|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Phil Esempio
a Racer
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mohican Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great hardtail-like handling, awesome climber with shock upgrade, great stock fork. | | Weaknesses: | Poor rear tire clearance, difficult to upgrade rear shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSRxc, Trek Fuel, Cannondale Scalpel | | Bike Setup: | Not much stock left on it. Shock upgraded from Cane Creek AD-5 to Fox Float RP3; disc wheels w/Avid Mechanical discs (7" front, 6" rear); RaceFace Next LP crankset w/Taperlock Cro-Mo BB; flat bars w/OnZa Ti barends; Titec Big Al stem; Time ATAC Alium pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a long-term follow-up to my earlier review on this bike. While the "state-of-the-art" in full-suspension XC racing bikes has advanced quite a bit since 2001, this bike can still hold it's own - provided you spend the cash to upgrade it. I upgraded to a Fox Float RP3 ProPedal rear shock in 2005, and this really revitalized the bike. I went through a lot of trouble to get this shock ordered and installed, though - see my review of the Fox Float RP3 '05 for all the details - but the bottom line is, it works as advertised, damping out pedal feedback on long climbs. Another sign of this bike's age is the rear triangle has relatively little tire clearance; running a 2.1" rear leaves very little room for any kind of mud buildup. However, I typically run race tires from 1.7" (for mud) to no more than 1.95" (technical hardpack), so this hasn't been a real problem for me; but for riders who prefer a higher-volume tire, this can be an issue. I did try to set the bike up with IRC Mythos 2.1" tires once, and it was a very tight fit. However, having a rear suspension somewhat obviates the need for a high-volume/low-pressure tire, since the suspension keeps the wheel tracking on the ground; so the 2.1" tires all end up on my hardtail now. The Marzocchi Z.3 air fork has stood the test of time, however - laterally stiff, while providing plush but controlled damping. I'm considering upgrading to a Marzocchi Marathon Race, or Fox F80X with the TerraLogic circuit for '06, but even if I do, the Marzocchi Z.3 will find a home on my hardtail for many years to come.
Reliability of the original parts has been a mixed bag. The Bontrager SuperStock wheelset has taken tons of abuse while holding true - they live on with my hardtail - but the bearings are cheap and wear quickly, and the braking surfaces are showing signs of wear as well. The rear suspension bushings were shot after 2 seasons of racing, which really isn't too bad; I replaced them when I upgraded the shock. The Cane Creek Shock held up quite well; it was still serviceable when I upgraded it for better performance. The original Bontrager crankset has also found a second home on my hardtail; since I'm not a fan of the ISIS system because of the too-small bearings required, I've stuck with square-taper cranks on all 3 or my mountain bikes. I've replaced the rings once with RaceFace Race Rings; this was a huge upgrade in terms of service life and shifting. There is some minor wear damage from where the chain beat on the driveside chainstay due to excessive chainsuck; I later determined this was the result of an incorrect chainline; switching to a 110mm BB with my RaceFace crankset from the original 113mm UN-52 BB fixed that problem completely - no more chainsuck, even in heavy mud.
All in all, this has been a great bike. The later models (2002 and up) have more rear tire clearance due to a redesigned rear triangle and pivot; but if you can deal with running 1.9" tires all the time, this is a great way to go. Trek's support for replacement bushings and hangars has been outstanding to date. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tob
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | shop | | Strengths: | geometry, weight | | Weaknesses: | cranks (Bontrager... oooh what a surprise !), no bearing at the pivot | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, K2, Cannondale, Yeti, Scott,... | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3, Bontrager,...stock but with XT disc brake and XT-Mavic wheels (I'm very confident on Bontrager material...) | | Bottom Line: | From the beginning to the dustbin : middle ring bent even if my shop change it for a better one (with pictures I explained why it bent to GF but no reply), . Swingarm was brocken after 2 years. GF didn't take it in warrenty, my shop did it... so I ride now with a sugar 2 from 2003 until it will... 2001 until yet just problems with this stupid pivot (supermarket bicycle technology...) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donovan Brooke
a Weekend Warrior
from Lodi WI USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack (Omaha) | | Strengths: | Strong Frame and essentials and hayes Disk Brakes. The overall feal of the bike | | Weaknesses: | Stock Crank: I've had the bearing repacked a couple of times.
Derailers (particularly the front): I can't seem to dial in perfectly... especially when comming off a down hill to an uphill. (Even if I pre-plan the switch, I can sometimes miss the gear and occassionally lose the chain.) Believe me, I've spent lots of time with bike folks trying to dial in. Wheelset. About the Can Creak Shock. I would agree that there is better out there!... However, a note for some. People have stated that it loses air. Yes. However, After riding this bike for 2 years I have found a Zen answer to this problem. :-) The Shock doesn't actually get worse. Believe me, I've pounded it at MOAB with pretty serious drops and perhaps more at my commute to work (hitting the curbs hard at times). The answer is to set your presure before any major ride. The shock presure will last through the ride making for a good ride. However, over time, the presure will disipate.. or after a day at a MOAB trail. Just set the presure each time you ride and you should be good to go. | | Similar Products Used: | I've always owned Gary Fisher Bikes but this is my first full susp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock accept Time atac alium pedals, Azonic 3deg bar (stock one didn't quite do it for me). | | Bottom Line: | Perhaps this is a perfect bike to have over time. The essentials are all great products. If I had the money, I would upgrade the wheel set (Oh the dreams of Spinergy), Crank set and the delrailures. I then would have the sweet bike that I always wanted... (perhaps I would upgrade the rear shock also). Great all around bike and will stand the test of time!. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
niklas
a Cross Country Rider
from espoo, finland
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Geometry, disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Crankset? | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3 disc stock, bontrager jones wheels / continental explorer supersonic front & conti supersonic twister rear for competition | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Often wonder if the shock really is working, since there is no bobbing, but looking at it and realizing that I'm riding uneven terrain reminds me how well everything works. The crankset is causing minor problems with a creaking sound and occasional chainsuck and ghost shifting. The Hayes discs are good, but they needed a break-in period and some initial adjustments. Maybe in the future I'll start upgrading the shifters, crankset when needed. For now, everything works as it's supposed to! I'm very happy with this bike. Previously I was into competitive stuff, but now I'm starting to lean more towards epic bike adventures. With my old hardtail, I'd be beaten up after a few hours ride off-road, but with this bike you can ride on and on..No need to compete, just to ride and enjoy nature and explore! :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli Hariton
a Weekend Warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Dynamics | | Strengths: | Great feel, not too heavy, not too light, great in the technical stuff, good control in all terrain. Good stock componants. | | Weaknesses: | sometimes the shifter is a little screwy, shifts back a forth alot so i've needed to keep tunning it. | | Bike Setup: | all stock components. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the technical mt. biking, good in the downhill, kicks ass on the rocky cruisers. great all around bike. Pretty advanced bike, this is my first full suspension and it's workin awsome for me. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Esempio
a Racer
from Cuyahoga Falls
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Snowshoe, WV | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Marzocchi Fork, geometry | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Crank, non-adjustable shock | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Trek Fuel 90, Specialized FSRxc, Cannondale Jekyll, Titus Loco Moto, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for crank (RF Next LP) and stem (Moots Ti) | | Bottom Line: | Seeing as how it's 0 degrees here in OH right now, not much chance to ride the beast hard yet. Got a great deal on an '01 Sugar 3 (not a +), great for me since I already own a '98 FSR Extreme with 5" of travel. This bike will be my XC race bike for '03, doing everything from local races to 100 milers, and replacing my '96 Trek OCLV Pro Issue.
I like the riding position that Fisher's Genesis Geometry puts you in - I've been using this setup on hardtails for years. I had the option of buying an '01 Fuel 90 with similar components at the same price, and preferred this bike by a long shot, particularly due to the fork choice and riding position. I also really like how well this bike accelerates, thanks to the very short chainstays and rigid rear end. Of all the bikes listed above that I tested, only the Titus felt faster, and I didn't have the $$$ to shell out on one.
Based on all the complaints on the Bontrager cranks, I yanked 'em off right away, and put on the RaceFace Next LP's (scavenged off of the Trek). The Bontragers will get new rings (probably RaceRings) and find new life on my hardtail in the spring. I also swapped out the stock stem for the Moots from the Trek, since the length was right. I'm sticking with the risers for now, although I'm generally a flat-bar racer - I like the position it puts me in, and I can always swap it out later. Also the grips got the boot for ODI Lock-on's. I'm suspicious of the non-adjustable AD-5 shock, but I'm going to give it a shot, even order in new valving for it if need be, and re-evaluate when it blows up or the end of the season, whichever comes first. The Marzocchi Z3 Air fork, like all Marzocchi products, is amazing at this price point - low pressure air, adjustable rebound, open bath, all at only a slight weight penalty compared to similar products (SID, Manitou SX/Skareb). The Avid brakes are fine, except for not having cartridge pads, something that I'll fix for all of 20 bucks as soon as the originals are worn out.
