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Submitted by
kiwijames
a Racer
from Lafayette, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Redwood/JM/Cindarella | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBs/Encina | | Strengths: | Is light & dependable, climbs great, can handle most high speed descents providing the terrain doesn't max out the travel. Paint NEVER chipped, frame NEVER ghost shifted. Has outlasted all of the original XT components over 6+ yrs. NEVER had a warranty issue with the frame. The carbon stays w/BLINK added to the small bump compliance well. | | Weaknesses: | Issue was the SID Race rear shock. Negative side eventually started to leak many years ago. NEVER serviced it until I recently blew the seals. 7 yrs w/o it being serviced wow. I'm 215Lbs/Clydesdale and abused that shock. | | Similar Products Used: | in mid 90s, GF Joshua. But have compared with SC superlight (old style), Trek Fuels, GF Cake, Hi Fi and it finally lost out to the Scott Spark 20. | | Bike Setup: | XT mega9 crank and FD, SID Race Fork, retained XT 8 shifter w/9speed RD to survive the mud/dirt/water combo. XC717, Juicy 7, Monkey Lite carbon 1" riser, WTB 98SST saddle,Panaracer XC Fire Pro 127tpi. | | Bottom Line: | I'm bidding farewell to my Sugar 1 after 1000s of miles of epic rides, training loops and Xterra races. The new technologies have made much of it obsolete at this juncture. I bought a Scott Spark 20 and hope to get the same trusty steed that the Sug1 was.
If you ever experience chain suck, it's a result of a dirty chain, worn rings and or worn chain. It would occur after numerous stream crossings and then a caking of mud and dirt. A good clean and regular drivetrain replacements of chain and inner chainring..and all was cool. As my riding and racing buds went through 2,3 or more bikes during my Sug's tenure they didn't gain much in speed or capabilities via a mechanical advantage, they garnered DH speed over more challenging terrain with the square edges though. The new shocks and the new XC FS norm of 4-5 inches, now has the Sug relegated to a back-up race spare or a bike for visitors/guest to ride the local terrain.
If you can get one used and your a W/E warrior, they are a steal for what you get. Sug 1 with Carbon Stays is way different than the all alum rear triangle brethren. Keep in mind it still is a XC racer still utilized at the events, with steep angles, so be alert, your inattentiveness and it's quickness may be a shock.
5 Flamers because it exceeded and outlasted my expectations and those of my riding/training buds. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
barrett r
a Cross Country Rider
from saskatoon, sk, canada
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | local | | Strengths: | stiff, light, and durable. As well the design is spot on, this bike shows you that function truly is at the core of all aesthetics. | | Weaknesses: | whatevs | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first full suspension xc, ive ridden DH rigs and rigid xc's mostly. | | Bike Setup: | mostly all xtr. race face xc cranks, brodie stem, cane creek rear shock, lx rear hub and fr derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | I just thought this bike could use yet another props. It is also a FS that gives me confidence to go SS with...the conversion to come soon. Not many FS give such climbing ability to even think of going single. If you can grab one of these used, go for it. This bike is a dream for a racer, and for the weekend racer, this years model is really within budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod
a
from Ithaca ny
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | EasyBay | | Strengths: | Climbs great, Light (23 lbs),Just an absolute pleasure to ride or race. Before you buy a bike, ride 1 and youlle find out what Im saying in the first 5 minutes! I was a bit less than enthused with the downhill performance but, I put on a fresh Marzzochi Marathon Race and Im in love all over again. Kinda like gettin breast implants for the ole lady. | | Weaknesses: | Yup, Chainsuck! I short chained it and all is well now though. Oh and the paint still sucks lol. | | Similar Products Used: | retro | | Bike Setup: | Original stock full XTR with hopes on mustangs, my tried and true flite saddle and this ugly white thing holding my front wheel on. Oh and gotta have my eggs! Just ordered a stans on hadley disc set and some bb7's to stop em with. Had to get this special adapter for rear mount though: Fisher part # 87855. | | Bottom Line: | Ok so Sugars are supposed to be less than durable. Not here my friend. I went into a huge culvert with a cement retaining wall stopping my 20mph head of steam. My helmet was destroyed, broke ribs, punctured lung, multiple contusions and ebrasions. The bike?! Had to replace the front brake arm and multiple abrasions to Gary's crappy paint work.. I was thinkin bout new, but only bout the 29er version. I just cant leave her yet and every now and then she gets a little better and harder to leave. To this day I walk bye and glance over in admiration as I come and go. You think Im crazy dont you!? Must be you aint got a Sudar in your life then ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gobi Circuit | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only | | Strengths: | Light, laterally stiff, smooth ride, good climbs | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Sugar 2, Ellsworth Joker, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Race lite wheels, stem, post, XT drivetrain and shifters, WTB saddle, Easton riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update of my July review. The bike impresses more and more. I have to resist the urge to try to go bigger on this frame, which is strictly for XC. But its such a pleasure to pedal after marching around on my overbuilt Joker that months go by before I tempted to ride anything heavier. Great climber and stiff where it out to be thanks to the ovalized down tube - and this despite that fact that I am big clyde. Truly a great bike that for once actually lives up to its hype.
