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Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Dryer Road Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Great handling bike, fits great, easy to control for a big / tall rider (Size XL frame - 6'5" 200lb rider). Frame warranty and a company that stand behind it (good thing, see below). | | Weaknesses: | Poor frame design, not built to hold up to big riders. My orignial Sugar 2 cracked lower swing arm by the crank, Gary Fisher graciously replaced, with a Sugar 2+. After 3 seasons, another crack, same location - now a new rear triangle. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Bontrager and Raleigh hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR shifters, XT hubs and Crank. Manitou Minute 1 fork, Hayes Mechanical Discs | | Bottom Line: | Great handling bike, easy to control in many conditions. Great company and great warranty. BUT bike not suited for big riders.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Coplon
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt. Desert, ME, USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bar Harbor Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Climbs great, descends great, handles very well. Great all round bike. Great components, Especially like the XTR rear derailer. | | Weaknesses: | Phylo never quite seems to perform the way it should. It my keeps leaking oil. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic comp | | Bike Setup: | Full XT with XTR rear derailer, full Bontrager race, Rock Shox Phylo SL, Cane Creek add 12 | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I wish that it had a different fork. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris Buckles
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Nebo Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line Carmel | | Strengths: | Very Versatile with the Psylo and Sybal suspension. A ton of fun when operating. | | Weaknesses: | Pivot Bushings wearing out every two months. The bushing kit is around $100. If you let the bushings go too far the swing arm cracks. Very bad engineering design for the caliber of bike purchased. Constant maintenance of the cables and shifters to avoid chain suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Pro Cal, Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | OEM | | Bottom Line: | The design flaws kill the bike putting it in the shop every other month, currently Trek is trying to make up for the situation with a frame replacement other than the sugar which will have internal bushings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason E
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | middle cottonwood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | EP'd at Budget Bicycle Center, Madison, WI | | Strengths: | geometry, suspension design
| | Weaknesses: | psylo, bont cranks, cane creek 12 | | Bike Setup: | disc model, stock except fox vanilla rl in rear | | Bottom Line: | I think that everyone is missing the point of this bike. Some think it is a joke as a freeride bike, others feel it is overbuilt for xcountry. The reality is that this bike is versatile. Great for epics. Perfect for climbing logging roads and bombing singletrack. Great for technical, rocky trails - POINT AND SHOOT. With a coil in rear, it can take 4 foot drops all day (I weigh 170lbs). I would never go back to a 3" travel bike - you just can't power through rocky trail w/ short travel. Plus - descents suck w/ 3inchers, not fast/fun.
There are three major (costly) problems with this bike
1. Cane Creek AD12 - after less than a year, had to rebuild. Held air for two rides, then would not hold for five minutes of riding. I like reliability - so I bought a Vanilla RL (coil). It is reliable and solid on drops, lockout is nice.
2. Bontrager cranks - not stiff enough, chainsuck. Will replace with beefier TV hussefelts.
*this is not a good shifting bike. All sugars have a bad chain line - they wear chains and cassettes very quickly.
3. Psylo SL - liked it at first, now hate it. flexy - does not steer well. basically feels like crap after one year. Hard to work on, results of rebuild are limited.
I will replace with a Z1 bomber.
Once I have this thing the way I want it, I think it will be a solid but very spendy ride. Good thing I got employee price on it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great suspension design, some nice component choices, frame is pretty durable, looks killer | | Weaknesses: | Some really bad component choices, chainsuck problems | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XTR brakes, XT crankset, and WTB tires | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike when it's working. When it's not, I can't stop complaining about it.
First- the components:
You get the expected bontrager parts pretty much everywhere- the race stem/seatpost/riser bar are fine, but the crankset really sucks. The rings are soft, it's flexy, and you don't really get to experience the benefits of ISIS. I switched to an XT crankset, and even with less splines (octalink), it's still way stiffer. Also, if you keep the Bontrager, make sure you have a V5-stamped middle ring (as opposed to a V3), since newer Sugars get the new ring that's supposed to have better shifting. I don't really like the SD5 brakes, although if stopping power is really my thing, I guess I should have bought the disc version anyway. Also, for So. Cal., the IRC tires aren't very good- their cornering grip is bad, and I imagine that they shed mud well, but any muddy trail here would be closed for rain damage. As far as the good stuff, the WTB saddle is awesome, and the XT/XTR drivetrain is pretty sweet at this price. The ATAC pedals are amazing once you get used to having to swing your foot out to release.
Suspension/Ride Quality:
I dig the Rock Shox fork- it didn't get very high reviews on this site, but I love it's versatility and tuneability. It complements the variable travel possible on this bike very well. I also like the AD-12 although it tends to get trashed in bike magazines- I find you can make it adapt to your riding style by getting creative with air pressure and the compression and rebound adjusters. This bike climbs like a hardtail (or better, since it improves your traction), and even though the suspension moves while you're climbing, you don't really notice any bobbing or feedback unless you're in the wrong gear. Going back down, it rides like any bike with 4" of travel (if you ride in the 2.8" setting, you'll feel some hits, but it's still pretty smooth).
Chainsuck:
It is a problem with this bike, or at least, judging from the amount of reviewers who have this problem, it is something to consider if you're going to pick one up for cheap now that the 2003's are out. There is simply less room between the chainstay and the chainrings than there is on many other bikes, and this means that if your shifting is even a little off, you're going to have problems. Here's what I've done to minimize the problem: (sorry this is so long, but hopefully it's helpful to some people)
1) Get a better crankset or at least the V5 ring from Trek
2) Don't use a waxy lubricant like White Lightning- it gums up the chainrings and contributes to the chainsuck problem
3) Obsessively adjust your derailleurs and keep the cables well lubed
4) Time your shifts in terms of your pedaling cadence (this is pretty true for any bike, but especially here)
5) Bring a chain tool when you ride!!!
Bottom line- I have had only one problem with this bike, but it's been a recurring problem. I would recommend this bike nevertheless, because it is a sweet ride for the money as long as it is working. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rattlesnake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Everything. | | Weaknesses: | None found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M800 | | Bike Setup: | Mix of XTR/XT and Bontrager. | | Bottom Line: | What a huge difference eight years made in bicycle technology. I saw all the new bikes on the trail, but kept riding my 1994 Raleigh. It had Rockshox Mag 21's and an aluminum frame. Couldn't get much better than that, huh? Boy was I surprised. The Fisher 2+ is lighter, more comfortable, climbs much better.
I've only had it six months, but I've ridden it a minimum of three days a week since last July. Most weeks it'll get four or five days of hard use and my log reflects over 500 miles on it. So, with that I would recommend the Sugar 2+ to anyone who likes to climb as much as they like to descend the rough stuff. Because it'll do both very well.
I've heard of chainsuck problems with Sugars, but this one has only exercised that demon twice since I've had it. For value I'd rate it very high. For overall rating it'll get a lower flaming chili rating because, there are better bikes out there. Lighter, smoother, and better balanced, you just gotta be willing to pay for 'em. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollywood, FL
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Geometry. Disc Brakes | | Weaknesses: | OEM Cranks, chain suck problems
CRACKING SWINGARM | | Bike Setup: | Started life as a 2001 Sugar 3 with Disc 2.5" travel
now =
Sugar + Frame Marzocci z4air at 100mm, XTR cranks, XT rear, Bontrager Race disc front wheel, Sun Single trac (bomb proof) rear | | Bottom Line: | I am an aggressive XC trail rider. I do not huck myself off of anything huge. However I am more inclined to take a technical line as apposed to the smooth one. If that entails takeing a drop, jump or going over a rock so be it. Since I purchased my original bike in 2/01 I have gone through 5! rear swing arms, all of them have cracked in the exact same place. A radial crack along the lower tubular crossmember of the chainstays. Here is the break! down (pun intended)
1) Original 2.5" travel - crack replaced with (in 3 days! Way to go Fisher!!!! I paid for overnight shipping ONLY!)
