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Submitted by
Brian Maldonado
a Weekend Warrior
from Geneva, New York, USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Putnam RR Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Geneva Bicycle | | Strengths: | This is a bike which is exceptionally well spec'ed (OEM) and well sized and designed. I am 5'11" and with exception of long neck on bike fits me well. My bike is a large. This year is equipped with a Marzocci MXR Air fork which does have oil in the legs (Primary settings are done with a pump at both legs.) About 55psi is good and has external preload setting on bottom of right fork leg. This is as near to the perfect bicycle as you are likely to find. Frame has zirconium as an alloy agent, geometry is comfortable but on the quick side (long wheelbase but steepish head and post angles. Very generous tire clearance with low Q-factor) Please take time to review specs of this year or many of the subsequent offerings from Fisher in the 29er range. | | Weaknesses: | Comes with ATAC pedals. Buy some Nashbar platforms or Crank Bros. 5050. This will give your feet a break as there will be ample room to move your feet around as you ride 75 miles of combined on and off road terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Specialized Rockhopper, Fisher Zebrano 2003, modified after purchase | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Bontrager Crowbar handlebar and platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This really is the perfect production bicycle. Other years are not as fortunate. This bike is so good that you will find many negative product reviews of the componants as well as the bike itself. Be smart. Understand Bicycling 101 and then compare. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from G Raps, MI
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Chicago Drive Cycling | | Strengths: | Light Frame, Awesome Geometry, Light...great components group for price | | Weaknesses: | Low Bottom bracket height....oh well | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 GF Sugar 3+ : full custom build
2006 GF Biggins GED : also full custom | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Dues Crankset, XTR front and rear, bontrager race lite wheels. bontrager raceXlite carbon seatpost, race face nexus carbon bar, xt shifters, avid ultimate brake set | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome! After riding a full suspension for 3 years, the 29er takes up what the full sos did, plus i can make it even lighter weight. Climbs great, due to a sometimes too low bottom bracket, descends awesome, all around a great bike. If you live in a place where full sos isnt completly needed the 29er is a great way to go. Also, for the price off the bat it has a very good components group | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob White
a
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Good friend | | Strengths: | Stellar design with wicked handling around monstrous trees and folage. The light weight Aumumn frame allows for a next to nothing weight. | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher 96 mt. tam | | Bike Setup: | sick xtr everything, fatty head shocks, with alternat judy specails | | Bottom Line: | great bike if you want to smke yo friends in the da back woods | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Frick Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Pittsburgh Pro Bikes | | Strengths: | Great parts package, Genesis geometry, Nice wheels that roll fast. | | Weaknesses: | Limited availability of aftermarket forks, limited wheels/tire choice. | | Similar Products Used: | 01 GF sugar, 01 GF hkek | | Bike Setup: | XT shifters/levers, XTR rear der., XT front der. Bonty race crank, race stem, bars, seatpost, wheels. Marzocchi 3" travel fork with external rebound and air adjustment. | | Bottom Line: | Great riding bike. The 29er revolution is here, deal with it! The larger wheels roll over objects like they weren't there and maintain momentum to keep you going faster. It's almost like having a full suspension bike since it makes short work of rooty sections and steep downhills. The drivetrain shifts smoothly due to XT/XTR quality. Plus, Geneisis geometry works, it helps you climb better and descend faster. Some people have mentioned that this is a "big guy's" bike or that it climbs slower: that is just not true. Play with your shifting/gearing and learn that you can go faster with bigger wheels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Martha's Vineyard, Ma.
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The ones that make me crash | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Craig's Bicycles of Martha's Vineyard | | Strengths: | First Impressions- Slow turning/handling in tight spots at first, however, once acclimated to increase in wheel size, an incredible ride all around. | | Weaknesses: | Tried to find selection of tires online. Excel sports was the only site that I have found that offers 2 choices for 29ers. Is there other sites out there? | | Similar Products Used: | GT RTS and Gitane Cross bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock XTR/XT/Bopntrager race etc. | | Bottom Line: | I found this bike on a whim. I was looking for a hardtail and by chance came across a brand new MT TAM 29er that had been sitting in the basement of a friends shop. At $1000.00 bucks brand new with warranty, I could not pass up this opportunity with how the bike was spec'd. I am 5 foot 4 inches and am riding the SMALL. I am a triathlete/roadie/cross/but Mtn Biker 1st and absolutely love this bike.
Are there people out there who are still riding the 29ers in 2004? If anyone has info on the hotspots to get 29er goods, please forward the sites to me at trigeekmv@yahoo.com
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Ithaca, NY
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Wonderful bike! Precise shifting and braking. Climbs like a goat. I commute on it year round thru abusive conditions. Sometimes the gears froze after getting caked with slush and salt, but a rinse at the end of the day frees everything up. I don't deserve the performance it still provides. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager seat post cracked after 1.5 yr use. Bontrager cranks creak unless I tighten the bolts just to the shearing point. It took several sheared bolts until I learned just where it is. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear, XT front, Avid Single Digit V-pull brakes, Marzocchi Bomber shocks, Bontrager Race wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I'd buy it again for the riding I do - year round commuting over roads that look like a moonscape. I can't say how this would be on trails or in races, but it is the most reliable transport I've owned. It would have been out of my price range had I bought it new at list price with the components it has, but for $800 in excellent condition on eBay, I thought the value was excellent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Wow, gotta love the paint job. Pretty good mix of components. Climbs well and rolls over anything, think of it was a bike between a hardtail and full suspension due to its 29 inch wheels | | Weaknesses: | The big wheels hinder handling in tight areas. Not as easy to find parts for 29ers than the standard 26. The chain fell of twice after like 10 miles of riding. I dont think its due to a bad chain line, probably something got stuck that i didnt notice. | | Bottom Line: | Overall a good bike. If its your first time riding on 29ers than it takes time to get used too. You will feel high up at first. But it well roll over just about anything with ease. The only problem is handling in tight areas because the large wheel diameter takes more space to turn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ward Shooty
a Cross Country Rider
from smack dab in Lincoln Land,IL
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeman.com | | Strengths: | fast on trails and road still feels light even with discs nice paint | | Weaknesses: | pedals bang on things | | Similar Products Used: | surly karate monkey | | Bike Setup: | avid disc, salsa delgado-x, lx package, specialized clipless | | Bottom Line: | I bought the fork/frame used then built up. Though not large myself this bike seems a big persons bike. Sitting next to my friends Paragon (same 19" frame size) it seems like a much larger bike It seems a little harder to "throw around" on tight trails than a 26 but the speed... oh yes the speed makes it worth it. On the road and trails its fast fast fast I decided on the fisher frame (alloy) over the karate monkey (steel) and glad I did even with discs this still feels like a light bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Second Wind | | Strengths: | 29 inch tires are great! They roll over anything, climb like crazy, and go fast when you're just out spinning. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've noticed. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude | | Bike Setup: | Stock. It comes nicely set up, ready for some hard riding. | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommend this bike! I am a tall rider, 6'4", and it is terrific for me. I don't know any short people that ride this bike so I'm not sure if it performs the same for them or not. The geometry is great for true cross country riding. It is stiff and takes off like a shot and maintains speed well. The larger tires take some getting used to on the real technical stuff, like logs and rocks, but after a short break-in period you'll love the way it feels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bull Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Great ride, super smooth and fast. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found | | Similar Products Used: | Gt. Idrive, Moots, Specialized M2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with bar ends and Rock Shox suspension seat post. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great riding and handling bike. Any serious mountain biker doing cross country riding should take a serious look at one. It may take a little time to get used to but so does going from a BMX bike to a mountain bike. I was disapointed when I first got the bike because I was riding it like my other bikes. Once I got used to it (about a week) I wouldn't trade it for the world. If you can get one I would pick it up today, 2niners are here to stay! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | I love this bike, the 29's roll over everything with ease. Its stable at high speeds and I can clean technical uphills and downhills much easier than I could with a 26'er. I noticed it is harder to get the wheels up to speed, but that is equalled out by just choosing a lower gear. I never realized what I great rider I was until I bought this. My old bike was holding me back! | | Weaknesses: | Once again... I LOVE THIS BIKE... but here goes... The bottom bracket IS lower than the 26" versions. A buddy has an 2002 Big Sur and there is a definate height difference. I'm constantly whacking the pedals on everything I could normally clear on any 26!!! My rear freehub started making a bunch of noise recently (they sent me a complete wheel-warranty). Wheels seem easier to bend than a 26... most likely due to the longer spokes. Its a pain to find anyone local (including Fisher dealers) who stock any 29" tires or tubes! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with a Cane Creek Thudbuster (it was a pain to find a shim). I'm thinking of going tubeless pretty soon! | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, wouldn't trade it for anything... well, maybe a Supercaliber 29 or a Sugar 292/293 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Fitzpatrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Lewiston
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wonderdog | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | B&L Bicycles, Pullman, Washington | | Strengths: | very stable, very fast, surprisingly lightweight, despite wheel and tire size, also very versatile, uses a 700c wheel so narrow fast tires can be put on for a screaming fast hybrid or it makes a good touring bike. | | Weaknesses: | None, many people are concerned about availability of tires but I see that there are 5 different manufactuers for them now. Other complaints I've read are the fork choices but in my opinion Bombers are the best, least maintenance of any fork I've ever used. | | Similar Products Used: | multiple Fisher steel hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for changing drivetrain to SRAM 9.0 | | Bottom Line: | I have found the bike to be better in all situations. Theoretically, the wheels should be more difficult to accelerate but that has not been my experience. I don't know why but I find that it climbs better than a 26" tire, particularly in steep stuff, could be the larger tire footprint provides more traction. I find that it really excells in loose, twisty downhill areas. I have never felt so confident as I have with this bike. I've read other reviewers complaints that it is slower in tight and twisty single track, again, that is not my experience, with the bike being so much more stable and find that I'm able to go through these areas much easier than I could previously. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam, the Fat Kid's Buddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage Alaska
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ones that go up and up and up | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Smooth, Fast and Hoopy | | Weaknesses: | Aluminum frame, steel would be better | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing even comes close | | Bike Setup: | Race Face cranks, King head set, Sram 9.0 brakes and levers, Easton Carbon flat bar, Thompson post, egg beaters, Velocity Dyad rims on XTR (vintage 1993) Hubs, 36 spokes, Sram X.O shifters, World Class ti BB, Wtb Tri lite saddle, everything else (stem, fork and frame) is box stock baby. | | Bottom Line: | I just read the Fat Kid's review and had to post this since I bought his 29"er this summer when he came to visit me. I have continued to trick it out a bit but it came with lite, reliable parts, very nicely set up.
I love this bike. It was made for Alaska or anywhere with wide open spaces. It also carves up the singletrack like Thanksgiving turkey. No snow yet this year so I don't know how it will compare to a 26er in snow but it seems like it will be better. Not a good selection of winter treads though.
I rode a steel Breezer for about 10 years then on a trip back east two years ago the fat kid let me borrow his sugar. Loved it, bought one. The sugar is a nice all around bike and actually replaced the Breezer for a while. Then I rode the 29er. I was never really sold on the full suspension thing. I liked my steel bike. The 29er splits the difference perfectly. It is not as smooth as a sugar but it is smooth enough for me.
The 29er is the perfect trail bike. Rock solid and reliable but fast and comfy too. My only gripe is why is this thing made out of Aluminum. It makes no sense to build an all day adventure bike with a stiff racer type frame. A steel frame would really put this ride over the top. Until then I am looking for a suspension seat post.
Anyone who wants a real mtn bike should buy this bike, 29ers are the future, ride them or you will be passed (past). Sorry couldn't resist the pun.... Also don't believe the hype that they are for tall folks, I am five feet eight inches tall and the med Mt. Tam fits fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
the fat Kid
a Cross Country Rider
from Renselaerville, NY
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Downtube albany NY | | Strengths: | Flipping Green Paint | | Weaknesses: | rotating weight | | Similar Products Used: | No other 29er, Fishers cannondales treks specilazied etc.... | | Bike Setup: | the first one was all tricked out... the second one stock | | Bottom Line: | the 29er in a nut shell..acutally it wouldn't fit the wheels are too damn big. I have been waiting to review the 29er until i spent ample time on it so i could give a real opinion. Not one of these "I demo it and it is the greatest bike ever..buy one" Or "I saw my buddy's and it sucked" I've read all the reviews on this site, as well as all the paid advertisments, guised as bike review in all your favorite bike mags like Mountain Bike Fiction. Here is What I found out after a year in the saddle...The big Wheel are definately differnet! it is one fast bike!( one rotation of the wheel covers a lot more distance then a standard 26 inch wheel.) it require more work to get it through tight single track, and it does roll over roots and rock with ease. I wouldn't say it it feels like a sugar because i had a couple of thoes and they still are my favorite bike, but it was on this big wheeled freak that i won the rock garden challenge at a local MT bike fest. It was my second time winning it, but the first time anyone has ever rode out the other side of it. The big wheel take a little getting use to, your front end wants to dive when you go off big drop, the bigger wheel require you to have to get you weight back farther to get past the center of the hub.This is true when you hit big air on the trail as well. (you quickly get use to it) It is a very stable bike, and like to be laid over in a corner, the wieght of the wheels act like gyroscopes and keep the bike from going over. Altough I have laid it over too far..ouch! On the other hand it is the weight of the wheels that make this bike a bear on the long climb. Heavier tire put the rotating weight right where you don't want it. lose your spin an this bike gets heavy.(use hybride tubes to save wieght and a 170 crank to help keep the spin.)But on the flip side the 29ers giant wheels have a larger contact patch that give you better traction on the climb so you can climb steeper stuff.
All said an done I didn't fall in truely apreciate the 29er until i spent two week riding in alaska. This Bike eats up alaskan single track. I went to alaska with both my sugar and the 29er and only came home with the sugar because my buddy had to have my 29er after a couple of ride. so I bought a new one when I came home. It is a fast fun bike that takes the edge off the trail and gives you a confident stable ride. Passing fad or here to stay? I think you will find the 29er will have it place on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | That one... | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Supergo - prize winna! | | Strengths: | Light, fast, fun, smooth, less potential for accidental endos, and rolls over ALOT. | | Weaknesses: | Headset needed to be replaced, tires are hard to find.... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon '98 | | Bike Setup: | Stock + bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I was lucky enough to win a drawing from Supergo and got this bike for free. It has been a pleasure to ride, and has reduced the number of times I have had close encounters btwn my head and a rock (less endos). The bike rolls over rocks much easier than a 26" and climbs easily. I had to get the headset replaced, it came loose several times, but Supergo's staff even took care of that. I really enjoy the 29'er, I HIGHLY recommend trying/buying it, I doubt I will ever go back to 26....oh yea, buy a spare tire anytime you see one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gruzzy
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Trek | | Strengths: | Fast, goes up and down as wel or better than a 26"er, handling as god as a 26"er. | | Weaknesses: | Lack of different fork manufacturers. Tires and tubes available at any good shop. | | Similar Products Used: | No other 29"er. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I debated on buying this bike. One mechanic at the shop I work at has a love/hate relationship with the 29"er's. I read the reviews here, seems those who demo'd it only generally didn't like it. As with any bike, not everyone will like it.
To me the bike went up as well as my homiegrown (much sadness) and descended just a little better (more sadness). It handles like a 26"er in the tight stuff, too me at least. We have a demo bike at our shop we loan to people and everyone who rides it wants one, regardless of skill level. Bottom line: test it for more than one ride before you buy it (or talk to someone you trust who has experience with it) or POST A REVIEW. It's a good bike that you get out of what you put into. I like my bike, may be you will too. Happy 29"ing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James McMillan
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dog Lake/Great Western Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Golsan Cycles (SLC) | | Strengths: | I received this bike for my birthday (from my wife), and it is the greatest gift I have ever received. Gary Fisher has really outdone himself with these 29ers! My Mt. Tam rolls over everything (well, almost everything)! It is a great climber, and really fast on the flats. Another bonus is that I have not yet had a flat (knock-on-wood). The Salt Lake area has some very sharp, rocky trails, and pinch flats are fairly common (even at 60psi). This bike is great for riders (at all levels) who want a great x-country riding experience.
I took my Mt. Tam out on the White Rim Trail (Canyonlands N.P.) last weekend and really cruised (the trail is about 100 miles long). Our group did ~75 miles in 3 days, w/ rain and head-winds (we had to bail due to rain on the last 25 miles). I noticed that the ride was much smoother for me than for my 26"-riding counterparts. Bumpy slickrock sections were smoothed out w/ larger wheels. Additionally, descents over slickrock steps were really smooth w/ the Marzocchi MXR shock and the 29" wheels. I would say the Mt. Tam or any of the new 29ers coming out in 2003 would be ideal for the White Rim.
Lastly, you can use this bike for a pick-up line at parties:
"I was riding with my 29-incher all day long, and boy am I tired."
[to which she replies, "Ooooo! 29 inches! You're such a stud!"]
| | Weaknesses: | The 29" wheels do not track as well on sharp switchbacks as a 26" wheels (but downhills are smooth and fast, so it's worth it!). The wheels add some weight, so if you are a weight freak, then this bike is not for you. As with all aluminum-framed bikes, this bike is a little stiff in the rear (but Fisher is coming out with a 29" Sugar for 2003, so save your bucks). | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Sorrento (1st MTB)
Giant Sedona (2nd MTB)
Fisher CR-7 (3rd MTB) | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MXR 29 shock
Bontrager Race wheelset; IRC Notos tires (29x2.1)
Bontrager Race crankset (Isis drive)
XTR rear der.; XT front der., shifters, & brake levers
Avid Single-digit 5 brakes
Bontrager seat post; Selle Italia Flite saddle*
Shimano 737 pedals*
Onza climbing bars*
*from my old setup
| | Bottom Line: | Rides like a dream: fast descents, fast climbs, fast on the flats. Well-spec'd. Buy a 29er for your next mtb -- you will love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern California
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Terrific traction, smooth ride, great on anything rough or loose. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find tires & tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Rode a 29er at Interbike. Then stopped at my LBS and they had just one, on sale, in my size and I love the "Flipping Green" color. Got a super discount (they asked me not to tell just how cheap I got it) and I was off.
This thing is amazing for climbing technical sections. Some of those steep, loose, rutted sections I could never clean before are no problem now. I make it when my stronger buddies can't. I've gotten out of ruts that would have tossed me on a 26" wheel. Those slight uphill sandy stretches I used to avoid are easy now. Once you get the tire pressure right (pinch-free at 35 psi), the ride is so smooth I'm thinking of selling the full suspension bike.
Honestly, I'm surprised how well this 29" thing works. It has given me new confidence on the tough sections. And, by the way, the big wheels just roll faster and better on the easy stuff. While the tight turns are a bit harder to steer through, the extra traction makes those sloppy, rutted switchbacks easier.
Anyone who hasn't already convinced himself otherwise beforehand is going to really like riding a 29. Just wait 'til you try it on that one section that has always given you trouble! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Racer
from Naperville
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Technical Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Rented in Las Vegas | | Strengths: | Rolls over small rocks easily, provides a smoother ride over general rough trails. | | Weaknesses: | Slow handling, poor tracking, poor climbing ability, poor gearing. Fork has lousy rebound control. Where would you find new tires? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek OCLV Hardtail w/Eko Air internals in a Judy SL. | | Bike Setup: | XT group, Marzocchi Bomber 80/100 Fork | | Bottom Line: | Visiting Las Vegas and rented the Mt. Tam 29 because it was the only frame left in my size (17.5). It was okay on the flat staight stuff, generally the really easy stuff where you see the elder couples riding on their hybrids stored on the back of their motorhome. Took the turns pretty smooth if you set it up properly, but had a general oversteer that was annoying through anything else. When anything got hard, like steep climbs, picking through large rocks, quick turning, the Mt. Tam really suffered. Absolutely hated it. Preferred to use the way too-small bike that my girlfriend was riding over the technicals because I knew that the bike could at least handle right.
The Mt. Tam had a poor gearing choice, using gearing intended for a 26 inch wheel with wheels that are 3 inches bigger in diameter. There just is not enough low end range to do anything other than ride on level fire roads. The bigger wheels also make control over the rocks and logs difficult because the wheel now has a longer moment arm, letting the obsticle throw your steering off. Steering response also suffers because of this larger wheel diameter, making twisties not as fun.
As for the Marzocchi fork, it was not very plush, but then again, I use the Eko Air, which has been a great product, and never really dealt with Marzocchi, so maybe I'm just an idiot and had the rebound set wrong.
I personally think that people should not buy into the hype every bicycle manufactures spews out when it creates some new "evolution" in order to pump up it's sagging sales. This bike is no exception and I would be suprised to see thing last on the market for more than a few generations. Gary needs to stop fooling around with bikes and perhaps spend more time trying to prevent the closure of trails. (Check out the Mt. Tamapolis history. This bike was named after that trail.) I always say that there is a reason why things are traditional - because they work. Maybe this bike works for larger people, but it is definitely not made for someone under 5'10". | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh,PA 15235
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Swallow Falls,Deep Creek State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works | | Strengths: | Fast,Fast,Fast.Great climber,good handling and great stock components. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are horriable over wet roots and rock gardens. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 90,Trek 8000,Gary fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Stock, headed for a new pair of tires !! | | Bottom Line: | This is the ultimate bike for a big guy(220 lbs or larger).It soaks up the rough stuff alot more than the 26' wheel.The Mt.Tam is awesome climbing hills and very fast.The tight stuff just needs a little getting used to,and your good to go.Shifting is crisp,very comfortable.You don't feel like you on top of a bldg.looking down.The bike gives you a feeling that your sitting in a cock pit of a race car.
I'm a true believer in the 29er and the genisis geometry.
The tires are pathetic in the wet stuff.
The MT.TAM is Awesome !!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dd3
a Cross Country Rider
from Murrieta, CA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | private party internet sale | | Strengths: | Big wheels roll over obstacles easier and keep their momentum better.
Lower center of gravity due to bb being lower in relation to the hubs because of the bigger wheels = better handling
Ability to run lower air pressure = more traction and smoother ride | | Weaknesses: | Heavier wheels although the weight of the wheels seem to be offset somewhat by the fact that once the wheels start rolling, they want to keep their momentum even when going uphill.
Slower handling but as a practical matter it seems like something that won't be a problem once you get used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC hardtail
Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For a tall guy like me (6'2" w/ a 36" inseam) this bike is a dream come true. I don't feel like I'm sitting on a skyscraper anymore. You won't go faster downhill on any other hardtail bike & this bike just plain rips it up on rolling terrain. It's also a great climber on the technical stuff. The bike is remarkably smooth for a hardtail because of the bigger wheels, longer wheelbase, and the ability to run lower air pressure in the tires. I love riding this bike and I am racing it as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Petaluma, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine Mountain Loop (Marin) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | See below | | Weaknesses: | Some people complain about the wheels, but after a few strange break-in noises, they've been fine as far as I can tell. They're holding true. I only weigh 175 with a full camelback, so that probably helps. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Ziggurat | | Bike Setup: | Several choice upgrades, as if you care. | | Bottom Line: | I've taken my Fisher Mt. Tam on about 12 good rides now. My other bike is a Fisher Ziggurat (26 inch AL Genesis hardtail), so other than the wheel sizes, the bikes are similar. I think this makes for a good comparison. I can't offer you a comparison between the 29er and a full suspension rig because I haven't ridden enough FS bikes to make a valid comparison.
Ok, to start with, much is said about increased rotational mass and inertia, but as a practical matter I don't know how much of it is relevant. I suppose a lot depends on your riding style, so I suppose I should describe mine. I ride 70% fireroad, 30% single track. I don't do big drops and I don't like going really fast downhill (I'm 43 years old and have mouths to feed). I like my hills UP, long, steep, and rough. I guess I'm more of a fitness rider than a technical rider. Are you asleep yet?
Okay, here's what I've noticed about the 29er (the Tam) compared to my 26er (the Ziggy):
1. It's the ultimate climbing machine. I can ride up stuff that I'd have to walk on my Ziggy. Traction is way better and there's far less resistance when you hit rocks and stuff. Instead of bouncing off the rough stuff, you just roll over it.
2. At least some technical stuff is easier. As I said, I don't do a lot of it, but I've found myself clearing areas without a dab that used to give me of trouble on my Ziggy. Again, instead of bouncing, dragging and pushing your way over stuff, you just kinda roll. Also it's easier to maintain your momentum.
3. It's stable and confidence-inspiring going downhill. It goes right where it's pointed and stays on track with less effort on my part. In fact, I recently found myself going too fast and riding beyond my abilities. Fortunately, I verred off into an adjacent meadow and was able to slow down before I got into real trouble. On my Ziggy, because of the way the thing bucks and hunts, I never would've gone that fast in the first place.
4. The front end is heavier. Definitely harder to pick it up. On the other hand, though, I find myself needing to pick it up less.
5. Acceleration. Many talk about the greater inertial mass causing slower acceleration. I haven't detected an appreciable difference, but then I don't make all-out sprints from corner to corner.
6. Manueverability. Many say they're harder to handle in a tight spot. So I decided to put that to the test. I created a little technical riding course in my garage with ramps and obstacles- obstacles like the walls, my work bench, a foosball table, etc. I practiced first on my Ziggy, and got the feel for it. Then I tried it on my Tam. At first the Tam did feel a little clumsy, and I thought, "yeah, just like they say". But I stuck with it and once I got used to the different feel, I found I could do anything on the Tam that I was able to do on the Ziggy. I just had to get used to the different feel. I switched back and forth between the two several times to confirm my impressions.
7. Another opinion: I let a friend of mine try it. He rides a 26 inch hardtail. He rode my Tam for about one mile over rough terrain and now he wants one.
I think the bike is great, but I also think like all mountain bike stuff it's overpriced. That is, if you buy it retail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Fargo
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Medora | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Rolls over obstacles nice, climbing in Mud | | Weaknesses: | getting speed and rotational weight | | Similar Products Used: | 26 inchers | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I had the bike for the day, on the gravel rode I noticed the speed diffrence but climbing up I noticed it was hard to accelerate and get up to speed going up, it felt like I was pushing a bigger gear. I don't think the 29ers are where it's at to much rotational weight. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mopac | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Lincoln Bycycle Company | | Strengths: | Fast bike, getting up to speed didn't seem to take that long for me. Sturdy, very rigid, felt very strong. Nothing wobbled unlike my older Diamond Back. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting gears on the bottom bracket seemed to hesitate just a little. It might have been how I was riding and shifting. The handles bars could've been a little wider, but I might not be used to it yet. Until I tested today, I hadn't riden a bike in over 2 years. Wheel relfector was vibrating. (Easy Fix) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Diamond Back, Raleigh. | | Bottom Line: | I was very impressed. Got up to speed very quickly in my opinion. Shifting thru all 9 gears on the cassette was flawless and quick. I've read reviews here that some people thought the bike didn't turn as fast as it should, I felt this was fine. Braking and turning was spot on for me. I do hope that Fisher is planning a Two-Niner with disc brakes for 2003. If so, I'll buy then. I feel that any big guy, 6' or taller and 250 lbs or larger should try this bike first before any other. The feel, the ride was wonderful for this guy that's 6'4" @ 310lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Landon
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica CA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Rolls fast, climbs like a 4 wheeled drive truck, descends fast. Comfy wheels, great(except for stock wheels) spec | | Weaknesses: | The stock wheels. And why doesn't Fisher supply the bolt-on disc brake mount? | | Similar Products Used: | Kelly steel hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock, except I upgraded to a Thomson stem, Speedplay frogs, my trusty old Bontrager seat and new wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. It's by far the most comfortable hardtail I've owned and the 29" wheels ride far better than the old 26" standard. As others have said the traction from the big wheels is amazing. For me, the bike feels quick and handles well in singletrack. It take a bit more energy to climb fire roads, but it's helping me get into better shape. The stock wheels are flexy and I had to swap those out. It fits my riding style to a T. Fisher has defintely nailed the geometry down, as it feels just like my steel 26" but with bigger wheels. Only downsides I can think of are the stock wheels and the aluminum frame (I love steel bikes). This is defintely not a fad bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Virgil, Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | shorthills | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The 29" wheels are awesome, they could roll over little children and you wouldn't notice. once you get it up to speed it flys, love the bomber front fork and the xtr. It is also an excelent climber | | Weaknesses: | The turning is a little slow and the handling didn't impress me that much overall. slow to get up to speed | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fischer 29er superlite | | Bottom Line: | excelent bike for a bigger rider over 6 feet tall | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Racer
from Ann Arbor MI
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Vasa Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | raced at race | | Strengths: | The big wheels role(sp) nicely over the hardpack. Climbs nicely and a good sprinter | | Weaknesses: | The fork wasn't plush compared to my fox fork on my other bike. This bike is VERY stiff | | Similar Products Used: | trek 7000, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC comp | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike and the 29" wheels are nice and fast. I'm not a fan of marazoochi forks and maby that's just b/c i haven't ridden them much. I rode this in a race b/c my baby FSR was broken and i didn't want to hurt it so i rode this bike from one of the bike co stands. It sent me to 2nd place in my class. I only missed first by 6 secodns in a TT. I don't know how much this bike costs but i like my FSR a lot better!!! Now if i can only get my FSR with 29" wheels, and keep the fox forx | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dean
a Weekend Warrior
from wisconsin
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | for the big man and tall man | | Weaknesses: | lower bb then a normal 26" | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock demo | | Bottom Line: | im old, fat and out of shape but i like to ride. i demo'ed the xl frame at pedro's fest wisconsin for about 3 hours of all kind of riding. it's faster on the road (going to the trail). on the trail it rides great,it seems to keep its speed up, more momentium with less fatige. the bottom bracket is lower then a 26" i hit a lot of roots and rocks. more then i normaly hit with my 180mm cranks. it climbs great,and when you do get up off the seat and really hammer it seems that im more ballanced and spread out for more leverage. and the steep slow downhill and switchbacks were no problem. didn't even come close to doing a header.
and it's pretty light too for $1600. i wish i could just buy the frame aspend another $2000 and have a light axx kicking ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scot Douglas
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I think it climbs better than my 26" bikes and rolls pretty damn fast too. Don't tease me - I like the paint too! | | Weaknesses: | The IRC Notos tires SUCK on roots! Wet and dry (though wet really sucks) roots send the front wheel in unpredictable directions. I'm looking forward to getting some different tires ASAP. In the IRCs defense, they rock on hardpack, mud, and tacky stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Similar to a 29"? ;) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT cogset and speedplay pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Definitely worth a try if you can ride one. I borrowed my mechanic's bike at a 24 hour race this year and immediately loved it. I sold my SC chameleon and bought a Mt. Tam a week later. I feel faster on the bike (I don't notice slower acceleration, but I've not sprinted against others on this bike) and it handles much like my other 26" bikes do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Buck Ridge, Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice components, great fork ,light for a big-wheeled bike.
