Description:The G-Spot has fast become one of the most sought after dual suspension freeride bikes in the world. From hucking to hauling, log rides to long rides, the G-Spot caters to your every need. It offers six inches of rear travel via the Progressive 5th Element shock, sealed bearings on all pivot points, a perfectly balanced swing arm and an around the BB main pivot that eliminates pedal feedback and keeps chain tension even.
Submitted by
Milky
a Downhiller
from North Van Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Crippler
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Cove Bikes
Strengths:
Very tough, great geometry, climbs fantastic with the DHX5
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Cove Stiffee
Bike Setup:
2007 G-spot with Fox DHX 5, Sherman Slider (TPC+ 6 inch), Juicy 7's, Syncros DS28's, RaceFace bar, stem, headset, cranks, bb, post. XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Needed a simple, tough, fully to replace my Stiffee. The G-spot was the natural choice. It rips on the Shore and at Whister. It's a great do it all 6+6 bike that never complains. Nice work Cove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbiker-s
a Weekend Warrior
from Altadena, CA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007
Original Setup came with PS 5th Element rear shock, coil shipped with was too light for my heavy butt. Had to get new 450lb spring but climbing was still painful. It also came setup for downhill with 2 Chain ring setup and 8 inch Hayes HFX9's
Similar Products Used:
My old 2001 GT 1.0 I drive does not compare. It's like apples and oranges
Bike Setup:
07 Fox Racing Shox RP23 (yup got rid of that ol PS 5th Element) with a lock out :). 08 Fox Racing Forx TALAS RC2, All Race Face with 3 chain ring setup instead of 2, XTRs, Sun Ringle SUV's with Panaracer FR 2.4s and swapped out my 8 inch rotors for 6 inch.
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for a while. Got it in December of 2003. It is a nice free ride bike and the way it came configed really ate up all sorts of trails with no probs.
Unfortunately for me I'm not much of shuttler, so climbing to my favorite trail was always painful. Little by little I FRANKENSTINED it to the All mountain rig it is now. I love this frame it is SICK.
With my mod's I can climb to some awesome trails and not even think of how many hours It will take me to get there. I bomb down some killer single track and hit jumps and nice drops with no probs. I've taken some crazy hits too and the frame only gets dents here and there. The bottom bracket is monstrous it looks EVIL :)
Depending on your style of riding if you want a great bombproof all mountain frame this is it. Now the bike is still not a XC cruiser so don't think that it's light it's just a little lighter, losing some lbs helps out too :)
The folks @ Deep Cove are so chill and resourceful. Anytime I think of making a mod I shoot them an email and consult with them to get the correct specs for the components I'm considering to see if they've used the product on any of their prototypes.
I was looking to getting a Cove Hustler for XC ridibut till I break this frame I will keep on doing mods to it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gareth pinder
a Downhiller
from manchester, england Date Reviewed: August 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fort william
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction cycles
Strengths:
Light build, forgiving jumper, looks great
Weaknesses:
dhx shock not best on cross country
Similar Products Used:
closest thing ridden was Trek session 77
Bike Setup:
15.5 g-spot frame, marzocchi 66sl, deetrax wheels, s-ram groupset, hope mono mini breaks, hope headset and stem, middleburn cranks, e-thirteen lg1 , maxxis high rollers
Bottom Line:
First ride told me everything i needed to know, this bike is amazing. A real do everything bike bike (as long as you can get used to the climbing technique). Really shone at Fort William, constantly begging to go faster. Was worried before I rode it that it may have been alot of cash for some over hyped machine, but couldnt have been more wrong. Cove love has me gripped!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek V
a
from PG British Colunbia Date Reviewed: August 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
private seller
Strengths:
Almost everything
Weaknesses:
rear triangle, its not designed strong enough for disk break
Similar Products Used:
nothing is similar to a G-spot
Bike Setup:
World Cup rock shock boxxers, fox vanilla rear suspension, race face cranks, avid juicy sevens
Bottom Line:
Its a great bike to ride and to jump
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oli
a Downhiller
from Lancashire Date Reviewed: May 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
Great riding position, light enough to ride cross country, strong enough for any downhill course, loves being launched of everything, superb build quality! Spot on at all types of riding, certainly worth every penny!