Having said all that I would never pay retail for a fully built up one. Plenty of used frames available on the net so save yourself a bundle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dlafoyboy
a Cross Country Rider
from the ATX
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ride away bikes (frame only) | | Strengths: | supa dupa light,fast like O.J. | | Weaknesses: | none,no ghost shifts at all,ever. | | Bike Setup: | crossmax,Stans,comp s light,XT/XTR,Sid,so on and so forth | | Bottom Line: | follow up from previous review done about 8 months ago.This is still a dream machine on creatin,no problems ,no flaws,just straight get in them drawls performance.I have gotten the weight down to 22.8lbs and next upgrade will be '03 XTR crankset(probably the only upgrade i'll use from shimanos new XTR line)which will improve weight and performance over my current XT crankset.Bike has almost no bob and flies up hills and floats down hills.Still love it like day 1. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Kalter
a Racer
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Warranty Replacement | | Strengths: | Very Stiff, Good Geometry, Cool Paint job. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings, Chainline, Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | OCLV Frame | | Bike Setup: | Shimano | | Bottom Line: | Well, this is my followup post. This frame was a replacement for my beloved OCLV that broke after many years. The frame had a very poor chainline which was causing the chain to drop off of the middle ring onto the small ring when in a big cog in the back. (Yes, it is adjusted correctly) I was dealing with that by not useing those gears but now one of the bushings is bad and the back end of the bike sways around so much it ghost shifts. My customer rep at Gary Fisher has been very good and new bushings are on there way. I am hoping that a bad bushing may have thrown the alighnment off causing the chain drop and fast bushing wear. When I eventually get everything working I think I will like this frame. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Dutcher
a Cross Country Rider
from Lenexa, KS
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Landahl Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame Only | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, Carbon fiber stays, Cloud Nine shock, stiff frame, cool color scheme, the list goes on.... | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR components, Bontrager Racelight Tubeless wheels, Manitou Mars Elite fork, Thomson stem and seat post, Avid brakes, and some other sweet stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This frame rocks! No problems with chainsuck or anything. I have been riding it for about 3 months, 3-5 times a week. I think that it performs very well. It climbs like a champ and descends just as well. If you have a chance to get this frame or full bike, buy it! You will not be disappointed. As far as the issues with GF's frames as listed by other riders on this site...test one for yourself and see. I think that there are too many out there that are quick to judge. If you have any problems...talk with your LBS or GF rep and get it resolved. GF will not treat you wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bidwell Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only - ebay | | Strengths: | Climbs great even on loose terrian. Solid and great craftsmanship. | | Weaknesses: | had some chain suck and ghost shifting - see below for fix. | | Similar Products Used: | pro-flex, fuel, cannondale | | Bike Setup: | XTR hubs, Bontrager wheels, Atom 80, XTR/XT drive, XTR v's, Protapers on Thompson stem. | | Bottom Line: | I hear lots of complaints about chain suck and shifting. I started with an XT drive train and had a little problem with chain suck and ghost shifts. I dumped the shimano chain for a Sachs and upgraded to an XTR rear derailer. problems fixed. Shifts rock solid and never a bit of chain suck anymore. There were a few mis matched frames and rear sections out there. You need to check the alignment of the frame. To do this run a string from one drop out around the steer tube and to the other drop out. now with the string tight, measure from the string to the seat tube - is the left and right sides are more than like an 1/8 inch, call Fisher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Upland,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Baldy | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Solid, light weight climber plus flawless downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Why didn't I get a Sugar 1 earlier? | | Similar Products Used: | Pro Flex, Trek Fuel, Cannondale Viper & Jekyl | | Bike Setup: | Hayes disk brakes, XTR everything, Easton Monkey light riser bar, nut-saver saddle, mp3's and some S.N. Pale Ale | | Bottom Line: | They had to call it Sugar 1 because sex and heaven were already taken. If you are reading this to make up your mind, just do it - go to eBay and find some Sugar for yourself. I got mine for $1,400 plus shipping.
PS - anyone that says they have chain suck can't adjust their der. or their LBS sucks.
God bless Gary Fisher!!
there aren't enough flamin' chilipeppers for this baby | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Harvey
a Racer
from San Marcos, California
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Isreal | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fast,light (23lbs), more efficient than my Lightspeed hardtail, reliable | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 955, Manitou FS, Bridgestone MB1, Turner, Elsworth, Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Carbon Race, Mavic Crosmax tubless w/huthinson pythons, all XTR, Flite SLE seat, shimano 959 pedals, carbon bars | | Bottom Line: | This bike reminds me of Goldie Locks, after trying and owning many bikes, this one is 'just right'. Only FS I would consider racing. Suspension is effective and very tuneable. It always takes me months to get the bikes dialed in and this one is finally there. Only bike in it's class is the Santa Cruz light, but more bucks and flexy. Still working on the chainsuck issue and have installed an 'antichain suck' device, works, but needs modifications to make it work better. I may try the Raceface adjustable bottom bracket if it is compatable with XTR. Bottom line: Other than the occasional chainsuck, the bike is perfect for racing or riding fast! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a
from Midletown CT
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Climbing traction, descending stability, roomy cockpit, light and stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Occaisional chain drop. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face cranks & BB, LX front derraileur, STX shifters, Shimano IG chain. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier review. After 6 months everything's still great, in fact I like the frame better every time I ride it. I rarely have a bad ride since getting this frame. Once you get used to the stability and somewhat slow steering you will like it. At first the front end tended to wash out on fast descents, but this has gone away. I either learned to compensate or dialed it out with suspension adjustments. The frame has also proved very sturdy. I've taken some pretty spectacular crashes (none the frame's fault) and it's survived unscathed so far. I've heard that they dent easily, but that hasn't been a problem for me so far. The paint has also held up great.
I also haven't had any of the shifting problems so many people seem to be having. This frame replaced a Klein Adept which was having major problems in that area. I'm using an LX front derr, STX shfters and IG-50 chain, pretty prosaic stuff. You have to front shift gently, and the chain will occasionally drop when going from middle to small ring, but this can happen on any bike. Front shifting is generally the biggest problem area on most bikes. I'm going to try a Sram chain- they're laterally stiffer and help prevent chain drop. Also I'll bet an XTR front derr would help a lot too. I'm using a Race Face adjustable BB and I moved the crank as far in as it will go to optimize chainline. That probably helps a lot. Sugars come built up with wide BBs and pretty crazy chainlines. I've NEVER had the chain suck.
So if you're having front shifting problems your Sugar is most likely defective, and you should have it sent back. The company is honoring the warrantee. It needs to be checked on an alignment jig. If your regular dealer refuses take it to another dealer. Yeah you'll be without it for awhile, but if it doesn't work, who cares. It's a great frame when it's working right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Kalter
a Racer
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Warranty Replacememnent | | Strengths: | Stiff, great climbing and descending, top tube clearance | | Weaknesses: | Defective chainline! Heavy compared to my hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Old 2.7 lb OCLV Supercaliber | | Bike Setup: | gripshift and shimano, SID Race | | Bottom Line: | Got this as a free replacement for my 7.5 year old OCLV frame. Geometry is identical. Long top tube climbs well but is a little harder in tight singletrack. This bike is much heavier than my old frame but is also stiffer and full suspension. I think they could make a much lighter version for those of us that ride hard but are lightweights and finesse riders.
After reading these posts I took my chances hoping to get a good frame. The chainline is horrible! There is no way the chain has any chance of staying on the middle chainring and the largest rear cog. 2nd largest causes occasional problems.
Hopefully I get a replacement for my replacement. I left a message with the Fisher Rep.
I miss my old Supercaliber. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown CT USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power, Middletown, CT | | Strengths: | Stiffness, roomy cockpit, climbing ability, Cane Creek shock | | Weaknesses: | Front end's a little light. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3 fork, Race Face cranks, XTR, Avid brakes | | Bottom Line: | I got my Sugar as a frame only, to replace a Klein Adept frame that was defective. I managed to finagle a Sugar instead of another Adept an am glad I did. This is an excellent frame, much better than the Adept. The first thing you notice is the long, roomy cockpit. It gives you a lot of breathing room. Then you go up a hill and you notice that this bike climbs like a goat, no other bike I've ridden climbs half as well. The geometry and long cockpit put a lot of weight on the rear wheel for unbeleivable traction. The flip side is that the front end is a little light, and can wash out on fast descents. I prevent this by dragging the front brake a little in fast corners. You will also notice that this is not the most nimble bike due to the long cockpit and resulting long wheelbase. You can't think your way around tight turns, but have to muscle the bike a little. It demands an active rider. I also like the Cane Creek shock much better than the Fox shocks I've used in the past. It's a lot more resistant to bottoming and you can rebuild it yourself.
