Bontrager Race Lite Tubeless Wheelsystem + New Race Lite cranks | Superlight RockShox SID SL w/ Climb-It control | The lightest single pivot low maintance dual suspension
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great ride, smooth climbing
Weaknesses:
Durability
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel
Bottom Line:
Nice ride if you like to climb with just enough travel for descending.Biggest problem is durability. After some average spills I cracked the carbon swingarm. The rep couldn't do anything for me.If you ride aggressively and occasionally take some spills I'm not sure this frame will hold up.
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Submitted by
Aquila
a Weekend Warrior
from Maui, HI Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
they're all good
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
yeehahbay
Strengths:
Weight, handling
Weaknesses:
um....no place to store my pipe
Similar Products Used:
test rode other sugars
Bike Setup:
Race Face everythig except XTR brakes, shifters, hubs
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I had a Supercaliber before this, and the extra 3/4 pound is more than made up for by the ride. I ride XC and don't do huge drops etc so I can't vouch for it taking that kind of abuse, but if you want a bike that handles like a hardtail but grabs the dirt better and is easier on your hurtin' bod, this is your ride. Gary's the man!
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Submitted by
Henry
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Flume
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Dave's Bike Sport
Strengths:
ACCELERATION! This baby hooks up! I just switched from a hardtail to the sugar 1 and the 2.5 inches of travel in the rear are sweet. I love the on the fly lock out on the sid sl. I use it all the time on steep sections of trail. Remember this is a XC full suspension bike not a DH bike so don't be dissapointed by the small travel in the rear.
Weaknesses:
Are you kidding me?
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 100
Bike Setup:
Chris King Threadless headset, Race Face Next LP Isis Crankset, XTR rear casette, XTR levers and pods, shimano 858 pedals, sachs PC-99 chain, Race face XC Isis bottom bracket, Avid mag v-brakes.
Bottom Line:
The best full suspension cross country bike, PERIOD!!!
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Submitted by
andrew bost
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas, texas, usa Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dinosaur state park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1149.00
Purchased At:
bicycles inc.
Strengths:
This is the best fitting bike I tried. It is very confident and nimble on the rough and technical downhill sections and has allowed me to climb sections of trail that I had not previously conquered.
Weaknesses:
Literature for rear shock (cane creek cloud nine) was completely misleading about initial setup but once dialed in it is an excellent ride.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 100, Trek Suspension Track 9200
Bike Setup:
2002 sugar 1 with xtr shifter/levers/cranks/cassette, race face seatpost/chainrings/sySTEM, cane creek dc5 brakes/s6 headset/cloud nine shock/ergo bar ends, mars cl fork, easton ct2 bar, king hubs with D521 rims, michelin comp s tires.
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a great bike and has handled my aggressive yet sane style of riding very well. It is quick and efficient as well as comfortable. The custom build was also great, giving me a unique package that is still top notch - thanks to the guys at Bicycles Inc. for the build using my components on the frame I bought from them.
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Submitted by
-B-
a Racer
from ROCKY MOUNTAINS Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
NOT MOAB
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
EFFICIENT
Similar Products Used:
EVERYTHING
Bottom Line:
THIS IS THE FASTEST MOST EFFICIENT XC RACING BIKE THERE IS PERIOD. ALSO THE THE TREK AND KLINE COPYCATS ARE GOOD. FISHER HAS BETTER GEOMETRY. THE REAR SHOCK DOES NOT HAVE LOCKOUT =YOU DON'T NEED IT THE REAR SUSPENSION DESIGN IS MORE ABOUT FUNCTION THAN COMFORT.MANY TIMES I RACED THIS BIKE WITH THE FORK LOCKED OUT THE RIDE WAS SMOOTH THE WHEEL KEPT GOOD TRACTION ON CLIMBS AND CORNERS. I WAS ABLE TO STAY SEATED AND SPIN THROUGH ROUGH STUFF=SAVING ENERGY A++++++++++
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Submitted by
john stevens
a Racer
from bryant arkansas usa Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
camp robinson
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
bicycle outfitters of bryant
Strengths:
everything - this is one great bike. Has stood up to a years worth of racing our local norba series
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
sugar 2 - 2000 model
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
you need this bike! It has propelled many racers to the top of their class, and you could be next. I was finishing mid pack with my old hardtail, untill I hopped on the super sweet sugar. Soon I was finishing at the front of my field. The guys over at Bicycle Outfitters of Bryant deserve a pat on the back for helping me choose the perfect bike... www.bike-oufitters.com thanks Scott
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Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Bikelife
Strengths:
Light weight Looks good Extremley comfortable
Weaknesses:
Rock Shox SID SL Bontrager Bontrager and Bontrager
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90 Mongoose 8.3?