Weaknesses:
None what so ever
Similar Products Used:
Orange 222, Norco Savage
Bike Setup:
05 G-Spot, Marzocchi 66SL's, Sram Groupset, Easton bars, Hope Stem, Race Face Diabolus Seat Post, 5th element shock, SDG bel air titanium saddle, Hayes 9 200mm brakes f&r, mavic xm321 rims, maxxis minion 2.5" tyres
Bottom Line:
Has improved my riding no end, felt perfect as soon as I swung a leg over, cost £2000 to build (ebay etc). Was originally using Pike SL's up front but decided the 66Sl's would be better suited due to their adjustability. Was great with the Pikes hopefully it should be even better with the 66's!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Rothery
a Downhiller
from Hingham, Massachusetts, USA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Everything
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Cove Bike Shop
Strengths:
-All pivot points have sealed, water-tight bearings. -Bottom-bracket main pivot keeps chain tension totally static, even when the rear suspension is most active. -If you can keep the ride height down, the 15.5 rig climbs well even with a dual-crown fork. -Universal geometry. The frame's simple design works with virtually any kind of setup- anywhere from all-mountain trekking to downhill racing, this frame never feels out of place. -Made by a company worth supporting.
Weaknesses:
-30.0mm seatpost. Can be tough to find at a reasonable price.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler, Rocky Mountain RM6
Bike Setup:
15.5" frame, 5th Element Cvt-5 w/ titanium spring, Super-T w/ crows set at minimum ride height (low compression dampening, low rebound dampening) Cane Creek S6 headset, Titec Ringleader bars (25.4), Lizard Skins North Shore lock-on grips, Titec Knock seatpost (30.0mm), W.T.B. Power-V saddle, Race Face Evolve-FR ISIS bb, North Shore DH crank arms (170mm), Wellgo B-37 flats, Race Face 32t, 22t chainrings, Deore-XT dual-pull front derailleur, Dura-Ace chain, Deore-XT 9speed cassette, Deore-XT rear derailleur (medium-cage), Deore-XT shifters, Jagwire titanium cable housings, Sun Double-Track 26" rims w/ Deore-XT hubs (i love these hubs. light, quiet and strong.) W.T.B. Timberwolf 2.5" tires, Hayes HFX-9/HD 8" brakes w/ Hope stainless-steel hoses / V-cut rotors.
Bottom Line:
Such a sick bike. It does everything, and does it well. You won't regret buying this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kingtyee
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Giant Killer
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Cove Bikes, N. Van
Strengths:
2005- RAD tubing w/ gussets; around-the-bottom-bracket-shell main pivot; sealed bearings; improved, reinforced rocker arm mount; cool looking machined rocker arms; good cable routing
Weaknesses:
'nary a one to be found
Similar Products Used:
2001 Cove G-Spot; Cove Handjob
Bike Setup:
Junior-T; Fox Vanilla; Shimano XT stops; Race Face Prodigy cranks; Syncros BB; Rhyno-Lite rims w/ Swiss DT & Marz/XT hubs; Syncros 2.5"f & Stout 2.6"r sticky compounds; Chris King headset; Hellbent risers
Bottom Line:
Both the 2001 and 2005 are great bikes, though the 2005 is much improved in almost every respect (the older girder style rocker arms look more bike porn than the 2005/06 arm)The bike is extremely versatile even w/ the Junior-T: perfect for shuttling, trail riding, and even does well climbing steep logging roads w/ the seat cranked up. Tune the Fox's damping and pre-load correctly, and the bike jumps gaps and table tops w/ ease. Rear travel easily manages drops and cased jumps. Short wheel-base is great in tight, technical, steep terrain, but it also carries speed very well. This bike will happily satisfy the needs of most adventurous riders, though the bigger you are (210+ lbs) or the bigger you go (10+ vert ft), you'll want to consider a heavier duty/longer travel rig. If you build this bike as a trail rider, don't intall a single crown fork w/ less than 6" of travel. I built my 19" 2001 w/ a 5" travel Marz, and it felt very akward on steep approaches to drops. The guys at both Cove shops are great, they were super helpful w/ my warrantied crash-replacement. My 17" 2005 is the best bike I've owned or ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Archie