Basically, this is an all-out XC weapon for the racer on a budget. If you want an all-around bike, buy a Sugar +, or even look at Specialized's Enduro. All the major parts are there, and with only a little upgrading you've got a 25 lb. duallie ready for a full race season. I'll report more on reliability as the season progresses.
For now - 5 chili's for value, and 5 overall - where else can you get a bike this great for this kind of money? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Guyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowami Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | Full suspension for great price, smooth ride even on the rockiest of descents, light, bombproof pedals | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Crank, Bontrager rear hub, WTB velociraptor tires | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for upgraded tires to Michelin Wildgripper Hot S, and Wipperman stainless chain | | Bottom Line: | This is the first full suspension bike I have owned and overall I am very happy with it. I've riden in a variety of conditions-sand, mud, rocky trails and ice/snow covered trails-and the bike did well. Even the biggest drops feel soft with this suspension setup. As with some of the other reviews I've read, I have had problems with the crank. I broke two chains, the first of which on the first ascent of the first ride I took the bike on. That problem was solved with the Wipperman chain, but I still get chainsuck sometimes. Also, the rear hub came apart 3 months after I got the bike. And the Velociraptor tires slide all over in the sandy conditions of Michigan, the Wildgripper tires do ALOT better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Amherst, MA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Over the Notch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1075.00 | | Strengths: | Weight, balance, rear shock for trail use | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock bottoms on 4+ foot hits when set up for trail use, stock crank sucked | | Similar Products Used: | Full rigid, trek fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Avid mag brakes, Truvativ Stylo Team and SL bb, Selle Trans-Am seat | | Bottom Line: | Is now a peice of my body on the trail, great traction uphill, and I'm now faster than every hardtail downhill I've ever met. Genesis geometry so good now every other company is emulating it, so it's not unique anymore. Light bike, probably only about 26.5 pounds. I've got about 2000 miles on it now and it still works as new. After crankset it's 5 n 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollywood, FL
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Geometry, balance, brakes (disc) | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, swingarm | | Bike Setup: | stock + LX cranks and chainrings | | Bottom Line: | After cracking my swingarm for the SECOND time in the exact same place Fisher upgraded me to the Plus Frame and swingarm. Now I have an 02 frame, shock, swingarm with Hayes Disc brakes and Marzocci z3 airs that are 100mm. The 4.1" setting rocks compared to the 2.5" on the 01. You can set the bike up so much plusher, and take bigger hits with more confidence. My riding style is further away from racing than it is "adventure" riding. If yours is similar and you crack your swingarm, push for the PLUS frame from your fisher rep. You will not regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
martin fenner
a Cross Country Rider
from brighton, england
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | looks, great ride, rear sus is always working and there when you need it | | Weaknesses: | there's something strange about the design that affects the crank - see below | | Similar Products Used: | fisher advance, marlin, big sur | | Bike Setup: | stock, except with XT chainset | | Bottom Line: | i bought this s/h with a big sur in p/x. i didn't like the big sur, primarily because of the crappy bontrager chainset - which bent a middle ring the first time out, so i got a s/h xt chainset fitted on this, and blow me, if it hasn't shot 3 of the 4 chainset bolts through the force of the chainsuck i got today! i'm not a happy bunny, it's such a lovely bike to ride, but there's something cranky going on with the chainset - and it's not just the bontrager one. ho hum. at least i didn't pay full whack for it - hence the 4 chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Tokarz
a Cross Country Rider
from Schaumburg IL
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 1500 | | Strengths: | Once you dial in the suspension for you riding style and weight the bike becomes an extension of you. Does everything well. | | Weaknesses: | The crank set-up I guess. I've just broke my 2nd Sram chain in les then a year. and that's saying alot especially since I don't ride in the winter. Also I wish I would have gotten the disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock, Dean Colonel, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Completly stock, Z3 Bomber, Bontrager Crank, XT derailller AD-5 cane Creek shock. | | Bottom Line: | THis bike is 85% great. That stupid crank set needs to be replaced. I'm going to contact Gary Fisher today to see what the can do. I don't want to spend any more $$$ on chains. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scwman
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I bought the + disc model with Hayes standard. Disc brakes rock! Climbing is a joy. Like others have stated, one can go up and down the hills faster with this geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager chainrings don't work with this setup because the chain won't stay on! They are garbage. I got the bike shop guy to warranty the small and middle and replace them with Shimano LX with me paying the difference. This fixed all the problems.
The Cane Creek AD-5 needed some work. After a month it would drop pressure from 110 to 60 psi after 2 hours of riding. I disassembled it and found that the seal between the nipple and body was destroyed. Also, the cylinder had a large scratch that had cut a groove in the piston o-ring. The rebound damping effectiveness was destroyed by this. I used a small piece of emery cloth to smooth it out. | | Similar Products Used: | '99 Rockhopper Comp | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Besides the above mentioned problems I am pleased with this bike. It rides really well when you get used to the geometry. The 2.5 inches of rear travel is fine for what I ride and I rarely bottom out the shock. I would have given 4 chilis overall if I didn't have the chainring problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Telluride
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Telluride Sports | | Strengths: | Relatively Light for a duallie. Z3 fork can be relied upon to bail you out of unexpected dropoffs. Climbs smoothly up steeps & over scree. The light weight & suspension are excellent for technical-trialslike climbs. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager Comp Crank has been unreliable from day one. The chain slips from larger rings to smaller rings without warning. SRAM PC59 broke as a result of chain slip. The Cane Creek AD5 rear shock has very little rebound control and rebounds harshly on hard rock trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Fuels, Schwinn Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | As is out of the box | | Bottom Line: | I highly reccommend this bike for any XC rider/racer who likes to climb & wants a faster,smoother descent with more control. You get a lot of bike for the buck without getting too heavy in the Full Suspension arena. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john schoonover
a Cross Country Rider
from redding, ca
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | boulder creek/ whiskeytown | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | sports cottage | | Strengths: | CLIMBS LIKE A HARD TAIL. NO BOB AT ALL. MOST OF THE STOCK COMPONENTS SEEM ADEQUATE AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT. | | Weaknesses: | THE CANE CREEK REAR SHOCK IS JUNK. I ONLY WEIGH 160 WET, SO IF I TELL YOU THIS SHOCK SUCKS, BELIEVE ME IT DOES. I BLEW THE FIRST ON APART IN 3 MONTHS, AND THE SECOND ONE IS WELL ON ITS WAY. (LEAKS EVERY TIME I RIDE. ALSO, THE BIKE SHOP REPLACED THE ORIGINAL SET OF BONTRAGER WHEELS WITH THE 2002 BECAUSE THE CUPS WERE TRASHED IN 30 DAYS. HUBS ARE SOMEWHAT WEAK AS WELL. | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | THIS WAS MY FIRST FULL SUSPENSION BIKE. I REALLY LIKE THE WAY IT FEELS, UP AND DOWN HILL. I THINK IF I WERE GOING TO DO IT AGAIN, I WOULD NEGOTIATE A DIFFERENT REAR SHOCK INTO THE DEAL. MY FRIENDS WHO RIDE SAID THE CANE CREEK WAS JUNK AND THEY WERE RIGHT. ALSO, THE HUBS HAVE BEEN REBUILD A FEW TIMES AND I AM NOT REALLY A VERY HARD-CORE RIDER. I THINK IT IS A GOOD BIKE FOR THE MONEY, BUT SOME OF THE COMPONENTS ARE LACKING. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from New York City, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Point, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Weight, looks, Marzocchi Fork, Wheelset | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager cranks (bent little and middle ring), upgraded to XT Hollowtech. Also upgraded to XTR rear...Love em both | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT Hollowtech crankset, XTR Rear derailluer | | Bottom Line: | After about 500 miles I cracked the rear triangle at the pivot point. I weight about 220 lbs and ride very hard, but the crack happened on a less than 1 foot drop. I am still waiting to see what happens with the warranty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland OR
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Strengths: | Great frame, adjustable suspension rules. Very plush ride when soft, feels like a hardtail when you pump 'er up. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager crankset! BOOO HISS to Fisher for removing the Deore LX from the stock setup. | | Similar Products Used: | Upgraded from my stolen Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for upgraded the crap bontrager crank to deore LX. Feels like a totally different bike. | | Bottom Line: | Ok, everyone is 100% correct about the bontrager crank set. The first time I took it off road, UH OH, middle chain ring bends and the chain looks like a moebius strip. Immediately took it to my dealer and swapped out the bontrager for the LX, wise decision.
