Submitted by
Studbike
a Cross Country Rider
from Maplewood, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003
Strengths: Solid, fast, fun, good component spec for the most part, frames got soul, genesis geometry, looks good, something to be proud to own, fisher heritage, stable at high speeds, lightweight, durable
Weaknesses: rear hub is awful (more of a bontrager issue, not fishers fault totally), stock brakes suck, not stable at low speeds, the rear shifting houseing that connects to the derariluer gets gunked up real easy, but i guess every bike does this
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. But, if i could give it 4.9 chilis, i would. It has minor issues. The rear hub needs an overhaul every 100 miles and tightening after just about every ride. Also, the brake lever/caliper combo that came with the bike was a mushy mess, its worth trading up. The genesis geometry is meant for speed, and this bike is the most secure bike ive ever ridden when going fast (except for a downhill bike i rode, but thats irrelevant). high speed handling is confidence inspiring and solid. Accelerates like a bat out of hell, and climbs like nothing else. If your a trials rider, though, dont buy this. its definately not very good for anything slow and technical, popping a wheelie is a chore. If you ride fast and hard, get this bike. If you ride trials type things, this bike is a handful. Also, while its quite lightweight and durable as it is, theres a lot of room for upgrade (especially the bontrager components) and THE FRAME IS TOP OF THE LINE.
Similar Products Used: Trek 6000, 6500, and a fuel 80, just about every mtb from cannondale (i work at a shop that pushes cannondale sales), a steel gt hardtail, specialized hardtail and rigid
Bike Setup: stock except avid SD 5 levers and calipers
Strengths: the perfect geometry for hardtail, really really light with the right components, cheap if bought 2nd hand or during sales...
Weaknesses: not sure because the first owner modified all the parts that caused problems often raised here in mtbr.
Bottom Line:
i was having trouble at first when i got the bike because it wasnt properly setup to my body specs. althought i tried out most of the adjustments, but i had been really frustrated and wanted to sell the bike before the value dropped, but hung on to it to give it a last chance.
after two months of fine tuning the handlebar length, seat height, seat angle (read somewhere that we should drop the tip of the seat 1 to 2 degrees to prevent injuries (you know where) and put a tiny bit more of the body weight on your feet to achieve better balance and control), seat forward-backward (mm by mm each ride), and fork spring rate and damping, i finally found the perfect adjustment.
now the bike climbs, hops, manuevers and descents like....perfect is the word to describe it. before all the adjustments, the bike seemed to be shielding me from getting along with it, but now its like wanting me to do more climbs and descents with it every time i ride.
the paragon sings when its properly setup, so dont just test it out in a shop and decide on something else because it doesnt 'feel' good.....take it home and spend lots of time to get the perfect fit, once you're there, you'll know what i mean.......for the price these days, u'll never go wrong with the paragon...
Weaknesses: Frame broke near front derailer after 3 months but Fisher did replace it. Problem is, they only give $35.00 towards the labor of swaping it out. Seat post broke within one month of buying it. The Manitou shock has to be rebuilt after 5 months of riding. The brakes are low end. Front derailer has never been right. VelossaRaptors, who are we kidding here, they suck.
Bottom Line:
If you are thinking about a Paragon you are better off going with the Mt Tam or the Supercaliber. You will spend that much extra just replacing parts within the first six months if you ride with any intensity. I only weigh 190lbs and am 6-4 tall but was told by Bike Store employees it was my large size that was the problem. I will call BS on that one, the bikes got a great frame and geomerty but thats where the good stops. Shouldnt have sold out Gary.
Similar Products Used: Bike is light years better that the GT I used to ride but it is not nearly as durrable.
Bike Setup: Rode it stock to begin with but have had to replace seat post, front shock (went with rock shox Duke, much better), tires (upgraded to Hutchinson Pythons, big difference)and rear cassett(upgraded to XT).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from Los Altos, CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2002
Strengths: Great X-Country bike. I doubt you will find another cross country bike of this caliber in this price range. Light, efficient X-country Racer.
