Gary Fisher HiFi Pro 29 29er Full Suspension

4.65/5

(48 Reviews)

Write a review

MSRP : $3459.99

Product Description

Frame: 6011 hydroformed butted aluminum mainframe & stays, cold-forged dropouts, G2 29" Geometry, top swing magnesium link, E2, ABP
Wheels: Bontrager Rhythm Elite 29 Disc, Bontrager XDX tires
Componentry: Shimano XT Direct Mount front derailleur, SRAM X.9 rear derailleur, SRAM X.9 shifters, Shimano XT M770 crank, Avid Elixir R hydraulic disc brakes
Suspension: Fox F100 FIT RL 29, 100mm travel, custom G2 Geometry 51mm offset crown; Fox Float RP23, 110mm travel, Boost Valve, 3-position Pro Pedal, custom race tune

Review Options: Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

Reviews 1 - 15 (48 Reviews Total)

| Next 15

User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Tom Emerson

Date Reviewed: November 26, 2012

Strengths:    This 2009 is light for a full suspension bike.

Weaknesses:    Avid Elixir rear brake howl and vibration.

Bottom Line:

2009 bike is a great ride. I love the suspension adjustability. It climbs well and has enough travel to descend rough terrain pretty fast. This is my first 29er and I'm never going back!

The Elixir rear brakes have been a constant problem. Howling and vibration has been there since day 1. No one has a solution outside of changing the brakes. This shouldn't be happening on a $3000+ bike from Gary Fisher. My bike is in the shop having new brakes installed. Avid should be paying this bill!

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Jason a Cross Country Rider

Date Reviewed: November 21, 2012

Strengths:    Love the handling, climbing, flowing trails and switchbacks. This bike also looks great. Light weight for a full suspension 29er, around 27 lbs.

Weaknesses:    Thru Axle front fork and internal cable routing are on my wish list. The fork isn't flexy but I like the thought of perfectly installed front wheel with no brake rub. The wide handlebars handle great but I am likely to catch them on a tree.

Bottom Line:

I bought the 2011 HiFi Pro in September 2012 when the 2013 models were just being released. I decided to check out my local bike shop to see if they had anything that could compete with some of the online bike shops. I got a great deal on this holdover so I decided to pull the trigger - and I'm sure glad I did. This bike climbs well, descends well and handles switchbacks very well too. The geometry fits me perfectly and the bike actually feels much smaller than it is. The HiFi Pro noticeably lighter than the 29er hardtail than I replaced, will be even lighter when I do tubeless conversion next season. Mixed XT/X9 drivetrain? No complaints. I really like the SRAM X9 shifting as it feels more solid than my 2008 Shimano XT. XT crankset and front derailuer work great too. The suspension is also quite smooth and pedal bob has not been an issue. I would only use Propedal on the road or a seriously long climb.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Sleepy Hollow

Duration Product Used:   2 months

Purchased At:   Earls Cyclery

Similar Products Used:   1997 GT Timberline (commuter bike w/ slicks, fenders etc), 2008 Motobecane Fantom 29 (great bike for the money, sold)

Bike Setup:   Stock

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by fire_chicken70 a Cross Country Rider from Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Date Reviewed: January 1, 2012

Strengths:    Lightweight. Efficient climber. Great handling.

Weaknesses:    The swing arm breaks. The 28 spoke wheels flex. Frame has lateral flex.

Bottom Line:

This bike is an efficient climber that handles very well. The G2 geometry makes this bike feel like a 26er. The swingarm on my bike broke and since it was over 2 years old, Gary Fisher would not warranty it. They did not have swingarms available so I had to buy a new frame, which ended up being an aluminum superfly hardtail. I have seen a few other reviews about the swingarm breaking. I was told they changed the design on the newer models. The 28 spoke bontrager wheels flex a lot. I upgraded these to 32 spoke stans arches which helped a lot. The rear linkage flexes laterally and makes the bike wallow thru turns. I enjoyed the bike before it broke. I now have a Giant Anthem 29er which addresses all the issues I had with the HiFi. Much stiffer laterally and gives a lot more feedback.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Slickrock

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $1750.00

Purchased At:   used

Similar Products Used:   Santa Cruz Blur. Giant Anthem 29er. Trek Aluminum superfly 29er

Bike Setup:   Sram x9. Bontrager rhythm wheels.