Bike Setup:
Standard except for; Bontrager Crow Bars (Comfy but Heavy)
Bottom Line:
A fantastic bike as far as the frame goes. Very fast and agile (Spat me off due to too much tyre pressure, not bikes fault)but happened very quickly. The strength lies in the fact that the rear end feels as though it does nothing, but is in fact soaking up the big hits and vibration, making the ride less tiring over 50-60km. Very little to no bob-depending on how smoothly I pedal, and the handling is awsome and precise, even when compared to my old hardtail. BUT why, oh why Gary did you spec the finest bike around with Bontrager? Cranks creak, chainrings flex. I have two unwanted friends who ride with me constantly. Their names; chain suck and poor front shifting. Funilly enough, all of my buddies with Bontrager specced bikes (Trek, Fisher etc)have the same constant companions. Difference being that they have lower specced bikes and therefore chain suck and poor front shifting hang around a heap more with them. The Bontrager bits that are good are the Wheel set (Excellent), seat post and handlebars (on my request the bike shop swapped them from flat to riser, a great loss of quality and gain in weight to me. Not a fair swap. Ta!) And now the Forks. Brand new ride, and the forks were as loose as a hookers um, morals. Went back to the factory to be fixed, returned and yes still doing a good impression of a prostitutes money making attribute. Morals of course. Over $1000.00AUS for SIDs' and dont work properly. Next forks will be Marzocchi's(Have a look at the Hall of fame on this web site). The SIDs' are hard to set up properly-both front and rear. Anyway, Sugar 1 is one sweet ride, infact so good that I am willing to forgo the Bontrager whinges untill I can replace them, which I will. If this bike was specced with XT-XTR (are you listening Gary) it would be 5 flaming Chillis from me. Unfortunatley.....
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Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Pensacola Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all that is hard and fast
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Alpine Bikes
Strengths:
The suagar is a great bike, It is light and fast just the way I like it,increditable handling, excellent customer service.
Weaknesses:
Well I broke the rear stay about 2 inches past the pivot point, but I had a new one in two and half weeks, great turnaround time.
Similar Products Used:
2000 fsr, 2000 fuel 80
Bike Setup:
2002 rockshox Duke Race race face next lp crank race face bb race face sl headset xtr shifters xtr chain xtr v-brakes xtr brake levers xtr cassette xtr hubs mavic 517 wheels easton monkey lite riser bar easton carbon ct2 seatpost specialist mens saddle xt rear derailuer(xtr 9 spd is crap)
Bottom Line:
Best all around bike, Best handling Light weight very fast keeps a lickin and keeps on tickin
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Submitted by
andrew bernard
a Cross Country Rider
from geneva Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
les gets
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
england
Strengths:
light, strong, superb suspension
Weaknesses:
some dodgy components when buying 'off the rack'
Bike Setup:
Thomson stuff, + XTR all over
Bottom Line:
Still, in my opinion, the best FS cross country bike there is. The rear just does not move under pedalling, yet allows very fast descents.
My question is this - the bolts and bushes that hold the rear triangle / shock / pivot together are very heavy steel items. Does anyone know where you can get relacement titanium parts? This would save a significant amount of weight, in a weight critical area (i.e. an area that moves). Any help appreciated.
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Submitted by
andrew bernard
a Cross Country Rider
from geneva Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
les gets
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
england
Strengths:
light, strong, superb suspension
Weaknesses:
some dodgy components when buying 'off the rack'
Bike Setup:
Thomson stuff, + XTR all over
Bottom Line:
Still, in my opinion, the best FS cross country bike there is. The rear just does not move under pedalling, yet allows very fast descents.
My question is this - the bolts and bushes that hold the rear triangle / shock / pivot together are very heavy steel items. Does anyone know where you can get relacement titanium parts? This would save a significant amount of weight, in a weight critical area (i.e. an area that moves). Any help appreciated.
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Submitted by
Richard Tibenham
a Racer
from Lincoln Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere but here
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Bros.
Strengths:
Good ride,light wieght,great frame and forks,nearly everything really.
Weaknesses:
Those god damn Michelin tyres-doin' my head in !!!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock 2001 model
Bottom Line:
Frame and forks are excellent,climbs like a hard tail,but the suspensoin's there when you need it.Don't expect huge amounts of travel,it just takes the sting out of things and gives a good forgiving ride for enduro events especially.Its an XC race bike,its light weight ,don't expect to be doing big drop offs and stuff its not made for that,but for XC race,as its intended,its excellent. The forks are great,the lock out is very useful,they've been used in some very wet Welsh forests for 5 hrs and were still plush at the end of it,as was the rear shock-so no probs there. Drive train is good,no complaints,very smooth rear shift,the cranks are good a reliable and give a good shift.The shifters,as with most Shimano stuff are smooth and reliable,you kinda forget they're there,Avid brakes are very powerful and feel good on the ceramic rims,some people say they sqeak,but mine don't at all.The stem,post and bar aren't that amazing but do the job,I had to cut down my bar. The wheels are good in most aspects.Very light,strong,if your not that heavy like me (10 3/4 stone)hubs are nice and smooth.Main problem is the Tubless tyre system.The Michelin tyres are absolute crap,I'm never buying a michelin product again-I'm fed up paying large amounts of money for crap products.The tyres are way too tight and the rim tapes on the wheels are very teperamental.If you can manage to get your dealer to swap the tyres before you buy do so.I've had to use metal tyre levers to get mine off and it badly scatches and chips the ceramic rim.Why do companies spec products that obviosly don't work?And why can't the industry have a proper industry standard for tyre and rim sizes-its a joke. Overall,I'm highly satisfied with the bike,especially as I only paid trade price for it,its just those crap tubeless tyres that let it down.I feel i've been slightly let down by The Fisher rep',he agreed to get new rim tapes as he admitted that the seemed type had produced problems.He wouldn't admit the tyres were a problem,he said they were awkward and even went on to say you could get them off with no tools at all-I'd like to see him try!
