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Submitted by
Mypointofview
a Weekend Warrior
from Joe Town, MO
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Strengths: | Durable
Decent components
Versitile
Attractive
Quality
Balance is superb for climbing
Frame geometry and strength ...and it's a Gary Fisher | | Weaknesses: | Tad bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried various Schwinns, Treks, and a Marin. | | Bike Setup: | I have the 02 Gary Fisher Marlin. All I've added are Shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level MTB with good quality components. I am an aggressive rider and am pretty hard on bikes. I am very impressed with how durable this bike has been. Quality is unbeatable. Very versitile bike. This is a very good bike, although slightly heavy, it is a good frame to develop from. Good on almost all terrains. You can find these used for the same price as those crapy Wal-mart MTB's and they'll last a lot longer....only upgrade this bike when whatever you are upgrading has broken, the stock stuff works great.
What sold me the most was by going to Youtube and watching Gary Fisher talk about mountain biking. This guy is the real deal. A true pioneer of the sport. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cryohazard
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovakia
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It's great bike for climbing and also descending... | | Weaknesses: | Heavy... | | Bike Setup: | I changed fork, brakes, tires and gave there SPDs. Deore components are good - no problem yet. | | Bottom Line: | I have Marlin 08 with classic Genesis geometry. I reallz love this bike. Gary Fisher bikes are one of the best on market so in future I want by some fullsuspension bike like GF Hifi plus... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sdankel
a Weekend Warrior
from chicgo, il, us
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | palos | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | Mine is black with the white trim and is simply beautiful. The G2 geometry does really make it a very comfortable ride and inspires confidence. Climbs hills with a purpose. | | Weaknesses: | I disagreed with some of the components being silver, so I've upgraded to keep the look consistant - seatpost, stem, handlebar, grips - all black with white lettering (Kore). The Rock Shox Dart 2 is perfectly matched to this bike and smooth as glass. It's rather heavy though, at 5 & 1/2 lbs, so if I did anything next I would upgrade to a lighter fork. | | Bike Setup: | I switched out the stock Bontrager tires for a Kenda Nevegal up front and a Kenda Smallblock 8 in the rear. What was on it stock was totally fine, but the ride got noticably quicker now. | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough great things about this bike - it is wicked! I over analyze everything and studied for months to find exactly what I wanted before I bought this. I am absolutely certain that I couldn't have made a better decision. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Beck's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Private seller | | Strengths: | Well built, very long top-tube (good for taller riders), Gary Fisher name. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, low-end componentry. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first "real" mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Marlin | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I got this bike used and it needs a bit of work still. The previous owner left a thick layer of crud and road grime all over the drivetrain. Required a lot of degreaser and elbow grease. But great looking bike once it's clean and it runs great so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from troy
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | lightweight | | Weaknesses: | cheap pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Cake 3, Stumpie | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus SPD pedals, Fox seat | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike for my bro and if he didnt like it I was going to convert it into SS. I have taken it out about ten times on some moderately technical trails. Despite mediocre components it shifts incredibly well and climbs very, very well. I recived some looks from guys on bikes worth 10x more with whom I kept up and passed. As a starter bike or as a backup bike or as SS prospect this bike is a steal. At the retail price it is a very good deal. At the price I paid, let's just say my brother may never see this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Columbus GA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Excellent value
Light bike for this price range
Great climber
Frame geometry and strength | | Weaknesses: | Seat uncomfortable
Derailleurs crappy esp front | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Jamis, GT, Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | WTB Rocket V seat
XT shifters and xtr derailleur
Eggbeater pedals
Thomson stem
ODI grips
Cateye Micro wireless | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike used about 2 years ago for a good price. I am an aggressive rider and am pretty hard on bikes. I am very impressed with how durable this bike has been. I have put tons of miles on this bike with little to no problems. I have just got into cross country racing and am using this bike until I find a race bike to buy. Fun to beat people on 2-3k dollar bikes on my cheap entry-level Gary Fisher. Great beginner bike and I would highly recommend it. For this price range I found this bike is a couple pounds lighter than most. I have made some upgrades and have been very pleased with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Snoopy SNOOPY
a Weekend Warrior
from texas,texas,texas
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | i dont know | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Fine Edge Ski and Cycle | | Strengths: | Tough and strong light enough to climb pretty much anything good at jumping. GREAT bike | | Weaknesses: | none the seat is not bad but not amazing | | Similar Products Used: | trek 5300 kona cindercone | | Bike Setup: | stock (2003)? | | Bottom Line: | this is an insane bike that will do anything short of jumping off cliffs great value good for beginners, dirt jumping, stairs, getting from place to place, xcountry, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BigG
