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BETD
FSR Swingarm Upgrade
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Average Rating
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4.68/5
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# of Reviews
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75
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MSRP
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$ 130.00
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Weight
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More Products from BETD
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Description:Gives you 4", 5" and 6" of very plush travel.
Runs on needle roller bearing, at the pivot that connects the linkage to the frame.
Kit is supplied with a new 8mm bolt and a set of bushes to fit your lower shock eye.
Fully cnc machined from a single billet of 6000 series alloy, and anodised black or silver as standard colours
Works with the standard shock, Fox, Manitou, Rock Shox, Stratos and other popular shocks. The spring rate may require adjusting to suit you riding style and type of use this Linkage is complemented with our needle roller bearing kits. The bearing kits are available for the 97 to 99 bikes.
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Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | stiffer, needle bearings, quite nice build quality | | Weaknesses: | adds a bit of weight. 240 gm compared to 100 on original link | | Similar Products Used: | nil | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR comp. Rockshox 318 Tora air shock, XT gear, Alex rims etc. | | Bottom Line: | Set on 6 inch travel. Using a 950lb spring on original RS Coupe shock. This thing really adds to the old bike. Balances out the 5.1 inch front nicely (even a bit much) & adds BB height. What I noticed is less bob. there was very little with that spring, but now less. Only reason I can guess is that it makes the seat stay closer to 90 degrees. As the resultant force along the seat stay from pedalling is the pedal force X the Cosine of the chain stay/seat stay angle and as the cosine approaches zero as it gets to 90 degrees, this must reduce the induced forces on the shock. At any event there is none on road or trail and the added traction climbing rough stuff is really noticeable. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | BETD | | Strengths: | excellent quality, increases travel and bottom bracket height | | Weaknesses: | increases leverage ratio on shock, if you are a heavy rider, consider changing to a coil spring shock or incrasing the shock lenth by .5 inch and travel by .25 inch - this will accomplish the same thing | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Stumpy FSR w/ 120mm fork | | Bottom Line: | You should also increase the front fork travel to keep the geometry and steering feel balanced
I ended up going from a 6 x 1.25 air shock to a 6.5 x 1.5 coil spring shock. I am much happier. The air shock had to be run at such high pressure that the rebound dampening could not control the return and the rear end would 'kick'.
I am still using the BETD link in the shortest travel setting and getting 120mm of travel.
NOTE - I am a 225lb rider
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch outside of Boulder | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$209.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD website | | Strengths: | Not sure. | | Weaknesses: | Let me explain.... | | Similar Products Used: | Original Factory Linkage | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Specialized FSR-XC in the USA (yes there is a difference). | | Bottom Line: | BETD – absolutely screwed me out of money… to the tune of over $300.00 USD.
I ride a 2004 Specialized FSR-XC that I wanted to increase the travel on using a BETD linkage. All of the reviews here on mtbr.com say how helpful and responsive BETD is. I have a story contrary to that notion.
Because BETD’s website shows somewhat conflicting information regarding my specific bike I emailed them to ask specifically which linkage to purchase. It took BETD three days to respond to my request for clarification. Someone there named Dan emailed me back and explained that indeed I needed to purchase the ’04-’05 linkage for my bike. Great I thought, and placed the order. If you are not aware, all BETD products are sold at a cost in British pounds and then converted to US dollars based on the current exchange rate. It cost 115 British pounds (including 15 pounds for shipping to the USA), or $209.00 US dollars for the new BETD suspension linkage. Not cheap. I waited with great anticipation as the new linkage flew over the pond. When it arrived the shipping cost stamped on the package was actually 8 British Pounds, not the 15 that they charged my credit card, and after inspection of the link itself it was obvious to me that it was the wrong link!!! The linkage they sent me could never fit my bike. The linkage I really should have purchased is the 01’-03’ linkage because in Great Britain Specialized discontinued the FSR-XC frame ’04 type one year earlier than in the US.
My 2004 US frame is actually their 2003 frame!!!