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Submitted by
Brian Buell
a Racer
from Keller, Texas Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Grapevine Bike Center
Strengths:
They don't call this bike SUGAR for nothin'.. soooooooo sweet
Weaknesses:
BRAKE SQUEAL!!!.. I built mine up from scratch it mine did it.. BUT!! I have a remedy.. I called up bontrager and asked WHAT THE HELL!!!!.. one.. clean your rims with alcohol, sure they're new, do it anyway, second, the Ceramic coating on teh racelite rims is NOT.. I repeat is NOT Shimano brake pad compatible, I'm using Kool Stop Cearmic THin Lines, no sqeal except for when you have to clean the rim, but no problems but the rims do take a bit of maintenece just for cleaning the rim a dremel and polish attachment works wonders for cleaning the ceramic coating
Similar Products Used:
only hard tails... '98 Trek 8900 SL... broke it... '97 Trek 850 Mountain Track..... Broke that too... '95 Specialized hard Rock......YUP! you guessed it.. broke that too
Bike Setup:
custom... race face cranks, time pedals, CT-2 H-Bar, Sram levers, XTR brakes, XTR Ft and Rr der., LX Shifters, ended up builidng up my 2000 Race Lite to the 2002 Tubeless version since I beat teh hell out of those literally super strong rims, can't bust 'em... unless you like doing trials at low pressure... oops!
Bottom Line:
I built it up from scratch after getting a SWEET deal on a SWEET frame, broke the trek frame.. worth 400 bucks.. I work at Grapevine Bike Center, so we cut a deal with Fisher... since Trek owns Fisher.. got 400 dollar credit on my 800 dollar cost of the frame and got it for 400 bones.. HELL YEAH! So anywayI LOVE this bike if i break it I"LL GET ANOTHER!! this thing climbs like a hard tail, corners like a hard tail, and descends like a dual suspension, soooo sweet. If you like the ride of a hard tail but don't like the punishment and you don't want a super squishy 4+ inches of rear wheel travel the sugar with it's 2.5" of travel is just for you. Do you know where Trek *BLAH* got the Idea for the Fuel???? SUGAR! look at the rear triangle, but the shock is placed differently yes, that's cuz Trek can't match Sugar's Pure instinct. ohn yeah seent eh New Klein for 2002.. look at the Sugar.. Go ahead get the original. And for those of you wanting more than just 2.5" of travel, for 2002 Fisher is making in all sugar but the 1 a variable travel rear linkage and looosing a 1/4 pound off teh frame alone, so you can get either 2.5 OR 4.1" of travel.. now the sugar is even better I"M GETTING A NEW ONE! Go ahead Bring sugar home, soooo sweet
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Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Sun-N-Ski
Strengths:
Fast, great handling, climbs like a goat
Weaknesses:
Michelin tires
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 2, Specialized FXR
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is so SWEET!!!!! No wonder they call it SUGAR!!
I've been riding the Sugar 1 for nearly 8 months now and have had zero problems. It's super quiet (after the brake squeal stopped when it was new). Super fast and like all the Fisher genesis bikes climbs great. I don't know how many hundreds of hours I've had on it but the tires are now nearly bald and I need new brake pads so it's been quite a few
I'm 6'5" and I fit on the XL great. If I could find a longer seatpost I'd buy it 'cause I'd about another inch there. But I love the cockpit, the fit there is perfect for me
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Submitted by
Mark Eagleston
a Weekend Warrior
from Katy, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hard pack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Sun Ski
Strengths:
Handling, light weight and stretched out feel.
Weaknesses:
I tested a Sugar 2 and, if I had to say there was a weakness with the Sugar 1, it would be that it has a little livelier rear end due to the carbon fiber, but I'm still getting used to the bike.
Similar Products Used:
My last mountain bike was a Motobecane 650 with a lot of boing in the back and almost none in the front, quite different (inferior) from the Sugar, and about 10 pounds heavier. Also tested DS bikes from Trek, Specialized, Cannondale and Klein.
Bike Setup:
Stock except I swapped out the Bontrager pedals for the Time pedals the bike used to come with.
Bottom Line:
It's much quicker than what I'm used to. Quicker up hills, quicker on the flats and smoother and quicker on downhills. Fast turning, almost twitchy, but I love it. Haven't had it long enough to break anything yet and I'm still playing with the shocks (still waiting on my manuals that didn't come with the bike). When I was ready to buy, I definitely wanted DS and tried a lot of bikes. This Sugar was the best ride. However, I did not actually try the Trek Fuel or the Giant XTC. There seemed to be less that could go wrong with the Sugar re: pivots, brakes, etc.
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Submitted by
Lynn Gardner
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Boise foothills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Georges Cycles
Strengths:
Light, well ballanced, sid front shock with lockout. I have had the bike now for 3 months and have put about 500 miles on it, the bike rides well seems evenly balanced front and rear. I've made some upgrades that have made it a little better than the out of box bike. When I first started riding it the front end seemed very "twitchy", I may have caused some of this when I put on the easton carbon handlebar which was narrower than the stock bar. I improved the handling significantly by putting a Thomson stem on it that was 1cm longer and slightly more angled.
