Submitted by
michelle
a Racer
from oregon USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anyhting with lots of hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
coach
Strengths:
climbs better than any mountian bike hardtial or not that I have ever riden. extremely light, and durable. works like a charm.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
specialty mountian bikes
Bottom Line:
I have won every race I have ridden on my Gary Fisher Ziggurat
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crimson
a
from Tempe Az Usa Date Reviewed: October 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
Same frame as the team model in 99' Great frame that will last a long time and has. Very well equiped when purchased.
Weaknesses:
Stock fork internals broke very quicky twice. Hard to get a replacemnt frame on warranty if you can't crack it.
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
04 fox 100 rlt, Chris King headset & iso hubs, Mavic 823 tubeless, Avid Juicy 7's 185mm f and r (with a2z sandwich adapter), 04 Xtr 960 cranks, Thomson x4 stem and seatpost, Race Face Diabolous bars, Brooklyn Machine Work Pedals & Shimano 959's
Bottom Line:
One of the best frames GF ever made. I have replaced every part over the six years I have had this bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Micce Andersson
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Änggårdsbergen
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
It takes me from A to B with the greatest pleasure possible! Especially in the deep forests of Western Sweden.
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Morraine
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Johnny Sproket - Chicago
Strengths:
Genesis frame, lightweight, climbs like its on tracks,
Weaknesses:
Why good ol' Gary put LX cranks on this bike is beyond me. Same complaint of the overkill on the sticker... We know who made it; RE 1 pedals; semi slick tires.
Similar Products Used:
TREK 8000; TREK 6000
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano 858 pedals, Mavic Crossmax Hubset with ONZA tires and Bontrager Race Light cranks.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this is one of the best hard tails out there for the money. The frame is very controllable through tight single track and the cockpit is comfortable both when I am racing and when I am putzing around on the trails. They stopped making the Zig' in 1999, but if you are looking for a sweet hardtail, even now, with a great setup.... look for a Ziggarat. You won't be sorry. I will continually upgrade mine rather than purchase a new hardtail. One word of advice... I never thought buying 900.00 rims would make a differnce. I was wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Platte River
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Deluxe
Strengths:
Light, great wheels, geometry fits me great, you can really tell it on climbs
Weaknesses:
Swap pedals for Times, SL fork is to much for me
Bike Setup:
Stock except for pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike and will stay strong for a long time. I've raced mine for two years now and it is still going strong. It is a really light bike with a great frame. I love the geometry of sitting on top of the back wheel more. It works great when your climbing if you stay seated.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cam
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt. Airy NC USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
hobby park winston-salem NC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Paceline
Strengths:
very good bike on long climbs very light best bike for a roling up and down trail
Weaknesses:
none best hard tail you can buy for the money
Bike Setup:
crossmax wheel set XT crank set
Bottom Line:
this was the second hard tail i owned and i climbed so much better than the first one because of the gensis geometry and it weighed about 3 pounds less than my other bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall Alford
a
from Russellville, AR USA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Chainwheel, Little Rock, AR
Strengths:
Frame, Factory good stuff.
Weaknesses:
None, so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek y-5,
Bike Setup:
Stock, with bontrager race wheels
Bottom Line:
Love it! Especially since I got such a deal from the guys a chainwheel. Handles beautifully! Still getting use to it. Judy XC's seem a little soft, will probably upgrade in the future, along with the cranks and front derailer. Still trying to find the right position to climb the steep stuff, not having trouble though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington, Wv Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
lost trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
value, weight, overall great deal.