Besides being disappointed I could not upgrade my bike I was upset that it was BETD who advised me to purchase the wrong product. Incurring long distance phone charges I called their shop and explained. They didn’t seem too interested in the details and simply told me to ship the product back to them for a refund. I then paid $33.00 US dollars to send this hunk of metal back to Great Britain. After a few days my UPS tracking number search showed that the package had been denied acceptance by BETD…. Why? WTF was going on I thought. Well, it’s because the Great Britain wanted to charge me sales tax on a product entering their country. I tried to explain this to BETD over email and they have ignored me completely. I’ve tried to explain the situation to UPS shipping that this is a return item and should not be subject to any sales tax however they say there is nothing they can do to change the minds of the import authorities in Great Britain. So in order for me to get the linkage back to BETD I now have to pay sales tax on a product that I already paid for. The duties are estimated at an additional $70.00 USD. Consequently BETD has not refunded me the $209.00 dollars for the linkage because UPS won’t deliver it to them and has it held in a warehouse somewhere. As it stands I’m out $312.00 dollars and I have nothing to show for it but headache.
What a mess. BETD has been absolutely non-responsive regarding this issue and in my opinion has stolen my money.
Be warned… BETD is a horrible company to try and purchase products from overseas.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan C
a Downhiller
from Tacoma, Wa
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | SeaTac Freeride Area (Flow) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | used from another rider | | Strengths: | This is for the Enduro model. Well made and burly! Easier to put on than stock link. Ultra plush feel from stock shock. Just add about 20lbs more and your goog to go. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing other than a few more ounces (cry you weight weenies) and of course the price. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing like it. | | Bike Setup: | 03 Specialized Enduro Pro frame, 05 Marzocchi Z3(150mm)with 20mm axle, Fox RL w/Itch switch, wheels and stuff. | | Bottom Line: | Expensive but well worth it if you need more and smoother travel out of your 02-04 Enduro frame. I'm using the 6 in. travel setting and it simply make the bike a very capable freeside/all mountain bike. 4 flames only because off the $$$. Now go ride your butts off! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HOFFMAN 223
a Weekend Warrior
from coral gables, fl
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | amelia earhart | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD online shop | | Strengths: | Incredible machine work, very solid, no weak spots or thinly machined areas, perfect fit to frame and seat stays, beautifully anodized (gold), bearing kit fits perfectly, and shock eye bushes are the nicest I've ever seen. Adjustable from 4 to 5 to 6 inches of rear travel and buttery smooth operation. Incredible quality, can't stress this enough!!! | | Weaknesses: | None except for the depreciation of the U.S. dollar compared to the British pound. It was a little expensive, but regardless, more than worth it | | Similar Products Used: | Just the stock linkage that gave 4"s of travel. | | Bike Setup: | 99' FSR, RaceFace cranks, Avid discs, XT ders., Manitou Shermans, Rhyno-lite XL wheels, atomlab stem, protaper bars, dk iron-cross pedals, FUNN saddle, FSA Pig pro headset.....you get the idea, extra burly. | | Bottom Line: | What more can I say that I didn't mention up top? I ordered the linkage along with the seatstay bearing kit and the "A" link kit, which is for the "horst link". The whole package ran about $300 US, but was more than worth it, my six year old frame rides like a brand new bike, and that is no exaggeration.
The bearings fit perfectly, and stiffened up the rear end considerably, the old pivot bushings were shot and I was getting some side to side play.
As far as the linkage goes, I usually run it in the 5" setting, but it feels like 6"s compared to the old linkage and the stiction I was getting in the pivots. It raised my bottom bracket a bit so that helps with ground clearance, and it certainly helped to balance out the travel with my Manitou Sherman.
Bottom line is this...would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Was it worth the money? Yes, and possibly more $$$ considering it completely changed the whole ride and feel of my bike. Would I reccomend it to other FSR owners? Absolutely, if you love your FSR like I love mine, then this is the perfect upgrade. Not only does it bring the bike up to the level of all of the "newest and hottest" suspension designs out there, but it also helps to extend the life of the frame simply by replacing an underbuilt, worn out linkage with a super functional piece of art.