Weaknesses:
1)Bontrager Wheels-To light and flexy for me, lightweight riders may do ok. 2)Bontrager pedals-was on a ride yeserday and couldn't clip in on the right because the spring clip on the back folded over. I was able to fix it when I got home but I've never had this problem with a Shimano product. 3)Rear hub has gotten really loud, another reason I don't like the wheel set. 4)Conflicting information from Rockshock/Gary Fisher about how to set up the bikes shocks. 5)Bottom bracket 11/2 oz. heaver than XTR, crankset weighs the same as XTR 180mmcrank (stock bottom bracket kept loosening up and creaking-no problem since changeout)
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown
Bike Setup:
Easton Carbon fiber handlebar, bar ends. Thompson stem Sella Italia flight saddle XTR crank and bottom bracket XTR rear cassette Mavic crossmax wheels
Bottom Line:
Great Bike, Still best IMHO.
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Submitted by
Sug
a Racer
from Gary Fischer, WI Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike is incredible. Frame & suspension couldn't be better for it's intended use. I've spent over 12 hours in the saddle on this bike without a problem, on a hard tail I would have been in agony. There are weaknesses though(see below)
Weaknesses:
The wheels. Tubeless? Yes. Hold air? No. The rear DT Swiss Hugi hub on the RaceLites, good for maybe 1000 miles, if your lucky, then you'll get really good at high cadence track standing, cause you won't be going any where. Rock Shock Sid SL fork appears to have bled air between the postive & negative chambers since it rolled out of the shop brand new. It still works pretty well though.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Ritchey Rizer Pro Bars and Bontrager Super X tires & superlight tubes. The support people at Fischer were great as they replaced the garbage Michelin Tubeless tires with the tire & tubes mentioned.
Bottom Line:
If the RaceLites still came w/Chris King hubs, I'd go 5 for this bike even with the tubeless deal not workin. But with the junk DT Swiss Hugi hub, I can only go about a 3.5 or 4. I'll go 4 because the GF support people really have been very helpful & done everything possible to resolve the problems with the wheels.
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Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Soundbeach, NY Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
not certain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Carl Hart
Strengths:
Light and fast-bike especially once you learn how to make the thing turn. Very efficient with minimal rear travel and geometry. Great suspension, tires.
Weaknesses:
Not sure if I am the only one with this problem, but i find the machine tough to turn, especially while breaking hard and sitting over the rear tire. this is particularly noticeable when you are descending and breaking and turning all at once. This combination seems to unweight the front end-particularly with the genesis thing-and causes the bike to push wide in the turns. I really have to concentrate on my riding to get this thing to fly through technical singletrack. With that said, once you get it all right this thing flies and is so satisfying to ride!
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jeckyl-bobbed a little too much under power (so, maybe I'm a little sloppy on th epedals sometimes) and felt a little scrunched together, I preferred the laid-out feel of the Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Easton Monkey and Time-definately worth the upgrade.
Bottom Line:
This bike has one mission in life and that is to travel at warp speed through cross country trails. If you use it for this purpose you can't go wrong. Don't try and expand its mission by doing silly-high drops and crazy trials riding, this bike is not meant for that. According to my uneducated seat of my pants, I think I riding a bit faster through the trails and am leaving without my usual lower back issues-don't laugh young ones this will afflict you in the future. The suspension works very well once you dial it in correctly. Hookup in the loose and traction over some rough stuff is definately better than a hardtail but remember we are not talking about a plush 4 inches back there, more like 2.75 or so (I think) the moral here is that the limited travel suspension appears to mute the normal background noise of the trail and reduce the impact on larger hits as well as produce better traction while not bobbing stupidly with every pedal stroke. Personally, I love the bike.
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Submitted by
Hugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Forest Ridge - now, saddly closed :(
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Discovery Cycle
Strengths:
Practically pedals itself up climbs!! This is aqn awesome climbing bike. Makes the lack of plush suspension a non-issue.
Weaknesses:
I haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Joshua XO
Bike Setup:
My Joshua had a frame problem. The great people @ Fisher warranted the frame and let me get the Sugar for a small charge. All components except for the seatpost are from my '97 Joshua. When my wife lets me, I'll start upgrading!!
Bottom Line:
This bike must be called Sugar because it is SWEET!!! On my Joshua, I would frequently go to the granny on climbs. On the Sugar, I don't think I've even grabbed for the granny yet! I've only had time to ride this on mostly hardpack, so I haven't tested the FS much yet. I can tell that the ride is not as plush as the Joshua, but that's so far been a worthwhile sacrifice.
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Submitted by
Tyler Grahovec
a Racer
from Kennesaw, GA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Happy Trails Woodstock, GA
Bottom Line:
In response to my earlier review after talking to Chuck Mcfarland at Fisher he really helped me out. He gave me some back ground info on the carbon fiber and the company. They replaced the part for me at a small cost.
The bottom line is that some times you need to talk to the people yourself.
It's nice to be reunited with my bike.
Please remove my last review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ten mile house
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
North Rim Adventure Sports
Strengths:
very light. Handaling is fast and responsive while at the same time amazingly stable. Genesis cockpit design keeps you in a perfect position for technical descents and climbs. flys down hills and up (wow!!!!)