Everything else is awesome, though. Yay to fisher for being the best, boo for cheapening out the components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ziggy Bruu
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from my review approx 1 yr ago.
I have upgraded the brakes to Avid Disc's. If you want to put disc's on, you will need to buy a brake adaptor for the rear dropout from Fisher bikes. It is a part that shops wont carry, so e-mail fisher bikes to get the part number, then you need to order the part from a fisher dealer. Cost's around $30 USD. Took me ages to sort that out, so hopefully this will save you time!
Have replaced the chainrings with raceface ones, much stronger, and wheelset to mavic x317 for the disc's.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollywood, FL
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great geometry, DISC Brakes, value, customer service from Fisher | | Weaknesses: | Could use a little more travel in the rear, or the ability to update/upgrade to the 2.8/4.1 combo of the 2002 plus models | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Shimano LX Crankset, XT rear, Panaracer XC tires, upgraded z3 Fork to 100mm | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from my review 8/3/01. I recently cracked my rear swingarm after ~1800 miles of hard riding, on one of the crossmembers. I was thoroughly bummed about not having my bike for a long period of time. Thanks to the guys at my LBS (B&J Bikes of Pompano Beach, FL) and the CSR at Fisher, my swingarm cracked on Sunday and by Friday 4 days later, I had a new, updated with carbon fiber seat and chain stay inserts, rear swingarm. I paid the $30 for the overnight shipping, but WELL worth it! What great service from Fisher. Furthermore the carbon stays seem to make the bike even a little more vertically plush, but adds some lateral stiffness. The carbon stays make the bike look even sweeter! Thanks Fisher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Bennett
a Weekend Warrior
from Hendersonville
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Rock @ Dupont | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1320.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycles | | Strengths: | Gary Fisher name and warrenty, tires, brakes, shifters
| | Weaknesses: | Bontrager crank! Chainstay of frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | New Shimano LX hollowtech,Crank, Salsa Stem, Cane Creek bar ends, rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I love my full suspension Sugar after riding a hard tail for years. I'm 6'7 250 so it's hard to find a stock bike that fits. This is as close as I could come. Like other reviews the bontrater crank has chainsuck written all over it. Also my frame did crack after 600 miles. The guys at Sunshine Cycle in Greenville SC are great and with the help of the Fisher rep had me back on the trails with a (Sugar 1) carbon fiber chain stay and LX hollowtech crank after two weeks. If you buy a bike buy it from these guys. It's been great since the changes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Hlavin
a Weekend Warrior
from Blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pandapas Pond | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trail | | Strengths: | Solid x-country bike, great rear suspension, a good value | | Weaknesses: | some weaker components | | Similar Products Used: | tested Fuel 90 and K2 Evo | | Bike Setup: | XT rear De, LX fr De, Manitou X-vert, Cane Creek AD-5, Avid Arch Rival brakes, Bontrager Comp crankset, Spinergy SM-3 wheels | | Bottom Line: | Because of back problems I had to find a cross country full suspension. I found this on sale because its last year's model. I changed out the wheels, brakes, and entire front end from the better parts from my older Raleigh M-80. Its been a great bike. But when it gets muddy, there is aweful chain suck into the chain stays and cranks. I think the Sugar series are the best X-country full suspension bikes available. The only thing other bike I would buy is the Sugar 2+ disc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fall Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1075.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge | | Strengths: | Smooooth | | Weaknesses: | Can't think of any... | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Giant full rigid | | Bike Setup: | stock, not a 3+, no disk | | Bottom Line: | Fast. The fact is that this bike at 2000 dollars would still be a great bike. It just feels light. It doesn't compare to my 1700 mile old full rigid at all. Feels like it helps my up the hill instead of weighing what little 26 lbs it does, and descending is like railing. Nothing more than a four-foot drop, no 5 in. of travel, this is a short travel suspension bike. I feel a 3+ might be a bad idea. Worth every penny | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Long
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington, SC
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbison | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Hawleys Cycles | | Strengths: | Price - great value for the money with some good components. Geometry - NO BOB whilst peddling!! Very tight yet just enough plush to keep the fatigue away. Looks - Looks are everything. VERY nice shiny, sparkling silver and blue. Extras - The Bontrager wheelset is very strong and looks great with it's striaght laced design and far-spaced - even better. | | Weaknesses: | I am not sure about the bontrager cranks - maybe heavy but I've read some reviews that put these to shame. I have not had any problem with them (or too inexp to know the diff). About the chain suck issue - I have had it once... didn't like it scaring up my ride. Maybe could change the lx front derlr. Hope to change from v to disc soon.
The wheelset does have a little dishing against the brakes if I put it in a weird attitude (leaning the bike over). | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Killr V 900 w/Manitou EFC FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom Line - Priced right, Good Components, Rides fast. It really has made me more confident in my riding. And Fast!!! I have never really felt that a bike could BE 'fast'. But this thing accels down the trails unlike my past bike. Jumps, climbs, and cruises down trails with ease. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington, Ky
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | chutes & ladders (franconia NH) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheller's | | Strengths: | Good quality, good components, light weight, good looking son of a biatch as well. Geometry. | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet...no problems so far with the bontrager stuf. I'm just a little more careful about shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested - Giant XtC NRS 1 & 2, Specialized Stumpy FSR Comp, Superlight, Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far, might change the tires and upgrade to hayes discs. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the money, it really does its job well. I'm not a XC racer, but I think this bike will do a really good job for what I use it for, cross country riding. I wasn't looking for a freeride bike, and this bike has just enough travel to take the edge off harsh trails, but not take the edge off your power. I like the genesis geometry as well, I wasn't sure if I would or not, but it fits me perfect. I'm about 5'8", 140lbs, and have a 30" inseem. This bike climbs really well, and descends equally as well. Its also pretty stiff. Plus, now that the Sugar +'s are out you can get a pretty good deal on an '01 Sugar, at least I did.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Indiana, USA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Geometry, durability and Fisher reputation | | Weaknesses: | Stock crank | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Hayes disk brakes and LX Hollowtech crank | | Bottom Line: | Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it. Thank you reviewers who proceeded me! After reading many reviews on this site, test riding the 2001 Sugar 3 with disk brakes, I made the bike shop switch to LX cranks before purchase. The result is a great FS bike that I hope will last the 15 years my rigid Trek did. My only initial complaint is the slight disk brake rub. I hope to have this fixed soon. I highly recommend this bike for Midwest XC singletrack riding. It's made me a much better rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Candia, NH
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Brook SP in NH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This is for the 2002 Sugar 3+.
I just returned from Moab.. one week of heaven! I rented the Sugar 3+ and I was transformed in to a better rider! This bike handles whatever you throw at it. It climbed great (no bobbing) and descended even better. I couldn't believe the stuff I was going over. Six other riders with me couldn't believe I was doing it either!
