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Gary Fisher
Sugar 3+ Disc
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Submitted by
mark oatney
a
from santa cruz
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 1850 | | Strengths: | love the geometry-- low bottom bracket, long front end-- I love cornering on it. perfect for fast smooth trails in the redwoods | | Weaknesses: | CHAINSUCK!!!!!!!!
I'm finally dumping the bike after getting thrown for one too often times with chainsuck while power-wheelying over the rough stuff.
I've tried EVERYTHING-- even had fisher replace the front half of the frame (the normal way of checking alignmenht revealed no problems-- on close inspection, ther bottom bracket tube itself was set in cockeyed-- must've moved in the jog while welding it up.
Didn't work! neither did new cranks, new bottom bracket, etc etc. teh thing should have a brace between the top two tubes straddling teh wheels like most other frames-- might minimize the flexing.
I can't find any other frame that feels so nice, I hate finally giving up on this. | | Similar Products Used: | many many | | Bottom Line: | adios sugar! my patience finally over-rode my appreciation | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Lambert
a Weekend Warrior
from Hartland, ME. USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Plum Creek Timber Road | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Rack Sports | | Strengths: | Price. Ride Quality. Excellent mix of stock components ('03 3+ Disc). | | Weaknesses: | Lousy stock tires, paint scratches easily, no lockout for suspension. I have also had issues with my Hayes, my rears have been rebuilt and bled a bunch of times, and I've finally purchased a whole new set of Hayes HFX-9 Carbon's on eBay rather than replacing the rear caliper ($80-100). No chainsuck issues here, only happens when improperly shifting under lots of load. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll, Scalpel, Jamis Dakar, GF Cake DLX all test ridden prior to purchase. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 GF 3+ Disc: stock until recently. SID Team air fork up front, Hayes 9 Carbon's w/ V6 rotors. Still shopping for tires... probably CrossMark UST's. | | Bottom Line: | Great bang for the buck. Very comfortable, versatile bike. I hope I never have to buy another.
Ridden the American Lung Trek Across Maine (180 miles, 3 days... all pavement) with it twice now, and keep up with buddies on road bikes without much difficulty.
Minor bits and pieces can stand being upgraded, pedals, headset, front fork (I found the SID Team 80mm as a left-over for $330, otherwise I'd still be riding the Duke). For the money though, you can't go wrong with Sugar. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Holden
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | london,england | | Strengths: | very comfortable, great geometery, lovely bike to ride, done 1000's of miles on it on still not bored. | | Weaknesses: | chain suck( not very often but pain in the ass when it does). | | Similar Products Used: | fisher cake, plus many others | | Bike Setup: | basically standard few little costom bits. | | Bottom Line: | best bike i've got and had, good all rounder, can't find anything to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Styler
a
from West Sussex
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | south downs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | versatile riding up or down, can be ridden ANYWHERE without having to stop, solid build, strong frame, minimal rear bob
all day/night comfort | | Weaknesses: | soft front fork, needs spring upgrade, a little heavy to squirt up hill, stock saddle hard, hayes hfx9 weedy/noisy (replace) | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh 'Winner' | | Bike Setup: | Dirty | | Bottom Line: | Buy it cheap and thrash, it will serve you well then sell on ebay after cleaning it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reijo Kangasmaki
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lamminpää | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | R-Tech | | Strengths: | Superb performing particularly in climbing steep hills as well as when riding downhill. The no-bob also works perfect as well as the suspension as a whole. | | Weaknesses: | The chain suck problem, when exchanging from the middle chainring to the small chainring, which problem has now been solved, however, simply with a zip tie that is bound around the chainstay behind the big chainring. The zip tie prevents the chain from rising with the middle ring upwards, so that the chain doesn't end up between the chain ring and the chainstay (I have a picture of this setup). | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Shoreline Trail | | Bike Setup: | I bought only the Sugar 3+ frame with the Fox Float rear shock and a bottom bracket and got the parts of my previous FS bike installed thereon. So, there's a combination of Shimano XT and SRAM Esc 9.0 components (the gears and brakes). Rock Shox Judy Race front suspension & Stelle Italia Flite saddle etc. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has improved my riding skills to a totally new level. Maybe the bike setup with the present suspension arrangement is just the right size for me (68 kg and 175 cm). The Sugar 3+ is very silent also in downhill riding and the back aches I used to have with my previous bike have disappeared totally. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great value, excellent climber, fast bike, weight. | | Weaknesses: | None that I know of. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stcok | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. My weight of 200 lb. is no prblem for the suspension at all. Compared to my old bike this suspension really works, no bob and very comfortable.
