Strengths: Is light & dependable, climbs great, can handle most high speed descents providing the terrain doesn't max out the travel. Paint NEVER chipped, frame NEVER ghost shifted. Has outlasted all of the original XT components over 6+ yrs. NEVER had a warranty issue with the frame. The carbon stays w/BLINK added to the small bump compliance well.
Weaknesses: Issue was the SID Race rear shock. Negative side eventually started to leak many years ago. NEVER serviced it until I recently blew the seals. 7 yrs w/o it being serviced wow. I'm 215Lbs/Clydesdale and abused that shock.
Bottom Line:
I'm bidding farewell to my Sugar 1 after 1000s of miles of epic rides, training loops and Xterra races. The new technologies have made much of it obsolete at this juncture. I bought a Scott Spark 20 and hope to get the same trusty steed that the Sug1 was.
If you ever experience chain suck, it's a result of a dirty chain, worn rings and or worn chain. It would occur after numerous stream crossings and then a caking of mud and dirt. A good clean and regular drivetrain replacements of chain and inner chainring..and all was cool. As my riding and racing buds went through 2,3 or more bikes during my Sug's tenure they didn't gain much in speed or capabilities via a mechanical advantage, they garnered DH speed over more challenging terrain with the square edges though. The new shocks and the new XC FS norm of 4-5 inches, now has the Sug relegated to a back-up race spare or a bike for visitors/guest to ride the local terrain.
If you can get one used and your a W/E warrior, they are a steal for what you get. Sug 1 with Carbon Stays is way different than the all alum rear triangle brethren. Keep in mind it still is a XC racer still utilized at the events, with steep angles, so be alert, your inattentiveness and it's quickness may be a shock.
5 Flamers because it exceeded and outlasted my expectations and those of my riding/training buds.
Similar Products Used: in mid 90s, GF Joshua. But have compared with SC superlight (old style), Trek Fuels, GF Cake, Hi Fi and it finally lost out to the Scott Spark 20.
Bike Setup: XT mega9 crank and FD, SID Race Fork, retained XT 8 shifter w/9speed RD to survive the mud/dirt/water combo. XC717, Juicy 7, Monkey Lite carbon 1" riser, WTB 98SST saddle,Panaracer XC Fire Pro 127tpi.
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Submitted by
barrett r
a Cross Country Rider
from saskatoon, sk, canada
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2007
Strengths: stiff, light, and durable. As well the design is spot on, this bike shows you that function truly is at the core of all aesthetics.
Weaknesses: whatevs
Bottom Line:
I just thought this bike could use yet another props. It is also a FS that gives me confidence to go SS with...the conversion to come soon. Not many FS give such climbing ability to even think of going single. If you can grab one of these used, go for it. This bike is a dream for a racer, and for the weekend racer, this years model is really within budget.
Strengths: Climbs great, Light (23 lbs),Just an absolute pleasure to ride or race. Before you buy a bike, ride 1 and youlle find out what Im saying in the first 5 minutes! I was a bit less than enthused with the downhill performance but, I put on a fresh Marzzochi Marathon Race and Im in love all over again. Kinda like gettin breast implants for the ole lady.
Weaknesses: Yup, Chainsuck! I short chained it and all is well now though. Oh and the paint still sucks lol.
Bottom Line:
Ok so Sugars are supposed to be less than durable. Not here my friend. I went into a huge culvert with a cement retaining wall stopping my 20mph head of steam. My helmet was destroyed, broke ribs, punctured lung, multiple contusions and ebrasions. The bike?! Had to replace the front brake arm and multiple abrasions to Gary's crappy paint work.. I was thinkin bout new, but only bout the 29er version. I just cant leave her yet and every now and then she gets a little better and harder to leave. To this day I walk bye and glance over in admiration as I come and go. You think Im crazy dont you!? Must be you aint got a Sudar in your life then ;)
Bike Setup: Original stock full XTR with hopes on mustangs, my tried and true flite saddle and this ugly white thing holding my front wheel on. Oh and gotta have my eggs! Just ordered a stans on hadley disc set and some bb7's to stop em with. Had to get this special adapter for rear mount though: Fisher part # 87855.
