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Submitted by
bigolbstrd
a Weekend Warrior
from kollum
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | In 2002 i bought this puppy and in 2009 i'm still loving it.
Over the years i have upgraded a lot, in fact only the frame is as it left the factory.
After years of racing, touring and going big (ish) it only shows a couple of scraches and is still as tight as can be.
| | Weaknesses: | stock v-brake, bottom bracket, hubs, headset. In fact most of the oem stuff just ground to pulp after about 1 1/2 years or less. | | Similar Products Used: | A lot of hardtails (of similar price or above) and some full suspension (pro flex, univega, klein, cannondale). | | Bike Setup: | Avid disks, magura air forks (100mm), schwalbe tire combo (2,3 inch), sun rims and xt/lx drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | A great frame, some good components, some bad (the bontrager stuff). I have build mine more towards the marathon/all mountain side, frame will take big (2,5 big earls) tires.
Ok value overall, great frame for the money. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack Geyer
a Racer
from Green Bay, WI, US
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Stadium Bike | | Strengths: | Frame is sweet. Carbon rear end softens up ride a ton. Great value and it is just fast in races. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle (as with all newer trek bikes), Manitou forks (ride great but ive had to send mine in for repair 3 times), and wheels (i race a ton and the wheels just arent light enough for me) | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher tassara (old), GT zaskar pro, and turner sultan | | Bike Setup: | I replaced the saddle after one ride, I hate riser handlebars(personal preference) so i upgraded those, FSA 140 stem, bontrager x-light wheels, michelin xcr dry tubless tires | | Bottom Line: | The best it gets for a hardtail if you dont want to spend the extra cash on a full carbon frame. After a lot of severe abuse I seperated the frame but trek was cool about it and are giving me a new frame. With a few upgrades this is one of the best xc racing machines out there. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Used on Ebay | | Strengths: | FAST. Genesis geometry is great. I feel more confident in my climbing and cornering than on my specialized. Seriosly this bike flies! Black Elite is sweeeet. | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur. Ghost shifts, pops, an all around piece of crap, want to upgrade to XT. Brakes kinda suck too. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Selle Italia Gel Flite Ti saddle, and PD-520's | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fast! I feel like my skills are better with this bike. The Geometry makes for excellent climbs, and cornering, I'm still not quite used to the downhills yet on it though. It is a cross country bike. Did I mention it was fast? I'm relatively new to the sport, and I think I'm going to try some races with this bike. Very happy with it.
4 logs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathias Toivonen
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykloteket | | Strengths: | The frame absolutely ROCKS (lightweight&ultrastrong)!!! Manitou Black shockabsorbers is the BOMB (takes every bump extremely smooth)!!! Great paintjob, durability, agility etc... | | Weaknesses: | Ehmm....the break-rubber blew (bought new ones after 3 days) ,the original saddle completely s*cked (bought a Selle Italia Max :D) , the tires flex a bit ....(only small weaknesses) Every thing went for like 100$ | | Similar Products Used: | Scott , Merida | | Bottom Line: | SUMMARY: Great fun/$ value! This is an extremely well made product. The frame is very cool, lightweighted and well designed. I really like the shockabsorbers, they does the job! It feels like the guys on Gary Fisher really made some serious thinkin' about this bike. Good work GF! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamal
a Weekend Warrior
from Grapevine, TX
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Great Fit, Rigid. Will take abuse, bike's a Tank!!! | | Weaknesses: | Bike's a Tank!! (Little on the heavy side), Brakes, Chain, & Front Derailleur aren't the best. The seat is absolutely useless!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Specialized Stumpjumer. | | Bike Setup: | Factory with Thomson Seatpost & XTR brakes. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great for the price. If you like the Fisher geometry and want something to buid on this is the one to get. It has the best hardtail frame that Fisher has to offer. The components aren't the best, but gives you something to work on as you go. The bike is rather heavy, but if you want to complain about that go spill some more money on a Mt. Tam.
The seat blows big chunks because the stitches tear from the rear. Fisher knows about this, so if you complain they sen a better seat.
