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Submitted by
TheBigWoo
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver,CO
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Lookout Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | From a Friend | | Strengths: | A very plush, smoothed out ride. Great "retro" design by today's standards and these are now getting pretty hard to find. They can however be found for a really inexpensive price compared to the original $2,999.00 price tag. They haven't been made in many moons so if you come across one, GRAB IT AND UPGRADE IT!! | | Weaknesses: | The orig rear shocks are good for general purpose, but may not compare to today's shocks... | | Similar Products Used: | vintage Cannondale, Specialized Stumpjumpers, Trek True Temper steel frames | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to full XTR | | Bottom Line: | These are a great piece of MTB history. No longer made, they can now be found for a good reasonable price by today's standards....
My 1998 Joshua X0 is still a great riding machine and can hang w/ big $$ newer Hardtails, which lack the "cool factor" of these classics. Hardtails are a dime-a dozen....
Y Frames are rare to see..... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Tampa, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Stratton Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Greenwich Cycles | | Strengths: | If you ever rode one you know what I am talking about. Day and night you can keep riding and not get too tired and give up. Gets you there and back without any problems! | | Weaknesses: | I can not use the bike as I am now in Florida! No Mountains to summit and bomb down! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale SM 1000 | | Bike Setup: | Joshua Z with XT components and Silver frame, Rock Shox, Avid brakes, Sachs Shifters, Mavic Rims and Panaracer tires, Strata Shock fully adjustable, Night Sun lamps, all bells and whisles Etc... | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike from me and enjoy the ride. All parts including middle shock pump come with the bike. Make and offer. ibeede@tampabay.rr.com or cell phone 813-758-1947
This bike has been to many of the north east mountains and was an awesome 40-50 mph down hiller! I have been clocked by a toyota truck! Excellent technical ride over rocks and through serious mud! Up and down hill, climber and bomber a must. You want your brakes dialed in and Good times still to be had! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Racer
from tulsa, ok usa
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | turkey mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | needs disk brakes | | Similar Products Used: | shcwinn home grown | | Bike Setup: | indy sl front
fox vanilla back
bontager seat, bars
to much to list... | | Bottom Line: | Will sell it for $1300 firm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Looks Great. Very good while it lasted. | | Weaknesses: | Derailleur hanger broke after a few hours and the back wheel bent. The bike was pretty messed up when i got it but it worked fine for the first hour. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback viper as really good bmx which is light and strong. | | Bottom Line: | It is a pretty good bike but alot of stuff broke really fast and now i can't even ride it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Agingguy Oldbike
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Montesano Trail Network (& Tsali, NC) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Used- Bicycles Etc | | Strengths: | Hoshua XO, Yellow: Once Customized, Reliable, Compact compartment (that's what I call it- short and stocky), handles exceptionally well on tight turns at speed or down hill slowly while over the rear wheel behind the seat. Once shocks were changed- always in control. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Parts- stock parts on this bike were not good. But buying it used at $750.00 gave me room to really make it mine (I would consider buying a used one if you need a FS and cant find the bucks to buy one- upgrade parts over time).
Indy SL Long Travel had to go first- it did not go where I pointed it. Upgraded to Manitu SXTi, and am even upgrading it today (because of money priorities) with an '04 Marzocci Marathon S.
Rear Shock- nearly hurt me bad. On landing- unpredictable how the bike would "do". I busted my arse- replaced with Cane Creek Air (6.75 eye to eye was not "standard" for rear shocks- but it is to the Joshua).
Sugino Crank was awful- bent it on rocks and logs the first few rides out. XT Crank is more that adequate-
| | Similar Products Used: | My one and only FS bike- Fisher Hardtail ridden earlier- prior to that Mongoose Rockadile (before the department store days). | | Bike Setup: | 90mm stem- monkey bar type handlebars- XTR "V" Brakes, XT shifters, XT wheelset, XT crank, a quality "lighter" bb, Marzocci Marathon (S)front and Cane Creek Rear Shock | | Bottom Line: | Perhaps I won't come in ahead of the "scapel" or the "fuel" or the "jeckyl". HOWEVER, this was a quality ride a few years ago- nothing has changed. Once the shocks and the crank were replaced- something most people may do over time, it is 100% reliable, predictable and performs excellently. A side note, climbing rocky steep terrain with this type suspension URT, Y, whatever... is great. It does not spin out - I may give out, but it doesn't spin out. My hardtail doesn't bob, but it wont climb like this. I do wish I could lock out the rear- but I accept it as is- plus the terrain here is ROCKY and rough. If you can ride here, you can ride most anywhere.
Bottom Line: I'll love it for a few years to come, I've owned it for 6 and it is probably 7 years old. 4 chillis value because It took a little more than I would like to spec it to my tastes and pocketbook. Overall 5, without question- I love Fisher bikes- glad Trek didn't ruin them by killing their creative drive and attitude. Thanks Gary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Owens
a
from Canada, Ontario, Chalk River
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | execnt frame for any type of riding, light weight bike | | Weaknesses: | very flexable swing arm | | Bike Setup: | older judy DH, rock shock delux, mangura hydralic rim brakes, shimano LX drailers and shifter, older KORE bars and stem, rino light rims, sugine impal crank set | | Bottom Line: | this bike is deadly... i've owned it for a year now and i did XC riding for a bit and i am now doing free ride on it... the frame stands up to what ever i launch it off of... a few minor problems with the rear-end (derailer, casette and, chain)... i blew the old judys last year and got some pieces machined to get them in working condition but i just put on 2002 EXR's and they seem to be holding up good.... the only problem i had was that the swing arm was too flexable and didn't work well with my mangura rim brakes(to much flex that didn't allow for high pressure on the rim).... all in all good reliable bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Park Forest, IL USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Start to Finish Bicycles, CA | | Strengths: | simple design, amazingly light, very upgradeable | | Weaknesses: | suspension bob, the fork was way too stiff for my weight, the color is uglier than homemade sin | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Intense Uzzi SL, Trek Fuel 90, Trek Liquid 20 | | Bike Setup: | Crossmax wheels, XTR crank, bb, Ti cassette (8 spd), specialized seat, MRP speed springs in stock Judy XC fork...everything else is stock...oh, Bontrager Jones tires | | Bottom Line: | The bike is my first REAL mountain bike. with swapping out wheels, crank, and bb, it's 24.5 lbs. That's bloody good for technology of the late 90's. It's now 2003 and the bike still rides like a champ. I've thought about getting a replacement fs rig, but this one still calls my name. I can't bring myself to get rid of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Marblehead, Mass USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Beverly rocks, Attitash, Loon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | I bought it off of a friend..kind of... | | Strengths: | This bike kicks so much ass. It may be a tad old, but it does the trick. It's super light, like 25lbs. It's very rugged and i have done 10 ft. drops and it still is fine, i may need to get my tired trued though. There are great components and good pedals (clipless). But if you like dual suspension, and like light, comfterable bikes, this is the bike of all bikes. Not really, its just really good. | | Weaknesses: | The fork that came with my bike only has about 80mm, but it does the trick. Im lookin at puttin a White Brother's FR3 dual crown on it but if you want to up the front, you need to up the back. This bike could use work w/ new additions, | | Similar Products Used: | Joshua F4, I don't like this one as much, its a monster of a bike, yet i felt that it was too heavy for me. But it was a pretty good steal. | | Bike Setup: | Judy XC, Rock shox rear suspension, deore XT derailer, I cant remember the crank name or the stem (sorry). | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is good for a smaller person, im like 5'6' and its perfect. A good deal. That's about it. It could use upgrades and a bit of a tune up, but that's because I bought it used (it was ridden like 5 times), and the guy I bought it off of was a complete idiot. Oh well, yay for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wharncliff | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Cycles | | Strengths: | None really. Low 2nd hand value? | | Weaknesses: | Just about everything. Especially the Welds and Grade of Alu used. | | Similar Products Used: | Level Betty, Trek Y5, Heckler, San Andreas etc. | | Bike Setup: | RST Hi5, Magura's, XT blah..... | | Bottom Line: | Its pants really, I've snapped mine. The only good thing is the 5 year Frame warrenty which allowed me to get a new Level Betty. (Which I sold straigt away) URT suspension design is Poor at best. May as well get a decent hardtail. Boring to ride, looks lame, don't know why I bought it really. There should be a 0 Flamin Chili option.
Sorry to be so negative, the glass is usually half full. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I weight #225. The paint is durable, the rear pivot is stock and tight, minimal flex at the BB, and it allows me the to vary the sring-rate just by sitting or standing (standing mimics a soft-tail type response), which is more intuative than flipping a lever.
It is simple, one pivot. | | Weaknesses: | The coil-based suspension BOBS. With the rear shock properly adjusted, and if you can spin, there is NO BOB. Cane Creek AD-10 is De' Bomb. WTF-GF? | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Cannondale. Liked the FSR. | | Bike Setup: | ESP 9.0, 217 rims, Avid 2.0, Alps 4, Z-3 100 Air, White Bros. crankset, Bontrager: post, stem, bars. 26.7 lbs.
| | Bottom Line: | 1997 Z0 Medium. Purchased the frameset in '98. Price included Judy (sorry, you need to dampen the REBOUND stroke on a shock, compression is to be controlled by spring rate and oil weight) SL front fork, King headset, Bontrager: bar, stem, post, and the terrible RS 'Super, Deluxe, Coily, Remotely Dampened (at best)rear shock. At the time a great deal.
After the first real ride I replaced the SL guts with Englund Air's (warranty issue resolved by the LBS). The rear shock was replaced by a Fox ALPS 4 . The frame style (URT) and geometry demand that the suspension components use the progressive quality of air to perform respectably. It is a shame Mr. Fisher chose to "Tango" with Rock-Shox when spec'ing this frame.
I rode the frame for over two years (+2,200 miles) with the afforementioned configuration. Then I purchased a 2001 Z-3 Air 100. Crap. This is the best combination EVER on a URT frameset.