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Some old dirt rode in Las Trampas | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | Durability, control, frame/frame-guarantee, weight, the lockout on the fork, looks, components | | Weaknesses: | not many, seat... maybe | | Similar Products Used: | Many cheap mountain bikes over the years, many BMX's. Test rode the trek4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock + headlight, flat-kit, and water bottle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great, dependable/durable bike for me and I am used to thrashing my rides... I am 6'6" 260lbs and this bike loves every bit of me. It rides like a champ for somebody my size; it's comfortable, tough, and has a lifetime frame guarantee! I plan on upgrading parts as they brake. It is the best bike for the money in this price range and a bike that is worth the investment (especially if you are looking to upgrade the components down the road). I haven't had any gear problems, or tire problems. The seat isn't as bad as some are making it out; it isn't comfortable, but it doesn't hurt on long rides either. This sucker takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'! 5 Flamin' Chilis all the way! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Skogen
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good frame geometry, enables advanced maneuvers. Balance is superb for climbing | | Weaknesses: | Front gear shifter is not very accurate. | | Similar Products Used: | Planet X -99 | | Bike Setup: | Original setup | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike, although slightly heavy, it is a good frame to develop from. Adding better grear and brake components and this will be a top multisport bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Arcadia
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | El Prieto (sp?) near JPL pasadena | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | gift | | Strengths: | shifts pretty good, climbs super | | Weaknesses: | seems to get really jumpy in the front end, no matter what I try, when I;m on very steep incline climbs, but I am talking STEEP here, it's fine on most hills. | | Similar Products Used: | Used to ride Park Pre Hammer, pre-shox, but had shimano deore LX | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for it has plastic "kiddy" pedals on it from previous owner who gave it to me...oh those suck, slippery when wet...non stock too, putting some with teeth on this week though... | | Bottom Line: | Just recently got back into MTBiking, used to ride in high school 11 years ago...been road biking. So, a free Marlin came my way, and I decided to try it again... so far, I've been slowly trying more technical stuff, and the bike is holding up just great; like everyone says the "Genesis" frame (or whatever, i dont know wtf) seems to climb very nimble and in balance. Do keep in mind, I have not MTBiked for years, and only have a '93 Park Pre Hammer (no suspension forks) to compare all riding with. That said, the technical, sketched out trails are going down fast, pretty large -sometimes 2 foot- drops are being taken, and plenty of gnarly single track thru mud and creeks and boulders have been split. This bike does it all, no complaints so far...I am 5'7 135 lbs, 28 years old, had the bike 3 months, maybe I will remember to update this thing in another 6 months, let you know about any upgrades...ride safe, peace out...only upgrade this bike when whatever you are upgrading has broken, the stock stuff works good | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lar
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$398.00 | | Purchased At: | Cheap Biks / Eagle Rock | | Strengths: | Price Point! Looks great ! Handles like a light sport aerobatic airplane. Easy to normal break-in. Jumps curbs & pick-nick tables well. Goes up hills fast. Great for parking lot hockey. Turns on a dime. Stops well in the wet. | | Weaknesses: | Changed saddle after my second ride to a WTB Progell & duel purpose tires. You must keep the chain clean and lubed for it to shift well. But that is so with every bike, cheep or expensive. Keep it under 40mph or it will get a little wild. It needs a bell or a horn. Hard to run with due to the tight frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried : Treck, Cannondale, & other Fishers ( 43 years of riding trails & road ) | | Bike Setup: | WTB Progell saddle, mountain rack, bottle, and tube, tools, & air cartrages & ... speed'o. | | Bottom Line: | The shocks at this price are super. You can up grade this bike all over as you wear the thing out - it may take years for some folks. But you will have a darn fun time getting there even if you are a "Bike'n Betty". Face plants arrrr held to a min whith this frame geometry. To ever find this bike at a yard sale would be like Cortez finding El Dorado !! You will want a big lock for this one. It's a keeper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Caynon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Michael's Bike Shop- Newbury Park, CA | | Strengths: | Design, easy to use, seemed pretty light | | Weaknesses: | THE SEAT!!! Ouch! | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am not a "Biker" by any means... I just bought it this past weekend- and I am a big guy- well Tall- 6'5" and I really really enjoyed it... everything but the seat! I rode yesterday on a 24 mile trip... and I can't feel my butt! I gotta get this fixed before I ride again. But other than that-I got a good deal on it, and I am fired up to use it as much as I can- With a new seat! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Kerecz
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Jim THorpe, PA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Very nice frame(upgradable), lockout on shock, Deore rear derailleur, Genesis geometry | | Weaknesses: | Alivio front derailleur, shock bottoms out easily
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock but will add on bar-ends and clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | For the money, this bike cannot be beat IMO. I bought this bike to get the "hardtail feeling" again as I have been riding a Trek Y-22 for almost 10 years. I still have that bike(and love it), but really wanted to get a bike where I am not always worried about cracking the carbon, such as over technical stuff.....the Marlin is made to be ridden, and hard. The Manitou Axel shock is very nice with the lockout feature, though it does bottom out fairly easily. Admittedly, I have done no trail riding with the Marlin yet so I should probably give an updated review after I do. I am anxious to get this out there and start beating it up.