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Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003
Strengths: Light, laterally stiff, smooth ride, good climbs
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
This is an update of my July review. The bike impresses more and more. I have to resist the urge to try to go bigger on this frame, which is strictly for XC. But its such a pleasure to pedal after marching around on my overbuilt Joker that months go by before I tempted to ride anything heavier. Great climber and stiff where it out to be thanks to the ovalized down tube - and this despite that fact that I am big clyde. Truly a great bike that for once actually lives up to its hype.
Having said all that I would never pay retail for a fully built up one. Plenty of used frames available on the net so save yourself a bundle.
Similar Products Used: 2000 Sugar 2, Ellsworth Joker, GT I-Drive
Bike Setup: Race lite wheels, stem, post, XT drivetrain and shifters, WTB saddle, Easton riser bar.
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Submitted by
Dlafoyboy
a Cross Country Rider
from the ATX
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003
Strengths: supa dupa light,fast like O.J.
Weaknesses: none,no ghost shifts at all,ever.
Bottom Line:
follow up from previous review done about 8 months ago.This is still a dream machine on creatin,no problems ,no flaws,just straight get in them drawls performance.I have gotten the weight down to 22.8lbs and next upgrade will be '03 XTR crankset(probably the only upgrade i'll use from shimanos new XTR line)which will improve weight and performance over my current XT crankset.Bike has almost no bob and flies up hills and floats down hills.Still love it like day 1.
Strengths: Very Stiff, Good Geometry, Cool Paint job.
Weaknesses: Bushings, Chainline, Heavy
Bottom Line:
Well, this is my followup post. This frame was a replacement for my beloved OCLV that broke after many years. The frame had a very poor chainline which was causing the chain to drop off of the middle ring onto the small ring when in a big cog in the back. (Yes, it is adjusted correctly) I was dealing with that by not useing those gears but now one of the bushings is bad and the back end of the bike sways around so much it ghost shifts. My customer rep at Gary Fisher has been very good and new bushings are on there way. I am hoping that a bad bushing may have thrown the alighnment off causing the chain drop and fast bushing wear. When I eventually get everything working I think I will like this frame.
Submitted by
Matt Dutcher
a Cross Country Rider
from Lenexa, KS
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002
Strengths: Genesis geometry, Carbon fiber stays, Cloud Nine shock, stiff frame, cool color scheme, the list goes on....
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This frame rocks! No problems with chainsuck or anything. I have been riding it for about 3 months, 3-5 times a week. I think that it performs very well. It climbs like a champ and descends just as well. If you have a chance to get this frame or full bike, buy it! You will not be disappointed. As far as the issues with GF's frames as listed by other riders on this site...test one for yourself and see. I think that there are too many out there that are quick to judge. If you have any problems...talk with your LBS or GF rep and get it resolved. GF will not treat you wrong.
Bike Setup: XT/XTR components, Bontrager Racelight Tubeless wheels, Manitou Mars Elite fork, Thomson stem and seat post, Avid brakes, and some other sweet stuff.
Strengths: Climbs great even on loose terrian. Solid and great craftsmanship.
Weaknesses: had some chain suck and ghost shifting - see below for fix.
Bottom Line:
I hear lots of complaints about chain suck and shifting. I started with an XT drive train and had a little problem with chain suck and ghost shifts. I dumped the shimano chain for a Sachs and upgraded to an XTR rear derailer. problems fixed. Shifts rock solid and never a bit of chain suck anymore. There were a few mis matched frames and rear sections out there. You need to check the alignment of the frame. To do this run a string from one drop out around the steer tube and to the other drop out. now with the string tight, measure from the string to the seat tube - is the left and right sides are more than like an 1/8 inch, call Fisher.
Bike Setup: XTR hubs, Bontrager wheels, Atom 80, XTR/XT drive, XTR v's, Protapers on Thompson stem.
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Submitted by
Paul Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Upland,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2002
Strengths: Solid, light weight climber plus flawless downhill.
Weaknesses: Why didn't I get a Sugar 1 earlier?