The best thing is that this bike holds up. I've done atleast 4 endo's on this. Had some major spills on top of that. Bent spokes, broke my computer off about 10 times (Superglue is getting rather thick now), broke the chain once, knocked the front derailleur out of whack, etc. Point being..... the bike is still as rigid as the day I bought it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John P
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | little gnarly | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | from a fat chick who won it | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, good fork, decent component spec for the $ | | Weaknesses: | stock brakes are horrible! wire bead tires at this price point are unacceptable. | | Similar Products Used: | '00 Santa Cruz Heckler
'95 GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | stock except for Avid Arch Rival brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is the first year that Fisher put their top of the line aluminum frame on the Big Sur. The frame rocks, it is light, has a taseful paint job that will still look great in 5 years, welds are clean and even. The frame isn't quite as stiff as the one on my old Zaskar, which is good and bad.
I haven't had any trouble with the fork like some people, it has worked very well for me. Bontrager components are also pretty decent despite what some people say, but it would have been nice to see a few non-house brand Titec or Synchros pieces.
Fisher did cut a few corners, but I guess its okay considering the frame and fork. The brakes should be upgraded ASAP, they suck to the point of being unsafe. Shame on Shimano for producing those pieces of crap and on Fisher for spec'ing them on such a high dollar bike, they belong on a $250 hybrid. Also wire bead tires? Super weak. Even though it looks pretty the rear cassete isn't that great either, I suspect a SRAM/Shimano compatibility issue.
All in all this bike rocks, don't let these minor issues dissuade you from buying a Big Sur. Fisher is a great compnay that stands by its products, I have owned two Fishers in the past and used to work in a store that sold Fishers and they are a solid company. Buy this bike if you can find it on closeout or used, you will be hard pressed to find a better package for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from Barrie, On, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | N/A | | Strengths: | Good geometry and well valued components for the price that it costs. | | Weaknesses: | They did cut corners with the 2002/2003 versions. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Big Sur (2001) | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Raceface Cranks/Rings, Bontrager Race Lite Tubeless wheels | | Bottom Line: | If you can get your hands on a 2001 version of this bike your much better off....I demoed the 2003 and thats where i'm basing this review from, but the bike is no where near the value of the older model. Plus, whats with the horrible colour scheme? Check out the pictures of the 2001, blue/white/silver, was much much better. Buy the bike if you can't find a '01. Happy trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy BoB
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Slick Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Therapy | | Strengths: | Frame of course. If you think bontrager componets suck then you suck. Bontrager rocks. I got a psylo on my bike and it's the best ever.
| | Weaknesses: | I had a problem with the front middle chain ring on the crankset, it bent a little. If you hit it with a hammer it's fixed so stop complainin about it. THE SEAT IS HOT!!!! sort of... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek (good but more expensive)Gary Fisher is pretty much Trek anyways | | Bike Setup: | It has a frame and wheels and what not. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE ROCKS. It is perfect in every way. Also i am tired of people complaining about bontrager. You people are gay. Thats all there is to say. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1070.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, Value | | Weaknesses: | Seat (Big surprise), brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain, Specialized, Trek, Giant, Marin | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Hays HMX-1 Disk (F/R), Fuji RP saddle, SUN Ditch Witch rims w/ MAXXIS MOFO XC rubber, and my old SPD Platforms. | | Bottom Line: | The shop stepped up at the get go; my price included all upgrades...
I'm over 6' and 185 pounds. I spent about six months test different bikes. None fit or climbed like this one...
They had trouble finding a mounting bracket for the Hayes brakes, so I had the original rims and brakes for about a week. Boy was I happy when the part came in.
The seat...Lasted one ride and fell apart.
