Question- Specialized Big Hits

[Tony M]

Been looking around for a used freeride bike and need to bone up on my history.

What's the difference in these 2 frame styles? Looks like both were available in the available in the same generation (03-05)and share the Big Hit name, but differ quite a bit in rear suspension.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/tony1300cc/05expert.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/tony1300cc/SPECIALIZED_05_BigHitSport.jpg




Radically different purposes? Opinions on either?

Thanks in advance.

[RichZilla]

I'm in no way an expert on these things, but I can see that the top one has the 'linkage-style' rear end. The bottom one has the 'single-pivot' style. The multi linkage is Specialized patented system. Super smooth. Maintains constant chain length throughout the travel. Someone else that knows more details should be able to answer more questions. Otherwise, go in to, or call, Erik's (where they sell them) and ask for one of the more knowledgable salespeople.

[DM_rider]

hmm, I have a big hit I want to sell... it's an 04 expert...

[Tony M]

hmm, I have a big hit I want to sell... it's an 04 expert...


First you gotta convince me that the single pivot frame is crap. I know the science behind a good linked design is accepted as fact and backed in reviews. I'm hoping for real world experience to tell me how far off par the single pivot really is. I'm wondering because I see them for sale pretty cheap.

Not quite ready to buy, but if the price is right.....PM me.

[Standard]

The single pivot frame is crap. For the big hit, anyways. It was only used to sell the low-end version of that bike. It may hold up for a while, but I wouldn't trust it on any mountains bigger than the ones we have here in MN...

The '03+ linkage frames are a better design than the earlier ones. They made quite a number of improvements.