Strengths: Awsome frame, great handleing, super durable(ive had the bike for 3 years now)mines a small, and im 6ft 180ibls, never had any true problems with it.
Weaknesses: Wheelset is weak, the spokes loosen up pretty quickly-once in a while the gears mess up when you arent playing with em
Submitted by
B-52 Bomber
a Cross Country Rider
from Leigh Creek
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004
Strengths: After three years of ownership and use, thought I would repost. Won't go through the component list - see previous posts. The components are of a high quality, particularly Rock Shox Judy XC and the derailers. The tass has a solid platform, no sign of fatigue or cracking in three years of hard punishment over unforgiving terrain. The frame is light and easy to carry when the trail stops. Paintwork still looks new when the bike has had a wash. In many ways, the paintwork distinguishes this bike from the current breed of metallic "you've seen one seen them all" paint jobs. It is a go anywhere bike and it will last a very long time. It is a dream on up hill climbs, and very stable on loose surfaces. The design is also one of a classic hardtail that will never lose its relevance or show its age. I plan to ride the thing around Australia one day. Solid bike - great value.
Weaknesses: After three years of turning, climbing and water crossings, the crank is showing its age. It makes a crunching sound when on the highest gear - but still goes like mad. Will eventually replace this assembly. The V brakes have never been changed, very basic, and will upgrade eventually. I threw the seat out and replaced it with a Bontrager before I left the store on the first day.
Bottom Line:
No regrets in purchasing this bike. It has exceeded my expectations. The components have been long lasting, and as I said earlier, will update the crank and brakes when they are completely shot. If you ever get lazy or find excuses not to ride, just one look at this bike will remind you why you have to climb aboard and blaze new trails.
Bike Setup: Per international spec - Judy XC shox, Chameleon tyres (outstanding wear and grip), standard v-brakes and Deore derailers, 5 degree Crow Bar etc.
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Submitted by
Tomaz Toplak
a Cross Country Rider
from Ptuj, Slovenia
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Strengths: The genesis geometry was a large plus when I was deciding what bike to buy. My deeler sad that the bike is a 2001 model but I am not shur if the 2001 had the front the back derailleurs and the shifter deore! A strenght are also the Bontrager handlebar and steam.
Weaknesses: When I bought the bike I had some problemss whit the RockShox JETT suspension, but my dealer fixed that.
Bottom Line:
The bike is great. I don't know if someone has ever seen a tassaraja made of 6061 aluminum but I own one. I supose it's because I am from Sovenia. The shock is a weakness and I intend to replace it next year. The bike is a must have for newbies to mountain biking.
Similar Products Used: Specialized RockHopper A1 Pro FS (tested), FELT R900 (tested), B1 whit deore components (tested)
Bike Setup: STOCK! Genessis geometry frame (has any one seen a tassaraja whit 6061 aluminum?), RockSox Jett Fork, deore components, ProMax V-brake system, Bontrager HandleBar, steam and seet post, Alivio Crankset, Vuelta rims whit Hutchinson chameleon tires and a SIGMA BC 800 computer!
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Submitted by
Paul Smedley
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Strengths: Good disc brake system (mechanical.
Weaknesses: Weak front shock, numerous infant stage problems; flats, loosening brake retainer, etc. Clippless pedals added to cost should be standard.
Bottom Line:
Nice bike apart from front shock which is not man enough for the rough trails. Expect to spend a lot of time in the shop having the shock repaired and other parts reattached in the early life stages. You might want to stay on the paved roads to avoid lengthy repair delays.
Strengths: The bike came with quality components. Genesis geometry which makes the bike easier to handle and feels more comfortable.
Weaknesses: The crank of the bike was quite low quality and heavy. i also experienced problems with switching to 3rd front gear from time to time.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that eventhought i gutted my bike and will change the frame soon to a Fisher Sugar 1, this frame and all the components it came with was top notch qaulity for the money.
Similar Products Used: specialized enduro, fisher mamba, fisher sugar 4+, mongoose zero G.
Bike Setup: Shimano guts: xtr brakes, xt levers and shifters, Xtr rear derailleur, Xt front derailleur, xt crank and bottom bracket, Shimano Dx pedals. Shimano m535 wheels system.
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Submitted by
Jessica
a Cross Country Rider
from Holbrook, NY
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002
Strengths: Just about everything about this bike is great!!!