I will ride the frame until they no longer build replacement parts for the shocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pigrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Vista,Ca
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Price, component package, FUN factor | | Weaknesses: | superdeluxe rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | trek rigid then this one and now Santa Cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | I had the Joshua Z2 1997 model with the Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I ride a santa cruz superlight now that weighs about 25 lbs with a Marzocchi X-fly Z2. I love this bike but find myself missing my old Joshua Z2 every once in a while. I still wish I had it. Don't let these reviewers tell you how bad the whole unified rear triangle (URT) suspension is. Yes you get some bobbing and no lots of people don't like it. You can read and believe all the dogma that techies spew or you can ride. When it comes to just going out and riding your bike for fun the Joshua is an excellent bike. Its steering is not as precise as the superlight and the suspension is not as stiff either but it rides well and handles pretty good. There is very noticeable bobbing when you are climbing very steep technical hills, but I noticed that the URT actually drives the rear wheel into the ground and you get more traction. The superlight does not do this so it took me a while to get used to shifting my body in a different way. In my mind I think of the Joshua as a Cadillac and the superlight as a Ferrari. If you race the Joshua is not for you but if you ride a lot XC and pretty gnarly downhills this is a damn good bike. If you own a Joshua or have an opportunity to buy a used one you should do it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cuyamaca mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | fairly light for a full suspension bike, awesome handling, rides over everything.
| | Weaknesses: | rear rock shock deluxe sucks! but on the plus side it won't last long, so you can replace with something worthy like a Stratus XC Pro shock. | | Similar Products Used: | GT bikes | | Bike Setup: | 1997 Joshua Z2, stock except for Stratus XC Pro rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I am a cross country rider and I love this bike. I can go anywhere and ride over anything. It goes where you point it.
On the minus side it does pogo a little if you power up a hill, but this is easily fixed by replacing the rear shock with an air shock that has a lock out feature such as the Stratus XC Pro or the Fox Float RC. If your bike comes with a Rock Shock Deluxe, it will need to be replaced anyway, trust me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allister Blanco
a Cross-Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of em | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Simple Design. Bullet Proof. When you were out the pivot, there's no guessing which one! | | Weaknesses: |
Weight. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS, Ventana Marble Peak | | Bike Setup: |
Stratos XC Pro Rear, Marzocchi Z.1 BAM Front 4 inches travel front and rear | | Bottom Line: | The addition of the Z.1 BAM turned this into what is now my favorite ride. I have a Ritchey Soft Tail (Excellent as well), but not as much fun. Lock out the rear on the climbs, therefore no bobbing. Let's face it, if you're going to have fun on a heavy FS you're gonna need legs. I don't recommend this ride for out shape folks as the weight penalty will kill them. 4 stars because I'd still rather climb on my lighter softtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LIAPOMOBAU
a Cross-Country Rider
from Troy, NY
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Finger Lakes Trail at Ontario County Park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
All around great bike | | Weaknesses: |
Bobs a little, but easily taken care of with remote damping adjuster. | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo (not similar, but it's a GF)
Trex 830SX (we all have to start somewhere!!) | | Bike Setup: |
Joshua Z2 w/ RS Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I have the 1997 Joshua Z2 model. This is a just plain and simply a really nice XC bike. Has just the right amout of travel on front & rear. The rear has a remote adjustable damping thumb shifter that can almost lockout for climbs & rolling areas. Sure it bobs a little, but it really isn't all that bad with the remote adjuster. I've made several upgrades to my bike since I got it as parts wore out or as I found a really good deal. Now I have a pretty sweet bike. It's sweet to begin with though. I'd recommend this bike to someone who loves XC with the occasional need to just bomb downhill. The only complaint I have it that I had a cable housing that was rubbing against the frame & it actually wore away at the aluminum frame & created a notch in it. Luckily it was at the lower end of the seat tube so it isn't go to weaken to frame. It was easily remedied by putting a plastic hot spot sticker there. This is a great bike though. I love mine & I'll be keeping this baby for years to come. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JC
a Cross-Country Rider
from Upland, Ca
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Expert trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
How the bike fits me | | Weaknesses: |
weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Heckler
Specialized FSR
C'Dale Raven | | Bike Setup: |
Judy Sl Englunds 80mm
Monkey lite Riser
Stratos Helix Pro
Tery Liberator Ti Race
Every thing else stock | | Bottom Line: | I have a 97 Z1. Thinking about getting a new frame, a Four bar linkage, But I keep upgrading my Joshua. Y because I like how the bike rides. The shock upgrades helped the bike. I enjoy the riser bar. Bottom line I'm having too much fun with my Joshua. URT is a simple design and every bike I've test rode bobs. Bike still gets 5 chillies after 2 years. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtndew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Barrington, NH
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The lockout
The Components
The Genesis | | Weaknesses: |
Not an awesome climber | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL, XT/XTR, Rock Shox Delux w/ lockout
Cross Max Wheelset
747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great cross country ride. The lockout is the only way to ride this bike, though. I sometimes forget to tighten it down when going into a hill and it reminds me with the bobbing. BUT it has the lockout which makes everything fine. It could be a little better on the climbing. The Genesis geometry is terrific on steep descents! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carter ziemke
a Weekend Warrior
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
riders palace | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
its a good bike cause its aluminum. i have the aquila and it is just as good as this one i think the aquila is a better bye for your money | | Weaknesses: |
none really | | Similar Products Used: |
my aquila | | Bike Setup: |
i like the rocks on there its great | | Bottom Line: | bottom lin is that this bike is a good bike with not many weaknesses | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Gray
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Cobb
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
12 miles of hell | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
24 inch full supen. | | Weaknesses: |
lowend components | | Similar Products Used: |
giant awsome | | Bike Setup: |
fork & shock are stock
upgraded wheels & drivetrain to lx / xt | | Bottom Line: | great bike for my age. recomend it to any butt sore 11 year olds. if it was lighter could give it 5 stars, but i still gotta pedal it up hills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario A. Javier C.E.T.
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Harwood Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Affordability
Excellent service from store and distributor. | | Weaknesses: |
Selection of components
Too heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Mantra Pro
Specialized FSR elite
Schwinn S-10 | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC, Avid 2.0 | | Bottom Line: | I owned this bike for almost 2 years now and I have done most of the upgrades such as XT rear D and shifter, Raceface crank and ring, Mavic 517 front and rear with XT hubs, Cane Creek headset, Crossbow seat, 96 Judy XC with WB springs and C3 cartridge. When I got the bike 2 years ago the components in it was alright but could be better. The KB seats was uncomfortable and it was the first to be replaced. The stem and handlebar set up was also uncomfortable and it was replaced with a Club Roost hi-rise. The Sugino crank was okay, but seems to flex when I hammer and put my 195lbs weight on it, therefore it was replaced by Raceface. The LX rear D was okay until recently when the shifting starts to fail, the XT is an excellent upgrade (you can now get last year model at reasonable cost because of the 9 speed hype!)
My only concern right now is the RS deluxe, where I think its blown because of too much bobbing even when I have the spring replaced to 700lbs/in and cranked up past the 7 turns recommended by RS. Anyone who has an idea how to solve this, please feel free to e-mail me. Overall I think this bike is worth every penny I spent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Oops, made a mistake, should have been 5 months since my last review. I had the bike for about 9 months now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bkt Timah MTB Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Couple of points here:
1) The geometry is nice and well laid out. I couldn't actually feel the easier climbing part, but the short stem has certainly sharpened up the bike's response.
2) It's not the lightest bike out there, nor the most efficient, but hey, after 2664km in 5 months in all sorts of weather with routine cleaning and no major over-haul, I'd say components specs as well as the single pivot's durability is top notch. But since the specs I'm running is non OEM, the credit goes to the very durable pivot.
3)The lock-out for the rear shock may seem as a cover up for some people but I hardly find the need to use it. Though when I do need to use it, I can really pile on the power without bobbing. | | Weaknesses: |
Currently, I'd say it's a bit porky at 26.5 lbs. maybe I'm just picky but I just know it'll be great if it's around 24 lbs. Another point is the suspension. We all know that the URT is not the most efficient design around, nor is it the plushest, but when the shock is properly tuned to your weight and riding style, you can get a lot out of this bike. The OEM parts that came with the bike is not very impressive, check out the specs, many of the parts can be better, especially considering the price tag. Then again, exclusivity doesn't come cheap. Oh yeah, the Sugino cranks sucks, change it ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: |
I've owned a 1)KRIT FS bike w RST Hi 5. 2) 1998 K2 Animal with Smart Shock and full XT kit.Both are seriously overweight and non too enjoyable on the climbs. | | Bike Setup: |
98 Joshua Z1 frame, 98 Manitou SX Ti, 99 XT shifters + FD + RD + crankset + bb + 98 hubs. 99 XTR brake + lever + cassette. SUN 0 degree Lite front rim, Bontrager Mustang ASYM rear rim. Bontranger stem, handlebar + seatpost. Flite Ti saddle. RS couple deluxe Rear shock w lockout. Specialize Team Dirt Control/Master Tire. | | Bottom Line: | Frankly, after 5 months and 2664 km of riding this bike, I'm very pleased with it. It handles very well in technical climbs and descents. Maybe because the Genesis geometry fits but I simple would not have it any other way. The next upgrade I'm planning would be a lightweight wheelset just to bring down the weight and inprove handling. This is not a bike for everyone, some like it's feel, some don't. My advise is: Try the bike, ride around a bit if possible, then make a decision. For me, I'd continue to upgrade it because the bike fits me. Enough talk, we should ride more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Head
a weekend warrior
from Pa
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a Diamondback joker. I like it but im having problems with tricks.
Ive started trying tricks a little while now. I just cant seem to pull a bunnyhop. It probably sounds rediculous but im only 13. I was wondering if anyone could help me. Email Address:limpy@hotmail.com
, Head
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a weekend warrior
from Central Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Gary Fisher Joshua XO in December of 1998. I have been generally satisfied with the bike. The rear suspension works great! I don't know why everyone is whining about unified rear triangles (URT's). Maybe they aren't using the shock lock-out lever. With the shock locked out, the bike is as solid as a hard tail, with no bobbing. I use the bike for all-around riding, both uphill and downhill woods and trails. It has been almost one year and I have logged almost 3,000 miles.
