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Submitted by
Javier
a Cross Country Rider
from España
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Many shops | | Strengths: | Rodar rapido, poca oscilación, calidad acabado, hechas a mano. | | Weaknesses: | No se pueden poner las nuevas bielas con ejes integrados | | Bike Setup: | Sugar | | Bottom Line: | Estoy encantado con mi sugar que no pienso cambiar por nada. Es un cuadro sugar 4+ montado a la carta con piezas como bielas Roox, shimano XT, duke , bontrager select Mavic coss ride etc. Pesa 11.8 KG. No tiene nada que ver con la sugar 4 que se vende ya que vale casis 100 euros mas, pero es ligera y el cuadro ZR900 es el mismo que el sugar2,pero algo mas varato por el amortiguador( me "ahorré" 400 euros.) Si pones un amortiguador de los del 2006 en adelante de fox es como llevar una bici rigida que absorbe muy bien impactos.
NO SE PUEDEN PONER BIELAS XT ETC QUE LLEVEN EL EJE PEDALIER INTEGRADO.Pegan las vainas traseras en las tuercas o cazoletas. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mounds | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek employee | | Strengths: | Great Geometry, good for steep climbs. Fork is very plush and soaks up all bumps. Color is awesome. I got it cheap cuz i work at trek :). | | Weaknesses: | Chain line! My god, that's why this bike has bad chain suck. The chain line is really bad. In the 2/1 gear, the chain looks like its gonna get pulled off the crank, but the good thing is there are ways to make it better. Also, the ways the cables are routed, it tends to scruff up the finish on the bike. Slight knock in the fork on high travel, but hardly noticable. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Palomino, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Swaped some parts out. XT rear derrailluer, LX crankset, avid sd3 brakes, Bontrager select disc wheels with Klein deathgrip tires | | Bottom Line: | Overall, very nice ride after some new parts, the generic promax had to go. And the new crank and derrailleur helped the chain suck out. Im not sure if id buy it if i had to spend over 600 on it tho. Bike is a bit heavy for my taste, but that can be changed. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryce
a Cross Country Rider
from Springville UT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wasatch Touring | | Strengths: | Great Bike Beautiful. Nice for the price, Nice Geometry and climbing works. Built well, nice color to it. Black is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the parts on it are cheap. Had problems with chain suck, and my crankset. Promax breaks? Good derailleurs and fork. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher with lots of STYLE | | Bottom Line: | Its a nice bike. It has a lot of good parts on it, but not the lightest of the bunch. Climbs hills well and is fun to take off jumps. Could of put some better brakes on though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bert
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, New York
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprain Ridge Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$975.00 | | Purchased At: | Westchester Bike Pro Shop | | Strengths: | Frame Geo, Sybill linkage, paint color (looooove Black!), | | Weaknesses: | chainsuck, minor shifting problems. | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs, jamis dakar pro, Gt I-drive. | | Bike Setup: | I've upgraded the v-brakes, crank and bottom bracket to xtr, the shifters to '02 xt's, selle italia SLR saddle, sun ringle RPM wheels, Carbon fiber brake booster for the rear brake, and Kenda Lite inner tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Although I've had some good bikes in the past, I have to say that this bike is awesome!!!! It's perfect for someone who wants to get more serious about trail riding and X-country. I used to have the rear suspension set up on the 2.8" setting, but I found it to function a little too much like a hardtail (which is a plus if you're a hardtail rider looking to get into full suspension), so I switched it to the 4" setting and I've been happy ever since! Don't let the chain suck and shifting problems deter you from getting this bike, you'll lose out on a great deal and otherwise great performing bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samuel Osee
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Summit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This bike can climb almost any trails...I just came back from riding on Big Summit (Big Bear MT)...the lift was not in operation so I had to ride it backward...climbing from the bottom of the mountain....it took me some time to get used to shifting and peddaling to achieve the optimal level of this bike's ability, but when I finally learned to push this bike to it's limits I was blown away by the performance. | | Weaknesses: | Stock parts need some upgrade...but still not bad for the price. I did experience some ghost-shifting when I first purchased this bike (read reviews before purchase)...however, I think it's more on my part of shifting at wrong places and timing....not a problem anymore. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Comp, Giant Warp | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock with minor upgrades....seats and brakes....shimano xtr | | Bottom Line: | Do not be discouraged by some of the reviews about chainsuck and ghost-shifting problems....this bike will blow away any bikes in its category and price range!! I don't think anyone would challenge this statement. If you are a xc rider and want something for all around bike, this bike will out perform your expectations. There are some shortcomings such as chainsuck/ghost-shifting issues but nothing you can't handle with some regular maintenance and timed shifting...I am definately recommending this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Downhiller
from Framingham, MA USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | this fun one covered in snow in callahan state park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | The brakes arent that bad, even when when they are wet
I love the fork, not "bouncy" at all | | Weaknesses: | havent found one yet | | Similar Products Used: | **cough** | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!A DREAM IN THE WOODS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AN ORGASIM IN THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!A GREAT NIGHT WITH YOUR GIRL IN THE MUD!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Framingham,MA USA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | I love the cane creek ad 5 rear shock
The front Manitou fork is really nice!!
