By Lee Lau August 11, 2009
Pro Reviews
RATINGS
Specs: 4.0
Price: 4.5
Ride: 4.0 (5.0 for downhill, 3.0 for uphill)
Overall: 4.0
RATING GUIDE
5.0 Outstanding
4.0 Very Good
3.0 Above Average
2.0 Fair
1.0 Poor
Pros:
- Outstanding downhiller punching way above its weight class
- Very tuneable suspension
- Lots of top-tube clearance
- With one crucial exception (tires), very rideable with stock parts spec
- Confidence inspiring in the air and more importantly, in landings
Cons:
- Terrible tires
- Tough to set up rear suspension for the sweet spot but once you get it dialed the bikes performs
- Bit of a waddler for XC situations
Whistler
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
The source for this information is Rocky Mountain Bikes. Suggested Retail of this bike is $Can 2799/ $USD 2899
Overview
* Same frame through the entire lineup with the exception of the frame-only carbon rear end Slayer SXC SE
* Marzocchi 55R 160mm travel, Fox RP2 air rear shock custom valved
* Avid Juicy brakes
* Sram mid-level drivetrain (X5 shifters. X9 rear derailleur)
* WTB all-mountain wheelset
* RMB housebrand riding compartment (stem, bars, seatpost)
* 68deg HA – 73.5 deg SA (in 18″ size)
Complete bike weight: 33 lbs
Complete specifications and geometry are on the Rocky website:
VIDEOS OF THE SLAYER SXC 30 IN ACTION
Eagle – the Forgotten Mountain from Lee Lau on Vimeo.
Central and Lower Digger from Lee Lau on Vimeo.
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Nice review what kind of camera setup are you using?
Thanks. Some shots were taken with a Canon G10. The trickier shots with splotchy light patterns were taken with a Canon Digital Rebel XT with Sigma 17 – 70 lens
do you need special tools to take the rear triangle off the bike? or can it be done with simple allan keys?
Tim,
Standard set of allen keys should do it
Great review Lee. I have a 08 SXC50.
You are right about the tires.
I changed them after one ride for my old (half worn) Nevegals, and they still perform better than the brand new Prowlers.
yeah. Initially I felt bad about being so opinionated against the Prowlers. I got over that when I realized this review was really all about my opinion (wrapped around objective details like the components and specifications). I’ve talked to more then one person who’ve not been big fans.
Great review. Many thanks. I ordered an SXC 70 frame. Arrived today. Yuuumm. The Mrs is out so I’ve got all afternoon to make sweet sweet lurve to it. With all this quality time together, it should be built & tuned up nice in a couple of days. Then….SHHHHHHHRED! Sadly, I’m risking an ’09 Marzocchi 55ATA. Probably asking for trouble. I note they dropped the ATA for 2010. Too many issues?
Great vid too BTW. Best soundtrack to image I’ve seen in an MTB video, never mind a review. Well done.
you’re totally right about the tyres, i have the sxc50 and it’s an awesome bike, but i’ve had the front end unexpectedly lose grip while cornering a few times making for some heart stopping moments. i’ve been waiting for the tyres to wear out before replacing them, but think i’ll be doing so fairly soon rather than waiting as it looks like most people confirm that they let the bike down massively.