I have to keep cleaning the shock lock-out switch on the shock, because it picks up mud from the rear tire. Generally the component parts have held up well.
My only complaint is with the rear shock pivot. After 2,500 miles the pivot started getting sloppy and wobbly. I took the bike back to my local dealer and Gary Fisher sent a new pivot bushing for free. Then the pivot at the rear of the rear shock wore out, and Rock Shox sent a relpacement part for free as part of the warranty. My one year warranty is almost up and the rear pivot bushings are wearing again. I hope it doesn't become a re-occuring problem. Overall I have been greatly satisfied with the bike and the service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Allen
a cross-country rider
from Waterloo,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just a follow-up to my previous review posted in the spring. I am now on my fourth set of Xverts. These are holding up apart from some bushing slop.
After two RS deluxes blew apart (literally) the Fisher distributors here(OGC)
took pity on me and shipped the best shock in the world! It is a Stratos Pro
Air/coil unit with remote lockout and full adjustability.This unit has transformed the Joshua! The travel on both ends is progressive and plush
giving an unsurpassed level of control on the the most gnarly surfaces
up and downhill.
I have experienced no need to lock out the rear end and in fact have been able to climb previously impossible(for me) ascents. From perusing past reviews I have come to the conclusion that a faultyRockShox unit is more likely the main
culprit due to the failure of the internal damping.This causes massive amounts of bobbing. My previous bike was a Diamondback Vlink(with 4 bar linkage) and the Z1 surpasses it in all respects.
Now I have my Joshua setup the way I like it I will keep it for another year.
It is very unfortunate that such a good bike has been severely compromised by substandard suspension parts.One chillie willie to Rockshox/Answer for terrible quality control and four to Gary for helping out.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a weekend warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Joshua Z2 since January '97. I purchased it in LA as I couldn't get them in NZ at the time! Apart from my rear Coupe Deluxe shock blowing apart after 6 months riding I haven't had any problems until yesterday!!The Frame started to creak a little after a couple of small jumps (1-2 ft) and I checked the frame and guess what? It has cracked on bothe sides where the seating tube is welded to the main downtube and also on both lower shock mounts!Definately ruined my primo holiday weekend out of town!Have taken the bike into the LBS - Great crowd at Hedgehog Bikes, Takapuna! Will let you all know how the warranty claim goes - I feel like I've lost a best friend already!!! (Hopefully only a couple of weeks maximum downtime!?)At this stage still a 5 chilly bike!! Awesome... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After reading about all the whinning I decided to do some myself . I sent my joshua zo [4th one] back to fisher 6WEEKS! ago and still haven't got a straight answer from fisher as to when I'm getting my bike back.This really Sucks,But I still really like the bike and I hope that the new design for 99 solves the shock mount problems. {al l4 of mine have cracked there]SO LOOK CLOSELY AT YOURS TAKE SOME STEEL WOOL TO THE WELDS IF IT LOOKS SUSPICIOUS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary fisher dealer
a weekend warrior
from pa
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would like to reply to John ( San Gabriel , Ca. )
Some one at your dealership doesn't like you or is very forgetful.
To get an RA # ONLY TAKES ABOUT 10 MIN.! I WOULD ASK WHY NOTHING
IS BEING DONE AND IF YOU DON'T GET AN ANSWER, GO TO ANOTHER DEALER
OR CALL FISHER YOURSELF. I hope this will help you,YOU SHOULD BE ON YOUR BIKE!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi,
Bought a Joshua Z1 98 about 4 months back and have never looked back since. I was originally riding a K2 Animal ( You know the one with the Tiger Motif?). Anyway, the Animal was way overweight and the Smart Shock failed. I had to wait 3 months for a replacement, after I sent the bloody shock back to the States. During this time, the bike shop that I normally hang out at loaned me a 98 Big Sur to ride for the time being. I loved the new geomertry but felt that the bike could use some bounce. So here I am, sold the Animal and got my self a Z1.
I made a few modifications thought. Changed for an XTR cassette, Manitou SX Ti fork, front XT hub with Sun 0` Lite rims, Magura HS-22 (from the Animal) and Specialized Dirt Control/Master Team tires or Panaracer Fires depending on conditions. That's lightened the bike a bit compared to the stock bike and it rides sweet. So here's my two cents worth; when you buy a bike, read a few reviews to get a general impression, then ask for a test ride. Next if you don't like this bike, say it objectively, not come here and insult everyone for being a moron just because we bought a Joshua. Finally, five chillies for the Joshua. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a downhiller
from derby
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a joshua X0 I bought it beceause it was a bargain and it seemed very large to ride,I cannot ridesmall bikes as I am 6,5. However I cannot get the back shock to move, it's either too hard or too soft the rest of the bike is A1 eg xtr,Great bike,crap shock, or geometry cannot afford a new shock | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flaco
a cross-country rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a weekend warrior
from san gabriel, ca
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this is an update to my previous praises about my wonderful bike. the bike i still give a good rating because when it is working it rides very well. just pray that it doesn't break because gary fisher will screw you out of a bike for a long time. joshua's have a known problem of the welds coming apart around the shock mount area and the welds between the 2 main tubes. my frame has been sitting at the bike shop waiting for the slugs at fisher to give them a return # so it can be sent back. well, it's been 2 weeks and they have not been able to do that yet. how can they possibly take this long to make up a return # for me?
i have been bikeless for 2 weeks and it hasn't even left the shop so how much longer is it going to take for fisher to issue the # then they are going to let it sit at their warehouse for who knows how long. while the fisher rides fairly well, what the hell difference does it make if you don't have it because it broke? this is absolutely the worst customer service. anyone considering buying a fisher should consider buying something else. don't wast your money on a bike that will inevitably break. Gary Fisher blows!!!!!! a thousand negative chili's for the company!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Lando
a weekend warrior
from Madison,Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Joshua xo(98)in may, AT first a great deal for a grand. First time out broke rear remote lockout. I had many more problems with lockout cable braking or twisting. After many hours of down time for repairs,a cane creek AD-10 was called for. I started looking for ways to improve is bike. Judy2 is a junk, so it was replaced with Manitou sxti(sweet). Next rims & tires ;cane creek crono wam's with Panaracer mach sk & ss tires. I bent the crank after a minor crash( sugino impel 300a). I Replaced it with a shimano xtr crank & bottom. I wanted better shifting so xtr front& rear derailleurs was the ticket! xt brakes & shifters was called for. Now this bike is 5 stars!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron the Bomb Barr
a racer
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These bikes are a complete joke! The URT design bobs like crazy sitting or standing. The URT design also locks out during braking, just what you need going down a rocky downhill. The very nature of the design is actully two bike frames connected at one flexy pivot. The result is a bike that stinkbugs,(raises the rear end under braking and steepening the head angle. Scary. I've never understood why owners defend these bikes so much. Do yourself a favor before you buy and ride a four bar linkage bike, you won't be sorry. If the Y-frame is so great Y doesn't it win anything. Like the last review mentioned, that is why Trek is coming out with a linkage bike. Its also true that Huffy offers Y bike URT's I saw one in Fred Meyer the other day! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg MacRae
a cross-country rider
from Saint John, New Brunswick
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Joshua (ben Yawaha?) Z1 performs just as the name suggests, a savior, I'm sure James (aka. Babaras) would be quite jealous. This bike has saved my sorry ass in more than one situation. Imagine if you will, a provence in Canada with raw trails, slick rootie decents, rocky ascents, insane scenery and to top it all off in the maritimes 70% of the days its raining(very slick and dodgy routes?). I have been a religous hardtailer throughout this hype and have finally caved, I have road the Z1 and shall never look back. After the XVert was repaired(what the F***, Answer, I expect perfection out of the Box) My fear has left and my confidence(or insanity)has returned, is this not what we spend our hard earned dollars to experience. The RS Deluxe is there when you need it, and who the hell is Bob anyways, if you know how to climb, Bob can go suck my brothers noisy linkage. (Ha Ha Ha) The SRAM's are smooth and percise after a Gore upgrade to the cables the Avids work well even in NB's extremly muddy conditions(thanks Gary for the disc mounts) The front end (wheel & fork) have only flexed once to cause brake scrape and this was during an out of control landing, which I was abel to recover thanks to the tight and percicise steering control of genisis geometry. Gen(isis) is a reality not just a sales gimmic, and cheers to Bontranger for some solid rims. I tend to be hard on rims and these give no noticible flex when you get some corner bite or hit that log at 45. This bike will speak to you, but you must listen carefully, and most of all you must not hold back while upon it. Otherwise that split second of hesitation will cost you your freedom.(who gives a s*** what anyone else thinks) Joshua will be there when you need it, Love life, respect the trail(on and off of it) but most of all have fun and strive to become a FisherMan in the Maritimes of the greatest place in the world to Ride, Canada. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DALIBOR CVITAN
a weekend warrior
from BREZICE, SLOVENIA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my joshua X1- hell of a bike! The shape, colour, performance it is heavenly. But, GAAAARY! why did you put that front suspension which broke after few kilometers. looks OK, but my bike and i are stil waiting for that fork to be replaced. I want to RIDE A BIKE - with a good fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from western NJ
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well it's been 3 months from the puchase date of my Z1 - here's my experiences.