YA GO BIKE!!! | | Weaknesses: | Promax brakes?!?! It couldnt sound any more generic. | | Similar Products Used: | too ashamed to tell, first good bike every purchused | | Bike Setup: | just bought it and havent changed any components | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE TO RIDE THIS THING!
I have never felt so safe and comfortable when rifing down a bumpy incline.
It almost feels as if the bike molds around you when you ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$820.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | The name, adjustability, frame, good climber | | Weaknesses: | Cheap brakes, seat | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Advance (1990), Cannondale Super-V | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a pair of bar ends, XT front and rear derailleurs and a Cat Eye computer
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great way to build up to the $3,000+ level. You have the same frame (minus the carbon swingarm) that the Sugar 1 has. The front shock has more adjustability than I ever would need. The rear shock has the great feature of going from 2.8" to 4.1", I love it. I have read the reviews about chain suck and ghost shifts, but I have a theory about it: inexperience. It happened twice to me and both times it was my own fault. One time I had the chain on the small cog and the small chainring riding up an incline, chain suck resulted. The next time it was the middle chainring and I shifted to the largest rear cog, ghost shift to the small chainring. Anytime you have the chain twisted something is going to give. Its a great buy right now, so don't hesitate and don't get your chain twisted. I had my other Gary Fisher for 12 years and I still ride it to work, I plan on holding on to this one for the next 10 and upgrade it over time. Recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Latigo Cyn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Michael's Bikes | | Strengths: | Good climber and fast downhill. Rolls along well with little friction - just feels very smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Drive train & shifting issues. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for new stem, BB, rear cassette and middle ring. | | Bottom Line: | My first bike - I wanted FS with some level of upgrade-ability. Didn't check the reviews out, nor this web site, but having read the postings I can concur with most of them.
My problems have been similar to others: phantom shifts, the chain popping off when going from the middle ring to the smaller. The middle ring was bent, so it got changed. The bottom bracket was replaced, as was the rear cassette - and the bike now shifts really well.
The rear derailleur bracket gets bent frequently so the guys at the shop re-align it (my fault 'cos I fall off too much). Overall though, I love the bike. Find a good LSB for the tweaking required, and it's a breeze. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Another Clydesdale
a Cross Country Rider
from Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes n Slopes, Milton, Ontario | | Strengths: | Transmission system (gears), Weight (lack there of), Suspension (so sweet), Seat Post (Thompson elite), Brakes (Avid mechanical disks) | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck, Phantom shifting | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa Hard tail for 4 years | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher 4+ 2002 stock with the following modifications:
Thompson Elite seatpost, Bontrager Race Disc OSB wheel system, Avid mechanical disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | Hey, I'm 6'8" and weigh 265# with a fully loaded Camelbak. I enjoy cross country riding here in the great white north. I ride with some fellow "Lemmings" and have extended my riding season into the winter. The Thompson elite post is awesome. I have the seatpost jacked up so it is in the stratosphere. The bike looks totally disproportional with the high seat but hey....who is going to make fun of my bike?? I am 6'8" and weigh 265# remember??
This bike is perfect for an average, heavy rider who likes to do single track and goes over 12" drops (max). Both shocks are fine and do not bottom out. All this bashing must be from disgruntled riders who have really abused the products.