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by JEMZIMBO a Cross Country Rider from Zimbabwe

Date Reviewed: October 21, 2011

Strengths:    Gary Fisher name

Weaknesses:    Bontrager wheelset

Bottom Line:

I bought this bike exactly a year ago. I have covered approximately 6000kms and ridden in three 3 day events, fun rides and training. First to go was the bb bearings, followed by the bontrager rear hub. I changed to mavic crossmax wheel set which made a major difference.
The latest issues have been the coating in the forks stanchion tubes has worn away, & the rear triangle cracked, aluminum, which was covered by warranty.
I believe the 2012 model is vastly improved but I think these bikes are for recreational use rather than hard riding by big guys, I am 112 kg.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Various

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $3500.00

Purchased At:   Cycle Lab

Bike Setup:   As per factory setup

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Dirk a Weekend Warrior from Brussels, Belgium

Date Reviewed: April 17, 2011

Strengths:    By far the best of the bikes I've ever taken on the road or trail.

Weaknesses:    Poor documentation on the recommended pressure to put into the frame shock

Bottom Line:

Well worth the money. The quality of the bike is fantastic and the 29" tires allows for great clearance and agility on the trails.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Belgium

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $3000.00

Similar Products Used:   Bull, Takara, Raleigh

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by LeftyG a Cross Country Rider from Charlotte, NC USA

Date Reviewed: September 8, 2010

Strengths:    G2 geometry - makes steering much better in tight stuff. Nothing rolls like 29-inch wheels! Great looking bike.

Weaknesses:    Low BB, thus you'll hit your pedal at the 6 o'clock position. Stock Bont. tire has no bite for cornering. Changed it to Maxxix Ardent - Yeah! Handlebar too wide. I cut it down.

Bottom Line:

Steep climbs would make my rear tire break loose when standing. I was "dancing" too much trying to make it stick. Added bar-ends (remember those). What a difference! Climbing is a breeze now - standing or seated.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   USNWC

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   Bicycle Sport

Similar Products Used:   Demo'ed some 29er hard tails. I like the "couch".

Bike Setup:   Stock. New front tire. Added bar-ends for climbing. Swept handle bar for proper fit while seated.

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by supercal20077 a Cross Country Rider from Rochester Hills, Mi

Date Reviewed: September 6, 2010

Strengths:    G2, weight after upgrades, climbing, cornering and downhill handling.

Weaknesses:    Rear brake, stock componets and little heavy (beach crusier feel)

Bottom Line:

I purchased this bike early May of 2010 and have put about 1100 miles on it. I am 100% satisfied with this bike after the upgrades as the stock bike was a little heavy. I am amazed every time I ride this bike, the handling of this rig, total confidence in cornering, downhill, and it climbs like a rocket! I find myself having to slow down in singletrack as it rolls a litle quicker than I can handle. I will never go back to a 26 in bike! test ride one and you will be hooked!

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Stony

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $2800.00

Purchased At:   American cycle and f

Similar Products Used:   2007 Supercaliber 26 in

Bike Setup:   2009 Hi-fi-pro 29'er:truvativ carbon world cup flat bar, bontager true carbon seat post, WTB pure V race saddle, XT pedals, Sram 990 cassette, ergon gx1 grips, Bontrager RXL cage, tubeless.

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Tim Dodd a Racer from Westford, MA

Date Reviewed: June 16, 2010

Strengths:    Rolls over and up everything, maintains speed on rough terrain allowing me to clean more sections than my skills deserve. Coasting through rough sections, it maintains speed that slows others. Solid handling builds confidence.

Weaknesses:    Brake vibration and noise that dealer cannot solve. Brake jack, rear suspension stiffens under braking. I find myself letting go of the brakes to get through rough sections.

Bottom Line:

Love everything about it but the rear brake makes horrible noises and sends evil vibrations through the saddle spoiling the ride. Dealer has tried everything, finally replacing the brake set, frame, improved, but still not nice.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $3000.00

Purchased At:   Cycle Loft

Similar Products Used:   StumpJumper 26"

Bike Setup:   Stock with tubeless tires

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Jeepruby a Cross Country Rider from Charlotte, nc

Date Reviewed: May 8, 2010

Strengths: Stiff frame, comfortable ride

Bottom Line:

Finally got my 10 hifi pro after an insane wait. Bike is advertised by fisher as an aluminum superfly 100. The bike is definitely not setup as a race bike. Giant bars, big fat tires, and low end wheels. This is my first 29er. I am digging the comfort over my epic. But, no doubt my epic is ridiculously fast compared to this bike. I've trimmed the bars. Getting new tires and if I can dig up some cash I will get a more high end wheelset. Also plan to switch to 2x10 in 2011. The only problem that I have had is that the mounting hardware for the rear brake caliper was hitting the rear disc making a weird squealing noise. I had tobfile down the hardware to correct it. It could not be adjusted to not contact the disc. For me the jury is still out on this bike. In the meantime I will train on this bike and race the epic. Feel free to contact me with questions.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month