Some people have had shifting broblems with their Sugars, and this was due to a nanufacturing defect (I can't believe some people still don't know this), and the company is replacing them. IF YOU HAVE A SUGAR THAT IS HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS, BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND ASK THEM TO SEND IT BACK FOR ASESSMENT. IF THEY REFUSE, TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER! I have also heard people complain about chipping paint on their Sugars, but I have had no such problems.
Bottom line is you can fly on this bike; I'm even thinking about getting disk brakes because my Avid rim brakes aren't strong enough to slow me down on this bike. Unless you need a super nimble kike with a high bottom bracket, you should consider it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Templeton/Ridge Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4100.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Very light and verrrrry fast. Nothing climbs better. Very fast and stable on the downs. Very easy to keep on the ground. Increases your riding skills quickly. It grabs attention and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Occasional chain suck. I have determined that there are tradeoffs when you have one of the best rear suspension bikes available. Most chain suck is due to technique (poor shift/loading timing) or a dirty chain. Attention to both will eliminate the problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek. Sugar2. | | Bike Setup: | This bike was build from the frame up by me. The old Sugar 2 frame cracked and the new frame a replacement. Sugar 1 for cracked Sugar 2 what a deal. Speed Dream wheels, Nano-Raptor tires, XTR rear end, XT Cranks, Cloud Nine, Avid Ti brakes, CT2 seat post and riser bar, Chris King headset. SID XC and ATAC pedals. Weight = 24.5 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I can't imagine riding any other bike. I know others have to be as good as the technologies and capabilities of all higher end bikes are becoming similar. But when you find a great thing you gotta stick with it. The sugar is one of those bikes.
This bike is good in the very technical ups and downs. I've never had any shifting problems. There is no pedal induced bobbing and I always leave the rear shock in the in the unrestricted setting. The limited suspension range makes it less suitable for longer rocky downhill sections, but that is what DH bikes are for. This bike for anyone with the dollars and the need for speed.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dead sea area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | freeflite | | Strengths: | light, responsive,precise steering,beautifully crafted | | Weaknesses: | rebound adjuster on rear SID dont work,bontrger racelite dont hold air. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | stock, swapped the front SID for a more aggresive DUKE. | | Bottom Line: | bottom line...awesome bike. VERY light, super fast,made for
climbs - this bike eats up the most technical steep loose climbs u can find and leaves the pack way behind.
Its a blast to race it down super fast singletracks, the bike has no problem taking up the beating.
i ride in mostly rocky technical terrain and the bike just tears it up no prob.
Its precise streeing +stifness make it the most agile climber i have ridden yet.
and talking about looks....the bike turns heads...
if you are a serious racer or just anyone whos looking for
a superfast bike that can climb the gnarliest + tear it up going down this is the bike for you .
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith C
a Racer
from San Diego, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anderson truck trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2650.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Unreal acceleration/Climbing. Super stiff, even compared to 2000 model. Nice job on the down tube Gary... very stiff, and sure down hilling. Feels like more travel than it is. | | Weaknesses: | I've not gotten any chain suck or drop that I was not able to tune out. If this was a problem I think a shimano crank would totally fix anything of this nature. only other weakness is my riding buddies leggs trying to keep up. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | 2000 sugar 1 parts on a 2002 frame. Put a monkey lite 1" riser bar on. | | Bottom Line: | I have never riden any bike this fast(or sweet). I am 240 lbs. 6'6" tall and this bike is plenty stiff, and super fast. I race in the small guy class. Not clysdales even though I more than qualify in wieght. I have raced for 4 years never reaching the podium untill I got my sugar. this bike does not bob or flex(at all) while I slam my feet on its cranks on climbs. then when I point it downhill it glides and carves every terrain So Cal has to offer. Used to race on a couple of very high end hard tails....used to!
I Hope Gary is reading this he deserves the props. take it from somone who knows. This is an incredible bike! For those unfortunate few who are having chainsuck and drop. Duh! the problem is obviously in the cranks, or tune. Stop blaming the frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | WaterDog, Belmont | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Lombardi's | | Strengths: | Gets me up the steep technical hills when others get off thier bikes and push. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've experienced. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 3 | | Bike Setup: | All XT components except for Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes, Mavic 317 Rims, Chris King Headset, Nashbar Handlebar, stem and seatpost. IRC Mythos tires. | | Bottom Line: | I'm reviewing the frame since I built it up myself. I rode my 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 3 for 11 months and about 250 trail miles before it developed a crack in the weld between the seat tube and bottom bracket. Thankfully, Gary Fisher frames have a lifetime warranty. I waited almost a full month from the Gary Fisher Rep and Lombardi Sports to get back to me about replacing the frame. Instead of having the Sugar 3 frame replaced, I opted to upgrade to the Sugar 1 for $225.00. I figured that it was a great deal since the Cloud Nine Shock alone retails for $240.00.
I built the frame up myself with parts I ordered online from Frankford Bike and Nashbar. All-in-all, I spent a total of about $1,500.00 and the bike weighs in at 27 pounds (heavier than I had expected).
The geometry makes me feel comfortable steering through tight switchbacks and I've ridden in a couple of races when I was one of the few in my class riding up steep technical climbs while others were pushing.
I really enjoy this bike. It's fast, handles well, and although my setup weighs in at 27 lbs, it is comfortable on rides of 20+ miles and is an exceptional climber. I've only had chainsuck happen to me one time in the 1,200 miles that I've put on my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Beautifully crafted frame, Full XTR, Cloud Nine | | Weaknesses: | Needs a King Headset | | Similar Products Used: | idrive | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Large Frame | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, top spec. Unbelievably fast and responsive. Bike is truly point and shoot, and eats up single track like nothing else. It fly’s. Get one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Racer
from Redwood
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Love the carbon stays. Great handling, very sure footed, carves up the trail. Mars Super is very nice (May need a stiffer spring if over 165 lbs)and easy to dial in. Rear Cloud Nine take some time to dial in but is a great performer. I love the bike, it is a great race bike or a FS XC rig for those who want to step up to some top gear. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, but that is a pref. | | Similar Products Used: | LTS, Fuel 90, Santa Cruz Super Light (still have it) more plush but not as tight. Great bike also. Friends Racer X is nice also but a little to bouncey for me. Sugar or the Super Light are better race platforms IMO. | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Except tires) | | Bottom Line: | You can't miss with this bike. If you want a race machine or just a great FS bike, you found it. My friends can't keep up with me any longer! Serious Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from john_ ny@hotmail.com
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent Climber, fast, responsive and very light. | | Weaknesses: | None! I personally have no problems with shifting. The shifts are crisp and fast. You hear about the bad not the good. The bad reviews, although I feel for them, according to Fisher are less than 1% of the fist .5 mo of 2002 production and mainly on the Sugar 2's not 1's. I rode an Ellsworth Truth before this bike, talk about a bike with shifting problems and I cracked two of them. There are many great bikes builders, none are perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | Scapel, Truth, FSR. All great bikes, questionable shifting with the Truth. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Crossmax UST. | | Bottom Line: | Solid Bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | D&Q | | Strengths: | Great marketing campaign.
