Editor’s Note: Grannygear has this report on a new for 2011 29″er model from Specialized that he got to check out at the recent Press Camp he attended in Colorado. You can check out his other reports from this link. Here are Grannygear’s impressions on the Camber Pro 29″er……..
Impressions of the Specialized Camber Pro 29 FS: by Grannygear
There was a bit of a gap opening up in the line-up of 2011 FS mountain bikes that Specialized wanted to fill. There was the latest version of the Epic, now in aluminum and carbon and sitting with 100mm of travel all around, and there was the even bigger travel FSR Stumpjumper, now with 130mm of travel F/R.
The angles of the Epic are a bit quick in the head tube for rougher trails, even though it is not all that scary, and the slacker FSR does feel like a bigger bike in most conditions. As well, the Brain and the 142+ rear ends of the Epics, not to mention the carbon, has to keep the price of the Epics just a notch up.
Not too many folks really need the travel of the FSR Stumpjumper.
So what about the typical weekend warrior? What does Joe Average buy (or Jill Average, for that matter)? Being average is not a bad thing. You want a bike that can ride across a wide variety of terrain, climb well, even if you are not that racing focused (although there is that team 12 hour coming up); take on trips with the buddies and feel good with the 5” travel 26ers that they likely ride; you would like it to be reasonably light and if it was not terribly expensive, that would be good too.
Well then, if this is you, you may just want to toss a leg over a Camber FSR 29er.
Quite possibly one of the best looking bikes of the line-up, the root-beer and white/creme color is very nice and the shape of the bike has a good balance to it. This, being a very new bike, has the latest in hydro-forming applied to it. Notice how the shock mount on the underside of the top tube is not a welded on piece? It is formed into the tube. This type of detail needed some time to refine as keeping the tolerances exact for wall thickness, etc, is a bit of a daunting task. All other things being equal, less welding on a tube is a good thing as heat does affect things a bit and likely keeps production costs down.
I rode the Pro model, a $2900.00 mix of Shimano and SRAM, and boasts an XTR rear der. 10 speed, of course, with a 22/36 carbon S2200 double crank with removable spider. At 100mm of travel, you do not get a Brain shock on the Camber, a tapered HT, or a through axle anywhere. It does have the RWS skewers and a slightly oversized end cap on the hub.
REAR SHOCK
Custom Fox Triad II for Specialized, custom on-the-fly 3-position switch 1) lock out 2) Open 3) ProPedal, rebound adjustable., 7.875×1.9”
FORK
Fox F100 RL 29, air spring, alloy steerer, rebound adjustable., Lock Out, standard drop-outs, disc only, 100mm travel.
Tire clearance is good, and the geometry is pleasant with a 70* head tube angle and just barely over 17.5” chain stay length (447mm). I believe this is a 2.0 Captain Control in the pic.
There is an Elite model as well, priced at $2050.00, the frame being the same, but the suspension is just a notch down:
REAR SHOCK
RockShox Ario RL, air spring, rebound adjustable. and Lock Out, 7.875×1.9”
FORK
RockShox Recon Gold TK 29, Turn Key damper, Solo Air, alloy steerer, rebound adjustable. w/ Lock Out, disc only, 100mm travel
The same for the components on the Elite, mostly Shimano, but it tops out at XT and SLX and comes with a triple crank and 9 speed (22/32/44 and 11-34). The brakes are Juicy 3 SL’s instead of the Elixir R SL’s on the Pro, etc. Both frames have cable routing for Command Posts.
So, all that aside, is it a good bike? After all, no brain, no 142+, no tapered head tube! Can I even enjoy a bike that is not ‘state of the art’? Oh sure I can! The slightly relaxed HT angle and 100mm of travel felt really comfy on the trails at Keystone. I did not feel much twist in the front end, although I am sure it will give way before the burlier set-ups in other bikes do (remember…no tapered HT or through axle fork). Pro Pedal is what it is…did I miss the Brain? Only once when I was pedaling seated up a sharp rise in the trail, then I felt the typical pedal induced movement that I have been missing on the Epic. Annoying, but it is what it is. For quite a bit of the trail I actually ran the PP on and the Fox fork about 50% closed, very similar to the way I used to ride my Lenz most of the time. Obviously it was not plush, but it felt very good and I would ride it that way if I was trying to get efficiency over squoosh. The bike was a very nice compromise between the tighter and steeper feeling Epic and the much bigger FSR. It reminded me of the universal MTB, before things got all niche-y.
Add a Command Post and go ride an all day with the buds. Pro Pedal on for the climb, off for the down hills. The bike did not feel heavy at all…I would say it is under 29lbs. Get some light tires, keep the Pro Pedal on and go race a 12 hour.