This bike is for a wide range of people, from weekend warriors to racers who want a beater. It is a very nice bike and can be easily upgraded over time. I also think it is lighter than comparable bikes, at least from, my time looking att hem in the LBS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emily Smikle
a Weekend Warrior
from Portage, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer, Battle Creek Michigan | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Breakaway Bikes | | Strengths: | Lightweight, good price, lifetime warranty for frame, smooth shocks, good deraillers and breaks, I like that you can turn off the shocks if you are riding around town. | | Weaknesses: | I heard that the factory seat is bad. Once the chain got stuck on the front gear between 1 and 2, and the reflectors on the pedals break off easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Just moutain bikes from department stores | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much factory- but with a Women's seat | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike! I ride on paved trails, crushed gravel trails and all terrain trails and this bike can outstand it all. The first day I took it out to Custer I feel and bent the brake, but with a forged break handle it bent back and I didn't have to replace it. The deraillers and gears work very well. I heard that the shocks were hard to break in but all I had to do was ride it around the neighborhood, over some curbs, and out on the trails once and the shocks work great. I know that I haven't had this bike long but it was a great investment and I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey Grissom
a Cross Country Rider
from hillsboro, ohio
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | paintcreek bike trai | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | kettering bike shop | | Strengths: | for a bike that u can easily find for under $420 and in some places even under $400 it is cheap and great. i haven't had to adjust anything yet and i've taking it off of more than just a few jumps and drop offs.(even though the salseman told me not to) so i'd say it's major strengths are prce and durability. | | Weaknesses: | as far as i can tell the seat is the only thing i don't like so far. i've been thinking about getting a new seat with more padding cause the stock one is a little uncomfortable on ur longer rides. | | Similar Products Used: | trek hard tails | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i'll admit that i've only had mine for a year but so far it's way better than both my cousins bikes and they spent way more money. so for the price i just don't think it can be beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alonzo Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, tx
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | ride-away-bikes | | Strengths: | great price and it's a gary fisher | | Weaknesses: | seat, seat post | | Similar Products Used: | Univega | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to XT, Shimano clipless pedals, specialized BCG seat, carbon fiber barends | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price you just need to upgrage some of the components but other than that its setup it nice. i was looking at the new gary fisher and happen to stumble across this one so i got it. its a very good bike but just need to change the seat and seatpost formost | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jes Corbeil
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Route Vert | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Le Grand Cycle | | Strengths: | Great looking bike, Genesis Geometry laughs at hills and bumps. | | Weaknesses: | Everything else | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky MOuntain, DeVinci, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for LX front derailleur, Bontrager saddle, Nimbus EX tyres, AlexRims TA19 rims. | | Bottom Line: | I love the geometry, but not enough to buy Fisher again. I'm shocked by how little 'Made in the USA' actually means. I'm in the shop having *something* tightened or adjusted every couple of weeks. The whole Alivio drive system bites; I finally replaced the front derailleur with an LX one and I think hte freaking crank's next. I'm just tired of my bike developping clicks, flicks, and loose bits -- and I haven't even had time to go onto a trai yet! I'm only biking around town and on Montreal's ubiquitous bike paths! I know that our roads are bad enough that you *need* front suspension at least, but htere's no reason my bike should be rattling itself to bits after a mere 3 months or so, even though I'm riding every day. And the 5 lbs of Rock Shox Judy TT hanging off the front is just a drag. if hte frame was a higher grade aluminium, I'd put in the money to lighten the bike up and replace everyhting with sweeeet partrs, but as it is, I'm just riding for a season and unloading the thing so I can buy something good and Canadian made.
Look, the bike's a good beginner's rig, but after that, you gotta get a *real* ride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa mesa
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | the bike is responsive and tough, climbs well. The breaks have worked well, its an overall good Bike for the money. | | Weaknesses: | The forks bottom out. Cheap forks. i cant stress enough to the bike manufacturers, there are big men out there who ride! | | Similar Products Used: | TRek | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The bike works very well and turns on a dime.. climbs well and eveything, but if only the forks would be a little better this ride would be perfect for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyler nodine
a Cross Country Rider
from santa cruz, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mailboxes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | abs | | Strengths: | sturdy yet heavy frame | | Weaknesses: | The front suspention sucks, shifts horribly, both the front and rear derailer have bent andit weighs a ton. It can't handle drops or technichal uphill and the chain gets jammed often. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stuff, kona cindercone, specialized stumpjumper, | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | low end components. I don't abuse the bike i just use it like a mountian bike should be used and yet many of the commponents have broke.
If you are a biginer this bike might hold up but if you are past entry levrl this bike is not for you. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Kelley
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Squamish area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath Vancouver | | Strengths: | Stops on a dime with soft rubber and great brakes. Forks stick a bit but with some wear have smoothed right out. Geometry is unbeatable, you'll have to try real hard to fly off this one. Frame is tough, and a little flex takes the harshness from a rough trail. Good components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Frame flex, though great for the feel and responsiveness, makes a slight clicking sound when pedalling hard on a climb (no problem, but it is annoying). That saddle is a killer!! If you don't want to spend a month toughening up your wazoo to get used to it, trade it out before you leave the store. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Devinci, Specialized in the same range | | Bike Setup: | Alivio, bontrager bars and post, TT forks, MythosXC tires with Alexrims TA19's, stock promax brakes | | Bottom Line: | I never thought I'd find as good a value for the price as my 96 giant rincon(many miles on it), but I was wrong. For anyone looking for great value, and a bike that performs as well or better than all of it's higher priced competitors, this is the bike for you! Trade out the tires if you're a city rider though, too lumpy and soft for pavement. smooth ride and great shifting once it's worn in a bit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Carter
a Weekend Warrior
from Wells Maine U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | places around my house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$379.00 | | Purchased At: | Breton's bike shop | | Strengths: | The entire bike is very good. | | Weaknesses: | The only minor thing I see is the seat is a little uncoftorble, no big thing though. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. | | Bike Setup: | The same parts it comes with. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike so far, it's the best I've ever ridden. Anyone who likes offroad biking would like this bike. I would reccomend it to everyone even a beginer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | red bug, Tom Brown, Santos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, killer paint and graphics, made in USA frame. Great bike for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | Some lower end componentry. Bad saddle. A little heavy due to fork and crankset, but there are cheaper ways to cut weight, so there's no need to upgrade them until they die. | | Similar Products Used: | Barracuda Comp | | Bike Setup: | shimano clipless pedals, stock rockshox judy tt fork. XT bottom bracket, LX deraileurs, topo comp saddle, yeti grips. | | Bottom Line: | This has been a great bike! I have nothing bad to say about it. The genesis geometry really does work. Very maneuverable on tight, technical singletrack. Climbs excellent. Bontrager wheels have been excellent. Super strong. Have only had the rear wheel trued twice in a year. Made some upgrades but only as needed. Why fix it if it's not broken. Overall, this is a great bike for the money, Take care of it and it will take care of you for a long time. Enjoy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from warwick RI
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | wayfairer cycles New London,CT | | Strengths: | every thing | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Axel super forks, full Deore LX, Maxxis kevlar bead
tires (the kracken and calabos). | | Bottom Line: | Ive made many upgrades on this bike; only because I wanted a bad ass bike. I think its safe to call it a XC comp bike all the way.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Reach 11, northeast Phoenix | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$419.00 | | Purchased At: | Slippery Pig, Phoenix | | Strengths: | Long, comfortable wheelbase. Fairly large cockpit. Corners well. Not overly heavy. Priced right. American-made frame. Good frame geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a little hard (replaced it). Triple gear set on front crank is riveted, which means you have to replace the whole unit (and I eventually will). The largest of the three front gears is pretty small, and I run out of gears going down steep hills (what few there are in Phoenix). Replaced the eight-speed cassette because the gears weren't evenly spaced -- is much better now. | | Similar Products Used: | Bridgestone MB-3 (from the late '80s). It has a Biopace front crank. A lot of guys laugh at it, but if you have a slow cadence like me, it works really well. I imagine it's nearly impossible to get Biopace parts now. | | Bike Setup: | Just changed the seat and the rear cassette. Everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | The Marlin is probably one of the best buys for under $500. I am very happy with it. I put over 1,400 miles on the bike in one year, and enjoyed every mile (except when riding into those nasty headwinds, of course). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
White Honkey Thunder
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Ect. | | Strengths: | Extremely good components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Lot say the seat, but it hasn't bothered me yet. My gears where f***ed up at first, but a little tickering around and they work like a charm now. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant,Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock except pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. I rode a pretty hard in highschool and college on a Giant and a Specialized, but the Marlin has given me a good reason to get back into it. Overall, great bike for the money. Good stock parts too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Warwick,RI
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Wayfarer cycle New London,CT | | Strengths: | A well crafted bike;seems to feel like it can take on any
thing that comes it way | | Weaknesses: | I losted my brakes completey in wet conditions | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M-80 | | Bottom Line: | I have a chance to trade in my Marlin for a 03 Tasahara, but I'd never get rid of it--its perfect for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas Yax
a Weekend Warrior
from Essexville, MI
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Light, good components, and great price. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a bit hard, shifting can be tricky in higher gears. | | Similar Products Used: | Previously owned dept. store bikes. Looked at diamondback and trek before purchasng this. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | For the money, this bike is awesome. I found several similarly equiped bikes for up to a $100 more. I went to our local bike shop to test ride this bike, took it around the parking lot, and knew it was coming home with me. I've been riding it for a year now, and other than the seat, and some problems with shifting, I have had no problems. This is my first real bike, and I am glad I switched. Now, I go through department store bike departments and just laugh. For anyone looking to buy an entry to mid level bike, take a good look at this one. Its doesnt have STX components or anything, but it is a solid performer, and well worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Stanley Draper | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Super strong bike, I ride it very hard when it is warm outside, and have yet to have a problem with it. | | Weaknesses: | I have yet to find a weakness in the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Begin Riding on a early 90's Fugi Sandblaster. | | Bottom Line: | I am not really sure of a better bike. I added clipless pedals and it was the best thing that I have done yet. Overall it is a stupendous bike and highly encourage this bike to anyone. This bike is great for any rookie into the sport, it is light enough and strong enough to be able to take you to any location your experienced riding friends might want to venture. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyla
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene Oregon
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Bike Shop | | Strengths: | extremely light aluminum frame. manuevers great.
brakes work great. | | Weaknesses: | i never tried the seat, switched when i bought it. read the reviews from here and got the clue.
i can't think of anything wrong with this bike | | Similar Products Used: | dept store bike | | Bike Setup: | stock except seat | | Bottom Line: | awesome. extremely light. got me up/over 5x the hills and roots i couldn't get up/over on the dept store bike. much better shifting and great braking.
Shocks work great for me.
Hands down the best bike overall for a weekend rider.
I've begun to enjoy mountain biking again thanks to this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Zebulon NC USofA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rockyroad | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Line of Garner | | Strengths: | light and climbs like a champ | | Weaknesses: | seat and wheel set and the seat post | | Similar Products Used: | hockhopper, jamis, and some POS of a treak | | Bike Setup: | body gemortry saddle SPD peddles | | Bottom Line: | love this thing its been realy fun got too many flat spots on my rims cause Im 260+ and I want to do too much on this bike so Im going to a Big Hit I hope that it will hold up | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamsport PA USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ryder Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$385.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Riding position is great, the frame is really light, and shifters/brakes work great. Tires provide great traction, | | Weaknesses: | Brake seem to need adjusted quite a bit. Seem to have a problem with the rear brake always out of adjustment | | Bike Setup: | pretty much factory, except aluminum pedals with toe clips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bike for the money. My wife got a Gary Fisher Wahoo, and we love these bikes. Didn't cost us much money, and they are durable and fun to ride. The Marlin is light, and has some good components for the money. It shifts great, and the factory tires work well. Would recommend this bike to anyone looking to get into a good bottom line aluminum frame bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX. USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | OP Schanbel Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | Rideaway Bikes | | Strengths: | Strenght and durability. I'm 215 lbs and 6'4" and since i've been riding with an intermediate rider i've hit the terra ferma several times and the bike looks just like the day I bought it. Also, easy on the eye. | | Weaknesses: | Seat...Now I know why my rear has been sore the past couple of weeks. The saddle will be my next purchase. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I've caught the bug and really enjoy the sport. I just recently stopped with my martial arts due to family constraints and mountainbiking tops wearing a gi(white robe) anyday. Great sport and great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Søren Svennigsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Local forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | H.H Bicyckles | | Strengths: | Light and strong. Good components for the money. Genesis; very comfy. Good rims and strong breakes. Looks; it looks awesome! | | Weaknesses: | Seat; replace as soon as posible! | | Similar Products Used: | Univega Alpina 503. Mongoose Rockhopper. Batavus B1 Sydney | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for seat (San Marco Shot Fusion). Sigma Targa computer. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, one of the best mountainbikes i've ever ridden. The forks work very well for me.
This bike is highly recomended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan McAlinden
a
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The fast one with the bumps! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$485.00 | | Purchased At: | Outback in Atlanta | | Strengths: | Very light, tough, flickable bike | | Weaknesses: | Derailleurs a bit clunky until they wear in. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a Walmart special (Mtn Storm) to this is awesome. Brakes work so well they threw me over the bars on my first ride.
It's light, fast and makes me smile. I've got the 2003 model so they're replaced the seat everyone complains about and the Judy shocks have been replaced with I think it's Manitou's but can't remember for sure.
Totally recommended | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Wightman
a Weekend Warrior
from Kitchener, Ont., Canada
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath Waterloo | | Strengths: | Excelent climing bike, great Genesis frame, IRC Mythos tires have awesome traction in gravel and dirt. Very light 28.5 Lbs. Rear shifting is really quick and precise. | | Weaknesses: | Judys suck. Marzocchi MXC's on order. Shocks at to stiff, grabby and only work on drops over a foot. Front shifting is a bit hit and miss (Alvio). And as many have said before me the seat sucks. I had a new one purchased the day I ordered the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Rocky Mountain Fusion, Oryx Equip 90, Marin, Davinchi | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Mity 3 computer, Nightrider clasic lights, soon to have Bomber MXC forks. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike except for the Judys and the seat. The dealer has taken them apart and tried different greases and they still stick. Some times you can pick the front wheel off of the ground before the shock will pop back out. The LBS is buying them back from me and giveing me a great deal on the Marzocchi's. I can't belive how well it climbs. Hills that I would have to walk with my old bike (GT) I am now scaling much easier. Mine came with Alex TA19 rims and Alvio front shifter as factory upgrades. The tires are not good in the mud but excellent everywhere else. Overall a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Batchelor
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterford, MI
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake & Highland State Rec. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Scarlets schwin | | Strengths: | The brakes are excellent. The shocks work very well in very rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is as hard as a rock | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is excellent for a beginer. i couldn't have bought a better bike for under $500. i have put 110 miles on the bike (all of the miles are from trails) nothing has broke or bent yet. It's a very strong bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Wichterman
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Cloud MN USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$439.00 | | Purchased At: | Out-N-About Gear | | Strengths: | Excellent bike for the price. It has everything you need to get into some serious trail riding. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle that comes stock on the bike is worthless. Replace it as soon as possible. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for LX brakes, Bontrager saddle, XT front derailleur (stock derailleur blew out, shop upgraded me for free) LX crankset | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking to get into mountain biking, you can't go wrong with this bike. It has what you need to get through most trails without any problems. It's also easily upgradeable if you become more serious or just want a nicer ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a Weekend Warrior
from eastchester ny usa
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | bronx , ny | | Strengths: | Price, | | Weaknesses: | seat | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | for the money this is by for the best bike for a weekend warrior. hold s up well in some rough terrain. I go riding with guys with much higher in quality then me and stands the test.****** | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Champaign IL
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kickapoo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Champaign Cycle | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, capable, fun mountain bike | | Weaknesses: | Like everyone says, the seat is hard on your tail. Swap it out for something better. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock (except for the seat) | | Bottom Line: | I had a really hard time finding a good bike because I am only 5'2" tall, but the Marlin fit me perfectly (in extra small). I really enjoy this bike and would recommend it to anyone. It can handle more than I can dish out.
I didn't know if mountain biking would be a good hobby for me, but with the Marlin, I've ridden every day.
Sometimes, I peek into the garage, just to look at it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from tecumseh ontario canada
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1449.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | everything is great because u can do North Shore, XC, FR, small DH and everything else I love the Magura Julie disc brakes. shifting is great. great rims and tires | | Weaknesses: | if you get into higher end stuff you should get some Marzocchi's or Manitous and if you do not race then get a rock ring (blackspire ring god is great). seat is not great but it doesn't bother me. if you do lumpy stuff then get a suspension seatpost to take the ease off the rough stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | nil | | Bike Setup: | stock except for bash ring and the seat bag and 2 waterbottle cages. a pair of Marzocchi Bombers are going to be on soon. magura julie disc brakes (stock for disc version) | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for everything for xc to northshore. i would reccommend a suspension seatpost and a bashring if u like rough stuff. overall a great bike for value, performance and reliability. i give 5 flaming turds across the board!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce German
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD 21236
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$379.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeTime | | Strengths: | Excellent value, smooth shifting, genesis geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Seat - don't wait - trade it in for a gel seat before start riding it. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn - no comparison | | Bottom Line: | We were looking for a step up from our Schwinn/Walmart bikes as me and my two boys have gotten into weekend mountain biking. The problem was we did not want to spend a lot of money. The Fisher Marlin offers the beginnings of a great bike spec wise but at an affordable cost. We brought three of them and really enjoy mountain biking now. You get a lot for the money. Highly recommend - except get a better seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Weerheim
a Cross Country Rider
from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Extreamly comfortable ride, light bike, reasonably durable. able to keep up with friends with 1500-2000$ full suspension bikes without any trouble. | | Weaknesses: | front crank set, gone through 2 pairs now, i do alot of cross country riding and am rather hard on the bike and i've managed to warp the centre chain ring 2x and the upper one once. The back tire kinda sucks in muddier conditions, it fills up with mud and is like a slick at that point.
| | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back Sorento Sport, Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock, soon switching to a XTR 5 bolt crank set & disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | just got back into biking after a 3-4 year break and this bike is almost perfect.... i beat the snot outta it riding and it for the most part just takes it... needing tune ups here and there... i'm out on it a minimum of 5 days a week riding single track like a madman. Don't buy if you want to ride in town alot though, i've noticed on ashphalt the tires wear rather quick | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Malden MA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Loft | | Strengths: | Genesis Frame, strong brakes and rims, light frame and nice 2.1" stock tires | | Weaknesses: | seat! huts my bum after only 2-3 rides, already looking elsewhere. brake/shifter levers are very cheap plastic. came scratched out of the box. rather than return it and get a new bike ordered, just took it and some cash back from LBS. JudyTT seems weak | | Similar Products Used: | My old Specialized Hardrock, Fisher Level Betty at Mt Snow | | Bike Setup: | seat is going as soon as possible. also threw some Topo+ semi-slicks on for road riding | | Bottom Line: | i have only taken this bike on a few trails, just trying to get a feel for it. seems very nimble going up and down hills and the stock tires rip into the dirt to keep good traction. i can throw it around very well and am getting more confident with it after every ride. the genesis frame is a great improvement over my old standard Specialized frame. it is uber comfy riding on the streets and is far superior to my old bike on the trails as well. the only downfall is the components seem to be a bit chincy with low quality plastic covers. it was scratched out of the box, and will most likely get gouged up further with heavier trail riding. other than that it freakin rocks. you will not find a better bike for $400 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Meyers
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotia,NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Latham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeman's Bridge Sports | | Strengths: | This is my first mountain bike. I used to race bmx and simply out grew it. The Marlin is a sweet ride. My buddies and I ride some pretty intense, fast, curvey trails. The shifting is very smooth, helping the transition from flat to steep climb very helpful. The Genesis Geometry frame is great, and has saved my neck many times by keeping me back on the fame, with less chance of doing the "superman" over the bars. | | Weaknesses: | Once again, the seat is a little rough on the old rump. Thats really about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for bar ends, great for the climbs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great deal for the money. For anyone that wants to get out and really experience what trail riding is all about. You will thank and appreciate your Fisher after a true ride. I know I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Caudill
a Weekend Warrior
from Cavalier, ND
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheel's Sports | | Strengths: | This bike corners better than my car! The bike is much more adapt at taking tight turns than I am.
It cruises very well on straight, flat gravel roads, easily shifting to the highest gear. It is extremely stable at high speed (about 25mph). I really like the tires, which seem to be very apt at both singletrack and the aforementioned gravel roads. It also performs well on pavement.
Although some complain about the Judy front forks, I have never found a problem with them. I took a big hit on the front when I came across a very unexpected (it wasn't there yesterday) tree lying across the one trail near my house. The fork took the impact well.
The bike shifts well. It shifted much, much better than the Trek 4900, a fact that actually sold me on this bike. | | Weaknesses: | It could certainly be lighter. When you are forced to carry it, the way I was when I encountered the swamp that seemed to have evaded the cartographers, it will certainly let you know it is on you.
And as practically everyone else said, you have to get a new saddle or your going to wish you had buns of steel. I opted for a trek men's gel saddle, which is working rather well. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, 4500
Giant Iguana
Sears Specials (suck) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for gel saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I looked at all kinds of bikes before I bought mine. After riding them I was sold on the Fisher. It's cornering, shifting, and braking were much better than anything else in the price range. I highly recommend this bike to any weekend warrior or anyone just getting into biking. If you are a racer or someone who is going to carry this bike, you probably need to go with a lighter model in the Fisher line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rory
a Weekend Warrior
from Souderton, PA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Thorp & Stover | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | A light solid frame. Beefy tiers & pedals. All around good components. Genesis Geometry is great for the climes. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is not to friendly on your taint. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock A1, Trek 4500, Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | When I was looking on-line for the bike in my price rang, this was the one for me hands down. I never test rode the bike till I had it home. The next day I shed no mercy on the light 28.5lbs frame, and it hasn’t let me down since. This bike can clime any mountain you can handle. The Genesis Geometry should be called Genius Geometry. Its noticeably better then any frame I have ever ridden. It seems as though Gary Fisher thinks of every thing; even keeping the down tube free of derailleur cables so no rocks or branches can mess with them (my Diamondback and then GT were not set up this way). The RockShox TT is a nice touch for the suspension, although that will be a soon upgrade. Don’t get me wrong the RockShox are great, but you cant get a $400 RockShox on a $450 Gary Fisher. In conclusion, if your looking for a bike to take off road, through some creeks, and over some stumps & bumps this is a fine peace of machinery. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Traverse City, Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | BrickWheels | | Strengths: | I Like the Genesis frame geometry it seems to fit my body type better than any of the others I tested. | | Weaknesses: | the stock seat was changed after test riding and before taking it home. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new gel saddle and a Cats Eye Enduro computer. | | Bottom Line: | I know the Marlin does not have the highest end components, but they seem to shift very well and the brakes are great.The frame geometry just seem to fit me very well. I shopped around alot and tested many bikes, The Marlin also turned out to be the cheapest of the bikes I considered so, I feel I got a good bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, Missouri