Overall, the design & handling of the bike has been outstanding for the $1300 I paid for it. However, there were some issues that had to be addressed. 1. The Manitou XVert broke 1 hour into my first ride (man was I pissed). Apparently the engineers elected to use a shortened piece of PVC pipe (the violet markings you see on the plumbing in your house were still there !) to guide the elastomer stack. This tube slid down the stanchion tube & proceded to catch on the plastic elastomer spacers - producing an awfull clunking sound. Also, Manitou's firm ride elastomer kit completely sucks for anyone wieghing over 190lbs. I had to use a 5 inch extra-heavy speadspring & elastomer combination w/ 8 wieght oil to make the fork useful. I am still waiting for Mountainspeed to release the correct spring kit for this fork (hopefully in early September). One more Manitou gripe - their adjustment knobs are cheap garbage. 2. Rockshock - Amazingly this component has performed well for me (contrary to many reviews). I changed the 1.5 550lb spring to a 2.0 650lb (I wiegh 200lbs) - the results were outstanding. All other components on the bike have performed well under the stress of many rocky eastern technical rides (Round Valley, Allamuchy, Bridgewater, Blackwater, Coopers Rock) A great FS bike for heavy riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Son of Skid
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Finally replaced my 600 lb spring for a stiffer 650 lb spring because I found myself overcranking the preload just to make it stiff enough (read my previous review below). I've also carefully setup the shock with 25% sag as recommended. Preload on my shock is now less than 6 full turns also as recommended. The good news: my bike now rides so much better I could kick myself for not getting the setup right earlier (I've had the bike since 96). Thanks to all the people who gave me ideas with their reviews. Now my rear shock is so good when I run over any bump I feel it harsh on my front shock while the rear just glides through. Now I'm thinking I have to upgrade my front shock. As far as bob goes, yes it's there but I have to look at my shock or ask a riding buddy to watch, to actually know i'm bobbing on the climbs. And in any case they say it's only a little. Hey, show me a dualie that doesn't bob and I'll show you a too stiff, badly setup bike. And I don't notice any difference in my climbing ability anyhow; I've spent enough time on full-suspension to learn the best way to power up a climb is to spin rather than stomp. Descending, of course, is just pure pleasure especially with the preload just right on my new stiffer spring. For reference I weigh 155lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a cross-country rider
from Hollis, NH
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My '96 Joshua Y (now with a '97 ZO frame, thanks to Fisher's outstanding
customer service department after I broke the old one at the shock-
mount welds; apparently a common problem) has just been outstanding.
I'm 6'1, 190 lbs, and found that an offset seat post and a shorter stem
solved all my handling problems. Bike has seen hellacious technical
trials-like terrain and has been great. A word to the wise: if you do
any jumping or rock hopping, cough up the money and replace your
swingarm pivot regularly. Mine bent, and had to be HEATED AND PRESSED
to get it out of the frame ( a nightmare ). Four chiles; it's great
but not perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well here's a story about Gary Fisher and how they treat the customer I
bought a 97 Joushua X-O last summer, really liked the bike until....This
while I was replace the lame rear shock with Stratos strata pro I noticed
the frame had began to crack at the upper rear shock mount(check around the reviews on this site and you'll se it's fairly common). So I take the bike
to the lbs and they sayride it untill the rep can look at it and we'll
send it in. So a month latter still no rep so I have the lbs get a return
number and I TAKE THE BIKE APART,BOX IT,AND SHIP IT. Well to make a long
story shorter THREE WEEKS pass before I get my bike back and then it looks
like SHIT they put 98 Joshua X-O decals on it which are white and are barely
visible against the yellow back ground.Other reviews I've seen here people
have always gotten the Z-O frame or at least what they sent in. Bottom line
I feel like I got screwed.Yeah sure they sent me a new frame but it's not
what I had and it took three weeks and on top of that I did all the work.If
you want to ride a Fisher be prepared to deal with a broken frame and
horseshit customer service. Other than that I like the bike but I'll NEVER
buy another Fisher.One star for the service and 4 stars for the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is an update on my ZO. I love this bike. Yesterday, I took it on a 3 mile ride with 2000 ft of climbing. It was great on the way up, but even better on the way down. I was able to clear every drop off without any worries of losing control. This bike takes a beating, but continues to perform flawlessly. My only complaint is the bar ends that came stock on the bike. They are too wide, I replaced mine with some narrower and lighter bar ends. This bike rocks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trail Monkey
a cross-country rider
from The Birthplace of Mountian Biking
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Joshua Z1 for a year and half and this bike rules the trails, especially after I replaced the lame rear rock shock with the stunningly awesome stratus pro air oil shock with it's unequaled degree of adjustability including full lock out for those steeeeep and slippppery ascents. On this bike, steep gnarly climbs are totally inspiring and steep gnarly descents are the stuff of legends.If you are going to get one, spend the money on the high end; get a Z1 or a Z0 and get the stratus rear air-oil shock - you will be a very happy hammerhead.To all those gumbies that gave this bike a less than perfect rating: EAT MY DUST!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Steed
a racer
from Pocatello ID USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Gary Fisher makes the best overall bikes there are I love them my rating is two thumbs up five stars I enjoy the level betty it is a very nice bike highly recomended I love anything with the name Gary Fisher on it. If you have the Money I recomend that you buy a Gary fisher Dual Suspension don't settle for some huffy wannabe P.O.S go for a Fisher | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PONO AIONA
a weekend warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a 6 foot 1 inch 280 lbs. Hawaiian play rider. Like going down much better than up. My '96 Joshua Y has been nothing but a joy. Not too bad on the climb and great on the descent. A Few upgrades for my clydesdale build: Jr.t fork, Atom Bomb hubs w/517's, Fox Alps 5 shock(air shocks rule), XT cranks, rapid fire shifters(also rule), and riser bars. No cracks or creeks. I ride every week and have had nothig but joy. Mahalo! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a cross-country rider
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
1 year(a little over) progress report: -97 Judy's suck(blown two cartridges, ugly stiction, etc.). Replaced them
w/Marzocchi Bomber Z2. A little heavier, but performance makes you forget.
-Titec Hellbent riser bars. Bomber was a little shorter than Judy XC, so
riser bars made up for height loss of the rider from front hub, but not the
bike(no big).
-Took a big crash(started out as jump), bent/trashed front wheel. Bomber
took a little tweak but it was an easy fix. THE FRAME IS FINE.
-I'm a light rider at 130 lbs, so maybe that has something to do with the
fact that I still don't notice any so-called 'bob' in my climbs or sprints.In all I'm continuing to have a good time on my Z2. No complaints about the frame or rear suspension performance, but the 97 was specced, in my opinion, with a crappy fork FOR ME. I have a lot of fun on this bike, and haven't seen or ridden anything else that's changed my mind(my best friend rides an FSR-I wasn't impressed-nice to look at though). Perhaps whan every rider has the same exact body type, rides the same as everyone else, in all the same place and terrain, then can we finally resolve the multi-linkage/URT debate. Until then, what the f*** is everybody trying to prove anyway?! Is there some kind of prize at the end that no one's told me about? Shut the hell up and ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 98 Z0 2 weeks ago. It is an awesome ride. I replaced the front shock with a Marz. Atom Bomb. It is a heavier fork, but oh so plush. I don't miss my old front suspension bike one bit. This baby can haul down the mountain and it climbs well too. I find that I have much more control at speed and I spend more time bombing and less time squeezing the brake. 2 thumbs up for the Genesis geometry. I am 6' 1 175 lbs with a 33 inseam and a large frame fits me perfectly. Try this bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
just starting
a weekend warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought my 1997 Z2 last week. I've biked occasionally, but am now getting into it more. I have a hardtail, but a FSB seemed like a good investment. It helps that this bike looks really cool. I paid $999 which included Shimano DH pedals. Was this a good deal? Or did I get ripped? I am going to take it out soon. I hope it shreds!!!!!! Two stars for now...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guido
a weekend warrior
from DE
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is probably my 3-4th review. The bike still kicks ass !!!! Recently uprgraded the front T2 to Englund air and the Schlock Rox to Cane Creek AD10. Now the bike is greater and lighter than ever. The Englunds can be a pain in the butt since you should check the pressure before each ride, but the ride is worth it. My recommendation to all would be to upgrade the rear to an air shock, it mates great with the Joshua's URT design. Not too stiff, but it makes the bike racier. The adjustability is great. If you do purchase, give Speedgoat a call, they got me the right shock layout for my bike (air valve sideways) and were very helpful - thanks Chris. A great bike just got better!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Allen
a cross-country rider
from Waterloo, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden my '98 Joshua Z1 for approx 8 weeks now and would like to share some thoughts. The new Genesis geometry certainly works as advertised, I'm 195 lbs 6'0 and have noticed definite improvements in both climbing and descending. The Joshua exudes an aura of copetence and instils confidence with it's precise and neutral handling.
One major problem has been with the 98Xvert fork. I am on my 4th set of these due to the early production batches being shipped with an incorrect internal sleeve. Also on pair #2 the alloy fork crown cracked around the right hand adjuster knob. However, when they work thay are quite simply the best all round fork out there, smoooooth, long travel and multible tuneability.
The Rockshox coupe deluxe with remote damping adjuster performs well under all condition, but please, lets lose the chintzy shifter that comes with it. I replaced mine with a nice suntourXC thumb shifter from my old parts bin.
After 2 years on DX636 pedals I am very impressed with the Time ATACs - Absolutely no mud problems and very generous float as well. They do tend to squeak until they are generously coated with teflon spray!
Shifting has been flawless so far with the full ESP 9.0 sytem.
The Joshua Z1 is a great all round XC bike. It handles all riding situations with aplomb (better than my previous Diamondback Vlink 3.0) and has a great component mix.