The Camber FSR is not the highest tech bike out there, but I bet it would meet the needs (and budgets) of 80% of the riders out there looking for a 29er FS. For this reason, and the way it made me smile, it was my favorite bike of the weekend.
Here is a bit of video on the Camber Pro 29″er FSR
Seems like a sweet bike. Thanks for the write-up, I think! Maybe I bought a year early, but that is what it always seems like. I wasn’t sure I wanted the ’10 Epic, but I knew I did not want the ’10 Stumpy. So the ’10 Epic it was. Now I sit here reading this article…Maybe, just maybe, I can convince the SO it’s time for another bow in the quiver…
@azdrawdy
If I was to have both an Epic and a Camber, I would set up the Epic with the racy stuff, wheels, tires, etc. Then the Camber would get the biggest tires I could fit, the Command Post, wider bars, etc.
That would make for a nice choice in steeds. Not too extreme on either end, but different enough to be worth it. Kinda like the Fisher HiFi/Rumblefish combo.
OR…
Keep the Epic as it is…not too racy…and go for an FSR Stumpy. That widens the choice a bit, but about the time the Epic gets in over its head, the FSR gets up and parties.
grannygear
Props to Specialized for bringing a bunch of 29 to the market.
When are they going to quit making obsolete small wheeled mountainbikes?
Does it come in size Small ?
@20.100
Yes it does.
grannygear
you guys need to add some actual riding videos to these reviews.
@Anonymous: Great suggestion, and we’d hop right on that but for the pertinent details that would need to be taken care of for us to accomplish that. That we have videos at all is a big step for this operation right now.
Perhaps you’ll see riding action in the future.
I confess, I have not been to this site in a long time. however it absolutely was another delight to see your fantastic articles.
Sounds like the 2009 Stumpjumber FSR that I have. 105mm or rear travel, and 100mm of travel up front. I am very happy with this bike, and I never saw the need for the 130mm travel version when it came out in 2010.
SRAM cranks and Shimano shifting … what type of combination is that? It’s like English Cooking, German humor with a dab of French Engineering.
Great. Another Fully that we don’t need. Has there really been a calling for “short” travel fullies that aren’t XC race rigs?! I mean, REALLY?!?!
It looks like somebody’s running out of ideas….
The bike industry has always been about creating the answer to the question nobody asked.
Why Specialized doesn’t implement through-axles on the front and rear on all its 29er bicycles? What do we need 9/10mm qr for?
@all
Well, I guess that you could look at the Camber as a neither-nor bike in that it is not a race bike or a bigger trail bike so it just sits there in the middle taking up space. There is something to be said that when a manufacturer runs to fill every possible niche it may over-produce superfluous bikes.
But.
Most riders that can afford only one bike do not buy a race bike.
Most 29er FS riders would be well served by what the Camber offers in performance. If you need more than this offers, you already know that. This bike was just fun to ride.
If you know you need more travel, buy the FSR or something like it.
If you know you want to race, buy an Epic. If you just might want to race, buy a Camber and have at it.
The Camber is cheaper, and, if you look at what bikes cost these days, the average weekend warrior may not need all the new bells and whistles that drive up the cost of a bike.
Regardless, folks will complain, not you guys of course, but OTHER folks will still complain if we have more choices like this in the 29er world, regardless of the perceived ‘need’ for them.
grannygear
Man, nobody could please everybody around here. The Camber is the first of the Specialized 29″ bikes that I like. It’s versatile, and a good value. I see design versatility as an advantage, strange as that may seem. That was the original crowning virtue of the mountain bike IMO. Remember when we used rigid hardtails for everything? It was about the fun. Another way of looking at it- 130mm travel will be wasted on 75%+ of rides; an efficient XC design will be wasted on 75%+ of riders. Or another way, man we’re spoiled. There is a place in the market for all-rounders.
@tOm
I really, really like the Epic platform in the Marathon I ride and others that I have tried. But, if I could add a Brain shock to a Camber, then that would be what I would ask Speclaized to send me to test.
If I was writing my own check on a budget, I would buy the Camber regardless of a Brain, leave it in PP 90% of the time and ride the heck out of it.
It would be interesting to have the Camber come with the mounts for a Brain, but not sit on the showroom floor with it. In fact, how about having the frame built with a tapered HT, but not come with a tapered fork?
That would allow for upgrading…or not…as one wished. Just thinkin’ out loud. Make the Camber a bit of a chameleon.