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Light frame. (28 lbs!) Agressive suspension and components. Genesis Geometry is everything they claim it is! FAST! | | Weaknesses: | Horrendous seat dishes out corporal punishment with prejudice. High gear transition is a bit rough. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Factory. Upgrading seat. | | Bottom Line: | For the money, this may be the best all-around hardtail. It's excellent for everything but road riding, but if you're riding open road, why buy a mountain bike? Climbing, diving, cruising or just hard peddling, this bike handles like a work of frikkin' art. I thought that the genesis was a bunch of balderdash until I bought this bike... it isn't. This bike is so balanced that I feel like it's a part of me when I'm riding. At an impressive 28.5 pounds, I can throw this bike with one hand further than I can spit, and it's tough enough to take just about anything I dish out. 80mm shocks take the edge off most rocks, and shifting is effortless, though I've found a quick double clutch is necessary for a fast transition to high gears... but that's easy to get used to. The bike takes off like a rocket, stops on a dime, and in between is one helluva great ride. I highly recommend it for anyone look for something more than a sidewalk surf. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Ock
a Weekend Warrior
from Gotham
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great feel and secure handling make this bike good for both trail riding and leisure distance. Frame is solid and brakes are superb..The components work great with the bike considering the price u pay for it. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a pain in the arse. First upgrade get a new seat. | | Bottom Line: | If ur new to the mtb'ing scene, this bike will give u the confidence to attack trails with confidence and at the same time is comfortable enough on pavement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay
a Cross Country Rider
from nc
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails w/ jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | bycicles east | | Strengths: | great fork for the moey has great components that work well, is strong | | Weaknesses: | not to good of a suspension fork, it doesnt work for me becouse i am 12 and am not heavy enough | | Similar Products Used: | my dads schwinn rocket 88 stage 2 | | Bottom Line: | gret bike for the money, has good components,not a good suspension fork would give 5 chilis but not a good suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ronda Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ann Springs Close Greenway | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line - Charlotte, NC | | Strengths: | I love this bike! The frame is light, the gears shift smoothly, the brakes stop on a dime and the shocks make a huge difference in the ride vs. no shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Seat - changed that out the first day. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I recommend this bike for anyone wanting a great bike at a great price. Comes with excellent stock parts, but can be upgraded easily if needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Earl
a Cross Country Rider
from Azusa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Strengths: | Compared to what I used ten years ago the technology used for the bike is excellent. | | Weaknesses: | The seat will make you less of a man | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Raleigh | | Bike Setup: | stock parts, WTB Laser V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough about the bike. If this bike was around ten years ago I would have bought it for 1,000 much less the 400 right now. The Judy shocks are killer. I upgraded the seat. I plan to ride it down and maybe upgrade this to another gary fisher bike. Excellent value for a beginners' bike. The Genesis frame makes a great difference downhill. Brakes are more powerful than I expected so I have to be more careful. Otherwise, no regrets getting it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tracy
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee, Ft. Yargo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Spectacular bike for the money! Nice components, sparkely blue paint, flies up hills and around tight turns. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found one yet. Replaced hard man seat for ladies seat. | | Similar Products Used: | WalMart special. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox, Shimano Alivio 8SIS derailleur, Altus front derailleur, Shimano Acera shifters | | Bottom Line: | I went from a WalMart bike to the Fisher. Three months later I am still competely amazed at how great this bike is. I zoom around at UGA on it and then go straight to the trails and it is exceptionally well suited for both. My trail buddies ride various other brands and none are as happy with their bikes as I am with mine. I love this bike and every time I get on it I am thrilled with the quality. It shifts smoothly and is a great ride. As far as I am concerned, I don't know why there are other bike manufacturers. I rate this 5+ chilis!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Coffey
a Cross Country Rider
from Macon, GA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | East Macon park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Breakaway | | Strengths: | Price, quality, looks, and the Genesis design makes it a very comfortable bike for me to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Time Atac pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike. I've been looking for a bike for around 8 months now, just never being able to make a choice. I knew in the end I wanted a Fisher, but didn't know which one would suit me since I'm 6'4 and 210 lbs. Due to budget issues when I made a desision, I bought the Marlin, and its been great. My only complaint is when I shift, it doesnt shift smoothly, and will take awhile to engage. I can't shift while pedaling hard or it snaps. Overall great beginner bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from st louis mo.