Lastly, the customer service at BETD is the best of any company that I have ever dealt with. They respond to any e-mails immediately, will work with you over the phone, (I had to call for some tech support), ship faster from England than most US companies ship within the US, and will make sure your order is exactly what you wanted. I only have supreme praise for both the company and their product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dwayne
a Weekend Warrior
from rochester, MI
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the one that leads to my girls house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD online shop | | Strengths: | build quality, appearance, adjustability, customer service | | Weaknesses: | ?????????? | | Similar Products Used: | stock link | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR-XC, the link, Fox TALAS RLC, Avid juicy 7 brakes, Raceface Dues crankset, SRAM XO rr der and shifters, hugi hubs wrapped in 717 hoops, easton carbon bars and post | | Bottom Line: | this thing is like a piece of art. the extra ground clearence allows me to run 180 mm cranks, between the fork and the link, i haven't got the tuning sorted out yet, but first impressions are favorable. like others, i was contemplating buying a new frame, no need to now. you can't touch the performance that this link with a longer travel fork provides for twice the money. so with the money your gonna spend on a new bike, get the link and an adjustable fork, pimp out your ride a little, and still have dough left over. Bob is the real deal, as mentioned several times before. 10 stanley steamers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 100 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | easy to install, good manufacturing quality and aesthetics
raises bottom bracket height (soemthing stumpjumpers need), adjustable travel and bottom bracket height | | Weaknesses: | should have come with all 4 pivot bearings. If you are goin gto take the link off you might as well replace all the bearings. One of the bearings I took out to put on the betd link was trashed.
If you are at or above the bike's max weight limit (215lbs), the link puts too much leverage on the shock to run it in the 120mm setting. Actually it should only be run in the A or B setting. | | Similar Products Used: | stock link | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Stumpjumper pro w/ Roxkshock Duke 100mm | | Bottom Line: | A decent improvement for the price. Adds much needed bottombracket height. Adds some travel or lots of travel if you are a light rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 100 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | easy to install, good manufacturing quality and aesthetics
raises bottom bracket height (soemthing stumpjumpers need), adjustable travel and bottom bracket height | | Weaknesses: | should have come with all 4 pivot bearings. If you are goin gto take the link off you might as well replace all the bearings. One of the bearings I took out to put on the betd link was trashed.
If you are at or above the bike's max weight limit (215lbs), the link puts too much leverage on the shock to run it in the 120mm setting. Actually it should only be run in the A or B setting. | | Similar Products Used: | stock link | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Stumpjumper pro w/ Roxkshock Duke 100mm | | Bottom Line: | A decent improvement for the price. Adds much needed bottombracket height. Adds some travel or lots of travel if you are a light rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | three bears | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD online | | Strengths: | Looks great, designed well | | Weaknesses: | extra weight (minimal) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock 99 Specialized stumpjumper fsr xc pro, mostly xt and xtr. Only upgrade is rear Fox float rl shock | | Bottom Line: | Was ready to trade in the 5 year old bike, but ordered the betd linkage and bearing kit to try. They were out of stock but made some for me six weeks later. Totally changed my bike from an outdated nice ride to one that competes with any of my buddies $4,0000 rides. I could not believe how the suspension changed my bike into one plush, road eating machine. Specialized never offered this upgrade as they knew you would never trade in your bike. Fairly easy to install, but hard for me to fine tune. Once I got it right...unbelievable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Prop's
a Weekend Warrior
from Nantes, France
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | betd online shop | | Strengths: | The high quality needle bearings. | | Weaknesses: | The poor quality of the provided screw and bolt.