Congratulations to Gary Fisher, and his Ontario Rep. Brian who convinced that this was the bike to have. Also to Brauns Cycle in Kitchener,Ontario for their help in getting multiple fork replacements from Answer/Manitou ( who are not aware of any problems with the Xvert)
All that aside this is one sweet 5 chili ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Son of Skid
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A REVELATION: This will be the third summer on my bike now, and I'd like to share a discovery to all joshua owners. (see my previous review below) On my first summer, i loved my bike except for the weight. I upgraded to lighter tires and other lighter parts at the start of the second summer, and I loved my bike even more except i started to notice bobbing. And then just last weekend, my second ride this summer, I experimented with cranking up the preload on the rear spring. Viola! The bobbing was gone! I couldn't believe it was just a setup thing. On my second summer I've read in a magazine that you have to start out with a bit of sag and also in the owners manual it says I shouldn't preload my spring more than six full twists. I had originally set up my bike's spring quite hard (cetainly more than six twists) and so that was why there was no bobbing the first summer. Then because of somebody's wise advice I softened my spring. I feel so stupid now for not having realized the bad setup. I had suffered all summer last year, wondering why I couldn't climb up the same hills I had been climbing before. And I thought it was just my lack of conditioning. A friend of mine did say he could see my bike bobbing uphills, but I didn't put two and two together. And last weekend, on my second ride this summer after months of not riding, I climbed the same damn hill I never once climbed successfully last year. The stiffer shock setup worked!! So all joshua owners suffering from bobbing, before you sell your bike, crank up the preload on that rear spring. It's the best setup adjustment you'll do to your bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stonecold
a cross-country rider
from Las Vegas, soon to be Morgan Hill Ca
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been studying, test riding, reviewing, studying, testing, and even more reviewing on several F. suspension bikes, I beleive I have made my decision. JOSHUA ALL THE WAY!!!!!!! I am getting the X0 to fit my pocket book. sure, some components could be better, but what else do you expect in a bike that comes in 3rd out of A line of four bikes? I would have gotten the X1, but the rear triangle, other Fisher fans dont get upset, realy sucked. I am going to be replacing the Judy T2 w/ a XC mainly for the type 3 spring and C3 cartridge for smooth adjustable ride with little weight compared to others. I am still thinking about upgrading the brakes to some XTRs. Overall, the Joshua X0 is one of the best and most affordable bikes on the road!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sven
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Re: Son of Skid's latest review.
It's important to realize that the matter of a rear shock working properly is not simply a matter of 'cranking' up the preload on the spring; it's also a question of how much tension the spring itself already has. Every spring has a number on it indicating just how 'stiff' it is without any additional tension being added via the preload adjustments. So it's extremely important that the proper spring is installed on the shock in the first place....a spring that's too light and is cranked up will actually eliminate some the travel that the shock was designed for and will also adversely affect the damping adjustments of the shock...a spring that's too heavy simply won't cushion the bike/rider like it should. A minimal amount a sag (R.T.F.M. -- R.ead T.he F.------- M.anual) is required, road-racing motorcycles need about 5/8 to 3/4 sag from complete bottom stop to rider's weight, a bicycle needs somewhat less. These Joshua bikes are really dependent on proper suspension set-up, so learn all that you can! When properly set, there's nothing plusher or more active. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Fortier
a cross-country rider
from Squamish, B.C.
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 98 Joshua Z1 for a couple of weeks, so time for first impressions. This is my first FS, coming off a rigid frame. I demo'd this bike on some serious singletrack, and bought it a couple of weeks later from the same shop. Even on that first ride, it felt better than my original bike. The bike I demo'd had been customized a bit by one of the guys in the shop - riser bars and a Stratos Pro air-oil shock - so I forked out some extra cash for these options too. At first I felt confused and tentative on technical uphills - the bike felt spastic and way too light in the front end. I scooched the seat forward an inch or two to get more weight over the front hub, and this helped control. The front end still feels light, bit I'm realizing once you get the hang of it, the lightness provides quick front end handling and precise placement. Once you've got your front end in line, it's easy to apply power to the rear end and propel you forward. I continue to be amazed at how rear supension makes the bike a better climber on technical terrain - stuff that I thought was way too steep and covoluted to conquer on my old bike, I'm now able to get up on the FS. I don't like the Velociraptor front tire - it washes out way too easily on soft terrain. The GripShifts (ESP 9 .0) have worked flawlessly. Hopefully I'll review this bike again in a couple of months and give it a 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Sane
a
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a 97 Z-2 for about a year and a half now, and I did have some problems with it. The RS Coupe Deluxe was blown from the get go, so the remote damping adjuster didn't work. I didn't have the confidence I had with my previous (rigid) bike because of some geometry issues. LBS replaced the rear shock, I changed the stem to a shorter (90mm), higher (40 degree) stem and moved the seat back a little. Throw in a Hayes brake and a Marzocchi Z-2 BAM and I love the setup now. I may have overdone it with the 40 degree stem as the steering is a little 'too' quick, so I may back it down a bit. Now I have the ultimate x-country machine, on the climbs and tricky single track, lock out the rear suspension and get max transfer of power to the rear wheel. Point the front wheel down a long rooty downhill, cut loose the remote lockout and have fun! It's been a learning experience for me as I've done almost all my own upgrades and maintenance. The one thing I have left is to upgrade the LX brake lever (rear) as these levers are lame, especially when using them with a gripshift type shifter (I went with the Sachs PowerGrip Extremes). I think I'll get a set of Avids or XT levers (anybody need a front brake lever? I only need the back). This bike is a great X-country/mild downhill bike and with a little tweaking, I've turned it into a bike I'm very happy with. It seems that GF has done something similar to what I did on my own, with the Genesis geometry. Shorten the stem and move the seat back... close enough.Happy trails! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Pilot
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey NotBrian, I can name someone who uses a URT design for downhilling (and other stuff). The big daddy of DownHilling and Extreme riding, GREG HERBOLD !!! Yes, he rides his own designed bike which happens to be a URT design that is very similar to the Joshuas. Personally, I'd use a linkage system for downhill, BUT THIS IS A XC BIKE!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sven Lavado
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well I've finally done it. After almost a year of my regular love my Joshua bit the dust. I seems I've bent the frame. It felt like I'd dropped a friend at the hospital with a terminal illness when I brought him into the shop. This is far and away the best bike I've ridden and I'd compare its handling to some motorcycles, (when the suspension is set properly -- proper spring, etc.). We'll see how the warranty department at Fisher treats this, but I'd still rate these bikes among the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NotBrian
a downhiller
from
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey Brian, you did fill your review with crap. Joshua frame design right on for downhill? Are you joking? Name one top ranked rider who uses a URT for DH. You can't because URT's may be good for XC but are lousy for DH. Hell, Gary Fishers own team rider uses a Cannondale inspired Trek design that is clearly not a URT.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from God's Country
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I refuse to fill this review with the crap that I have witnessed in some of the other reviews. What I will do is give my first-hand account of the Joshua's performance. I have directly compared this bike with Klein, Specialized, and Giant (And I am not talking about cruising the parking lot). From downhill to technical uphills my Fisher outperformed the competition. But it is MY bike….I know it well, so, my comparisons may have been biased. First of all, I have not lost power due to bobbing or flexing on the uphills. The rear triangle makes my tire 'grab' the rocks and roll over all the obstacles, which normally require major shifts in weight, thus, making my climbs easier. For downhill, I will say that the frame design is right on. It is comfortable, durable, and stable, which adds to my confidence, making it easier for me to concentrate on the ride a head of me, not on potential equipment failure. The Super Deluxe Rock Shock (rear) has done the job even though I continuously abuse it. My personal abilities don't exploit the potential of this bike but I am working on it and I am sure the Joshua Z0 frame will continue to take me to my limits!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ihatedorks
a racer
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Chris Burgher you are a moron. You bought the cheapest Joshua that Fisher makes You would probably also buy a Ford Pinto and try to enter the Indy 500. First problem I see is if the B.B. is in front of the pivot you been riding your bike backwards, the handlebars are your reference for the front of the bike. If you could afford a Marzocci Z2 you would never bought the bike that you did in the first place. Please sell this bike to someone who will understand its purpose. You need to check out some yard sales to see if you can pick up a Big Wheel for a good price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mr
a weekend warrior
from DE
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For some reason MTBR felt it necessary to remove my review. In response to some inhabitant from earth, are you sure you were riding a Fisher? The reason I ask is because it's stated in your review that the pivot is behind the bottom bracket (such as Cannondale's y frame). The Fisher's is above and in FRONT of the bottom bracket. This also contradicts Frank the Welder's statement that the chainline is above the pivot, it's NOT. The pivot is above and forward of chainline. Not being nit picky but shedding some light to reviewers to make sure the facts are correct. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Burgher
a
from Earth
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 97' Joshua in August. I rode around alot and noticed some problems.
The worst problem the Joshua has is its climbing ability. The pivot,unfourtunately, is
directly behind the bottom bracket. This set up causes the rear shock to compress
when you pedal. This lowers the climbing ability,acceleration and top speed. Another
problem with the Joshua is the weight. The frame is on the Joshua X1(the bike I
purchased) is not double butted and it needs to be. Also the rear triangle is chromoly,
also not butted or double butted. The components for this bike are not light but strong
enough to endure the rigors of off-road cycling. I would suggest upgrading the front fork
from the Rock Shox Indy to a Marzocci Z2. Which , in my opinion, is the best performing
fork on the market today. Finally I would like to say, this is the most comfortable bike I have
ridden thus far. May I suggest buying this bike if you want to mountain bike with comfort
and to just have fun. Do not purchase this bike if you are going to compete. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mr
a cross-country rider
from de
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Oh christ, another falling rate, urt's suck, blah blah blah discussion. I own a 98 Joshua, it F&%king rocks. I have never ridden a bike full or non suspesion bike that handles soo well. This coming from an ex-state bmx champ (in my glory days). I have ridden the so called top of the line linkage systems and found out an interesting fact. The anti bob systems are too damn stiff. My Fish has been calibrated (heavier shock rating) for my weight and I never experience bob. FSR's are nice, but it no-where comes close to the handling of my Joshua. I have plenty of friends who have ridden my bike and loved the way it handles, but, they also enjoy their rides. It's amazing how many people make an effort to cut down the Joshua's. For any body who knows psychology, it's because of jealousy and/or not being part of an elite group. Or ...they can't stand that other people don't share similar tastes. Fish rules. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moron
a cross-country rider
from Earth 37/140
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
NAPOLEON --- listen to Wondertigger, only give claer
opinions and don't be insulting. Gary Fisher does not get
such a good reputation for its MTB's by just acting like the way
you did -- but, rather has worked hard and tried to manufacture
something reliable, that's what I at least think of Gary Fisher.