Hype.
Pretty color blue.
XTR components
| | Weaknesses: | It doesn't work!!!!
Ghost shifting was a NIGHTMARE.
GF rep swapped my frame for a Trek Fuel 100.
No comparison. The Fuel is in another league.
1000% better in very area PLUS it shifts correctly. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock except it's all attached to a spanking new Trek Fuel 100 frame. Thank you god and thank you GF rep. Glad you handle Trek, too. | | Bottom Line: | Run.
Run fast.
Run as far away as you can from the Gary Fisher Sugar 1.
Unless you want tp spend 3K for a bike that....uh.....doesn't work!!
How can you sell a lemon like this and not be ashamed???
Gary, ever heard of a product recall??? You need one.
I hope that I save as many people as possible from going through the huge "drag" of dealing with your crap bike.
Spend less time on your "interesting" facial hair andfunny hair colors and just a little more time on the quality of your product.
Fuels rock!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Strauss
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island-Tucson, AZ | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Sabino Cycle | | Strengths: | Fast, responsive and climbs like no other bike made. | | Weaknesses: | Drive train is as unreliable as it can be-skips, drifts and drops off the front rings(if you are the type of rider who finds him/herself dreaming about escaping from the grind and busting out along a twisty endless trail(congratulate yourself, you have moved one step closer to mountain biking Nirvana, you are addicted and there is no rehab. available)- forget about it- this bike is possessed and it loves to torment well meaning riders.It cannot be ridden hard, the light weight construction begins to show it's weakness, and I definitely disagree with those that say it descends beautifully! | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Paragon, 2000 Sugar 3, 2002 Sugar 2+ | | Bike Setup: | XTR components, Thompson stem and post, Velocity cliffhanger wheels, Velociraptor tires, Avid brakes. | | Bottom Line: | On ocassion this bike is like a dream come true, on other days(might I add- most of the time!)"a riders worst nightmare".I do not fault Sabino Cycle in their efforts to resolve this problem or Fisher, they both tried hard to resolve this issue. And I greatly appreciated their services. The design although well intended is FLAWED in my opinion and based upon my experience!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Talib C.
a Racer
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$485.00 | | Purchased At: | NYC frame as a replacement | | Strengths: | Almost as good as good as any Gary Fisher hardtail. The Genisis Geometry makes this bike a goat, the rear-end of the bike is stiff, and the Cane Creek shock is on point with a great feel made ofr Cross-Country racing.(Even though on the Fisher team bikes, they're using the FOX SHOCK/ w Lock-out. | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet , no ghost shifting here. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Chris King Headset,Rock Shox Foch Cane Creek Cloud Nine rear,Nuke Proof wheel-set builded on Mavic 517 ceramic front, 517 black rear. Truvativ Cranks, Race Face Bottom Bracket, XT front7 XTR rear derailliuer, Time pedals and Hutchinson Mosquito front and rear tires. Avid brakes XT shifters and levers.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike ROCKS!!!!!!!
When I first got the frame I was not to sure that it was the right bike. Now after months of racing/ riding I have come to understand the finer points of the bike. It's climbing ability if up to par with my older two Fisher's (Mt. Tam & Super Caliber). Yet it handles a full range of terrain and as a racing machine I think it fits the bill. Desending has been a blast, the Genisis Geomerty works like a dream( I'm riding a Lagre frame and using a 90 mm stem instead of the stock 100 mm). To get this bike up to speed it not and issue it just goes it could be the 90 mm stem or the geomerty but it never a problem. This is a racing machine not your trail buster but you will be blazing the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bogd Khan | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only - from a guy on the net | | Strengths: | Very light, very stiff, comes with the awesome Cloud Nine, better tire clearance than old model, smooth ride, strong climber. | | Weaknesses: | Non yet, though there are a lot of bushings. | | Similar Products Used: | Suger 2, Ellsworth isis, CT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Race wheelset. XT cranks, drivetrain and levers/shifters, Avid mag brakes, WTB saddle, EA70 1.5 inch riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | Pranged my Sugar 2 on a tree branch when it was on my roof rack. Picked up a 2002 Sugar 1 frame with Cloud Nine shock off a guy on the net for $500. Never ridden. This frame address all the minor problems with the 2000 Sugar 2 - it is a lot stiffer, especially around the BB and the seat stays. You can put a bigger tire in the back with less mud problems because the carbon stays do not have a brace near the brake bosses. It is substantially lighter. Getting the front end up is so easy you can actually overjump things and find yourself a lot more airborne than you planned. If you go all the way XTR and Race Lite stuff you can make this thing featherlight for what it gives you - which is a stiff frame, plush ride, and great climbing ability. I'm not too stoked about the electric blue color, but so what, the frame is a thing of beauty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Chico
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bidwell Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado - Frame Only | | Strengths: | Great Layout and suspension. Cloud 9 works well. | | Weaknesses: | All the talk about shifting, Junk the shimano chain and any Bontrasher (Bontrager) drive compoents. I run XT cranks and a SACHS chain. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Trek 8500 (Prior Bike), Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Atom 80, XT/XTR Drive Train, XTR Hubs/Mustang wheels, Answer Pro Taper Bar, Thompson Stem | | Bottom Line: | I chose the sugar for the longer top tube, witht he same stem, my bar was moved fwd 1 inch over my Trek. I'm 6'2" so room is nice. The trails we ride are mostly lave rock and the sugar soak up the chatter nicely.
There is some weird stuff in the drive train even with Shimano. I'm hoping it's just cable strech from being new. It requires slight adjustments on the trail, not a big deal except when you grad a foot full of pedal and get chain pop.
Fisher had me run a string from one rear dropout around the steer tube and back to the other drop out. measure the difference from the stringf to the seat tube. if it is off by 4mm it's junk. Mine was spot on and still has ghosts. May just be my luck for bailing on Trek after 10 reliable years.. But a friend has a 2002 Fuel and it does the same type of thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pepe
a Racer
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, good geometry. | | Weaknesses: | SHIFTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS BIKE DOESN'T SHIFT THE WAY IT'S SUPPOSED TO.