Bottom line yes there is plenty of room to "customize" (half the fun), but I picked this bike for the frame.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott HammerDog
a Weekend Warrior
from Bound Brook ,NJ USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Round Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport People | | Strengths: | Bike is well made. Nice frame, great fork solid all around bike. | | Weaknesses: | The Seat, the seat the seat!!!!! I mean come on what a peice of crap....WTB put their name on it so you would think it was OK but Junk is the best word! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale...... | | Bike Setup: | Bike is totally stock except for the seat which I switched out the very minute I got the thing home......Bontrager, XT/LX stuff nicwe package for the dough! | | Bottom Line: | This is a really good frame suitable for any upgrade XTR what ever....Top of the line aluminum frame, great fork, I have no complaints I paid $800 bucks I was willing to go as high as $1000-1200 but I really could not find a better deal on similar stuff. All you got extra was disks but who really needs that and I can take the $200 saved and buy more shorts, shoes and power bars.......I say buy the bike great deal.....Left overs are great.....so buy your 2002 now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord,NC
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | GIHP | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | Great for tall people. I feel it is very strong bike that has taken a lot of punishment by my fat butt. Wheel set has not had a problem even after some wrecks. | | Weaknesses: | Need upgraded spring for fork if you weigh more than 225. Trust it makes all the difference. Not impressed by the XT? shift system. Doesn't take much to make it act up when your racing. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for spring. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend to anyone sarting off to be one that you would keep and get your money out of! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam B
a Racer
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Don Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Trail Blazer | | Strengths: | Geometry, climbs like a goat, fork is great so far | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager front middle chain ring, Mythos tires, saddle, seat post and paint job could be a little brighter. | | Similar Products Used: | 96 Gary Fisher Montare | | Bike Setup: | Michelin Sprint back tire, Revolt SS tire up front, Thompson seatpost. Middle chainring replaced by a Shimano | | Bottom Line: | It's a great hard tail that you can build on. All of the above "weakness" items have been replaced except for the paint job of course. I love this bike so far, and it has carried me through some great races (7) this summer without any problems. No complaints about the fork right now, I switch the travel length when I'm going from road to trail. The frame is ultra stiff so that climbing power isn't lost. And the geometry is noticably quite different and better from my old Gary Fisher. I don't regret buying it except for when the middle chainring bent as I was climbing a short steep climb (by Pottery road) - and this happened twice - once again with the replacement ring. So whatever you do avoid Bontragers chainrings. Final chainring is a Shimano and I've ridden about 2 months and no problems. All of the complaints I've had would probably also apply for other serious off roaders and racers so if you're not - you won't notice the problems I've had. This bike was worth the money but watch out for a few of those cheap parts that come with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Boone
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bent Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | The Black kicks ass. Geometry lets you climb almost anything. 26lbs. Despite what others say, the bontrager components are alright. They're built to last. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle absolutely blows. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Selle San Marco Ti saddle and XT front derailer. | | Bottom Line: | I ride this bike hard almost every day on and off trails. It rides with a lot of urbans and can follow off or over any wall, jump, or log. Definitely a best buy for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Glen Burnie, MD.
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$819.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski | | Strengths: | Its a Fisher, Platinum series Genesis Frame, BLACK fork, Wheel set. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes..Brakes..Brakes.. or should I say "the lack there of." Bottom Bracket, if you are a big guy? | | Similar Products Used: | Many from GT, Specialized, Trek, and Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except; Avid Arch Rival 50 and Shimano un-72 BB. | | Bottom Line: | For the money, I love this bike. It has been awhile since I owned something that made me want to "hug my bike." The Big Sur does just that!! In my opinion, GF does a good job of mixing components to get there customers the best "bang for the buck!" I would not say that every component is great but the things you need are there. I give the bike 5 chilli's for value, 'cause of the deal I got. I give it four overall cause I had to replace parts and thats not "perfect." If you are an int. rider looking to move up a notch in machine you can not go wrong but remember it's an XC machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jens meijer
a Racer
from Kollum, friesland, the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | schoorl | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | roden | | Strengths: | Great frame with genesis geometry and the manitou black fork | | Weaknesses: | Anything bontrager, el cheapo saddle, cheapass special v-brake's
Needed a new bb after only one month of use (one xc race and a few training rides). | | Similar Products Used: | B-one weblite, B-one stinger (fully), giant atx wotsit | | Bike Setup: | Mostly oem, changed seatpost, saddle (tioga), stem and changed bars to flat with barends | | Bottom Line: | Great frame and fork, but with some budget parts to make the price competitive.
This bike is last years parragon for a lot less.
The bontrager rear hub has started to make a grinding noise (busted driveside bearing)
and the front isn't looking to good as well (rust has started to ooze out).
Superstock wheelset is to flexy for me, and i was thinking of buying a new wheelset anyway.