Weaknesses: Deore front deraileur, I have had some shifting problems even after tuning. I have had some ghost shifting in the back, but i suspect this is because it needs tuning. Brakes suck ass. They constantly need to adjusted, and its nearly impossible to center them. LX levers creak. Manitou SX-R, is sorta ok, not really. No major problems though
Bottom Line:
Dont get scared away by my list of negatives, this is a great bike at an awesome price tag. For 750 dollars this bike is practically race ready, and thats an incredible deal. This is gary fishers top of the line aluminum, so you can always switch out the weak parts, but their no that bad, and I haven't had any major qualms with them performance wise. I'll give it 4 chilis on overall, just because i think that gary fisher could have done better on a few of the components (single digit 3 v-brakes are practically bottom of the line!)
Bike Setup: stock, I dont have the cash to upgrade, and when u buy a bike for 750$, and to upgrade just the fork costs 200+ dollars it seems like kinda a rip off
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Todd Northup
a Cross Country Rider
from San Dieogo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002
Strengths: Geometry of the bike, weight, overall feel on the trail, Manitou fork
Weaknesses: Deore front derailleur, though shifts fine. Really nothing else for the price,
Bottom Line:
When looking for a new bike, I always purchase one in Mid-March when usual bike sales are down, bike stores are clearing out the previouse year's models and will usually make a better deal with you.
Research I did through MTBR's Web site led me to this bike. I tried the GT Avalanche 1.0, Specialized RockHopper, and the 2002 GF Paragon. The end result, I just liked the feel of the 2001 GF Paragon better.
So far, this bike has lived up to it's reputation and what I have read from the other reviews on MTBR's Web site. It is absolutely the most beautiful ride I have owned, even more so that some of my $1,500 + bikes, but I only paid $725. :)
If you are in the market for a hard tail, get this bike if there are any left. Resist the urge to get the 2002 models, opt for the 2001 and upgrade your components through performancebikes, pricepoint or universalcycles.com. You'll feel better in the end saving that money and using it towards swag.
Weaknesses: Front LX-Shifter, and the Manitou SX-R fork isn't bad, but could be a little better
Bottom Line:
This is my first professional mntn. bike, I've had it for about a year. It's also my first REAL time mntn. biking, and taking biking seriously. This is an amazing bike, it's very light, handles beautifully, and the rear derailleur is flawless. The front derailleur could be a little nicer, but the bike is all about FrAmE. Paint job is pretty nice (so I'm trying to get extra decals and touch up paint). I'm also considering upgrading the tires, at least the rear one to a 2.1 inch. Given the fact that our dollar is dead, for deal I got this bike is da BoMb. Anyone who is serious about biking, or just wants to show off MUST have this bike!!! :p If you're not willing to cough up the dough, or if you're not a serious rider, then forget this bike, try a lower-end one. This bike is the prime for X-Country racing and climbing. I sure can't wait to hit the trails again, with this thing I can cream people who are way stronger than me!!! <--Light as a feather
There simply is not a better bike for the money. Fisher does a great job of putting the money in the places that count: the frame. Don't be fooled by other bikes with XTR derailleurs, etc. - check out the frame, wheels, crank, etc. By the way, the XT derailleur is shifts flawlessly! The climbing ability is unbelievable. The Genesis Geometry is everything that it is cracked up to be! After a recent surgery (not riding related) I was terribly out of shape and the bike still managed to make me look great. Who should by this bike: everyone unless you have the $$$ to move up the Fisher line or if you feel you need full suspension. It is worth going up to the Paragon for the frame if you can afford it.
Submitted by
Mike Sirott
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Strengths: Genesis geometry is great, especially for tall riders. all around good looks Old fashion hardtail doesn't get the attention that FSRs do.
