$1549 (frame and shock)

30.1 pounds

6-inch rear wheel travel

Foes, (626) 793-1997

Maxi test: April 2006

Highlights: Foes discovered that reducing the leverage ratio of his rear suspension would double the sensitivity of its shock. Most suspension designers use leverage ratios in the neighborhood of three to one (three inches of rear wheel movement to one inch of shock travel). Brent began experimenting and eventually decided upon a two-to-one leverage ratio. Lower leverage means that the shock moves faster and farther as the suspension reacts to bumps. A greater volume of fluid passes through the damping circuits, which exaggerates small adjustments in the shock's compression and rebound valves. In the case of the Foes' Curnutt shock, the reduction doubles the effectiveness of its pedaling platform and reduces the weight and rate of its coil-over spring.

Best quote: "While the 2:1 FXR has the look of a gravity-oriented big-hit machine, its feel under power is refreshingly cross-country. Its steering is stable without feeling heavy or unresponsive, and its cockpit is roomy enough to encourage 100-percent pedaling efforts."

Bottom line: The 2:1 FXR joins the likes of the Santa Cruz Nomad as a fun-to-ride, easy-pedaling, and technically capable trailbike. It doesn't fit into any major mountain bike category, but that is the beauty of the 2:1 FXR. If you lean towards cross country, but you have a bit of Tasmanian Devil lurking in your cycling genetics, buy this bike.