Submitted by
Lil Jen
a Downhiller
from Logan, Utah
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2010
Strengths: It lasted me 12 years!!! never had to replaced front/rear derailleurs, good upkeep on maintenance makes a bike go a loooooooong way, and combining that with an AWSOME Gary Fisher made it go even further!
I LOVE the light weight and maneuverability for tight corners, the front shocks (manitou) were pretty great and lasted this long. My front hub is FINALLY going downhill.
I've dropped this thing off some 3 footers and it just still kicks ass.
however, after 12 years of loving this bike, I am finally convinced that the rear suspension has been developed enough to switch over. I love my little Tassajara but it's time for a new one. I would recommend one of you're looking for a descent hard tail that will last FOREVER!!!
Weaknesses: I always had a hard time with the uphill and the front shocks. perhaps it's me and my skill, but on technical uphill, the front tire was always popping off the ground on me. I also wish it had more gears, but that was then, and now they do have more gears. I'm sure they have improved on this since 1998
Bottom Line:
Gary Fisher is completely awsome! I hope I can afford a full suspension. I'm ready! I'm thinking; "holy s*#t! if I can drop a 3 footer on a hard tail, what can I do on my new GF all mtn?"
Favorite Trail: Barrel roll or Hurrican rim, goose berry
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At: Sunrise Bikes
Similar Products Used: NOTHING! I've been so satisfied with my GF that I didn't have to do anything.
Bike Setup: Deore, MTB, crowbars, manitou etc.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Sp4rt4cus
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo UT
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Strengths: Geometry is amazing. This was my first all custom build, and it is the best I've yet ridden. Climbing is wonderful, just as downhill is fast and clean. I'm riding an 01 frame, Marzocchi fork, XT Derailleurs, Spec Roll-X and Eskar Elite tires on Rhynolite rims. Avid brakes, etc etc. Highly Recommended.
Weaknesses: The only issue I had with the bike was that the steerer tube is incredibly long. This is necessary for the geometry to be so awesome, but it makes it hard to replace the fork with something from another bike. Overall, however the small sacrifice is worth it with the great frame geometry.
Bottom Line:
Gary Fisher is the first and last name in mountain bikes, and the Tassajara is THE hardtail of choice. If you're a singletrack XC rider of any kind, I highly recommend this bike. Worth every penny.
Similar Products Used: Spec Hardrock, Rockhopper, Raleigh M-40, other various builds
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Submitted by
garywalnuts
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, CT. USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2008
Strengths: As has been said; very strong and beautiful frame. I love my bike.
Weaknesses: Seat, Wheels and fork.(rock shox jett)
Bottom Line:
I have a '97' Tass. I've put thousands of miles on it and have ridden it much harder than would be recommended by anyone. Other than the wheels and saddle all of the components still work just fine. But after reading a thread about aluminum frames and fatigue life I was thinking about getting a new bike this year. But I really don't want another bike. The frame is beautiful and it has a lot of memories for me. So I am just about finished replacing all of the components including a custom made, gold headset spacer engraved "With this ring, I Thee Wed." I love my bike.
Similar Products Used: Stump Jumper, Pro Flex, Kona Lanai
Bike Setup: Now 2008 XT drive w/FSA controls. I love my WTB Devo saddle.
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Submitted by
pghpensfan
a Weekend Warrior
from Glenshaw, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2008
Strengths: Tough frame, wheelset
Weaknesses: Componentry maybe not top of the line, but I don't care
Bottom Line:
I went back to bicycling looking to lose weight, started at 360 lbs! Found this 1998 or 99 Tass on Craigslist knowing that I would probobly tear through a store brand bike pretty quick at my weight. Now down to 300, rewarded myself with a new Kaitai. But there is something about the Tass that keeps me rotating between the bikes. I ride to work every day, and have the Tass set up more like a hybrid, but not a problem yet. I love the bike.
Submitted by
Alan Nash
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington NC USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003
Strengths: Super strong frame…Lighter than the starter bikes…I only paid 200.00 used, but flawless
Weaknesses: yeah, the rims are a bit weak
Bottom Line:
I crushed my Giant frame on BMX courses, went to the store and found this baby waiting for me. It's been love ever since. One solid frame, easy to tinker with, forgiving, and on a simple note damn fine looking. If I could afford another Fisher, I'd buy one. Then again, I've got this one… I don't need another one. Thank you Gary Fisher!!!!!!!
