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Submitted by
guitarist_sharpshooter_hunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Watseka,Illinois, United States
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | any bumpy muddy road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | Turn of the Wheel | | Strengths: | shocks, heavy duty forks, gears, rims, | | Weaknesses: | seat is hard | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose XR-200(DO NOT BUY! THIS BIKE IS JUNK!) | | Bike Setup: | shimano 21 speed,SR SUNTOUR shocks | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the best. i have never had a better bike. i have had this bike off road, on pavement, on gravel, on tar and chip, and in a mud pit and so far it is doing great. if you want a high quality bike for about 300 dollars, this bike is for you. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Petersen
a Weekend Warrior
from Herndon, VA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Any with lots of obstacles | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | A1 Cycling | | Strengths: | Solid, Easy Shifting, brakes well, simple to repair, looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Front shifter problems, pretty heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock except new handlebar grips (which are very nessacery, the stock ones crumble). | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike since 2000, bought it cheap because it was a 1999 model, and I have been very happy with it. Lately I have been getting more and more serious, but this bike has yet to fail me. Only replacements so far were tires. My front bracket got loose, but it was noticed before it was bad, and we saved it.
The bike is a little heavy, someday I look forward to a lighter one, but you get used to it, and it's really not as bad as people here say it is. Not for a hobbyist at least. I will definitely be riding this bike a few more years.
Many good expeiences, this bike will be loved and enjoyed by anyone looking for a solid, cheap ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E
a Weekend Warrior
from Cambridge, MA - USA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | you name it | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Strong frame, I love the steel ride. Great upright geometry. All stock parts work well if kept relatively clean and tuned. Best bang for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | Stock shock, rims, hubs, crank are not designed for serious abuse - strong enough for XC and monster potholes, but you shouldn't huck off ledges with this baby. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Treks, GT, Soma, Specialized, a Merlin. | | Bike Setup: | 21" bike, mostly stock. Put on slick city tires, swapped an old Kona riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | One of the most fun bikes i've ridden. The frame is strong and supple, and the extra weight is worth the ride (i'm 6'2" 200#). I use mostly as an around town bike, but its rides so nice that I've been neglecting my full suspension Kona on the trails. I wish Gary Fisher was still making these as smooth riding do-everything bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Delaware
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Strong frame-takes a beating, durable. | | Weaknesses: | Weak components, heavy, fork - but what do you expect in this price range. Only a 7 speed. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing in this low price range | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded shimano deraileurs, Panaracer tires, clipless pedals, new saddle | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad bike for a newbie. I bought it because I hadn't ridden in years and wasn't sure of my commitment. Glad I bought the bike because I've fallen back in love with the sport of cycling in general, but in retrospect I would have bought a higher quality bike. But since I didn't I still do love this bike, it's held up pretty well. I ride it pretty often and have wrecked more than a few times pushing it a little to hard and the bike has been great. With the exception of needing a new rdr, the components are still in one piece. Can't say everything is running silky smooth but I figure when I can afford to upgrade to a new better bike I'll appreciate it even more. It is HEAVY, but again to look on the bright side when I'm on my road bike I feel stronger/faster and I figure it'll make my next MTB feel even lighter. New tires and clipless pedals made a huge difference in the feel of the bike, have debated on whether to upgrade the fork, but will probably put the money towards a new bike...then one day down the road change it for the helluvit. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from New Oxford, PA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Whites Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame, Headset | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, saddle to wide. | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept tossed the risers for a flat bar, added clipless, and new saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike. I bought this a while back when I was just getting into sport. I ride probably twice a week, and have been since purchase. Is a little heavy at times, but can still climb nice. Have a had a few breaks in components, but overall a good deal. I will not be selling this any time soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kilroy
a Weekend Warrior
from Misty Mountains
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | handmade lifetime warranty on frame | | Weaknesses: | Too heavy | | Bike Setup: | stock, but seemed store musta swapped everything for the even cheaper parts. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this is not for someone who weighs under 180 lbs and wants do enjoy bike riding. An oversize steel frame is ridiculous, just too heavy for any fun whatsover. This bike was my girlfriends, it was too heavy for her so I sold it and am buying her a better lighter bike, out of aluminum for starters. When riding it feels like the bike is pulling a trailer filled with bricks, and to carry it is painful, so not good for xc rides where one must portage, or even put on a roof rack, or bring up stairs. The components all worked, but seemed like the cheapest possible, not the usual bontrager mix, total no name mix. but regardless the frame is not a serious off road frame, as it is probably too heavy for itself to even land jumps with. I wouldnt even wanna ride it on roads for that matter, it's still too heavy, weighs same as some duel suspension rigs. However a strong steel frame for cheap with a lifetime warranty may attract some hardtail freeriders, if so, be preparred to spend on replacing every part, starting with fork, and being stuck with old school cross country geometry which is no good for steep down hills. so dont make the mistake of buying this bike as a starter bike, and especially not as an upgrade to anything. Spend the same and get better. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a