But you got it right….there is a lot to be said about a general purpose MTB like this one.
grannygear
I’m in the market for a 29er and read to pull the trigger…in fact if anyone in my area (northern jersey) had a 2010 fisher hifi I’d be done but they are long gone. I went to one LBS and had them put me on top of list for a ’11 hifi plus b/c after getting on the stumpy is just didn’t feel quite as “ride-able” as the hifi which really does feel more like a 26. Then I went poking around and found the Camber and it seems to me that S created this to directly compete with that low 2K market where fisher/trek is positioned. (2200 for hifi plus) I’m seriously interested in the Camber and will go to another LBS to investigate, but I have to say at first impressions on this article I’m a bit disappointed in the component downgrades (compared to the hifi plus) in both shocks. Hifi keeps float in rear and reba up front….other components comparable…although Hifi has through axle (I believe). All of that and its under 200 more…seems to me like S is focused on undercutting trek and allowing the S faithful to get into a 29er without breaking bank…but for those like me who don’t have the loyalty issue they are not making it very compelling to jump to the camber vs hifi.
Thoughts???
So I took a look at the camber in the specialized book. 1920 for the Elite and 2700 for the pro. The Elite is available now and it’s taking all my will power not to put one on order…looks very nice.
Only things I’m iffy on… 1: Shocks are RS front/rear with the front being a “recon gold”?? Never really heard of that…was disappointed in it not at least being a reba but I’m not too familiar with this one. Rear is probably on part with fox but not too sure there. The rest of the bike seems to be a varied mixed of shimano parts except for the brakes…elilir 3′s. The rest is like I said a shimano mix…and I mean mix…different parts all over but all shimano. In the end probably what I’d expect for a bike @ under 2K.
Now I’m just stuck not being sure if I want to pull the trigger on this or go for the fisher hifi. I’ve heard so much about the hifi feeling like a 26 that I’m nervous buying the camber without reading any reviews of actual rides. The hifi is like 2200 or so and has fox/reba on the shocks and sram…obviously where the price difference is, but specialized kept lifetime on the frame which is obviously impt.
Thoughts?
@stewbung
Not hating on you or anything but the whole reason to buy a 29er is that it feels BETTER than a 26. The bigger wheels make the axles sit higher in relation to the BB and make you feel like you are more inside the bike than on top of it, its very confidence inspiring. They also lower the angle of attack on bumps making them feel way smaller and less square. So buying a 29er because it feels more like a 26 is the wrong direction. Just my .02
@anonymous
not thinking you are hating…good perspective actually..I appreciate. To clarify: I totally expect either 29er (GF or S) to feel like a different bike…a 29er…what I didn’t want it to feel like was a MASSIVELY different bike that didn’t have the some “type” of handling characteristics of a 26er… meaning I don’t want it to feel big and burly and give up the handling for technical switchbacks and stuff. I totally get the rumbling over stuff and awesome downhill personality, but I love technical singletrack and didn’t want to give up nimbleness for the sake of the rest. Make sense?
In the end, I’m sure either bike is a slam dunk…. my buddy owns a shop and sells fisher/trek so it may come down to getting a more hooked up GF for the same money. we’ll see….
I test rode the Camber Elite and it was very responsive and had strong characteristics of a 29er hardtail. Of course with the soft effects of adding the firm and bump eating of 100mm suspension. Some riders may find it a little harsh, its what I was looking for – a dually 29er that I could control and steer, and fee like I’m riding “on top” of the bike, something hard to find in a dually 29er. It offered the basics without frills, a pure joy to ride. I tested the FSR and the Epic 29ers, the FSR feels like a sofa, you really just sit in and let the bike do the work, not what I’m looking for and the Epic felt very flat. The Camber is the mid point between the two. If your looking for a very responsive bike, I wouldn’t use it as a flat out racer, but for the weekend warrior who wants a part-time racer and full-time hard working, active 29er; this is your bike. I will be ordering the Pro model. I did find the Elite a little heavy. I plan to knock off 2 lbs off the Pro with a few upgrades.
Rider29er
I’m in the market for a XXL 29er fullsusp xc ride, and this review caught my eye. I’ve been on a custom Soulcraft hard tail w/ 80mm fork for 10 years, never owned or ridden a fullsusps. Though I still love the Soulcraft, It’s time for an update. At 6’7″ 220lb though, it’s been hard to find bikes that fit (fit as well as my custom hardtail that is).
So far I’d been looking mostly at the Stumpy FSR 29er. I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying about the stumpy being too big of a bike. Could you explain?
Also, what does Specialized’s “Brain” do for the suspension? Is this a type of shock, or a linkage design?
Also what is “Command Post”? And why is a tapered head tube so important? Is it just because the best forks require it?
Sorry for all the questions… thanks for any replies…
@tall_KC: Here’s the answers as I see it….