a Cross Country Rider
from gainesville, fl usa Date Reviewed: December 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
fisher creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
super stout, good pedalling, good all around geomotry,plenty plush
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy,but that's the price you pay for stout
Similar Products Used:
giant ac, rocky slayer, santa cruz blur, specialized enduro and intense tracer
I love this bike. A bit heavy-36lbs, but like I stated above it feels stout. I could make it lighter I suppose, but that would be costly and probably need more repairs. I have thrown everything I've got at it and it still feels the same as the day I bought it. I 'm currently having the same problem with the cable housing, but I think I've got it figured out. The 5th element is great as well-maintance free. It just started loosing oil, so I guess I better send it in for a tuneup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from scottsdale az Date Reviewed: November 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
stiff, strong as hell, pedals well, rear shock feels nice, good geo, and damn good looking too
Weaknesses:
pedaling, i think it is because i have the stock van rc on there. i am having trouble with the cables getting caught on the seat quick release i think i migh have made the housing a lttle to long
the bottom line is this bike rocks. i built it up realy nice and it rides just amazing. dont matter if its rocky downhills or big drops it will take it. the only compaint i have is the stock fx van rc that is on it makes it bob pretty bad. i need to get it pushed or get a 5th element or a dhx pro. the other complaint is the cable routing, i think it was just me though i might need to shorten them up a lttle. other than that this thing in just amazing. my build came out a little heavy but it still ride really nice and i dont notice the weight there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David 'Sui' Richardson
a Weekend Warrior
from UK - Surrey Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all trails are sweet -except ones that go up!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2618.00
Purchased At:
Nirvana Cycles Westcott
Strengths:
SWEEET ride. Strong, reliable, just as good through the singletrack as a stiffee and confidence inspiring!
Weaknesses:
Why so much money in the uk!! My build with saint cranks & BB 729 rim on rear 521 at the front on a Draco was £1700 $3179 before the forks and components were added!! oh the paint! still it's not there to look at!!!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar, although it rides like my old Stiffee, i miss that bike :-(
Bike Setup:
521 front on Draco hub, Jnr T's, King Headset, Saint Cranks (dual with bash), 729 on XT rear, XT shifting throughout. Hope MOno M4's
Bottom Line:
No dissapointment from me. Been doing some huge stuff since getting this bike, and trying to find it's limits is damn hard, scary infact. The bike is just as at home XC'ing (although a little knackering), Freeride /Shore and Downhilling. I can't fault it at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Downhiller
from Chilliwack, BC Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Online through PinkBike.com
Strengths:
I used to be into really heavy downhill tanks. With no less than 8 and 8 inches of travel front and rear. Then I decided to sell my bike and get this one. I didnt know if this this was tough enough for what I put it through, I was a litte worried to say the least with only 6 and 6. Well the 66rc is the best single crown shock I have ever tried. I feels like a 888r and looks mint too. I love this shock. And the rear DHX 5.0 works flawlessly. It is better than any 5th element or 4way or 6way. This thing is built tough as well. You can drop this thing 10, 15 feet easy with no worry of breaking the bike. And feels as sturdy as a beafy dh bike with only 6 and 6. I am very impressed with this bike.
Weaknesses:
The only weeknesses about this bike is the paint and decals. They arent of the best quality.
Similar Products Used:
03 and a 04 aline with triple 8s, 05 yeti dh 9 with world cups. And a 24 le toy hardtail, and a manik hardtail as well.