Great bicycle, after more than 2500 miles of riding on this bike it still rides very nicely and no frame distortion or creaking. Whatever your riding environment, this bike holds its own for the most part.
Upgraded to Manitou Magnum, Better Rims, Aheadset and STX V brakes. Great bike for the money, have traveled more than 600 km on it over white beaches, asphalt and mud. Have also raced it a couple of times and have done quite a bit of traveling with saddle bags. Now a days I ride it to work every day and back. Some regular maintenance and the damm thing still feels like new!! HIGHLY RECOMENDED!!
Similar Products Used: Jaisa MTB Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup: 1997 non-suspended/Alivio setup/canteliver
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Submitted by
Xavier Beaulieu
a Cross Country Rider
from Boisbriand, Qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001
Strengths: Light and great handling, easy to play with. Looks good and the frame is strong.
Weaknesses: No possibility of replacing brakes for V-Brakes in front!?! or is my frame not completed? Mine was setup with front acera-x derailleur, this as the beginning sucks but anyway, I broke it when my jean pant got into it so things are now great with STX-RC derailleur.
Bottom Line:
This has been the first "Mountain bike" I bought when I was young, I think its a good purchase for every week users who want something good for their money. It's worth it for sure. I think it's for teens who have just enought money to buy a 500$ bike. I think mine will work fine for many years to come.
I've done at least 1500km with it and it is still working fine. I needed to changed front derailleur/tires/
Similar Products Used: Trek and some high end mountain motocross made like bikes.
Bike Setup: Now: AceraX changed to STX-RC front derailleur/STX at the back/Crapy tires changed to Hutchinson fight the rocks tires at the back and PanaracerRcPro in front.
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Coon Rapids, MN USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Strengths: Bullet Proof
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This is the first bike I realy liked as a grownup. It ranks up there with my first BMX as a kid. I have a road and XC full Suspension bike, but for just kicking it around town there is no better choice. Kinda like an old pair of shoes.
Bike Setup: 97 Steel, rigid, Trail slicks, Clipless.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Adam G
a Weekend Warrior
from Philidelphia
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001
Strengths: This bike is AWESOME!!!!!! The frame is awsome!!! The Bike has never broken and has always got me through any trail. Even though I upgraded the shock to an X-Vert, the magnum is light weight, plush and ready to absorb any rock log or whatever your doing. The wheels and tires are also great.
Weaknesses: Some of the componetry isn't so hot. The cranks and front derailler are both acera, not to great. But the LX is great and so are the shifters. This bike has little weakness.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is whoever you are, or whatever you ride, stop! and get this bike! It is all around awesome. Buy this bike as soon as you can. If you want to upgrade when you get it fine, but make sure you do get it. ITS GREAT!!!! MUY BUENO!!!
Similar Products Used: Im selling this bike because its to small, you can buy this 16" frame on ebay, orthe mtbr used market place. I need the money so i can get the exact same bike!!!!!!
Bike Setup: This bike's frame geometry is great. Your exactly where you want to be on the bike. The frame is also very light, and can handle anything. I'll tell you now that my bike has never broken, and is still in great condition.
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Submitted by
Paul Barusich
a Weekend Warrior
from NY, Long Island
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Strengths: I have a 97' Tassahara. Great all-around bike, I've had NO problems with anything on the bike.
Weaknesses: nothing that doesn't jusify the great price.
Bottom Line:
again, great all around bike. I've gotten my $450 out of this bike! Really abused it, never really properly maintained it since 1997 (it's now 2001!). I am in the process of replacing the ORIGINAL chain, pedels, and re-greasing the back hub. That is damn good reilability for abusing a bike for 4 years. Get one; you will Not be dissapointed in the least.