2) Carbon fiber seat and chain stays 2.5" travel - cracked - replaced with a 3) warranty nightmare ( 4+ weeks) they sent the wrong swing (from a 4" travel bike) finally they just sent the main frame and shock from the + model (wooo hooo)
Cracked the new 4" travel swing in the same place as the 2.5" model! - 4) replaced (regular turn around ~ 10 days) another 4 months and ANOTHER CRACK SAME PLACE. 5) This time they replaced it with a pre-production version of next year's swing that has carbon fiber chain and seat stays and a reinforced gusset on the tubular crossmember that kept cracking. I got this one ASAP, since I was constantly badgering Fisher about a re-engineered part starting at failure #3!
Although the experience has not been painless I have to say it is nice that a company stands behind its product. There have been numerous times when I almost just ditched the whole thing and went to another bike. However everyone that rides as often as I do (3-5x's a week on single track) breaks stuff. One of my buddies just cracked his $2,000 Turner Frame, that only had a 1 year warranty! DOH!
All and all this is a great do it all bike. If you are a little on the agressive side plan on replacing things. The 28 spoke Bontrager wheel in the rear just did not cut it for me. So I upgraded to a Sun Single Track and have not had a broken spoke since. The Hayes Brakes have performed almost flawlessly for 2 solid years and over 3500 miles. Including NUMEROUS downhill excurions in NC, UT and CO. The geometry is what really does it for me. Lay this bike next to any other medium frame and the cockpit is usually a good 2" shorter than my bike. I am 5' 10" and ride a medium frame with a 115mm stem. I can climb, hammer the pedals, carve single track, take a drop or a jump without making huge adjustments to my position. The bike is as comfortable on my regular 6.5 mile local trail (Markham Park) as it was on Epic 15-30+ mile trails such as Hermosa Creek, Porc Rim, Dupont, Kennebac Pass and numerous Pisgah NC trails.
Again it is not perfect but over 2 years and only about $2500 in total expense (including the bike, maintenance and upgrades) I do not know how you could do any better.
Ride on | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skater
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | atom ant | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light weight | | Weaknesses: | Just snapped a weld on a 2000 Sugar 1 and the LBS is replacing the frame with a Sugar 2+ (I'm 6 ft 5 in 190 lbs). | | Similar Products Used: | Been riding a 2000 Sugar 1 for 2 years with the only problems being on the owner side. (weak minded & bodied) | | Bike Setup: | Can anyone mention what they're running on the rear shocks for their weight? | | Bottom Line: | How much are XLg Sugar 2's weighing in at with & without disc brakes? You pay thru the keister for light weight bikes but rarely does anyone pay much attention to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JMoose
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | unnamed in central NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | bike line | | Strengths: | climbs like its on a rail
corners like a champ, smooth ride without the dips, tough - I took a tumble and the bike ended up falling off a thirty foot cliff without a ding
it hums along on any terrain | | Weaknesses: | I had some serious chain suck with the chain lodging between the frame and the chain rings. After getting some bad advice, I finally got a new front triangle from Bike Line in Ardmore. They got in touch with GF and had a new triangle to me in one week. The GF rep said the original run of Sugars had front triangles that were off by a couple of centimeters. The replacement seems perfect. The bike has gone without a hitch since. If you have problems with a GF product, get to a regular GF dealer and let them know. Although I was disappointed that GF would put out a faulty product, I was impressed at how quickly they amended the situation. | | Similar Products Used: | old specialized rock hopper
k2 razorback | | Bottom Line: | Awesome ride for everything you can throw at it......as long as they have fixed the manufacturing problem. I heard that all the new frames were going through an extra check for this problem. I tried out the cannondale scalpel and jekyll and a specialized bike before buying the Fisher. It really seemed to hold the turns the best and take off like a rocket when I pushed it. The others are good but this bike was clearly the best. Definitely recommend as a buy. The only reason I lowered the value rating was due to the hassle of chain suck issue. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling, VA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | Climbs like a scared cat. No suspension bob when climbing. Fast XC bike. Sweet paint job. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck. Even with XT | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Proflex 4000 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MXC coil/oil 100mm fork; Avid Mechanical discs with 7" front rotor, 6" back rotor, XT components and drive train, Mavic 317 wheelset w/ XT disc hubs, Easton EA70 riser bars, Gore Ride-On cables, no-name seat off my old K2 because I like it, Cane Creek headset, Bonty seat post; Panaracer Fire and Smoke tires, Shimano 515 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I built this from the frame up, using as much of my old parts as possible (almost everything except the front derailleur, seat post and cables). At 195lbs, the Marz fork could be a bit firmer as it bobs a bit, but it doesn't bottom out and is silky smooth. But that doesn't waste much energy when climbing, and the rear doesn't bob at all (or as little as is possible with an FS frame). From my old K2 frame, my speeds have literally doubled, as this thing is solid, stable and smooth in any direction. I have had some pretty wicked chain suck with my XT drive train, but my small ring was worn, so I replaced it with a Race Face steel 22t ring. Now I only get chain suck if I shift at the wrong time and under too much load. It's avoidable now. Going to a wider BB may solve it, but I've ground out some of the aluminum at the bottom pivot (with the chain - not intentionally), so the chain doesn't stay stuck, and it does not affect the structure any. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomington, Illinois, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | berryman | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The adjustible front & rear shock, the wieght of the bike, awesome paint job, disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Had the chainsuck once, front disk brake has to be adjusted frequently, but other than that, great bike | | Similar Products Used: | first FS, fuji hardtail was only other bike owned | | Bike Setup: | stock except for race face turbine crankset | | Bottom Line: | I really like the lockout feature on the psylo, and the adjustibility of the rear shock. I don't like the fact that the seat clamp is not a quick release. reason being that i put the bike in the back of my jeep, and have to take the seat off each time i do so. I read the revues that complained of the chainsuck from the stock bontarager crankset, and so i decided to replace it with a race face turbine crankset to try and prevent the chainsuck. (LBS was great and gave me credit for the bontarager crankset towards the race face) But, the chainsuck i encountered was severe, but i just got off my bike and walked to my car (bummer). Drove to the LBS and they took care of it. Bought a lizard skin chainstay protecter and put it as far up the chainstay as possible. Then i took a few green quick ties and put them around the rest of the chainstay. Since i have done this, there have been no chainsuck problems. The IRC Backcountry tires seen to wear faster than my old nanorapters, but that is expected for such a nobby aggresive tire. I went over the handlebars twice, in the first week but that was my fault alone. The bike could easily handle my limits, but my limits could not handle this bike. No noticeable rear bob when pumping up hills. 5 flamin' chilis for value/overall becuase other bikes spec. like the sugar are a couple hundred $ more. Gary Fisher has hit the spot on this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Herman
a
from Newark, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch / Santa Cruz | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | $2,000 | | Strengths: | Good cross-country bike, well suited for my type of riding. A good balance of strength and lightness. The paint job is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | The cane creek air shock seems to lose pressure, but I have only been riding the bike for a few weeks. Also the disc brakes rub sometimes. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler, Cannondale Jeykel. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the Hayes Disc setup. | | Bottom Line: | Only one complaint with the bike. When the suspension compresses, the rear brake line flexes outward and rubs on my left leg. I have tried to bend the holders to route the hydraulic line lower but I have had no luck. Have any other riders dealt with this problem? If so I would like to know how you adjusted this. Please e-mail me...Syncro5@aol.com
Enjoy your bike.