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | chubb/ castlewood trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$415.00 | | Purchased At: | sunset cyclery | | Strengths: | price definatly ,genisis geometry ,usa made ,good parts over all | | Weaknesses: | the seat the last ten reveiws tell yo this too believe it! | | Similar Products Used: | trek4900,4500 giant iguana rainier, raleigh m60 m80 and other fisher bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock except seat changed to bontrager sport,and shimano m515 clipless pedals because clipless is the way to go ! | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awesome I love it after a three year hiatus from mountain biking this bike has psched me up again to ride like crazy .it was between this bike ,the trek's and the upgrade tasajara this bike had everything I wanted at a price I could afford the 4500 trek had just stock parts and was 15 dollars more the 4900 was the same except for the rear derailler and was 60 bills more the tasajara is 100 ! so the choice became ovious to me and I couldnt be happier .the genisis geometry was built for a guy like me so there you have it . its gary fishers best kept secret ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
burban
a Weekend Warrior
from Ma
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Western Cycle | | Strengths: | good frame, shocks, shifters | | Weaknesses: | none so far. | | Similar Products Used: | haro | | Bike Setup: | stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | i think this is a great bike for the price. the shifting is smooth and the bike climbs hills well. this bike is good for anyone looking for a good bike without spending a lot of money. the judy tt rock shox are real good and have done a good job absorbing the bumps. i have not had and complaints so far and don't see any in the future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew smith
a Weekend Warrior
from athens, ga. united states
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none yet | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | the hub | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, climbes incredibly well. Handles well, and very predictable. All components are of very high quality, and the bike shifts smoothly. Great fork with plenty of travel. Genesis geometry gives a very solid stable feel. | | Weaknesses: | The stock seat sucks!! I had to replace it the second day. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500
raleigh M-80 | | Bike Setup: | factory | | Bottom Line: | The best bike in this price range. Leaps and bounds better than the Trek and especially the Raleigh. The handling is great on the trail or crusing around downtown. I have acually had to call in sick so I could ride trails with my friends. I definetly recommend upgrading to a higher quality seat, but otherwise a wonderfull bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
garret walko
a Weekend Warrior
from white oak, pa, united states
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle works | | Strengths: | genesis geometry is great it climbs and decends very well,good suspension, all around good components. | | Weaknesses: | the seats a little hard but you can get use to it | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4200, 4500 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for someone that wants a really good bike but does not want to spend a whole lot of money. The parts are great and the genesis geometry makes it much easier to climb and descend.It is also very light. I havent rode it for a real long time but it seems to be able to take some hard riding, and the shifting is very smooth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos, Hardrock, Razorback | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$465.00 | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, nice fork, tires, and wheels | | Weaknesses: | weak cassette and front chain rings | | Bike Setup: | stock except an LX 9-speed upgrade | | Bottom Line: | Bike works very well climbing, decending or just flying through tight singletrack. I would recomend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Desrosiers
a Racer
from Jamestown
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Jamestown Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Lesses Bike shop | | Strengths: | this bike has all the makings of an awsome bike. This has to be the best bike to be the best bike i have ever ridden. IT's fast as crap and you can have fun rolling over all the trails with its good shocks and nice frame. The first time i rode it iI couldnt get off! | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Haro V2 | | Bike Setup: | Everything is stock | | Bottom Line: | If you are thinking about buying a new mountain bike you need to consider this bike. This bike is awesome, go out and get one today. Oh and have fun with what ever you pick! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marco
a Weekend Warrior
from Warren, MI
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Macomb bike and fitness | | Strengths: | Fits real well, shimano derailers, grips, genesis geometry | | Weaknesses: | Updgraded the seat when I bought it. I had to have the rock shox replaced, they were sticky. The new ones seem fine now. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Schwinn Mesa | | Bike Setup: | standard except for the seat upgrade to a nice Serfas seat | | Bottom Line: | I just started really getting into mountain biking this year with my son. I had a Schwinn Frontier which I liked but had ripped off. The more I got in to it the more I realized I wanted a higher quality bike, with out spending a ton of money. I ride it pretty hard when we go out and I must say it never misses a shift and seems to take a beating. It feels very solid and quiet the technical track. I can hardly wait to get out and ride this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairhope, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop ( Just Ridin') | | Strengths: | Components overall for beginner MTB, Genesis geometry | | Weaknesses: | Research (and rear end) found that seat needed changing (which I did) | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Factory equipped, added Trek seat, blackburn bullet seatbag, Sigma Targa Computer, Topeak Mini-Master Blaster, Fisher Water Bottle and Bracket | | Bottom Line: | Not having rode a bicyle for years (road biking 25 years ago)started researching what type MTB to buy. Looked at full suspension MTB at department stores.. found mtbreview on the internet and found out how bad a mistake that would have been. Finally after seeing what FS bikes were available for a novice MTB'r and what was in my budget, settled on a 2002 Trek Y26. After about a month of reading reviews, talking to a few guys that did have MTB's, I ordered a FS bike from my LBS. After waiting another 2 weeks and the bike still hadn't been shipped,(I had just bought my wife a one year old woman specific Gary Fisher Mamba and was wanting my bike!) I had a nagging feeling I needed to get a hardtail with a little better component package. Started looking at Trek 4500 and Fisher Tasahara... loved the Tasahara, again trying to stay in my budget, settled on the 2002 Gary Fisher Marlin. Very satisfied after riding about 100 miles. Great bike and great sport... looking forward to upgrading in a year or so. Will upgrade to Cane Creek Thud Buster suspension seat post soon. Considering the price range, component level, total value, past perfomance and personal experience of performance... I have to give this bike five flamin' chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Zanarini
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | walnut creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Discovery Cycle | | Strengths: | Good components for a beginner, solid frame, excellent price, made in USA. | | Weaknesses: | Seat sucks, replace it. Tires seem flimsy. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon '99. Tested Giant Iguana SE, Schwinn Mesa GSX, Haro ICS 3.0. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for upgrade seat and pedal straps | | Bottom Line: | Just started biking again and I love this bike. I ride it daily for commuting and weekend trails. Big improvement over the Rincon, more stable on downhills and quick turns and generally feels more solid. No problems with the derailures, shifting is simple. Rock Shox Judy TT hold my 200lbs. very well. Tires seem flimsy, always getting small thorn sized punctures, carry a patch kit and pump or replace them. Value is excellent if your starting out, I can't see spending more than this unless mtb'ing is your life. Value is easily a 5 and I'm giving overall a 5 as well, keeping in mind the rider category this bike is designed for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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