Strengths: Overall comfort, rolls great, fun to run downhill, seems quick.
Weaknesses: Shifting? (Chain hops- could be just an adjustment?)
Bottom Line:
I went from an old Jamis (1996 vintage) to this bike, OMG!!! Love it... I'm a big guy, 6'1", 210, very comfortable both climbing and downhills. Still getting used to the bike overall, 29" tires and such and the full suspension. I have nothing but good things to say about this bike-
Submitted by
cottonball
a Cross Country Rider
from PA.
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2010
Strengths: Very nice ride, climbs great, everything worked great, shifters, brakes, wheels.
Weaknesses: The stock wheels are heavy but can be built tubeless to lighten them up, Narrow bars.
Bottom Line:
I got a 2009 Hi Fi Plus and had to first change the bars to something wider and a riser. I used the stock wheels for a couple rides and then used a set of lighter wheels set up tubeless. Everything else is stock. This is a great bike. I have had several hardtails and a GF Caliber and own a Niner Rip 9. This bike feels light, climbs great and handles like the 26 inch wheeled bikes I have had. After the brakes broke in they work very nice. I can't believe how nice this bike rides and the handling is great, must be the G2. Fox fork is nice and the Fox shock is all I need. I don't now why anyone should buy a frame that cost as much as the entire bike.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Caliber and Niner Rip 9
Bike Setup: This is the 2009 model. Changed bar to a wider riser and used a tubeless Bontrager race wheelset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mefistofeles
a Weekend Warrior
from Diamond Bar, CA., United States of America
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2010
Strengths: The suspension is dialed so well. Not can is this bike capable on the downhills it can actually climb
Weaknesses: Although the Juicy 3 brakes are adequate on this bike,in fact the 2010 Juicy 3's feel far better than the 2009's I had on my XTC 29er 1, I feel that they are a weak point. This bike is so capable on the downhills that if you're not careful you'll could definitely overpower the brakes. The saddle is awful, this was the first thing to go on my bike!
Bottom Line:
The Hifi Plus 29er is a great bike. On the straights it's possible to keep with a hardtail 29er. Although this bike is good on the climbs and exhibits very little pedal bob, it's just not quite as good as a hardtail 29er. The difference is small but noticable.
On the downhills this thing is an absolute beast and inspires incredible confidence. Although I haven't taken the bike into the rock gardens it seems to have handled every other descent with impunity. Steep sharp,high speed drops no problem! Downhill runs on this bike are almost boring it has so much high speed stability that you really never worry.
Descents that felt scary or sketchy on my XTC 29er1 hardtail feel uneventful on the Hifi Plus 29er. The only real weakpoint is the saddle, the saddle is awful and I had to replace it immediately when I bought this bike, I couldn't stand it.
Gary Fisher has done an outstanding job on this bike and has built a suspension system that can climb and descend well. Just go into any bikestore and look at the suspension on this bike,its monstrous and looks like it can take anything.
Although the Hifi Plus 29er isn't quite as fast on the climbs as a hardtail 29er I think it's a far more complete package. You get most of the benefits of a hardtail 29er and amazing downhill speed and controllability.
The Juicy 3's should also be switched out, they're not bad brakes( at least the 2010 Juicy 3's) but they're really outmatched by this bike. The Hifi Plus 29er is truly in it's element on a long high speed descent and you need brakes that can handle what this bike can do.
Overall I am very pleased with this bike,it won't be the best at any one thing but it can do so many things well that you'll probably find yourself turning to it more often than anything else. The Hifi Plus 29er is a true do it all bike.
Similar Products Used: Giant XTC 29er 1
Gary Fisher Rig
Trance X1
XTC Advanced
Dahon Fuego
Bike Setup: Persons Leather Saddle
Shimano Saint Brakes ,they're being installed.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
adamhopper
a Cross Country Rider
from Royal Oak, MI.
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2010
Strengths: Ground clearence, Downhill bombing, rolling momentum on 29s.