Price. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant XTC NRS1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I was lucky to get a second front triangle to "fix" the shifting problem, but it was exactly the same. I'm an experienced racer and can't afford to have chainsuck/drop, if you are a recreational rider and don't push the bike to it's limits it works fine, but I definately don't recommend it if you are planning on racing or if you are hard on shifting. I sold the bike and got a trusty steel hardtail, now I'm happy :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Qc
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Coaticook, | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | LIGHT, Stiff, climbs like no other dually out there! ... and a KICK A** Blue paint job... gotta love it! The XTR package is great - it's hard to find a full XTR bike stock these days. | | Weaknesses: | remedied by swapping the chain .. CHANGE THE CHAIN!! SHIMANO CHAINS SUCK!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT I.Drive, and plenty of other bikes over the years! | | Bike Setup: | XTR, 317/HUGI 240 Disc, HAYES, BLACK Elite Air, etc... | | Bottom Line: | The bike kicks backside. It's easy, get on and ride. Okay, out of personal preferance i swapped the saddle and bar for ones with more comfort, and i put on discs and the BLACK because it is stiffer, but the bike climbs SOOOOOO fast and REALLY suprised me on the downhills. the first time I took it for a ride i thought i was going to break it because it's so light, but then when i hit the downhill section i flew down like i was on a DH sled! ... BUY THIS THING! i give it *5* flamming turds!
Whether your an XC Racer boy looking to win a World Cup, or the weekend rider looking to buy their dream bike, this is it!
PS: Do yourself a favor and just get rid of the Shimano chain - it has no lateral flex in it and causes chain drop! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Danzizen and Quigley | | Strengths: | Light, fast, long top tube tube, good handling. | | Weaknesses: | The shifting absolutely sucks. I waited a month for a new front triangle to remedy the "defect" in the bike.
Still shifted like a piece of s$%t.
I pay over 3K for a full suspension bike and it doesn't shift correctly? Ghost shifts from the 2 crank to the first...all the time!!!!
I will NEVER buy another GF again.
I returned the bike today and demanded my money back
I hate myself for selling my Fuel 100 and buying this piece of crap.
There are so many posts on this site for all types of sugars with this same problem.
If you're thinking about buying a sugar. Buy a Fuel!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is clear.
Look at the weaknesses I describe.
By the way, no apology from the GF rep.
Sugars should be sold with a warning sticker letting customers know that the bike is very likely to NOT work.
If I could give this bike no chilis I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROD
a
from UPSTATE NY
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from post just below. I started having problems this week in a race with the chain dropping to the granny from the middi ring when on big cogs in rear. Here is what I did and it has apparently worked with each step making it better. I took off the shimano chain and put a high end sram chain making it 2 links shorter than the original chain. I adjusted the derailleur on the seat tube properly (it was off quite a bit). Then while in the middle ring and on the largest rear cog, I adjusted the cable tension so that the inside of the derailleur almost rubs against the chain with slight tension on the crank arms. Ive tried to reproduce the dropping to the granny and it will not drop off onto the granny even when mashing the pedals ...so far anyways. It appears to me that the flaw is that the derailleur sits to far back from the center of the rings though I may be wrong on this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROD
a Cross Country Rider
from UPSTATE NY
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | SHINDAGEN | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Everything is as perfect as it gets on this bike for riding xc. Its light and handles great. Im no expert/pro rider, but just getting on and riding this for the first ten minutes made me realize that this bike is THE bike. The geometry puts your body in perfect position. If your looking to spend the big bucks on a new ride, make sure you try it out. Im 5'10" with 31" inseam and the large is perfect. | | Weaknesses: | The paint absolutely sucks!!! Scratches easier than hell. For a $3700 retail bike it should have a better finish process. Gary?!! are you listening? No problem with chain dropping from middi ring and checked crank/cassette alighnment and its dead on. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar | | Bike Setup: | Stock/ switched out wheels for stiffer. | | Bottom Line: | IF YOU GET A CHANCE, BUYING OR NOT, RIDE THIS BIKE, YOUR GONNA FALL IN LOVE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Everardo
a Racer
from Tempe, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Full XTR, Mars Elite, Cloud 9 shock, Avid TI brakes, Bontrager Race Lite Tubeless wheels... | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel, Titus, Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | XL frame w/ stock components - 150psi front, 140psi rear | | Bottom Line: | First off the deal was way too good to pass up! I'm 6'2" and 180, the XL frame fits great and I have the shocks dialed in pretty well, since there are lockouts for the front and rear shock the psi I'm running is great. I'm coming from a fully ridged Bridgestone to a hard tail Raliegh to the Sugar and it's been great so far, despite wanting to wait to get a FS bike. I have ridden on several different trails here while experimenting with the shock setup and with my size and the air pressure I'm running. Im getting full use of the travel with no noticable bob while climbing or sprinting. So far the bike lives up to it's name cause it's SWEET! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | blue ribbon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunset cyclrey | | Strengths: | components, no bobbing up hills | | Weaknesses: | price | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | as speced | | Bottom Line: | ok this is my first full suspension bike. I have not had it long. did some reserch and decided to take the plunge. well after i sold a kidney and my body(got more money for the kidney) i managed to scrap the cash together. Last night i slept with it.....Today i rode it....I really like it so far. This is a pricey bike and i am a big kid. Im about 5-10 and weigh approx 190 and it works well for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Green Bay WI USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Baird's Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | XTR group, Manitou Mars Fork | | Weaknesses: | Shifting, Product support | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Sugar 2, Diamond Back XR-8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except fo grip change | | Bottom Line: | If I had to do it all over again I would have bought the S-Works FSR. My Fisher has been nothing but problems. I really liked my Sugar 2 but this has been completly different. I wish I would have seen the other people with their shifting problems before I bought this. I haven't had my bike for almost a month. It kept dropping the chain in the middle chainring. From what I understand, Fisher has had a problem with bottom bracket alignment in a batch of Sugar 1s. I was one of the lucky ones. Another thing that bothered me was they listed tubeless tires on the spec sheet and shipped the bike with tubed tires. The rep basically told my dealer tough luck. I will never buy another Fisher or Trek product in my life. They could care less about the little guy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | D&Q | | Strengths: | Light, genesis geometry, components. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting problems. Anyone else experienced this? My shop tells me it's a "design" problem. They added a "spacer" to the crank but it still drops form the middle crank to the smallest crank when in a granny gear.
Drives me crazy!!!
So when I try to climb using the middle crank and the #1 gear it drops to the smallest crank and the granny gear. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel, Superlight, | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If I get the shifting squared away, I'll be happy.
Love to hear from anyone with good ideas/solutions.
astrobiker1964@aol.com
thanks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Bassian
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Braille Trail in Demo Forrest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycles | | Strengths: | Light, Strong, Fast, Genisis Geometry great for decending | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable for long rides, Not good if you have long legs & short torso. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR-XC, Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Monkey-Lite Riser Bars | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for racing & Short Rides. Genisis Geometry is great position for decending and climbing. But Genisis Geometry gets very uncomfortable on rides longer than 2 hours. Position is too streched out. My neck and low back give out on long climbs.I have tried riser bars and bar ends which help somewhat, but this is not a good bike for epic rides. I also feel that the 4 inches of front suspension is mismatched with the 2.5 inches in the rear. A three inch front end would be a better match. Overall a well built and efficient ride but not an all day all terrain machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from san francisco, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | pine mountain loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | light, stiff, top of the line components.