So far I upgraded every bike pretty soon after I purchased it, but this baby is perfect as it came. The geometry works really nice for me and I like to be able to switch between 2.8" and 4.1" of travel in the rear. The front shock is probably not top of the line, but it works just fine for me. It too can be adjusted between 80 and 108 mm travel. Overall an excellent versatile bike. Couldn't be happier with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Southern Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | bti, going up, alice coming down | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | so after racing this puppy for an entire season of mean xc and ccx races, I can say without a doubt that this bike is worth every penny it costs, it makes the downhills so much faster and smoother, and very little is sacrificed on the uphill, very effiecient | | Weaknesses: | regrettably I have to be the bad guy and agrees that this bike sucks...chain sucks that is, the chain suck actually cost me a podium position in one race, and therefore the granny gear will be done away with | | Similar Products Used: | nothing comes close that i've ridden | | Bike Setup: | chris king headset, thomson stem and (soon) seatpost, panaracer fire xc tires, time atac pedals, marzocchi z.2 bam fork, bontrager saddle | | Bottom Line: | not too shabby,I'm still a little miffed about the chainsuck pulling me into 4th place, but I did win a couple races so its all good. I'm disappointed that this was the last year fisher made middle level sugars...BAD GARY, NO SINGLETRACK, now if you want a middle range fisher fs bike you either get some cake, or get one of those poorly proportioned 29inch bikes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Franklin, WI
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Wares Cycles - Milwaukee | | Strengths: | Very good pedaling charactaristics, descends well. Small and larger bump performance. Frame weight is right in the ballpark for a lighterweight build. (A little under 6 lbs for a large with the disc adapter.) Singletrack geometry steering / handling / climbing all very good!
Fit for me 6'2" / 185#. | | Weaknesses: | A little pedal kickback felt when dropping curbs. Have not noticed on the trail. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Sugar 2, GF Joshua's before the Sugars. Have ridden an older Jamis FS Dakar. A couple other test rides on Marin single pivot and newer quads. | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3+ frame set in 4.1" travel mode. Bontrager Race/Truvative Isis crank/bb,LX front der. (only stock items). Minute 2/100 on order to replace a Duke 100SL. Thomson stem/post. EC70 straight bar. Syntace lock on moto grips. SRAM '00 9.0SL shifters/X.0 rear der. pc69 chain, 9.0 11-32 cassette. SRAM RULES! Avid 2.0 levers, version 1 mech disc brakes. Hayes Superlight disc hubs on Velocity VXC rims. Conti Explorer Protection tires with "Stan's". Time Pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Although I have only had for a month or so, the bike has been a great performer for me. The geometry is spot on for my use. I am using a slightly longer and higher stem than stock 120x15 vs 105x10 as the only change to geometry / fit. The bike climbs better than my old Sugar and descends better because of the longer travel and increased frame stiffness.
Have not had an instance of chain suck at all even though I am using the stock crank/bb set up that usually gets the blame for it on this bike. Obviously I am not running any other stock drivetrain parts which may or may not be making the positive difference. Maybe Fisher should spec Sram Shifter/Derailleurs as stock instead of Shimano....?
I have not spent enough time on VPP bikes or Horst Link bikes to compare the differences in suspension. All I can say is that this bike works well for me as a cross country rider in Wisconsin. Is a great value even in stock mode and is a bike that I have recommended to my friends in the past and will continue to recommend to people who ride here in Wisconsin. Cheers to Sugar!
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Submitted by
A.P.
a Cross Country Rider
from Franklin Park
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimney Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Kim's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Accelerates fast. Great climber. Easy to manuever in technical conditions. | | Weaknesses: | History of chainsuck. Chain falls off from time to time. | | Similar Products Used: | Also have an '03 Jekyll 1000. Test rode Giant NRS. | | Bike Setup: | Marz. Atom Race Fork. Cane Creek AD-12 rear shock. Raceface Next LP crankset. Easton Monkeylite Carbon bars. Thompson stem and seatpost. Panaracer XC tires. Time ATAC pedals. Goretex cables. ODI lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for moderate XC riding. Extended top tube allows for more stable climbing, but you have to stay seated - rear tire slips like crazy on climbs when not seated. Climbing performance diminishes as more obstacles appear - rocks, roots, logs, etc. The Jekyll out climbs the Fisher on rocky terrain. In general you tend to get kicked around more on more technical terrain/aggressive xc riding, bike feels less stable on aggressive rides - which may be attributed to my suspension setup - the Jekyll soaks up anything in comparison. I originally purchased the '02 model, but received a warranty '03 replacement frame due to frequent chainsuck which could not be resolved after changes in middle ring, BB, and derailer adjustments. The bike would chainsuck easily in all conditions. After the change in frame and the swapping of cranksets the chainsuck has decreased to a rare occurence. Raceface's nonfixed BB allows easy manipulation of the "chainline" which probably helped reduce the chainsuck. Jennifer at Kim's Bike Shop worked with me through the whole ordeal, my bike had been in the shop for warranty work for several months. Her continued assistance, positive customer service and friendly attitude helped make the warranty process more bearable. Steve at Trek customer service has also been helpfull, he swiftly responded to 98% of my emails - often on the same day! Though I had to wait forever to receive replacement parts and frame, he was always easy to reach and he politley responded to my angry emails. Buy this bike if you are looking for a good climber and easy handling. Beware of chainsuck - test ride bike in xc conditions before buying - NOT IN PARKING LOT. Be ready to change some components, especially crankset! Good luck. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Hackettstown, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft | | Strengths: | This is my first FS bike, a big difference over my old hardtail. This bike climbs great. I have not experienced any of the chain suck others have complained about. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Duke XC fork is a little soft for a 200 lb. rider, upgraded to heavier springs. Much better ride now. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Cannondale Scalpel 800, Giant NRS 2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall a great bike. Climbs great, handles everything I throw at it. This bike is a great confidence builder. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arturo Espinoza
a Cross Country Rider
from mexico
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Långa lugnet / SWEDEN | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | cykel & fjäll | | Strengths: | strong, solid,confidens,upp hill and down hill extrem good on trails. rocks and roots...you just dont notice they are there...buenisima !!spanish now..muy buena en subidas y bajada exelente ! dinamica y geometria que te dara la solides y la confiansa de ir a lo extremo sin problema..los amortiguadores duke si lo calibras bien es tremendo y el fox R es fantastico en 2,8 no hay (BOB) negativo. | | Weaknesses: | I have some problems with the chain suck !! at first I remove the links and was good for a while but change the chain for a sram hiper glide 89 R for road!! (not for MTB) and perfoms very good and of course (make sure some body with experience do the dirullier adjastments..(very important.Its a bike with a very sensitive drive train you have to be very good on shifting.// ..tires !! yes the IRC backcountries is a good tire, but not on the front ! please if you dont want to go to the hospital change the fron tire .
you can uppgrade and the future ..as you wish.the bontrager for something better.
