Specialized Pitch Pro Review - BikeRadar

awesome

I got one of these in November I managed to haggle the retailer down to £999 (from 1,399). To get this bike for that money is INSAIN. I had a £2.5k hand built Mountain Cycles before with 4 inch travel. This bike is in a different league for less than half the price.

My riding has just taken on a whole new level, it is so stable on down hill sections, you can confidently throw it over jumps, roots, drop offs way faster than i would have dared before and it really compliments the rider, I seem to be 'getting away' with much, much more hardcore riding int he space of a few months.

It doesn't have the bling factor of other more expensive bikes, no ones going to come running upto you on the trial, but you get a knowing look of respect from people because people know its a serious bike for the money.

I really cannot rate it highly enough.

It does have a few weaknesses as with the 08 model. Crap saddle, grips and shifters, but nothing you cannot live with and personally I have not foudn the saddle that painful and you can upgrade it pretty cheap if it bothers you.

If you're on a low budget this is a no brainer, and even if you're considering paying more, to be honest don't bother. MBR just gave this 10/10 and said they like it more than the Enduro, i.e. making this the best bike in the line up.

Having come from a Scott Genius MC 50 this bike was a doddle to set up suspension wise and straight off the Med felt right for me (5'9''). Took it up to Afan for a trial on Whites Level and the first thing that struck me was its ability to climb - I didnt even turn pro pedal on and it blazed up the singletrack the same if not better than the Scott did. On the way down it begged to be launched off the table tops and fired out of the berms (fear is a definate de-motivating factor...). Very balanced on the wood work as well before the black run at the top. All in all this bike is mega and if u can get it for less than a grand an ABSOLUTE bargain but even at full price its a sweet ride....

Good value but a bit heavy

likewoah - It's an All Mountain bike; it's built to take bigger hits and therefore is kitted up with stronger [heavier] frame and parts.

Compared to the competition and at this price it's a winner.

pitty specialized have sold of the 2009 model is some sizes. they will try to get some more in but it looks like it will a few months. so if you are thinking about gettting one get one from your lbs before it's too late.

Can't believe all the coverage this bike is getting!

I had one when they first came out in Sept 2007 and it blew me away!

I loved it and would get another - i got a Heckler now

I concur. its a 5*bit of kit. climbs very well with crazy traction and descents even better than anticipated. I came from 10 years on hardtail M2's and M4's. I will still ride a hardtail but its not gonna be easy leaving this grin machine at home. Eats everything on the trail and comes back for extra helpings. I had real trouble getting one and must have got one of the last size large's ( 6ft ) in the UK which is just perfect. Cant wait for dry spring and summer days to test it properly.

Just an amazing bike been running it for 6 weeks now and can't think of a bad thing to say about it this thing flies. in short AWESOME.

Nice bike, shame it's such a cak colour!

I've had this bike since April 2008 and have been blown away by it. It loves to climb, but no where near as much as it loves to descend. Drop the saddle and it's immense, tracks well and handles anything I can throw at it.

this bike is awesome. i have had it for about 6 weeks now and i just cant get enough of it. this is my first bouncer and it has transformed my riding vastly, so much more speed and the traction and tracking through corners is unreal.

very good price tag, good components and a hell of a laugh. Things i will change soon are the grips, needs lock-ons and loose the top ring for a bash guard.

You can tell just by looking at it that it's going to be very stable. Not too tall, a fairly slack head angle and a longish wheelbase. Good to see a manufacturer going away from the "accepted" norm.

I look forward to riding one - just need to find somebody mug enough to lend me one. ;-)

Superb price too.

I am on the edge of buying either a Pitch Pro or the Cannondale Prophet 1 '09 can anyone give me advice on which one to buy?

I think; the Pitch wins it so far, because it is more "dynamic" in terms of geometry and being lighter. I have read that although they are both excellent for XC and DH the Pitch is the better climber. I really want a bike that is truly versatile.

The case for the Prophet is that it has better forks, wheels and drive train; it is an equally exceptional bike in its own right.

Cost is not an issue here because the bikes are separated by £300 - the Pitch being cheaper. I ride mostly in Richmond Park, Ham and Wimbledon Common in South West London. I am a fairly hefty chap 6.2”, if that matters much when choosing particular bikes. Your views would be appreciated.

