Airborne Spectre Review

Airborne Spectre

Full Disclosure: at the end of the Sea Otter Classic I get a free Airborne bicycle of my choice.

On a whim I grabbed an Airborne spectre to test it out.  I threw on my personal clipless pedals, and dropped the seat almost all the way down. Nope, I didn't head to the singletrack: I headed to the pump track.

To be honest, I have never done much pump track riding.  Still, the Spectre isn't the kind of hardtail that you want to take into the pumptrack.  The geometry just isn't quite right for that usage.  Of course, it wasn't built for that either.

Spectre Headset

Next up for the Spectre was the SRAM test course.  I rock and rolled through the test bumps and turns, bridges and dirt just fine!  The Airborne Spectre (available in two different component builds) really is a solid hardtail at a very reasonable price, and is definitely worthy of a look for those in the market for their first mountain bike, or even those looking for a solid hardtail at a reasonable price.

Torn Up by the Spectre.  My shoulder is trashed too

Not only is this just a solid hardtail for regular usage, it can take a little abuse too!  After the test track I eyed up the small dirt jump line, and decided to go for it.  The Spectre performed admirable for half a dozen runs, and I got some sweet air on it!  All was going well, until I came in with a bit too much speed, and landed on the far end of the landing, way on my front wheel.  I flipped over the handle bars and skidded to a stop on my shoulder/arm.  It was painful, and I drew some blood!

In the crash, I somehow managed to whack the rear wheel way out of true and even bend the break rotor.  Yes, the Spectre is a great hardtail for general mountain biking.  Dirt jumping, however, is a bit of a stretch of its capabilities.





Specs at a Glance, from RSCycle.com

Spectre Sport: 
 Price: $649

Frame: 6061 Aluminum Hardtail MTB Fork: RockShox Dart 2 Disc Specific 100mm Travel Rear Shock: N/A Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-M412 Rear Derailleur: SRAM X-7 Shifters: SRAM X-5 Trigger 9-speed Brakes Levers: Tektro Auriga Comp Brakes: Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic Disc Chain: KMC X-9 Crankset: FSA Alpha Drive 22/32/44t Cassette: SRAM PG-950 11x34 9-speed Pedals: NONE

Bottom Bracket: FSA Power Drive Headset: Ahead 1 1/8" Saddle: WTB Speed V Saddle Seat Post: Kalloy Alloy 30mm Dia., 350mm Length Handlebar: Kalloy Alloy 31.8mm Dia., 640mm Wide, Mid-Rise Grips: Stem: Kalloy Alloy 31.8 Clamp Dia., +/- 7 Degree Rise Tires: KENDA 26 x 2.1" Front/Rear Specific Wheelset: Alex DP17 Double Wall 32h Disk Specific PV Weight: Color: Grey

Spectre:
Price: $449

Frame: 6061 Aluminum Hardtail MTB Fork: SR Suntour XCM 100mm Travel Rear Shock: N/A Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-C050 Rear Derailleur: SRAM X-4 Shifters: SRAM X-4 Trigger 8 Speed Brakes Levers: Promax XL-86 Brakes: Promax DSK-720 Mechanical Disc Chain: KMC Z-72 Nickel Plated Crankset: SR Suntour PBIG 22-32-42t Cassette: SRAM PG820 13-32t 8-speed Pedals: NONE

Bottom Bracket: Cartridge type Headset: Ahead 1 1/8" Saddle: WTB Speed V Saddle Seat Post: Alloy 30.0mm Dia. x 350mm Length Handlebar: Alloy 31.8mm Dia., 640mm Wide, Mid-Rise Grips: Stem: Alloy 31.8 Clamp Dia., +/- 7 Degree Rise Tires: KENDA 26 x 2.1" Front/Rear Specific Wheelset: Alex DP17 Double Wall 32h Disk Specific PV Weight: Color: Black