Spanish...Los cambios tienen problemas , hay que ajustar los descarriladores de cadena muy bien y cambiar la cadena seria bueno por una sarch 89 R o 99 .
pues no hay mucho que decir en verdad !. cambia la llanta de enfrente que no es buena en vueltas cerradas y raices y piedras ..mojadas menos. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, fuel 90,yeti,titus,santa cruz, | | Bike Setup: | hayes disk...stock.. | | Bottom Line: | Ok. you will love this bike, the more you get to know it .is like get it merry ..jeje.
Geometry is the best, no bob ! o.oo1 % maybe..i dont feel it.
Strong ? yes like a horse !.
Not for XC race ..but for have a lot fun and ride more than anyone.. this is the bike ! but you can race it too, it will perfomce just fine.
If you decide to buy a all around bike this is the one. and price (off course in USA ) is ok ..my bike was purchased in sweden. thats why was very expenseve.
Spanish.......Esta es la mejor bicicleta toda montaña que puedes comprar para todo tipo the camino de cerro, sera buena para competencia si quitas algunos componentes y hacerla mas libiana , pero trabaja exelente en subida y bajada es fantastica. si vas a gastar un dinero compra con Gary fisher.
** for gary fisher ** I thing that your bike ingeniers get a good pay isnt? so put them to work at least one week on the drive train on this bike ! so beutifull bike ! this is an asepptable what can be wrong? chain? or something is missing there for sure.!!but the bike is the best.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bigg E. Aire
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sorry, no good trails in Bozeman. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Overall ride, lack of bob, Hayes discs | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd: Spec. FSR, Marin Quads, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I lived for a long time with my lightweight, old-school hardtail. It was finally wearing out this year...and I started trying out all the FS bikes in the $1200-$1600 range.
I chose this bike for the responsive ride and it's lack of pedal bob. I find myself dialing the RS Duke shock up and down alot. I am about 150lbs. and this fork seems great. Since most trails around here involve steep climbs with equally steep decents, I like being able to lower the nose a bit on the way up and then using up the 108mm of travel on the way down.
My last bike was pre v-brake and the hayes disc are just stupid strong. The first few rides I was laughing out loud as I approached switchbacks at mach 5 and then got on the brakes later than I ever would with my old cantilevers.
No chain suck, none. I ride in steep, rocky terrain all the time. I even tried to make it happen on the test ride...dumping the chain under load. Hmmm...maybe I just got lucky.
Now, my bottom line: The bike rips. I am climbing stuff clean that I never could on my hardtail. The brakes, geometry, and suspension give me WAY too much confidence for blasting down stuff. I used to have trouble keeping up with my buds that ride dualies. Not a problem any more. Too bad for my hardtail friends.
Great x-crountry, wanna be downhiller, singletrack-eating mo-sheen! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Harps | | Strengths: | Looks nice. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck. | | Similar Products Used: | NRS | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike has improved my riding in every way for the first two months until the chain suck began to occur. The bike handles like a dream on technical single track and outperforms many other bikes in its class, but the chain suck will not go away. There seems to be a flaw in the bikes design. The chain gets wedged 50% of the time. The bike is at the LBS getting a new bottom bracket. Hope this works!!! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arturo Espinoza
a Weekend Warrior
from Falun,dalarna,Sweden
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rättvik, and Säfsen | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | cyckel / fjäll | | Strengths: | climb/descent great,fast,trail eater,very solid,comfort,suspencion is great for my weight 173 pounds...sweet...2003 sugar 3 plus disc..
rock shock R works great in a genesis frame from Gary Fisher. | | Weaknesses: | little expenseve !! thats becouse im in sweden, every thing is expenseve here, but pay back with the landscape is the best on the world for MTB.every thing is clean and beutifull.
chain problems!! like all the sugars ! but maybe for some is easy to fix...asi es compadre!!
ok save the crap..and read the reviews from KEN weekend warrior from Chandler,Az..hes is right..first learn how to shift...and then go to LBS..I got the problem too ! but after I read the reviewed from Ken I went out for 3 hours with my bike,and ride hard to everything climb,descent,rocks,roots and big surprise ...no problems
by now, so i shift it before to start climb...and works..
other wise try to take off 2 chain links.it works too.
good look.and smile when this happen ok. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 90 fuel demo..only | | Bike Setup: | stock parts..uppgrade /maybe later. | | Bottom Line: | This is a beutifull bike and fun to ride, I was riding hardtails before,like trek 8000, but this is something total diferent and extrem comfortable..si amigo..hi recomended for weekend warriors..and fun.for tävling is good, but need better job with this chain problem..mr gary fisher do it right men..!!so every body is happy.
sorry i will give you 4 chiles Bro.