The frame and suspention get top marks, but the bontrager bits and cheap v's are to crappy for 5 chillis.
Ride is great tho :)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from stl mo
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fruita- Kokopelli | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mesa Cycles | | Strengths: | The fork is the best part of this bike. it is so sweet. the frame is also wicked light. | | Weaknesses: | The stock saddle blows dogs on saturday for breakfast. Swapped that fruity thing with a Specialized Comp saddle. The front derailieur is also crap. i swapped that shiznit for an xt. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Klein Attitude Race, Specialized Rockhopper, Marin Pine Valley | | Bike Setup: | stock with Body Geometry saddle and Cane Creek Ergo bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is so sweet, they have improved it a lot from last years model, in way of frame, components, etc. i love having 2 choices of travel on my bike, when i was in moab i rode 80, in fruita i rode 100, because there were more drops, it helped a lot. Kick ass bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | So Far Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | A.J. Barnes | | Strengths: | The Manitou Black Elite fork is awesome. I ride pretty hard and the adjustable stiffness and 80-100 mm travel is awesome. It hasn't bottomed out yet. The frame is extremely light weight and the stock components are all excellent. The front shifter does take getting used to but other than that it's pretty good. | | Weaknesses: | The front shifter is picky, but if you work with it it'll work with you back. It's honestly just probably and adjustment thing that I need to fix. | | Similar Products Used: | I have a friend with a Trek 8000 and i also test drove one but it didn't compare. It felt heavy and didn't have as much control as the fisher. | | Bike Setup: | All stock other than bar ends and an Oasis Gel seat. Can't live w/o the gel. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is awesome - it handles well, doesn't bottome out, and you can pound on it and it keeps going. The new fisher frame is awesome for going down hill and there's no fear of flipping over the handle bars - going uphill I'm still trying to figure out. By keeping on the rear the front end wants to come up and leaning to far to the front the back spins. So it's pretty cool b/c if you stay right in the middle (not sitting down) it climbs extraordinarily well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, Florida USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails any time | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Carolwood Bike Emporium | | Strengths: | The Manitue Black Elite fork works well and provides for a very comfortable ride on bumpy trails. I also like the Platinum Series Zirconium 9000 aluminum frame. | | Weaknesses: | The WTB seat is extreemly cheap and fell apart. | | Similar Products Used: | Gery Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for Oais Gel seat and Bontrager Race wheels. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is an excelent value for the money. It's fast, climbs well and has some decent mid grade performance components. I think that this bike is going to last me for a few years befor I'm ready to upgrade. I would recommend the Big Sur to anyone who is seriously considering the mountain bike sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch Blyumin
a Cross Country Rider
from Buffalo Grove, IL
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$975.00 | | Purchased At: | Higher Gear | | Strengths: | Fork. The Black elite kicks ass. really smooth in the 100mm mode. Awesom for riding on road trail in 80mm mode. Frame is Really light, too. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager? One word: Upgrade | | Similar Products Used: | First really good mtn. bike i have owned. Just starting to get into the sport. | | Bike Setup: | Going to change everything, so this is what it'll have: 1.XTR everything( the new 2003 group) except setapost, 2.Mavic CrossRoc UST Discs, 3.Titec bar,stem, bar ends, and seatpost, 4.Magura Martas, 5.Fizik Nisene, 6.New BB | | Bottom Line: | Awesom bike for upgrading. The frame is so lite and at only 23.6 pounds, it's already light as it is. This was a vargain for me since I got it for 125$ less than MSRP. % chilis for value and overall | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Grabs
a Weekend Warrior
from Claryville, NY
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | FV high trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Kingston Cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, Feel. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur takes some tender lovin' care, but it does the job. The geometry takes a little getting used to. I really need to lean forward to keep the front end from lifting. More about that later. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700 and 8000, GF HKEK. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Body Geometry saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a pleasure to ride. When I am riding I go outta my way to run over things. It accelerates quickly and feels nimble and smooth. Riding position is very comfy, especially with the Body Geometry saddle. The Back Elite fork is amazing. On a long climb the 80 mm adjustment gives the bike a nice stiff feel. When the going gets tough I switch it to the 100 mm adjustment and the fork absorbs EVERYTHING. I have taken the Big Sur on mush, snow, packed trail, roads, and rock fields that are trails only in name and it handles equally well on everything. On the downside, I am having a bit of trouble with the geometry. On tricky climbs the front of the bike lifts up with almost every pedal stroke and the front tire loses contact with the ground. This is very annoying. I have tried leaning forward more than usual and this has helped. I am not a super experienced mountain biker so I wonder if I am doing something wrong. Any suggestions? By the by, I am 5'10" and 150 pounds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K R
a Cross Country Rider
from SJ, PR
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | ciclomundo/G | | Strengths: | Awesome Handling, Lightweight, Black Elite Fork, Frame/Geometry, Looks, good components | | Weaknesses: | hummm...not many, maybe the brakes? and the seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Komodo, GF Marlin, Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Stock, added XT brakes, Thompson seatpost, Oasis Seat (comfy, Eggbeater Pedals (love 'em) | | Bottom Line: | Best Value IMHO in a hardtail ($900-$1400+). On my first ride I noticed a marked improvement in handling over my Raleigh M80 (2000). I am 6-02 and weight about 180. I just fit very well on the bike and feel confident and comfortable while riding it. All which helped improve my riding and more importantly keep me on the seat and wanting to ride more and more. The frame is Sweet! Its a keeper, ditto w/ the Manitou Black elite fork (80-100mm). Not many weaknesses really. Its a Solid hardtail that is light/fast so it can be used for racing if u like :) Sure it does not have an exotic name and its made by trek. But the new ZR9000 trek alum is nice and light. I looked at other bikes, like the stump jumper M4 2002, but it was more $$$$ (by over $200!) had similar or worse components and it was heavier. OK, Bottom line (pretty obvious) If you are shopping for an alum hardtail in the $900-$1200+ STRONGLY consider this bike, u wont regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Mack
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Goldstons | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | The bike Rack | | Strengths: | The Genesis Geometry is the bomb. I am 6'1" (34" inseam) and I have rode, hardtails from Cannondale, Treck, Specialized, and Giant, the These Bikes are the only one that I truly feel confortable going down extreme steep hills. | | Weaknesses: | Reality check: Genesis Frames are not indestructalbe, I cracked my HooKoo's top tube right behind the first weld. Pleasant surprise: Fisher sticks by their life time frame warranty. That's how I ended up with the Big Sur frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher HooKoo, Specialized RockHopper, Cannondale f800, Gaint | | Bike Setup: | A mis-mesh of old an new parts left over from my HooKooEKoo | | Bottom Line: | If you find you always feel like you are about to get launched out over the handlebars when you go down steep hills, you owe it to yourself to take a Fisher for a ride. The Big Sur is for a budget concience Racer or a performance demanding weekend warrior. The ride is as good as Hartails get, the componentry is pretty good for the price, they stand by their product, and they look sharp. 5 flames overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jess
a Weekend Warrior
from a little town south of the Tennessee border
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Avery Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1025.00 | | Purchased At: | East Ridge Bicycles | | Strengths: | Geometry is perfect for a six foot plus guy. Comes stock with amazing Manitou Black Elite 80-100mm shocks (I love those things!), excelent shifter and derailer combo, and even a great seat. The padding and geometry of the handlebars is perfect for someone who tends to put a lot of weight on their shoulders. | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | nine year old treck 980 with no shocks at all. | | Bike Setup: | stock. probably will get different saddle, but only because I can, not because it needs it. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is absolutely wonderful. If you are a taller rider, this bike was made for you. I went into buying it thinking I was make for trek, but gary fisher takes trek's geometry and poops on it, at least where i'm concerned. granted they used to have the same geometry, but i think gary fisher now has the upper hand. and i also may be a little over excited considering my last bike was suspensionless and i knew every root that i ever went over, but hey, the guy that owns the shop that i bought it from rides it, and he says it's the best thing since sliced bread. if you pass up this bike, you will regret it. five flammin turds! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Juritsch
