Over sized double butted Cromoly frame, lightweight and strong | RockShox Jett Suspension fork | Hutchinson Chameleon tires for fast rolling solid traction
Submitted by
Jamie_S
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2011
Strengths: Reliable, takes a beating
Weaknesses: A few cheap components
Bottom Line:
I bought a pair of Wahoos brand new in 2001, one for me and one for my son. The bikes were pampered like my road bike is, and for the most part the Wahoos held up very well over the ten years we've owned them. It has been my daily driver since I bought them and I'd say I got my money's worth out of it.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock, a few components replaced as needed
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
drdan52000
a Weekend Warrior
from Grants Pass, Or
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008
Strengths: Brought new in 2007 with G1
This is my first mtb, I road when I was a kid in late 60's.
Everything on the bike worked like it should.
I have about 2000 miles on this with about 200 on trails.
The first set of tires lasted about 500 miles.
Weaknesses: I really didn't like the seat, but I bent it, on my first over the bars.
I have had some series spills, I blew the front tire, and another I bent the rear wheel a little but was able to get in on it.
Would like to have more fork travel, a bike for more $ would fix that.
Bottom Line:
I believe that this is a great beginners bike or for someone who doesn't want spend a lot of money, and get a great ride.
I planning on buying another bike in 2009 or 2010, just to get the G2 the Gray fish has on that year, and the 100MM fork.
Strengths: The frame and major components have held up to my 200+ lb body on daily nyc commutes. One mtb trip after about 20 wipe outs, to my surprise left the frame in great shape. I love the red/black/gray paint job.
Weaknesses: One pedal snapped in half after about 2 months. The Judy is lame but doable for nyc commuting. I'd swap teh fork but better to just save the money for my next bike. A little heavy but what to exspect from this price point.
Bottom Line:
My first mtb which I've come to love. A beast that has held up my 200+ lb frame. Next time I'll drop more money on my next rig. I'd definitely buy a fisher again
Strengths: strong Good ride fairly inexpensive Steel frame
Weaknesses: I never have really been into caring about weight but it is a little heavy I guess
Bottom Line:
Great bike I rode it for a year untill a 7 foot drop bent the rear triangle Thats my own fault though b/c I shouldn't have been freeriding on a xc bike like that the bike is a great value for what you get My only real complaint is that it is hard to upgrade it has no disc brake tabs, replaceable dropuots and a really odd seatpost size good luck on that one. All of that can be accounted for by the market that it is designed for. It is a great bike for the money but don't buy it if you know you want disc brakes
Submitted by
Kimberly
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002
Strengths: Durable, can take a beating
Weaknesses: Sometimes I have trouble with the 3rd ring, and lately the chain's been getting "stuck" in mid-ride, but I think this may be poor maintenance. :( sometimes it's hard to get it to fit on a bike rack cuz it's the frame is wide.
Bottom Line:
It's my first mtn. bike with a suspension (front) and I must say it's been a great bike. I like that it's a bit heavier and stronger, cuz I beat it up a good deal. I bike about twice a week for about 8 mile rides, and I've had a few good spills, and the bike is fine. The seat is comfy too, in case you want to go leisure riding.
Weaknesses: scratches easily, everything has to be upgraded, crank broke easily, judy tt lost compression in a couple months, seat tube is the oddest size ive ever encountered
Bottom Line:
good tires, good beginers bike, cheap components, planning on getting serious? buy a trek!
Similar Products Used: trek, specialized, cannondale
Bike Setup: large wahoo, psylo xc,deore xt
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Submitted by
David Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Gananoque, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002
Strengths: Strong frame, easily adjustable, comfortable to ride, great price ($530.00 Canadian I think).
Weaknesses: None yet!
Bottom Line:
Great bike for everyday riding. I use mine for everything, riding to school, trail riding, drops and trials. Fairly light, and a good price. I ride mine very hard and haven't broken anything, just gotten some pinch flats. If you ride hard and don't want to spend too much money, buy a Wahoo!