from Mexico. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sue
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, VT USA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Costco/Camp Johnson | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | SkiRack | | Strengths: | Smooth ride, great climber. I've made it up hills that I couldn't make on my hardtail. I love this bike!!! Great value for components. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes brakes - back brake bent easily. Replaced by LBS during first tuneup. Front brake sticks despite numerous fixes. Hard to get in and out of pedals when muddy. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper, Stumpjumper, Gary Fisher Montare | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Love the geometry. Despite problems with brakes, I am very happy w/my Sugar. My racing times have improved from last year and this bike has a lot to do with that. I can jump higher, ride faster and climb more efficiently. I'll eventually trade up for better pedals, but for now, they'll do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wolf Trail, Gatineau Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Tommy and Lefbreve | | Strengths: | Decent Components, Looks Good, Good Bang for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | MASSIVE CHAIN SUCK. Shop has been great and replaced the original Bontrager to an upgraded Race Face. Yet, the problem still persists. Shop has now offered to exchange for a Specialized Enduro Expert. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 955 | | Bike Setup: | XT Rear, LX Rear, Race Face Crank, Hayes Hydraulics, Manitou Front, Cane Rear | | Bottom Line: | Lucky I bought it from a great shop. For I didn't trust the bike. I ride pretty hard, and weigh about 220, so this bike isnt' for bigger guys. Definately a design problem with Chain Suck, as I found out after checking out this site after my first crappy ride. Looking forward to the Specialized Enduro Expert - as MTB reviews other than the seat (which I'll get changed) sound a whole lot more positive.
BOTTOM LINE - if your an aggressive rider and over 200lbs, this isn't the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george
a
from Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | This bike makes mountain biking easy. It eats the trail with speed and precision. Hayes brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck when trying to shift into smalles chain ring. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS. Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thompson stem/seat post. | | Bottom Line: | This bike can handle anything that you throw at it. I am not impressed with the constant chain suck that happens without warning. I tried everything in the book to remedy the problem including switching out the bb and crankset to XT - still constant chain suck. Took it to my LBS who told me that the frame may be misaligned. I am currently dealing with warranty service. The bike gives great performance for the buck, but its reliability is questionable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R Ragnini
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrington, IL USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | John Muir Woods, Kettle Moraine WI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | First full suspension bike after years of lesiure rides and sport level racing on hardtails. The Sugar F/S makes a world of difference, smoothest of bikes I tested. I am a big boy (220+lbs) and I pound on bikes and wheels, and so far, it is great. Hayes hydraulic disc package comes with tubeless Bontrager wheels and hubs...so far wheels take a beating. Adjustable SYBIL link system allows for all the hard tail feel or plenty of rear travel. Fox rear shock has easy on the fly adjustable dampening. My last Fisher hardtail was also Genisis frame, and I swear by it- by now I am now only comfortable on a Genisis design. Hayes Disc brakes are an industry standard, I will never go back to V-brakes again. | | Weaknesses: | Needs more cable guides (plenty to get caught on every tree branch I ride past or over). I hated the saddle, swapped out for Serfas Torrent. I have not had any chainsuck problems. I plan to swap IRC tires for lighter fare soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Hardtails (various), tested Specialized Epic, Fuel 98, Liquid aluminum frame, Giant F/S | | Bike Setup: | All stock so far, except for saddle. | | Bottom Line: | It is the bike I bought. If you ride only hardtails now, go for a F/S today! If you are not an absolute gear head, stock components are upper-mid range and perform (even for the big guys) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great geometry. Good for xc and climbing. AD cloud nine shock. | | Weaknesses: | Problems with dropping chain/getting caught between frame and crankset. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2, Dean, Trek fuel. | | Bike Setup: | Stock parts except rear shock, Atom Race fork, raceface crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Great performance on the trail. The bike can climb with ease compared to Giant NRS and Specialized. I use half the energy to navigate through technical climbs compared to my trek fuel. I have been having problems with chain getting wedged between frame when trying to shift from middle ring into granny gear. I keep the chainline clean and do not shift under heavy torque or when the chain is stessed due to extreme fr/rear gear combo. I always anticipate shifts before going up or down hills and I keep the gear ratios simple so the chain is as straight as possible, but the chain continues to jam itself into the front derailer or between the frame and chain ring. I bent two front derailers and I am on my third. My LBS tuned the drivetrain numerous times with no results. I heard that some of the frames are warped or misaligned causing drivetrain problems when shifting. Changed crankset to Raceface Next, but still encountering problems. I am currently working with warranty to get a new frame - hope this helps. I may have to buy a new bike if problems persist - performance is great, but bike is unreliable. My friend has a Jekyll which he rides hard, he hasn't had a single problem with the bike for one year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Cutts
a Cross Country Rider
from London, ON Canada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | paid $2700CDN @ Allseasons London ON | | Strengths: | This bike truly looks awesome, caught my eye as soon as I walked in the shop. I'm used to full out 22lb racing hardtails, now racing takes a back seat to actually enjoying the ride. This bike makes A HUGE difference in comfort and control, I never knew what I was missing, sure it weighs a few pounds more but my descending has improved dramatically and climbing seems a lot easier (hard to say without actually chasing someone in a race) I don't have to constantly search for a good line on loose, rooty climbs unlike my hardtail I can concentrate on getting to the top as the rear tire hooks up on almost everything. Duke U-turn is great fork, Anyway hauling a few extra pounds uphill has gotta make you stronger right!. This bike got me through my first 12 hour solo race, I started on my trusty hardtail, after 4 bumpy technical laps my back was hurting like hell, borrowed a sugar 3+ not even set up for me and the rest is history. 18 laps later and a 4th place finish. Thanks Sugar
| | Weaknesses: | Cable ties for brake cable routing! come on Mr Fisher would it have killed you to add a couple of braze on guides?