Some play in the lower shock ring. | | Bike Setup: | S Works M4 FSR 1999, Fox Float RC rear shock, Marzo MX, XT/XTR, 517 ceramic / DT240 hubs | | Bottom Line: | This kit is great, but just be very carefull with your rear shock. As you may have read on the other reviews, air pressure has to be increased to compensate the gain of plushness and travel. I usally ride with the lowest travel position (90mm). I wanted to use the intermediate travel position (110mm), and after a 3h epic ride, the oil seal of my rear shock litteraly exploded !
Actually I recommend to use the 110mm travel only with a new or recently revised shock, and avoid using the 130 mm travel with an air shock.
Excepted that point, there is nothing to say about this product... Once it is set up on your bike (can be a bit long, especially with the lower bearing kits), just forget it and ride. It only needs to be greased once a year for an optimal rolling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan dougovito
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver,CO
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | dakota ridge, apex | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | www.betd.co.uk | | Strengths: | works exactly as described and gives you a much better bike. gives great BB clearance and plush travel | | Weaknesses: | have to increase the pressure or the air shock considerably. not really a weakness tho. | | Similar Products Used: | stock link | | Bike Setup: | 2002 stumpy pro, fox float in the rear @ 120mm, psylo in the front at 125mm. | | Bottom Line: | probably no difference in performance if you don't ride technical, rocky trails. if you do, you'll climb better and have a much more stable ride on the downhills. I had it in my hand 7 days after betd shipped it. very fast for a good product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anand Mehta
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansdale, PA ,USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD | | Strengths: | The ride | | Weaknesses: | The Cost and the leverage ratio | | Similar Products Used: | Stock | | Bike Setup: | 1998 FSR with BETD link and bearings, XT drivetrain with Grip Shift. Mavic 517 with XT hubs. 2004 Black Super up front and a Fox 6.75 x 1.75 Vanilla R in the back. | | Bottom Line: | Well, it has been close to a year and I can now say the link is worth it. The ride has only gotten better with the addition of the Fox Vanilla R. With the 1.75 stroke unit, I get either 4.6, 5.8 or a whopping 7 inches of travel from the shock. This is both theoretical travel based upon shock stroke and leverage ratio and actual travel based upon removing the spring and seeing how much wheel travel exist. It is everything that is claimed. With a 120 mm travel shock up front, the bike has a nice smooth ride to say the least. I am 200 lbs and use a 900 lbs spring in the 4.6 inch setting. Although the bike originally claimed 4.3 inches of travel, the travel with the BETD link is much, much better. The BETD link is a dramatic improvement in all settings. With the full bearing kit and the lively shock, climbing is a bit of a chore but I am hoping PUSH industries can help with that. Overall, I am happy with the link and bearings from BETD. As stated by most people here, they are a friendly bunch at BETD and are always wiling to help. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, without a doubt. The cost issues are still a bit hard to swallow but the ride (and time) make up for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Randle
a Weekend Warrior
from Ceres
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Betd online | | Bottom Line: | This a six month follow up to my earlier review. STILL LOVIN' IT. I added an '03 Psylo in Dec. and the bike (and rider) have taken on a whole new attitude. My confidence level just keeps growing. We are taken 2ft drops in the trails and having a terrific time. I know 2ft isn't much for you youngsters but for this 51yr old kid, it looks like 2 stories. The part is holding up flawlessly. I really appreciate the flexabilityof switching from a freeride bike to a XC bike in just minutes. I still feel it's overpriced but I would still pay for it again. If your thinking of an enduro style bike, you want to go this route instead.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Randle
a Weekend Warrior
from Ceres Ca USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD online | | Bottom Line: | This a six month follow up to my earlier review. STILL LOVIN' IT. I added an '03 Psylo in Dec. and the bike (and rider) have taken on a whole new attitude. My confidence level just keeps growing. We are taken 2ft drops in the trails and having a terrific time. I know 2ft isn't much for you youngsters but for this 51yr old kid, it looks like 2 stories. The part is holding up flawlessly. I really appreciate the flexabilityof switching from a freeride bike to a XC bike in just minutes. I still feel it's overpriced but I would still pay for it again. If your thinking of an enduro style bike, you want to go this route instead. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark ehrenborg