Weaknesses: crankset and front der
Bottom Line:
Awsome bike. I got this bike after test driving Kleins, at GT Avalanch (weird geometry) and a few Specialized bikes. I finally got the Paragon because I liked the way it felt. When I first took the bike off road, wow, was it different than my old Trek. Weight is centered more over the rear tire and the front end feels way lighter. The change took some getting used to but once I put a few miles on the trails I would never go back to any other bike. This bike feels better climbing AND decending thanks to the weight distribution. Getting the front tire over obsticles is cake. BUY THIS BIKE
Bike Setup: stock except for an extra set of wheels and tires. Time composite pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from nashville, tn
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001
Strengths: Frame is really light and is the same one they use in the much more expensive super-caliber. Climbs like a billygoat. I tested several bikes including the Cannondale f600, stumpjumper f-4, and the Schwinn Moab in the same price range.
Weaknesses: Crank is absolutely deploreable and if you are tall...i'm 6-5, change the stem to 120 or 135...the stock stem on a x-large frame is 105...come on gary! Superstock wheels could be lighter and require truing often. they are bombproof though, I haven't come close to a taco yet and i hunk 5 foot drops at 220lbs. Deore front der...needs to go when worn out
Bottom Line:
I did research on every bike in every category for three months before getting a bike.. I bought this one because I compete in several adventure races and this one had a race-ready frame out of the box...it's the lightest one fisher makes. While some of the components do wear out quick, they are cheap to replace if you go to pricepoint or universalcycles.com. I planned on wearing the parts out and then replacing them as needed. This bike will be within half a pound of any race bike out there after you customize it out. Even fully customized you will pay under 2 grand. That's still a grand less than some of the top of the line models. If you love the feel of hardtails and aren't into those teaching aides called duel-suspension bikes, get this one...you won't regret it!
Similar Products Used: cannondale f-600, Schwinn moab, stumpjumber f-4
Bike Setup: Everything stock except longer stem...135 instead of the 105 it comes packed with changed out crank for Truvativ Stylo Team Isis...by the way, that thing is Sick...it's the best part I've ever payed 100 bucks for
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Castaic, CA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Strengths: Frame Geometry!!!! Climbs amazingly well. Good components (not great but good for the price)
Weaknesses: I've got the one with Hayes Discs and they require a little more maintanance then I was prepared for... and are probably more brake than a XC bike like this needs The saddle sucks and will be replaced.
Bottom Line:
This is the absolute best bike I've ever ridden. Geometry is perfect for me. I'm tall (6'2") and I just love the way the bike fits. Amazing climber (with good tires). Liked the velociraptor tires but they don't last long. Put on the Panaracers. Prefer flat bars so I put on the Dean. I will replace the saddle. It sucks. The brakes are really my biggest complaint. They stop amazingly well but require a ton of set-up time after every ride if I don't want them to squeel, drag, vibrate, you-name-it. I would probably have just gotten the v-brakes if I could do it again. Bike looks outrageous with the red Panaracer tires. Best looking bike on any trail. Over all... I love it. Get yourself one.
Similar Products Used: Trek 8500, Moab 1, Specialized
Bike Setup: Dean TI flat bar, Panaracer XC Fire tires
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Marc Winder
a Racer
from Virginia Beach
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2001
Strengths: Quality - Genesis geometry - Stiff
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This bike rides every bit as good as my Fat Chance. It handles great, is comfortable on long rides and is light and stiff for climbing and accelerating. The welds look great and the paint/decals have held up, the bike still looks like new. If your looking for a great all around bike look at the Gary Fisher and if you like long top tubes, the Genesis geometry is a perfect fit :-)
Strengths: Geometry of the bike, weight, overall feel on the trail, Manitou fork
Weaknesses: Component set (upgraded everything to XT at purchase time)
Bottom Line:
This was the best bike of the several I took out to ride. The geometry fit my body the best of any bike, and it makes riding a lot easier by already seating your butt back over the rear wheel. The components could have been better, so I upgraded, and after the first tune, it's been riding like a champ! I decided to get this bike over the Mt. Tam because of price and I liked the fork better. After the upgrade, there is almost no difference between the 2.