Bike Setup:
05 Cove G-spot Fr frame, with the 66rc in front and the Dhx 5.0 in the rear. Dual 729 rims with maxxis 2.5 tires. A beafy Saint rear hub. RaceFace BB with replacable barrings. RaceFace Cranks. Fsa pig headset. Truative Bars and a DB Stem.
Bottom Line:
This bike is really ahead of its time with the new shocks that fox and Marz put out. I mean it is seriously one of the best things ive felt in a long time. I am very happy with my purchase and I encourage anyone who wants a more lighter Freeride back that you can throw around, and also still take the big drops, get this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabriel Rhoads
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello, Idaho Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Monitor Merrimack (North of Moab)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I feel like I have been riding this thing for years, and it's been 15 days. Felt so good, went and launched a couple tree boxes after the first 10 minutes. Pedals great if your 5th is set up right. Laterally rigid, plush, has that intangible feel to it only the best bikes have. Way more predictable and aggressive than my friend's bullit. One of those point it down anything and trust your equipment bikes, but pedals comparably to a little xc bike.
Weaknesses:
33 pounds...It's heavy...If you are a p#%sy. Since when is climbing about the lightest bike? It's about stamina, endurance, strength, and perserverence. If you are a pansy, you won't like climbing with anything. Nut Up. Secondly, there has never been a study showing to what extent 5 lbs is detrimental to fatigue. If you are really concerned ride an extra day a week and your stamina will make up the difference. Unless you are a short track racer, then you can be a weight weenie.
Similar Products Used:
Mountain Cycle Fury, Santa Cruz VP-Free, Santa Cruz Bullit, Specialized Big Hit, Jamis Dakar XLT, Santa Cruz Heckler, Intense 5.5 EVP
Bike Setup:
33 pounds-nothing but the good stuff:Rock Shox Pike Team Air(4 lbs 5&3/4" travel) fork with Pop-loc adjust, 5th Element Coil, Race Face evolve stem, Chris King Headset, Hayes Hfx 9 brakes 8" front,6" rear. Maxxis High Roller rear Minion front on Mavic ex729's with Marzocchi Hubs. Thomson post. Holzfeller Cranks 44-34-22. XT shifters/derailluers, crank bros candy sl's.
Bottom Line:
At 33.5 pounds, this bike as I have it set up leaves nothing to be desired. It is plenty light to keep up with my xc only buddies, but they dare not tread where I go. If you set up the 5th Element correctly, it pedals like a 3 inch travel bike. This frame is burly and will last forever. The people at Cove always have time for a Q&A session. I had not anticipated being this emphatic about the bike, just pleasantly surprised. I honestly can't understand why people limit themselves to delicately built xc full suspension bikes. Super light equipment only will limit the terrain you can ride, and how you ride it. But I guess some people are seriously concerned with comfort and energy conservation...I ride to have a good time and get the blood flowing. I could have built myself a 27-28 pound 5 inch travel bike like everyone else. You will not catch me complaining about 5 pounds of anything until I am 75 and it is my liver. Most 5 inch bikes do everything mediocre. This Cove descends and drops exceptionally, and it tiptoes and climbs just as well with 6 inches at both ends. This is a true all-mountain bike, not a singletrack only full susser. Very Rare, Very Strong, Very Sexy, Not too expensive, and easily light enough for all-day rides. One of the only true do everything well bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Philly Date Reviewed: July 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Perfect geometry for all day rides. Smooth suspension. Built very well, with excellent lateral stiffness. Looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Standover height is a little high.
Similar Products Used:
Gemini, stinky deluxe
Bike Setup:
Rider:6'2" 190lbs. 21" frame, Fox vanilla 130rlc, 5th element, High roller 2.35's, all sram shifting.
Bottom Line:
This is one sweet ride. I use this as my all purpose trail bike and it is just a blast to ride. I recently had to take apart the bottom bracket main pivot because the huge bearings finally expired, and I gotta say this is one well made bike. Fifth element on the back gives you six inches of bottomless travel with very little bob. Making the bike a decent climber on everything but the real steep stuff. Going downhill on this bike is ear to ear smiles. Biggest drop I've done on this bike is about six feet, felt almost as plush as my downhill bike. If you're cosidering a heavy duty trail bike, I highly recommend this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rowdy Roddy
a
from Steamboat Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Around the BB pivot (why hasn't anyone else done this) makes for a stiff rear end and when you have a mechanical - BAM - its SS ready. The 5th element makes for a bob-free (if not slow due to overall bike weight) climb.