Chain suck......hmmmmm. My first ride had three occurences of this dreadful disease. Fortunately I witnessed this first hand. To prevent any massive damage to the frame BRING YOUR SHOCK PUMP THE FIRST FEW RIDES!! To alleviate the chain suck I let all the air out of the rear shock (Cane Creek AD-5), and pulled the rear end to relax the suspension. The chain popped out nicely and then I re-pressurized to 200 psi.
I brought it to my LBS and they quickly changed out the crank rings (same day service). Apparently Gary Fisher has a four stage methodology of rectifying this disease. I know I will bring my shock pump with me for a few more rides just in case. For the record I did contact Gary Fisher via E-mail and they got back to me within 1 day. As a matter of fact I contacted the manufacturers of most of the major components via E-mail and they responded to me in 1 or 2 days....just be nice, professional and for gods sake check your spelling and grammer!
The bike rides like a dream. If you are an average rider but are hesitant because of all the bashing about the components-don't worry...BUY IT! The suspension is amazing and floats over anything. Do your self a favor though...have your LBS swap out the rear cassette for a rear which has 34 teeth. You will be able to climb virtually anything. The Avid mechanicals are great for winter riding and will allow you to stop on a Canadian dime (Canadian dime is slightly larger than its US counterpart and thus allows the increased stopping distance due to the decrease in the co-efficient of friction (snow and ice)) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | swanson, L&C | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike rack :( | | Strengths: | Great climber! Zips right up steeps. Very stiff, quick bike. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager drive chain parts...bont. and shimano don't like each other. one or the other please! manitou black comp fork too plush, bottoms out eaasily. for the love of god, gimme decent pedals! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper fsr | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock (no money)...longer stem | | Bottom Line: | I'm happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy Hollenbaugh
a
from Calimesa
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Box springs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | riverside cyclery | | Strengths: | Its a Fisher need I say more | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock bushings wore out around 8 months, But cane creek has great customer service only took a week to fix!! | | Similar Products Used: | moab | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Raceface nextlp cranks and bb, Prolite bar, matrix swami ceramic rims laced with dt rev. spoke(by ME),selle nitrox ti saddle,panaracer fire in front and trailblaster in the rear,959 pedals,(sid world cup coming soon) | | Bottom Line: | This is a 1 year review!!!I was first!!
This bike can do anything with in reason. Don't ask what I've spent on it but it was worth every penny P.S. Never had any shifting problems, I think some of it is ride and mechanic error!!not all this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKE
a Weekend Warrior
from FOTR LAUDERDALE
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | MARKHAM | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | NO TROUBLE WITH THE FORK.THE REST WELL.... | | Weaknesses: | THE DRIVE TRAIN SUCKS, GHOST SHIFTS, CHAIN SUCK, I HAD A BIKE SHOP REPLACE CASSETTE, CHAIN RING, CHAIN ( 3 TIMES ) REAR DERAILER BOTTOM BRACKET AND ON AND ON.
ANY TIME YOU FAST OVER ROUGH TERRAIN THE CHAIN WILL GIVE YOU PROBLEMS. POOR DESIGN. | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED, KONA, FUJI, GT | | Bottom Line: | DONT BUY THIS OR ANY SUGAR SERIES BIKE. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Fisher's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Looks nice, and weights a little. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager crank! | | Similar Products Used: | All types of mtn bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with 515's, doere crank, race lite gel saddle, and panaracer fire xc pro's. | | Bottom Line: | This is a really good and fast bike. I had chain suck once with the stock cranks and my bike shop swaped out for deore. No problem since in 2.8 or 4.1. I bought this bike to be upgraded over time, but it is pretty fast as is, so I might wait longer than I planned. I recommend to purchase this bike, but make sure that you are confident in the shop that you purchase from. Mine took a bit to break in (three weeks or so.) But it was worth the wait. It is really a great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doug
a Racer
from Smoke Lake, TN