Ken | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Like most of it. That seat is the most comfy I have ever used! NO BOB AT ALL!! | | Weaknesses: | don't like the IRC Back Country tires | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mtn. Element | | Bike Setup: | XL Sugar 2+ disc - stock | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 240 lbs. and am 6' 4". Bike (XL Size) handles my size well. I have put over a thousand miles on bike with a mix of road rides to XC to very technical trail riding. I have only had the chain jamming/chain suck once. Going uphill in granny on very rocky and muddy conditions. As stated in review below, the chain jammed when suspenion was flexing and I was cranking very hard. This was in the 4.1" rear wheel travel setting. Had to depress rear shock to get it out without damaging paint/frame. I mainly ride in the 2.8" setting and have had no problems. Bike over all has performed very well for me. I did experience the bottom bracket creaking. LBS took the BB off, cleaned it, and greased it. Fixed. Only other problem is a strong vibration from the rear Hayes disc brake during heavy braking. Turns out that I needed to get a brake stabilizer from the factory. Easy fix and appears to be working. May be more of a problem due to my size? Overall I love this bike more and more every ride. I hope the chain probelm doesn't start acting up during the wet months ahead. Lots of people think the RockShox Psylo is to soft. I disagree. I have hit big stuff and caught some good air and have not bottomed out. I think the bike handles great and is very good climber for a FS. AND BEST OF ALL NO BOB EVEN UNDER HARD CRANKING UP THE STEEP ONES! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Eyre
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jumping Pound | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Nouvelle Cycle | | Strengths: | Adjustable front fork. Good suspention front and back. Good weight. Fairly good handling on downhills - better than my Proflex. | | Weaknesses: | Major problem in the drive train! The bottom bracket axle is too short as factory configured and can result in the chain getting stuck between the chain stays and the middle chain ring. I have read some calling this "chain suck". The only way to get the chain out is to compress the rear shock enough to allow the chain to drop out. This situation occurs when the rear suspension is set up soft and you shift on to the smallest chain ring at the same time as you hit a small (or large) bump in the trail. Under this condition, the chain whips up and jams itself in. This usually occurs to me when going up a hill - mostly on lose rocky terrain. This is not the place I like to have my pedals come to a sudden stop. My last time out, the chain jammed, and after I released it, the cranks were making a terrible noise. I was afraid to really crank over obstacles as it sounded as thought the bottom bracket was going to break.
Needless to say, I am very disappointed with this set-up. I did discover, however, that if you adjust your rear shock so that it doesn’t move, then the problem goes away. But then you may as well buy a hard-tail.
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Factory Sugar2+_DISC. | | Bottom Line: | Gary Fisher made a error in the configuration of this bike and is now ignoring the problem. If you buy this bike, be prepared to pay more to get the drive train working properly. Depending on your weight and the rear shock setting, this may be the worst performing climber you've ever ridden! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
b siegel
a Cross Country Rider
from denver
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sol vista trails, grand county, co | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | great price value. climbing as good as descending. great all purpose trail rig. | | Weaknesses: | bontrager cranks. quasi freeride setup rather than xc for which it is intended. | | Similar Products Used: | fisher supercaliber hardtail, many others. | | Bike Setup: | avid v brakes. changed out to flat bar/ends, lighter tires, and xt cranks. | | Bottom Line: | great all around trail bike - true point and shoot ride. climbs well. handles clydesdale rider at 210+ lbs. can stay seated and pedal up and through most x-country trails and technical sections.
made/will make the following changes to stock in order of priority to create better xcountry rig vs. fake freerider. note - i am not a weight freak at my size, but appreciate a more efficient climbing setup.
1) force your dealer to trade out horrible bontrager cranks (creak, chainsuck, poor shifting) for xt crankset and bb.
2) changed bontrager riser bar for flat bar with ends for comfort & efficiency.
3) changed out irc backcountries 2.25's for lighter/faster 2.1's.
4) headset looks weak. will replace or break, whichever occurs sooner.
5) will eventually trade out psylo fork when it wears out for long travel/smoother fork. psylo fork ok, not great. switching from long to short travel kinda cool but not needed on better long travel forks and not worth extra full pound.
6) will eventually trade out seatpost to raceface xy or similar to get more layback and weight over rear wheel.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zipper
a
from Orange, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fairly light weight and well balanced. This is a cross country bike. Can handle downhill if you dial it in right. The Psylo Fork is great (my second). The bike just feels perfect. | | Weaknesses: | Combo shift/brake, set up for more race and less weekend warrior. Stock bars are wierd. | | Similar Products Used: | None. First full-suspension | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a raceface riser bar, raceface stem and raceface seatpost (offset). | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike overall. I have had no mechanical problems. All this talk about the Psylo fork and plastic knobs is BS. I have read many complaints but have never seen or heard of one breaking. The rear shock is adjustable and works fine. I was only bummed that the brake and shifter levers were a combo unit. I cannot adjust them seperately. I put on a riser bar and a longer stem. The stock handlebars were narrow for me and sloped downward. I also put on an offset seatpost to lengthen the riding position. Tubeless wheels. Cool... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
esteban zimmermann
a Weekend Warrior
from Lima, Lima, Peru
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | El prado | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Best International S.A | | Strengths: | Nice Geometry for XC. The painting is really cool. | | Weaknesses: | The tail....man it´s weak. you could use a paper tail and don´t notice the difference. it´s not stiff at all. cornering it´s not a strenght of this bike and surely not downhilling. it gets so nervous, you can feel it in your legs how the rear wheel changes line in middle of a fast corner. the way fisher is welding his frames.....a total disgrase, 70 welding + 30% glue. a found why the tail was so weak, the main part is not welded...it´s glued. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Uzzi SLX, Azonic Eliminator | | Bike Setup: | Psylo sl, XT/LX, Deore Cranks(broke the bontrager it came with), azonic bar, hayes 6" hidra. front & rear, front wheel rhyno lite with xt hub, rear wheel mamooth xt hub. wtb tires. | | Bottom Line: | It´s GLUED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not welded, a kindergarten kid could make this frame for father´s day. they did´nt give the guarantee. theire argument was that i welded the part that was glued in the tail after breaking it cause one arm of the tail "disglued". my local dealer told me i could weld it while waiting for the paperwork to end....but one week after that they said...NO. i already had welded my frame and was unable to get any guarantee. i´m never buying a fisher nor a trek again. not even if they gave me a 5500 or a diesel for free!! and one last question: why tha heck does this bike comes with a five inch freeride fork, if it´s ment for XC ???(tough XC as they told me) blah blah . | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Larson
a Cross Country Rider
from UT
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Nice geometry, adjustable suspension, fast pickup, little pedal bob | | Weaknesses: | Downhill stability - very sketchy on even minor sections. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain RM-7, ETS, Ellsworth Id | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great for XC - genesis geometry great for singletrack and some VERY minor downhill sections. NO GOOD FOR REAL DOWNHILL! If you are ever going to hit any real downhill, do yourself a favor and get onto something with a more aggressive feel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Weekend Warrior
from Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rubberhead | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2333.00 | | Purchased At: | Ridetech | | Strengths: | Excellent climber, decender, rear susp., front fork, travel adjustability, hayes disc brakes, component mix, light weight (about 28lbs, not bad considering disc brakes and a 4+lb fork.) | | Weaknesses: | Nada, not a one. | | Similar Products Used: | AC Air, Specialized FSR and BigHit, Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2+ w disc. | | Bottom Line: | In one word: ROCKET !!!
This bike climbs excellent, both technical single track and fireroads, it's made me a faster climber by far. Decending is so much fun on this bike, you'll be smiling for hours after a ride. The rear susp. works wonders, no bob when climbing (even in long travel setting and hammering hard), you don't feel the susp. working under you, it's just there taking the hits.