Weaknesses:
cranks, and tires.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except, time carbon pedals, and Bont. Race light cranks.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, this bike kicks butt. You get a great bike for your money. I have had the bike for about 6 months now, and i love it. It climbs like a goat. The geometery is awsome. The tires do suck if you ride in mud or wet conditions. But you can change that. The other bad thing are the lx cranks. I bent mine and then replaced them with Bont. race light cranks, and you can tell.
the wheel set is pretty kick butt. I have had a little problem with the freehub body on the rear wheel. It was making a noise that sound as if the bearings were screaming at me. It took it to my dealer, and they sent a new freehub body and now everything is fine. I have not had to true the wheel at all yet, and i am kind fo rough on them so..
if you are looking for a bike at the 1200.00 range, i would look for this bike. They do not make it in 2000, but you might be able to find a deal on it somewhere. great bike for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Wayne Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Technical
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strudy, Fast, Light, Control, Feel.
Weaknesses:
Racing stance can get tiring on long trips. Front suspension is almost too plush.
Bike Setup:
I highly recommend a chainstay guard.
Bottom Line:
This is the first mt. bike I owned and now I love the sport. I'm out almost every weekend and the bike has been flawless after 6+ mo. I'm a heavy rider (220 lbs) and tend to ride hard, and there has been nothing that couldn't be fixed with an Allen wrench so far. The control and speed I get with this bike makes it feel so natural to ride. The stance is set more forward relative to “recreational” bikes, but the payoff there is in speed and control. The thin lightweight seat is a bit hard, but that could be my 220 lbs at work. All in all it’s very hard to find any reason not to give this bike anything other than the well-deserved 5 chilies!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT Dowd
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any technical ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike rules, it rips it up hill and flies on the downhill, also excellent for trials
Weaknesses:
bontrager pedals, flat bar and wtb grips and read tire. broke two sets of RE-1's. and rear tire just spins
Similar Products Used:
specialized stumpjumpper a1
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Crow bar, oury grips, set up for aggressive xc and some trials
Bottom Line:
This bike is excellent, it climbs well, decends well, and it hauls on the flats, except for the rear casset isn't geared low enough for real high speed. I ride trials as well as xc, so a quick change of pedals wheels and chain and i'm trials'n. It is an excelent bike for trials, it is really stable, and the front end seems to float over obstcals, making picknick tables and park benches a snap. The bike is relitively light wight, (around 23 pounds for a medium), and it is fun to ride. i would suggest it to almost any one except a down hill purist. five stars here!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Martinez
a
from Koloa, HI Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sleeping Giant
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
A beauty with some excellent curves in all the right angles. As a beginning stock trials rider I can appreciate the short chainstays and long top-tube. Double plus is that with the genesis geo. the front end of the bike feels increasingly unweighted, especially with the advent of a riser bar. Handling is very quick and precise, climbs like your mother in heels. Bottom bracket gives plenty of clearence for technical riding and like I mentioned before the front end is so unweighted in makes wheelies easy and log-crossing a snap. With those short chain stays the rear wheel is very easy to negotiate around obstacles, I feel like I never have to guess when and where, and how the wheel will come in contact with obstacles (dab smab!)
Weaknesses:
Going from a conventional geometry frame to the Genesis leaves a bit of a learning curve. I'm used to it now and I love it but at first I wasn't so sure. I've found I need to put more faith in my front tire and shift my weight forward in corners to get the bike to track better. Also I've found that the front end wants to wander at bit on real steep climbs but then again my cockpit set-up isn't set up for that kind of riding anyhow. Oh and that was the ugly assed sticker job I've ever seen and the color of the frame had to go(getto polished now)
Trialsin, 85mm stem, Raceface Low rizer, 170mm suntour xcpro cranks w/ bash ring & race face rings, Z2 A-Bomb 75mm up front.
Bottom Line:
Ok so this is less about the complete bike and more about the frame but thats how I got the damn thing in the first place. My intial project was a Dagger Elite but UPS danced on it with a fork-lift. So I needed a bike fast and I'm an employee of a bike shop here on the island so there it was hanging on the wall. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't a thousand dollar handbuilt job, but it was gonna have to do. And am I happy with it? Honestly, my first intention of buying the Fisher was a stand-by till I could get another Dagger but now I have no intention of doing so. After feeling her out I'm so impressed with it's handling she's her to stay. any questions?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Wyoming Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything jagged
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Color scheme, geometry asks to climb.