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Buttermilk | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Agees | | Strengths: | Frame geometry makes sense. Well balanced,I like how the rider sits more or less directly over the rear wheel. Gearing is much improved over my GF Aquila. I now ride in the middle chainring almost always. I used to ride predominately in the small ring. Frame is visibily tough looking, heavy welds. | | Weaknesses: | No big ones so far, but I've only had it for a week. I did notice a clattering noise coming from the front during heaving terrain at speed. I think it's the vbrake hitting the rim, but not sure. | | Bike Setup: | stock. added my gel seat and will add a rear rack and computer. | | Bottom Line: | I had a Gary Fisher Aquila for 9 years, and it doesn't owe me a thing. Great products, and now everything above the Hoo Koo line is handbuilt in the good old USA. It feels good finally buying something that's *mostly* from here. Anyway, the bike is fast, it's my first aluminum frame bike. I'm used to the old over the bar deore shifters; it will take some time to get used to the rapid fire style. It's happening already, though. The quality is excellent and it shows. Pretty sweet looking too. I just hope it lasts for another 9 years! Buy one.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Long
a Cross Country Rider
from Ames, IA USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Employee Purchase through Trek/ Fisher | | Strengths: | I love the Genesis geometry, it just feels right to me. I tried Trek and Giant as well and neither of them just felt right. The fork is excellent, great feel and the adjustable travel is nice. The frame is also very well made. ZR9000 tubing in a solid design with great worksmanship. Component spec is mostly great. Love the bars, stem and rear der. | | Weaknesses: | I don't really like the LX brake levers so I put plain LX shifters on and some Avid levers. Also, the brakes are kinda crappy. Some say the Deore front der. but it hasn't given me any trouble. My bottom bracket was loose and couldn't be tightened so there was no play. Since I work at a bike shop though I just threw an XT one in there and called it good. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, Trek 8000, Gian XTC SE2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for avid levers instead of the LX | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. I considered the Giant XTC SE2. The part spec is better on that, but the frame tubing is so thin walled it felt weak, and I hate the Duke fork. This bike is just solid. I know a guy who has been using a 2000 Fisher for pretty heavy freeriding and it has held up with no trouble. I've really been impressed with the way it rides and the frame just looks and feels very solid (its built light, but not too light as to make it fragile)
I got a killer deal on this bike since I work at a shop and bought it through the Trek Employee Purchase program, but even at regular price its a good bike for you money.
Genesis geometry is the best! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david sharpe
a Weekend Warrior
from bangkok
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | pro bike bangkok | | Strengths: | Really well specced. Great forks and wheels and a pleasure to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Not very good seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin palisades trail | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a new seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I did my research before I bought but had never really thought of Gary Fisher. It's a real pleasure to ride and came with great bits. So far I've had no problems and have used it to compete in races. The forks are excellent and extremely adjustable, people complain about the travel adjustment but it's easy to change before a big downhill...if you forget they still work well.
I would recommend this bike especially if you are a little taller than the average...buy one!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Claassen
a Cross Country Rider
from Corona del Mar, VA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rattlesnake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$849.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Geometry, fork, value | | Weaknesses: | Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with new WTB Laser V saddle | | Bottom Line: | Love it. Looked around carefully before deciding to purchase the Big Sur. Couldn't be happier. Good all around bike. Climbs well (thank you Genesis) and the position aids descending confidence. Knew instantly when trying the bike that the Genesis geometry was for me. The Sugar2+ or 3+ was also interesting, but decided it was a little outside my budget.
Rode the saddle for a couple months, then changed to the WTB Laser V. Should have made that change at the shop. Been riding about 3-4 times a week for the last 3+ months. Averaging about 2 hour rides, and have been up and down all the 'legal' trails in my immediate area (El Moro Canyon and Aliso Woods).
Lots of complaints about the front derailleur in these reviews, but it seems to work just fine. I'll replace it if/when it breaks. Doesn't seem to need constant adjustment, etc. Sure there are some parts on the spec that could be better, but for the price it's tough to complain. I'm also a fairly big rider, 6'1" 200lbs.