“Too big” usually refers to “too much travel/slack angled for DH”
Specialized’s “Brain” and “Mini-Brain” are remote inertia valve type sensors that act as a “platform” They keep the suspension from cycling due to rider shifting weight and pedal input, but allow impacts from trail obstacles to be absorbed. They are adjustable to taste and the modern versions work very well.
A “Command Post” is Specialized’s marketing name for an adjustable height seat post. Usually used with a remote lever mounted on the handlebar, these posts allow a rider to lower their saddle via the remote lever to get the saddle down and out of the way for steep, technical descents.
A tapered steer tube fork and tapered head tube frame are stiffer torsionally and also stiffer in a fore and aft plane than typical straight tubed steer tubes and normal head tubes. This is a good thing for steering precision and feel for the 29″er rider.
i just bought the pro model about 2 weeks ago and so far have put about 100 miles on it! that should give you an idea of how nice it is for general trail riding. for the record i wish it had a tapered headtube for more front end stiffness but mine has a screw in solid aluminum thru axle fork so that helps. if you are on the fence about this bike i would say find a dealer where you can test ride and you will be hooked. as soon as i clip in i cant seem to wipe the smile of my face im totally in love with it.
Thanks Jeff, I am staring at mine right now, I have had it for about 15 minutes now and am just getting it all set up for riding tomorrow… that is if I don’t end up running out for an hour or two in the dark tonight….
Grannygear, Great review. In fact I bought and XL Camber Pro 29er largely based on your review, and I am hoping for some feedback. (This may not be the best forum to do so, but I always trust a neutral opinion, before that of a salesperson, (Important to note I am in sales))
The last mountain bike that I bought was 13 years ago in college (which I rode religiously). It was a Klein Pulse Comp hard tail. Even 13 years later I have enjoyed this bike tremendously, It was very agressive and fast down hill,through tight turns, however, a little scary when things got steep, or overly technical.
While most of my buddies have moved to road bikes (which is my current favorite pastime, 2011 Road Specialized 61cm). I have several buddies that have convinced me to get back on the trails.
I have owned the XL Camber Pro 29er for 5 months. I was hoping that I would enjoy it so much that I would be out every weekend and at least once during the week, however, I am very uncomfortable in the turns, so much that I will chose a road ride before hitting the trails every-time.
Geometry: I LOVE the way this bike goes in a straight line!!! There is nothing that I have not been able to climb or descend. It is exactly as you said. One of my buddies (Riding a 2011 HiFi) made the comment that it looked like I was driving a Cadillac as I was unaffected by the ridiculously rough terrain that we were faced with. However, in the turns I felt like I was driving a Cadillac!!!! Given the technology, I had conceded the fact that the turns were a product of my lack of confidence. I decided to “trust the bike”. The first time I trusted the bike in the turns the front end slid out and I bruised 4 ribs on my left side (Dr. Imposed 8 weeks recovery) . The second time front tire slid out, elbo, knee and thy rash on the right side (Wife and self imposed 2 week recovery). The third, front tire slid out but it was insignificant as far as injurys but the last time I have ridden. I am not able to approach a turn without moderate to heavy application to the breaks!!!
I am willing to acknowledge the fact that it is me since it is a new bike, tire size, full suspension, etc.., However, is it possible that the shock settings, tire pressure, or frame size is wrong?
I am 6’4″ and an athletic 240 lbs.
I ride with tire pressure at 40 lbs
Front shock at 120
Rear shock at 180
Frame Size XL
Please let me know if my settings are wrong or if the bike is wrong.
Thanks!!!! J
@JDallas, TX: GT here. I read your comment and seems as though you are in the ballpark with regard to settings on everything. (Although I might lower the air pressure in the tires a bit if it were my bike.)
Anyway, I think what we have here is a case of not enough weight on the front wheel in turns. I would recommend finding some relatively benign trail with some tighter corners and try going into these corners and at the same time, getting your body weight up over the handle bars some more. Elbows out, chest right over the stem, at least. Then drive the outside hand on the handle bar through the corner as you go though it at the same time weighting the outside pedal with your foot in the six o’clock position.
If it is a right hand turn, you will use the left foot/left hand, opposite for a left turn. Practice making your body turn towards the exit of the turn as you do this. Especially in tighter turns.
This should have the effect of weighting the front wheel more, and your body will help drive the bike around the corner. Pin that front wheel!
The worst thing you can do is sit back, or scoot back on the saddle when going through those corners, unweighting the front wheel.
Practice going at a moderate speed, then work on going faster. remember to look up the trail through the corner to the exit as you ride. Lead with your eyes.
Good luck!
GT,
Thanks for the feedback! The postion of the Camber Pro 29er is so upright (Compared to what I was used to) that I am certain that I do not have enough weight on the front end. I will definitely take your advice and hope to avoid those nasty crashes.
Thanks for taking the time!!!
J