Submitted by
jratcliff
a Weekend Warrior
from Amarillo, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2010
Strengths: A beast - this bike is tough and rides like a bull with a air shock saddle. I have too say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this machine after replacing the stock components. Frame is tough - Gary Fisher makes a superior product.
Weaknesses: Stock components are junk - they lasted 6 months before I was nursing pieces back to usability. The frame is on the heavier side...but strong. The absorption and recoil are just what a FS bike should have...
Bottom Line:
Great bike - 4 Chilis for the value of a solid frame that has lasted for years and more to come. 4 Chilis on the overall - stock components could have been stronger and lasted longer...
I would recommend - across the board for Beginners / Intermediate riders - the frame is almost identical to Fisher's top end bikes for the this era of mtn. bikes and several years to come. This frame also came back several years ago - that says something about this geometry and it's overall effectiveness. The right components make this bike race worthy...
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduro / TREK Fuel
Bike Setup: Model: Sugar 4
Color: Chad Silver and Red
Size: LG
Frame: Platinum Series 6061 T6 double butted aluminum | Genesis
Geometry: Blink swingarm | 6061 T6 aluminum
Fork: Marzocchi Z.5 Air | 80mm travel
Rear Shock: Cane Creek AD5 2.5" travel
Headset: Chris King Nothreadset (NEW)
Bottom Bracket: GXP External BB System (NEW)
Crank: Truvativ Noir 3.3 Team Carbon Crankset (NEW)
Pedals: clipless (red)
Front Derailleur: SRAM X-9 (NEW)
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X-0 Carbon (NEW)
Shifters: SRAM X-0 Carbon (NEW)
Cassette: SRAM PG-990 (NEW)
Chain: SRAM PC-991 (NEW)
Front Hub / Front Rim / Front Spokes: Mavic XC-717 / Shimano XT / 32 Hole (NEW)
Rear Hub / Rear Rim / Rear Spokes: Mavic XC-717 / Shimano XT / 32 Hole (NEW)
Front Tire: WTB VelociRaptor | 2.1
Rear Tire: WTB VelociRaptor | 1.95
Front Brake: Avid Single Digit 7 | linear pull (NEW)
Rear Brake: Avid Single Digit 7 | linear pull (NEW)
Brake Levers: Avid Single Digit 7 (NEW)
Handlebars: Kore Elite (NEW)
Stem: Thompson Elite X4 (NEW)
Grips: Lizard Skin
Saddle: Selle San Marco – Gary Fisher RACE (NEW)
Seatpost: Bontrager Comp.
Other: Forte City Street 1.5 Tires (2) (NEW)
Other: Topeak Wedge Saddle Bag
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Colleye
a Weekend Warrior
from Nieuwegein
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2005
Strengths: the suspension, it is a very comfortable bike, thanks to Marzocchi and Cane Creek. They also add to the excellent grip this bike has.
Weaknesses: frame weakness, especially the rear end is too soft. When pushed the pedals hard you feel the rear end bending enand twisting
Bottom Line:
For this price a good deal. Bike made me enthousiast, so i go out there 4 times more in the woods of The Netherland and hills of Belgium than I did in the years before. As i become a stronger biker the bike seems to get weaker, so it is a good starter-bike.
Similar Products Used: Giant Super Sierra (excellent steel frame) and KTM
Bike Setup: Magura HS 33 classic hydraulic rimbrake, LX 2005 crankset and XT 2004 rear derailleur
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Christpher Kaufmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004
Strengths: Full-suspension, lightweight frame.
Weaknesses: Front-derailleur chain suck
Bottom Line:
This is my first full-suspension bicycle. The chain suck occurs whenever in the small ring, the chain will get stuck in between the frame and actually stays on the crank. The chain clearance is so close in either the 2.8" or 4.1" settings that if you're climbing a technical climb at all, it will get sucked into the frame.
Strengths: fast, no bobing from rear shock on climes and doesnt soke up all the power. rear shock works when its saposed to,
Weaknesses: it came stock prety week in components. i road it stock for a month and started to change out parts.
Bottom Line:
this bike was a little week from the begining, but has an awsome frame. the ZR9000 double butted frame is super lite and strong. i put a pretty big dent in the rear seat stay, and if i had had one with the carbon stay i wouldnt have a bike left. for the cost at $900 the bike was pretty sweet stock. with all of the upgrades i have made this bike is super lite. i would recomend the bike to anyone that wants that custom bike that wants to make the changes themselvs. it is reliable and i can go out for long rides and not worry about my equipment braking down.