a Cross Country Rider
from santa barbara, ca usa
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | romero canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD online | | Strengths: | Very well made, easy to install. Awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Seem a bit pricey at first (until you hit the trails), and some instructions would have been nice, but nothing else so far. | | Similar Products Used: | The stock suspension link | | Bike Setup: | 2001 FSR XC, Rock Shock Psylos SLs, all else stock | | Bottom Line: | This is the'01/'02 BETD link. I purchased this suspension link mostly based on the positive reviews that proceed mine. I can say that, as most have already said, it rocks! It took two times out to get the pressure in my shock close, and what a change!!! Very plush, but still pedals really well on the climbs. I'm running 280# in the shock for my 200# load, didn't bottom in the rock gardens, and it is really smooth on the small fast double track stuff. Between the link and the forks it's a whole new bike. I would highly recomend this to anyone who's got a FSR. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Randle
a Cross Country Rider
from Ceres, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD on line | | Strengths: | well designed, quality machine work and finish | | Weaknesses: | cost seems high but cheaper than new bike. In my case, the bolts in the dropout bearings had to be wrapped with thin shim stock to remove excess play. Kit should include new bushings/bearings for upper shock eye. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 FSR XC Pro, XT,XTR SID, Mavic 517 or Rhynolites depending on terrain w/WTB Mutanoraptors 2.4 | | Bottom Line: | When it came time to replace rear bushings I opted to go to an aftermarket rear link and bearing kit. One of my trail buddiies has been running the Mountain Speed rear link for over a year with no complaints. I wanted flexibility in travel and BB height so I went with BETD. So far I'm very gald I did. I'm a 200# semi-agressive trail rider who's getting more comfortable pounding through Nor-Cal rock gardens. This link made a huge difference in bike stability. The current setup is in the short travel setting as to not upset the geomettry. As soon as I decide which 5" fork to run, it will be fun experimenting with travel and ride height to suit my weight and riding style. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niklas Spitczok von Brisinski
a Cross Country Rider
from Munich, Germany
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fimberpaß | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | Directly from BETD | | Strengths: | THIS THING ROCKS!!!
I replaced the lame SID XC fork that my Stumpjumper originally came with in 2000. The once 80mm travel have been reduced to about 60, and despite a paid service during winter the fork did not work at all. After the last transalp I had to decide: The new Enduro with way more travel, or upgrading my beloved Stumpjumper. It was just one view into the Specialized price list when I decided NOT to buy the new Enduro...
I got one of the last Psylo SL with cantilever sockets and mounted it to my bike. I felt like riding a shopper: The front rose up to the sky, the rear seemed to hang somewhere far down behind me. Now I had enough travel, but the bike was hard to ride.
I few months ago I changed the bearings and bushes in the rear to the sealed berings from MacBike (Swiss). On the search for replacements of the original Specialized bearings I stumbled across BETD, but decided not to buy the thing because it would wreck my geometry. Now with the new fork I read mtbr and decided that I need to have it.
Yesterday was test-drive at Munich's Isar trails. Far from being world-class trails they nevertheless allow to ride with very high speed through bumpy but not too difficult trails. This thing really rocks! Compared to my former rides I rode with very high speed, smashed through curves and took downhills with no fear. How will it be once I got used to it? That thing will frighten my freinds :-)
The setup requires some time, as the Fox Float RC needed about 2,5 times as much pressure as it needed before! | | Weaknesses: | Not recommended with less than 100mm front fork travel. I use it in combination with the MacBike (Swiss) sealed bearing set, which had a very effective bearing construction for the bottom part of the Fox Float. This construction is replaced by a cheap plastic bushing that comes with the BETD set. You are required to use the BETD one, because it is designed to work with the BETD link.
It might also be that the much higher pressure in the Fox Float might cause trouble. I will see...
The screw for fixing the damper into the link looks very cheap, the whole thing flexes a bit and it weighs at least two times as much as the original (but who cares?).
