Submitted by
possumcracker
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2011
Strengths: Great geometry for my riding style. Handles well and climbs great with plenty of travel.
Weaknesses: Frame is extremely weak where the seat tube connects to the bottom bracket. Mine has cracked all the way around. If you like to honk on the bars while climbing out of the saddle you will break this frame eventually. Mine only lasted about 300 miles of single track. I am a big guy but it is really a matter or how hard you pull up on the handlebar while climbing. And I was worried about breaking the CF handlebar?
Bottom Line:
Some folks think the swingarm is flexing but it is not, it is the main frame. If you don't honk on the handlebars it will probably last a long time.
Bike Setup: Psylo SL, XT gears, Raceface crank, Hayes disc, Bontrager CF seatpost and HB, Thompson stem
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Submitted by
Dan Kasper
a Downhiller
from Annandale, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Strengths: Setting the bike up is very simple. Rides great, very predictable handling. Very versatile all around bike can take an all around beating and come back for more. The color is outstanding.
Weaknesses: The Manitou Split rear shock had it's platform valve in it croak a week ago, but that isn't Fisher's fault though that the Manitou broke.
Bottom Line:
This bike was bought as frame only. The only things that came with it are the rear shock and seat post collar clamp. Everything else was selected and installed by me. Overall I am very impressed with the bike. This is pretty much my do it all bike at the moment, it climbs good, descends very well and is very nimble, and I love the 13" bb height that it has. Been in love with the Fisher Fat Possum since I was able to test ride one as a demo back in 2006, the model was a Fat Possum XT. Loved how it rode, had a chance to purchase that bike that same day, but decided not to. When it was sold I was kicking myself in the rear every day for not getting it until one day going into work, my boss said that fisher had Fat Possum frames available. Jumped at the chance without thinking twice, received my frame a week later and to my suprise it was the X0 frame. Did a lot of tweaking to get the feel of the bike right with reach and finally decided that the 50mm stem felt the best on the bike.
Bike Setup: 2006 Fat Possum XO, Manitou Split(Soon to be 2008 Fox DHX 5.0) 2008 Fox 32 Talas RLC, XT Shifter Pod, E.13 Chainguide, 2008 XT Crankset, XTR Rear Deraillieur, King Headset, Thomson Seatpost, Gravity Lite OS stem in 50mm, Truvativ Handlebar, Avid Juicy 7 brakes with Dangerboy brake lever blades, 36 hole Sun MTX Rim laced to a DT Hugi rear hub 4x, 32 hole Sun MTX Rim laced to a Shimano XT 6 bolt front hub, Salsa lock on grips, Specialized Rival SL saddle, XT cassette, E.13 DH ring up front. 26x2.35 Kenda Blue Groove up front, 26x2.35 Kenda Nevegal on the rear. XTR Chain.
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Submitted by
Matthew Dzuricky
a Downhiller
from Saint Robert, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
Strengths: DUC 32 - After months of trying to dial in the fork to best fit my weight and riding style my friend and I finnally got it right. I weigh 150lbs and am 5'7'. I ride hard and nearly every other day if not every. It is quite rocky where I ride and decent drops. I run just under 120psi with a tad bit more oil than stock to make the bottom half more aggresive on the drops. Do not run more than 120 or eventually you will have issues with the rebound. If you don't have a clue about the fork then find someone who does. This will eliminate further trouble with the correct setup. Shifting - Even on steep climbs it still shifts like a champ so no falling out of the pedals. Eventhough it is a bit heavy it still climbs well and decends even better. Drops - This bike is forgiving on drops. If you are a bit off balance you still have a chance. Feels like you're landing on a pillow otherwise. Brakes - They are loud, but they stop you quick. No need for a bell when alerting traffic, just hit your brakes lol.
Weaknesses: Wheels - Some may disagree, but the wheels just aren't tough enough for the terrain I ride. I bent them after a couple of rides and killed the rear wheel after a few months. The front hub is holding up well, but the rear is noisey. Crank - Mine stripped out and fell off during a ride so I replaced it with a Shimano XT. Rear shock - It is either too soft or too hard and when you try to dial it in it seems like the platform doesn't change much at all when adjusting.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking fo a bike to race on XC trails and want to do well, this is not for you. This bike is a "FUN" bike. What is so great about it to me is that it is extremely versatile and can conquer all terrain with the right rider. It can be frustrating trying to keep up with guys riding 20lb bikes, but it just train you better anyways lugging the extra weight. The next best thing would be the Specialized Enduro SL that costs more for a good one and has all kinds of problems with the rear suspension. If you are a true ALL MOUNTAIN rider than this is the bike for you.