The Psylo feels a little soft for 190lbs, it seems like a good fork but I'll wait to pass judgement on it till the firm spring is installed.
Rode my fav. trail today (check trail reviews for Rubberhead, steep singletrack with lots of small log drops), first time with this bike. I was able to easily ride steep, technical single track sections that I've never rode before. My riding ability and confidence is head and shoulders above what it used to be (on a FSR).
Genesis geometry is more that just marketing hype, it's easier to get your weight back on the decents, keep your weight over your rear wheel when climbing and maintain normal riding position.
Ideal buyer: XC rider/racer, weekend warrior type (those who like to ride to the top of the trail!), looking for a high quality ride. Downhiller's and hardcore free ride types probably won't be happy with this ride.
Have had no problems at all with chainsuck and would buy this bike again! Buy from a reputable bike shop to ensure any after sale problems are dealt with promptly.
Other reviewers give neg. reviews for the Bontrager components. The wheels and drive train have performed flawlessley for me, I think the cranks, ISIS BB and fairly light wheels, combined with Psylo lockout and stiff rear shock are what make this bike climb so fast.
In my opinion, the only bike around that may perform as well would be a Santa Cruz Superlight. To build a frame up to the similar specs as the 2+ would cost some serious $$.
If you're serious about the 2+, just ride one on a real trail and you'll be convinced it's a first class ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Downhiller
from ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Weaknesses: | customer service | | Bottom Line: | this bike has been problems from day one 1. rear freewheel is not compatible with a xt cassette it has slight rotational play on the seperate gears,area rep dosn't think it will get worse so nothing is getting done. 2.rear brakes (hayes disc) had severe chatter/squeal which ended up going away on its own only after about 45 hours of riding but went away when the temperature (outside)warmed up wonder if noise will come back when it gets cold again.3.my front shock (psylo) leaked oil (blew all oil out the dampening side ) had to send it back for warranty shock is leaking oil again so it going to have to go back again fisher area rep won't help me at all on this one says its up to me .the bike sucks and i feel that customer service dosn't stand behind the product and I will never buy another fisher product again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Chesley
a Cross Country Rider
from Westminster, MA 01473
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mid State | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | Adjustable travel, Time Atac's, Hayes Disc Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Soft spring set up in Pyslo, Cane Creek Rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Super Light | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Fox Float w/lockout and XT cassette | | Bottom Line: | First off, I've had no trouble with chain suck (and yesterdays ride was a mud bath!). I think the problem was corrected by the time I got my bike. A great bike for the money, but one ride on the Cane Creek let me know I needed to swap the shock with a Fox. The lockout is fantastic on tight single track. I've spent most of my time in the short travel mode and notice very little bob, but the bottom bracket height seems a little low. Recently I've switched to the "long" travel mode and so far like it much better (and the bottom braket height seems just right). The bike climbs like a goat and the extra inch of travel makes for a sweet ride back down. I'm no freerider, but this bike makes me feel much more comfortable in the air than I've felt in the past. I wouldn't race this bike, nor is it a serious freeriding machine, but if you looking to go out and hammer for the day it's the perfect rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross Ingram
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Rock at Dupont State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Trails End | | Strengths: | Psylo Front Shock, Hayes Discs, Shimano Components, Time Pedals, Genesis Geometry - All awesome on climbing and downhills! | | Weaknesses: | Cane Creek Shock, Chainsuck, Cassette Body, Overall bike reliability | | Similar Products Used: | Tested lower Sugar models, Klein FS, Ellsworth FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except semi-slick tires | | Bottom Line: | Bike is excellent for technical single track with rocks, roots, and lots of downhills. Climbs as good as my old Fisher Ziggurat hardtail. Definitely a go anywhere, do anything setup, with very little to no pedal bob. My switch to disc brakes was well worth it, much better in wet stuff and no grinding or loss of power after a creek crossing. Overall, bike performs just as Fisher promotes it.
Problem is I have had to return the bike 6 times for reliability issues. Cane Creek shock lost 50lbs+ per ride and was replaced no questions asked. Rear cassette body grinds horribly and is waiting on parts for replacement. Rear disc rubs, probably just adjustment or need bleeding.
Now, I am starting to get the chainsuck problem on every ride. Rides are not overly muddy. After working 12 hour days, I don't have time or patience to continuily return $2K+ bike every other week for reliability issues. After getting through the first component issues, I now have chainsuck and am about out of patience. Bike shop has been great about fixing issues, but I now wonder what will go wrong on every ride. Definitely not a confidence builder.
When it works - AWESOME bike. When I miss rides due to being in the shop - the bike sucks. So far 50/50. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Stockdale
a Cross Country Rider
from Farragut, TN , USA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walden Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | Geometry, awesome Hayes discs, Psylo, Cane Creek, Factory Backing of product, LBS | | Weaknesses: | Frame alignment, crank, and chain suck | | Similar Products Used: | Razorback, Jekyll, FSR, ProFlex 856 | | Bike Setup: | stock with Trans Am Saddle, XT crank, 959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review. Since that time Fisher has replaced my frame and crank. The first fix for the chain suck problem involved replacing the frame. Apparently, the original frame wasn't aligned correctly. This was accomplished in a reasonable amount of time and seemed to fix the chain suck at first. Unfortunately, after several rides the chain suck came back. Then factory and LBS rapidly replaced the Bontrager crank with a Shimano XT crank. This fix works and the bike now performs as expected (so far 12+ XC rides in a variety of conditions). Crisp shifts, no chain suck, and 1 happy rider. I want to give major kudos to Fisher and my LBS. Very patient and understanding during the chain suck problems. I really feel that Fisher cares about their customers and wants them to be satisfied. My LBS stood behind me all the way. In looking at the reviews those people with chain suck problems seem to be primarily in the Southeast USA. Maybe there is something in our soil and climate that promotes it. We do tend to have wet and muddy conditions in the Winter and Spring. Also all my problems happened in the 4.1" setting. In summary, I would definitely recommend the Sugar 2+ Disc. Based on my experience if you do have problems Fisher cares and stands behind their product so they will help you sort them out. Chances are you would not have problems though, and the Sugar 2+ disc is a very nice ride indeed; predictable, very little rear suspension bob (I weigh 200), smooth and forgiving. The Sugar is appropriately named SWEEET!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Esteban Zimmermann
a Weekend Warrior
from Lima, Lima, Peru
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | El Prado Pachacamac | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Best International S.A | | Strengths: | The Color, really nice camuflage Green. Comfortable genesis geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Not stiff enough in the back. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 disk | | Bike Setup: | Hayes F/R 6"/6", azonic double wall 2.5", Mammoth rim rear 36spokes with XThub, Serfas downhill seat, XT cranckset, diamondback flat bmx pedals, IRC Kujo-DH 2.3 Rear/ WTB MotoRaptor 2.4 Front | | Bottom Line: | Why tha heck does it come with a psylo when it´s not for a freeride????? the psylo is a freeride designed 5" fork!!!..... i broke the frame, the nice big cylinder behind the bottom bracket... it cracked. i´m waiting to get the warranty reposition, in the mean time i welded the rear triangle and it´s better than ever. i´m thinking of weldind the weak points of the frame so it doesn´t crack in the future. If you are a freeride beginner.... perhaps you should buy this bike, although i would prefer a kona stinky, but there was no kona dealer around here. if you are a xc man, get a sugar without the plus. nice bike, but not for freeride nor xc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Ft Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Colorado Bicycle Adventures_Estes Park, CO | | Strengths: | Nice component selection(comes with shock pump), Adjustability of F/R suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset seems light,(durability?); Front wheel soft (laterally), spongy at speed.(Grips) | | Similar Products Used: | All HT; Stumpjumper, Bontrager, Giant.