Weaknesses:
Too many decals. We know it's a Fisher, don't need the logo on every tube using substandard stickers.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000, GT Avalance
Bike Setup:
Upped to Time ATAC pedals, Rock Shock SID XC, Serfas Performance saddle.
Bottom Line:
A wonderful hardtail that you can upgrade without ever passing the limitations of the frame,it's the same as the Paragon, Supercaliber, Mt Tam, etc. I hope to ride this for 2-3 years and up to a dual suspension Fisher, whatever is happens to be at the time. The geometry, though transparant to you most of the ride, does shine on climbs. I'm very happy, but will ding one chili for the decals and lame bar ends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff sanders
a Cross Country Rider
from mooresville,nc,usa Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
catawba riverfront
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
best rigid alum. frame on market. nice wheels, stay true.
Weaknesses:
alum. has weak tensile strength. broke RE-1 pedals. pulling spokes out of rear drive side. replaced w/ softer metal, doesn't stay as true as well. judy cartridges.
Similar Products Used:
other aluminum hardtails
Bike Setup:
00' judy race, 63mm. 747 pedals. michelins. rest stock. next upgrade, full xtr 'stead of just rear der.
Bottom Line:
for a great atv bicycle, this is it. absolute best alum. frame on market, that will last a lifetime. trek puts out a good stong alum., but it has a tendency to crack. hopefully not the frame though. i have ridden other alum. htails and they have beaten me up. this smooths things out, but still has that instant acceleration and climbing ability. i am considering a susp. post though. blew the cartridge in my judy sl within 3 months of riding. 175 lbs. they did make amends and i am now the proud owner of a 00' judy race. it works so well, you don't realize it is there. getting slicks for training miles. if your on the road w/ slicks, what's the difference than a road bike. 5 lbs. or so. like that is going to hurt you to get a little more exercise. rocks on the trail and i'm sure on the road as well. the bike has some of the best colors and graphics. it looks so good everyone else followed suit. red frame, w/ black top and down tube accents.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOHN STIMBROSE
a Cross Country Rider
from JACKSON, WY USA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
BLACK CANYON
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
LIGHT, FAST, GREAT CLIMBER, GOOD ACCELERATION
Weaknesses:
FORK, CRANK
Similar Products Used:
G.F. BIG SUR, KONA HOO KOO E KOO
Bike Setup:
STOCK EXCEPT FOR A CHANGE OF REAR TIRE FROM SEMI-SLICK TO KNOBBY FOR WY TERRAIN
Bottom Line:
BASICALLY A GREAT BIKE. THIS THING REALLY FLIES: UP, DOWN SIDEWAYS (LIKE I WAS ON OCCASION). REALLY CLIMBS WELL; ONE CAN FEEL THE GREAT ACCELERATION THIS BIKE HAS ON THE HILLS. YET, I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE THOSE BONT CRANKS INSTEAD OF THE LX'S ON THE BIKE. WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN QUICKER. GENESIS WORKS WELL, YET A LITTLE HARD TO MANUEVER IN TIGHT SINGLETRACK. WHEELS, CHASSIS, STEM, SEATPOST, BAR ARE ALL GREAT. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH SPECS I HAD WERE THOSE CRANKS AND THE JUDY SHOCK. FOR THE MONEY, I WOULD HAVE LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING WITH A BIT MORE BEEF OR LIGHTER (BOMBER OR SID RESPECTIVELY). OTHER THAN THOSE POTENTIAL UPGRADES I WOULD MAKE, THE BIKE IS OVERALL DOPE. I WAS DISHEARTENED TO SEE GARY'S NOT MAKING THEM IN 00'. I DON'T KNOW, GET A MT. TAM INSTEAD I GUESS....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean graham
a Cross Country Rider
from coarsegold ca Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
007, or any sierra trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
have had since sept99 and have become one w/this model. great climber and surprisingly good descender. shame that fisher/trek's not making '00 zigs.