Weaknesses:
Paint. Anodized would be nice. Or powdercoated.
Bike Setup:
Marz & Hope
Bottom Line:
This bike has pedaled up 3500 foot climbs, stayed true while I've broken bones, all without a peep. I tightened up the pivots (and added locktite) once. That's all i've done in 2 years of riding. I've commuted to work, cruised the skate park and DJs, chased XC guys around Fruita and Moab, caught the lifts at Keystone, you name it. My bike isa touch heavy for some riding, but its never left me stranded.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin Weisenfeld
a Weekend Warrior
from Weidenhahn, Germany Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
Weight, stiffness, really smooth ride with the around bb suspension design, lots of nice details (like cable guiding), really nice geometry.
Weaknesses:
The paint job and stickers really aren't up to the rest.
Similar Products Used:
GT STS DH
Bike Setup:
DHX 5.0 shock, WhiteBros DH 2.0 fork, RaceFace Atlas cranks, Easton MonkeyDH bar, Thomson post, X.0 drivetrain, ChrisKing hubs with Sun SingleTrack rims, overall ~36lbs
Bottom Line:
It took me quite some time to build up the bike, but I wanted only high quality components. Now, every ride shows me that this was just the right decision, this bike is worth every penny. The geometry is simply perfect, I've never felt this comfortable on a bike, it gives quite some confidence no matter what you're doing. It's light weight for being a freeride bike, yet it's still stiff and hasn't let me down so far. The suspension does a great job, no bobbing but still filtering even the smallest stones thanks to the support of the DHX. Also one thing to consider: It's completely self-serviceable, a great advantage to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guy
a Downhiller
from Bristol, England Date Reviewed: June 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Psyclewerx Bristol
Strengths:
Got to be one of the best all-round frames out there.
Weaknesses:
cost? You still get what you pay for though. This is a quality product
Similar Products Used:
Not really similar but my other bikes have been Cove Hustler, Marin Mount Vision ('98 and '04), Orange P7
Bike Setup:
04 Cove G Spot FR 15.5" with TF Tuned 5th Element, Marz 66RC, Hope M4's, Mavic rims, Hope hubs (Bulb 20mm/XC), Easton bars and stem, mix of Saint and XT, Conti Diesel tyres, Hope M4 stoppers, Synchros in-line post with an SDG Bel Air on top.
Bottom Line:
Flippin gorgeous bike and the beating heart is a great frame. Round BB suspension is silky smooth, especially after Tim Flooks tuned the 5th Element. The 66's match the rear perfectly.
The frame is light but strong and stiff, small enough to jump and chuck around but long enough to grind it out on, tight enough for singletrack and XC duties but slack and bouncy enough for some serious play time.
I just love this thing. Its a decathlete. Build it up as you like; my build is great at field events and like Daley Thomson it'll still jog round the 1500m after 2 days of serious action, but you could build it up for lighter duties and be smiling every time you jumped on board. I used to run a Z1 FR1 up front but the bike was making me reset what I saw as "rideable" to the point where the 66's beckoned and Saint stuff has just gone on to replace the bent and broken XT cranks. never thought I'd do that but this bike wants to make you do silly things. Which is nice.
Lurvely. Fecking gorgeous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from Vancouver, B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: April 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Four Lost Souls / A-Line
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Deep Cove
Strengths:
This Frame is very well balanced. Tough as hell, and hasn't losened up on me at all. The rear end has stayed tight and the suspension works flawlessly. Extremely nimble and solid on descents!
Weaknesses:
If your a cross country rider you might say it is heavy on the climbs!? I think it climbs great considering it's a Freeride bike not a cross-country bike.