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Timmons park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bob's bike and tackle | | Strengths: | I like the black color...the bike is very stiff to ride...the adjustable travel is too much for the average joe to handle....but as an elite cross country racer I enjoy the adjustable travel, but never take mine off of 2.8. the single strength and selling point of this bike was definitely the Bontrager cranks, which provide precise and incredibly quick shifting. | | Weaknesses: | The rear triangle--out of alignment by about 5mm....but one good swift kick in the rear of the bike corrects it. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi SL full Deore/crossmaxpurchased from price point--I'll never mail order again, as my bike was not set up properly. | | Bike Setup: | 25" saddle height, saddle-stem length 18" 108mm travel up front and shock pressure at 225psi, 35 psi tires | | Bottom Line: | JUST KIDDING.............DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET.......SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP AND GO RIDE YOUR DAMN BIKE.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tbone
a
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | the cycle path | | Strengths: | check 2 posts down + climbs great, shifts fine now. | | Weaknesses: | frame scratches and scuffs really easily. cables are annoying since they get in the way - still doesn't quite shift right. | | Bottom Line: | so here's my update: its been just over a month now and i switched to the 2.8 inches and the chain suckage and other gearing problems (other than slap) have gone away, and it still feels nice and pluch yet-get this-climbs waaaaaaay better. don't know exactlt what happenned but its good. later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chase Mountney
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Colborne, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Robin Hood | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Pro Shop, St. Catherines | | Strengths: | smoothe fast ride, great suspension, climbs well, great design- Great Name! | | Weaknesses: | could have better front derailler | | Similar Products Used: | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | Bike Setup: | Marzocci bombers-z.5 air compressed front suspension, cane creek AD 5 rear suspension, 7000 series genesis aluminum frame(made in U.S), Bontrager components, Shimano Deore rear, SRam 5.o rear derailler, Shimano Deore crank, Shimano Acera toe clip pedals, Hayes mechanical discs. | | Bottom Line: | Perfect Bike ! People who want a well made light bike - this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tbone
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | The Cycle Path | | Strengths: | Very plush, descends great and after a bit of riding, climbs great. The Blacks are great, super plush as well. | | Weaknesses: | CHAIN SUCKAGE. like everyone else, though i've minimized it paying attention during my shifts (don't apply too much pressure on the pedals). obviously this doesn't work for everyone. the only time i get suck is when i shift from middle ring to small ring; if you're having trouble when you're on the middle ring and the large cogs then just don't do that! i juat read a great article, and ive tried it out and its quite true, saying that (it seems obvious) you should keep your chain as straight as possible at all times, ie' middle ring and middle cogs. many gears have similar ratios, try to keep your chain straight. but anyway i'm going to my dealer tomorrow and i'll look into a better chain and maybe bb, avoid the problems altogether. great bike though im loving it. | | Similar Products Used: | first hardtail | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike and upgrade the components like there's no tomorrow, you'll have a super light bike with no worries. it's problems are in it's components (promax brakes!??!??!), it's that simple. while you're saving up cash enjoy the plush and great handling ride. fast and fun. buy one (and give it to me). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fun | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1079.00 | | Purchased At: | Cutting Edge Sports | | Strengths: | Great ride, solid feel, nice shock, snappy looks. | | Weaknesses: | The whole chainsuck thing! | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike, used to have a Bianchi hardtail...now some thief has it! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for new bottom bracket.... | | Bottom Line: | I'm embarrassed to say I bought this bike without checking this site, and before I rode I read all the reviews...uuugh! So I went for my first ride, just waiting for the hammer to fall (or the chain if you will). And wouldn't you know it, kerchunk, off it went just when everyone said it would! Luckily, the bike was clean and well lubed, so chainsuck didn't happen.
I took the bike back into my LBS and before I finished describing my problem, the guy stopped me and told me to leave it for the night, that he was going to replace the BB. He was well aware of the problem, and seemed to know exactly how to remedy it. I was told they would replace the 113 BB with a 107! 6mm! I'll check back in after the fix to let you know how it went...
Overall, I like the bike, I was able to descend far better than ever, and I was still able to climb as well as my old hard-tail. If this fix works (and I think it will) I'll be thrilled with this bike. It sucks that you have to deal with a problem that Fisher should have fixed a while ago, but thats what authorized dealers are for. Hopefully you can find a reputable shop that will help you with this flaw....otherwise its a great bike, and this time of year, you can get it at a great price. Value-4 turds...overall 4 turds.