Weaknesses:
avid brakes too light for me personally, switched to cane swapped avid's for cane creek direct curve-mo betta. recurring gripe of cheap decals applies here. semislick wtb's too condition specific for my region.
Similar Products Used:
gt avalanche, schwinn homegrown
Bike Setup:
stock except for brakes, tires(switched to more aggressive knobby).
Bottom Line:
great all-around bike for fun as well as sport class racing. can't beat the price-vs-spec package. fisher has great customer service in my experiance. will be the last hardtail for me since full-susp bikes are getting lighter. if you can get your hands on a zig you'll be glad you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Víctor Laborde
a Racer
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cambalache, Arecibo, PR
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Aluminum frame, overall parts set up is great...
Weaknesses:
Front LX Deraullier SUCKS real bad! Avid 20 brakes are not so strong at all..
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 (2000) Gary Fisher Kaitai (97)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike is very nicely equipped for the price. The only problem I have had is with the front LX deraullier which doesn't have a good adjustability and is always making noise (scratching with the chain). The tires work great here in the environment I live in (Puerto Rico). Brakes don't hold to good. On a couple of steep descents they menace to kill you...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy
a Cross Country Rider
from bangkok ,thailand Date Reviewed: February 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
price,JUDY SL,wheelset
Weaknesses:
the decal and the paint job not last longer.
Similar Products Used:
trek 8000, 8500
Bike Setup:
stock with maggy tomac.
Bottom Line:
the price is very nice here in thailand. it climb well,good overall performance but the decal and paint job get SUCK...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Sanders
a Racer
from Mooresville,N.C. Date Reviewed: January 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Catawba Riverfront
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The bike has a beutiful frame to build on for many years riding pleasue. I am sold on the shorter stem setup for it's nimbleness. From the factory the bike comes setup with everything you need. Good and strong.
Weaknesses:
The material Trek is using is very strong and has a decent weight, but the tensile strengh is lacking. First my complete front-half of my pedal snappedoff on myclipless pedals and then I was pulling the spokes through on the drive side.
Similar Products Used:
Other aluminum hardtails
Bike Setup:
Well,that's a story. Went to live in Maine for the summer. The SL cartridge blew. Couldn't ride. Received 00' Judy race. Amends have been made.
Bottom Line:
I am sold on Trek and the shorter stem. I love the hardtail. Slicks = roadbike. The colors are good. Overall the bike handles great, climbs outstanding, and has me lacking for any other bike. Just a suspension seatpost.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood, NJ
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
excellent climbing good decending nimble
Weaknesses:
Rigid Un-Forgiving
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Ziggurat, Judy XC, Mavic CrossMax Wheels, XTR RD, rest is full XT, Avid brakes.