I ride a Trek hard tail at home and am in the market for F/S. I had three bikes on hold to try. Three days on the Sugar, two on the Trek 90 Fuel and two on the just assembled, Rocky Mountain Carve. After the first day of the Carve, I returned it and got the Sugar back for my last day! It was no contest.The Fuel was good but the 4.1 inches with the Sybil link, blew it away. The 2.8 inch setting was equally impressive. I think I would ride the bike on the 2.8 setting at home but like having the 4.1 option. I really loved the Manitou Black fork!! | | Weaknesses: | A couple of times when going from the middle to small ring, the chain would get sucked in if the suspension was really compressed.I think I would have to be careful not to down shift when the suspension is really active. Mind you I am talking about some big Moab drops! (Could have needed tuning or is that the way F/S is?) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 90, Rocky Mountain Carve | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike!! I am now shopping for the Sugar 2+. Better components.. plus the Psylo shock has 80-125 travel.The jury is out on the disc brake option..cost, weight,necessity... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher
a Cross Country Rider
from Celle, Germany
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | black forest in germany | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | pedalo, wedemark | | Strengths: | A great bike, which feels like a hardtail, but which filters out the shock of riding over rough ground (good for your lower back, if you are just over 40, like me). This is my first MTB and I took some time and care to choose. I was looking for soemthing I would not want to change quickly, so proven quality was the prime criteria plus a sensible price / performance ratio and a good base to upgrade from. I really enjoy riding this bike on fast trails through the forest but it can also manage some steep downhill runs, without frightening me. I bought the bike because my son is getting heavily into mountain biking - although he is more intersted in jumping and going steep downhill he keeps trying to take it out because it´s fast and he likes the feel and the "Gary Fisher" name. His friends think it´s great too, which is important if you are 13 ! | | Weaknesses: | None noticed at the moment, except the standard saddle, which I changed at purchase for a Flite Trans Am, which is very comfortable | | Bike Setup: | standard, except saddle | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to buy the best at a good price and I am convinced that I made the right decision. As the bike is fun, fast and comfortable I will certainly ride it every weekend. I feel it is a good bike for someone like me who is interested in riding a bike fast down single trails. It is easy to control so makes me feel safe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Marlton, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Wheels | | Strengths: | Very smooth ride and excellent handling. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager crank!!! | | Bike Setup: | XT Hollowtec Crank, Time Pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a nightmare with the Bontrager crank. The chain would skip, fall off, all of the above... I had the excellent staff at Action Wheels swap it out with an XT Hollowtech crank. The nightmare has turned into a dream come true as this is NOW the best bike that I have ever owned. All of my problems have gone away. It is also important to take the bike back for a tune-up after the first 3 weeks of good hard riding. Makes all of the difference the world!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Owings Mills, MD, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Avalon,(MD) Hartshorne Woods(NJ) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Great climber, very agile and rock solid build quality | | Weaknesses: | Weak crankset spec | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Easton bars and stem. | | Bottom Line: | **Attention Clydesdales** I am 6'3" and 250lbs. I'm no freerider by any stretch, but this bike has held up without 1 problem in some hard conditions. The season is not over yet, but I have been very impressed thus far. Bike could use some upgrades-but what bike couldn't? As stated, I'm not thrilled with the stock Bontrager Comp crankset-way too much flex. Also not thrilled with the Crowbar's sweep-not very comfortable on those 3-4 hour trips. Love the Zocchi Z.3 Airs. As a whole the bike is tops and very worthy of any upgrades or modifications you wish to make. Buy a sugar-or maybe the new sugar+ and you will not be disappointed. SPEAK LESS-RIDE MORE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Rohnert Park, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicyles in Novato, CA | | Strengths: | This review is for the 2002 Sugar 3 Plus. This is a beautiful ride. I'm a big guy (6'5", 220) and this bike (XL) fits me great. It looks as if Fisher made some enhancements over the 2001 most noteably, the Sybil Swing Arm allowing rear travel to be set at 2.8" or 4.1" which matches the front end rather nicely. I don't know a lot about the Manitou Black as it is pretty new but it seems like a nice fork with a lot of adjustability (and even has a sweet little tribal tattoo on it!). I also like the way Fisher has beefed up the lower portion of the down tube. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the other reviews say that the front-end of the drive train sucks and this may be true. That being said, a manufacturer will have to cut corners somewhere to keep the bike in the specified price range and besides, I'm too dumb to notice a difference anyway. If and when the crank or chainrings wear out, I'll replace them...simple. For $1500 I think it's pretty good stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | My old 80s vintage Diamond Back Apex God Rest It's Soul, Fisher Sugar 1, Fisher Sugar 2, Trek Fuel 90, Specialized Enduro FSR, Giant XTC NRS 3, Rocky Mountain Edge, I would have tried some Cannondales but they are just too weird (funky frames, proprietary suspension, nasty house-brand parts). | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock: XT in the rear, LX up front and on top, Avid brakes, Manitou Black Elite (80mm/100mm) with damping, Cane Creek AD-5 rear shock, IRC backcountry rubber, Bontrager Select crank, Bontrager Select hoops and hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Here's the deal: I'm a decent roadie by trade and when I do go hit the dirt, I ride my 1988 Diamond Back Apex so I really don't what I'm talking about. I do know a quality bicycle when I see it and ride it, and I also know a good value (my wife keeps me in check). I've been reading, reviewing, riding, discussing and have generally been in pain in the @$$ to every bike shop within 20 miles of my home and finally decided on the 2002 Sugar 3 Plus. Save yourself the initial sticker shock and get the 3 over the 2, you can always upgrade later so you're wife doesn't notice. Like many of you I'm sure, I've been torn between efficiency (for the huge mountains around here) and fun, bouncy plushness. With adjustability up front and in the rear, coupled to a strong frame, this bike comes in 1st place. It also looks great as well (metallic blue/silver with black components). I don't like a flashy bike with a lot of colors and cheap decals like the Giant and Specialized bikes which are made in Taiwan by the way unlike the Fisher which is made right here!
I've ridden a ton of bikes recently, the Specialized Enduro FSR was an OK bike but a little cheaper, uglier and not adjustable. The Sugar 3 Plus is a tough, good-looking bike that falls comfortably between plush travel and efficiency. If you are a big guy, don't want to spend a fortune (I'm a cheap-a$$), like to go fast up hill and down, you must give this bike a try it's a damn nice machine. In summary, I must give Mr Fisher 5 flamers for making such a nice ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil M
a Racer
from lehighton
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | ok guys,
today is the day i can truely say i love this bike.
But ... only because i bought a new xt crank and front deraulleur!!!!ahhhhh
i suggest checking out the sugar 2!
if any fisher people read this, u guys really screwed up with the crank. the bike woulda been perfect if it had the xt crank as stock... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rich
a Weekend Warrior
from PHOENIX,AZ
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | NATIONAL TRAIL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO | | Strengths: | GREAT BIKE FOR THE PRICE. 4 INCHES OF SMOOTH FULL SUSPENSION. MINE IS THE SUGAR 3 PLUS. | | Weaknesses: | NONE YET | | Similar Products Used: | 2 GT's (BROKE BOTH FRAMES) HARO SCHWINN S-10 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | A GREAT BIKE SO FAR. AWESOME SUSPENSION, LATERALLY STIFF AND IT DOESNT "BOB" MUCH AT ALL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Han
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Lifesport | | Strengths: | Simple efficient suspension, Genesis Geometry, laterally stiff, light weight, quality welds and frame details. | | Weaknesses: | stock AD-5 shock offers no rebound adjustment, Bontrager cranks (rings) are NOT on par with Shimano. | | Similar Products Used: | Many hardtails, my first suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Full XT/XTR with Psylo SL, upgraded to Fox FLOAT RC rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I love riding this bike! It's one of the most efficient XC racing bikes ever. Having ridden many competitive models out there (incl. Trek Fuel, Giant NRS, SC Superlight, Specialized FSR, etc), I really believe the combination of this semi-pivoted design and the Genesis geometry make for a fast, yet stable bike.
Weight was never an issue with this bike. A 24.5 pound Sugar 3 is easily within reach with some lighter wheels, tires, and better cranks. The bike also has tremendous traction on climbs due to its short chainstays and stretched out cockpit. The shorter stem is great on steep downhills, the geometry makes you a better (more confident)rider than you really are.
The stock Sugar 3 is a fine bike, that is until I switched the rear shock to a FOX FLOAT RC. Note to other Sugar 3 owners: If you can afford to upgrade the AD-5 to a FOX FLOAT R or RC, I recommend the switch whole heartedly. The combination of oil damping and adjustable rebound makes a world of difference in plushness. The AD-5 may be light but you get air damping that can't compete with oil damping.
For those who are looking for great full suspension bikes that can handle any XC races, the Sugar series bikes are some of the finest out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, GA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | The Hub Bikes in Athens, GA | | Strengths: | Hayes hydrolic disc brakes, | | Weaknesses: | crap chain and crank. the Cane Creek AD-5 rear shock sucks | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock except for the '02 Rock Shox Psylo SL forks, Rock Shox Float R rear shock, XT shifters, XTR crank, XTR chain, and a set of Michelin tires | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, this is a SWEET bike. It climbs great with no bobbing, and descends excellent with complete controll. For a FS w/ full hydrolic disc brakes, its pretty darn lite too. I recomend this bike to anybody looking for a great ride for not a lot of money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Stuhlman
a Racer
from Charlottesville, VA USA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | sherando lakes, panorama, walnut creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Blue Wheel | | Strengths: | geometry, components, ride | | Weaknesses: | cranks? tires, pedals, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | fisher kaitai | | Bike Setup: | stock, Kore lite stem | | Bottom Line: | I rode a Kaitai for a year before it got stolen. I decided to upgrade, and boy am I glad I did. I always felt that the Kaitai was a little too big for me, although the top tube was the right length. Although the LBS said geomtries/sizes were the same, this bike handles like a dream.
It probably climbs better than my old hardtail, and it truly "goes where I point it." I've ridden through situations where I would have had to bail previously. Suspension is great--don't notice any bob, but the ride is definitely smoothed out, which is what FS is all about, isn't it?
Like others have said, this bike will make you a better rider. Go Fisher!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil M
a Cross Country Rider
from lehighton, pa
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Weaknesses: | the damn crank and the chain | | Bottom Line: | ok guys my last update... i need a new crank and front $%*&ing derailleur because of the damn chain suck. it started happening and it somehow bent my entire front derailleur into a posistion inside the big chain ring..?
and a bunch of the teeth in the crank are broken/worn
now i gotta pay 90bucks on jenson usa for an xt hollowtech crank +22 for an xt front derailleur....
once again, if you can afford and are willing to get the sugar 3 disc, get the freaking sugar 2 instead | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from East Lyme, CT
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wayfarer Bicycles | | Strengths: | Geometry, Hayes hydraulics, marzochi bomber shock | | Weaknesses: | chain was causing slippage on the front derailleurs, tires are not bad | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 970 | | Bike Setup: | everything is stock, I had problems shifting with the front three chain rings, too clunky so I swapped out for a shimano chain which in turn made me get a new shimano xt rear cassette, which only cost me wholesale, shifts like a dream now | | Bottom Line: | I looked all over for a bike with good weight, good traction and geometry and a decent braking system. I am a low intermediate rider, 6ft, 175lbs. The bikes under a grand were good but still too heavy for climbing hills. I really like the way this bike climbs. It is like riding in a Porche compared to my old Giant atx 970 which to me was too heavy all around. Make sure you check out how this sugar3 disc shifts. Take it more than around the parking lot if you can. I like smooth shifting and as it was setup it was dissappointing after paying all that money. Works awesome now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollywood, FL
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Cycles | | Strengths: | Geometry, Stability, brakes! | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, tires | | Bike Setup: | Stock + LX crankset, and Panaracer XC tires | | Bottom Line: | First off my bike is the Sugar 3 with DISC brakes. Secondly I swapped the Velociraptor tires for Panaracer XC before I even took the bike, then after having problems with the chain dropping from the middle ring to the lower ring I contacted Fisher and they were very helpful guiding my bike shop to swap the cranks to an LX crank set. Now, I love this bike. I am not a light guy, 5'11 and 195 lbs so this bike takes a beating underneath me and it loves it. On my previous bike I had some Rockshok SID XC's I was considering swapping them for the Z3's before I sold my old bike. I am glad I didn't. If this is the mid level shock for Marzocci, I cannot wait to try an upper level one. These things are plush. The rear shock is a good example of simplicity working well. Where I ride is mostly rocky rooty terrain with steep ups and downs, not really climbs but just 20-50' of elevation changes in short distances and this bike puts the power to the ground nicely when you sit in the saddle. Come out of the saddle and it still tracks better than my Klein Hardtail ever did. There is no pedal induced bob, as a matter of fact, just standing on the bike it is hard to get it to flex much, but go over a bump, or down a drop and the rear shock just smooths it out. DISC brakes are great, a recent trip to the mountains of NC proved what a good investment they are. They controlled my big ass coming down mountains at close to 40mph without a problem. They are also great for the wet weather riding that we get a lot of in South Florida.
The Geometry of this bike really puts you in the correct "control" position spreadout with most of your weight right over the bottom bracket. You can climb, descend, turn and jump all without having to make big adjustments in your position. Even on steep downs it is very easy to get over the back tire. There have been many times that on any other bike I would have been over the bars but the Genisis geometry keeps you where you need to be.
The only thing I do not like is the fact that 3 months after I got this bike Fisher announced the Sugar PLUS, same bike but with 4" of travel in front and rear with the ability to take a bigger tire! And NO RETRO kit DAMN!!
If you are considering this bike, you cannot go wrong. If you are more towards jumping/freeriding compared to racing you should check out the SUGAR PLUS, coming to a dealer soon. If you are a racer, buy the PLUS and then call me and we can trade :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerville, MA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks | | Strengths: | Geometry, suspension, handeling | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck. Weak skewers - I managed to strip both of them. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but I have new skewers on order and the cranks are next to go. | | Bottom Line: | A wicked awesome bike for the money. I would buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | This bike is a downhill demon. It eats up whatever you throw in it's path. Light frame, excellent craftmanship. Nimble handling, good component combination. Not much loss of power in climbing thanks to the B-Link suspension. Genesis geometry rocks. | | Weaknesses: | I don't care for the 9 degree crowbar handlebar. That's about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Giant NRS 2; GT I-Drives. The Genesis Geometry and the component mix on the Fisher was perfrect for me. | | Bike Setup: | Stock; with the addtion of some profile design end-bars. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. If a Fisher fits you, you'll never go back to another geometry. This bike will take what you dish out and beg for more punishment. If you are looking for a good full suspension bike that for all around cross country and downhill, this is a great choice. Forget the Sugar 4- go with the 3. More value for the buck. This is my first FS bike and I couldn't be happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Montlake Cycles | | Strengths: | The Brakes, the suspension, the handling, and the fun meter. | | Weaknesses: | Incredibly poor Bontrager Comp Crankset
Fisher Tech Service is useless and unresponsive. Make sure
you buy from a good dealer. | | Similar Products Used: | Bridgestone MB1, Trek 990, Trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | Sugar3 disc - Hayes Discs, XT Crank, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | I have over 800 dirt miles on this bike. It climbs well, descends well. On level and uphill rooty and rocky trails you can just shift down, sit down, and power your way through like a tractor. The geometry gives it stability on fast descents, but the steering is still fairly quick.
I flipped the stem over and cut 3/4 in off each end of the bars to get a nice cross-country position.
The Bontrager Comp Crankset is the worst component that I have ever had on any bike. The granny sucked and the middle dropped the chain constantly. It is not a tuning issue. The 6061 alloy rings bend easily. The XT crank functions flawlessly.
A defective rear brake line failed after 3 weeks. It was quickly warrantied through my dealer. The discs are really come into their own when riding in mud and snow.
If you live in the woods you might want to add some zip-ties to your brake lines. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank
a Cross Country Rider
from santa maria, ca usa
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1289.00 | | Purchased At: | pedal power | | Strengths: | frame, fork, rear shock | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | giant and gary fisher level betty | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the shiznut i would recomend this bike to any person interested in the sport super high quality bike right here no better bike at the same price very high quality stock components great for racing and rec riding I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadel State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun Cycles | | Strengths: | Adjustable front and rear air shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Somwhat difficult to tune in derailers. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Although I have little to compare it to (it is the first mountain bike I have ever owned) I cannot complain. I was torn between this and a Paragon; friends had warned me away from dual suspension because of concerns over weight and pedal bob. I decided to go for the Sugar 3 anyway, and I love it. The adjustable rear shock allows for the elimination of pedal bob on the uphill and a smooth, responsive ride on the downhill. The front shock is also adjustable, which enables you to stiffen them up as your riding improves. I have had some small difficulty keeping the derailers in tune. Also, the lack of any sort of clear coat combined with a couple of wipe outs and brushy single track riding has destroyed the decals on the bike. The bike is definately worth the money, especially considering the price I paid for it ($400 less than the MSRP). Trying to decide between hard tail and full suspension? Just buy a Sugar 3 instead- they allow for the best of both worlds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil M
a Racer
from lehighton, pa
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Bottom Line: | heres another update yetagain,
if any of you guys can afford the sugar 3 disc, i say forget it and get the sugar 2 for 100 bucks cheaper it comes with a better chain, derailleurs, tires, wheels, crank, fork, rear shock, one of the best rear shocks there are, and if i had that one i could have controlled the rebound on a jump that i did that i could have broken half of my bones on, my back and sprung up so high and i did a flip while i was flipped in and kept going, but then i flipped sideways and forward and got unclipped and my bike flew and i was ok except my knee hurts alot and my ribs hurt a little, and i know u probably think i'm an idiot, but........
anyway, just get the sugar 2 if u can afford the sugar 3 disc, disc brakes really aren't as big of a difference as people say they are, and how often do u find your self in a situation where your brakes don't stop completely? its as tho people think disk brakes stop u from skidding, all they do is make u start skidding sooner | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Thurrott
a Cross Country Rider
from Malden, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tophet Loop - Great Brook Farm | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The suspension, the handling | | Weaknesses: | The riser bars | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Fisher Aquila hard tail | | Bike Setup: | bone stock with Time ATAC pedals (mine) | | Bottom Line: | I got a good solid (several miles) demo of this bike today at a NEMBA event. Took it on Heartbreak Ridge and the Tophet loop, it excelled at everything but I was particularly surprised at how well it climbed. The extra traction from the rear suspension really helped. No pedal induced bob whatsoever, but it really took the edge off the rocky rooty descents. I easily was riding a few MPH faster than normal because of that.
I could do without the disk brakes, and I'd lose the riser bars before buying the bike. Overall, a great package and a great value. A Sugar 3 or 4 is in my future... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cookie guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Still to see | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1330.00 | | Purchased At: | some crap store | | Strengths: | Its a good bike | | Weaknesses: | Its Misunderstood | | Bottom Line: | This is an update for all of those with drivetrain problems. Just try this. Take the front derailler and tail it out. Adjust it so the LX isnt running parallel to the chainrings. Make it so the rear is a bit, just a bit farther out than the front. I was talking to some other bikers and it partially solved my shifting problem. Also it helps to shift from say. '2 - 7' to '3 - 4' instead of '3 - 7'. While you shift up the front, shift down the back till you reach a similarly ratioed gear. Then roll up the rear as desired. Not only does this increase acceleration with little expense of energy, but it also helps the shifting. But if your really riding hard trails you want to stay out of the big ring to keep off the chainsuck, chain falling of, and normal cross over problems.
Just a tip to make a great bike even greater..ok..um to make a good bike great! keep on riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mountain Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The never ending single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dave's Bike Sport | | Strengths: | The frame design is amazing. The ride is truly as sweet as the bike's name indicates. Like many other riders who have written reviews, I'm 6'3" 210lbs. and this bike has more than enough room for me. If I ever feel the need to stretch out even more, I can just add a little longer stem. The suspension is perfect for my style of riding. I don't feel any bob on the climbs even when standing, and I have yet to bottom out on any fast rocky downhills. The disc brakes rule! I would have never thought it would make much difference going from XT V-brakes to Hayes disc. | | Weaknesses: | I hate to sound like a broken record if you are reading all the reviews but the cranks suck chain way to much. It was wrecking all my rides. After taking it back in 2-3 times I was able to strike a deal and have them changed out for a set of XT hollowtech. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried everything I could lay my hands on. I looked for over a year. There are several out there that ride close but the biggest factors for me after getting it down to just a few contenders was the layout(room) and the disc all for two grand. | | Bike Setup: | I'm riding it stock but with the new cranks. I figure I'll just wait untill I break things then change them out to my own preference. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! I only wish Fisher had used a better crank, although I'm sure it wouldn't have been as nice as the XT I now have, it would have made a bike without problems. If you are looking for a bike that can do it ALL then this is a great choice. It's not the lightest, or have the most suspension travel but it lets you ride everything without having serveral bikes. Back when I first started riding/racing, (about 15 years ago) people only had one bike, who would have thought someone would make a bike in todays age that could still do it all, and do it so well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NEIL M
a Racer
from LEHIGHTON
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay (new) | | Weaknesses: | CHAIN! | | Bottom Line: | this is an update from a few below this,
i was racing and my chain broke starting up!!i hardly pushed hard!
when u get this bike be sure to carry an extra good chain, they sell LX chains for 15bucks on pricepoint.com Xt-for 17, XTR for 21
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Canyon Sports | | Strengths: | The Marzocchi shocks and the Cane Creek system are great! I've done some really stupid things on this bike and thought, " O crap, this is gonna really hurt!" but the shocks saved me! I'm 6 ft & 210 lbs. and have come down very, very hard on mountain trails and the Cane Creek has saved my rear end, yet never bottomed out. We did a trip to Moab and the famous slick rock trail. Two or three times I figured I was toast. Going too fast, down too steep, sort of out of control, nothing but rocks and cactus to fly off into. But, low and behold, the Sugar simply, smoothly, and painlessly handled it. Totally amazing. | | Weaknesses: | Keep it tuned and the famous chain suck won't be a problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 90 | | Bike Setup: | Standard. I am trying a longer stem length because of my height and long arms. No opinion on that yet. | | Bottom Line: | Like everyone says, this bike is probably a better machine than you are a rider. It just might save your body from a whole lot of painfull, bloody damage because it handles so well in extreme conditions. Every time I think I'm gonna crash & burn, the bike pulls me thru. Buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Cookie Monster
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1330.00 | | Purchased At: | Something stupid like Sun&Ski. i dont remember | | Strengths: | Genisis is all its cracked up to be. If i ever get another bike i'll be afraid of how it rides without genisis. If you set pressures high enough, only a little less than what you weigh, then there wont be any pedal-induced-bob. The rear suspension does show what it can do on descents and on climbs, keeping the wheel on the ground. The front shock is simple and lively and a good match for the rear. My marzocchi is experiencing a little stiction. I was wondering if i could put 30 in one tube and zero in the rest. but im not going to try it. The drivetrain is quick and sharp in the first and second chainrings. shifting to the third is hasseling, needing me to shift below 5th in the rear before the front will catch. but then again, how often do i ride on the big ring on techinical trails? The seat is alright, but could be better for something that big. The bike is quick and stable at high speeds and climbs with amazing grace. Line picking is still a factor as the bike is really a hardtail that gives when it hits large bumps and tracks incredibally so dont try to plow through anything, though the bike will probably take it. the stiction in the marzocchi at 20 psi in each tube got to be enough to tire my forearms during longer rides. I reoiled the shock and lowered pressure to 17 and the problem is fixed. | | Weaknesses: | I, being a lighter rider, feel that it could use some lighter componentry. I could swap out the bars for Raceface Air Alloys and put on XT Hollowtech cranks and that will shave off quite a bit on the weight side. I'm sure a SID XC would help a bit too. But if your willing to spend that much why not just get a Sugar 2? Im 110 and i feel no significant impediment in my accelleration or climbing ability but im not exactally the fastest accelerator. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested : GT XCR-3000, GT i-Drive 3.0, Trek Fuel 90, Klein Mantra, Klein Mantra Comp, Trek 8500, Fisher Sugar 4, Cannondale Super V 800, Jamis Dakar Expert, Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock sugar 3 with TIME ATAC and Marzocchi z2 Sport | | Bottom Line: | This bike does it all. I think someone else already said that but ok. It climbs incredibly well and descends quickly, smoothly, and stably. Genisis isnt as good as what fisher makes to be. It wont make you fly. But you'll get close. The bike is good for bikers who plan on, or are, serious about the sport, or serious about the fun of the sport. But if racing is your forte then go for a sugar 2. Its a good bike and you cant go wrong with it. Ive never met an unhappy sugar owner. But thats just me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NEIL M
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehighton (next to JT)
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay (brand new) | | Strengths: | The Marzocchi kicks so much ass, and the cane creek Ad5 too, when u go up hill it feels like a hardtail, the shape of the frame, the seat after it was worn in, | | Weaknesses: | my chain has popped off twice and i've had the bike for about 1 month now, but i ride at least 3 hours a day. thats on this little canal trail near my house, i only go on the jim thorpe trails on weekends. tho the places my chain popped off was not going on bumps and shifting and going fast, it was going 2mph leaving from my driveway, shifting the front derailleur. from 2 to 3.. i heard its the crank and chain, i know the deraillers fine (LX) i will maybe try out my friends XT crank, and my other friends LX crank, and see the differences, i bet LX would be just as good, and u can get it for 60 bucks on Pricepoint.com so i'll pot another one once i try the other cranks and see if its actually those, and it its the same thing, i'll see another chain with the others | | Similar Products Used: | fisher rigid | | Bike Setup: | all stock (xt/lx parts) change crank?
