- Mountain Bike Action, July 1998
- Mountain Biker, August 1998
This was a comparison test between the
Chuck CR-FS, the Lenz Bouldervoer SP, and the Turner Burner XCE - Mountain Biking, September 1998
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Many MTB frame review articles focus as much on the components as the frame itself. These excerpts focus specifically on the Chuck CR-FS frame and the frame's capabilities and characteristics. Typically, the review bikes were XTR equipped with a Marzocchi Z1 BAM fork, Chris king hub in Mavic 517's, Kore stem and seatpost, and either IRC Mythos XC or Specialized Team tires.
Mountain Bike Action, July 1998
"…our Chuck weighed in at 26 pounds…"
"… the Chuck's suspension could be swung through its stroke with a pinkie finger…"
"… Chuck's frame geometry was up to the minute. Its chain-stays were short and its top tube was long … positioned the rider behind the front axle for downhill stability, and its stretched out cockpit favored technical, weight-shifting maneuvers…"
"… this pup goes where you point the front wheel. This responsiveness requires some extra precision at first, but becomes a powerful tool for picking surgical lines through rutted trails..."
"…the CR-FS was especially adept at dropping down rock steps. A 'Take me to Moab' sticker should be pasted on the Chuck's top tube…"
"…its suspension proved itself on almost any terrain we could throw at it. Here is a frame that a serious trail rider could count on to deliver hundreds of hours of back-country bliss without requiring a live-in mechanic to keep it rolling. This chassis is a sharp looker and performer…"
"… as a trail machine, the Chuck would be hard to beat…"
Mountain Biker, August 1998
This was a comparison test between the Chuck CR-FS, the Lenz Bouldervoer SP, and the Turner Burner XCE
"… the CR-FS is built with light weight and rigidity in mind (straight from its 6061-series monocoque frame down to the CNC-machined chain-stay yoke and drop-outs), yet manages to do so while packing in some major suspension travel…"
"…plush, active suspension is what the CR-FS was designed to deliver and it does just that…"
"… the easily adjustable rebound damping… makes the bike nearly rigid if you turn it in completely…"
"…In the end, all this adds up to a bike that's willing to climb and descend with the same aplomb…"
AND THE WINNER IS…
"…While the Lenz had the best suspension for downhill, it bobbed more than the others when climbing and was the heaviest. The Turner was just the opposite; climbing was its best suit, but at the loss of downhill plushness. The Chuck, on the other hand, had it all going on. It was plush in the descents, but not too active or heavy on the climbs. And with that we have our winner: the Chuck CR-FS…"
Mountain Biking, September 1998
"…from the moment the Chuck (CR-FS) rolled into the Mountain Biking headquarters, the "Wow" detectors mounted on the hallway walls went berserk…"
"…from top to bottom, the Chuck frame is a masterpiece of crafted alloy pieces…"
"…the Chuck is the only "complete" monocoque frame currently available on the market. The Chuck's main triangle is constructed from two Kaiser Precision Plate 6061 alloy halves that are externally butted works of art. These pieces are seam-welded and joined to several CNC billet machined sub-frame members including head-stock, bottom bracket shell, and shock mounts. The rear triangle is one of the most incredible creations we have ever seen. Instead of conventional tubing, the seat and chain-stays are also monocoque sections welded tot CNC dropouts and pivot connections. Although they are extremely labor-intensive, they are stronger and lighter than the usual drawn tubing. Chuck Bikes tells us that it takes approximately 13.5 hours to build a single frame. That alone justifies the $1999 price tag for the right to own one. All pivot points on the Chuck incorporate sealed bearings for maximum performance and reliability…"
"…final weight at the Mountain Biking scales: 26.4 pounds. Let's go riding. On the trail, the light weight of the Chuck CR-FS makes it a seriously fun dual-suspension bike to ride…"
"…On downhills, the Chuck's walking beam linkage soaked up small to serious hits with little complaint. The 4 ½ inches of rear wheel travel was plenty for some of our fastest runs. Out of the saddle pedaling performance was awesome with little evidence of bobbing – one of the best performing rear ends in this category that we have tried to date. Lateral flex? Didn't feel any. Front end wandering? Never happened. The Chuck's monocoque frame delivers exactly what it's supposed to on the trail. A combination of stiff performance, light weight, and dual suspension comfort…"
"…seriously, the Chuck CR-FS frame isn't cheap. But its performance is flawless for the high price. Three words sum it up – light, stiff, plush. Once again, you get what you pay for. The only this left to do now is find a way to pay for one… somehow…"
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