Similar Products Used: this is the first full suspention i have riddin with no bob from the rear shock. nothing comes close.
Bike Setup: Shimano LX, XT drive train, XTR brake levers, Avid arch rival v brake bontrager race and race lite parts (wheels race lite)rock shox sid fork
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Submitted by
Sam Dubi
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003
Strengths: This bike has the fisher hardtail feel but with the comfort of rear suspension.
Weaknesses: Rear tyre clearence, not much for riding in mud,
Bottom Line:
The sugar 4 was hanging at the bike shop for over a year, I got it at a good price. Having used Fisher hard tails for a long time, riding the sugar was like coming home. Initially the cockpit of the M sized suger felt a bit long compared to my s sized X caliber but now that i am used to it feels even better. There was nothing wrong with the Lightspeed, just did not have the fisher feel. I often ride with the clip off especially in tight technical tracks, my foot would hit the tires on the lightspeed, but not the sugar, the gap between the pedal and tires are that much wider. The low top tube of the suger is also usefull when stopping midway on a downhill, and makes starting again easier. The basic bike felt a bit heavy but after some changes is almost the perfect bike. The rear clearence does not make this bike suitable for muddy riding, frequent stops neccesary to clear the mud. Otherwise this bike make for a comfortable ride for xc riding. For those Fisher hardtailers this is the fs bike for u.
Strengths: This bike is an excellent climber right out of the box. Could be a little lighter from the start, but there is plenty of room for upgrades. I have modified mine with many XT components and could not be happier with performance. Also switched to a 9-speed cassette instead of stock 8-speed. Overall: good climber, smooth on handling and worth the cost for a good full-suspension.
Weaknesses: Could be a little lighter, a bit different at first with the geometry of the frame but easy to get used to.
Favorite Trail: Fossil Flats Trail, Devil's Den State Park
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At: Estes Park Cycle Shop, Estes Park CO
Similar Products Used: Sugar 1
Bike Setup: Good feel and decent stock component selection
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville,SC, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002
Strengths: The suspension design is great for me! I'm 6'2" and 175, and my LBS has this bike set up just right! LX components are a great value and durable for the trailriding I do.
Weaknesses: The brakes were not adequate, so I swapped them out for a set of Avids, the old WTB seat killed, so I went for a WTB speed V
Bottom Line:
Love the bike. Will swap out some parts for better when they break. This bike is great for the trailriding that I do (No 3 ft drops or other need for a freeriding bike). It handles great on tight switchbacks and fast downhills as well as being a great climber. If you want the lightest racing bike, it's not for you! If you want to do huge drops, it's not for you. But if you want a great value in a trailriding bike, this is the one for you! 5 chili's for value, 4 chilis because of some of the part selection.
Bike Setup: 2000 model with Judy XC, LX derailleurs, icon crankset, Avid SD-7 brakes & levers, bonty superstock wheelset, WTB V-raptors
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002
Strengths: The Genesis Geometry really works for. I'm a tad over 6' and have long arms so the streched out top feels great.
Weaknesses: Some of the stock components on the Sugar 4 are junk and must be upgraded immediately. First on the list were the Icon crank (dropped chains), cassette (like a brick!), seat post (lead pipe) WTB seat (ouch!), Judy XC fork (bob, bob). After that you've got a nice light fast bike.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike as my first real mountain bike. Mine started as a 2000 model. Not knowing much about bikes at the time I quickly found out that the stock components were not top notch. After riding and learning more I've replaced most of the components. I actually broke (a known defect they tell me) my 2000 frame and it was replaced with a USA made 2001 frame which has disc brake mounts which was a nice bonus. The biggest change you can make is with the crank, they stock crank was awful.
The bike rides very nice and is very comfortable for long ride. Make sure you keep the shock pressure about 2/3's to 1/2 your weight, which is not what Cane Creek says in the manual.
Bike Setup: '01 Frame (Stock LX derailuers), Superstock Wheels, Marzochi Z2 Atom 80, Thompson Post, Cane Creek AD5, Avid Arch Rival/Speed Dial 7 brakes, Truvativ Stylo Team Crank, Truvativ splined BB, SRAM 9.0 cassette, WTB Velociraptors (2.1 front and rear), Titec flat tracker bar.