Bike Setup: Spec now

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by dave a Cross Country Rider from Richmond, VA

Date Reviewed: May 8, 2010

Strengths:    Mostly sensible spec, handles well for a 29er

Weaknesses:    Rear brake was a hassle to get fixed.
No compression damping adjustment on the fork
Goofy 3 foot wide handlebars (get out a hacksaw)

Bottom Line:

This is an update to a cranky post below. I've tamed the noisy, vibrating weak rear brake by decentering the caliper. Otherwise it's been great. I do miss compression damping on the front fork - not as plush as I'd like.
Low BB, often have pedal strikes.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Similar Products Used:   Rip 9

Bike Setup:   spec but with nicer wheels and narrower bars

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Ozone1 a Weekend Warrior from Mesa, AZ

Date Reviewed: May 3, 2010

Strengths:    High quality build and components, Fast and great to ride.

Weaknesses:    None so far after 100miles of trails

Bottom Line:

This is my first GF and full suspension bike and decided to upgrade from my 6500. It did take a couple of rides to get a feel for the Bontrager XDX tires. They did not grip very well in soft desert washes but after lowering the tire pressure (~24lbs in front & 30lbs in rear), I am beginning to really like these tires.

The Fox suspension smoothes out the trails and makes for an awesome ride without impacting speed or performance.

The Avid Elixir R breaks work great and I have not had any noise issues with them thus far.

I am extremely happy with the bike and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high quality 29er.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Hawes

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   Landis Cycle

Similar Products Used:   Trek 6500 disc

Bike Setup:   Stock

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Captain Cobb a Cross Country Rider from Norcal

Date Reviewed: April 30, 2010

Strengths:    Fast!!! Smooth!! Handles extremely well, nice components, nice shocks, pro pedal works!! Good warentee

Weaknesses:    I was not a fan of the stock handle bars, pedals are a little low but this is common with most 29ers!

Bottom Line:

2010 model this bike is fast!! I rode many others but always came back to this one, I came off a hardtail 26er as my main squeeze and the big change had me a little nervous, well that was short lived!! After one ride I felt so comfortable it was as I'd bean riding it for years! It actualy made me faster!! Good job GF.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Boggs

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $3300.00

Purchased At:   Sunshine bikes

Similar Products Used:   Rumblefish I, epic comp 29, trek Y bike, trek hardtail, lots of others.

Bike Setup:   Stock except bars, replaced w/ carbon monkeylight risers

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by bigmike13 a Racer from Louisiana

Date Reviewed: February 5, 2010

Strengths:    Plush, not much bob, wide tires fit, handles like a hardtail

Weaknesses:    Cable routing

Bottom Line:

I was upgraded to a HiFi after 4 Fisher hartails, big props to the LBS and Fisher. Im 6'5 225, so the FS handles my weight great. I don't miss the hardtail at all. I don't have to pick lines, just point and shoot. Lock the shocks out on fire roads and hammer. My only issue is the cable routing around the BB. Too many bends cause any friction in the housing to cause poor shifting. After every muddy ride, it never fails, I have to replace the section of housing.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Purchased At:   LBS

Similar Products Used:   Fisher Paragon

Bike Setup:   XT drivetrain/BB7 brakes/Ignitor tires

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by amrecrider a Cross Country Rider from central, VA

Date Reviewed: January 19, 2010

Strengths:    Nimble and light for a 29er. Mostly good spec.

Weaknesses:    Elixir rear brake sucks. A lot. Chattery, poor modulation and power. See specific reviews of elixir and elixir CR on this forum - they've fallen off the charts. Hey Avid! fix the problem and give us new brakes!

Bottom Line:

The Avid brakes are a real problem. Avid evidently knows it but doesn't have a real solution. Otherwise, a fun 29er. More practical than the Superfly. 5 chilis if not for the pos rear brake.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Pisgah

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Similar Products Used:   Rip 9, 26ers

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by Jayspun a Weekend Warrior from Encino, CA, 91436

Date Reviewed: November 20, 2009

Strengths:    Practically rolls itself uphill. Once momentum is obtained uphill rock gardens feel like flat gravel patches. Very responsive and fast!

Weaknesses:    A little bulky on tight switchbacks

Bottom Line:

You will not be disappointed with this ride.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Santiago Canyon/Whiting

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $3000.00

Purchased At:   Michael's

Bike Setup:   Stock with gravity dropper

Reviews 1 - 15 (48 Reviews Total)

| Next 15

Review Options: Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

Gary Fisher HiFi Pro 29 29er Full Suspension

Product Description

User Reviews

Related HiFi Pro 29 Forum Posts

2012 Santa Cruz:

Niner AIR EMD 9 XO: