This is the first bike I've had in about 12 years. After getting over the sticker shock of "adult bikes" I spent weeks researching the many options. It immediately became clear that no matter what bike I got, I'd still probably end up spending hundreds more to customize it with the components I wanted. That is, until I found this one on Amazon for a really great price with free shipping.

THE GOOD:

The components on this bike alone (Sram shifters/derailers, Avid disc brakes) are all top of the line and could easily add up to what I paid if purchased separately. The two water bottles and rear rack are a nice touch. The adjustable front suspension makes for a comfortable ride. If you are a hardcore mountain biker this bike probably isn't for you - but you already knew that. These are the same bikes used by many police forces so I am fairly confident it will hold up to the minimal punishment that I deliver.

THE BAD:

1. The assembly instructions... Read more

If you shop around enough, you can probably find bikes in the $700 range that are better deals. In fact, you may want to consider if it is worth paying $700 for what is essentially a very high quality comfort bike since it is not fully configured as a real mountain bike as pointed out by another reviewer (It could be for about $75 in swapouts).

The derailleurs, brakes, shifters, and fork (Rockshox Dart 3) are high points. The frame is ok and the wheels are sturdy. Most the other components are merely acceptable. They appear to be manufactured generically and painted in as many places as possible with the Smith & Wesson name or logo. Although S&W is not a recognized factor in the bicycle world, I guess the belief is the more S&W logos the more appeal to those that own other S&W items. I count at least 13 on the bike.

The disappointments I have come across are attention to detail for a bike in this price range. The threads in the frame bosses seem to be weak... Read more

This is a hard core mountain bike built strong for big guys, that unfortunately has been tamed for the city. It's set up for an upright riding position; the frame has a slightly shorter top tube and it a high rise stem. The tires are semi-slicks designed for road / light trail use. But it's heart is a serious mountain bike. It built of high end off-road components (X.9 drive train, avid disc brakes, Chris King headset, truvativ cranks and a rockshox dart 3 fork). The wheelsets are super strong.

It's easy to unleash it's potential. Replace the the slick tires. Replace the high rise stem with a longer, low rise one. Lose the rack and kickstand. Add some clipless pedals and it's a serious off-road bike.