Cheers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | Wilson Backcountry sports | | Strengths: | Genesis Frame Geometry, very comfortable set up and PLUSH riding. | | Weaknesses: | Drive Line, Bontrager parts | | Similar Products Used: | Tested against, Rockymountain Carve, Trek Fuel 90 and Kona ManoMano | | Bike Setup: | Changed to XT splined BB, LX cranks, Avid SD-5 breaks, XTR rear Derailer, riser bar and stem, Terry seat. | | Bottom Line: | The good news is that I checked here BEFORE I bought the bike, so I was in the know about the chain line problems. The LBS never mentioned the problems until I brought it up. Then they said, "Yeah, we've had a ton of problems on all the Sugars" then they said, "Fisher is sending us Deore Crank Sets to switch out the Bontrager cranks and we'll change yours before you take it home." They said that next years model will come with Shimano crank sets, acorrding to their Fisher rep.
They were temporarily out of Deore Cranks and had more due any day, offered to let me pick up the bike in 3 days with the new crank or take it home and ride it until they came in. I took it home and wouldn't you know, the minute I got on the bike it started phantom shiffting. Funny thing, in the LBS parking lot and dirt test area I had zero shiffting problems.
I took it back the next day to wait for the Deore cranks to come in, but in discussion with them, decided to "upgrade" right then to a splined (XT 92) BB and splined LX cranks. The extra charge for both items was like $30 total and free labor (the subtracked the cost of a Deore crank from an LX crank and the diff was like $4). So basically I paid for the BB and that's about all.
With this change the bike rides and shifts perfectly. Make sure you talk to your LBS before purchasing the bike!!!
I got the Avid brakes on Ebay for cheap, and picked up the other items here and there.
My goal is to end up with the Suger 4+ turned into the same or better spec to the Suger 2+ at less cost.
Oh, my store sells the Sugar 4+ for $1,299 but due to a mix up with the salesman that quoted last years price by accident I got the bike for $1,099. So far, with all the upgrades I'm just about back to $1,299.
I've never had a FS bike before, my previous MTB was a NO SUSPENSION 15 year old Diamondback Accent EX. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PIDDLES
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline of Greensburg | | Strengths: | Over all i though it was a very good value even tho i paid over 875.00 fo it???you must know the owner to get that kinda deal...the bontrager wheels are still very true i weigh 265lbs and race clydesdale and ride like 60 miles offroad a week this is the 2nd manitou fork i ever owned and LOVE THEIR PRODUCTS that was one of the reasons that i bought this bike i had about 4 rock shox and will never buy another one NEVER!!! | | Weaknesses: | Had some shifting problems at first too but went with a sram pc69 chain and crankes the"B"tension screw on the rear derailleur and all seems fine now The pro max brakes are just ok not suckey but not shimano XT stoppage either... | | Similar Products Used: | never owned a full suspension hated it at first for about a hour dialed the cockpit in and now i LOVE MY SUGAH!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | completely stock except chain | | Bottom Line: | if you dont have a lot of dough buy this bike
if you are unsure what suspension bike to buy, buy this bike
i will own another fisher for sure
and thats from a guy that went from a 3000.00 dollar xtr fully loaded salsa from the california ross schafer years(1997) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Chalet Sports | | Strengths: | The frame geometry fits me and it climbs great and is so awesome on the downhills! I like just about everything about this bike, but it is also my first suspension bike of any kind. | | Weaknesses: | The chainline problems everyone has been ranting about with the Sugars 1 through 4...but these were resolved through a new frame (see below). | | Similar Products Used: | Rode my old Fisher HK-II for 13 years and finally treated myself to a bike w/suspension. Test drove other comparably priced FS bikes by Trek, Specialized, Giant, Rocky Mountain, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | As mentioned in the weaknesses section above, I had chainline problems. Of course, when I first noticed them my sister said I should check this site. Oooops, wish I had checked the site first!! But, I was really psyched to hear that I was not the only one having problems! I was having the commonly reported problem where when I was in the middle ring in the front and the big rings in the rear it would shift me to the granny gear in the front and sometimes (actually fairly often) chain suck. Heck, I was even able to do it in the parking lot at the dealer to show them what I was talking about when I put on the front brake and stomped on it! Some measurements by one of the mechanics at the shop indicated that the bike was 5 mm off, which was "only" 1 mm off of the maximum tolerance. Just looking at it, it looked messed up. My concerns were initially met w/a little skepticism by some at the LBS because they were having a hard time replicating my problem. However, no amount of tweaking was helping things...the last time they "fixed" it, I went for a pretty moderate ride on a smooth trail and dropped the chain 4 times in 30 minutes. When I took it back to the shop that last time they were super helpful...we all agreed that I should not have to swap parts to make the bike work...it should work fine w/the stock