Decent handler on singletrack, climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket is toooooo low, for my taste anyway. Are they making tubes for this thing? I had a skinny hybrid tube explode on me resulting in a beastly long walk, you know none of your buds will have a spare tube for you, so beware!
| | Similar Products Used: | Have owned many bikes, Trek 930,Cannondale Killer V,Balance AL750, Norco TNT, Rocky Mountain Element | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | My favourite bike for years has been a Tange Ultimate framed Norco TNT. This bike was twitchy in the extreme and very fast. The shift from cromoly to aluminum worried me but these fears have proved unfounded. This is a comfortable bike to ride. I'm about 6 foot, 240 pounds, and I could ride this baby all day. For the first week the steering felt unbelievably weird. The gyroscopic effect was so evident after the quick handling Norco. I seriously questioned my decision, but after a short time, I felt as comfortable as ever. I wonder how strong the wheels will be when someone my size decides to air it out. I guess we'll see. I cannot fault the handling of this bike in any situation I have encountered yet, but this is not a North-shore style bike. For crosscountry riders over varied terrain, this one's the ticket. In the words of Creedence Clearwater Revival ,"Big wheels keep on turnin', Proud Mary keep on burnin'" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Redondo Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Control on the trail. The wheel size is right on. It gives much more control then my 26. The bike gives you confidence on tackling obstacles. | | Weaknesses: | Finding tires and tubes. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike the 29 really is not a gimmick! The bike blasts on the downhill. I really think the bike is faster than a 26. It storms over obstacles and much more control on gravel and sand. I hope that this catches on so replacement products will be available in greater quantities. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Drew
a Racer
from Stratford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Trumbull valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | the shop I work at | | Strengths: | With the 29" wheels you roll over everything. The tracktion you get on climbs is unbelievable. Another thing with the bigger wheels is that you can pick a completely different line which is good for passing. It just feels a little odd on drop-offs....Very good for both weakend warriors and racers....Not good for beginers | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness is it takes a little longer to accelerate. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is the most fun mountain bike that I've ever owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All over the Boise Foothills | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | World Cycle Demo Day | | Strengths: | My riding bud and I demo'ed a couple Mt Tam 29's at a demo day. We both remarked.."holy cow!!..this baby climbs and I'm not even winded" That was our biggest impression. With the bigger wheels we both noticed on climbs that it seems to have a faster forward rolling speed vs. the amount of effort applied to the pedals. We found ourselves passing a pack of people on 26-inch wheel Sugar's at a pretty good clip that started out way ahead of us on a long climb. And believe me, neither of us are in peak physical conditioning. In easy climbing gears it seems to roll faster which could be a big (and almost unfair) advantage in a race situation. I'd love to try a 29 incher in a race. After the Mt Tam 29, I demo'ed a Sugar 1 and to my surprise found myself missing the 29 inch tires. The 29-inch wheels don't seem to add much if any noticeable weight. Can you Fisher guys make this in a full suspension like a Sugar with the same geometry and with some nice components and keep the weight down? Easy huh? If you can...you would have what I would almost consider "the perfect bike". It was also better rolling through sand and gravel. Coming over rollers you didn't have to push the front wheel down as far. The 29 inchers seem like they would be an especially good choice for bigger or taller riders. My friend and I are 6'1" and 6'2" and we rode XL frames. We didn't have any problems getting up to speed. It just felt like a normal bike to us that way. | | Weaknesses: | I've always ridden a full suspension bike and I'm not used to being bounced around on rocky stuff. My friend, a long time hard tail/bmx rider had no problems with this. I've been spoiled. I could see me as having this as my second bike. My friend just wants one. At this point in time I would think wheel, tire, and tube availability might be an issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3 stock | | Bottom Line: | If Fisher could make a 29-inch Sugar 1 or 2 or something like it...I would have to upgrade. I'm not easily impressed and I'm far from being a pro mountain biker, but my bud and I WERE impressed by this bike. I'd like to hear what other people think. Demo one and write in. Me personally, I would be very surprised if 29-inch mountain bike wheels are not the future. To me 29 inches make mountain biking even more fun. This was a sweet ride!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael VanKeuren
a Racer
from Dallas, Texas. USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I haven't ridden | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | champions cyclery, Houston | | Strengths: | Well spec'd components, Light for a large bike, SMOOOOOOOOOTH over rough stuff. A lot of high end parts at a mid level price | | Weaknesses: | Availability of tires tubes and wheel parts | | Similar Products Used: | Trek stp 300, Surly 1x1 custom, Klein Mantra Race, Stumpjumper... and many more | | Bike Setup: | Box Stock, large | | Bottom Line: | At first I wasn't sure about the handling, but the more i re-learn to ride and let the bike do its thing the faster and quicker it rides/handles. 12 years on a 26" is a hard thing to unlearn.. It rides smoother than my old STP and the genisis geometry is awsome. It does Take a little more effort to get up to speed, but when your there, hang on!! I don't even realize that I'm rolling over roots and rocks that caused stutters on my other bikes. And it would make an awsome dual purpose bike with a set of road wheels.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Medford, Or.