Weaknesses:
Although I've had only minor problems with mine, the Rock Shox SID has a reputation and track record of serious failures (although when it works it's one of the smoothest and most adjustable rear shcok's around)
Similar Products Used:
SC Superlight
Bike Setup:
Ordered the frame and built a bike that is considerably beefier then a stock Sugar 1. All XTR, Marzzochi Z2 X-fly, Easton Carbon, Chris King, Mavic 517 on XTR hubs, Koobi saddle. still weighs 24.6 pounds !!!
Bottom Line:
This is the best XC dual suspension platform there is period. The superlight is good also, but it's not as stable as the sugar and no more responsive, it also suffers from too much suspension on an XC oriented bike. At first I thought that the Sugar had too little rear travel, but its modest rear travel responds nearly perfectly to everything within the normal scope of XC riding (including bombing down severe trails, fireroads and singletrack). If your planning on using this bike for serious sport oriented fun but not racing I would order this bike without the tubless wheel set and without the rock shox SID front fork. Go with more reliable and performance oriented wheels and fork.
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Submitted by
Shaun R
a Cross Country Rider
from Staten Island,NY Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Julio
Strengths:
Genesis Geometry=great handling & fit. Solid rear end. No waisted energy. This bike is FAST!!!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Santa Cruz, Giant, K2, GT
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for XTR shifters.
Bottom Line:
Nothing is as fast or handles as well as the Sugars. Everybody I talked to said get the Sugar and when I finally got to ride one (most shops won't let you take a $3000 bike off rode) my search was over. Nothing compairs. Nothing I rode has the same efficiency, handling and speed of the Sugar. The fit is perfect. If you're racing or just riding XC, this is the perfect bike. I've been riding offroad for close to 15 yrs and nothing I've ridden satisfied me like this bike. RIDE THIS BIKE!!!
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Submitted by
Mike Hurley
a Racer
from b-TOWN , aL aBAMA! Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Spruce Knob, W.Va.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bob`s Bikes
Strengths:
Rear Shok from having NOthing!
Weaknesses:
Low BB
Similar Products Used:
You name it
Bike Setup:
esp Gs w/rr der, xtr ft der, RF crank 44/30 w/xt bb ,747`s, Avids w/eagle claw red pads, King hubs on valiant rims Revo` spokes the trick lacing job, king HS,Synco post, ti seat, 8 spd xtr cass, Mars elite, Ti bars, 9.0 levers 23.6 w/ heavy tubes
Bottom Line:
I`ve moved, got married, ride more hills, but ride less often, got this bike, now I`m faster! Got Sugar? I started w/ the frame and went from there. Ive done some modifying to get my Q-factor tighter, by shaving my frame and crank, then getting a cup for the bb driveside that doesnt have a lip to center the bb. 73x107 I`m 150lbs 5`9" rear shock is set at 120/120 fork is at 130 w/ 10wt. oil remove boots. Folks I`ve been racing since `94 and really looking at FS for 3 years -this is the best!- and I cant wait `til it gets better. Aint that right Jaydott?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Grahovec
a Racer
from Kennesaw, Ga Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Happytrails Bike Shop
Weaknesses:
Customer Service!
Similar Products Used:
2000 Sugar 2
Bike Setup:
As is some small changes.
Bottom Line:
This company has the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. It take to long for them to get back to you with information. I cracked the carbon fiber chain stay and now they are telling me that it was do to a crash. The funny thing is that I don't recall having this crash but I guess they have spys fallowing me so they know the truth! So instead of replaceing the rear triangle under warrenty they want me to buy the rear triangle. The worst part is that it took them 3 weeks to come to this conclusion. The biggest thing that bothers me is that this is the second Sugar I have bought in year and a half and I have talked allot of people in to buying Sugars over other brands and to see their customer service work this way it really sucks. Well if there is any change I will change my rating but for now I am on the look out for a new bike that someone stands behind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gaylord Wonesa,
a Cross Country Rider
from Killingworth, Ct, U.S.A Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
At my 24 acres
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
The Town Bike Shop
Strengths:
I love to ride it, but I crashed one day because the handles go way to far out. So there is really no strenghs.
Weaknesses:
The handle are to long. It isn't that pretty. When I first got it I was happy, but not any more.
Similar Products Used:
Zero G3 is a nice bike. My brother son has one.
Bike Setup:
Bad
Bottom Line:
It is that good the price is to much and it really bits.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lynn Gardner
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hard Guy/Easy Guy-Boise ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Georges Cycles
Strengths:
Sharp looks,light-24#s,nice components,Genesis frame (I'm 6'4" and I like the exta room). I've only put 40 miles on this bike at this point so it's hard to say very much and I am still in the honymoon phase with it. Never the less the bike seems very responsive,and it's very quite on the descents. While it has limited movement it seems to be enought and it is very smooth. As I write this I feel like I'm "damming it with faint praise", That's not my intent because I really do like this bike and would buy it again. It's that I really liked the handling of my Schwinn Home Grown which I wore out.