Weaknesses: 2008 was a weak frame (mine broke), stock tires, rock shox reba fork, stock fox rear shock has a useless propedal function and terrible bobing on a standing or sitting climb.
Bottom Line:
After 1.5 years on the ugly green bike the frame broke in two pieces at the drop out on the derailer side. I came down off of a small jump at only 15 mph and heard a snap and then the tire was rubbing against the frame. (I weigh 230lbs geared up) Tires were at 40lbs each and the shocks were set to the firmest. The store I bought it from handled the warranty. To my delight the frame was lifetime warrantied. After three long weeks of wondering how I was going to get screwed by Gary Fisher on the warranty the store called me to say my new frame was in. 3 days later I picked it up. Screwed? Not at all! A new Chilli Red 2009 HIFI PRO frame and the longer travel Fox rp23 rear shock to go with it. The bike was beautiful and the shop ate the $175 labor for building it. Thankyou Jesus!!! Rode it today and it was a much better ride than ever before. The new shock made a world of difference, hardly any pedal bobing. I'm enjoying the trail again and thrilled with my new 2009 HIFI pro/plus. As for the reba fork, it is leaking oil liberally out of the top by the lockout dial. It has already been rebuilt twice, once by rock shox and once by the shop. I'm switching to Fox if RS doesn't send me a new upgraded one for my troubles.
This bike makes me look better than I am. It seams real good to a average rider. She fly's down hills. Rollercoasters are great! I found a need to stay in the seat to keep the rear planted. I am over the bars in the corners to cut down on washout. Switch-backs are improving with seat time.
Strengths: Good climber. Good weight for being a 29er. Greatly improved my climbing, downhill, and technical ability since I got the bike. Seems to hold up pretty well. Put over 1100 miles on it. Just changed out the drive train after 1000 miles. All the shifters and brakes are doing well, havent had any issues with it.
Weaknesses: Not 100% durable. Bent both wheels, had to replace the front wheel. Broke the chain stay. Not the first Gary Fisher bike that I rode where I broke the frame.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Only thing is I do ride alot and do ride hard. Have bent both wheels and broken the chain stay. No issues from Gary Fisher replacing it. Will probably not go back to 26 inch wheel. Love the bike, hope to have it for a while.
Bike Setup: Other then the core components, I added a WTB Dual Duty 29er front wheel and an upgraded stem.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tom Branton
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Strengths: Very stable, maintains mometum well, climbs over obstacles better than 26er, smooths out ride, lightweight (29 lbs.) for the size and price. Lower to mid range components are working fine so far. The hydralic brakes are a big improvement over v-brakes.
Weaknesses: Seat was uncomfortable. Had a lot of flats initally. Tubes too thin. Doesn't corner in tight places as well as my Epic did. Slight pedal bob when compared with the Epic's brain.
Bottom Line:
As a Clydesdale, I wanted a more comfortable ride that would maintain momentum better, climb obtacles and inclines better, and increase my overall speed. And I didn't want a heavier bike that cost an arm and a leg. Mission accomplished. I loved my Epic, but I like this bike even more. Now my rides are faster, smoother, and more fun. If I had the $, I'd get the hi-fi pro, but I got a great deal on a 2008 hi-fi plus in Feb. and have no regrets.
Similar Products Used: First 29er. A definite improvement over my 26ers.
Bike Setup: Stock, except I replaced the seat with a Softail and had LX trigger shifters installed, so I could use my XTR rapid rise rear deraileur. Also added ergonomic grips.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
jt
a Cross Country Rider
from Cherry Hill, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2009
Strengths: first 29er I've ridden and thought it would take a bit to get used to it. Nope, the setup was comfortable right out of the gate and I had to look at the wheels to see that they were larger than those on my Santa Cruz Superlight. Corners well, climbs over crap like a goat, not bad downhill either. I was also surprised (pleasently) how well it it handled tight & twisty and accelerates.