IRC tires didn't seem up to much, swapped them at LBS for Michelin lights. saved nearly a pound too. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Sugar 3+ racing this persuaded me over from hardtails,
Scalpel 2000, Jeckyl, FSR xc, several hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Flite saddle (that titec thing didnt look comftable at all. 959 pedals-awesome, XT shifters and front derailleur-already owned, not worth spending money on minimal upgrade from LX to XT. Michelin Comp lights, excellent tire and only 465 gms too. | | Bottom Line: | I will never buy another hardtail again! coming from a guy who used to snub full sus users as wimps I take back every word. While I agree that this may not be the best full sus race bike due to weight etc blah blah, it only costs $1700 bucks, what else can you get for this price. I was tempted with a 2003 Scalpel 3000 full XTR Cross max etc, sure its lighter with trick components but I save over 2grand and still get a sweet ride. Im happy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SMF
a Cross Country Rider
from vic aust
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Geometry, handling, overall solid ride | | Weaknesses: | Getting tubeless tyres onto Bonty rims - not fun! | | Similar Products Used: | NRS 1, GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | Great ride, predictable handling. This is a good bike and good value for the money. Simple really, get on, ride the thing and judge for yourself, if you know what you're doing or ask the right questions if you have doubts and get the right answers, you will not be dissappointed.
On chainsuck, I'm surprised a couple of reviewers have incurred so many chainsuck problems. I cannot accept that the problem is inherent to this bike nor that it is really even an issue (yeah I think I had it once or twice). All duallies pivot at a point which in turn impacts the chain position/tension, however correct shifting of gears (avoiding shifting under load or from extreme chain stress position - check the angle)should see you not incur chainsuck, also keep your drivetrain well lubed.
Gotta say if you want a better bike that can do as much as this Sugar you'll need to spend a truckload more dollars. This baby is sweet. Note also the reviews on the Sugar 3+ non disc, how can reviews differ so much when the only difference is disc brakes?
Anyway go and ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | climbing
price
geometry
| | Weaknesses: | problems with chain suck despite new crankset and frame | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, K2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except warranty replacement frame and xt crankset | | Bottom Line: | This bike could have been one of the best new xc rides out there for the price if it was not for the chainsuck. The chain frequently gets jammed between chanstay and ring when trying to shift during active suspension in off road conditions. The bike shifts fine when on smooth surfaces, but look out when off road. My LBS and Fisher warranty service have worked hard to resolve the issue, but the chainsuck will not go away. I will try changing the chain and running the shock under higher pressure to decrease suspension - it seems that the bike has not been designed to handle front shifting when the suspension is active. Next time I will go with the Jekyll. For what its worth Fisher reps have been prompt and provided excellent customer service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas TX, USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$980.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Geometry. Climbing ability. | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck when you least expect it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS. Jekyll. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for raceface crankset and xt fr. derailer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does not work!!! There are some major flaws with its design. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO SPEND A TON OF TIME AND MONEY TO TRY AND FIX THE FATAL DRIVETRAIN FLAWS - which by the way cannot be resolved. Chainsuck will not go away. Buy the Giant NRS, C'dale Jekyll 800 or 1000 and sleep easy knowing that you will never encounter drivetrain problems. If you already own one, sell it on e-bay or mtbr and check out the C'dale! GOOD LUCK!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, Az
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hawes trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | This review is acutally from a 2002 sugar 3+DISC!!
There isn't a lot of changes, and I'm one of a few people with some serious time on the bike, so I thought you might appreciate my input.
Terrific geometery. I can really feel the difference between my bike and any other by the way I sit. The stance is aggersive yet comfortable. Not just hype by GF! The rear suspension is what I would call semi-active, it soaks up big stuff but doesn't do a whole lot when riding along a fire road with rough ground. In other words perfect. The Bontrager rims are flawless. I used Stans NoTubes System to make them tubeless, but this year they come tubeless. Unless you do a lot of Urban Assault, I would highly suggest swithing over. The saddles is very comfortable, and is exactly what I would expect on a mid level bike. I've really hammerered alot of stuff and the Bontrager crowbar handlebars and stem held up fine (To give you an idea at how good that is, I did have to replace a headset.) Well placed head angle makes this bike great for technical decents. And this bike is a goat. Anybody with decent spining can climb anything with this thing. Hayes brakes are the best out there. I will never use anything else again, and its only a 1 lb weight penalty to have them! The fork is well fitted to the bike. The duke and Manitou black are similiar with features. I personally like the additional versitality of the Duke.
| | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck-
Don't let this fool you. Its not nearly as big a deal as some people make it. Most of the time its the riders fault. You should understand and practice smooth shifting. No drivetrain performs well when shifting gears underload (ie hard climbing). Before complaining learn how to adjust your front derailer, and your shifter pods. This will take care of most of the problem. Next learn the correct way to shift. For instance; you should use the small cogs in rear in conjunction with the big cog up front, middle to middle, big to small. Do not cross chain!! This bike's alignment is not in error, it is a race quality bike and the drive train is aligned to perform best under an experienced rider. Cross chaining will lead to chainsuck like a mother! If you absolutely want to use the big cog in back with the middle up front, a Shimano crankset will do the trick. (I'm guilty). I bought the crankset six months after owning the bike so I have a lot of time with the Bontrager Race crankset. Its not bad at all, but I admit that it loses the chain a little more than I would like. I also upgraded to XT pods. I no longer have chainsuck problems.