FS Demo-Fuel, Adept, FSR, Element. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Only 2 rides so far, getting over the sticker shock. Never ridden a FS on trail before, but I am pleased with the performance so far. Only ran the 2.8 on the rear (Fisher spec on the rear shock pressure seems 20-30 lbs too low), but have gone short and long on the Psylo. The rear does not bob noticeably out of the saddle @ speed (that I can tell at least). You still can feel the terrain, just softer, less punishing. Should really help the fatigue factor on longer/rough rides. The spring in the fork seem too soft overall (I only weigh 175), but on-the-fly adjustability sweet; the lockout is a nice touch. As long as the Psylo doesn't have durability issues, this appears to be an almost do anything fork (we'll see in 1000 miles). Rock Shox could do a little more with written documentation, not everyone has a computer...yet. I was very NERVOUS about the chain suck issues I saw posted, and so far.... nothing too bad. Had some shifting issues on the first ride, and the barrel adjuster fixed them. I will look into a new front wheel; light, but not real durable (ie: aggresive riding) I suspect. Otherwise, (Granted this has only been two real rides)am pleased with the purchase. The components are not all top of the line, but IMHO a pretty good value relative to the price points of other bikes. The adjustability is what I think helps put this design ahead of other framesets. I probably won't win any races on this bike, but that is more a pilot issue than equipment anyway. Anyone who has had the dreaded 'chain-suck', I would be interested to know more specific details. I have not tested the drivetrain completely, and really don't want a reason to dislike the bike. The shop I bought mine @ told me lots o lube, and keep the rear and Front Derailleur's in line; nothing about the crankset at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bar H | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2099.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski | | Strengths: | Components for price | | Weaknesses: | Firm fork spring availability | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Paragon | | Bike Setup: | Stock v-brake model except for 90mm stem, Lizard skin, Rhyno lites with XT hubs and firm fork spring | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my first post. I finally have the firm fork spring installed and it makes a world of difference. It took two months to get this spring from Rock Shock! I am 220lbs before I suit up to ride and was way too much for the stock spring. I now feel like the bike has a front suspension I can use. If you are on the heavy side and are on the fence about this spring I say do it. Just have some patience.
I had a couple of chain suck incidents while riding in super muddy conditions. Went to the small ring under load and it dropped off. I have not had chain suck when the bike is clean so I won't worry about it.
I also had to change the wheels. The stock rear was fine but the front wheel flexed enough to cause a couple of wrecks for me. If I had the 32 spoke wheel which comes on the disc version it would have been better. With the Rhyno lites, and 3x lacing, the front end feels much more solid and the bike feels bomb proof, at least for my riding style.
The Rhyno lites came off my hard tail. For that reason I have ordered the same setup except with Disc compatable XT hubs, got the special from Jenson and MTBR. I will also be adding Avid mechanical disc brakes at the same time. I still feel like this is a great bike and am very happy with my purchase. If I was doing it over again I would probably buy the disc brake version.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme
a Cross Country Rider
from Caledon Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all over Bruce Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Deal (oh yeah) | | Strengths: | Only taken the bike out on three rides but I am very impressed with the Brakes (Hayes disc brakes), The bike seems to be a complete package and does not appear to have many weaknesses. Little to no bob when climbing which makes me very happy considering I am coming from a Hard tail.
Over all very pleased with the setup. | | Weaknesses: | Not sure about the seat set up. Would like to see a better quality seat on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Element TO, | | Bottom Line: | Good bike. Not sure I would pay the full price but if you have the cake I would recomend it to anyone. Very pleased with how the bike handles itself in the singletrack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Willits, CA, US
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | bike store | | Strengths: | Psylo and Cane creek shocks, Hayes Disc brakes, Lazer seat, flippin green color. | | Weaknesses: | High pressure pump for Cane Creek shock doesn't seem to be able to get quite high enough pressure for me although I am 240 LB., cranks a little suspect | | Similar Products Used: | No full, all hardtails - Rocky Mtn, specialized, Yeti | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I ride on average 4 days a week on tech single track to bombing fire roads and some pavement. Been in the mud and slush on rocks, roots, drops, etc. Has performed perfectly. LBS has been great during break in period no major problems though, just a little tweaking here and there - to be expected. I am big 240 lb and love to grind the big hills. No bob at all in the 2.8 travel setting. Very, very, little IF ANY in the 4.1 travel setting (maybe when up out of the saddle but really don't notice). I am going back and forth on which travel setting I like best. I think, unless I am doing a more freeride type ride, I'll stick with the 2.8 setting. Rock Shox are great. Love the Uturn feature. Long travel sucks up the rough stuff nicely while you can really cover a lot of different terrain fast in the shorter travel setting. Can switch between settings on the ride just be sure to bring your pump with you for the cane creek shcock. Seems to handle single track very well for the bike sizes (I got the XL). And for the chain suck I have read about - I sucked my chain once. Iwas on a very muddle ride grinding a big hill and went through a mud bog. Shifted late and just tried to mash big gears through it thats when it sucked up. Came out easily and has sucked again. If you can afford it, buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darryl Duncan
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cottonwood Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | copelands sports | | Strengths: | phsylo forks, cane creek shock, hayes disc, wtb laser V., cable routing | | Weaknesses: | phantom shifting, damaged chainlink I don't know if it was from the crank or when the dealer put it on. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassahara, Fisher Joshua, | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept for XTR cassette | | Bottom Line: | I've rode the bike twice. First night out phantom shifting caused me to eat it scatching the chain stay. (first scratches are the toughest to take) I found one of the links in the chain froze and worked it out. The second day still had the shifting problems. Seems to happen in the middle ring and lower gears. Other than that it climbs with ease. Great on fast single tracks. Responsive steering. They'll have to redefine technical. This bike rolls over babyheads, water falls, tree roots. etc. without ever feeling them. No bob at all. It's like riding a hardtail until you hit something. I'm 6'2 220 and I didn't bottom out on either ride. I'll hold off on the spring upgrade until I do. Have an appointment with LBS to adjust the gears. I hope that does the trick. I don't think the chain problems are anything that can't be fixed. For now I'm giving it top rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski Sports | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my previous review. My LBS (Sun and Ski Sports), really did me right on this one. They worked with Fisher and let me swap out the bike for a Sugar 2 with an XT crank. They did everything in their power to keep me happy, and even though Fisher agreed to swap the frame, they realized my confidence in the bike was gone. After all the trouble I had, they decided (as I did) that it was best to get me a bike that was working. In reading other reviews, and talking with other owners of the 2+, it seems like some riders (like me) had nothing but problems with the drivetrain. I'm under the impression now that there may have been a bunch of frames that weren't alligned properly, causing major chain suck. This is just a theory, and it was a nightmare for me at the time. I am very happy with the service I received from both Fisher and Sun and Ski, and the Sugar 2 has been a dream so far with no complaints. My faith in Fisher has been restored. Hats off to the guys at Sun and Ski and Fisher for all of their help. I'm bumping the rating up to 4 flames to even things out... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, DE
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Macallister park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bike World San Antonio | | Strengths: | Adjustable travel, Great Fork and good selection of components, Excellent quality | | Weaknesses: | Stock crank sucks, literally | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Rocky Mountain, Specialized, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock Large except LBS switched me out to a XT Hollowtech crank and BB for free. I also got a Lizard Skin for the Chainstay and changed the shifters out to individual pods and levers(XT) and brakes to XT also, LBS gave me a good price. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible. No chainsuck with XT crank once it was aligned right. LBS said that bontrager chainrings had a tendency to develop spurs which can cause terrible chainsuck. The adjustable travel is fantastic and the front a rear suspension seem to compliment each other. I do need to upgrade to a heavier spring in front. This bike follows a great line but is not as responsive on the switchbacks (better with front shock lower...changes head tube angle ~2 deg which can have a noticable effect on handling). LBS was great in service and the crank upgrade really helped. I definitely recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get into full-suspension and has the 2k to spend. If you can't come up with the $...save for it. You will not be disappointed. Fisher makes a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas,TX,USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bar H | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2099.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, component set | | Weaknesses: | Firm spring for Rock Shock Psylo SL not readily available | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Paragon, tried a Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 90mm stem | | Bottom Line: | So far I love this it, this is my first FS bike. I have had it a month so if my views change I will update with another review. I wish Fisher would spec the Firm springs for the Rock Shock on L or XL frames. I have had no problems with the cranks that came on it but for the money I wish Fisher would spec some nice Race Face cranks. I changed the stem to make the bike fit better.