Presume you've got a supplier for the Pro, Master..? I'd given up hope but stumbled on a Large size from 'Freeborn' purely by chance (while phoning them about a FSR XC Pro because couldn't get a Pitch Pro!). Just built it up out-of-the-box today, haven't had the 1st ride yet but feels good - my first FS after years of road biking + 11/2 years on a HT. It does seem compact though - I'm 6' with long legs, and can't help wondering if the XL would've been better. Tried a Pitch Comp in L and it seemed fine at the time. If you're 6'2" you'ld definitely want to try both sizes - strangely, many of the forums etc. claim just the opposite, that the frames seem bigger than usual for their S,M,L or XL. Even so, dead chuffed with it & cant wait for the first shot.

Apologies for lack of comment on the C'dale. Good luck.

specialized have really pulled one out of the bag this time. i have had one for 5 months now and this is a truly stunning bike. i previously had a gaint xtc but this was crap on dh tracks, but amazing on hills. the angles on the pich are perfect for long downhill runs but also get you back up the hill again. as for the spec, well, outstanding compared to every other bike in its price range.

IF YOU WANT A FUN BIKE YOU CAN RIDE ALL DAY GET ONE OF THESE!!!!!!!

Hi,

This may sounds stupid but what is the differences between the 08 Pitch and the 09 Pitch?

Cheers

HI,

I am looking at the pitch. Seems like a great bike. I am 5ft 10 n was wondering what size would be best.

Thanks

Highland28 I'm 5'10" and I run a Medium. Perfect fit.

So where to start, I bought one last July (08) its an awesome bike.

Truly a bike you can upgrade any way you like. I like tech singletrack stuff and as such upgraded to more powerful stoppers (hope M4s) and a beefier wheelset (hope with D321s) I also swapped out the bars as I didn't like the feel. So far its proven itself is some very testing riding spots. I went to Finale in Feb and decided to take this instead of my Demo 9, as I was only going for the weekend. I did some uplift riding with it there and although I couldn't keep up with the Italian boys on their V10s etc it never felt out of its depth. Sure there were times when I could have used a bit more fork, but considering what I was able to get down on it, I really can't fault it. I use it 3-4 times a week on my local trails and once a month or so for trail centre stuff. My frame's looking pretty scratched and has that 'lived in' look to it, but that's half the charm. The fact that it cost a fraction of what most of my riding friends rigs cost, adds to the enjoyment factor as well, its almost as if its urging you to 'have a go'. You kind of know that if its goes tits up and you bin it, its not really gonna matter. Brilliant bike, Spesh deserves a big slap on the back for bringing this one out, especially as it undercuts the also brilliant Enduro by such a large amount.

I've had my Pro about 5 months now and I really, really love it. I've ridden it on everything from long day rides to two weeks in the Alps and it's coped with all of it admirably.

The previous reviewer mentioned upgrading the brakes to M4s: while I can see the appeal of the upgrade, I have to say that there's very little call for better brakes on this bike. Mine have been amazing, giving really sharp stopping in all conditions. The only time I've ever felt the need for better braking was on some of the really, really steep hidden stuff in the Alps where I boiled them a few times. However, the very fact I was able to take this bike down those sort of trails is a ringing endorsement!

There have been minor niggles with the bike: the forks needed some warranty work; I've managed to dent the rear triangle by hitting it on the seat tube when the suspension bottomed after a particularly nasty landing, and the frame is looking a litt battered now. But none of these are really an issue.

The only real issue I have is deciding how to upgrade the bike. Each days riding leaves me with a different idea as to whether it should be lightweight or hardcore :)

Owned mine for a year now. It is awesome. Bought it on cycle-scheme so paid £650. Now that is a bargain. It is by far the best bike I have owned. Recently a guy at Afan offered to swap his new Orange five for my year old Pitch. It gets attention wherever I go. It climbs like a light weight xc bike and can descend anything, much more capable than my nerve. I check all fittings regularly and nothing has been loose yet. Tubes are crap but replaced with heavy but durable NOKIAN DH 1.2 mm beauties and 1 puncture in a year. The weight is not an issue if like me you are 15 stone. I can not rate this bike highly enough. sometimes I just ride it on the lanes around my locale just because I like being on it. Get one and you will not regret it.

I've had one for 4 months now. I'm 6'2" and have an inside leg of 33". I bough the XL 2009 and it is truly unbelievable. I previously had a Mongoose Teocali Super 2006 which was hopeless but after a (very) short stint on a hardtail a friend of my convinced me to buy this. I may buy other bikes to put in my shed but this one will stay there for a long long time. Saddle, bars and grips got changed instantly as they are poor in comparison to the rest of the bike.

In summary: if you can find one, buy it!