parts! After a discussion w/Fisher and a check of my serial number, Fisher told the LBS that my bike could be one of the ones that was off and then replaced the frame no questions asked...even let me ride the old frame while the new one was on the way. The shop swapped all the parts to the new frame in a day and I have a different bike now. The mechanic at the shop took the same measurements as before, and this time the frame was dead on. The chainline just looks better and I haven't had any shifting problems at all. I still need to go out and hammer it hard, but the short rides where things were a mess before, I now have a working bike...and Fisher has a satisfied customer! I'm psyched my LBS and Fisher came through on this one! I would definitely recommend this bike, but make sure you get it from a good dealer and you discuss these problems with them so that you can get the frame replaced if you end up with one of the ones that is not aligned properly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem, MA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods; Dogtown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Adjustability. Realatively light frame. Handles great. Nice Suspension design. Good fork for this price point. A good value, considering the frame is the same throughout the line. | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck/poor chainline. Although a few parts swaps can take care of it. Also, a lot of the stock parts are cheap/heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element Race; K2 Razorback | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame, shock and fork; Shimano splined bottom bracket; XT shifters, V-Brakes, Rear der., cassette; XT/mavic wheels; Conti Vertical Pro tires; Thompson Stem; Race Face riser bar; Flight Saddle; Egg Beater pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. It does have some chain-line issues that need to be dealt with though. I have seen a lot of different approaches suggested, all with varying results. Here is what worked for me - I swaped the bottom bracket for a Shimano splined ES-70, 73mm shell with a 113 mm spindle length. I used a Shimano XT crankset and drivetrain, and shortened the chain by a link. This works pretty well as it brings everything in closer to the frame by a few mm and tightens up the whole system. Overall, the bike is great. I leave it in 4" travel mode all the time as the fork just does not feel good on the 80mm setting. Besides, if I wanted a short travel FS bike, I would have purchased a Fuel or a regular Sugar. It is a fantastic "All Day" bike for long, technical XC rides. I can't wait to take it to a 24 hour race. Not a freeride bike or a race bike, just a good all arounder. Buy it if that is what you are looking for and you enjoy upgrading components. Despite the chainline and the Bontrager parts, it is still a fun bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsfield, MA USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blair Witch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Mean Wheels, Lenox MA | | Strengths: | Price and great feel.
| | Weaknesses: | Weight, shifting, big chainring.
The bike was heavy to begin with, but my addition of Disc brakes and disc wheels really made this into a tank.
It did not shift properly when I first got it. The chainline was terrible. If I was in the middle chainring in front and the largest chainring in the back, the chain would constantly fall down to the little ring anytime I had to apply moderate pressure on the pedals. Sometimes it would fall off all-together. My LBS replaced the bottom bracket with a shorter one and put a spacer in my rear cassette, moving the chainline by at least 4mm and that worked perfectly! If you buy a Sugar 4+ - make sure you buy from a good dealer like I had who will make such changes for free.
Next - the big chainring on this bike is crap. I bent it on the second ride. It's flimsy as could be. I had to replace it with a Race Face ring. | | Similar Products Used: | I have a few other bikes which I can compare it to although it's not in the same kind of class of any of these except the 4000.
K2 4000 - similar ride but not nearly as good a body position for going downhill. 4000 has much more BOB in the rear end.
K2 Razorback - a much better race bike...
Cannondale F700 hardtail.
All three of the bikes above scare me going down steep stuff. The Sugar is so different from all of these other bikes, I feel much more confident on it and can go down almost anything with control. I have a hard time switching back to the other bikes now because they just feel unstable... but I'll have to get used to that since I don't think the Sugar 4 is going to cut it as a racer.
| | Bike Setup: | Although I could have ridden it as it came (with the exception of the pedals), I decided to switch over lots of stuff on it to better stuff that was on my old bike. I switched to my SRAM 9.0 SL shifters and rear deraillieur, SDG Comp seat, Shimano pedals, bar ends, Avid Mechanical Disc brakes and Shimano XT wheelset with Sun Ryno-lite rims,
stiffer spring in Manitou Black. TONS OF CHANGES, HUH? | | Bottom Line: | This bike gives me a ton of confidence on the downhills. Trails that used to scare me terribly are nothing anymore. My body position seems more vertical and weight seems to be positioned further back. I don't know if riser bars on my old bike would have given me the same feeling or not, but whatever it is, this bike has a great geometry for me. I bought a Large (I'm 5'11"). Compared to my other bikes, this one seems huge... but I love the way it feels.