I have not had any chain suck problems at all. This bike feels like a hard tail but will suck up the rough stuff when needed. No bob even on all out pedaling. It also climbs very well, at least as good as my Paragon. I don't race and am heavy at 220lbs so durability was more important to me than weight. Having said that, this is not a heavy bike to me.
Some bike mag reviews don't like the Cain Creek shock but I have no complaints. It does not move at the first hint of a small bump. Like moving very slowly up over a root, though when you drop down the other side it will deflect on impact . But if you hit the same root with any speed, say 5mph, it will smooth it out nicely. I guess coming from a hard tail I am used to the non-compliance and it does not bother me. It does steer a little slow so tight switch backs can be a problem. Typical of long top tube frames, otherwise it handles great.
Overall a great bike and the only other thing I will change is the fork springs. From what I can tell this will be a good "heavy guy" bike for XC use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Clark 5
a Cross Country Rider
from Bernardsville, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky rooty things in jersey | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | very solid, this is coming from a rigid-frame rider. tall people look for this one! | | Weaknesses: | none that i felt but the suck-talk scares me... but i guess they all have their problems... | | Similar Products Used: | enduro demo'd, jekyll, blah blah blah | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i felt like i can dig it. it barrels over everything...
i have been looking for a fs for sometime now, and the sugar felt the most comfy. I'm 6'5" and i like the way i feel on the larger frame sizes. my rigid will be a thing of the past, when i can get the lump out of my throat when i think about dropping that much moolah. thats the only reason for the value thing... if i buy it i'll send in an update.
tall people should look into this one!!!
5 chilis for the feel over the others... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a
from Chapel Hill, NC
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Little or no bob, comfortable cockpit for tall people, fast downhill. a great xcountry bike. | | Bottom Line: | After putting about 150 miles on I'm still real happy with the bike. I have not had any chain problems but I installed a raceface cranks and rings so that may be why. I can now attest to the bikes overall crashworthiness. I got some big air and got a little sideways, landed off center, blew off the trail and hit a tree at full speed. Fractured a rib, collapsed a lung and lacerated my liver causing some internal bleeding. All in all, I'm pretty lucky to be writing this. The big news is... the bike does not have a scratch. When I heal enough, it's ready to go.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Providence, NC
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Franklin County Rec. Area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2050.00 | | Purchased At: | Friendly Bike | | Strengths: | No bob on hard pedaling. I can actually climb hills. Makes you have more confidence especially more techniical east coast stuff. | | Weaknesses: | I had a bad case of chain suck the first time out. LBS changed out Bontrager middle chain ring for a LX middle ring
and put on a a beefer Scram 5.0 front derailleur. This has stopped my chain suck problem,I hope. I am very careful when I shift from middle to granny. | | Similar Products Used: | first dual suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | getting psylo stiffer spring up grade. The IRC back country tires are going and I am putting on Panaracer trailblasters for more grip . The rest is stock right now. | | Bottom Line: | I was very concerned about the chain suck problem but LBS got right on it and fixed the problems for free. I real do like the feel of this bike and I am riding lines I would not have rode on my Giant xtc se2 hard tail. I am riding mostly 4.1 inches back and about 100mm up front. I am liking it more and more as I get each ride in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Adjustable suspension trevel, good parts spec. and the most
comfortable saddle I've ever used. | | Weaknesses: | None, so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88, various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except changed tires to Bontrager Super-X for better
mud-shedding and less rolling resistance. | | Bottom Line: | So far, this bike has been great. I ride mostly with the
suspension in the short-travel setting, but have tried the
longer travel. Changing travel is super easy. Up to this
point, I've experienced none of the chain suck problems other riders have mentioned. Have been in some pretty nasty
mud and there's been no shifting problems. In fact, the shifting has been much better than on my previous bike, due, no doubt, to better cable routing.
At this point, I would definately recommend this bike to
anyone looking for a quality bike with adjustable travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | Nice ride when you're not pedalling, travel. | | Weaknesses: | CHAINSUCK!,leaky fork, other problems with frame, Bontrager Race crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Mt. Tam, Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock:Psylo, AD-12 rear shock, Hayes Hydralic brakes, Bontrager/shimano components. | | Bottom Line: | Ditto for Keith and Alex's problem below!! I felt like I was reading my own review. CHAINSUCK!! Gouged up my lower swing arm twice, and destroyed the chain. Won't shift right. I also have a defective frame. The front bracket for the rear shock was welded wrong, and the channel for the cables is too narrow, causing them to rub on the bracket. Fisher offered to replace that part of the frame. The bike wasn't shifting right when I got it. Discovered middle front chain ring was warped after climbing a steep hill and having the chain jump to my bottom ring, then sucking it up and wedging it between the middle ring and bottom swing arm. Have only been on the bike 7 times, and had it in the shop that many, if not more. Bike shop has already replaced middle ring for me. They spoke to Fisher about replacing the frame, who (as with Alex) claimed it's mis-alligned. Highly doubtful..This is due to poor engineering and the need to push out a product before it's been fully tested. Swapping out the frame for the same one won't solve any drivetrain problems. My LBS has been awesome, and are working with me to rectify the problem. The ONLY thing that's going to rectify this problem is to let me return the bike in exchange for a credit to purchase a different model of Sugar instead. Like Keith, I don't work for Fisher, and didn't spend $2K+ of my hard earned cash to be a test dummy for their company...I've never had any problems with the past Fisher products I've owned..This is a first, and if Fisher truly stands behind their products, they'll take this one back and provide me with one that I won't destroy every time I ride it, and can continue to promote their name and product. For the amount of money I spent, I shouldn't have to put up with this, or to try out different things at my time and expense to hope it works. I encourage all to do this as well, and post a review. Fisher will continue to produce this problem laced frame as long as people continue to buy it. All my bikes over the last 12 years of riding have never been plagued with this many problems!!! I'd give this a "0" if it would let me for now. If my problem is resolved, I'll post another review. Assume it's not if you don't see an updated one from me.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Werks Laguna Beach | | Strengths: | This is an update to my previous post. The crankset has been replaced, at no charge, with an XT. Chain suck gone. Bike is now well dialed in and I love it. Set up at 4.1" rear and 125 mm front, locked out-it climbs well, not great. Downhill it is fantastic. I can run with and pass one of my much younger riding buddies on a Specialized Big Hit. I am quite satisfied. | | Weaknesses: | The chain suck was an issue, but the LBS fixed it after the first ride. The Hayes brakes tokk a little dialing, and are now flawless. Minor stuff, handled nicely by the LBS. Note they are also taking care of other Bontrager crankset issues on three of my friends bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | '00 Specialized FSR/XC, '01 Trek 8500-own