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | High Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | cycle sport | | Strengths: | big wheels, component group, geometry. | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet, or expected | | Similar Products Used: | No 29" wheeled bikes, but have owned Raleigh, Trek & Ibis | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for bar ends & XT cassette | | Bottom Line: | After 50+ miles since I received this bike I have nothing but good things to say. Most of the miles are on forest roads w15 miles of singletrack. I have never bombed down these tracks so confidently before, just grooves through the turns, washboards or uneven trail goes unnoticed. I've not used the clipless pedal system before, so that is holding me back a bit on the singletrack; also my first bike w/a front shock. I like it! I am a bit worried about the frame's durability and fit (I'm 6-6, 225), but will make it work if at all possible. The low center of gravity & 29" wheels seem to be the ticket. Yes, it takes some time to get up to speed, just grab hold & let 'er roll when you're there! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GREGG
a Weekend Warrior
from THOSAND OAKS, CA,USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | WILDWOOD PARK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO | | Strengths: | Gary Fisher is a genius! When i first rode a bike with genesis geometry i knew he was a great desiger. Now that i've been riding a project 29 i'm convinced he's brilliant.
The improvement in traction and control that come from the larger diameter wheels is staggering. I've been able to ride over technical sections with the 29" mt. tam that i always had to walk through with my 26" big sur.
While other reviews have faulted the 29's single trak ability, my experience has been the opposite. On my favorite local climb i've been able clear switchbacks on the 29" that ALWAYS stopped my 26".
While many mere mortals have slaved away for the last decade trying to improve control and traction by perfecting rear suspension it took a genius to figure out that changing wheel diameter was the answer. I come home after every ride amazed at what a huge difference wheel size makes.
Traction, comfort and control like full suspension, lighweight efficiency of hardtail- i'm in heaven!
| | Weaknesses: | where do you get tubes, tires, rims? better buy your Fisher rep. a six pack. | | Bottom Line: | 26" wheel = two wheel drive truck
29" wheel = rocket powered half-track | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T Ford
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle in Tucson | | Strengths: | Big a$$ wheels and very nice components. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock, added side bars. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is worth every penny. Rolls over anything. The bike sets you down more in the wheelbase and allows for a more planted feel with a lower center of gravity. It is obviously going to be more difficult to turn in tight spots because of the larger wheels, but this affect is the only downside and I believe the upsides much outweigh the one downside. Gary Fisher is a smart mofo and I think he's on to something big. 29ers will more than likely not take over completeely, but you can bet we will start to see options for 29" wheels on new bikes. If you are thinking about a hardtail this one has got to be in your top 3. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bern
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrisburg,PA,USA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Similar Products Used: | There are no similar products to my knowledge | | Bottom Line: | This bike is to mountain biking what shaped skis are to skiing:it will revolutionize the sport. 26" wheels will be obsolete in a few years. There is simply no downside. They clear things I wouldn't even try before;uphills,downhills,rockgardens,logs,etc. It rides almost as soft as a hardtail w/ much better control. You are making a serious mistake if you buy anything else without riding this bike a couple of times(do not make a decision based on a few minutes-it will feel weird at first). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Mondello
a Racer
from St. Augustine,FL
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | belleview | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Big wheels really smooth out the bumps, close to the effect of riding a full suspension. Once up to speed, this bike was amazing. | | Weaknesses: | A little slow in tight, steep single-trac and a takes more effort to get up to speed | | Similar Products Used: | No other 29" wheeled bike, maybe my road bike, as it was about as fast as it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Mt. Tam 29" | | Bottom Line: | I was lucky enough to race this bike in the last race of the Florida State Championship Series on 12-16-2001. I talked the Gary Fisher Rep., Bob ? into letting me race this bike, as my regular full suspension bike broke earlier in the season. Bob set me up with the 29" about thirty min. before the race, told me what to expect and how to ride it to take advantage of the 29" wheels. I shocked the guys at the starting line, not knowning what to expect, well after the first 100', this bike was up to speed and I got the holeshot and never looked back. I can't believe I was able to win a race on a bike I had never ridden before, but that bike made the difference. The race course which is usually pretty rough on a hardtail, felt relativly smooth. I think with a little more time in the saddle, I could learn to ride the bike faster in all conditions. I recommend this bike to anyone who is tired of the beatings thier hardtails handout, but don't want full suspension. It is a very good compromise between the two. Thank You Bob ? of Gary Fisher Bicycles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Matthews,NC USA
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Very fast in the flats and downhill. It feels like a full suspension going straight you can go over anything! I like the uphill feeling (very positive and strong). | | Weaknesses: | When it gets tight LOOK OUT those wheels are hard to move. The bottom bracket is so close that I hit a couple of times on the fast rolling stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3, XLS Race, Apex | | Bottom Line: | Was a great ride if you don't want to turn anywhere. I love Gaary Fisher but this is one bike that I think won't last long!! Leave that size to the rodies, it wasn't made for the single track. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | East Coasters Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | 29" wheels roll over the rough stuff like a dual suspension bike. Downhills great. Great fork. Genesis geometry | | Weaknesses: | Wheels are slower and weaker. Takes some getting used to in tight stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Bontrager Racelite, Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except Speedplay pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible!! I had planned on buying a Sugar, but I really prefer hardtails, and I heard good things about this bike. If enough folks will try the 29" wheels, they'll become the standard. They hook up great in loose or technical stuff, they get bogged down in mud less, and WOW, do they roll over technical terrain! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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