Bike Setup: Stock, and with a trail a bike sometimes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Bucks County, PA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000
Strengths: frame (took a run-over by quad), rear derailer still goin strong, geo setup comfortably, lite weight
Weaknesses: brake levers (wear and tear), seat (not post), front derailer
Bottom Line:
Agreeable, excellent bike. Bought used a few years ago, still love it. A little iffy about upgrading...threaded headset makes it difficult (so i was told). Ride it tough on off road trails and street. Excellent weight and size. Those who own one, should feel really good. peace
Weaknesses: Cheapie components, I've had the stem come loose once. Also it came with the crappiest seat I've ever come across on a decent bike. Feel how bad it is and then replace it!
Bottom Line:
OK, I don't know what year my bike is. Here's how it looks, though: It's the one that's got a beautiful dark reddish rust color with matching fork - no suspension. The frame is cro-mo, made in the USA and designed in California. There's a small graphic of a swordfish riding a mountain bike on the side of the seat tube.
I really do love this bike. I got it for steal, used for $160.00. It had obviously been used, but the frame only had some minor abrasions on the paint. When I first rode this bike, I was surprised at how nicely it handled. It was responsive and the road feel was great! The fun factor was way up there. Aside from the usual quirks of setup, tuning, and adjustment, I'd say that this bike is awesome, considering the price (especially the price that I paid for it).
The frame really is the heart of this bike, and it doesn't fail to deliver. In my opinion, the frame would be at home on a bike price around $1000.00 or so. The geometry is right on, nimble and agile but not quirky or squirilly. The ride is smooth. The steel frame absorbs the bumps surprisingly well. The real skimping was on the components.
The components that came with it are cheap, cheap, cheap. It's embarassing, almost. It's not anywhere nearly as bad as those crap department store bikes or low end Schwinn type rigs, but if you're used to higher end Shimano or Campy stuff, it'll make you say "Hmmm."
It really didn't bother me that much, however, since I bought this bike with the intention of commuting to school and around town with it. No need for ultra tough components for that, so I'm going to keep most of it as is. Actually, the component do what they're supposed to do fairly well, so it's really just an issue of feel and durability.
The first thing I changed out was the seat (to one of those Specialized ergonomic models). For commuting purposes, I do intend to change out the tires to a pair of Specialized Fat Boys or equivalent road tires and add a set of fenders to it. Also, I'm thinking about switching out the pedals to a set of Nashbar carbon fiber SPD pedals ($40.00). I want to keep things on the inexpensive side. Also, the stem has to go.
For those looking for a commuter bike, I can't recommend this model year (?) Tassajarah highly enough. I feel that with a few upgrades, this will be about all anybody could want in a bike to get around town on. For this purpose, you won't need a suspension fork, so it's perfect!
Not that this bike is boring and should be relegated to commuting only. It handles so well that you'll want to make every ride an adventure. The appeal of such a setup is this: the bike is priced just right so that if you use it solely for commuting, you don't feel like you're wasting your money.
You'll feel satisfied, however, knowing that if you wanted to, you could go out and rip up the trails and that the bike will perform well past its asking price (even better if you add a suspension fork and sensibly upgrade the components). How cool is that? That's value and performance for you.
For those who value quality and performance but don't have the time or desire to make mountain biking a mainstay of life, the Tassajarah will make you happy. Ditto for those just getting into mountain biking and who are looking for a surprisingly decent, upgradable platform on which to race, learn, and grow. For it's asking price, this bike is great!
Bike Setup: Cheap Shimamo Alivio crank, Acera X brakes and front derailleur, STX rear derailleur, low end Weinmann rims, super cheap chinese tires, super cheap looking black plastic platform pedals with zefal toe clip type devices on the front. Generic seatpost and stem, System Component bars, Gripshift handlebar shifters.
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Submitted by
Mark Rhode
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Strengths: I love my Tassajara! I'm 6'4" and 225 lbs. and the bike handles great, even on technical downhill and rugged trails. Great value for the dollar.
Weaknesses: The seat is poor and shifts even after tightening. I plan on replacing it.
Bike Make: 2007 Gary Fisher
Bike Model: Piranha
Size: Medium 17.5in
Seat Tube C-T: 17.5inches (about 45cm)
Top Tube C-C: 58cm actual 60cm effective
Standov Read More »
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I have a new Gary Fisher Tassajara mountain bike. I bought this bike last June (2010) and it has only been ridden 20 times. When I say its like new, it is really like new. Again it Read More »