Weaknesses: Although I love the Genesis Geometry it sucks for extreme uphill-there's not enough weight on the front tire to get any traction. Also, my husband changed to a better seat and added quick release to the seatpost...2 things that should have been standard on this bike.
Bottom Line:
This bike is excellent on any surface, especially rocky single track and carraige trails. I even use this to tow my daughter on her Trail-A-Bike and it performs great. As a woman with a short torso and long legs I've had trouble finding a frame that fits me perfectly, but this bike kicks. The Genesis Geometry is great. The suspension fork is perfect even for long distance road rides (30+ miles). This is, by far, the best bike for rocky trails.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale M400 (I own one).
Bike Setup: Standard w/toeclips, different seat and quick release seatpost added.
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Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Winston-Salem, NC
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Strengths: Solid, reliable components, and responsive, predictable, and forgiving handling.
Weaknesses: Stock seat is hard and narrow (replaced with a Trek gel seat and suspension post).
Bottom Line:
Except for a couple of derailleur cable adjustments during the first 40 hours or so of break-in, this bike has been a solid performer and a pleasure to ride. The handling is light and nimble in the fast, twisty sections yet reasonably stable and controllable on rough downhills and jumps. The fork is more than adequate for my 155 lbs, but might be a bit light and springy for a heavier rider. Shifting is crisp and smooth up or down, front and back, even under strain. Brakes are strong but easy to pull, and the WTB knobbies grip well in climbing or braking. I got the Tass thinking it I'd upgrade any weak components, but so far I haven't found anything it needs other than the seat & post. Overall, it's a good reliable bike and a great value!
Similar Products Used: Specialized, Raleigh, Giant hardtails.
Bike Setup: Stock except for gel seat and Post Moderne Bracer suspension seatpost.
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Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001
Strengths: Secure grip on all kinds of surfaces. Very easy to maneuver in tight spots. Very comfortable fit and ride.
Weaknesses: Front derailleur (sp?) got messed up 1st time out, not letting me use the smallest setting, but the bike got a heck of a beating, and if that's all that went wrong, it's not a problem. Should be easy to fix.
Bottom Line:
This was my first time mountain biking, and I was a bit tentative, but where my courage failed a little, the bike really came through. I was amazed at how well it performed in really advanced technical areas. It reacted to the surface as if it had a mind of its own and knew what to do. My only job was to hold on. I had several really bad falls, mostly because I lost faith in the bike and tried to steer it from its path. But amazingly, the bike came out unscathed, except for a little front derailleur problem which didn't prevent me from continuing with the trip. I have immense respect for the bike and I know I made the right decision in buying this bike. I feel more confident about getting out there and trying again. I highly recommend this bike for beginners especially, who are looking for some confidence in their new sport.
Strengths: strong frame, brakes work, lets me get away with doing lots of stuff
Weaknesses: fell the hubs wont let me go too fast
Bottom Line:
good for a hardtail, hasn't broken yet doing some tough freeriding with some full-suspension friends so its strong, however i feel like its holding me back for some big stuff, yet lets me do some big stuff------its a fun bike and have had lots of fun and blood on it This bike is great for mountain biking, drops,tricks, and even pavement
Bike Setup: Deore rear, Bontrager stem and handlebar
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Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Strengths: Everything, even the seat could be worse.
Weaknesses: I think the brakes are beat, but they serve my purpose.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I'm amazed at what it allows me to do. I'm no professional but I think anyone would enjoy it. The frame is killer so you can always swap out or upgrade as your skills progress and wallet allows. I say go for it!
Bike Setup: Stock, Just changed pedals (Bontrager), Seat Bontrager (From my old TREK) and brake leavers, Deore
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Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Strengths: Genesis Geometry makes the ride incredibly sweet
Weaknesses: handlebar grips could be better, they get slippery fast.
Bottom Line:
This bike is sweet for the price, it handles great, and it is pretty lite. I suggest this bike for someone who either rides on the weekends or races. This bike is a good bike for someone who already has had a bike with shocks.
Bike Setup: pretty much stock,so far, except for Salsa quick release post clamp, Salsa skewers, DK Iron Cross Pedals, Bontrager gel saddle, and a bontrager comp II flatbar.
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Submitted by
Matt Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie PA USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Strengths: Good bike very adaptable
Weaknesses: plush shock
Bottom Line:
very nice bike there are betters but ffor the average guy looking for some decent equipment its a good bike.