I've had about 70 miles on it in 6 different locations and so far nothing has really given it a hard time.
Weaknesses: Sadly, most of the components are from the bottom and next to bottom shelf adding weight. A mix of Deore and LX, as well as bottom of the barrel Bontrager stuff. The wheels seemed a bit flexy and the seat is already self destructing. The stapled on cover has come loose around the nose. On the second ride, the rear derailleur cable housing blew apart though no sign of anything hitting or catching on it. As with everyone else who's reported, the Avid brakes vibrate and hum terribly.
Bottom Line:
OK, everything is a compromise, so while this is a comfortable bike to ride and handles very well w/o being exceptionally heavy, they used some lower end components to keep the price point down. It worked. You can always go for a higher end model that will naturally cost more up front, be lighter, stronger and most likely go further before having to replace parts. Or, go for the + and upgrade as needed. It's still a very good bike for the buck.
Bike Setup: Stock HiFi+ See Gary Fisher site for specs
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
wyodoc86
a Cross Country Rider
from Montrose CO
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Strengths: efficient , great climber , ride all day and still have the energy to kick it up a notch.
Weaknesses: not a plush downhiller. The brakes ( avid 5) vibrated and howled terribly for the first several months but the LBS worked it out.
Bottom Line:
I rode this for a year and loved the 29er concept. Decided I might need a higher end 29FS , so demoed a Turner Sultan DW for a week. It is a great bike, totally smoothes out the big and the little hits. It is efficient if you sit and spin but by the end of a 4-6 hr ride you can feel the price of the 5" DW link. The hi fi is no where as plush but it's climbing and xc performance is outstanding. Also tried the Lenz moth and it is somewhere between the two.The hi fi has some frame breakage reports on the blogs but I have riden in sw Colorado , fruita , moab , Crested Butte etc for 1.5 yrs now w no issues and there is a lifetime guarn. So every bike has its plus and minus but for an incredible xc 29er you can spend more but the hi fi is a screaming deal and just plain fun to ride.
Similar Products Used: turner DW sultan , lenz moth , blur SC 26er.Moots ybb 26.
Bike Setup: stock deluxe. Fox fork.Bonti rythm wheels.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ZGOZZ
a Weekend Warrior
from Edison NJ USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2009
Strengths: Good Riding bike,Great climber,Fast downhill on or over anything, confident high speed handling,fox fr and rr, carbon parts, light weight for FS. Hydraulic disc brakes are strong, fox shocks smooth out the ride. First 29er and I will never go back.
Weaknesses: 1st is the saddle, terrible. The brakes howled at first but but bike is still breaking in. Handle bar sweep uncomfortable.
Bottom Line:
This is my first FSB, and a 29er.
Bike is great, love it.
Bike Setup: 2009 Stock setup; Juicy 3's, Sramm gears, fox shocks, Replaced set post and seat, handle bar and seat post and stem. Seat post and stem Thomson.Seat upgraded WTB seat.Handale bar upgraded to Monkeylite XC, grips need to be upgraded.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
dirtdober
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Strengths: Fast, smooth and quick. Suspension seemed to absorb everything or maybe it was the 29's, not sure but it was very smooth. It maintain it's speed just like everyone said it would. The G2 worked excellent, it went around corners better than my 26" Sugar. The Juicy 3's actually worked well. I didn't expect much from them because I have them on my Marin and they gobble like a turkey. Liked the seat.
Weaknesses: Didn't find any in this one day test.
Bottom Line:
Only road this bike one day on a rental but fell in love with it and am saving up for one. It handled so much better in the tight stuff than my Sugar, but still would fly down the hills. I'm 6'2" and have found how the Fisher fit me much better than any other brand so I figured I would just have to deal with the slow steering of the old genesis system. Well it has been fixed!!!!!
Similar Products Used: '03 Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, '98 Gary Fisher Big Sur, '06 Marin Rift Zone(Sold it)
Bike Setup: Stock rental
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Submitted by
mattk
a Cross Country Rider
from mesa, az
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009
Strengths: I love the entire bike. (except for the weaknesses listed below) The frame design rocks!