i don't really wanna buy a bike after this unless my frame breaks, cuz the frame is pretty damn cool, i'll keep it for as long as it last and just upgrade parts instead of buying a new bike whenever | | Bottom Line: | the bike kicks ass, except whatevers wrong around the crank and front derailleur. the seat really hurts your ass the first time u ride, but after a while it gets worn in,
i don't think its that much worth the 1,400 that its supposed to be in stores- i got it new off ebay for 960 and was very lucky,
as for disc brakes - i think u can get them cheaper if u upgrade, maybe not the hayes hydrolic but XT disc are supposed to be good, and i think u save money if u buy those, but i don't know much about that, but if i ever need new brakes, i'll probably get discs, but i'll wait as long as these things last me. they work pretty well, even in mudd, and i mean alot of mudd. my entire bike was covered in it and so was i (my white t shirt looked black mostly, except for white speckles at the top)
overall, u should get the sugar, but if u live somewhere near delaware go to a bikeline shop there and buy it, that way there is no tax! (saves u a 100 bucks!) u could use that to buy another crank if u don't like the bonty! and if u get it from the bike line there i think u can get tune ups from any bike line shop!- thats what i would have done if i didn't get it off ebay, well anyway
this bike kicks ass
i like the review at the bottom of this page, read that one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill O'Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Venice, CA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bulldog | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo, Santa Monica | | Strengths: | The suspension is perfect. It doesn't bob and it isn't fussy. Once dialed in, I forgot it was there -- until I rode a friend's hardtail and realized what my suspension had been doing for me. The saddle took some break-in but is excellent. The shock blew a seal (or something) and Cane Creek sent me a new one without any hassles. And the blue- and-silver paint is a touch of adult class in a world of graphics aimed at teenagers. | | Weaknesses: | The front derailleur won't stay properly aligned. The rear derailleur occasionally makes its own decisions. Being an optimistic kind of guy, I expect to iron these problems out. | | Similar Products Used: | Eight or ten other full-suspension bikes in the $1100-2200 price range. | | Bike Setup: | Stock; considering front derailleur swap | | Bottom Line: | My idea of the ideal trail is a long climb up a fire road followed by a long descent down a not-too-technical singletrack. The Sugar excels in both catagories. Absolutely fantastic bicycle. My drivetrain issues are pretty minor, really. The suspension is a work of functional art. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a
from Clifton Park, NY
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Stables | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Down Tube | | Strengths: | The Suspension system set up on this bike is incredible. Both shocks are stiff yet supportive enough for my big frame. Point it in the right direction and you're riding like a pro. It makes me feel much more accomplished as a rider that I probobly am. The disc brakes from Hayes are sic!! If you're thinking about not getting them, do it...it's worth the extra $$. This bike climbs better than my old hardtail. Sometimes I totally forget I have a full suspension machine. It can take a beating beyond most bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Ok, since Trek now owns Fisher and Bontrager, my sugar is donned in some cheap componentry. The front skewer broke on the first ride...whoever designed the skewer was either high or unconscious at the time. The crank will do but it is obviously not the best choice for this ride. A bit of chainsuck from time to time proves to be aggrevating. You'll definitely want to upgrade the components. | | Similar Products Used: | I was torn between the Sugar 3 and the Fuel 90 disc. I'm glad I got the Sugar... | | Bike Setup: | Stock...for now! | | Bottom Line: | Buy the bike for the frame and suspension. Upgrade components later when you have the $$. You can't beat the technology on this bike. There is absolutely no-bob when climbing and down-hilling is a breeze.
It will make you a better rider... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown's Camp, OR | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1775.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles, Portland, OR | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, Shock setup | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck (chain getting sucked between frame & front sprocket, yes it's clean, yes it's lubed, no, I don't shift carfully), boring blue and grey color | | Similar Products Used: | Similar Cannondale, Specialized, Kona bikes | | Bike Setup: | Standard w/ mudguards | | Bottom Line: | I'm a tall guy, hated sitting up high and going over the handle bars. I LOVE THIS BIKE ! It handles like I'm hovering on air. The stiffness of the shocks lets you handle the bike amazingly well, while the suspension kicks in when obstacles/speed require it. I did some jumping/CRASHING with it, and it withstood all my impacts 'some of them would have broken a lot of the competion in half. No real damage on the bike besides some bent sprockets and bent front disc, which I was able to bend straight by myself in a few minutes.
TOUGH, SMOOTH, REACTIVE DOWNHILL MONSTER, EAGER TO CLIMB ANYTHING IN YOUR WAY. THANKS GARY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ziggy the Eskimo Bruu
a Cross Country Rider
from Sth Island, New Zealnd
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Queen Charlotte Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Specialty Sports | | Strengths: | Frame, geometry, looks, stiffness, quick handling,weight, Marzocchi Z3(cool shocks) all complement each other | | Weaknesses: | Crank and chain probs from day 1. Chain jumps from middle chainring in the lowest 3-4 gears to the smallest chainring. Not a derailer problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Barracuda (kiwi bike) Rocky mountain element race, Raleigh 20 (remember those) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but will change stem and crank etc. Stem change is just personal preference | | Bottom Line: | I rode this bike everyday for 3 weeks averaging 15-20 odd miles a day. Over all terrain. Climb's like a goat, brake pads wore out in 2 weeks, front hub got a little play in it, but apart from the previously mentioned crank problems, this bike is outstanding. I will consider upgrading to mechanical disc once the reviews/tests have come in, anyone considering buying one I would recommend it. You have to expect some bedding in of parts when brand new, but this is a solid performing bike. Of course if you can afford, get the disc model! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Dreisch
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Teresa Parks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | The Genesis fit and the stiffness of the rear suspension on hills. | | Weaknesses: | Chain skips ... requires ultra-precision shifting on the rider's part. | | Similar Products Used: | A rookie to MTBing overall but a couple hardtails and a Klein FS bike previously. | | Bike Setup: | Standard Sugar 2 setup ... learning before buying upgrades. Thinking real hard about upgrading to disks. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'4" and 220 and this is the first MTB I've really felt comfortable with. I ride on rocky trails where a fall can be serious, and I'm relatively new to MTBing, so the Genesis frame is perfect for me. It has helped me build my confidence to the point now that I feel like I'm a moderately-skilled MTBer. I'm working on getting better all the time, and I believe the Sugar will "stay with" me as I reach these levels. In other words, it's a bike that's good for newbies but not meant just for newbies. I can't tell you how much fun I've had on this thing over the past months!! Granted, I have no real basis for comparisions being new to the sport, but I've done enough rides in the past to be able to recognize a smooth, well-made MTB when I ride one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from South Bend IN
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lawless park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | feels great to ride great fork, the genesis geometry works great for guys over 6 ft like me. | | Weaknesses: | I have had problems with the cassette bending and have already broken a chain. the chain was warrantied | | Bike Setup: | all stock except new XT cassette | | Bottom Line: | I really like the bike it has a smooth ride and I don't notice any bob during climbs. I reccomend this to taller riders because genesis geometry seems to work well for us. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Swank
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Az USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | National South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | not worth mentioning | | Strengths: | efficient suspension, no bob, great fork | | Weaknesses: | crank, bb, chain | | Similar Products Used: | access alu | | Bike Setup: | factory except switched to a Shimano lx hollowtech crank and hollow bb | | Bottom Line: | incredible bike, I had an access frame with moxey seatpost before this bike and on first ride thought this bike rode firmer. Now that the fork and shock have loosened up a bit the ride is supreme. The fork is excellent, much stiffer than the manitou sx i had and the crank and bottombracket combo feel like your feet are hooked to the rear wheel. The traction going up a hill is unbelievable, even with the stock wtb tires, I can't imagine how good it would be with a good set of rubber. If you want a plush ride don't buy this bike, but if you want to go up the hills like a goat make the purchase | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roger ramjet
a Cross Country Rider
from roanoke va
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Eastcoasters | | Strengths: | This bike makes you look forward to long hard climbs.Gear ratios are spot on and shifts like a dream.Im 6ft1 and about 230lbs.The XL frame fits me perfectly and the seat is great.This test is on the sugar3 disc by the way,so ill comment that the disc's are so sweet that they draw flys.I flipped the controls over so that the front brake is on the right.Ive been racing motocross for 30 years so the disc is a welcome addition to this bike.For all of you people who complain about disc noise here is the short and sweet way to fix them.CONTACT CLEANER.Get some at the local motorcycle shop(Honda makes the best) spray on the disc and wipe down with a shop rag(spin it dummie)We have been doing this for years on mx bikes.Be sure to do this before you ride the first time as all disc have a shipping film on them and when it melts your pads soak it up and then you have squeeeeeeek!!!!! until you replace the pads.I love the z3 fork.To bad these guys cant make a motorcycle fork that dosnt suck.The shock is xlent.Overall suspension adjustments are super.This frame geometry kills every thing on the market. | | Weaknesses: | I dont like the stock bar bend but thats personal preference | | Similar Products Used: | HARO,CANNONDALE | | Bike Setup: | PROTAPER BARS CAUSE MY MX BUDDIES THINK THEY LOOK COOL AND O,YEA THEY WORK GREAT.SOME DIFFERENT GRIPS AND BAR ENDS.THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK WITH SHAMANO BEFORE I PICKED IT UP ON THERE OWN(CANT BEAT THAT) | | Bottom Line: | The guys at Eastcoasters in Roanoke are dialed in and I highly recomend them.Im glad I got my head out of my ass and got a bike with the quality that mx bikes have had for decades.I dont have time to build a bike from scratch and why would I because for the dollars I couldnt touch this . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kenny zegarek
a Weekend Warrior
from 27 auden ave melville ny 11747
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky point long island ny | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | jim bike | | Strengths: | bike is great. marzochi front forks are the best. very stiff. no bobing what so ever!!! realy good handling. best fx i have ever road. | | Weaknesses: | shifting and chain problems. my chain was popping off a lot. i met with a fisher rep at one of the trails i ride at. he told me that they where tring to have bontrager cranks work with shamano. it didn't work the are swopping cranks and i got an xt crank off of them. the bike runs mint now. the whole situation was worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | schwin rocket 88. doesnt compair!!!! | | Bike Setup: | xt front and rear derailer,xt crank, thompson stem, easton monkey lite bars, race face bottom bracket, | | Bottom Line: | best bike on the market!! if you don't mind weight get the disk brake model. i wish i did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sky
a Cross Country Rider
from Seneca Falls NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Letchworth state park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Geneva Bike Center | | Strengths: | Climbs and descends better than a hard tail. lightweight for f/s with disc brakes... I'm reviewing the Sugar 3 Disc... the lovely people at mtbr.com still haven't put in a category for the sugar 3 disc, (despite 3 requests from me) and I'm really itching to review this thing. The Hayes Brakes are excellent. the seat is comfy. I like the Mazocchi Fork.. freaking plush, and really stiff steering. Coupled with the genesis geometry this bike is quite unstoppable on technical terrain.