Similar Products Used:
Bullet, K2 disco monkey, Giant AC-1
Bike Setup:
2001 Cove G-Spot, Hayes hydros, 04 Jr t, 05 DHX 5.0 Pro Pedal, Double Wides, Sram X-9 Rear der. & shifter, Small MRP w 36 tooth sprocket, Axiom pedals,etc....
Bottom Line:
I've been riding this bike since early 2002. I've upgraded components on the frame but never had any problems with the frame itself. I've ridden downhill courses and jumped and dropped the crap out of this thing. No cracks, no looseness, no problems. I'll probably just repaint it this spring to get that beat paint job looking nice again. Some think Cove bikes are expensive. I think the quality and durability make the whole Cove line worth every penny!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Squire
a Downhiller
from 184 Penny Lane, Bend, OR Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Flume trail, Lake Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Jenson Usa
Strengths:
Amazing frame with undeniable strength and the DHX shock is such an upgrade from the 5th Element.
Weaknesses:
Kind of heavy on the climbs if you want to do an all day epic.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz VP free, Intense Uzzi, Cannondale Gemini, Giant AC 1, Iron Horse SGS Expert and Orange 66. All good bikes but the Cove is a better climber with the ability to do 10ft drops and fly down the black diamond sections too.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 66RC, Diabolus headset, Sram x.o drivetrain, Atlas Crankset, Kenda Nevegal 2.5 tires, Mavic Dee Max wheelset, Easton carbon DH 2in bar, E-13 chain guide, Thomson seat post, WTB Power V DH saddle, Hope M4 8in brakes.
Bottom Line:
Although I have a DH fork I will switch it to the Fox 36 (Talas) next month so I can have the rider height change available for the climbs. Otherwise this bike smokes the competition!! Banshee bikes and Cove should get married!! What offspring they would produce. Smokin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Black Sheep
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales Date Reviewed: January 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wall @ Afan Argoed
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Rush Extreme Sports
Strengths:
5th Element shock, around the bottom bracket pivot, climbs well and descends brilliantly.
Weaknesses:
Frames a tad heavy... Also could do with being £300 cheaper...
Similar Products Used:
05 Spesh Enduro S-Works, Azonic Sabre, 02/03/04 Spesh Enduro's, numerous GT Full sus bikes...
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Pike's, Hope Mono M4 brakes, Hope Hubs on Mavic 321 rims, Sram X9 shifters on X0 rear mech, XTR cassette, XT hollowtech 2 cranks and a Black Spire Lexan bashguard...
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome its a little more difficult to climb on than the 05 Specialized S-Works I used previously, but it descends so well, probably because of the Coil shock it feels a lot like the Azonic sabre i rode most of last year, I switched to the 05 Enduro but didn't get on with the Air rear shock and also the position on the Cove suits me better. I've only ridden this bike twice but the last ride I loved it exactly what i'm looking for here in South wales we have big climbs and fairly gnarly descents and this bike fits the bill perfectly...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Weekend Warrior
from NZ and UK Date Reviewed: December 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Cove Dealer, North Vancouver
Strengths:
Confidence inspiring, doesn't feel flexy, full length seat tube, heaps of mud clearance.
Weaknesses:
Paint finish not as good as the bike deserves!
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Kona Coiler, Cove Hustler
Bike Setup:
Z1 FR QR20, Raceface kit and SRAM shifters, Hayes 8" Hydros. 5TH Element coil.
Bottom Line:
Rides very well, shock controls the movement very well with no bob while climbing but movement when desired. The round-the-BB pivot does help protect from impact and can carry a chainguide, with a non platform shock it should reduce bobbing as well. 5" in front and 6" at the rear is a good setup for riding up as well as general FR duty, I have ridden everything from Whistler and Mt Washington in Canada to Welsh XC trails without feeling like the bike was out of place. Tracks very well, nice and stiff and the linkage design helps protect the shock from sideways forces as well as keeping it fairly clean. Perfect bike for the person who likes to ride a range of trails from light DH to XC with only one bike to choose from. If you are more XC than FR then the Cove Hustler is the better choice, it was a fine line which one I was going to get after riding them both.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Draper,Utah Date Reviewed: November 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
jacobs ladder
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
jensonUSA
Strengths:
Well its pretty cool i guess. lots of travel,
Weaknesses:
Heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Well i work at a bike shop so ive ridden a lot of bikes! The only comparible bike is a Rocky Mountain Switch.