Rather expensive, but cheaper than getting a new bike. Poor instructions for fixing the thing, don't do it if you have no experience in handling the required tools. | | Similar Products Used: | none - I considered the one from Shock Therapy, but it doesn't allow as much flexibility as the BETD one. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC Pro 2000, SID XC replaced by Psylo SL, Ritchey WCS Rizer Bar, Shimano 959 pedals, Continental tires, Fox Float RC, MacBike sealed bearings for the rear damper, and new BETD Link | | Bottom Line: | Get it if you have enough travel at your front. Works very well with the Psylo SL.
Very good email service from Bob from BETD, reliable delivery. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walt
a Cross Country Rider
from Vermont, usa
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | resevoir | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Nicely machined; good response from BETD before the item was shipped. | | Weaknesses: | XC version: doesn't do much practical good. Very little
extra travel or much steeper head angle (73deg). To be fair, the bottom bracket height is raised at the steeper head angle, but the handling then becomes too quick for cross country riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Standard links that came with the 5 FSR bikes I've owned. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 S Works FSR, Hayes hydro | | Bottom Line: | BETD also sent me a needle bearing kit, the wrong one. There are no instructions of any kind with the link or the needle bearing kit. I struggled for a long time trying to figure out how the (incorrect) needle bearing kit is supposed to fit on my bike. BETD finally answered just one of my several emails, just to tell me that the needle bearing kit was the wrong one. Don't waste your money on the XC version of this link. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rowdyflat | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD online | | Strengths: | adjustable, fits well,strong, very plush suspension and higher bottom bracket with a long travel adjustable front fork like a psylo | | Weaknesses: | difficult to use in maximum travel position without a new shock and the spring rate of the shock is tricky to estimate | | Similar Products Used: | none except original | | Bike Setup: | 00/01 stumpjumper FSR w. psylo fork w. U turn | | Bottom Line: | excellent every one should buy one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Mason
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, Mb, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything down | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$241.00 | | Purchased At: | BetD online | | Strengths: | Easy to install, looks great, Quality workmanship, Best Custumer service in the world | | Weaknesses: | None what so ever, Well my rear der. is hitting the chainstays more because I drop everything insight and in between the drops I am launching off any little bump I can find. You may call it a weakness I call it a streangth. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock link | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR, Jr T fork Mavic D521 Front rim, Xt Front disc brake and hub, Crow Bar handle bar, Intense lockon grips, Avid speed dial rear brake lever, Tioga Multi Control II seat, BetD Link, stock Rock Shox, Rhyno Lite rear rim, Stock rear huband brakes, Maxxis Highroller 2.5 front tire, Maxxis Mofo DH 2.35 rear | | Bottom Line: | I just got my link today and put it on right away. This thing rocks. I have only taken a quick test ride on it to set the preload, but that test ride turned into a 3 hour drop session. I just couldn't belive how a piece of Al could improve the action of the rear of the bike. I decided to give the link a maiden flight on a small 3 foot drop to a fairly flat landing. This small drop would bottom out the old set up harshly because of the flat landing, as a test I purposely landed it straight legged to test the suspension fully. The grass landing was wet and I landed leaning to one side a bit. I have seen others land this drop in dry conditions in the same manner and get slammed hard. With the link the suspension sucked up the bad landing and keep me on the bike. After hittin a few other drops I hit the biggest drop I have done yet a 6+ footer to nice tranny. I nailed it, even though the shock bottomed lightly, it was still like floating on a cloud. The bottoming was due to a soft spring (750lbs) and not to the link. I may put the link into the 6" mode for the ride to work just to see how much more of a spring I will need to get, I am guessing that I should be running around a 800-850 in the 5" mode, and a 900-1000 in the 6" mode. Iwill say though that in the 5" setting with the 750 spring sidewalk cracks are not felt at all, I hear them but don't feel them, and thats with my tires at 55 psi.