the velociraptor tires are true all terrain material. they take mud, roots, hardpack, and gravel as well as any one tire can.
The main thing is the ride. It climbs and descends like a rocket. it is confidence inspiring and seems durable (6 monthes and the pivots are still tight and the frame is creak free). I'm convinced that sugar is the best all around bike on the market. it was good value too. | | Weaknesses: | I think the bontrager hubs kinda suck. my rear one came loose pretty fast. the disc was rubbing because of this problem. the freehub is kinda gritty sounding now too.
the bike would probably ride a little better with a rear shock that had a negative air chamber. like a cane creek AD10-12. but the AD5 is nice... simplicity is often understated. | | Similar Products Used: | no FS bikes in my stable..
I rode a cannondale F400 with some upgrades for awhile. | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3 Disc-Hayes brakes, stock bontrager race disc wheels, Raceface turbine (I think) cranks/rings, Bontrager flat handlebar, Tomac Bar ends, XT bottom bracket, SRAM twist shifters , yellow Time ATAC alium pedals (SPD's suck in mud. ATAC's are unstoppable) | | Bottom Line: | Buy it. I'd recomend putting on different wheels. the stock hubs really do suck. Basically however this thing is an excellent value. it has an incredible feel to it. It's kind of like a sports car like ride, stiff but not too stiff. it gets better traction and is more comfortable than a hardtail in all conditions. It's not plush, but it is fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Hwang
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever goes fast | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1330.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Boat or something lyk that | | Strengths: | Weight is exceptional for a FS rig around 1400 dollars. Cane Creek rear is great. Rebound fast but it helps launch u in jumps, but doesnt launch you on the logs. THERE IS NO BOB. no, bob doesnt live in this bike. I cant feel or see any bob. but dont try to look when ur goin down or commin up. NOT SAFE, TREES HURT. The tires are alright until they wear out. the rear velociraptor has a pretty low resistance, and incredible grip. they've slipped once. in a 16" brick wall. No i dont ride urban, i was at McDonnalds and i was stashing my bike in the bushes. hehehe. Genisis is all its cracked up to be, i dont think i'll own anything but a fisher ever again. The odd thing is its a XC bike w/ a short stem, but wide HB's and risers.. nonono im getting some new eastons b4 the next race. I have a Z2 but its just a Z3 - ~.5 lbs. Its nice. it took 100 miles to break in, but after that it was sweet, and plush. My bike needed no matinence after 6 months. I broke the chain, but thats because imma violent rider.. VERY AGRESSIVE. | | Weaknesses: | The odd thing is its a XC bike w/ a short stem, but wide HB's and risers.. nonono im getting some new eastons b4 the next race. | | Similar Products Used: | tested my friends dakar, sucks donkey jizz | | Bike Setup: | Stock, hoping for a Easton flat, maybe a RaceFace. Z2 Atom Sport. Maybe a Selle Italia Gel,but only for lookz. | | Bottom Line: | Incredible ride. Smooth, with rear sus that acts only when its needed. Incredibally lively ride. its not one of those smush it all rides. Its a HT everywhere but the downs. saves mens ..yea.. This bike has all you need. If your thinkin of getting a Sugar 3 disk, get the Sugar 2. Oh! also 1 fear I had about gettin a FS w/ only 2.5 inches is that it wouldnt b enough. but i have never bottomed it out. I weigh 105 and i had it at 45 psi. now its at 110 cause i race but still.. no bob at nething above 60
Peace Out yall | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pawel Szafruga
a Racer
from Pullman, WA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Skookum Flats | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | B&L Bicycles | | Strengths: | The Suspension- it works perfectly, no bobbing on climbs, and makes the ride much more stable on the downhills. Also lets you pedal in the saddle longer, which means you fatigue slower.
Marzocchi Fork- I love this fork, it is very stiff, and absorbs everything. Travel is super smooth.
Bontrager components, they do what they are supposed to do, work. | | Weaknesses: | Mostly I have problems with the shifting going out of tune, this may not be a problem for everyone cause I traded the LX rapidfire shifters for some SRAM Rocket shifters. They make the shifting much faster, but after a long ride everything is outta whack. Also the original pedals were weird cause one foot was never solidly in, there was always some play. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike I've used. Before I rode a Fisher hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a couple modifications: Time Pedals, SRAM Rocket shifters, SRAM 9.0 brake levers, Bontrager FS+10 saddle, Bontrager Race flatbar. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome, the way it rides in itself is worth more then the price tag. Genesis geometry is a big plus. On the uphills the bike is better then another FS, and is as good any hardtail, cause sitting or standing, the rear suspension doesn't move. On the downhills this bike flies and is super stable. The suspension is great, it sucks up everything and the frame has no side to side slop.
Nearly all the components on this bike rock, they all work perfectly for what the bike is designed for. I swapped the riserbar out for a flatbar, but that's just preference. The only things I can complain about are
1. The original pedals, but that's fixed.
2. The shifting. I'm running Rocket gripshiftes on my bike, so this may not be a problem if you stick with the rapidfires(and it may not even be a problem if you get gripshift), but it seems that everytime I take a long ride, or get into some mud, the shifting performance seems to fall apart rather quickly. While the shifting works, it's super smooth and super fast.
So all in all I would definitely recommend this bike. Other the a couple small issues the bike rocks. You can replace components, but the frame should be the last thing you replace. And that's the best part, cause I will never find a reason to replace the frame. Five Flamin' chilies cause it's the best bike I have ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod the Butcher
a Racer
from Ames, IA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeworld, Ames | | Strengths: | This bike is very quick, solid, and well appointed(for $1000), but I paid $1400. Either way I'm very happy with what I got. I bought the large and it's the perfect fit for me: 6'0, 200 lbs. It's long wheelbase injects confidence into the rider, especially a beginner like myself. Z3 shock offers great stiffness on rocks and drops, while the Cane Creek rear shock never lets a root paddle my arse. The raptors suck on pavement, but work quite well in mud. Paint job is beautiful, but looks even better coated in mud. | | Weaknesses: | Problems shifting on the crank right away. Not sure if it's the Bonty crank(every review rips on it) or other. Go straight to Sugar 3 disc if you like the mud. The seat really chafed my arse. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode Fisher Paragon, Cannondale and Specialized full suspension bikes, even looked at engagement rings for my lady.
---Sorry baby, the Sugar was just a little sweeter. | | Bike Setup: | All stock so far. I see Mavic 517 wheels in the near future. I'm trying to break the bonty crank so I can justify an upgrade to Raceface Turbine LP, won't take me long. | | Bottom Line: | I put about 18 miles on it the first day I got it and jizzed all over myself in the process. The bike is fecking awesome. It yearns for a beating, and takes everything I throw at it with a very cocky stance--did I mention I love this bike? I'll report back from beating to beating. I'd really like to hear what upgrades have worked well for this bike and other like it....if you can consider anything close to it. For those of you with your panties in a bunch over which bike to buy, just SIMMA DOWN NOW. Get the Sugar. It will do the dishes, mow the lawn, and even pick your dirty underwear up off the floor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 1529.99