Response of frame/suspension is incredible. Seems to 'know'
when you're climbing as opposed to when you're banging over
a rocky piece of trail. It's lighter than my old hardtail
and has much better overall handling. | | Weaknesses: | Michelin WildGripper tires. I replaced these immediately.
Fisher should drop these and stick with IRC, or almost
anything else!
Cockpit is on the small side. I'm 6'1" and have had to move the seat to its rearmost position on a large frame to feel
comfortable. Be sure you fit comfortably in the cockpit if
you're thinking of buying this bike. If there was some extra
rear travel in the seat position, it could potentially save
some riders from having to resort to a longer stem. I've
noticed there's a little stiction in
the Cane Creek headset that affects the steering response,
especially as you get farther off the straight-ahead
position. Don't know if this is an inherent feature or not.
I've seen other complaints of poor steering response on
this model, but it hasn't really been a problem for me.
| | Similar Products Used: | SantaCruz Superlight, Klein Adept, Yeti As-R, Cannondale
Scalpel, Fuel | | Bike Setup: | All stock except I scrapped the tires. | | Bottom Line: | The improvement over hardtail riding is immense!
I delayed getting a FS bike for years, but am delighted
with the Sugar 1. I've had it for 2 months now and am still
liking it more and more as I get used to its handling and
have finally tuned the suspension for my riding and weight.
The Genesis frame with XTR components and the Mars fork
and Cane Creek rear shock is a winner. If you want a top
of the line XC bike, consider the Sugar 1. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fish
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bull Mt., Chicoppe & Pisgah, NC. | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Light, great components, tight feel. Great looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | Didn't care for the riding position, to upright and not racey enough (but that can be fixed) | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adroit, Santa Cruz Superlight, Elsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Take this review with a grain of salt as I only rode for 5 miles, granted it was good tight single track. Tip-O-da-hat to Gary Fisher for there demo program at good trail locations. Bike ride was excelent, setup was good. The bike was light and excelerated quickly, the rear shock did its thing quite well on the little stuff, not on the bigger hits and jumps (it froze when hit to hard). Also, very minamal bob was felt, although it was working the entire time (I come from the hardtail school so all FS bikes bob a bit to me). Everything on the bike was XTR and tuned up so shifting, braking all that was excelent. As for drawbacks I did not care for the rider position, not agressive enough for my likes. I think a more agresive stance would make this bike eat up tight single track a bit better. It is well set up in my opinion for more wide open riding. A bit of tweaking or swapping of parts for a more agro stance would help but in this price range I chose a different ride. A great bike with geometry I did not like(I am 6' 200 lbs with athletic build (no gut) and I rode a large frame)Otherwise this thing gets 5 trail terds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dimm
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | roys bike shop | | Strengths: | Everything, havent had a problem with anything yet, though i've only had the bike for a few days.
| | Weaknesses: | none, nothing!!! | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher tassajara, specialized | | Bike Setup: | 2002 sugar 1: all xtr/shimano rims/thompson seat post & stem/bontrager race lite bar/fox float 100rcl fork/shimano DX pedals/selle italia prolink saddle/nokian gazzalodi core 2.3 tires/chris king headset | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line: is simply this bike, can and will tear sh*t up. like i said i've only had it for a few days, but rode it around, (no trail riding yet..soon) however did some moderate jumps, the cloud nine is indeed a cloud! and the fox float 100rlc, is the plushest thing i've ridden. I didnt buy this bike stock, i built it myself. So i think its a bit better then what it comes with in Stock. however it really doest matter its all about the frame, and its light, and can take a beating. So my verdict is: Its fisher or bust!:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pascal Pitre
a Racer
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything without pavement | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Québec Sportif | | Strengths: | Suspension both very impressive (cloud nine and mars super). The button on the rear shock slows the damping "on the fly" very efficient! Climbing is impressive. The rear suspension and genesis geometry make this bike an "unfollowable" climber! Rear shock VERY tunable. the bike is plenty stiff | | Weaknesses: | Chainsuck is still possible and will cost you one or two link on your chain. Bontrager components not plenty stiff (i'm 175 pounds). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek STP, Scalpel | | Bike Setup: | Mars Super, XTR-XTR-XTR, CrossMax. | | Bottom Line: | Did NOT arrived as spec.
Tire were NOT tubeless. Reason gaved by Fisher : Some high end user prefer not to use Tubeless... Maybe, but i paid for tubeless!
Bontrager racelite were NOT ceramic rims. Reason gaved by Fisher : We had premature wear problems of brake pads with our ceramic rims. I prefer to wear brake pads rather than 600$ wheels! And what about efficiency ????
I got a good deal on the bike but i think the Sugar 2 is better deal or by a frame (if you can still find one).
I will send another evaluation in a few months.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wisk
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | carbonate | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Sun Summit South | | Strengths: | Very light,stiff frame. Smoooth rear shock. Cool paint job. Unreal warranty support. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bottom Line: | Here's what happened: Last year I bought a Sugar 3 because at $1550 it was all I could afford. I rode that bike 2000 miles last season and in October the frame broke at the seatstay/bb connection. I took it to Sun Summit South (The best shop on earth) and they sent it to G. Fisher. G. Fisher sent back a 2002 Sugar 1 frame! Seriously. That is warranty service,folks. I had the shop replace the chainrings because they were toast and I've put an XTR rear derailleur on, but the rest is still sugar 3 parts. G. Fisher is my brand for life.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dlafoyboy x
a Cross Country Rider
from austin,tx
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | ride away bikes | | Strengths: | supalight and supafly ,ti hardware | | Weaknesses: | no QR for seatpost,frame color | | Similar Products Used: | Marin hardtail ,Trek hardtail | | Bike Setup: | sid xc fork,xt front derailer,crankset and shifters,xtr rear derailer and brake levers,monkey lites,thompson post flite seat,lx/mavic517 wheelset,avid brakes,dura-ace cassette and michelin comp s light tires ,eggbeater pedals,ritchey stem and headset | | Bottom Line: | this bike handles great and is almost too fast(buddies can't keep up)i bought this bike as a frame only and built it up mainly with parts from my older bikes,saved almost a grand.I am 6'0" 185 lbs and the bikes weight is 23.5 lbs I would'nt reccomend it for 200lb riders.The ride is very smooth for the amount of travel this bike has(2.8")this is due to the cloud nine shock which works great once dialed in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Morristown, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft, Parsippany | | Strengths: | At this point I really dont know, I guess the components,NOT THE FRAME! | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHING, except components which are all XTR | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Cycle Craft in Parsippany is fantastic. Gary Fisher is rediculous. Major major defect in the frame. Now its going on almost a month and I still dont have a new bike. Just got my Visa bill but thats here. Great. Bottom line: If you buy a Gary Fisher, make sure you get one from a reputable dealer who knows how to handle their problems. Otherwise your in for a long divorce. Trust me on this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DrRig
a Racer
from Durango
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Raider Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Sports & Ports, GJ, Colorado | | Strengths: | A great bike with fantastic consumer support. This frame is a replacement for a weld flaw in a 2000 Sugar 1. Nothing but smiles and "here is your new frame." | | Weaknesses: | None: My 8 year old thinks its the "sickest" looking bike he's seen. Right on, dude. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Fuel (pretty similar) | | Bike Setup: | Fork is Psylo Race, changes geometry, but makes for more entertaining downhills. | | Bottom Line: | I want to thank GF and the techies for a no hassle complete new frame and rear shock (cloud nine) to boot.