Weaknesses:
The short stem and Genesis geometry make the bike seem twitchy, The flip side is that it seems more manuverable at low speeds. I will upgrade some of the components in the near future, the Bontrager componets may stand the test of time but I will probably replace them with XTR as the pocket book allows.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown full suspension, Early model Stumpjumper FSR, GT Karakorum. Tested Specialized M4 FSR-nice bike but needed longer top tube.
Bike Setup:
Stock except Easton Carbon Handlebar
Bottom Line:
Best out of "box" bike you could buy, needs some upgrades
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lottes
a Racer
from Madison, Wi. Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Area 25.5
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2999.00
Purchased At:
Budget Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Light weight, climbs extremely well, no pedal bob, very efficient, high quality.
Weaknesses:
I question if durability will be a problem. Sid SL flexes a great deal. The race lite wheel set is supposed to be durable but it worries me when hitting some rocks.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS XTC 1.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike! I love it. I just question if it will be durable enough for my riding. I like to ride technical single track. This bike is perfect for a cross country race bike, but since I don't race I question if I should have gotten the sugar 2. Oh well I might just sell it and get a sugar plus for next year!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AAA
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This is a great off the shelf xc race bike. Genesis geometry works, NO bob, no flex in the rear. Climbs way better than any hardtail. Incredible traction. Not as endo prone as some. Never thought I would ever say this:faster than my Kona King Kahuna with full xtr/king/etc. Very well spec'd for a stock bike. Anybody who thinks they need to upgrade this bike is a weenie with more money than sense.
Weaknesses:
This is strictly a xc race bike. There is VERY little mud clearance, if you throw a 2.1 tire on the back it will rub the front derailleur in the small chainring. The sid is flexy and I can't imagine the bontrager wheels lasting too long -they are stupid light - they are 200+ grams lighter than heliums! Carbon stays look pretty uncrashworthy. Bars are too wide - cut them down
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mtn, Kona, Trek, litespeed
Bottom Line:
Freeriders, forget this bike. This is a purpose built xc race bike. I'll update at the end off the season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Portree
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all dundas valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Freewheel Cycle
Strengths:
The Sugar 1 rides like a hardtail in all forms. Perfect power transfers, no bobbing and the 2.5 rear travel is just enough to take the edge off of hits that a hard tail would have a hard time with.
Weaknesses:
This is the Fisher top bike. But it comes with a xt setup, and a large handle bar. Which isn't very good on tight trials.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Team Scandium Element.
Bike Setup:
Everything is stock on the bike, save for Crossmax UST's easton carbon bar, thompson seatpost and stem.
Bottom Line:
I have to say this bike is making me a believer of the fisher bikes. I was dead set against them until I took this for a test ride. Not only does this bike rock when climbing but it has the same qualities on the descent as well. The only concern I have so far is some noise coming for the rear linkage, and that's it. This bike will make you the sugar daddy of the trail baby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Baton Rouge Date Reviewed: May 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any of 'em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Tuffy's World Class Bikes
Strengths:
Well built, lite, effective cross country suspention, looks good. It has a life time warrantee. Handles great.
Weaknesses:
I had to pay for it.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Element T.O.
Bike Setup:
I bought the frame set and built it with parts from my Litespeed. XTR everything except cranks and BB. Thomson seat post. Bontrager stem with Easton CT-2 bars. Chris King wheel set built by Will with Revolution spokes and Asym ceramic rims. Ti BB and Race Face Turbine LP cranks. SID SL fork.
Bottom Line:
I rode a Litespeed Obed for years. I finally noticed how flexy it was. The fork was worn out, my comfort level was going down hill fast. I've been wanting a full suspension rig for a long time. I've read the reviews on the Sugar and others, and I had my heart set on a Sugar. I tried a Rocky Mountain Element T.O., and while it was good, really good, I still wanted the Sugar. It's not plush, it's not a free ride bike or a downhill bike, it's a great, really great cross country race bike. Like everyone else has said, it feels like a hard tail until you hit something. It climbs better than my Litespeed ever did, and it's just about the same weight. The geometry worried me at first. I thought the long top tubes on the Sugar would be a problem for me, but it handles great. I can flick it around like the shorter bikes, it goes down hill better than the 2.5 inches of travel would make you think. I'm just totally happy with the bike. If you are interested in a cross country race bike, this should be tops on you short list. Even if you aren't interested in racing, this is a great trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Igal
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Feels like hardtail, power transfer is great, my hardtail freinds really didn't feel the difference between their hardtail and this bike. Great geometry, easy to balance on descents and amazing on ascents.
Weaknesses:
Paint job is very delicate and scratchy. No lock out on the rear shock (though it has only 2.5in max travel). Tubeless tires are air impatience, have to fill the air before every ride.
Similar Products Used:
Fuel 90, klein Adept racer, trek 9.9 pro
Bike Setup:
Factory setup
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is the this bike rocks. The feeling is great and the balance is magnificant. If you want a amazing climber on a full suspension category, this is it. Their weight is great too, only 25lbs. They look great (that's important too isn't it :-) ).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jay dott
a Racer
from yehaw, texas Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe City to Truckee
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
5&dime
Strengths:
Its full-suspension! Handles, climbs, goes downhill all without noticing that its a new bike. But I can't figure out the SID rear shock. I never get full travel at a "normal" air pressure, and to get full travel, I have to run it super low, regardless of negative air, and then the travel is blown through without any progressiveness. I do like running zero sag, however. Something you can't do with a Fox.