Bike Setup: XT crank, Bontrager King Earl wheels with Maverick front hub to fit the DUC 32, Bashguard on the crank --- Everything else is stock.
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Submitted by
Jared Adams
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2007
Strengths: Handling is incredible, precise shifing, front suspension (Maverick) is very nice.
Weaknesses: Avids are a bit noisy, wish it came with a better shock than the RPA.
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike used and got a great deal - otherwise I could not have afforded it. With that said, the Fat Possum is an incredible do-it-all kind of bike. I competed in a 42 mile race in Moab with it and, although it isn't the lightest, it's light enough to keep right up with the XCs. It downhills, it climbs and the quality fit & finish are right up with the best.
Submitted by
ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from waco, tx
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006
Strengths: great parts spec..can't beat XO
Weaknesses: maverick duc-32- need a better for for this bike,,,thats why they changed to the fox 36
Bottom Line:
the rear swingarm flexes like arnorld back in the day. you can feel the swingarm move side to side under load and feel the rear wheel steer...maybe a good all mountain bike for sissy la la's that never really "ride" FISHER NEEDS TO RETHINK THEIR FLEXY SWINGARM...overbuilt, and flexy,flexy this bike does climb well once you get the rear shock dialed
Bike Setup: swapped out tires for kendas...the big earls stink in dry dusty conditions, swapped out saddle and grips
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Submitted by
Caleb
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitefish, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006
Strengths: Climbes like a hard tail because of the swingarm design. No bob whatsoever. Pretty rigid for only one pivit point. Great balance fast or slow. The bike is pretty light for an all mountain, but it does come with just about the best components U can get IMO. Very strong built frame I am not afraid to take some pretty big drops. The rear air suspention is the only thing that keeps me from really big freeride stuff, but it will still take light platforms and jumps. Down hill is great will keep up with more popular DH bikes, but of corce the suspension has its limitaions.
Weaknesses: accually had to grind the front derailer a bit cause it rubed on the tire in granny(didnt want to shim the crank, and I had it adjusted just right for dropping to the small chain ring) other than that nothing else....
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike geometry is world class, nothing comes close as far as I am concerned(ridden alot of bikes) I hated the bob and this has none. Got a good deal to almost 1000 bucks off!!!
Similar Products Used: Fisher hard tail , Kona, Treck
Bike Setup: possum xo stock components with singletrack solutions bar ends(great bar ends, but U need the pro models)
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Submitted by
Lindsey
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Carson
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2006
Strengths: Very durable bike, good set up and components group. I'm 5'1' and the 15' fits me well (hard to find in a non-women's spec bike) i like the color, the decals aren't stickers, good for dual or single crown fork. single pivot, and pivot is completely user serviceable.
Weaknesses: Kinda heavy after going from the cake. I wish i could switch it to v-brakes. The paint scratches easily on the welds. I love the DUC fork, but the inverted style can be annoying at times, plus, the climber feature is great, but its hard to compress the fork enough, and then lock it, to really get any use out of it- not to mention having to full stop to use it. My avids make a lot of noise after just a few minutes of riding. Could do without the carbon bars and post, but i guess its good since the rest of the components tend to be on the heavy side.
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around bike. Not the best climber or descender, but a perfect balance between the two in one bike. It can take a beating and keep right on going. The small size is great for women or shorter guys, not too stretched out on it and comfortable. One of the only bikes with 6' of travel that fits me at 5'1'. For the price you get some of the best components available today, and if you don't like any of them, all are worth money to trade in. I can see having this frame for quite a while and just upgrading it as needed. I just wish i could switch it over to v-brakes if i want, i like them, they were predicable and easy to maintenance, and felt good. why are they being phased out with not even the option left on new frames?? In short, if you to do a little XC, a little trail, a little down and a little up and don't want to have 4 bikes to do it, or if you just want to head out to the mountains and be prepared for anything- THIS IS YOUR BIKE. 5 chilies both ways because i feel i got a lot of bike for my money and still wouldn't pick any other bike out there.
HI all,
I'm not a wacko hard core nutjob any longer (too old and broken), but I still like to git it from time to time.
Well in a nice little ride on some pretty technical single Read More »
Noticed today that there's a couple of cracks on the bike. One down on the right side pinchbolt, and another forming where the seat tube meets the top tube. I'm not going to warra Read More »
OK, this one is getting annoying. I absolutely love the bike, but it seems I'm having to do a bunch of trail maintenance while on the trail! Instead of taking a break and having Read More »
