Big Hit III Review

cam@nsmb.com · 07-15-2009, 07:58 AM

Mark Steinebach laid a beating to a 2009 Specialized Big Hit III.

Want to hear how this bargain DH sled survived?

Click here...

wa90 · 07-15-2009, 08:39 AM

Nice write up. I had to Google the AMC Pacer:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/20...658042,00.html

I guess you love it or hate it but I do like the swoops and the practical benefits are there. At least they haven't covered it in tattoos or chintz patterns this year, but it ain't no Session 88, that's true...

biggles604 · 07-15-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

The shorter travel and the more “budget” shock and fork did not kept the bike stuck to the ground. You can point it downhill, lay off the stoppers and hang on. The Big Hit III is DH worthy and it inspired confidence to really mach some of the runs.

I'm not sure what you were trying to say here. The pros say it's great going downhill, but you mention that the suspension didn't keep it stuck to the ground (I think, the grammar error confuses it). The two statements seem to contradict.

cam@nsmb.com · 07-15-2009, 05:17 PM

Typo - my bad. Fixed now

Quote:

The shorter travel and the more “budget” shock and fork kept the bike stuck to the ground. You can point it downhill, lay off the stoppers and hang on. The Big Hit III is DH worthy and it inspired confidence to really mach some of the runs.

Bryce · 07-15-2009, 07:39 PM

Spesh should ditch the Demo 7 and fill out the Big Hit line more with one or two higher end models

Jerry-Rig · 07-15-2009, 09:39 PM

there are several advantages the Demo7 has over the BigHit, but it costs more.

M@M · 07-15-2009, 10:16 PM

The very miniscule price difference between the US and CDN MSRP is interesting..has the gouging here eased up a bit?

J0SH · 07-16-2009, 12:10 AM

Demo 7s feel quite different to the Big Hit. The bighit is great, but Demos are just the shit.

BrettW · 07-16-2009, 04:16 AM

Anyone recognize which trails those photos where taken on? Looks pretty nice!

baloom · 07-19-2009, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettW

Anyone recognize which trails those photos where taken on? Looks pretty nice!

All of the riding pics were on a variety of trails on Vedder Mountain.

07-19-2009, 05:10 PM

How come 'spesh' never offered a frame only version of this bike?
Thanks for the review-long awaited.
btw-original Big Hit had a 26 rear wheel.

Dynamo · 07-19-2009, 06:32 PM

I obviously cannot speak for Specialized, but I would guess that riders willing to splash out for a frame-only probably want either an SX Trail or Demo. With the Big Hit's current "value" market placement, to anyone willing to build a bike up from a frame it lacks the appeal of either of its two siblings.

Not sure when the original Big Hit came out, but I know that as far back as 2001 (or maybe it was 2002, but I'm pretty sure it was 2001) Big Hits had 24s on the back. I assume the author was thinking the same vintage. Was there a generation of Big Hits before that?

baloom · 07-19-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynamo

I obviously cannot speak for Specialized, but I would guess that riders willing to splash out for a frame-only probably want either an SX Trail or Demo. With the Big Hit's current "value" market placement, to anyone willing to build a bike up from a frame it lacks the appeal of either of its two siblings.

Not sure when the original Big Hit came out, but I know that as far back as 2001 (or maybe it was 2002, but I'm pretty sure it was 2001) Big Hits had 24s on the back. I assume the author was thinking the same vintage. Was there a generation of Big Hits before that?

I would agree with your fairly wise assertion re: the value (or lack there-of) of building up a bike from a value-based frame. The real value in this kind of build is that it can get someone onto the trails with pretty good gear at a much lower price point than would otherwise be possible. Spesh hits the mark in that regard.

As far as I am aware and according to my researching for this piece, the original BigHits had 24 inch hoops out back but I welcome any contrary opinions (including some proofs please, in the way of a parts spec from said bike).

07-19-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baloom

As far as I am aware and according to my researching for this piece, the original BigHits had 24 inch hoops out back but I welcome any contrary opinions (including some proofs please, in the way of a parts spec from said bike).

I owned a 2000 Big Hit and it had a 26 on the back. Gay fenders and all.

http://forums.freeriden.co.nz/files/..._hit-bikes.jpg

Loopie · 07-20-2009, 09:44 AM

Nice, balanced review...great!

07-15-2009, 07:58 AM	#1
cam@nsmb.com administurbator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The North Shore Posts: 8,427 Rep Power: 666	Big Hit III Review Mark Steinebach laid a beating to a 2009 Specialized Big Hit III. Want to hear how this bargain DH sled survived? Click here...

07-15-2009, 09:39 PM	#6
Jerry-Rig Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NV Posts: 3,317 Rep Power: 1903017	there are several advantages the Demo7 has over the BigHit, but it costs more. __________________

07-16-2009, 12:10 AM	#8
J0SH ಠ_ಠ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Van Posts: 1,154 Rep Power: 55178	Demo 7s feel quite different to the Big Hit. The bighit is great, but Demos are just the shit. __________________

07-16-2009, 04:16 AM	#9
BrettW Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Burnaby Posts: 26 Rep Power: 0	Anyone recognize which trails those photos where taken on? Looks pretty nice! Last edited by BrettW; 07-16-2009 at 09:59 AM.

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07-15-2009, 08:39 AM	#2
wa90 chocolatefooter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North Vancouver Posts: 389 Rep Power: 57198	Nice write up. I had to Google the AMC Pacer: http://www.time.com/time/specials/20...658042,00.html I guess you love it or hate it but I do like the swoops and the practical benefits are there. At least they haven't covered it in tattoos or chintz patterns this year, but it ain't no Session 88, that's true...

07-15-2009, 07:39 PM	#5
Bryce Registered Abuser Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: high as f%*k Posts: 6,971 Rep Power: 3079311	Spesh should ditch the Demo 7 and fill out the Big Hit line more with one or two higher end models

07-19-2009, 05:10 PM	#11
Vegas Baby! Guest Posts: n/a	How come 'spesh' never offered a frame only version of this bike? Thanks for the review-long awaited. btw-original Big Hit had a 26 rear wheel.

07-19-2009, 06:32 PM	#12
Dynamo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 117 Rep Power: 2389	I obviously cannot speak for Specialized, but I would guess that riders willing to splash out for a frame-only probably want either an SX Trail or Demo. With the Big Hit's current "value" market placement, to anyone willing to build a bike up from a frame it lacks the appeal of either of its two siblings. Not sure when the original Big Hit came out, but I know that as far back as 2001 (or maybe it was 2002, but I'm pretty sure it was 2001) Big Hits had 24s on the back. I assume the author was thinking the same vintage. Was there a generation of Big Hits before that?

07-20-2009, 09:44 AM	#15
Loopie Chubbing it up downhill Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: kamLOOPs, BC Posts: 13,578 Rep Power: 1961957	Nice, balanced review...great!

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