Bottom Line:
The bike was an excellent value out-of-the-box. The bike is fast and very nimble, but it can be punishing to a heavier (200 lb.) rider, like myself, on long rides. I'd put this along side other much more expensive stock bikes. The only upgrade I've made is to the wheelset.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Amherst, MA Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame: Genesis geometry is not a gimmick
Weaknesses:
None, for the price
Similar Products Used:
GT's, Fishers, Schwinns
Bike Setup:
Judy 100 XTR v-brakes w/Real levers WTB Velociraptors Titec ti hellbent bars Oury grips Shimano carbon brake booster in rear
Bottom Line:
Bang for the buck, this bike is great. I felt the need to change some stuff around. The wheels are good XC wheels, but not that great for extreme abuse. 24 radially-laced spokes in the front is too skimpy. A Judy 100 and a riser bar balanced out the bike perfectly. It doesn't climbs as well anymore, but it's still better than anything else would be with the same setup. The genesis geometry is great! My first ride was down Sunday River and I kept up with all the full suspension guys. It's quick, but very stable. The front end feels very well balanced. When I try other bikes it feels like the front end on them has too much leverage. The Ziggurat is the best looking bike out of the whole line up (with the coolest name), but the decals are still cheap. Poor job at clearcoating. The headtube decal doesn't have clearcoating on it!!! Basically, if you're looking for a good base to start with, this bike is for you, if you're not too concerned with the look. Some things I thought needed to go, but it's all personal preference.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland, IN Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Franke Park in Fort Wayne
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
frame wheel set Judy SL geometry is awesome(takes a while to get used to though)
Weaknesses:
cranks-(LX sucks,but what can i expect) LX front derailleur sucks Bontrager pedals-(gotten beaten up pretty easy) tires- slicks suck for mud(obviously), not a all around good tire, i should of got them switched
Similar Products Used:
cannondale F-700 several other hardtails
Bike Setup:
stock, but i am going to swap some stuff this spring.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great except for the LX crap that is on it. I love the geometry. It climbs really well and is lightning fast. If you want a bike well worth the money go for the zigg. Of course, you don't have to take my word for it so go try it on for size yourself.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Osborne
a Cross-Country Rider
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lake Bryan East Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Component Mix Ability to resist 250lbs. 24lb. stock weight
Weaknesses:
LX cranks Slick tires
Bike Setup:
Stock Zig.
Bottom Line:
It fits me. It was a little weird at first in the tight banks, but after a stem flip, this guy rockets through the turns, even with a 21' frame. I'm 6'5' and usually have trouble with my high center of gravity. She floats over sand in the downhill and climbs like a goat. The wheelset is a little heavy, but i've nailed it in some spectacular crashes and it hasn't lost it's true yet. XTR rear is a sweet piece, she makes the shifting very smooth. Quite a price point for the overall mix though. The frame sheds mud like nothing else and offers a generally quiet ride for Al. Too bad the 99 model was the last one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Racer
from Scottsdale Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sunset Trail, Flagstaff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great fit with a good mix of parts. Racing slicks work great in the desert
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easy and has cheap decals.
Bottom Line:
great bike, haven't stopped smiling.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
My little matian
a Racer
from Trenton, Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Snakes and ladders
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Easton 6061 T6 Aluminum Genesis Geometry
Weaknesses:
Rock Shox Judy SL
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8900
Bike Setup:
Total air cartridges for my shox. Bontrager race wheelset. LX shifters and front derailler. XTR rear derailler with XT cassette.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is the bike climbs and desents awesome. All you got to do is change the fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ann
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, NH Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lake Massabesic trails
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Genesis Geometry, climbs like a goat, light weight, good components, great looking colors.
Weaknesses:
Lousy brakes especially when wet, semi-slick rear tire only good in dry conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Previous bike was Giant Rinkon.
Bike Setup:
Will be adding a U.S.E. XCR seatpost shock to take the edge off the stiff light weight aluminum frame.
Bottom Line:
I love my new bike. It makes hill climbing a joy. The Gary Fisher bikes fit me well. I ride a small size and the smalls in the other brands ran a little bit larger. I had to get rid of the stock saddle. I'm a girl and I found the seat to be the most uncomfortable thing in the world. I love the XTR 9 gears in the rear. Once I get some better brakes and a different rear tire and a U.S.E. seatpost shock, I think I'll be set up the way I want. The bike is extremely light weight and the Genesis Geometry helps to make up for my weaknesses as a rider. It's a great looking bike, too.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Miesmer
a Weekend Warrior
from southport, ct Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
cranbury park, stratton mtn, my 2 friends trails we built which a real good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
climbs like a goat, descends incredibly comfortably, it is light, comes specd with good mix o components, and genesis geometry fits me like a glove
Weaknesses:
i hate the rear semi-slick tire i am from the northeast it is bad in the conditions i am riding in
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
judy sl is wicked plush and not too heavy, 80mm is a good amount of travel, got raceface riserbars, magura hydraulic brakes and am getting new DH pedals, new front rim bont. race lite
Bottom Line:
this bike is perfect, it handles very well, is light, and the wheelset is light and strong, it handles great on both climbs and descenta sections, i also feel very confident riding it and have grown to love it [which wasnt too difficult]i recomend this bike to anyone who is in the market for a great all around value performance bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross-Country Rider
from Coarsegold, Ca Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all over Sierras
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great value, extremely agile climber, nice wheels and sweet R/S SL.