IRC Backcountry tire -
These things suck, trade them in when you buy the bike and pay the LBS $30 for a pair of UST Panaracer FireXC PROs. You won't be sorry. But to tell you about the tire, examine there cornering knobs. Theres onle like every 2.5inches, thats one knob for cornering on the ground when you turn. Not to mention I ground mine down to slicks in about 2 months.
Headset -
Unsealed on the bottom this $16 headset had to get overhauled at six months (cool grinding noises). It loosened up again and was making me nervous on decents. I tightened it up the best I could and replaced it with a Cane Creek S-Pro ($50 at supergo) I only have about a month on this headset, but its sealed all the way around so there isn't any visible dirt attracted to the area. (Arizona has very fine dust, and it gets into the darndest places)
Crankset -
Just for completeness, see above. I replaced with XT although its not bad at all.
| | Similar Products Used: | A lot of bikes. Cannondale Jekyl, Specialized FSR, Mongoose Solution, Gary Fisher hardtail (back in '94), Trek Fuel 80. I have not had a chance to ride any of the high end small quantity bike like Titus, Ellsworth, Foes, Kona, etc. Although I'd kill for the oppurtunity. | | Bike Setup: | Kens Bike
Frameset - Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, butted aluminum
Tires - Panaracer FireXC pro 127 tpi*
Tubes - Stans NoTubes conversion kit. Maintained at 40 psi*
Rims - Bontrager Race Disc, aluminum spokes
Hubs - Bontrager Race
Brakes - Hayes Hydraulic Comp
Fork - Manitou Black Elite 80/100
Headset - Cane Creek S-Pro, chrome*
Handlebars - Bontrager Crowbar Race (Riser)
Stem - Bontrager Race
Shifter Pods - Shimano Deore XT*
Grips - Serfas Dual Density
Bar Ends - Specialized *
Seatpost - Bontrager Race
Saddle - Wilderness Trail Bike Laser V
Rear Shock - Cane Creek AD-5
Crankset - Shimano Deore XT*
BB - Shimano 8 Spline*
Pedals - Crank Brothers Eggbeaters*
Chain - Sram PC-69*
Frnt derailer - Shimano Deore LX
Rear derailer- Shimano Deore XT
Cassette - Sram 7.0
* indicates modified part | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best bike for the money. I see it very often for about $1400-$1600. Even crybabies can upgrade the cranks, tires and pods and keep it under $2000. If you have ridden this bike and like it I would also suggest trying any FSR bike (ie specialized). The feel of the rear suspension is very close, so compare prices. It'll be close between the two. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin
a Cross Country Rider
from Murrieta, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sylvan Meadows | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1560.00 | | Purchased At: | USA Cyclery | | Strengths: | I'm reviewing this bike again because the "honeymoon phase" is over, and I've had a chance to ride this bike extensively for 3 months now. I still think this is a great bike and the perfect blend between comfort, speed, and control.
I had chainsuck once when shifting up a steep hill and trying to throw it in the very lowest gear. This happened to me only once and it was my fault because I didn't plan my shift correctly. My bike is stock, so I'm not sure why a few others have had chainsuck problems.
| | Weaknesses: | I don't like the tires. They slip a little too much for my taste--especially through sand and hard pack.
I've grown to like the Hayes brakes better than I did at first--real smooth, but I still think the avid mechanicals on my other bike have better stopping power.
I don't like the shimano pedals. I have trouble getting out of them quickly, so I'll need to switch those out.
It's a bit on the heavy side, but I don't race, so it doesn't matter too much.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I stand by my original review. This is a GREAT bike. Very fun and comfortable to ride. The gemoetry is outstanding and keeps you in control at all times. I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from North Richland Hills, Tx.
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | NorthShore | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Grapevine Bike Center | | Strengths: | Relatively light, Very fast, nimble, great climber, great downhiller | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, *I had a 2002 Sugar 3+* Manitou Black Elite Fork | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 1, Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | *2002 blue/silv frame* XTR rear der. LX shifters, RF cranks, Time pedals, Black fork, Tioga Factory Dh 2.3 tires, Bont. Race Disc wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is about the 2002 model, but since only the fork, brakes and color of the frame has changed for '03, I'll let you know how it does. When I first bought the bike I bought it for a "play" bike, and use my 22 lb Sugar 1 for racing. I took one ride on the Sugar 3+ *weighs 29.5 pounds* improved my time by 2.5 min. on my normal trail. So I SOld my Sugar 1 for parts. Now Yes, Chain suck is a problem with the fishers, and no it has not been fixed yet. But some are worse than others. My '01 Sugar 1 was notorious for it, but the Sugar 3+ only did it till I got my chainline right with my RF BB *inf. adj chainline* This bike is very sweet, you don't feel the extra weight. The nicest thing about the '03 Sugar 3+ is the RS Duke fork, So much better than that crap Manitou they had last year *broke the rebound damper piston twice* I'm not much of a cross country rider any more, I'm more of an Urban Assault man now, so the Sugar 3+ could only take so much 5+ drops, hence I broke the frame twice. From normal riding, this frame is beef enough to keep you going. I would suggest this bike to anyone, If you think You'll be doing more than the bike can handle *jumping a little more than the usual trail bump* get a Specialized Enduro. Otherwise, get the Sugar, Sugar really is sweet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mars
a Cross Country Rider
from Melb, AUST
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Relatively light weight bike choc'd full of ability delivering awesome handling and ride. Climbing, descending, shooting thru singletrack is pretty sweet, I dare say the geometry has something to do with that. | | Weaknesses: | Paint marks or disappears way too easily, crap tyres, length of brake cable 2 inches too short for altenate routing, chainsuck (fixed after adjustment and removal of chain links) | | Similar Products Used: | NRS1, Fuel 90, KHS FXT Pro, Spec EPIC, Dawg Deelux, Kikapu Deelux | | Bike Setup: | EA70 bars, EA50 stem, M536 pedals, YETI lock on grips, Hutchi Mosq on FR & Mich Comp XLS RR | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike!