Similar Products Used: GT, Specialized, Gary Fischer Mt. Tam
Bike Setup: Upgraded to Time pedals, XT Front der, XT shifters and levers, otherwise stock
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Clevor
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka, Japan
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001
Strengths: Genesis geometry; conservative (compared to earlier) color scheme of red/white/black; great paint job (super high gloss); light frame of Platinum series aluminum (bike probably weighs 27 lbs. stock); XT rear derailleur and LX RapidFire brake/shifters (surprised how well they shift on the Bontrager Comp crank, and brake feel is stout even on lowest leverage setting); flawless assembly of components (shifters perform flawlessly and didn't need readjustment after break-in).
Weaknesses: Deore front derailleur, though shifts fine. Really nothing else for the price I got the bike!
Bottom Line:
I was shopping for a cheap bike to ride when I'm on vacation in my home state. I have a Cannondale CAAD3 spec-ed out to $1500 which I ride in Japan. My budget was $500-700. But when I tested the brake levers and turned the crank backwards on this bike, I just liked the precision sound and feel compared to other bikes in the shop. Plus I could see it was spec-ed out with really nice components. Since the bike was selling for 20% off the $999 floor price, it was too good a deal to pass up.
I did research on the bike later and yep, it is a genuine 2001 model with black SX-R fork, which is just below the Mars line of Manitou forks. It has adjustable rebound, damping, and compression. The Fisher label on the bike says 'Crossroads' or something, and the bike even came with front and rear reflectors! Yet all the specs and tube measurements are exactly the same as the 2001 men's Paragon (so it's not a GS).
At first I didn't like the color scheme, but it is wonderfully understated. I like how all the components are basically Bontrager, WTB, and Shimano, and of black trim, unlike the chop suey components of bikes you put together yourself. Plus, this is the only frame that will look good with white or black forks, normally colors I shy away from. Since the major part of the frame is red, it will also look good with yellow or orange forks.
And hey, I can't complain about the Velociraptor kevlar tires (seen worse), Bontrager assymetric SuperStock rims (a bit heavy but beats dull, silver generic stuff), and matching black Bontrager seatpost, Crowbar Race handlebar, and Bontrager logo skewers. The Bontrager Comp crank seems pretty stiff to me (no flexing of arms when I stand on the pedals like the Sugino Impel 800s on my Cannondale). Note that Gary Fisher responds to gripes, since they got rid of the Nanorapter tires and replaced the Bontrager pedals with Shimano M515s, and the Bontrager seat with a WTB Speed V, which at least is very comfortable. Hopefully, the paint job will hold up on the 2001s.
The bike bunny hops and wheelies well, and really digs in on climbs. What can I say? I like it better than my $1500, all XT spec Cannondale.
Similar Products Used: Mongoose Alta and Rockadile, Cannondale F2000
Bike Setup: Stock from the factory
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Submitted by
Pat Bruen
a Cross Country Rider
from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, United States
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Strengths: Since i got this bike employee purcahse for 575 because i work at a bike shop where we carry fisher, it is a sweet bike. Bontrager comp cranks are nice like the XT rear derailer. Light weight frame, and love the 2001 Manitou SX-R fork. I like the WTB seat, comfy and light. Pedals need brake in time and then work well, to help brake them in, lightly put in some tri-flow and the work perfect. Brake levers and shifters are great along with the standard avid sd 3's.
Weaknesses: Front derailer needs to be updated, bontrager crowbar is weak to have on this hardtail, bottom bracket is ok but could be upgraded.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, comes with a lot of great features along the Gary Fisher genesis frame which is light as a feather. The 2001 SX-R fork is great and i like the XT rear derailer. Crank works great and the bottom bracket is fine but updating will take atleast a 1/3 of a pound off the weight depending on the kind you buy. Love the bike and would suggest it to anyone who is into mountain biking and likes a lite weight bike that climbs like a dream..
I'm looking at a 2001 paragon and the owner says it is a large, with a seat post length of 18"...i couldn't find the geometry for the 01 paragon online (GF website only goes back t Read More »
i have one of these that i picked up off craigslist. i want to put new cranks on it but want to be sure of what i need to get first and i'm not finding one bit of information on g Read More »
So i got a 2001 Paragon frame for free and built it up with parts i had from previous bikes(i will post pictures asap) My question is, this specific frame is a non disc specific fr Read More »
