Submitted by
jack al
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Mex.
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2011
Strengths: Good overall equipment, nice cockpit components, lightweight, good pedalling manners.
Weaknesses: High center of gravity, flexy frame, also pretty low yield levels, very weak brake performance.
Bottom Line:
First thing noticed was the too high bottom bracket and the excesively long top tube, this setup didn't work well for me, however wide crowbars made a nice balance on the feeling, the climbing prowess was pretty good, however travel and traction were not that good, bolts on mine were weak and one snapping caused an entire swingarm collapse. Cross country performance is good, but descending is not at all this bike's coup of revenge.
Similar Products Used: BMC Fourstroke, Specialized Enduro, Santa Cruz Blur LT, FSR stumpy, Teocalli, Yeti ASR.
Bike Setup: Manitou minute fork, RP3,Middle end drivetrain, Juiciy five Brakes, Nevegal Tires.
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Submitted by
dude
a Cross Country Rider
from Sl, UT
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2010
Strengths: I was weary about purchasing a 29er without actually getting trail time on one. But as soon as I took this sucker out I knew that I would be a lifetime buyer of 29 inch wheels. If you haven't been on one you need to try one out.
Weaknesses: The only bum deal with mine, is it's stripped down a bit. I don't have the XT crank, and a couple of other little things, which is why I only payed 2300 for it.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, Gary Fisher is the man. I've been on other 29ers and Gary Fisher is by far the best brand I've been on so far.
Submitted by
Kim Eakin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2010
Strengths: Turning, stopping, climbing, descending, and moving forward in general.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29er full suspension bike. I have been riding mtb's since the early 90's. Yes I AM old. I have had a number of 26" and 29er hardtails, single speeds, and the horribly under engineered Tomac fs. This is the first bike I have purchased that did not scream "Upgrade me!!" Everything works quite well in it's stock form. Not the best tires for Florida sand and muck, but definitely not the worst either. This is the best handling, most confidence inspiring bike I have ridden yet. The suspension works, period. Fox rules apparently. I immediately improved my average speed by 2 mph on this bike. The people at Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium were absolutely great to boot.
This bike is a full two pounds lighter (27.0 lbs) than any other bike I tested. All comparable bikes were 29+ lbs. The light weight makes it super fun to climb and go over all kinds of stuff. You can ride longer too. Phenomenal bike. I get is sideways quite a bit, but balance is awesome and always seems to stay upright. Maintenance stuff: I popped the stock light tubes early on and replaced with standard weight tubes which have held up relatively well. I broke the chain, which got me to be better about cleaning and oiling it after every ride or two. I also got a spacer to put in the brake calipers when transporting without the front wheel -- bike shop gave it to me for free -- prevents issues with accidental closing of brakes without disk. I had bike shop adjust my shocks after first year. Lost a little air but easily fixed with pump that came with bike. The Giant Trance X2 has a more complex rear shock system, but I felt that I didn't need that much travel and preferred saving two+ pounds with the HiFi Pro. I love my bike! I might consider the 29-er if I were buying today, but definitely would get another HiFi.
Similar Products Used: Canondale M500 hardtail was my old bike. Also tested Trek Fuel 8/9, GT iDrive, Giant Trance X2.
Bike Setup: 2009 26" Red/White. Stock components - avid juicy hydrolic disk, shimano XT/XTR, Fox shocks are wicked.
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Submitted by
JLRhoden
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga,TN
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2010
Strengths: Very Balanced and Climbs well.
Weaknesses: Bought 2008 Hifi Pro new. Lasted about 1 year and frame Broke. LBS replaced frame with 2009 Hifi deluxe frame. It lasted about 1 year. Broke the seat stay on drive side. LBS informed me that Gary Fisher would not warranty it because it had scuffs on it, so it was considered a crash.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike but LBS and Gary Fisher left a sour taste. Will not buy Trek or Gary Fisher again.
Weaknesses: LX shifters and f. derailure on a bike with "Pro" in it's name?
Bottom Line:
Been waiting to buy another Fisher and it has finally happened! I originally was going for the new 29er HiFi Deluxe but this 2007 HiFi Pro came available on Ebay for $1500, I had to have it! This bike still had the nipples on the knobbies, no scratches... person maybe rode it once, chain rings still had paint on the teeth, I got a great ride for a $1000 less than what I was expecting to pay!