Bike Setup:
ZR150(balances out the bike really nicely) Thompson 70 stem(ya can never break this thing!) XT components. Hayes hydrolic. RaceFace stickers.
Bottom Line:
I am way faster then my friend who has a Rocky Mountain Switch Pro! Probably they best bang for your buck bike out there. It has a nice feel to the way it rides up/downhill. I can climb anything and drop like 15 foot cliffs to flat, no problem. I'd reccomend this bike to anyone who wants to through down hardcore...because you're not hardcore, unless ya live hardcore.
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Submitted by
B NICKEL
a
from TUCSON, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
TECHNICAL MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
JENSEN (on special)
Strengths:
Around the BB pivot design makes ghost shifting and noticed lateral flex non-existant. For long-travel bikes, this design coupled with the 4-bar linkage is a good combo. As a mechanical engineer(not a genius but I understand good mechanical design) and mt. biker for over a decade, I like this design. Sealed Bearing pivots have not required any maintaining asside from normal bike cleaning. Frame is still running smooth after 2 years on rocky trails, rain or shine. -- yes it does rain in AZ.
Weaknesses:
6" travel does bob slighly, but show me a 6" travel suspention design that truely doesn't bob. Bob is only noticable on the road or in the parking lot anyway. Once this bike is on a rough trail -the extra control, speed, and traction MORE than compensate for a little bob. If it is that big a deal to you, install a Fox or Stratus lockout-type shock.
Similar Products Used:
fully ridgid steel frame & fork for 6 years (a good way to learn to pick good lines and handle your bike over obsticals) Giant ATX hardtail for 5 years. Played around with a Strong frame coupled with a Titus Quasi-Moto suspension. Designed prototype suspention XC/FR frame with StrongFrames of Bozeman, MT.(a top-notch frame maker)
Bike Setup:
Cove G-spot frame w/Fox coil/oil, Z-1 dropoff, LX/XT, shimano mechanical discs... blah, blah.... basically very functional/non-fancy parts. bike weight=29-30lbs rider=180lbs
Bottom Line:
This frame is designed for the rider who likes technical mountain trails. If the trails you ride are smooth/fast XC trails designed more to allow road-bikers to be 'mountain' bikers, -stick with a good hardtail. No beefs, it works and I don't have to baby it or pay attention to it. This frame is not going to turn you into a pro or enable you to ride up or down cliffs....you alone determine that. The G-spot is durable and simply does what suspension is supposed to--- deliver a smoother/faster ride over rough terrain allowing the rider to consentrate on the trail, not his/her equipment.
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Submitted by
David Procida
a Racer
from Lomita, Ca. 90717 Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sea Otter X-C course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Direct thru Cove Bikes
Strengths:
The Craftmanship on this frame is awesome, The new 4-bar links and head tube gussets make it stand out. The G-spot pedals awesomely for a 34-lb bike (the Progressive Shock is amazing!) The bike went together without a hitch!
Weaknesses:
I was going to use a e.thirteen dual ring chain guide but with the swingarm wrapping around the bottom bracket, made me swap to a triple ring
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX (also an AWESOME bike!) Cannondale Super V-2000
Bike Setup:
All Shimano (Saint and XT) Spinergy FR wheelset, Hope new M-4 Disc Brakes Fox Vanilla 125RLC Hopey Steering Dampner, King headset; Easton Mag60 Stem and Scandium Bars Thomson seatpost and a Fizik seat
Bottom Line:
This bike performs as well as it looks; it turns heads everywhere I go. This is one top notch Canadian built bike. I will be competing in various events with it including the new Super D class in NORBA events
$ 1150.00
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