from Mankato, Mn, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | A1 Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Goodsturdy frame, comfortable seat, I like the shifters alot. | | Weaknesses: | Rims bend fairy easily, shifting isn't real smooth after about 3 or 4 months,relativly small shock. | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | Strong sturdy bike great for "urban mountain biking". Had to get rear rim fixed twice got 2 flat tires. I really beat on the bike and it isn't in to bad of condition. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mervyn Borg
a Cross Country Rider
from Malta, Europe
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Magri Cycles & Spares, Malta | | Strengths: | Excellent frame (It's steel!!), Nice paintjob. | | Weaknesses: | Original components are not meant for frequent riders - they will just wear out soon and not accurate. I replaced them with LX immediately. If you plan to ride it frequently and for long distances, either choose a more expensive bike or else buy and upgrade it. Second option is the best if you really want a good steel frame (just like me!!) | | Similar Products Used: | Early 90's Bottecchia Panda (guess it was in 1991) with Acera rear derailleur. | | Bike Setup: | LX front & rear derailleurs, cassette, crankset, LX brakes, shifters & levers, Bontrager Race 7-degree rise stem, Selle Italia Trimatic saddle, alloy pedals with toe clips w/o straps, Shimano WH-M535 wheels, Kenda tires & Sigma Sport Targa computer. | | Bottom Line: | With all these upgrades, the Mamba is the bike I always wished. For me, it's just PERFECT!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rafael
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them..... | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's cycle | | Strengths: | All around strong byke. I'm a heavy rider (210#) and pound the bike a lot. No speed limits means go like a maniac on the trails, so bike has to take that. Never had a flat with hutchinson's tires (keep at 50psi), no brake or deraillerur issues, just a strong all around bike. Only thing, as always, good maintenance. From stock I swapped the fork for a judy with adjustable rebound, pedals for spiked ones and seat post for a dampened post. Everything else is stock. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket, had to be replaced twice en 1 year. the original on the bike lasted 3 months and started to squeal. | | Similar Products Used: | othe stinky brands, I like GF! | | Bike Setup: | All parts are original, but BB (sealed cartridge), pedals (spiked), seat post (with shock) and front suspension (upgraded to a Judy after a crash) | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, it can take a lot of abuse only if you do some regular maintenance, keep it clean and you'll get a lot of years on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from America
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | international cycle | | Strengths: | The mamba is a good stirdy bike and can show you what it is made of. In my expierience my mamba was a good reliable bike. I almost never had trouble with derailers except for regular adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | NEVER HIT JUMPS WITH THIS BIKE!!! It is the most awfukl and slow and agonizing death to a cross country bike ever!
I started yto do this with my mamba and within two weeks the cranks were wrecked. But that isn't exactly a weakness, that is something you just plain old shouldn't do. One weakness is that the gear shifter meter is liable to fall off. That's the thingee that shows youn what gear you're on. Also, if you don,t take good care of the brakes then they get screwed. | | Bottom Line: | The mamba is a good stirdy bike that will get you from point a, to point b, wether you're on or off the trail. But the real bottom line is NEVER GO OFF JUMPS WITH THIS BIKE, IT IS THE EQUIVALANT OF MURDER!!!! If you want to hit jumps I sugjest you look in to kona's or something else. The recreational weekend cross country rider is the person for this bike. It's also great on rail trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tbone Blake
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | B&B - Oak Cliff | | Strengths: | Overall a very nice mountain bike for beginners to intermediates. Nice setup for the rider - which makes it easy to ride. I feel very comfortable on steep declines and rugged terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Put some tuffy's in the wheels. Got a flat my second time out. | | Bike Setup: | Perfect! | | Bottom Line: | Gary Fisher has a great reputation and the Mamba is quality. The '02 model is the end of the line for the Mamba. If you can't find an '02 check out the Marlin or the Wahoo for a few bucks more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenneth Womack Jr.
a Cross Country Rider
from New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | McKinney Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$359.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | Great brakes...absorbs shock with ease...value...value...value... | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy...gears need attention from time to time... | | Similar Products Used: | Raleight M60 | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner's bike...wonderful for off road trails and the like...takes a good pounding. I rode this last Fall on a 60 mile treck from Temuco, Chile to Villarica (with Dirt tires!)...she performed with aplomb and dignity...great little hill climber for the beginner.
I recommend the bike. The beginner will learn a great deal about adjustments and basic MTB issues. You'll spend the purchase price on bactine and band-aids before you wear it out. A good bike to pass down in your family from year-to-year if you don't mind upgrading the components. I hope the Innskeeper in Villarica lets me ride it when I go back. (I traded it for the price of my week's stay!)
