is quite low with plenty of stand over but be aware that that leaves allot of seat post exposed. The steering is precise in a way I have never experienced on dirt its fast but not nervous. The front end also lifts over obstacles with little effort but doesn't feel light while climbing (I can't figure that one out maybe it's the short chainstays?)
I haven't weighed my bike but it is set up almost identically (except frame and fork) to my old SC and is a little heavier. The increased weight pays off tenfold though in increased rigidity. The HH has a very solid feel that makes me grin when I plow through rough sections, launch off jumps or slam it into corners. As a very fast trail bike for challenging conditions the HH 100X and the Fox Forx has worked perfectly for me. |
| re: "Quick review on my new Hamerhead" | Hammerheadbikes
Aug 5, 2002 10:31 AM | | Wow Brian,
thanks for the nice review!
I am estatic you are digging it!!!
thanks again!
Charles
Hammerheadbikes |
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