The Black Elite is a bit soft with it's standard spring set, but it works like a champ. The rear arch is supposed to provide additional stiffness, but the front brakes could maybe use a little more rigidity. The Black really soaks up the bumps nicely though. I've played with the adjustable travel, and it makes a huge difference in the feel of the fork. The 80mm setting is firm and great for climbs and the road ride to the trail. The 100mm setting is really plush. Only bummer is the location of the setting which makes mid-ride changes a pain. I usually ride the 100mm setting once I arrive at the trail (the majority of my riding - 90% or more). Took a little while to become familiar with the feel of the fork when negotiating boulders, medium drops, etc. but now that I know the characteristics, it's very easy to control.
Can't say enough positive about the bike. It might have been even better if the seat spec was better and the wheelset was disc brake compatible (not that I'd use it, but if I'm dreaming...). I'm sure the bike isn't holding me back on the trail... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward O'Dell
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | city streets | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sids | | Strengths: | The frame. If your going to buy a bike to upgrade, might as well start with a great frame. This bike is pretty light and the geometry is awsome. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. I upgraded the front derailleur to XT at purchase. Everything else is out of the box. | | Similar Products Used: | Tasajara, Giant Ranier | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the front derailleur to XT. | | Bottom Line: | This is the first mountain bike I have owned. Being a converted runner I wanted something that I could be competitve with and was affordable. This bike is very resonsive so keeping up with city traffic is a breeze. With this frame I can upgrade when I want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel McKay
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski | | Strengths: | frame; fork; fast; too early to tell anything else | | Weaknesses: | the deore front derailleur is really bad; they had to cut corners and this is a bad component; i will upgrade that to xt probably | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana; Big Sur 2001; Airborne Corsair; HKEK 02; Tassajara; Giant XTC SE2; Giant Rainer; Novara Ponderosa | | Bike Setup: | abs. stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike and first real quality bike. Looked at Schwinn/GT because of the cheap deals due to bankruptcy. Looked at Giants. They are pretty nice. I really think this bike is much better than the HKEK and Big Sur 2001. The front derailleur is really really really bad. Other than that, this bike is really great and I look forward to using it as much as possible and getting my money's worth. NONE of these bikes is inexpensive or even close but given what the market is like, given the new platinum series frame used on all higher end GFs, Treks, Kleins, the new adjustable fork, the new and better components, I predict this is going to be a big seller in 02. 4 chilis because of the really bad DR. Out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Genesis Platinum series frame (upgrade from 2001), freakin sweet Manitou Black elite 80/100 front shock. Nice mix of components for the dough. and it looks badazz. | | Weaknesses: | Deore front derailleur? Gimme a break..not for $1100 bones.
Crappy seat. My girlfriend bought a GF Marlin and it came with the same seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Cannondale F800, Specialized Stumpjumper, Schwinn Moab 1, Klein Attitude, Giant XTC SE2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except the new Selle Italia Flight Gel Saddle, Thomson Elite Stem and Seatpost, and an XT front derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | One thing sold me on this bike over any other...The Frame. If you're a tall guy like me (6'2"), then you should really try out a GF. Every other bike I tried out just felt weird, like I was sitting over the front tire..
After I figured out that I wanted a GF, I just picked the best Frame/Fork combo for the money and it turned out to be the Big Sur. Pretty much everything else will be upgraded as money permits...new riser bar, wheelset, crank..should be about it though. Buying a complete bike meant I could ride and upgrade at the same time :) There won't be a piece of Bontrager junk on 'er when I'm finished!!!
The crapola deore front derail was pretty dissappointing and the really cheap seat too, but Performance gave me 10 bucks for every 100 bucks I spent...which meant that I had 110 bucks to blow on whatever...pretty good deal there. It got me the new seat and the XT front derailleur. If you didn't notice, the Big Sur is basically a 2001 Paragon (same setup). I would recommend this model over the 2002 Paragon and Mt Tamer simply because you can buy this bike and put high quality parts on it. Paragon is $1500 (rip off).
Not too sure about the weight...somewhere around 25 lbs to start, should go to mid 23's pretty easily...maybe lower. Still a real quick bike off the floor.
This gets 5 poops for value, although $1100 isn't cheap; mainly because you get an awesome frame and fork. The Manitou fork alone is 400 bones....super smooth I might add. Four poops overall for the Trek monopoly cutting corners and raising prices. You'll be hard pressed to buy a new mtn bike and get a better set up than this for the cash though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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