We all share the same hobby, so please give us real good comments
about your MTB experiences -- thank you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Winston Smith
a
from Eurasia
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss.Big MTBR Brother is watching. Ignorance is bliss. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Maine
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike sucks the big one, my Specialized FSR blows it away and kicks its ass all over the mountain. Nothing like a fully active suspension. Fishers bob all over the place and pogos like a punk rocker on speed. Only stupid morons could imagine that this bike is anything but a worthless piece of scrap metal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Napoleon
a
from Animal farm
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others
All mountain bike reviews are equal - But some are more equal than others | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wondertigger
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, weekend warrior John, I want to thank you for your thought-provoking review. I could talk about my opinion on the inefficiency of the FSR's pivot system and shock placement, or I could just talk about how I rode it, and thought it was unresponsive. I could talk about how my Joshua's remote dampening adjuster eliminates any bob, or I could say that push-push pedallers (maybe like you, with all the biking skills of, say, punk rockers on speed) are the cause of most suspension bob. But instead I'll tell you how this stupid moron and his Josh would kick your ass all over the mountain, uphill and downhill, and leave you wearing that FSR.Keep your feeble opinions to yourself, and post something without ad hominem attacks next time. You don't know who you are talking about, so unless you are the hottest shit on the planet, button it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wondertigger
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Yowza!! Full suspension, with eye-popping performance for under $1,200? YES! I've had the 1998 Joshua X0 for 2 months now, and have finally broken it in to the point where I can give a performance review.
-Full suspension URT lets you catch big air and come down without any bone jarring thuds. Also, soaks up the bumps like buttah. I rode the Klein and the Trek Y, and think this is a superior suspension design, with better performance.
-Good component group for the $$$, with a few exceptions, some of which Fisher should have marginally upgraded. First, I love the Avid 1.0 brakes (in all conditions), but they do require adjusting (easy to do) every so often. The XT rear D is great, why the LX front D? Finally, the stock front fork does not compare to the rest of the bike - a Judy T2 - basically last year's elastomer/spring Judy XC (I upgraded to a 98 oil bath XC- plusssssh, and a real difference). Saddle should have kevlar sides - it'll be shredded in 6 months.
-Maverick rims have taken my 192 lbs down (and off) some wicked stuff with no damage.
-Judy CoupeDeluxe rear is a good shock. Only complaint - the handlebar mounted remote dampening adjuster (a real plus - eliminates any bob on uphills) broke due to manufacturer's defect, and hasn't been replaced yet. Rockshox, can you hear me?
-Weight? Yeah, this is no featherweight Z0 or Y50, but its no cow, either. Anyway, I think that 50% of the weight weenies out there should knock weight off their gut, or at least put their water somewhere other than mounted on the bike frame (put 2 bottles on the scale sometime)
-I can't say enough about how a FS bike has taken my riding to the next level (your experiences may vary, you hardcore HTers), and I'm glad that I could get a good FS bike for such a good price. Remember, though - it's the machine above the saddle that ultimately makes the difference.Get Out And Ride!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Oetzmann
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, Texas
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Z2 when I was in Eugene, OR in June 97 and I absolutly LOVE it. It is my first full suspension bike. I rode it around and down Mt. Hood from Timberline lodge and it was the best. A friend rode it for the first time and fell in love also. I know Dallas can't match Oregon but anyone with trail info please e-mail me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Georg O.P. Eschert
a cross-country rider
from Japan
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Yoshua ZO:
I still have another 3MTB's (2 Cannondales & Panasonic), but
the ZO is the best looking and lightest MTB of it.
Did up-grade my ZO a bit (not necessary,if you do not mind
a few gr^weight differences / Rear-crank is of ti and also
some other replacable parts).
Till now no problems with the ZO, very good design and
easy to handle.I use it for going to work and CC since
I got it 4 1/2 month ago.
Recommend it, it is worth the money.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a weekend warrior
from Pullman WA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike kicks ass! I rode it for a twelve mile test ride thanks to the
local shop owner, and it rocks. I've ridden the 98 GT on basalt laden trails, aswell as the Specialized FSR that has the X-vert R on it. Both were exceptional rides, however, the fisher was the lightest, and least worrisome of allthree designs. Another thing is the fact that for this year, the Joshuas geometry in relation to pivot points is that it is NOT located AT the bottom bracket, BUT located almost directly in line with the largest chainring. At the point where one would apply the most torque, it is isolated from the Bobbing phenomenum unless, of course, you try to bob. Even if you do notice bobbing, ajdustist it correctly to your weight. If you want the performance of a hardtail, go review those. My C-dale F-700 works excellent for me, but I want to ride 24-7 without a bruised tailbone. Linkage bikes freak me out with mud and snow that loves to grind with salty pivots. Anyone can bounce and pedal, but it's the riders who try to improve that notice this bikes true potential as a truly kick ass bike for XC. When I get mine in august I'm sure to slap a Z-1 on it for this rocky stuff on this side of Washington. Five Flaming Doctor Peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roberto Porter
a racer
from Mexico D.F.
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Fisher Paragon '92 and my friends and I bought 4 Joshuas Z1 '98 last november. I have participated in 4 cross country races since, and an 8 hour team rally with the Z1. It is awesome how fast it accelerates and exceeds all our expectations. My wife and 4 year old daughter say that the Joshua is mi novia (my fiancé)...
The only thing I worry about is that she is so pretty that I might get robbed in the trails. It is also a terrible thing that there are no Gary Fisher distribuitors in Mexico, so they are loosing lots of potential sales against those brands with a presence here (e.g.Cannondale). Lots of mexican Mt.bikers wish they could buy a Fisher without the troubles and costs of bringing them personnaly from USA. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Gibbs
a cross-country rider
from Marietta, GA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey Nick,The reason why they removed your reviews was because you were just whining and whining about a bunch of crap and senslessly bringing the rating of this kick ass bike down!! Once again this site is for people putting information that is relevant and informative. Get over yourself!! Thats why, putz!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DOUGLAS
a weekend warrior
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
SECOND REPORT. I've had my joshua Z2 since july of 97, and I can still say I love this bike .I've had no problems at all,
just keep it clean and lubed and ride,ride,ride.
I weigh in at 250lbs on a good day and this frame hasn't
shown any signs of fitiuge at all. I ride with a 320 pounder
with a joshua who did bend his frame [not a crack] at the rear
shok mount lower tube after repeated jumps off a 6 ft ledge
while seated, the seat tube also bent. It was serious abuse but Fisher replaced his frame with a top of the line frame with a flaming paint job ,really cool looking. I would recomend this bike and Fisher warrantee to anybody out there in biking land .
Well got to go riding,see ya on the trail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Northern New Mexico
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had an original Joshua X since Feb 96. It was the dream bike for me. Needless to say I love it. I have upgraded parts over the years, XT derailer,rollamagig, Sachs 90 chain, XT cassette, Hevn Racing Struts in the Q21r's and some causmetic things as parts wore out. The bike still runs excellent and looks killer. No OEM parts ever broke, neither does the frame show any stress fractures (I'm 185 lbs). One of the greatest things I liked was the ability to get the low cost model and build on it. The first year all the frames were the same so you could end up with a Z model after starting with a X. Now the lower ones have steel rear triangles. It has been a great bike and I have no desire to go with any other. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brendon
a
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the same experience, my XO was cracking at the same place. One month later the shipped me a gorgeous ZO and it's been great. I suited it up w/ a manitou fs ti, and spinergies. The only problem aside from the weight is that this bike is so nice looking that it looks like I'm the ultimate poser......far from it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from ma
Date Reviewed: February 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought ajoshua x in 96 it cracked in aug.96' they sent me ajoshua y it cracked in march 97' They sent me a Z2 it cracked in sept.97' I now have a Zo its beatiful and I have always loved the way it rides. They have all cracked in the same place, right front rear shock mount on the weld. If you own one look at it very carefully ! Like I said I still love the bike and fisher sends me anew one every year . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Tailleur
a cross-country rider
from Prince George, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 97 Joshua X1 for about 8 months now, and after riding it in most conceivable riding condition, I must say I'm absolutely thrilled with it. I had some initial problems with the Rock Shox Deluxe rear shock that came with it (broke 2 in half...), but after upgrading to a StrataShock Pro, problem solved. I ride mostly techincal single track, up and downhill, and love the bike. I took it freeriding ($15.00 lift ticket = free ride???) and it was great. It's not a pure downhiller, but the bike is a great all around ride. Cross country, trail rides, whatever, it just works. As well, it's been extremely low maintenance. Keep it clean and lubed, and just RIDE! Snow, Mud, Up hill, down hill, etc. It does bob a bit, but proper setup is definitely the key to this (and ANY other) bike. As well, with the air shock, (which I think Fisher should SPEC on it's Joshua line), you can set it up firm for Cross County, and plush for downhilling, the ultimate in tunability, and the air shock probably dropped a half a pound from the bike.Buy it. Love it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Leduc
a cross-country rider
from BC Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This Bike is the best Bike out there. I have had my bike for 7 months. When I put the riser bar on it, the ride was much better. I have got the bike dirty and covered with soooo much mud and it still rode fine. With the rapid fire shifters they don't get bunged up with the mud and the grip shifers do. I will probably change the rear shok with a super deluxe or somthing else for a better ride up a hill. The Joshua Bikes are the best and if any one wants a superior bike get The Joshua. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josep maria casanova
a cross-country rider
from girona/catalunya/spain
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a new Gary Fisher Joshua X0 genesis frame's owner one week ago. My last bike was a steel frame Kona and i have changed it because i have a lot of friends who rides Gary Fisher Joshua bikes and they comments me the sweet and good control of this bikes. At the moment i feel that the bike is not so light that the Kona and i will change any components to improve this aspect. The principal components of my bike are a Rock Shox Judy XC'97, Shimano XT - LX group, Mavic 217 SUP rims, Shimano XT hubs, ... but the bike has 13'800 Kgs. of weight.