Weaknesses:
25lbs with tubeless is a bit of a dated weight. Where's the beef though? Nothing is particularly portly, but the XT levers/shifters are a throw back to something that isn't "Team Issue". Way to cheap out. Nothing feels as nice as XTR when paying top dollar. Ever notice all the knooks and crannies on this bike? Get the mud out of 'em while its wet or that stuff is staying in there....speaking of mud, rear tire clearance, anyone?
Similar Products Used:
Sworks FSR-XC, Santa Cruz Superlight.
Bike Setup:
Stock, zero sag upfront and rear. Tubeless Hutch. Pythons would be better OEM tires for multiuse purposes.
Bottom Line:
Lets bring this down a pound or more, spec XTR all around, regardless of price, this is a no-holds barred race bike, right? Make it light...see GT, Cannondale, Schwinn...
And, commision Rock Shox to actually explain the SID rear shock...pointers for each particular bike - maybe from Fisher Tech/Racing?
Rear-end wag is undetectable, though! Gotta be stiff!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Setauket,NY USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cycle World Plus
Strengths:
Handles like a hardtail and customer service
Weaknesses:
Limited (2 1/2") rear travel
Bike Setup:
Z2 Atom 80,RS SID RACE rear, Azonic riser, Splined XTR BB and cranks, Time ATAC Carbon, Bontrager Race rims, Bontrager and XT/XTR...
Bottom Line:
I used to believe that hardtails were best because "There are no mountains on Long Island." This bike takes bumps so I don't. It's important when you ride 3-5 times a week for 8 months a year, year after year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monpoilu
a Cross Country Rider
from London, England Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All closed due to foot and mouth!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Design, weight, reputation, quality?!?
Weaknesses:
Frame misaligned.
Bike Setup:
Custom build on Suger 1 frameset - Full XT 9 speed drivetrain (Sedis chain!), Easton bars & s-post, Marzochi Z2 Atom Race 2001, Hope Hubs, Hope Mini discs, Mavic X317, WTB seat & H-set, Panracer Fire XC.
Bottom Line:
A dream bike decided on after reading Suger reviews on this site and a hugely enjoyable test ride. When I collected the frame and checked it over at home I noticed the cantilever bosses were not straight (both pointing slightly to the left) - not too bad a problem as I intended to run discs, however when I installed the wheels it was obvious that the rear wheel did not run vertically and the whole rear triangle was slightly twisted - unbelievable lack of quality control on a top notch $1500 frame set! Back to the shop where it was confirmed immediately and dealt with totally professionally. I am picking up the new frame this week and will follow up this review - meanwhile check YOUR frame carefully, and Gary Fisher - employ some QUALITY quality control people!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Metro Cycles NYC
Strengths:
Genesis geometry, Avid brakes, XTR and XT componetry
Weaknesses:
none, well a little difficulty in getting rear derailleur adjusted perfectly but that's not a Fisher weakness. Oh, I'm a little miffed that I paid three grand for a bike that doesn't come with a big product sticker for the back of my pickup truck. I hoped to cover up the Specialized one with it.
stock Fisher setup with Topeak frame pump, Profile bar ends and Stainless steel bottle cage, oh yea Speedplay Frog pedals instead of the Bontragers shipped with the bike
Bottom Line:
This bike was an amazing advancement since my last MTB purchase in 95. I can't say enough about how much I'm in love with the fisher Genesis geometry. I'm naturaly intimidated by steep downhill sections, but the geometry and strong Avid brakes have given me superhuman powers regarding downhill sections. Knowing that I'm going to have to work at going over the bars and I CAN stop if I need to are real confidence boosters on this bike. The paint job is real pretty too SAAB blue is neat. This isn't a Fisher issue but a component one. The only issue I've had so far has been getting enough spring tension to the B tension adjustments on the rear XTR derailleur. It had the nagging habit of interfering with the highest cog (34t) when I was int he 22t chainring. The bike shop I bought it from suggested I take two links out of the chain and that seems to have quieted things down. I also understand that Shimano can provide you with a longer tension screw if you ask your dealer real nicely. I'm just getting used to adjusting the rear and front shocks so I can't offer any comment on those. The air shocks do feel smooth and add to the overall pleasure of riding such a high end steed. The other notes regarding shock flex with the SID haven't surfaced on mine yet. I'm mostly a seated climber and don't put a lot of side to side pressure on my shocks. I chose this bike over a Specialized FSR because my friend just broke both sides of his rear assembly on his FSR. Also the Genesis geometry fits me like a glove (6' 165 lbs) similar to Gary himself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Connelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango CO Date Reviewed: March 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pinon Mesa, NM
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Cottonwood Cycles
Strengths:
Agile, smooth, quiet, light, fun
Weaknesses:
Tubeless tires are a good idea ahead of its time (as least ahead of Trek's time). What a pain! I worry about being 30 miles in the backcountry and not being able to fix a flat! I hope Gary Fisher will swap out these tubeless wonders for clinchers that work and are RELIABLE.