Kenneth | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | solid frame, good ride, stop on a dime brakes, the front shock is cool too. | | Weaknesses: | the derailluers aren't as accurate as i feel they should be. after tune up it still can't choose b/t 4th and 5th gear on occasion. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | Good for a beginner. I can't complain b/c i got a fairly good deal on it but If you ride hard spend a little more for better components. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Paul, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | County Cycle | | Strengths: | Easy to transport in my small car, sits comfortably, rides nice, love the gear shifting, attractive frame, impressive! | | Weaknesses: | Wished the manual was bike specific. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | This was my first mountain bike purchase. Although I probably will use it more on paved, tarred roads, I feel that it will be sturdy enough to use off road. I love it so far. Brakes are outstanding! I did not expect them to catch so well that the first time I nearly fell off!! :)
Love it!! Hope to make biking a habit! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig sutton
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney australia
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | many around sydney and the blue mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | clarence street sydney | | Strengths: | The strength of the frame and the comfort of the more upright riding position and the price. | | Weaknesses: | A fair bit heavier than the road bike I was used to riding and the plastic pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Several different bikes were tried at the Sydney bike show Connondale's,Trek's and various other entry level mountain bikes | | Bike Setup: | Standard bar toe clips,lights,bottle holder | | Bottom Line: | As a road rider who wanted a less expensive entry into the world of mountain biking I was impressed with the quality and the strength of the frame,the more upright riding position which is a huge positive for someone with a bad back,and the fact it was comfortable an all round better than expected ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian McManus
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlingame, CA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Canyon Trail, Santa Cruz Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bikes (Burlingame) | | Strengths: | Price Point, Versality on and off-road, excellent brakes, sleek looks. | | Weaknesses: | Can be considered heavy if you're using for a lot of off-road activity | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to get into the sport, and soon found myself addicted. I bike about 100 miles per week, approximately 55% road and 45% off-road. I have taken it off-road on some of the most rugged off-road trails around, including Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Lake Tahoe, and to several two-day trips to Downieville, CA. Even the guys at the bike shop can't believe it has held up so well through such wild rides. I'm now ready to upgrade, I need something with wider tires and a lighter weight, but the Mamba has far exceeded my expectations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Vaughn
a Weekend Warrior
from Church Hill, TN
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any..... not picky | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock n' Road | | Strengths: | Riding as a clydesdale, the frame would have to be the biggest strength of the bike. The brakes grab like mad and the Shimano Altus does an admirable job. | | Weaknesses: | For my riding style - 2/3 off-road and 1/3 road - I find I need a larger chain ring at road speeds. Other than normal cable stretch, no major problems. Everything that has happened has been cured with a minor adjustment. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose FS (ugh) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for asethetic add-ons. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. This sport has hooked me big time and I see passing this bike off to the wife as I plan to upgrade in the near future. Overall, good and tough entry level bike that is well worth the price paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$285.00 | | Strengths: | Great price for a beginner looking to get into the sport. Good breaks and suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Crank set and derailleurs perform less than ideally. Pedals are plastic and cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | All factory. | | Bottom Line: | As a beginner this was the perfect bike for me. As I get better, I have realized that I am going to rip through the components. However, the frame is sturdy and until I can afford a exacly what I want, I will replace components as needed. Don't get me wrong, I haven't broken anything yet and I do take care of my bike. For someone looking for a decent bike at a very reasonable price, this bike is definitely recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Canton, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Lake, Milford MI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$295.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Cycle | | Strengths: | Good looking bike, low cost, solid frame, more upright riding position | | Weaknesses: | weight, shifters, pedals, seat | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Giant Yukon, Trek 4300 and Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Factory equiped, added handle bar extenders, changed pedals and added straps | | Bottom Line: | I'm 43 years old and this is my first attempt at trail riding (I ride about my hybrid about 1000 miles a year on paved surfaces). To see if I liked the sport, I decided to get the least expensive "brand-name" bike that I found confortable. At $300, I couldn't beat the price, and I think that the Fisher Mamba had a great look to it. I've ridden about 5 times and I'm hooked on the sport, although I have a long way to go before I'm good at it. Overall, the Mamba has been great way for me to experience the sport without spending an arm and a leg, and it looks like it'll be good enough for me to develop some riding skills. The frame handles the rough stuff with authority. I find that the front wheel keeps wanting to pop off the ground, but this may be my inexperience. The handle-bar extenders help. The shock feels stiff (I weigh about 165), and I wish that the shifters would index through more than one gear at a time. The bottom bracket loosened-up after two rides (the dealer tighted in, and it's been okay since). Bottom line: With its rugged frame and good geometry, it's a great bike for a beginer like me. For a mix of road and trail riding, it should last for years. If I actually become a competent rider, I can envision upgrading to a $500 bike in a few years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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