Weaknesses:
semi-slicks, probably fine in the right environment, just not on technical singletrack
Similar Products Used:
Have owned Fisher's for last 8 years. Tried GT Avalanche and several full suspension models by Santa Cruz and Klein.
Bike Setup:
swapped velociraptors for semi-slicks, contemplating lx brakes for avids--so far they're ok
Bottom Line:
With all the choices out there it's great to find a decent spec'd bike that's not gonna cost 2 grand. Lot's of my buds have high dollar rigs and this fisher puts them to shame. Would recommend to anyone who wants a performance bike and still have $$ left over pizza and brew....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BONUS
a Weekend Warrior
from ST. LOUIS Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Get rid of the LX stuff in the drive train, replace it w/race face(please see my review of the lx components) add a bontrager crow bar+cut it down and you have an awesome ride. This thing climbs like a goat and handle like a dream. Buy One if you can!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Elwood, NY Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Long Travel Judy Fork XTR rear derailer Bontrager Wheelset
Weaknesses:
WTB semi-slick race tires
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Comp Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Diamond Back Ascent w/ '97Judy XC
Bottom Line:
This bike is an incredible value for the money. XTR rear, killer Bontrager radial laced wheelset, and the long travel C-3 Judy fork coupled with excellent parts from WTB make for a sweet package. Fork is extremely plush and responsive, right out of the showroom; we'll see how the new C-3 cartridge holds up. The Genesis Geometry makes this bike extremely quick and agile in tight, twisty, singletrack conditions. It is also a very agile climber. Living in the Northeast however, the semi-slick race tires had to go. Once equipped with meatier tires, this bike fully deserves 5 stars.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIke
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Goat at Winter Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Climbing, agile and nimble up and down hills, great geometry
Weaknesses:
Like the decals and colors, they are just fragile.
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Upgraded the tires, brakes, crank arms Love the R/S Long Travel SL's.
Bottom Line:
This bike does climb like a goat and is still nimble enough for both technical and high-speed downhills. Great bike for the price!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Az Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Bike:Light weight, great wheels, XTR rear derailure, Genises Geometry, Bontranger Judy SL fork, looks great, red and black are colors I won't get tired of.
Weaknesses:
Me
Similar Products Used:
Test road:Gary Fisher ParagonLooked into:Big SurTrek 8000 and 7000Specialized
Bike Setup:
The bike came with Enduroraptors instead of the Racing raptors which was fine for me. It seems few here are fans of the semi-slicks. I also will be switching my Avocet Titanium railed seat from my Bmx bike onto this.
Bottom Line:
I was very impressed with this bike but price was the only thing holding me back. I just caught a sale last friday at my L.B.S. for close to a thousand.The ride is very nice. The bike has a sweet light weight and percise fealing to it. I like the longer front end as it is very similiar to TNT longfellow XLX Bmx bike that I used to ride. Too bad the Bontranger Cranks got recalled. I saw a pair in person this past January when I was looking at this bike and the Paragon for the first time. Very nice looking cranks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan Chapman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Jamestown, N.C. Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999
Brakes, rear tire (semi-slick), seat. Front end wanders sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Shock: Judy SL. Up grades: seat to WTB leater/kevlar, post to USE Shokpost, crank to XT, front derailer to XT, brakes and levers to LX.