I can't wait till next month when I get my Risse Jupiter 5R.
I am giving the link a 5 in value because although it was expensive to get it was worth every penny and cheaper then buying a new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anand Mehta
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansdale, Pa
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, Wissahickon, Coyd Brennin (Wales) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD.co.uk | | Strengths: | Ride. That is what it is all about. | | Weaknesses: | Cost. The whole thing cost me close to $300 (with full bearing kit). BETD are really nice but they charge alot. They don't exclude VAT but claim to use that to defray oversea's shiping. However, they charge 35 pounds ($50) to ship a package that the shipping label says cost 9 pounds or $15. Oh well. | | Similar Products Used: | Just the stock set-up | | Bike Setup: | 1998 FSR, Stratos Helix Shock with 700 lbs Spring and 200 LBS air, Mavic 217 wheels, Grip shift shifters, 8 speed rear, XT hollow tech-cranks, Panaracer fire pro tires, X-lite 24 inch bar with specialized bar ends, LX V-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Several suprising things so far. The first, the ride in the 5 inch position did not blow me away as being the most plush. I thought I would be blown away but rather the effect is that it is just more of a refined ride. Much smoother all around. Small bumps
What has shocked me the most is that my climbing has improved greatly. This bike climbs like mad. The change in linkage changed the head angle just enough to make th bike a great climber. In addtion, the bearing kit and linkage did not change the bike weight to much. I am now at ~29 lbs - which I can live with as I weight 200 lbs.
Overall, the this is a much nicer bike. Is it worth it. I want to say yes as I like my bike and see no reason to dump it. However, only time will tell. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD.com | | Strengths: | FSRXC -01/02 - Increases travel, well made, easy to adjust, cheaper than a new bike. Easy to install. | | Weaknesses: | quarter pound heavier than stock linkage, but the added travel is worth the weight penalty. Increased shock pressure required. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Stumpjumper FSRXC, Fox Talas RLC Fork, King Headset, S-works wheelset, XTR/Race Face Drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 01/02 FSRXC linkage. I was looking for a light weight longer travel bike than my 2002 Stumpjumper FSR Pro and the BETD linkage was the perfect solution. It was much cheaper than a new bike and works as advertised. The linkage makes the frame feel out of balance with an 80mm fork but works very well with a 100-125mm fork. I tend to ride the linkage in the 117mm postions with the TALAS fork set at 112mm. I was able to build a sub 26lb 4.5-5 inch travel bike as a result of the BETD linkage. You do have to run higher air pressue in the shock which could be a problem for heavier riders. (I weight 165 with gear and run 210-220 Psi versus 155psi with the stock linkage). The bike with linkage is very plush with out a huge increase in pedal bob.
Bottom line - this is a great upgrade for any FSRXC owner looking for added travel from their current frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | BETD ONLINE | | Strengths: | Bombproof, super-plush travel. Moto look (I got the gold finish which matches my Psylo sliders). | | Weaknesses: | None, so far. More people should buy it. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing like it | | Bike Setup: | 2001 FSR Enduro, Psylo, Firepro 2.1 tires, WTB saddle, Titec post, Magura Julies, 1.5in riser bars, shorty stem. | | Bottom Line: | This product will give you a new bike. I went from a nice, smooth XC bike, to a super plush freeride machine. I never bothered with the 4 inch setting. I went straight to 6 inches. PLUSH! but the bike still does not bob very much. At the 6 in setting, the bottom bracket was raised about two inches. It is high to swing your leg over, but I never hit a pedal in the rock gardens. It still tracks like a trail. I did have to get a higher rate sping, but I'm heavy (180lbs with gear). I'm now trying the 5 inch setting to better match the 5 up front. Still feels plush (not super PLUSH, but plush). The head angel is more relaxed at 5in. I'll let you know if it is better. Get this if you have en Enduro. It transforms the bike into what it should have been all along. $130 is cheap for this kind of quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Plexus
a Downhiller
from Odense, Denmark
