A Comfort Bike Which Lives Up to Its Name! Specialize 02 Expedition FS
Written: Aug 14 '03 (Updated Aug 22 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A smooth, smooth rider, pefect for a recreational rider
Cons: Bad seat for now, ouch!
The Bottom Line: A fun, comfortable ride, great for the family!
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| JBduckling's Full Review: Specialized 02 Expedition FS |
If you're looking for a scientific Epinion about a bicycle, keep looking! I'm not a mechanic, an engineer, nor do I play one in a movie or stay at a Holiday Inn Express. When I went shopping for a new bike, it was time to trade in my 20 year old, three speed, Murray racing roadster which is, obviously, circa 1980. Shopping for a new bike was an experience, ending with the purchase of last year's 2002 Specialized Expedition 19" men's bicycle, brand new but a model year old. It was sold to me as a "comfort" bike, which it is!
Being a bike idiot, when the sales person mentioned "Specialized", I was confused. Specialized? I don't want a specialized bike, I want a simple bike to keep up with my six year old in the subdivision! Expedition? No! I want a subdivision bike not a mountain racer! After the sales person picked himself off the floor from laughing so hard, he told me "Specialized" was a brand name, similar to Trek, Schwinn, Murray, and others. I never heard of it but according to him, it is very popular in France. So is Jerry Lewis but I still don't get it. You have to sell me on it! OK, it is a very good bike, about $300 less than a similar Trek. OK, now I am listening.
Well, what kind of bike is it? It is a "cross" bike or a "comfort" bike. I did not need a high speed road racer bike like they use in the tour de france, nor did I need the formerly popular mountain bikes, which are all terrain types. I also did not want to be called a dork by using my old three speed or buy a city bike to embarrass my six year old. A comfort bike is exactly that, a fat man's bike, a daddy bike, a subdivision ride! It's a combination of all the good qualities of the other rides, ending up with a durable bike, great on the pavement but ok on the dirt or bike paths. It's not super fast on the road and not totally rugged but can handle all types of rides. Simply, great for a short family bike path ride, wonderful for the hills of a subdivison, and ok for a dirt path. You won't win any races but won't win the dork award either. The Expedition fits this category wonderfully!
It has simple 24 gears-speeds, easily accessible on the handle bar grips. One side has three clicks, the other has eight. As I said, I am not an engineer but 3 x 8 does equal 24 speeds which is fine, almost twenty more than what I need. The speeds change fluidly, no problems after the first few months. The range of speeds has covered all of my needs, plus easy to use when looking out for your children. I've been making great use of the lower gears, easier to pedal, small gears in the front, larger rear gears are great for the hills and to keep your eyes on your kids. I guess you reverse it for speed, which I have no need for at this time. Beyond this, please look for a more scientific review. It is easy to shift, easy to pedal, gears have not broke.
Lightweight, aluminum frame is amazing! It is light and sturdy but still provides a smooth ride. The tires are bigger than racing tires, also providing more support and a smoother ride. Big tires, light frame does equate to a smooth ride. And now what makes the comfort bike, the Specialized Expedition truly a comfort bike:
A front-end suspension or shock absorbers! By addition these to the front fork of the bike makes a truly, truly comfort bike ride. The bumps are no longer teeth rattlin' and jarring! Small turns are smoother! Be careful! With a smooth ride can come over confidence! I started to do "wheelies" thinking the suspension would ease the shock. Of course, it would probably ruin my bike, too, so I stopped. Because the bike handles better, you think you can do things out of your skill level. Be careful, but I do recommend the suspension, the smooth ride is worth it.
Quick changes needed for the front tire and seat by quick release. Need to carry the bike in the van, the front wheel quick release allows it. For safety reasons, if you cannot quick set or release your front tire, do not force it and take immediately to your dealer for adjustment. The front tire keeps you on the road, don't mess with the unknown. With the Specialize bike, I have had no problems, easy to pop on and off. The other quick change is the seat height. This is important when the bike is shared and seat height must be adjusted. The bike wasn't meant to be shared but Mrs. Duckling is beginning to like the ride even though it is a boys' bike! Again a clamp to tighten or loosen it. Simple and durable. The rear tire quick release looks fairly simple but at this time, even after a few months, I do not want to mess with it, as if you have read any of my mechanical reviews, I can break things by looking at it. If you have more mechanical ability than a banana, then I believe you can do it. Quick release capabilities are a huge plus!
Brakes and wheels are all big league, work great. Brakes are tight, control speed exceptionally. I needed to learn how to squeeze the levers to attain maximum stopping and slowing power. Wheels are sturdy and secure. Not sure the scientific wording but both are powerful, can take a "hit" plus allow for a comfortable ride. Pedals are big and flat, easy to use, fitting well with the comfort theme.
Only minor negative is I have problems adjusting the seat to a comfort level and presently working with the dealer on this. My anatomy, I think, will make me buy a different seat as the streamlined model hurts in places I did not think possible. Just too hard and inflexible, I guess you can get used to it, I cannot. I need more padding!
Other than the seat, I truly enjoy the Specialized Expedition 19' mens comfort bike. After a few months, it's easy to maintain, a wonderful ride, and was purchased at a great price. The huge advantage is the suspension on the front fork, makes simply, an awesome, smooth ride. Great for everyday use!
Just a note, I did originally shop at Wal-Mart, ToysRUs, Target, etc. for a new bike and I'm glad I ended up at a local bike shop. Things were explained to me, such as the suspension, the difference between models, and what was great for what I needed. Mrs. Duckling, alas, bought hers at ToysRUs and wished she had shopped at the bike store because of the options. "Off the rack" is not necessarily the best and in my case, obviously not. By shopping, it does not necessarily cost you more either, as I purchased a new bike but last year's model at a substantial discount. Even with the small amount of riding and less than serious attempts, it was great dealing with a professional!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
JBduckling
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Location: The Great State of Wisconsin
Reviews written: 382
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About Me:
The boys have Mommy's good looks. There's a resemblance between me and cat. Poor Kitty!
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