I live in the desert so everything here is rocky (loose shale & quartz along with river rock and hard pack in areas. The suspension rocks! It accels on the climbs and eats up the decents.
I have always enjoyed Fishers, their design fit my body 6'1", 190lbs) the way that feels natural.
Bike makes me feel comfortable, great components (I changed out the LX shifters and f. derailure). 5 Chilis!
Got this '07 frame used on Ebay, promptly re-built the forks and swapped all my old Jamis parts on, and I was blown away by how stable and easy this bike was to ride. I thought my Jamis was the king of downhill, this bike has it at least equalled, and smokes it on climbing. VERY stable at slow, granny-gear creeping up steep hills. I just raced it in a 4-man team at the 24 hrs of Moab, and I have no complaints. I'm thinking of selling my ML-1 and getting a carbon version of the Hi Fi pro.
Similar Products Used: '04 Jamis XLT 2.0, Titus ML-1
Bike Setup: Stock Manitou Super Air G2 fork, RP23 shock, SRAM X9(?) shifters, Truvativ Stylo crank, Ritchey OCR wheels, Continental Vertical Pro rear tire, Hutchinson Mosquito Airlight front, carbon bars, Avid Juicy 5 brakes
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Submitted by
wpritchard
a Weekend Warrior
from Marin County, CA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2009
Strengths: Light, great climber. More of a hardtail feel, which is what I was looking for in a first FS bike.
Weaknesses: Stock tires lack traction, especially on turns. Get what you pay for with LX shifters. Not horrible but would be the first upgrade here.
Bottom Line:
Fisher setup puts you more over front wheel than other bikes, takes some getting used to. Have had the back wheel come up on steep, rolling downhills. I was deciding between this and the Trek Fuel EX 8. Came down to weigh, climbing and agility of Hifi, which was more important to me. Hifi Pro climbs inline with hardtail when using lock-out. Trek was very plush and on rails downhill, brings confidence at higher speed on the Trek, but I thought I'd end up paying in a hard fall at some point with the overconfidence. Would rather have the climbing ability of the hifi.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel EX 8/9, other Fisher Hifis
Bike Setup: stock + shimano XTR pedals
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Submitted by
jonny72
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2009
Strengths: Lightness, suspension and quality of components
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 29er - not used this bike much, but initial impression is very positive. Superbly light and nimble despite the hugeness of the 29s. Rolls over anything in it's path. Lots of adjustment available on front and rear shocks depending on your riding style / terrain. Highly recommended.
I've got medium frame and the G2 platform excels on single track x-country trails, but not intended for freeriding and drop-offs/dirt jumping. Steering is responsive in tight switchbacks, but going downhill you'll need to steer/lean early before the turn or else you'll end up too high on the arc. Overall, great value for the $$$ in weight and peformance. Oh yeah, the components are okay too because it keeps the price low, drive train upgrade is a must.
Similar Products Used: GF Cake, Intense Tracer, Ellsworth Truth
Bike Setup: Stock brakes, Hutchinson UST Toro, WTB rocketV team saddle, Race Face Good/Evil grips, XTR drive train/shifters
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Submitted by
Gerald Steele
a Weekend Warrior
from Newbury Park, CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2008
Strengths: Light weight, handling
Weaknesses: None yet.
Bottom Line:
WOW! I have only had this bike a sort while but it is lighter and handles better, climbs better, and feels better than my Trance ever did. It doesn't give up a thing to any 26er that I have owned or ridden. Pro-Pedal is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Bike Setup: Stock: RP23, RLC, Juicy 7, Bontrager tires...
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Submitted by
Jasonma
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008
Strengths: I rode a cheaper hard-tail for a few years before finally taking the plunge and buying a full-suspension bike with good components. I demo'd about 10 other bikes and kept coming back to the HiFi Pro. After >1000 miles on the bike (if you can believe the odometer on the trip computer) I was a super-happy guy.
Then the swing-arm snapped in half at the joint just at the seam for the rear axle. The frame simply failed while I was riding on some smooth pavement.