Well, i go to ride and i will comment you the experiences with my Joshua. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R. Harris
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned my XO for about 9 months, and without all the techno-whining, I'd like to say that I take it out and get it muddy, and it does everything I ever want it to do and then some. All for about A grand. Oh yeah, one more thing. It's GORGEOUS. five chiles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
son of skid
a cross-country rider
from new joisy
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ok here's the honest truth: i've had my joshua for two years. frankly, one of the main reasons i bought it was because it just plain looked beautiful, man. though i was a bit (ok, more than a bit) disappointed when the small size joshua i ordered didn't look exactly like the pictures in the mags. the Y of the frame angles downward and closer together losing the aggressive look i saw in the pictures, which apparently were all medium sizes. but i learned to live with that flaw.. now i keep my bike always on the workstand held so that the front is tilted downward. this puts my bike in a nice racy-looking position. and when i take a picture of my bike or when i pose with my bike, i make sure the shot is taken low from the rear of the bike - that is it's best angle.
one of my first complaints about the bike is it's weight. so i quickly upgraded with a lighter saddle (bontrager ti) and lighter pedals (frogs). but it wasn't until after a year, when i replaced the stock wheels with nuke proof, white industries, mavic 217, and irc mythos, that i realized substantial weight reduction. the improvement in handling was immediately noticeable.. i still like to whittle the weight further by upgrading the sugino cranks to sweet wings, and maybe removing the paint (they say it can save about 1/4 lb). but right now i take joy in the fact that my full suspension bike weighs less! than any of my riding buddies' hardtails (specialized m2s, treks, cannondales, and fat city). but every season i rediscover the sweet ride of my bike, i also find one more gripe. this time, i finally admit, my bike bobs, yes it does. never noticed it before, maybe i was too busy noticing its weight, or enjoying the new experience of full suspension. so how do i plan to fix the bobbing? with a new rear shock with remote lock switch. see, i got one of the earlier lower model joshuas that didn't come with lockable shock. so it's time to upgrade again (part of the fun of owning a bike). when i've finally stripped off the paint, installed sweet wings and rockshox SID, and top-end everything else, then my joshua will be perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
micah
a cross-country rider
from pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok, this thing has got some plush suspension. It is super nice on the downhills! Five stars. On the uphills, it's good, until it gets steep and traction is a hard commodity to come by. The rear wheel yanks up toward the rider and this is bad. Fisher addressed this with the remote damping adjuster. 3 stars. Average=four flamers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a racer
from usa
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Why does everyone insist on berating and belittling each other for the bikes we choose to ride? In the words of an imortal receipiant of a LAPD ass whoopin',Can't we all just get along?If A J Foyt wrote and told all truck drivers how stupid they were for owning one because it would never work at the Indy 500, we'd think he was an idiot! And if Buba was trying to buy a formula 1 racer to haul his load of lettuce across the country, we'd chalk that up to inbreeding.In short, evey design has a flaw, every design has a strength. So, every buyer has to decide what he can live with and what he can't. That doesnt make him less of a biker rider or less of a person.We must stop the bikism. It is tearing our county apart (snif snif). Be proud of your bike and be proud of the diversity we exhibit in the mtb world. I challenge each and everyone of us to learn the different designs and realize that each bike is an individual and each bike has a right to exist in this great nation! Now, everyone, lets have a group hug, wipe away our tears, and enjoy a pilgrimage to Moab to celebrate our diversity! (snif snif)I give each bike rider and their stead 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a weekend warrior
from san gabriel, ca
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i have owned a joshua y since the middle of '96. i have enjoyed riding it ever since. i must admit that the joshua does bob while pedaling so it does take a little more energy to get up the mountain. i noticed this most when my friend was riding his trek y next to me and he commented on how badly my josh was bobbing and his y was barely moving. that had a lot to do with the air shock on his y and the coil spring on my joshua. the rising rate and stiction of the air shock compensated for the falling rate of the urt design. i swapped out my coil spring for an air shcok and i have enjoyed the benefits. as far as the ride, it is a very stable ride on the downhill bombing runs and it is very agile on the technical single tracks. even though it does rob energy on the climbs, it more than makes up for it with a very comfortable ride. i also own a trek carbon hardtail that i race with. it definitely takes me a little longer to climb the trails, but when i hit the rough terrain the joshua just soaks it up. as far as durability, it is no question for me. i crashed at about 35 mph on a downhill. i rode over my head and ended up flying about ten yards before i landed and the joshua was about anther ten yards further. i fractured my collar in two places and fractured a rib, but my bike was fine except for the saddle that was ripped out of the rails. if you want a bike to race or hammer, the joshua may not be the best choice. if you want a fun and comfortable bike to ride, try a joshua. i have certainly enjoyed mine and so have a lot of other people on this page. the best thing to do is try to find one to ride on the trail and decide for yourself. don't always listen to the technical mumbo jumbo. none of that matters if you enjoy it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a weekend warrior
from vermont
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a 240 lb. ex-motorcycle racer, I love fast single track and down hills. I purchased a Joshua Z2 last spring and I set it up as follows; Clidesdale Class/ Girvin Pro Elite front fork, Kore 100mm stem, Answer bars with Grip Shift 800, full XTR, XTR V-Brake, Ringle front hub, Rhyno lIte rims, red alloy nips and a closet full of tires. Yes!!! I give the Joshua Z a bowl of my homemade hot chile. This bike has saved my but nundreds of times. It is very precise and controlable at high speeds. The front wheel does not flex or miss-track, the bike goes wherever you point the front wheel. When braking, hang off the tail or you'll go over the bars. The riding style is very different than other bikes. I use black widdows and 636's for downhillsfor pedals. She holds a true corner, I have been up on the bars at speed and steered out of crashes. Pure delight. Although, I did have to replace half of the bike .....I love mountain biking... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Anyone notice that the people who have the most negative things to say about the Joshua fall into into basic categories.1. Downhillers - who bought a cross country bicycle then quote all the negative URT propaganda and blame the Joshua rather than their own pre-purchase ignorance. And..2. Gumbies - who, with a really open mind, take a display bike (obviously perfectly set-up for their size/weight/riding style) for a spin around the parking lot of the bike store and then duly claim But it bobs, probably because of falling rate suspension blah blah, knew I shouldn't even have tried blah blah - Yeah Mountain Bike Action were right, URTs suck blah blah.All I know is that my Z2 takes away the small bumps when seated, soaks up the large ones when standing yet does not bounce around when I sprint out of the saddle. It's lighter than my old CroMo hardtail at (12.5Kg - 27.5lb) and is a single track beast. Any penalty in weight is more than made up for with extra traction and comfort. It has XT drivetrain, LX brakes, Mavic rims, RockShox front and back and WTB saddle and tyres.The remote damping adjuster would be a gimmick if it wasn't so useful. Adjusting damping on the fly is a great way to learn just how much damping can affect the ride, then do something about it immediately. After my first two months of riding I settled down to one damping position for 90% of my riding but have the luxury of tuning to the conditions as I go.Joshua is just a great off road bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Plastic Biker
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've subjected my joshua to some very precise measurements and tests. What I found out is that in the initial arc of the swingarm the pivot exhibits a minute beneficial resonance that is sustained along the horizontal axis. This resonance factor not observed in other bikes is responsible for the exquisite handling (rated A++ by TCCCRTR). There is a time delay of only 0.00037 seconds from the application of force before the pivot reacts. When the downward component of the rider input is considered, the full motion characteristics of the shock setup is even more optimized -- exactly 62.7221% conform-critical improvement from the base. At very high speeds, such as usually seen with riders of this bike, I've observed another quite interesting quantum phenomenon. The primary angles of all contact positions escape the sedentary lag boundary and actually increase pivot-to-shock coincidence by 45.008% to 51.974%. Compare this to ordinary suspension bikes such as the VPP5, which has given maximum measurements only up to 5.001%. While there is a lot of complex micro-physical factors working optimally, on the macro-scale this bike's design is simple. And these findings confirm finally that indeed this bike rules.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adalah
a weekend warrior
from swk malaysia
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought mine back in 97 and this is one cool bike.Upgraded a coupla things here and there and more to come .By then,this should be everyone's dream bike.We normally ride x-country.I feel that the shocks are great for that situation and I'm looking foward to meet anyone for the oncoming Battle of Borneo.Colour of my bike is definitely a head turner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
There are so many mis conceptions about URT's. I can't beleive anyone believes most of the hype and rumors being spread by mis-information. The entire falling rate issue is so stupid! Weather a design is a fallig rate, rising rate, or linear rate has ony a vary small influence on how a bike rides! Old Y bikes definetly had a slight falling rate. However, all air shocks have a progressive spring curve! So the bike's suspension system, when paired with an air shock actually may have linear or even a rising rate. I was looking at a 1998 Y bike before I got my Joshua. If you look at the angle formed between the pivot and the two shock eyelets, it is close to 90 degrees. This would imply a linear rate suspension design because the shock tends not to arc during its stroke. The bike looks the same as the old one, but the angle is different. They must have slightly changed the pivot location to accomodate this.The most important influence on how a bike rides is the pivot location. The location of the pivot dictates how the forces transfer from the rider to the trail and vice-versa. Trek, Fisher and everyone who has copied the Y bike design have chosen a low and rearward pivot location. This location has the advantage that the bike responds similarly weather the rider is seated or standing. Schwinn, Ibis, etc have chosen a forward, mid pivot location. The reasoning behind this is that the suspension stiffens for climbng. The third type of URT is the Klein Mantra. Their pivot is the highest, and not as far forward as the sweet spot. The Mantra rides like no other bike. It doesn't lock out like a Schwinn, but it doesn't bob like a poorly set up Joshua.Setup is the key. Any bike will bob if set up incorrectly. That's where many people get a poor impression of a bike. They assume the way a bike is shipped from the factory is correct for everyone. There are a lot of people who are afraid to change the spring on the rear shock. You need to set up the bike top the proper recomended sag. If you have to preload the spring on your bike more than about 6-10 turns(it varies per shock manufacturer), that's probably too much. You should buy a heavier spring. Preloading the spring too much makes the suspension react poorly. It also over stresses the spring. In certain cases you may actually get coil bind where the coils actually touch each other before the shock is fully compressed. Why is wheelbase change bad? Do you actually hav numbers on the amount the wheelbase changes? Linkage bikes change too! Unless the rear suspension pivots around the front axle, the wheelbase will change. I would think that when you stand to climb, you may even want your wheelbase to shrink a little. Also, on fast, seated downhill sections, a slightly longer wheelbase would make a bike more stable. This is what happens on URT's. History tells us that a long wheelbase is not good. However, in the past a long wheelbase meant long chainstays. Consider Genesis geometry. It has a somewhat long wheelbase, but very short chainstays. These bikes ride incredibly great. I think Gary Fisher took the right approach by looking at how the rider's weight is distributed as opposed to following the standard way of thinking. I have ridden GT and Specialized linkage bikes. They are OK, but the linear vertical motion of the wheel made the bike feel like the suspension would lock up when you hit square edge bumps. They also squeak and are prone to high maintenance. If you are a mechaninic, you would love these bikes.The URT is a simple low maintenance, lightweight alternative. I love my Joshua, and long live Level Betty! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cs