I looked long and hard for a bike I could do everything with, from aggressive cross country, steep and technical riding, long climbs and 6hr day rides - I found the Sugar 3+ disc.
If you are a high end racer then this bike won't do you justice, but you would have already looked elsewhere woudn't you? Other classes of racing or riding no probs.
If you are a weight weenie then don't look at any duallies unless you are mega cashed up. Mine's about 28lbs.
This bike is confidence inspiring. The Hayes are sweet, the Bontrager Racelite Tubeless discs very light and strong, great geometry. I'm 5'9" 165lbs and pretty fit and ride a medium and this bike feels like it was made to order. Never thought I would use the u-turn as much as I do, but heading into climbs 3km and longer in the middle of the bush it definitely helps. If you are bigger or heavier than I am then you will need beefier springs, or a different set of forks or go on a diet (it may be cheaper). The IRC backcountry tyres are crap - only good for the front lawn.
Got chainsuck 3 times in 2 months, jammed b/w front chainring and frame, but got it out with a bit of coaxing. Have since had links removed from the chain and finer adjustment to the front derailluer - shifting is sweet and no chainsuck.
I was going to take half a point off for having to fix my own chainsuck however minor(take care of it in the design stage Mr Fisher)and for the weakish paint, but I can live with one and have fixed the other, so for the money you just can't get anything as sexy.
Sugar is very sweet indeed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alejandro Lara
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Vzla.
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | el cortafuego | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Good components, great frame, neat looking bike, no pedal induced bobbing when seated. | | Weaknesses: | -PRICE: Might be the name but you can get similar bikes for less bucks. Really, too expensive.
-You stand up to pedal and the rear shock and fork bob too much, making you feel as if you were bouncing, although they say this can be fixed by increasing air pressure og both damping systems.
-Disc Breaks cables are hold to frame by ugly zipper fasteners. They look like extras. Gary Fisher forgot this little thing, making you think that they're not paying attention to details. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, otherwise first double suspension bike I test seriously. | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful looking bike, great paint job and good parts, but mucho dinero compadre. There are bikes out there that are way cheaper and way better in components. The induced bob just doesn't convince me. If you want to ride in the street and do stand ups your friends will blow you with a hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bohngy
a Cross Country Rider
from Marlborough, UK
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Savernake forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain High | | Strengths: | Bike for the money (lots of it) Functional suspension at a great price point. not much change with the 2+ (except great FOX fork) | | Weaknesses: | Weight... im used to a Zaskar race with xt/xtr mix,
Tyre changes on bonty rims!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Y33, FSR pro, Wolf ridge | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Took a look at most offerings from trek, giant, RM. Decided that GF offered a great chassis for upgrading. I'll be transferring alot of my XTR parts, to make it more reliable for longer rides.
NO PROBLEM WITH CHAINSUCK, only once in very heavy mud but i blame a crappy LX f mech which can be seen bending when upshifting.
In my opinion not as plush as FSR but not far away. single pivot good for british weather... I'll let you know how long they last. Excellent support from Trek etc. Bearing kits (or bushes should i say) used on all klein and trek fuels so easily available and cheap.
Great Package - heavy forks but great action, esp compared to my 2000 SID race!!
It doesnt't get 5 overall coz it doesn't weigh 22lbs!