Strengths: very good drive train(its shimano, come on), easy to upgrade, light but heavy duty frame, wheels are very strong
Weaknesses: fork is is too soft(i upgraded to a 2000 Rock Shox Judy XC), pedals broke in a couple of weeks, handle bars could be stronger(starting to bend), tires wear down fast
Bottom Line:
great bike, great price,takes 3ft. drops like nothing
Bike Setup: Rock Shox Judy XC, Dimension pedals, the rest is factory
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Chris Andersen
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Strengths: Seems to be a very reliable bike--no problems with it so far!
Weaknesses: None so far...
Bottom Line:
I'm a weekend warrior/beginner racer, and I wanted to get my wife a decent bike so she could ride with me once-in-a-while. To sum it all up, she loves her bike, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how well it's holding up given the type of trails we've been riding. The thing's taken everything we've thrown at it with no problems at all. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good, reliable, entry-level mountain bike. Great value for the money. Our local bike shop was very helpful and gave us a great recommendation for this bike.
Submitted by
Cameron
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Vic , Australia
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2002
Strengths: Solid frame and drivetrain.
Weaknesses: Fork gives poor purformance on rough rides, Saddle is cheap and it feels like it to.
Bottom Line:
A good bike for a beginner rider. I ride to work twice a week and offroad on the weekend and find it handles both situations with no major problems. I'll probably keep this bike for another 18-24 months before I'll consider buying something more capable. Overall a good first bike, it hasn't given me any problems, and the ride is preety good.
Bike Setup: Cromoly frame, RockShox Jett, alivo/acera
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
T-Bone
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomington, IL USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2002
Strengths: Extremely durable bike for the money. Overall good value. Comfortable for the everyday rider. Decent components for a recreational bike.
Weaknesses: Suspension (Jet) is not adequate for anything other than light off road. Chain slap is pretty bad on rough trails. Geometry is not aggressive enough for steep hills. It's tough to keep the front tire on the ground on steep climbs.
Bottom Line:
This was my first mountain bike. I bought it to basically ride around the neighborhood to warm up to go jogging - more for comfort. A buddy asked me to go riding off road and that was all it took. I really beat the heck out of this bike - riding it harder than it was ever intended to be ridden. I'm amazed it's still in one piece - other than the paint nicks from the chain slap, you'd guess it was still new. After some pretty good wrecks, I don't know how.
Overall, the bike is terrific for someone just starting out who doesn't plan on riding it like I did. For the price, this bike is a very good buy. If you have any inclination to go off road, I'd consider the Marlin for an extra $75, you get better geometry. The Wahoo doesn't like to keep its nose down on steeper climbs, but then again, I don't think it was ever intended to do so.
Same goes for the front shock. Pretty easy to bottom out for a 190 pounder. For the punishment it took, I'm surprised it didn't explode.
Bottom line - a great starter bike that allows you to get a taste of the sport without spending a bundle. Other than a few flat tires, I've had no mechanical problems - amazing for the punishment it has endured. I'll give it 5 chilis as compared to other bikes in this beginner category.
Submitted by
Shaun Glass
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001
Strengths: Light weight, durability, comfort, handles well.Was particularly impressed with ability in steep and vertical drop-offs, in other words I still have my front teeth!!
Weaknesses: Struggle a bit on uphills as the weight distribution may be a bit out, front wheel tends to want to rise off the surface. Bike is used on average 2 hours a day and so requires servicing at least once a month, I do not know if this is regular, but it seems a bit excesive.
Bottom Line:
Definately a good buy, takes a good knock and can still take one the very next day.Something for beginner to intermediate.
Similar Products Used: None, only previously ridden road bikes.
Bike Setup: Standard, off the floor, however here in South Africa, came with Aluminium frame and I-sync front suspension, otherwise everything else seems similar.
Strengths: Quick, strong bike that accepts upgrades well.
Weaknesses: No replaceable derailleur hanger.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for a beginner rider. The bike takes abuse really well and I love it. After owning it for a year I only needed to bring it in to the shop once. I rode this baby to 5th place in my age group (14 and under) in a race with a total of 45 kids. Awesome bike. The frame is nice and light and the bike is a little heavy but with upgrades the bike can be very light.