'00 GT I-drive-borrowed | | Bike Setup: | 4+ frame, SRAM 7.0/LX, XT cranks, Psylo SL, Hayes disc, AD-12, Thomson post and stem, Monkey-lite low rise bars, WTB seat, Rhyno-lite wheels, IRC tires | | Bottom Line: | I am happy with the purchase and have recommended to my friends. Two have purchased and they are quite happy. It's my distance and speed bike. I keep the other tow for climbing and shorter rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Stockdale
a Cross Country Rider
from Farragut, TN USQA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walden Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | Great geometry, excellent brakes, nice paint, mostly good parts picks. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll, Razorback, ProFlex 856 | | Bike Setup: | As from factory except 959 pedals, Trans Am saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a bit of nightmare. The chain suck mentioned in other reviews is a real phenomenon. Went on a ride this Saturday and had rapido-chain-suck X 15 times. This is not normal chain suck. As this is my 3rd full suspension bike, I am familiar with the problems associated with full suspension bikes and chain suck, but this is beyond reasonable. The chain lodges itself between the chain ring and the bike frame and requires a firm yank or a merciless back pedal to remove it. This has left my frame gouged and, I presume, weakened. To make matter worse it happens at the most unfortunate times. I can usually feel it coming and back pedal to clear it, but it also happens on hills at times of greatest torque when there is no time or possibility for a back pedal. This is truly a tragic flaw with an otherwise fabulous bike. I wouldn't recommend buying one of these bikes at this point. The chain suck is dangerous. I smacked my face into my handlebar and bruised my knee because of this chain suck problem. To Gary Fisher's and my very good LBS's credit they are to replace my frame with one of "proper alignment". In the meantime, I am riding my trusty K2 Razorback. More later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works Laguna Beach | | Strengths: | First ride today. I'm very impressed with the suspension. Soaks up everything I threw at it-scared myself a couple of times. Climbs well, the U-turn is great. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, phantom shifting, and brake drag on front disc. Took it back to LBS and they are installing XT crank set, checking out shifting and re-bleeding brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Bike supplements my '00 Specialized FSR/XC and '01 Trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | Psylo SL, Chris King headset, Hayes discs, Rhino-Lite wheels, AD-12 shock, Thomson stem and post, Easton Monkey-Lite bars, XT cranks on the way | | Bottom Line: | After one ride, I'm impressed. I'll report back after I get more time on the bike. Given my LBS's cooperative attitude, I'm sure they'll dial it in. I'm 6'0" and 210#'s and they set up a medium frame to the same geometry as my FSR and it fits perfect. Corners well. I bought it as an all day rider for cross-country bordering on mild free ride. At 41 years old I think this will be the ticket for my rear and my back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder, Demo Forest, Nisene, De La | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Trip | | Strengths: | Psylo, rear travel adjustability, TIME pedals | | Weaknesses: | none that I have found yet | | Similar Products Used: | first fs bike owned. | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ V-brakes | | Bottom Line: | I had been looking for a new fs bike for about 6-9 months. I looked at a lot of bikes in the range up to about $2400. I kept coming back to the Sugar and finally scored a decent price at my LBS. I have only ridden a few times, but so far I am stoked on my decision. I am still trying to dial in all of the adjustability with the suspension, but man, after quite a few years on a hardtail this thing is smooth. I was trying to decide between this and the superlight, but ultimately went with the Sugar for a few reasons. 1.) it just felt better and seemed to fit better. ( am about 6 ft and 200 lbs). 2.) I scored a good deal ($1800 out the door). 3.) I've had awesome experience with the bike shop I bought it at and am confident they will help me with any issues I might encounter.
I think this bike is perfect for me. I wanted a nice bike, I am a cross between a xcountry rider and free rider, and don't put a ton of miles on my bike, but the miles I do put on are hard. I love the ability to dial in the suspension for the type of ride I plan to do if I want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | bike store | | Strengths: | Psylo SL, XTR/XT components. Also like the Bontrager stuff. Rear adjustibiltiy 2.8" to 4.1" great feature. I am big 220+. No pedal bob at all on climbs in 2.8 range. Hayes disc. | | Weaknesses: | Rims for me may be to light (28 spoke). Will have to wait and see. Other than taht all is good. I like my old Shimano clipless pedals better than the Times but am getting use to them. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension. Lots of hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very sweet. Full suspension is the real deal. This is a great XC bike. The XL size is great for large people. Some reviews talk about chain suck. I have had no problems, but only have put about 100 miles on it. It has been in the mud, rocks, dry stuff, and on the street using all the gears. No chain suck here! Can't beleive I was a hardtail holdout for so long. Bike is very good on the climbs and handles the downhills and tight single track very well. Bike is a little heavy compared to HT but well worth the extra weight. I sure hope the mentioned chain suck problems others have had, especially with the 3+, are exagerations. For now, I think they are or perhaps a lack of maintenance. Any bike will suck a chain when the chain is dirty enough. If chain suck occurs I will revise review. For now - This bike is excellent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Slater
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lone Mountain, Wartburg, TN | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | Excellent breaking. Ability to fine tune front and rear shocks - confidence inspiring, big hit ability. Excellent ride quality when not chain sucking. Minimal noted pedal induced feedback. Aggressive descents are a thrill on this ride. Size XL cockpit length and geometry is nice for tall riders. | | Weaknesses: | C H A I N S U C K (see Sugar 3+ reviews for similar stories). I've had a certain degree of chain suck, on occasion with every full-suspension bike I've owned, but nothing like this. Usually my chain suck experiences have been driven by a combination of a worn drivetrain and wet/muddy conditions. A relatively rare occurrence. With other bikes there's always been that pre-chain suck sound/feel. Not so with the Sugar 2+ - no warning signals. No particular gearing/shifting scenario seems required in order for chain suck to occur. Second ride result: bent chain, scraped paint, and ground up chainstay. Third ride result: multiple chain suckage, damage to the chainstay, and a very irate new Gary Fisher owner. Currently the bike is at the LBS. The shop has a call into Trek/Gary Fisher. The LBS owner is genuinely concerned and am certain is doing everything within reason to rectify the situation. At this point, the ball is in Trek/Gary Fisher's court. I sincerely hope there is a REAL fix - one that avoids either returning the bike or learning to settle for a problematic design (although I am somewhat pessimistic given the recent 2+ and 3+ reviews). I am not particularly interested in becoming a Gary Fisher product/beta tester. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 2000
Pro Flex 854 | | Bottom Line: | All I want is a sweet riding chain suckless Sugar. The jury's out. Potential buyers (for all newly designed Sugar models) should hold off until this apparent design flaw/component compatibility issue is resolved. Trek/Gary Fisher needs to provide a solid, long-term solution. I'll keep you posted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Fort Collins, Colorado
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Store | | Strengths: | Last Mtn. Bike I owned was a Fisher HK-II from 1989 (I still have it too and it still rides great). I was pleasantly suprised at how responsive this bike is when you punch it. No compression of the rear shock...the bike just takes off. I was also amazed at how well it cushions technical descents but considering what I rode previously that's to be expected. I was impressed at how on really steep stuff I didn't get the feeling that I was going to endo...even when the front shock was nearly bottoming out | | Weaknesses: | It came with tubless compatable wheels but standard tubed tires...seems like it would have been only a slight cost add-on to provide tubeless tires.