Bottom Line:
With the ugrades I took off of my old bike and put on this one, I give it 5 stars. This is an awsome bike, and for the money I don't think you'll find a better value out there. The front end does wander some on climbs, but that may be my fault in poor weight distribution. Otherwise it climbs like a goat! If I had to choose between this bike and my wife... It would be a tough choice. I'll have this bike a long time. I love it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Mader
a Weekend Warrior
from Vernon, CT Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain - Manchester, CT
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Geometry, shock, quickness & agility
Weaknesses:
Slick tires
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Comp, Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Velociraptor Tires, XT Front derailleur
Bottom Line:
If you have short legs & a long upper body this bike is definitely for you. I struggled for 2 years doing uphill technical climbs, but with the Fischer geometry makes it a breeze. I felt like I lost 25 pounds on my uphills because this bike has such great balance. Both tires stay down & you don't lose any traction. If you live in the Northeast, definitely change the tires though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P.O.D.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great frame and geometry . Good strong Bontragerr wheelset. Awesome pedals. Kick-butt Judy SL.
Weaknesses:
Avid 2.0 brakes. Too many decals on the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Many, many other hardtails.
Bottom Line:
With the exception of the brakes, this is a great ride. I lost several places in a race because Avid 2.0's nearly quit working. They also had a very bad feel. I upgraded the brakes to XTR, so now its a 5 star bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross-Country Rider
from MN Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Similar Products Used:
Team Marin w/ Manitou SX
Bike Setup:
Z3 light fork
Bottom Line:
The Zig is great, I paid the right price for the right bike, even cheaper with the downgrade Z3 light fork from Marzocchi. This fork is heavy but very plush (and gives excellent control), WAAAAAY better than my previous Manitou. I like the component selection...don't expect the advertised Bontrager cranks, they don't exist (and were really only a Specialized 'strong arm' in the first place) The LX is way better anyway (easily upgraded too, if you want.) I have found this bike to be extremely well mannered, climbing and descending equally well.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross-Country Rider
from San diego Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the one that is not 95 degrees in the sun...whew
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
best value in class/price,great geometry,GREAT looks, lightweight
Weaknesses:
inneffectual tires, no GripShift, sub-standard seat, ok pedals
this is a great bike. I am quite pleased with it. However, I made several changes to the bike(seat, pedals,tires,shifters) that were personal preferences: I put on a SERFAS dual-density Kevlar seat(sooo much more comfy and race ready), my old Shimano M747 pedals(who wants to swap out rusted-on cleats on MTB shoes?? not me!),Specialized Team Control-kevlar bead tires(muuch more traction...a bit heavier), and Gripshift Plasma shifters( awesome!!). As a stock bike this Ziggurat was great, but with the addition of the Plasma shifters...I am on this bike 4 times a week! buy one!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard
a Racer
from Oshawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Durham Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great all around performance.
Weaknesses:
Came with LX cranks instead of advertised Bontrager's.
Similar Products Used:
KHS Alite 4000 w. White Bros. SC70UL, Rocky Mountain Vertex T.O., etc.