I love the Manitou Black but it seemed too soft for my 200 lb. body so my LBS put a stiffer spring in it. Now it doesn't seem very good in 80mm mode, but I use it in 100mm mode almost exclusively so that's okay. The 100mm of travel is sweet!
I race once a week and used it last week and did horrible compared to normal. I don't know if it's the weight of the bike or if it was because I had the rear shock a little soft and used the front fork in 100mm mode. Next week, I'll try 80mm and will pump up the rear shock so it's stiff. There does seem to be very little bob while standing and pedalling.
I haven't switched the rear end to 4" or travel yet. The 2.8" setting is all the travel I feel like I need. It's perfect.
I have no idea how to rate this bike. It had it's problems right from the start with the cheap big ring and bad chain line.
The ride is a 5.
The weight is a 3.
The price is a 5.
The chainline problem is a 1.
The big chainring is a 0.
Because I like the ride so much, I think I'll give it an overall of 5 and a value of 4 (since I had to buy the new big chainring). Fortunately, I didn't have to buy a new bottom bracket or pay for any of the labor associated with fixing the chainline! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike lepori
a
from napa, ca
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | this is an update to my previous review...i like the way it climbs and can adjust it to fit a large rider | | Weaknesses: | SHIFTING, CHAIN SUCK !!!!! | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I am impressed on how well it climbs and the adjustibility for a larger rider, but i believe there is something wrong with the design. I had to take it in 3 times for shifting problems and after talking to the shop about my shifting technique they said i was doing it right. I kept getting ghost shifting going up hills and right in the middle of a steep hill, the chain would drop off the front chainrings and i would get major chain suck. The shop had me leave it there and called fisher and was told to measure the alignment and they came up with it being about 4mm off, so they had to ship it back to wisconsin because they figure it was a defect so i am waiting for another frame as i am writing this. I called Trek and asked them about the design and was told that they were aware of this problem and that they came up with a new way to align the fs bikes within the last 2 months and that the bike i have was aligned using the previous method. I have e-mailed and spoke to quite a few sugar owners and most are having the same shifting problems as i did. Some changed out the cranks and bb and still have the problems but not as bad. From what i have found, fisher is aware that there are alignment problems with this design and have taken steps to correct it. I am hoping that when i get it back it will be right and i wont have the same problems because i do like the bike and the way it fits me. I wanted to pass this info along to potential owners so that maybe they can have it taken care of before they have to keep making trips to the shop and go through the inconvience that i am going through | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a
from napa, callifornia
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Great rear shock...will definately take a bigger rider. I have the XL frame...it fits me great and i am 6'8. So far the shifting is doing fine. Great feel...gotta love the Genesis design!!! | | Weaknesses: | The only thing really bothering me is the seat. It starts hurting after a couple miles, but i will see what happens in the next few weeks and if i need to the shop will swap. | | Similar Products Used: | i tested Giant rainier, AC-1, Gary fisher HKEK, Bianchi Denali, Superbee, Kona Caldera, Diamondback full susp.(cant remember the model) | | Bike Setup: | Stock...have to swap the stem because it hurts my back on long rides(I am tall and have a bad back so need to be a little more upright) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It rides great and handles my weight fine. I am a beginner and dont have much experience and will have to update in a couple months but so far it is perfect. I might have to have the shifting adjusted more. When i shift gears sometimes it sounds like it is going to shift to the next gear, but that is probably because i am still learning how to shift properly. It is durable and the XL frame will fit taller and bigger guys. I was going to go with a hardtail because i was having a problem finding a full susp that i wouldnt bottom out but when i saw this one and tested it i had to have it. If there are bigger guys out there looking for a bike and having a hard time finding full susp that will take their weight, go check out the sugar models. I am sure they will find that it will work. I definately recommend this bike. Before you decide on a bike you gotta test out the Sugar!!! I give it a 5 & 5. I will see ya in a couple months with another review. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Tallahassee
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Overstreet for speed/Redbug for tech | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | GBS | | Strengths: | Adjustable, afordable, lovable! I can stiff'n it up for the fast single tracks through the woods or take advantage of the plush suspension in the rooty/technical trails. It climbs and corners great! Love that geometry - wants me to go back to school just to understand it - nope - would rather ride! | | Weaknesses: | Deraileurs and low end pedals - I will upgrade over time - but hey - for the price - can't buy a full suspension that fits me better. | | Similar Products Used: | I forget - just quick rides near the dealers - the Fisher felt like it fit me | | Bike Setup: | Stock - right now | | Bottom Line: | I'm a "newbe" so I don't have much to compare it to. I did my research; read the reviews; rode a few and thought I could only afford a hardtail - a great salesman and my next door neighbor talked me into testing the Sugar 4+ - she felt GOOOOD! She's my SUGAR!!