I ride 500 miles annual, have ridden for 15 years, and race in the old man class.
Was convinced that double squish bikes were for wimps and slowed you down. First ride I was 1.3 mph faster (at same HR), mostly due to increased downhill speed, and no bobbing on the uphill. Tracking on the SID was flexy, thats why I changed to the PSYLO. But the frame and setup are tight. The bike is even faster with the PSYLO. Incredible bike-buy it. Save your money and get one. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leon Jacobsz
a Weekend Warrior
from Manzini, Swaziland, Africa
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | good old single track dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Manzini Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | very light, very smooth/plush ride, unbelievable climber, handles like a dream | | Weaknesses: | teething problems with that chain slipping problem off the front ring (not as bad as 2000 Sugar 2)and rear derailluer adjustment cable took forever to settle down | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | standard. How can perfection be improved upon? | | Bottom Line: | wonderful machine. great value for money. can't wait to get out and ride her again and again. I thought the Sugar 2 was great, but this is a dream come true. Well done to the Gary Fisher team. Who should buy it? anybody who enjoys cross country,esp on single track and treasures their machine. If you are heavy on your ride (BIG drops etc), please get something else | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Valley Green | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Alan's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Supper light with excellent handling. | | Weaknesses: | Cane Creek Cloud Nine rear shock is difficult to dial in. | | Similar Products Used: | Coming off an eight year old fisher hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with 2002 Time Atac peddles. | | Bottom Line: | First off I have to correct the frame alloy. Fisher's catalog has it as 6061 and their web site has it as ZR9000. After questioning Fisher they informed me that it is ZR9000.
This is a dream bike in comparison to my old bike. My large frame weighted in at 24.5 pounds with the tubes in the tubeless rims. At 6' 2", 165 pounds, I have no discomfort issues with the bike. Coming of a plastic saddle wrapped in Kevlar, with no padding, I find the saddle to be plush and cushy. The Mars Super front shock is very plush and has at least double the travel of my old Manitou. The design and features of the Cane Creek are nice, but I found it difficult to find the ideal adjustment. The rear shock does have a toggle switch that is reachable on the fly, to dampen the shock, very nice feature when climbing.
I have found the handling of the bike to be extremely responsive. The abrasive surface, on the Race light rims, makes for easy responsive braking. I am continually amazed by how the Sugar 1 gets me out of trouble, and the bike has opened the door to riding skills I did not know I had.
My compliments go out to the material engineers for the exceptional use of materials in this bike. From the carbon fiber wrapping to the opposing oblong aluminum tubing this bike is well crafted, and makes a great effort at being stiff and light.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Legato
a Cross Country Rider
from SLO town, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Copeands | | Strengths: | Light weight, nimble | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 fisher jushua z1, 1994 ProFlex 850, 1983 peugeot canyon express | | Bike Setup: | sugar 1 frame, monkey light riser bars, xtr bb/cranks, SUP rims, KORE stem, xtr brakes | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding mountain bikes exclusively since 1983. I have gone through 4 frames since then and this bike is the lightest and best handling I have ever ridden. This bike handles so well that you don't even notice the suspension until you realize your arms and legs aren't numb and you aren't all used up after a long rocky downhill. Soo sweet! I got a sweet deal on a frame replacement. My old 96' Joshua z1 frame developed a crack and I elected to spend a little extra and get the sugar 1 frame. It was the best decision I could have made.
This frame is tight and firm. If you are the kind of guy who wants to take big drops and ride over huge boulders without feeling them, then this is not the frame for you. You guys would be better served with a more active/cushy suspension and a car ride to the top. But if you are like me and want to be able to go up gnarly technical rocky single track and be able to ride hard back down without jarring your teeth out or abusing your components, then this is the frame you want. Trust me, riding on a bike to the top is much better than taking your car or a lift, and this is the bike that can do it!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a
from Boulder, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountain Goat-Winter Park Resort | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cutting Edge Sports | | Strengths: | The best handling bike ever. If you spot a gnarley line and wonder if you can make it, the bike will get you there. Ulta light and efficient on climbs. Tubeless wheels rule! No flats since I started riding the bike about 6 months ago. I've taken this bike on some of the nastiest stuff in this neck of the woods and it always leaves me smiling. | | Weaknesses: | Flat bar may not suit every body but I ended up keeping mine on (after Monkey Lites on previous 3 bikes) and I like it on the set-up I have (non-stock fork). If you're into extreme drops requiring big travel, or like a mushy 4 bar linkage feel, it's not the bike for you. Otherwise, get it.
| | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Homegrown Factory, Trek Fuel, Specialized FSR, GT I-Drive Team | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Manitou Black Super Air (100mm), Cane Creek Cloud 9, Bontrager Race Lite Tubeless | | Bottom Line: | This is my 3rd Sugar 1. If I could have any bike, this would be it. Fisher has always had the best feel of any bike I've riden. Genesis geometry really works. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sly evetovich
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Laguna/Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3059.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very light and fast. Suspension (front and back) very adjsutable. Super comfortable bike. | | Weaknesses: | Strange noises from rear hub or cassett when steep climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Cannondale Jekyll, Trek Fuel 100. Owned Fisher Supercaliber for 6 years. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR. Manitou Mars Super fork and Cane Creek Cloud Nine rear suspension. Bontrager race-lite tubless wheel set. | | Bottom Line: | Bike fits my 6'4" frame perfectly. The XL size was so long it didn't need a longer stem. Handles quick and sure on both steep downhills and steep grinding climbs. My first full suspension bike. I seem to have much more confidence on gnarly stuff with this bike. World of difference from my Supercaliber hardtail. On real rough stuff not as plush as I hoped for, but for most trails I ride in San Diego County it works like a dream. For me the fit was most important and with Sugar's extra long top tube length, it was the only bike that fit without ruining the handling with an extra long stem. The Bontrager wheels are amazing. I thought they might be weak, but after ramming a tree stump I didn't see at full speed, the wheel only came slightly out of true! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yo-eddie
a Racer
from Provo, UT
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | Aardvark Cycles | | Strengths: | Very light full suspension, with excellent components. The steering on Genesis geometry is incredibly light. Handles well both climbing and descending. I traded bikes with a friend riding another major manufacturers bike. The difference in steering is dramatic. XTR/Avid ti brakes work better than any disc brakes I have ridden. Beautiful ride for those looking for a cross country full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | A bit of brake rubbing with lateral pressure. I think it is flex in the wheels, which are built very light. | | Similar Products Used: | DBR V-8, Ellsworth Truth, FSR... | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Stock with Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | Maybe the best cross country full suspension on the market. If you have the money, you will be very happy with the ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from st. louis, missouri
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3700.00 | | Purchased At: | alpine shop | | Strengths: | LIGHT, STIFF, VERY COMFOTABLE, GREAT GEOMETRY, GOOD COLORS, NO PEDAL BOB | | Weaknesses: | CHAINSUCKED A FEW TIMES BUT PERFECT OTHER THAN THAT | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | ALL XTR, 858 PEDALS, SID RACE FORK, CROSSMAX TUBELESS, EASTON CT2 POST | | Bottom Line: | AWESOME BIKE ALL AROUND, GREAT CLIMBER, DESCENDER, AND SPRINTER, WICKED FAST, 22.5 POUNDS, A LITTLE PRICEY BUT DEFINATELY WORTH IT IF YOU WANT THE LIGHTEST FASTEST CROSS COUNTRY BIKE AROUND | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOE
a Cross Country Rider
from SAINT GEORGE, UTAH
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | TURTLE TRAIL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | LIGHT WEIGHT (23LBS WITH BAR ENDS AND PEDALS), SMOOOOOTH.