Bike Setup:
Tires: Bontrager Revolt Super X
Bottom Line:
The new Genesis geometry is awesome. It does everything well, from steep technical climbing to fast descents. After a few ride to adjust, this bike becomes an extension of you. The parts spec is great. The Bontrager Race wheels are particularly nice with their perfectly welded and machined surfaces and attention to detail in things such as the Velox rim tape used. The Judy SL is a super smooth fork. While not as light as the new crop of air-sprung forks, the coils provide a better spring rate, in my opinion, than the air forks I have tried. The red colour scheme is the best of this years Fisher models.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BRUISER
a cross-country rider
from IOWA Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999
Bottom Line:
HAD MY ZIG SINCE LATE DECEMBER AND AM LES THAN THRILLED WITH IT. IT'S LIGHT WEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE AND COMES SPECED WELL. IT CLIMBS LIKE CRAP. IVE DONE SOME RACING AND A LOT OF CROSS COUNTRY RIDING AND I HATE THE WAY IT CLIMBS. STAY ON THE SEAT AND THE FRONT END WANDERS. SHIFT FORWARD AND IT LOSES TRACTION UNLESS YOU PUT A YETI ON IT. MY FORK HAD A BLOWN CARTRIDGE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. I KNOW YOU DON'T SPEND ALL OF YOUR TIME CLIMBING BUT AN ALUMINUM HARDTAIL SHOUD CLIMB LIKE A GOAT. I'D SAY SKIP THE GEOMETRY, KEEP THE LIGHT WEIGHT FRAME AND COMPONENTS AND YOU'D HAVE A BETTER ALL AROUND BIKE.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a cross-country rider
from massachusetts Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999
Bottom Line:
Andrew, I havent ridden this bike, but the frame on my old fisher was cracked and this is the bike that they might replace it with. Not to critisize you but if you put a LONGER stem on ( fisher recommends up to 30mm longer), it would stop wandering. you see the reason a bike wanders is because it doesn't have enough wieght on the front end. A shorter stem only pushes you back, taking even more wieght off the front end. again, I haven't ridden this bike, but I love genisis geometry,and practically every fisher bike so i give it five red hot banannas!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a cross-country rider
from MD Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike ROCKS It has got to be the best looking bike in the whole fisher lineup and one of the best deals. If you want the lightness of the sid it comes with a price as well as lots of labor. This bike does everything you ask of it on descents as well as climbs. Also it has a really nice wheelset. When you get it try to switch the brakes to the new xt's. I think the xt's are better than the avids that come on the bike and also retail for less money!!! Fork with the c3 cartridge is awesome too. And the other components are great, cant go wrong with components like xtr either. Theyll probobly come with some LX cranks also not the bontragers but theyre still decent cranks. Great frame (3.2 lbs build it up to your dream bike if you want ), fork, wheels, and components, all for under 1400$ 5 flaming banannas
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew M.
a cross-country rider
from augusta, ga Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently cracked my 96 Mt. Tam and Fisher replaced it with a 99 Ziggurat. I was anxious about the change in geometry and I am still ambivalent about it. It does descend better than traditional geometry, however it does not climb as well on steep technical ascents. I even shortened the stem to a 90mm from the 105 that is recommended, but it still tends to wander when the trail is very steep. The frame overall is very stiff with no flex in the rear triangle. I only got the frame so I can't comment on the components. If you do a lot of steep, technical climbs then stay away from Genesis geometry, otherwise you will probably descend and run the cross-country faster with Genesis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott scudamore
a cross-country rider
from Northern Virginia Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
Had my Stumpjumper Comp stolen two weeks ago and I thought I would never replace such a great bike. My bike shop told me about this new Gary Fisher called a Ziggurat. I spent last weekend in serios mountain singletrack. The Genesis geometry reaaly keeps you in the seat and not over the handlebars. The only thing I did to the bike was put the new beefy 99 XT brakes on and the Rapid rise XTR. I am spoiled on the rapidrise. The bike has a great Judy SL with extended travel. I weigh over two hundred pounds and the shock handles me no problem. I highly recommend this bike. 5 chilis!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a racer
from portland, me Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
have 98, it's been excellent, raced all year with minor tuning only. team colors rule, but chip easily. hard to find touch up paint, but can use fingernail polish instead. upgraded to gripshift which works great
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry A.
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've put about 700 miles on my Ziggurat and love it. It's very well constructed. I've found that I can ride it for extended periods and remain very comfortable. I did have to buy a new seat post ($135 - Syncros) since I'm 6'3, but my bike shop gave me a $60 credit for the one on the bike. All-in-all a great bike that serves my 15 mile/day commute and single-track weekends well!! High recommendation from a former full-suspension rider -- never again!
Overall Rating:
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