A friend has taught me how to use the shock adjustments so now I can take full advantage of the Sugar's suspension. Now I can't ride enough and I can't wait to try a new hill or a new trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunedin FL
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardrock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Suncoast Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid bike feel, climbs well for a heavier bike. The suspension is very plush. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager stuff has to go!! The combination of a SRAM cassett, Shimano chain, Bontrager crank, and Shimano Shifters is a recipe for disaster. No amount of adjusting would make that bike shift properly. Taking the advice of others I put an XT crank and BB on the bike and a SRAM PC99 chain to get the shifting alignment and reliability back. Took the bike to Razerback and fell in love. First loop required minor shifting adjustments but the second and third go-round went flawless. A new XT cassett might have worked making the whole drivechain Shimano but I'm HAPPY NOW. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98, Giant Rincon,
Mongoose Expert Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for SRAM chain (to match the cassett) and the XT Crank (to get the shifting alignment right). | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike and well worth the money, however, unless you have an appreciation for very poor shifting buy the splined XT crank and SRAM PC99 chain, you'll shift like a dream there after. Note: If you buy the Sugar 3+ you'll have the same problems so buy the 4+ and spend the money you save on better parts than either would come with. Took of a chili since it shouldn't have been sent to the public shifting the way it did. Shame on Fisher/Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Kolb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego ca usa
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anderson...or the techolote canyon or chezbro | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$849.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bikes | | Strengths: | super cush shocks, quik ajust seat...great for bombing hills. solid hardware, adjustable travel in the back. good price. | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, 30-31 lbs (good for downhills), but what do you expect for a sub $1000.00 dollar bike. | | Similar Products Used: | my wife | | Bike Setup: | like any mountain bike fool...oh your talkin full suspension. | | Bottom Line: | If you cant afford a sugar 1, or are not a racer of cross country, it really does not matter that much...and the extra weight adds speed on any downhill. although, I would prefer the 6 lbs difference on the way up, but I highly recomend this bike but dont pay over 875.00 for it.
Snooge, and happi-trailz.
Chris | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe mittinberg
a Cross Country Rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ???? secret | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | local store | | Strengths: | everything the fork is plush the rear shock is nice (cane creek ad5) nice solid frame very adustible the rear air shock goes from 2.8-4.1 wheels r very nice | | Weaknesses: | not disc compatible
promax brakes
the fork is a little 2 plush
| | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro pro | | Bike Setup: | all xt exept hubs/cranks i also have magura hs33 hydrolic rim brakes | | Bottom Line: | this a very good bike i would recomend this to any x-country rider out there it is not a bad price and you get very good parts i will have this bike at least for a nother two years i m very satisfied with the bike this was a first fisher and is was a good experience SO BUY A FISHER | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy Hollenbaugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Calimesa, CA 92320 USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cal state | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Riverside Cyclery | | Strengths: | The manitou's black fork is PLUSH, very easy to dail in!!Good strong frame, Bontrager wheels, crank, bar and stem.
Adjustable rear travel between 2.8" and 4.1" with a cane creek ad-5 air shook | | Weaknesses: | Promax brakes | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn moab | | Bike Setup: | bone stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great XC bike, the adjustable rear travel is a must for the steep climbs!! No BOB!!! If you are look for a great bike at a even better price this is the one for you.
This is my first fisher and won't be my last !!! If you find this bike in a shop buy it quick it won't be there long!! My bike has about 50 miles of single track dirt,rocks and jumps and about 14 miles of that was all climbing, I love this bike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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