Bottom Line:
Buy a Sugar I, but be sure to equip it with clinchers (not tubeless).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jed d
a Cross Country Rider
from mesa, az, maricopa Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
everything about the bike
Similar Products Used:
Dean FS
Bike Setup:
Sugar 1, Monkey lite bars, time pedals, selle italia genuine gel
Bottom Line:
This bike is as sweet as its name. 30 minutes into my first ride and i totally fell in love with the bike. it felt almost as if i was gliding in air because there was absolutely nothing on this bike that was holding me back. no creeks, squeeks or cracks. no more pedal bob, just smooth suspension when i need it. hats off to the team at rockshox. the sid sl's 'climb-it control' is sheer genious. i think it is my favorite feature on the bike. it really smooths out the terrain loaded with 2-5 inch rocks. time pedals are great too. easy in, float for adjustability when you want and easy out when you need. the tubeless tires have already saved me from a number of sure diggers. i am a believer that if you pay top dollar for a product you are going to get a top product. i feel i can descend and climb better than i have ever done in the past. after 3 months of riding, every time i ride i still get the thrill like it was my first. this bike is for anyone serious about xc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Little Pine or Romero Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
West Side Bicycles
Strengths:
Stiff until you need it to be forgiving. It feels great even out of the saddle with hard efforts. The spec of the Sid Race rear shock and Sid SL fork makes the setup time consuming, but infinitely adjustable.
Weaknesses:
The tubeless tires are a pain in the butt. It's a great idea once they design a tire that can be installed and removed as easily as a regular clincher. You're pretty much out of luck if you get a flat. Yes you can install a tube, but my goodness! I work in a bike store and pretty much get paid to work on bikes; you know taking tires on and off... and this was by far the toughest one yet. Thankfully, the rims are "everything compatible" so I'll put some clinchers one and deal with the small weight penalty. Yes this isn't really a "Fisher complaint". In the same vein, my fork is too flexy. Out of the saddle, it flexes enough to rub the brakes.
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 1000, Moots Mountaineer
Bike Setup:
Stock except for XTR crankset/bottom bracket and King headset
Bottom Line:
Whether you get a Sugar, a Trek Fuel, or Klein Adept, you are getting the new standard of XC full suspension. This is the platform that will be the "Camry" of bicycles for this decade. Compared to a hardtail it's almost as light, it faster going downhill, and going uphill... well except for on a perfectly smooth path you're going faster on the Sugar. This is where it's at. Buy this if you want to be more comfortable. Buy this if you want to be faster all around. Buy this if you want to be in better control on the trail. Just buy this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Worth, Tx USA Date Reviewed: January 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Northshore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Grapevine Bike Center
Strengths:
AWESOME climber, Extremely light weight, corners like you wouldn't believe, has just enough travel for a hardtail enthousiast, no bob, only the trail activates the well placed SID Race.
Weaknesses:
Little mud clearance in the rear, that's it so far
Similar Products Used:
First DUal suspension otehr thatn my friend's 2000 SUgar 2 I raced last season after breaking my 8900 SL
Bike Setup:
Custom, ok let's see... Easton CT2 Carbon handlebar, SRAM 9.0SL Brake levers, XTR Shifters, XTR Brakes, XTR Cassette, XTR Front and Rear Der., Racelite Clincher Wheelset(very sweet), Race Face Turbine Cranks, Race Face Real Seal Headset, Sram Chain, '99 SID XC Dual Air Long Travel Fork, Thomson Elite Seatpost, WTB Trilite Saddle Weight: 23.6 Lbs. Very sweeeeeeet
Bottom Line:
I used to ride a Trek 8900 SL that I built up and broke the frame in decent type riding, not racing, in 3 months.. It rode good but I needed some suspension, I raced my friend's last year's Sugar 2 and did AWESOME in my first time racing, let's just say, one 3rd and the rest 1st. SInce I work at a bike shop and sell Fishers, We went though our Fisher rep to Trek and was able to get my warranty money to go for a Fisher instead and after I was so impressed with the SUagr 2 I had them send me a Sugar 1 instead of the SUpercaliber they were going to send me originally. If you want a Hardtail like feel on a Hardtail lite bike, The SUgar 1 or any of the sugar series are for you. They are the Lightest Stock Cross Country dual suspension Bike on the Market. Now on the Brake squeel stuff.. I've heard it happens on the Stock, since you have a ceramic braking surface, I get that too, you know what... LIVE WITH IT! It probably won't go away, and if you've found a way to fix it, please.. let me know.
This is ONE Sweeeet Ride, Atleast give it a Test ride, You WON'T be disappointed, unless of course.. you like a squishy rear suspension ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: January 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ant Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Sun-N-Ski
Strengths:
Light weight, superb suspension, great climber, no boing boing as you pedal.
Weaknesses:
Brakes are squeaky. I'm expecting them to quiet down but after riding for about 6 - 8 hours on three occasions they haven't quieted down yet.
Similar Products Used:
Only full suspension I've ever owned. Tested Spec FXR and it had too much boing boing for me.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike. I'm giving it 5 flaming piles for the ride you get despite the squeaky brakes 'cause I expect them to quiet down as I break it in. I just love this bike. It's a plush ride with great climbing and great handling and no bouncing as you pedal. I'm only giving it a 3 for value though. it's the most expensive full suspension I tested by a few hundred bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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