The tyre changes on these rims suck ass big time, anyone else had these probs. Took me near on 40 mins in subzero temps and 3 broken levers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john sharp
a Cross Country Rider
from monterey ca usa
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | goat trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | nice blend of comfort, durability and speed. Duke u turn gives you alot of options up front. hayes discs inspire confidence. excellent geometry. solid climber, very little bob. | | Weaknesses: | reported chainsuck issues. my drivetrain was upgraded during a tuneup at lbs before i had any problems courtesy of gary fisher. a bit heavy for xc racing. | | Similar Products Used: | none. had an old stumpy hardtail. test rode the palomino(sweet!} stumpy fsr, epic. k2 razorback,fuel 90, etc. | | Bike Setup: | stock except easton bars/stem, raceface post, xt cranks, | | Bottom Line: | this bike has performed beyond my expectations. it isnt a freeride monster or a top notch xc racer but neither am i. its a great trail bike... handles well, gives you travel options and is as quick as your legs allow it to be. its gonna be a long time before I "outgrow" this bike. I would give it 5 flaming turds if Fisher would dump the bontrager cranks/ correct the chainsuck issues that seem to continually haunt them. I got a swinging deal on my sugar so i goota give mine a 5 for value! XC racers know this isnt for them and so do freeriders/downhillers but for those of us who will only own one bike and want to be able to do epic rides, carve singletrack, climb hard and occasionally race or dabble in freeride or hit northstar/mammoth in the summertime ... THIS BIKE WILL DO THE TRICK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from northern california
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1659.00 | | Purchased At: | a store | | Strengths: | get handling around coners that are off camber. hayes disc work good. | | Weaknesses: | i've only been on 3 good rides, and i can already see the paint gets sractched easily. | | Similar Products Used: | giant warp, trak fuel, specialized rockstomper,rocky mountain etsx-30 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i did choose this bike over all the above tested bikes. so you figure it out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpine, Utah
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Christys Sports | | Strengths: | Very Good climber, very good overall. Enjoy it every time I get out. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck from the first day. Had new triangle installed under waranty, seems to have solved the problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll and Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I put about 800 miles on this bike over the last year, all of them were off road. I love the bike. I dont notice the suspension when climbing then it turns on for the down hill. It seems when you are sitting on the seat the rear shock moves very little, then when you stand up to go down hill it activates and soakes up all the bumbs. Great geometry.
The very maddening chain suck went away with a new rear triangle installed under waranty.
I would recomend this bike to any XC ridder who rides for fun it is a little heavy for racers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Margery Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Very plush ride, no noticable bob on climbing. This bike rides really well when you aren't getting any chainsuck probs and I would have bought it there and then otherwise. | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck, very very bad. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I can't spend 1500 quid on a bike that gives this kind of chainsuck probs. Whats more, when dropping the chain from the middle to the granny ring, the chain came off completely and got stuck between the granny ring and the chain stay. When you are seated on the bike, the sag in the suspension allows the chain to fall down below the chain stay, but when you get off to fix it, you can't get the chain out because the chainstay has move closer to the granny ring. I couldn't fix this on my own. I had to bounce up and down on the seat while my mate tried to pull the chain out between the granny ring and chain stay. This happened twice on a two hour ride!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin
a Weekend Warrior
from Murrieta
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1560.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclery USA | | Strengths: | The perfect blend between speed, control, and comfort. Great for longer rides. Genesis geometry really works! Very little bob in the suspension design. Great XC bike. | | Weaknesses: | Even though this came with Hayes Hydro brakes, I prefer Avid ball bearing, as they seem to have more braking power. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense prototype (fast but not comfortable). Demo'ed Specialized Epic and FSR. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I had some shifting problems (chain not finding the right gears) when I first demo'ed it, but the bike shop fixed them on the spot and I haven't a problem since. This bike will give you a smooth, fast, comfortable ride. I really like the control. It corners and climbs well. It just feels right. I think the Sugar 3+ is an excellent value and a blast to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
junior pasion
a Weekend Warrior
from san francisco, san diego
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | skegs point, skyline trail ( napa ) | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | love the ride not too plush, not overly stiff, geometry felt great, climbs outstanding, very balance bike | | Weaknesses: | CHAIN SUCK.... well i was told by many LBS that the chain suck problem was rectified by fisher and that is was caused by a few misaligned frames WRONG | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, trek liquid, giant ac1, giant nrs1, klein palomino | | Bottom Line: | well i concidered buying this bike a 2003 surgar+ but after one very short test ride i knew that concideration was dashed. i got this bike to chain suck 4 times in 20 minutes. all i did was drop the chain from the middle ring to the granny gear and WHAMMO there it was. the forth time i just got it so stuck i carried the SOB back to the shop (40 feet) and the LBS wrencher said well i guess fisher didn't fix the problem yet. this bike is really sweet and if it didn't have this problem i would buy one in a new york minute. sorry gary for the poor ratings but i feel the need to share my experience | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cat Walk | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Medford Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | once again, everything. re-reviewing the produtc after purchasing it, and it is sweet. I ride urban whenever I'm not on the trails, and the bike is great for it. I set up the fork at 108, and the rear end at 105 (mm), and adjusted the rebound for very fast, and the bike handles great for jumping up curbs, and the like. | | Weaknesses: | careful with that u-turn: I made the mistake of turning my u-turn just a little bit too far, and ended up locking the fork out at about 60mm, and had to have lbs fix it for me. considering it was a pilot error, don't be dumb like me, and force your u-turn. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 90 disc | | Bike Setup: | stock with time atac pedals, and odi lock-on rogue grips, and michelin wildgripper ust in the front | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike. was a warranty option for my F.U.B.A.R. fuel, so I went with it and am very pleased with my decision. can't wait to race it in the spring and summer! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Manchester, CT
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop Manchester, CT | | Strengths: | Adjustable travel front and rear. Strong wheelset. Rims are ready for tubeless tires. Hayes hydro disc brakes work great. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Why change anything? | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. If you are an aggresive rider who wants an awesome trail bike this is it. Ride it with the 4" of travel in the back. You will love this bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cat Walk | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Medford Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | Adjustability, respectable weight, very upgradeable, good looks. | | Weaknesses: | none yet although tested bike only, will buy later | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 disc | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | only tested the bike as of yet, but I wanted to be the first to post a review on it. I think that it will be a great bike, and would probably recommend it to any XC geek such as myself, who isn't as concerned with weight, as how well the bike conforms to riding style, i.e. likes longer travel for descents, shorter for uphills, and likes reliability and primo cool looks of disc brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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