Product Review: Zed 4.0

[k2biker]

So a few months back, I posted that K2 sent me an '04 Zed 4.0 frame as a replacement frame to an old Pro-Flex I had.  After riding it now for 3 months covering (2) regular format races and (2) endurance races, here's what I think.

(Bear in mind here that I have been riding a '98 Beast and racing it in both types of racing scenarios).

I love the Zed!  Period.  It has fortitude.  The bike goes where I want it to, launches when I want it to, climbs very well, and descends like a rocket.  When I take a small drop (under 3') at speed, I know the bike is going to be under me and stable when I land.  You know those nasty studder-bumps that develop on downhills as you approach a nasty 90 degree turn?  Yea, the bike holds it's line and maintains it's stability.  Sure, my body takes a little more of a beating without a rear shock, but I was prepared for that.  

In the last two weeks, I've raced a 2-man 24-hour race and a solo 12 hour.  At the end of each event, I have enough power left to pull the same consistant lap times that I start with.  I couldn't do that before, that Beast would freakin drain the energy from my body.  

What's the setup?  
Titec Alum bar, stem, seatpost
SRAM 9.0SL Betsy shifters
SRAM X.9 rear der
Shimano XT front der
Avid Arch Rival brakes
Specialized BG saddle
Velocity Mtn Goat rim / Am Classic disc hubs 32 spoke 3x pattern (wheels ready for disc brakes for when I decide which disc I want)

Wheels built by Mike Garcia at Odds and Endos (www.oddsandendos.com). You will NOT find a better builder.  Plus for you light weight weinies, he has a new line of Speedcific wheels by Kozac, a Polish company.  I know some guys here in Atlanta riding them and loving them.  

Well, there it is.  Do I want a fully XC bike?  You betcha.  But in the meantime, I am more than happy with the Zed frame.  Look for pics in the gallery soon.