I have had this bike more than 18 months and I thought I was going to be out some serious money. But Gary Fisher (Trek) came through in a huge way. I'm getting a new frame completely on warranty with no questions asked...they're just doing the right thing.
I'm dying as I watch the beautiful days of late summer go past with no bike - but I have to say I'm as impressed with the company as I am with the bike they produced.
As for the strengths of the bike - it loves to climb. It is light, the adjustable supension from the Fox rear shock is very tune-able and the bike cranks uphile with a passion. It is fast and responsive on the downhills and it has made me feel like a better rider. (I'm sure I still suck, but that's not the bike's fault.)
I highly recommend this bike.
Weaknesses: The stock tires need replacing. Find something knobby that holds on tight...you'll be happier for it. The only other consistent complaint I have is that the lever for the rear suspension adjustment could be easier to manipulate when you're moving - but that's not a big deal.
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'2" and weigh about 235lbs. As a bigger guy - the other makes I tried didn't feel as right as the G2 geometry of the HiFi. Going with the Pro was the right balance between quality/light components and paying too much for racing gear that I simply don't need.
And at the end of the day - the warranty counts for something. Way important in my mind.
Similar Products Used: I tried bikes from Specialized, Kona, Giant, Trek, Santa Cruz, and a few others when demoing for this purchase.
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Submitted by
nemntbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston,ma,usa
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Strengths: fast, lightweight, begs to climb
Weaknesses: stock tires, grips, pedals and seats. Can only use a couple of forks due to g2 fork offset.
Bottom Line:
This review is for an 07 hifi pro, this is my first full suspension bike and I couldn't be happier. This was the first full suspension bike that I test rode and I loved the way it climbed and descended and the cockpit just felt right. I test rode about a dozen other bikes after riding the hifi and while some felt a little smoother descending this bike offered the best all around ride by a longshot. I've been riding it for about a month and this thing climbs better and takes tight switchbacks better than my stump jumper hardtail and weighs less. I am also thoroughly impressed with the stiffness of the frame under power while climbing and don't even bother using the propedal feature unless I'm on asphault.
Bike Setup: stock except 2.35" kenda nevegal front and 2.1" panaracer fire XC rear and ruffian grips.
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Submitted by
Dirty Dirty
a Cross Country Rider
from Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008
Strengths: This bike weighs exactly the same as the hard tail I was riding before, which I had carbon fibered out. It gets up and down hills in a hurry and I'm riding faster and stronger than I have before.
Weaknesses: As previous posters have mentioned the Bontrager stock tires are weak, I swapped them out after 120 miles after a couple of scares flying down hills in loose dirt.
Bottom Line:
I test rode a couple of the well known FS bikes and really loved the handling and components on the HiFi Pro. I agonized and agonized over the price and one day my local shop had a sale and I convinced them to drop the price around $500. This was my first foray in FS and I have to say I love the propedal RP23. I am still trying to figure out all the settings but so far it has the perfect amount of give. I just wish it had remote lockout because it can be tough to get to the switch. Overall, I love this bike and feel like it was worth every penny.
Similar Products Used: Tested the Nomad, HiFi deluxe 29er, Santa Cruz Blur.
Bike Setup: Stock except I put some Werewolves on it.
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Submitted by
GF70
a Cross Country Rider
from NoVA, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008
Strengths: Great performing XC racer\Epic ride mountain bike, suspension travel, high bb, not much pedal bob if any, matte pearl white paint finish and most of all got a great deal on it.
Weaknesses: None so far...
Bottom Line:
This bike pretty much fits all my needs for racing in my local grassroots XC races at my home trail and for venturing out to other bigger trails in the MD\VA area. I was truly impressed with the climbing ability of this bike with the rear shock in the open position. It climbed easier than my Big Sur. The bike just flowed through the fast technical stuff, climbed with ease (sitting and standing) and handled the rock gardens with ease making me faster overall. I just had a huge grin coming off the trail yesterday due to the bike handling so well and that I had my best training ride of the year. My '08 Big Sur is being relegated to family rides and an on-road trainer for those days when the trails are recovering from the downpurs.
Buy this bike if you're looking for an all around XC racer\Epic ride machine. You will not regret buying it.