a cross-country rider
from MI
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For once and for all !!! The Joshua's are LINEAR in their s rate !!! They are not falling...or slightly falling...or rising but...LINEAR. The confusion is in the 98's, they are slightly falling only if the shock plate is in the non-stock position (bike shops had the wrong info). So lets wipe the slate clear from this point on! how do i know....i've e - mailed treks tech support (very honest, even in the wieght of the Joshua's - they are not 25 lbs!! more like 28.61!), rock shock tech support, and my LBS who has a machine that measures linear force (they are looking into designing their own FS bikes). Shock bob is due to lower spec'd shocks or too light of a spring weight. SO STOP WITH THE FALLING RATE THEORY!!! ITS NOT TRUE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PER
a cross-country rider
from UTAH
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love its simplicity. I bought it in Jan 96 and have made many upgrades to eventually make it my dream bike. Some of my friends critisize the weight(26lbs) and the resemblence to the y bikes, but I continue to ride in comfort and without creaks and breakdowns unlike some with multi pivot or complicated designs. One thing I did immediatly is upgraded to a Stratos Lockout shock. Despite being on my eighth Stratos shock in 2 years, great warrenty service, I don't feel bad when I hear how often others have had problems with every other rear shock. I think the lockout balances out all the negative behind a URT. I recently did run into some problems with FISHER. My frame had cracks under four different weld locations. I went to one dealer and because I didn't buy the bike there I didn't get serviced, not FISHER'S fault. The next bike shop had problems with the fact it appeared I had abused the bike. Because of the wear spots on the frame, from putting the bike on my truck rack, and the rock chips on the frame they deducted I had abused the bike. Is abuse riding every chance I get and using the bike to the manafactures claims abuse? I don't know who decides how something is to be warrented, the shop or Fisher, but I feel slighted in that I received a usedslightly defected frame back, albiet freshly painted. Anyone else I have talked to has said they received a new frame with pretty much no questions asked. I suppose what I'm trying to say is buyer beware. If you ride hard and go to a company for their warrenty look deeply. Again, Overall A great bike with stability and you can X-country or DH with the best of em. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Dennis
a cross-country rider
from Melbourne Australia
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '98 Joshua Z1 and it's ace. It climbs like a mountain goat with the suspension damping at minimum and hardly ever loses traction. Got up my favorite hill easily the first time on this bike, where as my hardtail skitters around on the leaves, bark, sticks and rocks and I'd only made it previously 1 time in about a dozen tries. I think the '98 geometry is the best. It performs very well in traction on climbing and handling in both technical and fast stuff. I came down my favorite hill much faster and safer than I ever have. It goes up and down with a-plomb. I came from a ridged bike to the Z1 so I like the way it stiffens a bit when out of the seat and I like the way you can adjust the rear shock on the fly. The bike is the best value for money I've seen and that's another reason why I bought it.Problems: The Manitou X-Vert forks had a problem where it locked out and jammed and I had to get it sent back to the factory for a modification. An internal sleave around the damper piston doesn't go the full length of the stroke and moved a bit to jam the piston apparently. It seems like a sus design fault to me. They work sensationally now with a full length sleave. Hope they've fixed the design on the new forks now... My rear Rock Shox coupe deluxe works well but the part where the cable goes into it is really piss weak and it's easy to fall out if the cable has no tension on it. I think this may have some problems in the long term as it doesn't seal well and crap will get in there. The rear shock adjuster cable also rubs on the frame.Overall after the front shock problem was fixed it hasn't missed a beat and is a great allround cross country bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hedgehog
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Joshua months and loved it. URT shmoo-art-tee. Linkage shminkage. I've ridden multi link pivots, URTs and single pivot designs. I'm not here to debate the pros and cons of each design. Instead I'll tell you what I thought of the Joshua's ride. It climbed like crazy, maybe better than a hard tail. If you stay seated while climbing you will get some bob (espescially if you have a RS Delux rear shock). The the RS Super Delux helped this problem. The bike has a very quick handling, responsive feel to it. Down hill singtrack is a blast. My down hill fire road speeds reached over 40 mph without feeling to scetchy (and I weigh 200 lbs). Don't believe what people (urt knockers) say about the rear locking out while downhilling. Even when standing it didn't lock out on me. It was always active. I think Gary's URT design works better than most because the bottom bracket is closer to the pivot (unlike Kliens and Schwins). The arch of the rear axle is moving 3 to 3.5 inches while the bottom bracket (where your feet are) is moving 1.5 inches. The feel I got from this was not as smooth as non URTs FS bikes, but Much more forgiving than a hardtail. And yet I felt I had the cornering precission and predictability of a hardtail. All around a great bike. Four and 1/2 burning turds. And hey Nick, make one review and get the phuck out. Don't try and bring down the average just because you don't like URT you as*hole. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biff Burger
a cross-country rider
from Leesburg, VA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Move on, Nick. 14 months of pure enjoyment ('97 Z2). Recently had the best snow ride of my life on it. The frozen rutted mud wasn't the least bit punishing. -1 star for the need to SPIN the crank; but it's made me a better rider. Unfortunately, rear setup is so particular that I can't just give it to a friend and expect him/her to have the same experience. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KAPPY
a weekend warrior
from MD
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
it is [un]fortuante that u guys/gals have so much free time on your hands to get into a 'pissing' contest over every review... keep it up!!!!! less mtbikers on the trails!!!!... me happy!!! p.s. i do own a '98 x0 decent fs bike for the $$$, thats it, bye going riding!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Gibbs
a cross-country rider
from GA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Nick,First of all, I would like to inform you as to what this site is all about. It is a review site that allows people to place their opinion for other people to read. If someone wants to place a review that says THIS BIKE KICK ASS!!!!, then let them. If someone wants to write a damn book about their feeling on the bike, then let them. Don't come in here and pick apart other peoples reviews just because you don't necessarily agree with them. Who are you to disagreee with what other people want to say about their bike? Let them speak their mind. Here I go as well, trying to make this into some damn chat forum. Anyway to respond to you ignorant assumtion that my review was unsubstantiated, I would like to tell you that I just may not have as much knowledge on the URT as you do. I will bet that I do have enough knowledge to know that Fisher has designed one of the best ones out there. If you disagree, FINE. SHUT UP and ride your own damn bike. I am pleased with mine! It is covered in XT guts and has everything I could want in a FS bike. As are all of the other hundreds of folks that have placed their review on this website. Let the people say what they want. If you don't like what they had to say then just move on to the next review. THAT IS WHAT THIS SITE IS ALL ABOUT...(I feel like a damn broken record!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a weekend warrior
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm not a pro rider. I ride mountain bikes for the all of the fun and challenges that the sport offers at all levels. I liked my Specialized Ground Control A1 and, I love my 97 Joshua Z1! We all have preferences, that's why there's many different manufacturers and bikes to choose from. Shut up and ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jonathan
a racer
from md
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I feel the need to respond on a few issues regarding the MIGHTY Fish Joshua. I own one, and I am very happy of it's performance. I read down a few reviews and being a weekend mechanic I have to admit that Macy's (is that a girls name on a dude?) review was well written. Let's get something straight for those who do not know. EVEN LINKAGE DESIGN BIKES ARE SUBJECT TO A FALLING RATE spring design. Want to know a classic? The Turner Burner, regarded as one of the best CC FS bikes around. Falling rate you say? HOW? Falling rate has to do more with the action of the pivots effect on the shock. A dead give away of a falling rate suspension (but not always the case) is a rear AIR SHOCK. Why? Air shocks are progressive or RISING rate. Matched with a falling rate linkage, you get a more neutral or linear rate. To validate the review by Macy, the TREK Y is falling because of the point where the rear shock is mounted to the front triangle (uhh...Y), it is approx 1.5 to 2 higher than the Joshua which causes it to angle upwards at a steeper degree. At the last few inches of travel, the rear end is no longer pushing directly into the shock but actually pivoting the shock down ward, reducing the shock effectiveness. Gary Fisher is a bright guy from what I have read, he designed the Joshua with a more linear rate (slightly falling though). Don't assume (making an ASS out of U or ME) a bike has a falling rate just because it's a URT. And Nick, why are you so quick to put down the Joshua when someone posts a positive review? I've noticed your name more than once. Are you jealous. sure gary invented mountain biking....blah, blah, blah. Honestly, have you ever ridden the Josh '98 on a nice peice of single track? What do you ride? FIVE SMOKING RATS!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Gibbs
a cross-country rider
from GA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Joshua Z2 about 6 mths ago. To all you hardtail junkies...get a clue and stop over analysing the URT, cause first of all you are wrong in your assumtion of how it works. I am not even going to get into it either. It is the best bike I have ever owned and I will see you on the trails as I blow right by you!!! C-ya! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew
a weekend warrior
from sydney, australia
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
hi, i am thinking of getting the 98 X1 but i am not sure. i don't race but i would bash it around a bit. should i get or what. please get back to me. and by the was does the frame ever snap. i weigh about 90kg, is that to heavy for the shock. does it have v brakes. please get back to me as soon as u can so i CAN GET IT. | | Overall Rating: |
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