Bottom Line:
They had to call it Sugar 1 because sex and heaven were already taken. If you are reading this to make up your mind, just do it - go to eBay and find some Sugar for yourself. I got mine for $1,400 plus shipping. PS - anyone that says they have chain suck can't adjust their der. or their LBS sucks. God bless Gary Fisher!! there aren't enough flamin' chilipeppers for this baby
Similar Products Used: Pro Flex, Trek Fuel, Cannondale Viper & Jekyl
Bike Setup: Hayes disk brakes, XTR everything, Easton Monkey light riser bar, nut-saver saddle, mp3's and some S.N. Pale Ale
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Submitted by
Dave Harvey
a Racer
from San Marcos, California
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002
Strengths: Fast,light (23lbs), more efficient than my Lightspeed hardtail, reliable
Weaknesses: Chain suck
Bottom Line:
This bike reminds me of Goldie Locks, after trying and owning many bikes, this one is 'just right'. Only FS I would consider racing. Suspension is effective and very tuneable. It always takes me months to get the bikes dialed in and this one is finally there. Only bike in it's class is the Santa Cruz light, but more bucks and flexy. Still working on the chainsuck issue and have installed an 'antichain suck' device, works, but needs modifications to make it work better. I may try the Raceface adjustable bottom bracket if it is compatable with XTR. Bottom line: Other than the occasional chainsuck, the bike is perfect for racing or riding fast!
Strengths: Climbing traction, descending stability, roomy cockpit, light and stiff.
Weaknesses: Occaisional chain drop.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my earlier review. After 6 months everything's still great, in fact I like the frame better every time I ride it. I rarely have a bad ride since getting this frame. Once you get used to the stability and somewhat slow steering you will like it. At first the front end tended to wash out on fast descents, but this has gone away. I either learned to compensate or dialed it out with suspension adjustments. The frame has also proved very sturdy. I've taken some pretty spectacular crashes (none the frame's fault) and it's survived unscathed so far. I've heard that they dent easily, but that hasn't been a problem for me so far. The paint has also held up great.
I also haven't had any of the shifting problems so many people seem to be having. This frame replaced a Klein Adept which was having major problems in that area. I'm using an LX front derr, STX shfters and IG-50 chain, pretty prosaic stuff. You have to front shift gently, and the chain will occasionally drop when going from middle to small ring, but this can happen on any bike. Front shifting is generally the biggest problem area on most bikes. I'm going to try a Sram chain- they're laterally stiffer and help prevent chain drop. Also I'll bet an XTR front derr would help a lot too. I'm using a Race Face adjustable BB and I moved the crank as far in as it will go to optimize chainline. That probably helps a lot. Sugars come built up with wide BBs and pretty crazy chainlines. I've NEVER had the chain suck.
So if you're having front shifting problems your Sugar is most likely defective, and you should have it sent back. The company is honoring the warrantee. It needs to be checked on an alignment jig. If your regular dealer refuses take it to another dealer. Yeah you'll be without it for awhile, but if it doesn't work, who cares. It's a great frame when it's working right.
Strengths: Stiff, great climbing and descending, top tube clearance
Weaknesses: Defective chainline! Heavy compared to my hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Got this as a free replacement for my 7.5 year old OCLV frame. Geometry is identical. Long top tube climbs well but is a little harder in tight singletrack. This bike is much heavier than my old frame but is also stiffer and full suspension. I think they could make a much lighter version for those of us that ride hard but are lightweights and finesse riders.
After reading these posts I took my chances hoping to get a good frame. The chainline is horrible! There is no way the chain has any chance of staying on the middle chainring and the largest rear cog. 2nd largest causes occasional problems.
Hopefully I get a replacement for my replacement. I left a message with the Fisher Rep.
Similar Products Used: Old 2.7 lb OCLV Supercaliber
Bike Setup: gripshift and shimano, SID Race
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Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown CT USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002
Strengths: Stiffness, roomy cockpit, climbing ability, Cane Creek shock
Weaknesses: Front end's a little light.