Weaknesses: 1st is the saddle, terrible. The brakes howled at first but after approx 150 miles..good. Handle bar sweep uncomfortable. Slightly too heavy. Loose rear end.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike extremely cheap. I would still pay more if I were to buy another one. The biggest annoyance is the loose swingarm but only noticeable on the street. I think the bars, seat, and wheels are bottom line bontrager crap and weigh a ton. This bike weighs in at 29.5 lbs and should be 26-27.....I know its a 29er but the low end parts are heavy and I will slowly upgrade.
Bike Setup: Specialized saddle, deity riser bars, lock on grips. MiNewt usb light, custom tubeless setup.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
michauxguy
a Cross Country Rider
from PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2008
Strengths: Great climber, Fast downhill on or over anything, confident high speed handling, efficient rr pivot design, fox fr and rr, carbon parts, light weight for FS. Hydraulic disc brakes are strong, fox shocks smooth out the ride and drastically improves handling allowing faster decents. This bike gets away quickly on downhill but the strong stopping power gives you confidence. I easily overtake other bikes on decents, especially 26's. It makes me a better biker. This bike has some good stuff for the price.
Weaknesses: Throw the seat away, who needs 27 gears?, trigger shifters could be smoother. I'm still fine tuning..
Bottom Line:
This bike is easy to set up, the brakes are solid, suspension is exceptional. Ideal for those looking for an upgrade to a full suspension. I think GF figured out a good frame design here. This level of bike for less than 2G is hard to find. I paid above average but the shop provides great service after the sale which is worth shopping for.
Bike Setup: 2009 Stock setup; Juicy 3's, Sramm gears, fox shocks, bontager everything else.
I put on GP1's and bar ends.
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Submitted by
byenolam
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Co
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
Strengths: Climbs like a mountain goat!! Very light. Great speed on long flat uphills (fire roads) because of the 29s. Greatly extends ride time. Surprisingly agile on gnarly climbs. It rolls over everything. Brakes are really sensitive- (my first hydrolic discs). Had a good crash b/c I'm used to v-brakes.
Weaknesses: A little wobbly on fast decents- probably due to its light weight. As a first time 29er, it rides a little high and takes some getting used to- at least for downhill switchbacks. My tube literally exploded out of the tire without popping on my first ride. The tube had been pinched? WTFO? Should be tubeless out of the box.
Bottom Line:
Killer bike. It really helps my climbing at the cost of downhill bombing. I'll adjust for downhill eventually. I'm used to a heavy 26. The added height, lightness, and ultra-sensitive brakes are going to take some getting used to, but the climbing more than makes up for the downhill issues. When climbing, my legs will crap out long before the bike. Also, the 29er morphs to the "cruising around town with the kids" a lot easier than a beefed up 26, making it the last bike I'll probably ever buy. Throw some slicks on it and its commuter-ready.
Submitted by
davir
a Weekend Warrior
from tulsa ok usa
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Strengths: still loving this bike. im amazed by what you can ride on it.best way to get up stuff is to not get excited just roll over and use the great slow speed handling if things get tough.
Weaknesses: Avid juicy threes. seemed to heat up and start dragging the pads i got some hayes on sale problem over.avid x 7 shifters also had issues didnt rachet back after shifting replaced under warrenty saddles was comfortable enough but snagged my shorts switched to w.t.b pure v cured this. now i remember why i spent all that money on my last bike and built it from a frame set.oh yah the rear tires side wall got a tear in the first month of use they are really light wieght and its really rock here.
Bottom Line:
Buy one. i probably had so many problems becuase im riding this bike nearly daily my road bike is just sitting un used.
The white color is turning me away from the Deluxe model. I like black but are the components on the Deluxe all that better than what's on the Plus model? Well of course it is th Read More »
what color will the 2010 hifi 29 plus be?
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