COULD BE THE ULTIMATE CROSS COUNTRY MACHINE. | | Weaknesses: | ASTHETICS OF JUNCTION BETWEEN CARBON STAYS AND LUGS COULD BE NICER. Bontrager wheels are not rigid lateraly. Seat is not the most comfortable I have used. | | Similar Products Used: | THIS IS MY FIRST DUALLY. YEARS OF HARD TAIL USE ON SEVERAL HIGH END HARDTAILS | | Bike Setup: | STOCK BUT WITH SCOTT THERMOPLASTIC BAR/BAREND. CRANK BROTHERS EGG BEATERS PEDALS | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden for years on high end hard tail bikes at 21 to 23 lbs. This beauty weiths in at just under 23 (on my bathroom scale so it may be off) and climbs as well or better than any hardtail I have ridden. The back end really seems to dig in on loose climbs and the suspension is just enough for fast cross country decents. It is not a free ride bike by any means so if that is what you are looking for look elsewhere (sugar 2+) but this may very well be the ultimate cross country bike. The wheels are not laterally stiff but they are super light and I have had no problems with them coming out of true. The mars super is plusher than I am used to and has taken a little time to get used to. The short stem looked goofy at first but the fit is really good and makes it easy to get back behind the saddle for steep drops. the steering is very responsive despite what the previous reviewer says. The short stem quikens up the steering as well.
I got a really good deal so I cannot really comment on the value otherthan I have paid more for hardtails that were not equiped any better.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover,MA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | warranty replacement | | Strengths: | Very light. With Cloud9 rear shock,very plush in rear. Handles very well | | Weaknesses: | The carbon stays, with no brake stay flex'a a lot with Vbrakes, you either need a booster or disc brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar2, Cannondale Super V, Aeon ISIS | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9.0sl, Avid , Kooka, Thompson, Crossroc UST & Sid XC. | | Bottom Line: | My 2000 Sugar2 cracked on a weld near the BB, Fisher replaced it with a 2002 Sugar1, This is a much nicer riding frame than the Sugar 2. The Cane Creek Cloud 9 helps greatly in the rear. The Sugar2 had a brake bridge, which the mags knocked fo not leaving much room for mud clearance. I never had trouble, without it in wet or snow the rear brake is near impossible to lock up. A cheap brake booster fixed this. The reviewer below didn't seem to likr the handlimg, I ride in New England, with it's twisty singletrack & think it's great, maybe it was his setup, as the bike was borrowed ??
Anyway, thank you Fisher for the upgrade ! If you are looking for a short travel Dual suspension bike, you can't go wrong with a Sugar! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Tapeworm | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
| | Weaknesses: | Unresponsive Steering | | Bottom Line: | I tested the Sugar 1 when the Gary Fisher Subaru came thru seattle on its little cross country junket. Pretty sweet deal, you get to muck up the bike on real trails.
While I don't feel qualified to make any sweeping judgements after only riding the bike for an hour, nobody mentioned what I noticed in any other reviews so here it is:
The steering is totally unresponsive.
Just to see if I was completely off base, I had my riding buddy Greg check the bike and he came up with the same conclusion. So if you're thinking about getting the Sugar 1, I'd just pay attention to the steering and see if it bothers you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Lapointe
a Racer
from Coteau du lac Quebec,Canada
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | slick rock,Rigaud | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Outdoor gear Canada | | Strengths: | Ligth,easy too take when running in a race (because of it shape,)(i aslo do cyclocross races) stiff 01 version,waiting for 02 version. 2.5 travel perfect for cross country races. | | Weaknesses: | just check bolts but it normal maintenance...and not easy as a hardtail to clean... | | Similar Products Used: | Amp research b4,Psycle werks wild hare whit air shock,supercaliber,trek fuel 100. | | Bike Setup: | cross max tubeless,speed play pedal,Sram 9.0 sl shifter brake lever,Michelin jet "s" and wildgriper. | | Bottom Line: | on my 11 years of mountain bike (and 11 bikes) it simply the best and fastest bike i trie, it reliable, a lot more fun then a hardtail and my x-large at 23.6 pound with jet s. p.s excuse my accent , i have an accident... (french people) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FrontBrake
a Cross Country Rider
from Barbados, West Indies
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Cycles, Florida | | Strengths: | Light, excellent components | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is NOT comfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M50 and M800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for cranks - changed to 180mm, wheels - went with the Mavic Crossmax (not tubeless)and rear cassette - upgraded to XTR. Michelin Wildgipper Comp S (green) tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Haven't ridden the bike long enough to really give a proper review but it's a heluva lot better than my last bike.
I'm still trying to adjust to the geometry and the full suspension. I'm also still trying to get the right saddle height and position, my lower back and neck hurt after riding so I may need to either change my stem or use riser bars if it's not the saddle. I'm 6'4" with a 34cm inseam and 35cm sleeve length | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NLG
a Weekend Warrior
from Livingston,MT. USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | gift from a god | | Strengths: | light!! respondsive. Great hill climber,fabulous when you point it downhill. FAST!!! | | Weaknesses: | I have a LG , I'm 6'1" and I'm finding it a little difficult to get myself in perfect position in the saddle. Feel a little cramped,I've slid the seat back as far as I can. | | Similar Products Used: | 12yrs on a Bridgestone MB-0- | | Bike Setup: | stock+carnac shoes & LOOK clipless pedels | | Bottom Line: | A real dream bike for me! Would have neaver gotten here without a lot of help from a great man! THANKS You gotta ride this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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