Specialized Pitch FSR Comp Bike Review
The Specialized Pitch FSR Comp is a full suspension mountain bike which combines effortless off-road performance with a price which is sure to put a smile on your face. It looks the part and manages to live up to its promise of solid all-round performance, even when it has been so finely tuned and adapted for serious off-road riding.
The alloy frame and suspension setup provides 150mm of travel and while this might normally be assumed to limit its usability in everyday circumstances, it is actually tame enough to work well in urban environments when you are not facing rocky trails but standard tarmac. The RockShox rear shock is responsive and compensates for the ups and downs of a typical course. When going uphill it may be slightly too happy to give way and spoil your ability to put down power, but at this price bracket, any minor annoyance is easily forgiven and quickly forgotten.
Specialized Pitch FSR Comp Specifications
The Specialized Pitch FSR Comp is able to handle ascents better if you are able to stay sitting and resist the urge to stand and push down jerkily on the pedals. Its light weight and ability to bite hard into the most uneven of surfaces mean you do not need to expend all of your energy in thrashing it, as a smooth style of riding will get the job done more efficiently and quickly.
While uphill riding is handled adequately, it is on the downhill slopes that the Specialized Pitch FSR Comp really gets down to business. As you speed down you will not fear rocks, roots or other obstacles, as the bike will take each in its stride and the full suspension setup will do its job and massage out the big impacts and let you get on with steering and seeking out the path which looks the most fun, rather than the one which promises the smoothest descent. This is a rare mountain bike which does not require that the rider grapples with it to bring it downhill safely but rather lets you work with it as it effortlessly outdoes mother nature.
You get Specialized Eskar Sport tyres and disc-specific rims which go with the custom Avid Elixir 3 hydraulic brakes. This trio of components is a welcome sight, helping you to wrangle the terrain to your will and letting you keep on gripping the dirt even when poor weather has stifled the chances of other bikes fairing so well. The Shimano and SRAM components on the gears work hand in hand to help you on your way and fit in with the durable if not entirely featherlight design.
In the looks department, the Specialized Pitch FSR Comp is easily one of the most appealing bikes in this or any other price bracket. Its simple red and black paint job and exposed shocks give it a businesslike personality which hints at the serious abilities which it posses underneath the skin. Few bikes can match it for the money you are paying.