So far its too soon to really tell but I haven't had any problems yet. | | Similar Products Used: | 1989 Fisher HK-II...Similar in name at least. Before that I owned a 1987 Kuwahara with a roller cam rear brake. | | Bike Setup: | Standard Sugar 2+ with V-brakes | | Bottom Line: | All I can say is that I can't wait to ride it again. Here in Colorado the trails are really rugged...too rugged for my rigid hk-II. This bike makes it all fun again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Hayes disc brakes are great. Overall component mix is quite good. Adjustable suspension. | | Weaknesses: | LX cassette, seems like they could have put an XT on there. Jury is still out on the wheels... | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll, Giant | | Bike Setup: | upgraged everything to xtr (replaced gear to go on my hardtail where possible), raceface Next LP's, carbon monkey lites and CT2 seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Have not spent more than a few miles on the bike but i can already tell it's going to do what I need it to do. Pedal bob is all but non existant. Climbs strong. Fast downhill. What's not to like? Turning is very responsive and predictable. I still need to dial in the forks and the rear shock to get things right for my weight and riding style. Based on others experiences that should not be a big deal. All in all, a sweet ride... Will update rating after I have more time on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Fussell
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt. Airy, NC
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Westwood Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Foothills Cylcing | | Strengths: | Great suspension, good components overall, adjustability of travel | | Weaknesses: | Stock setup on Psylo front shock way too light for anyone over 200 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock Except for firm kit on front shock | | Bottom Line: | I believe this to be the best all around bike that I have ridden. For overall cross country it is very smooth and effecient. There is VERY LITTLE peddle induced bob. I don't that it climbs quite as well as the Klein Mantra but it makes up for it on all other terain. I have my bike set up on the long travel in the rear (4.1 in.) and the shorter travel in the front shock (85 mm). Since there is very little bob, the longer travel in the rear shock only comes into play when you need it. I can't see why anyone would run it in the short travel (2.8 in.). Make sure if you are 190 lbs or over that you go ahead and get the firm kit for the Psylo shock because you are going to need it. Bottom line is this is a great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ziya
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Just 'bout everything | | Weaknesses: | Bontager seatpost, leaky fork | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtail (f700), tested treks. | | Bike Setup: | Completely NOT stock. XTR/XT components throughout most of the bike (cranks, both derailers, XT disk brakes F&R), monkey lite riser bars, titec bar enz, ATAC carbon pedals, terry liberator saddle, thompson stem, mavic 317 rims. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I bought it used from a guy at a used-bike swap in Tucson... a GREAT deal at $1500. I wouldn't have paid the $2500+ for it new, but only becuase I didn't need this much bike (but I LOVE to have it).
The ride is very sweet -- as I am used to hardtails and cross country I usually ride the 2.8" setup at about 145-150lbs. I feel very comfortable in the cockpit and the bike seems well suited to a guy my size (frame is the XL size -- I'm 6'3", 230#). I initally found the steering to be a bit slow -- probably cuz of the riser bar and being set back farther, but I've adjusted to that pretty well. The adujustable suspension is very nice and well worth the weight (I have yet to weigh the bike as I've only had it for about 150miles).
NEGS: The seatpost (one of the few stock parts left on the bike) really bites... the angle can't be set to pitch the nose down low enough for me. The fork seems to be leaking some oil so I'll have to check that out at some point. Also, for those of you who do night rides... the only good place I've found to hang my night-rider battery is off of the downtube where it **might** get mushed should I really bottom out the front fork (probably wouldn't happen).
Otherwise the bike has been quite solid mechanically. I love the disks even though I probably don't need them.
The second ride I did on the bike had me smashing my personal best on my normal trail by about 5 minutes (on a 50minute loop). The bike works with me and I think that I'm going to grow to love it. I would also agree with what I've read on most of the other reviews posted about the bike.
The value rating is based on the price I paid... I think that any new bike is a bit overpriced.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris burden
a Racer
from santa fe
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | reasonable weight, rear end, components, fork | | Weaknesses: | needs an adaptor(sold sepratley)if you want to add a rear disc. | | Similar Products Used: | turner xcr | | Bike Setup: | stock, except I put my xtr/ mavic 517 wheels on it. | | Bottom Line: | great bike! genises geometry is great for tall people and really puts you in a race oriented position. Own a freeride bike and wanted somthing to race on, think it will fit the bill though I havent had a chance to race it yet. Bontrager items on bike are good quality and the xtr rear derailer is a nice touch, but the lx rear cassette is kinda heavy.The ability to change the rear travel is cool, i wish it came with a quick release to adjust the travel, very active. The Phylo fork is amazing, definately one of the best forks I have ever had, very plush and super adjustible, it was a major reason I sprung for the 2+ version. all in all a great bike, weighs about 26lbs and would cost some serious $$ to get the weight down any more. Gary made a winner hear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Eppinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Andover, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | East Coast Tight Singletrack (ects) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Adjustable set up, responsive handling, how the bike climbs with having +4 in. travel, hayes brakes, rock shox psylo sl performance and lockout | | Weaknesses: | rock shox psylo sl fork bushings | | Similar Products Used: | I demo'd Specialized Enduro, Trek Fuel, Cannondale Jekyl, Giant XTC | | Bike Setup: | all stock, except shimano DX dh pedals | | Bottom Line: | When I first started looking for a new FS bike I didn't initially consider a Gary Fisher. I thought the bikes were mostly hype from a odd cat who wears purple glasses. I was wrong, the Sugar 2 + disc is a great all around bike.
I like to ride tight and technical East Coast groove lines. My last bike was a merlin hardtail and this is my first FS rig. I weight 225 lbs and have broken 5 frames and snaped 2 forks prior to this bike. The most important thing to me was getting a strong bike that wasn't going to handle like a fat pig.
The bike feels very stiff laterally, not much flex in the linkage\pivots. The bike handles technical riding with precision. There isn't any noticeable deflection weaving it in and out of rock gardens. Even with a long wheel base and top tube, I find it easy to snap the bike around in the tight fun stuff. It climbs very well for a bike with +4 in. of travel, better than other FS bikes I demo'd. It doesn't climb or excellerate like a hardtail, but it doesn't feel like 29 lbs either. Downhill is fun again, it's that little kid "I want to be Evil Kenevil" feeling. I find myself looking for jumps and drops, whereas before, I was looking for the line of least resistance.
The psylo is extremely plush in the initial range of travel. I have been running the fork at the 125mm setting and using the stock springs. Sag for me is at about 25% of the total stroke. I do bottom out the psylo out a few times every ride, but I feel this is the correct way to set up suspension, use it don't abuse it. The compresion adjustment doesn't make a noticeable difference until you get close to the lockout position. I like the lockout feature, it helps on longer climbs or when you are pedaling via road to the trails. The rebound dampening works great, you can set the rebound from none at all to slow as molasses. The only negative is that there is play in the fork bushings. At first I thought it was the headset breaking in. I don't notice any play at all riding down the trail, there is no clunking or slop, I only notice it when I get off the bike and rock it back and forth with the front brake on. My friend Dan put it best, "What do care about a little play when you get almost 5 in. of travel?" My firend Dan is right, the fork's performance is great.
The Cane Creek AD-12 is working great also. It hasn't leaked any air. The compresion and rebound screws make noticeable differences in performance. The shock is totally user seviceable which is a plus. The only problem is that once the threads on the adjustment screws get a little trail debris on them they are impossible to turn by hand and you need an allen key.
There is a nice balance between the front and rear suspension, the adjustability is a tremendous advantage.
The hayes breaks have great modulation and awsome stopping power in all conditions. The lever takes abit of effort to pull, but the reach is adjustable.
So far no problem with Bontrager cranks, I have read the mixed reviews. The cranks have handled shifting without problems and I think they are stiffer than my previous XT's. The ISIS BB makes the whole setup stiffer and safer. The wtb seat is very compfortable.
Overall: The Sugar 2 + disc is a great bike at a reasonable price. The frame has a lifetime warranty, some of the others did not, which was important to me. It's handling and adjustability make it a very versatile all around rig that is fun to crank down the trails.
p.s. Support NEMBA, give something back to the trails.
Big Daddy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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