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Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, TX
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Bottom Line:
This an update from my review of a few months back. Have ridden a total of about 500 miles+. Since then I've bent the stock chain and the botton bracket is on its last legs. Replaced the chain with another Shimano 8 speed Xt grade unit. Am replacing the stock BB with a Shimano XT. Already replaced the stock Alivio cranks with a Truvativ crankset which are much stiffer. Made a big differenece for the better, especially since the chainrings are so much smoother shifting as they are much higher quality. Just ordered new wheels/hubs, tires, and Avid 7 brakes/levers. Stock equip has been no problem, but the brakes are a bit lacking and the wheels/tires are pretty heavy. More comments when I'm through building. 9 speed upgrade on hold for awhile as I find the stock 8 speed setup adequate. Probably will wait for parts to wear out. Easily recommend this bike to anyone who rides XC and wants a really good dual suspension bike. It climbs well and has enough suspension to work well most everywhere.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Bomber (80mm) on front. Cane creek rear shock (ad-5) Deore parts
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Geno Pozniakoff
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002
Strengths: Genesis Geometry: Makes climbing easier, Desend with confidence. Marzocchi fork: Simple Quality, Rugged, Ease of use. Cane Creek AD5: Easy to use, Strong, Light. This bike set up as it is will instill the rider with much more confidence and allow you to become a better Mtn Biker.
Weaknesses: Poor selection of stock componentry. Come on Gary, Step up and put the good stuff on this bike and we will follow you to the ends of the trail. I changed out all of the Bontrager crap to Shimano XT, especially the crap crank!
Bottom Line:
I paid $800 bucks just to get the frame and suspension. Changed out the Bontrager crap with a LBS credit towards all the Shimano gear. Total cost $1100. For this price I got the best bike on the planet. Climbs like a bandit and desends like a racer. Set up of the suspension and proper measurment from your LBS are a bonus that you should not miss. I feel like I got a Sugar 3 with all the upgrades at $400 less. This is the best bike that I have ever owned at a price that makes my buddies weep!
Similar Products Used: FS: Giant NRS1, Klein Adept Comp, Schwinn Rocket 88. HT: Trek 4500 with upgrades, Specialized Rockhopper.
Bike Setup: Shimano XT BB, Crank, & Rear Derailuer. Sun CR17A Wheels with Shimano Deore hubs. Panaracer Fire X Pro Tires. Serfas Pro. RX saddle. Deore shifters with XT 9 speed cassette.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jeffery Hall
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Strengths: Excellent frame, smart geometry, subtle yet attractive graphics, Fisher guarantee. Cane Creek shock easy to use and smooth. This is technically a 2000 Sugar 4: silver with red/black graphics. Genesis geometry really feels better. Thanks Gary.
Weaknesses: WTB Velociraptors not the best tires, Judy XC fork is mediocre, terrible stock stem and seat, platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
For this price, best deal in XC performance. Upgrade as necessary or when stuff brakes. Feels better climbing than Heckler for XC, yet easier on body than Big Sur. Entry-level FS race rig is fun! The smile is back on my face. Sorry Santa Cruz, but I sold my Heckler and bought this for 1/2 the price and am enjoying mountain biking again. My road bike is now gathering dust, which seems like the way it should be. See you at Sea Otter! 5 flamin' chili's for value an 4 for overall b/c some components sucked [WTB saddles SUCK!] But at this price, you can upgrade and still have a phat XC bike at under a grand!
Similar Products Used: Owned Gary Fisher Big Sur ['98], Santa Cruz Heckler X ['00].
Bike Setup: Raceface System stem, Sella Italia MAX saddle, Icon clipless pedals, otherwise is stock. Lizard Skins wraps of course.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
FAB 5 Chromer
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2002
Strengths: Very well built, can handle a tall/big/heavy rider; room to upgrade--to be equal/better than Sugar 1
Weaknesses: I'm a novice at parts, etc. so not too reliable of an opinion. No prob's as of now!