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | added travel, stiffer rear end. with the needlebearings supplied by BEDT - virtually no stiction. it comletely changes the ride to the better. | | Weaknesses: | only one: you have to get a new spring for your shock, if you are running a shorttravel shock. this is due to the added momentum of the link. | | Similar Products Used: | the stock link, with the crappy nylon bushings. | | Bike Setup: | 98' FSR elite with shimano xt disc 6"rear 8"front. RF cranks vertical ProTection tires, SRAM 9.0 gears and a Marzocchi Z1 Drop Off 2003 fork. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a freerider, and this is one of the best investments i've don to my bike. it has eliminated the stiction and added 2 hole inch' to the travel. if you have an FSR, do you self a favor and by this kit - a bought the needlebearing kit as well, and it was worht every penny!!! BUY IT :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sylvestre Fink
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau, Kanata, Chelsea | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Special-ed Enduro, Hayes, 4" Marzocchi Air | | Bottom Line: | This is more of a question really. I'm interested in the link but I'm worried it will change the angles of the bike too much. I like the bottom bracket where it is, not too low, just enough to keep the pedals from smashing into things but keeping the centre of gravity nice and low. I also wouldn't want to steep a headset angle, I do lots of aggressive trail riding and don't want to be over the bars too much, yet don't want to lose that good riding position for the occasional pure x-c riding (and one 24hour race a year I do).
Can anyone tell me what happened to their geometry and handling when they put it on a 2000 or 2001 Enduro?
Many thanks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a
from Golden, Co
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | What ever I'm riding | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | betd | | Strengths: | Beefy, well designed, very well engineered. Specialized should seriously use BETD as a accessory outfitter. | | Weaknesses: | none. | | Similar Products Used: | MRP X-rated FSR link for 9 months now. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 S-works FSR, Psylo Race (125mm) in front, BETD link in rear (130mm). Trans-am saddle, riser bars. 2.3 conti vertical pro's. still, right at 26lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This shock upgrade is awesome. Get it. If you feel like your getting beat up in the back end and wonder why, then you need this part. I won't go into the details, but read other reviews below.
I'm a front range rider. This means that in the Denver, Colorado area, I go uphill for the first half, and then downhill the second. Very few 'cross-country' rides. You need something light for the uphill, and something with some suspension for the downhill.
I wanted a 5 inch travel ride for cross country / front range riding. All of my options left me with a 30 lb bike. I don't want to freeride, necessarily, but want something that will track well, and take the bumps better. This product did it.
I feel tons safer on rockier sections. The bike tracks better downhill. The part fixed my 5 inch front shock geometry issue for climbing. I climb better, descend faster, and have a larger smile on my face than ever before.
GET IT!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian (in London)
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | BETD Direct (BETD.co.uk) | | Strengths: | let me think.....the fact that you get six travel options out of an FSR!! | | Weaknesses: | The bolt for the shock eye could be as neat as the rest of the link | | Similar Products Used: | there aren't any, the MSP kit only gives two options and is rediculously expensive | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC 2000 frame, BETD link and Horst Link bearing upgrades, Fox Vanilla 125 forks, XT, discs, nice bits and bobs | | Bottom Line: | Well, the FSR (all years) is one of the best all round designs available, but is highly limited in the 75 or 90 mm settings that Spech gave us. The Enduro frame was better, but heavier and more relaxed geometry, different ride really. The FSR XC with the BETD link allowed me to run the following geometry:
1. 125mm front and 130mm back with 70/73 angles, and a 13" BB height (unweighted), 12.6" BB sat on bike.
2. 100mm front and 110mm back with 70.5/73.5 with 12.75" BB (12.2" weighted).
You can also steepen the angles if you like, or to accomodate the different stack heights on different forks, or to adjust the BB height. Mine is the Fox front fork, which is slightly lower stack height than some other 125mm forks, so my angles are perfect in the "slack" angle setting (i.e. with the link facing upwards), but if you run another fork, you have the s |
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