Bottom Line:
I got my Sugar as a frame only, to replace a Klein Adept frame that was defective. I managed to finagle a Sugar instead of another Adept an am glad I did. This is an excellent frame, much better than the Adept. The first thing you notice is the long, roomy cockpit. It gives you a lot of breathing room. Then you go up a hill and you notice that this bike climbs like a goat, no other bike I've ridden climbs half as well. The geometry and long cockpit put a lot of weight on the rear wheel for unbeleivable traction. The flip side is that the front end is a little light, and can wash out on fast descents. I prevent this by dragging the front brake a little in fast corners. You will also notice that this is not the most nimble bike due to the long cockpit and resulting long wheelbase. You can't think your way around tight turns, but have to muscle the bike a little. It demands an active rider. I also like the Cane Creek shock much better than the Fox shocks I've used in the past. It's a lot more resistant to bottoming and you can rebuild it yourself.
Some people have had shifting broblems with their Sugars, and this was due to a nanufacturing defect (I can't believe some people still don't know this), and the company is replacing them. IF YOU HAVE A SUGAR THAT IS HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS, BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND ASK THEM TO SEND IT BACK FOR ASESSMENT. IF THEY REFUSE, TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER! I have also heard people complain about chipping paint on their Sugars, but I have had no such problems.
Bottom line is you can fly on this bike; I'm even thinking about getting disk brakes because my Avid rim brakes aren't strong enough to slow me down on this bike. Unless you need a super nimble kike with a high bottom bracket, you should consider it.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Z3 fork, Race Face cranks, XTR, Avid brakes
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Submitted by
Kurt Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002
Strengths: Very light and verrrrry fast. Nothing climbs better. Very fast and stable on the downs. Very easy to keep on the ground. Increases your riding skills quickly. It grabs attention and looks great.
Weaknesses: Occasional chain suck. I have determined that there are tradeoffs when you have one of the best rear suspension bikes available. Most chain suck is due to technique (poor shift/loading timing) or a dirty chain. Attention to both will eliminate the problem.
Bottom Line:
I can't imagine riding any other bike. I know others have to be as good as the technologies and capabilities of all higher end bikes are becoming similar. But when you find a great thing you gotta stick with it. The sugar is one of those bikes.
This bike is good in the very technical ups and downs. I've never had any shifting problems. There is no pedal induced bobbing and I always leave the rear shock in the in the unrestricted setting. The limited suspension range makes it less suitable for longer rocky downhill sections, but that is what DH bikes are for. This bike for anyone with the dollars and the need for speed.
Bike Setup: This bike was build from the frame up by me. The old Sugar 2 frame cracked and the new frame a replacement. Sugar 1 for cracked Sugar 2 what a deal. Speed Dream wheels, Nano-Raptor tires, XTR rear end, XT Cranks, Cloud Nine, Avid Ti brakes, CT2 seat post and riser bar, Chris King headset. SID XC and ATAC pedals. Weight = 24.5 lbs.
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Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Weaknesses: rebound adjuster on rear SID dont work,bontrger racelite dont hold air.
Bottom Line:
bottom line...awesome bike. VERY light, super fast,made for climbs - this bike eats up the most technical steep loose climbs u can find and leaves the pack way behind. Its a blast to race it down super fast singletracks, the bike has no problem taking up the beating. i ride in mostly rocky technical terrain and the bike just tears it up no prob. Its precise streeing +stifness make it the most agile climber i have ridden yet.
and talking about looks....the bike turns heads...
if you are a serious racer or just anyone whos looking for a superfast bike that can climb the gnarliest + tear it up going down this is the bike for you .
My father just snapped his rear triangle riding this morning. He bought the bike back in 2000(or 99?). Lifetime warranty right?
Any thoughts on how fisher will go about fixing Read More »
Does anyone know where I may be able to aquire a rear triangel for a Sugar 1 frame? I may be able to get my hands on one but the rear triangle is cracked. I don't need the carbon Read More »
Fairly new to the forums...joined a year ago and mostly just lurk. I was super into riding in the early 90's while in high school, got away from it for a long while, and have been Read More »
My 2002 Sugar 1 swingarm cracked in the same spot that has plagued this design. I initiated a warranty claim with my LBS. The LBS stated “Trek is going to replace with a black alu Read More »