Bottom Line:
Hands down the best bike for your buck, here's why. I'm very conservative when it comes to spending money, so trust me— I've done my research. I go 6'1" and 225, so my size alone is rough on bikes. I got into biking about 3 years ago, and was riding an old Trek ST120, a.k.a. the tank! So when it came time for a new bike, I wanted something that could handle the wear and tear that I put on bikes. I demo'd the Trek Fuel series and a Cannondale Jeckyll, (I didn't demo a Sugar because I've put about 40 miles on my uncle's 2000 sugar 4). I called Trek retailers and had them tell my why Trek is better than Cannondale, and Sugars, and vise versa with the other dealers. I also called retailers that didn't sell either of the three and asked them the good/bad about the three bikes! The Sugar 4: I found out that Gary Fisher does in fact design his bikes for a taller/bigger rider. That Genesis geometry is amazing. The control this bike gives you on up or down hill riding is something you won't believe until you ride it for your self. Fisher is a good, quality name that's been around for a while— history has proven his bikes. I do nothing but cross-country riding and on my descents, I hammer front and rear suspension. The suspension on this bike, while mid level, is exactly what I needed. Heck, the front suspension is designed after and made by a company that makes suspension for moto-cross bikes— It'll take whatever you throw at it. Also, this bike was designed with room to upgrade, as you need it. You can upgrade it to the same components as a Sugar 1 and yet still have spent less money than just buying the Sugar 1. Some people say that it is a bit on the heavy side— who cares!! Hey, if I was concerned about weight, I'd lose 5 pounds off my @ss! Bottom line: if you wear the same size clothes as your wife, and share her razors, this bike is not for you! Stay out of my way. Ride hard and long live the Chromers.
Favorite Trail: Why tell, I love it because no traffic!
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$930.00
Purchased At: Fisher's Cyclery
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel's; Cannondale Jeckyle
Bike Setup: Stock--will upgrade as needed.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, TX
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Strengths: Plush suspension Climbs well Great XC geometry
Weaknesses: Drivetrain components not the best (but for the money are good) Nervous front end at speed on fast downhills Not 9 speed
Bottom Line:
I demoed the GT and the Trek above. I did not like the way the Trek handled. It was way too nervous for me. Also read the reviews here that talked about frame breakage due to thin tubing. The GT was heavy, had poor suspension, and did not climb that well. I think it's better as a rugged playbike than a real trail machine. The i-Drive wasn't for me and I was afraid of possible warranty issues.
I moved from a heavy Raleigh M80 CroMo hardtail to this light dually. It works perfectly for me. Lots easier on my 40+ year old body. Wish I made the switch sooner. Anyone wanting a dually but is used to a hardtail will like this bike alot. Not for freeriders or DH. I'm faster in the rough stuff and am less tired at the end of the day than on the hardtail.
In spite of the inexpensive Deore/Alivio/SRAM drivetrain, the shifting is actually much better than I expected. I very much like the handling on tight trails. The Cane Creek shock and Zoke Z5 fork work extremely well. Tires are marginal but I'll get rid of them soon. Got a great deal on the bike and don't regret it. Value for the buck is top notch. I'd rather have the Sugar 1 of course, but for the money this bike is an excellent buy.
Bike Setup: Stock with Serfas seat; plan to upgrade shifters/cassette/deraillers/chain in the near future to 9 speed
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Submitted by
Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Montara, CA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Strengths: The geometry is amazing. Solid but fluid control on downhills, very little bob when mashing on an uphill. I understand now why every new bike for 2002 looks like a Sugar.
Weaknesses: Initial gear. Day one, I took the seat from my hardtail, and bought new brake levers, shifters, and pedals.
Bottom Line:
Wow. I'd been looking to buy a new bike, and thought I'd narrowed it down to either a Santa Cruz, Sugar, or wait to try the Fuel when I won the Sugar from my company. I knew that the components would be inadequate, but for less than $120 I had everything I needed in place. I've been abusing the bike ever since, going on long, hard rides all over the area from Montara mountain down to Santa Cruz. This bike handles every type of riding, and the geometry ensures that you're in control at all times. Whether it's jamming on an uphill or controlled slides downhill or heavy roots and pits on the ground, this bike gives you courage. Unless you intend to ride on the NORBA circuit, this bike will take you where you want to go. Buy a Sugar, put the right parts on it, and you'll never feel bike envy again.
I have a buddy that just bought a 2001 Gary Fisher Sugar 4. He needs to replace his rear shock (AD5) to a Cloud 9 but he is having trouble locating the exact size of his so he can Read More »
