|
Gary Fisher
Hoo Koo E Koo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Jeff Edman
a Weekend Warrior
from West Allis
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | kettle morain hills | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel& Sprocket | | Strengths: | Just purchased this bike today. Trek took this bike and stripped it down and swapped out the fork with a Manitou Black Platinum, and put a new crankset on. Don't know what they are called, but they are new lightweight bontagers. Upgraded derailer to deore xl, and the main reason why I purchased the bike, bontager ultra lite race rims, which are worth supposedly $800. | | Weaknesses: | No disc brakes! I was going to swap them for teh v-brakes, but I would have to get rid of my lovely rims, and am i really that stupid to get rid of $800 rims for $300 heavier rims? We'll see how i deal without discs. Always wanted them. Anybody out there think they are that much worth it? Please let me know | | Similar Products Used: | GT Agressor, Trek Fuel, Trek 6500 and 6700 disc, gary fisher big sur, jamis dakota | | Bottom Line: | I got tehis bike cause of the low price. I guess I'll let you guys know how i like it in the next couple weeks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from DuBois
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | paved roads | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Bike | | Strengths: | price,colors,not too heavy,high quality materials,and rides very nice. | | Weaknesses: | I really have no weaknesses to write down sorry! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | replaced seat with selle san marco gary fisher seat, swopped clipless pedals for system 1 pedals, took off all reflectors I don't ride at nite anyways!,put on short bar ends | | Bottom Line: | For the price I paid I am totally satisfied with my Hoo Koo E Koo. I don't know what others are talking about when they say the fork is trash, I don't think they are. Everything has a limit! If you have $850-1000 bucks,this is the bike for you. Iv rode mine for three years now and love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from RI
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Bottom Line: | This also is a follow up review. I agree with Zach. The Axel fork is junk. Mine broke after 4 weeks, replaced it with a Manitou Black Platinum. Now this is an awesome fork. Eventually I'd like to change out the derailleurs and cranks, but it is solid now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zach
a Weekend Warrior
from sf, sd, usa
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | scheel's | | Strengths: | great frame, will take a beating | | Weaknesses: | the components kinda suck. | | Bottom Line: | this is a follow up of my earlier review. the fork (manitou axel comp.) is just a waste. I've swapped almost everything out on the bike, avid brakes, xtr front derailleur and sram rear derailleur and shifters. looking for a new front fork b/c I've just about blown this one in a year. it flexes alot, a bottoms out on EVERYTHING. I only take off one chili, because it's a solid bike for $600. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from RI
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Reputation, Genesis Geometry | | Weaknesses: | BRAKES! | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Rockadile | | Bike Setup: | Everything as is except XT brakes, Panaracer Fire XC pro tires, And Selle Italia saddle | | Bottom Line: | I was in the market for a new bike, but couldn't spend a ton of money. I got this one for a steal because it was a leftover. So far a great bike. I used the Promax brakes for 2 rides and had to dump them. Otherwise a good solid bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan M
a Cross Country Rider
from Wavre (Belgium)
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Nature | | Strengths: | Price, confort, quality of construction, looks, genesis geometry,..... | | Weaknesses: | Brake levers and V-Brake system. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara, | | Bike Setup: | Deore LX rear derailleur, front derailleur and Shifter, Deore LX V-Brake and Brake levers, Ritchey elevader rear tire and Ritchey exevader front tire. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first Gary Fisher bike and i'm very happy of my hoo koo e koo, He works great all time. Buy it if your budget is 1000$ you don't regreat your decision.
My Hoo Koo e Koo is simply BEST... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mission Trails Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Superstore | | Strengths: | Solid, confidence inspiring frame, Genisis geometry, good drivetrain (if you keep it lubed) | | Weaknesses: | Fork is crappy for heavy riders, brakes look and feel flimsy | | Bike Setup: | stock, with bar ends | | Bottom Line: | For bigger people like me (6', 180) this bike is great. Once you get used to the spread out geometry, climbing is a breeze. I initially had problems with the fork lifting on climbs like some other people, but that quickly went away after working on my climbing technique (wrists down, torso forward).The real wheel bites pretty good in general, but fast cornering is still a bit sketchy on the flats and hardpack. The frame might not be the lightest or most trick, but it is super solid (even on the occasional jump and drop) and I am planning on upgrading it into a good trainer for XC racing. The fork is crap, its going to be replaced with a Fox fork as soon as I can pay off my credit card. The brakes look plasticky and feel plasticky and the front one is constantly out of alignment; they will be one of the first components replaced with the fork.
On a side note, no props go to the salesman at the Trek store who sold me the bike. He told me that the 04 HKEK would have the same spec as the 03, which was clearly false: the 04 has upgraded components all around, a better fork and ZR9000 tubing. The dirtbag was so intent on the sale that he lied to me. Don't get me wrong, the 03 was a steal for the price, but he didn't have to readily lie to my face in order to help me clear out their 03s. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephanie
a Cross Country Rider
from South Hadley, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Batchelor St | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Unlimited-Greenfield, MA | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry...puts you in that desired "weight over the back wheel" position...something I could not do easily with my old Marin Palisades Trail. Much easier to maneuver also. Comes with clipless pedals--stock, so I didn't have to shell out another $50 on top of the cost of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Came with V-brakes! Why is the Tassajara offered from GF with discs, while the HKEK isn't? This was an upgrade I had to have from my Marin, so I had to bite the bullet and add them on, plus new rims on top of it. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Marin Palisades Trail (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechanical disc brakes, Spinergy rims, Panaracer tires | | Bottom Line: | I haven't experienced any of the seat discomfort other folks have mentioned. Let me clarify that I'm reviewing the '03, not the '04. This bike fits me much better than my Marin (the Marin was a 17" and the HKEK is a 15.5"--lets just say that back in 2001 when I didn't know much about biking, a local shop sold me the Marin which was obviously too big for me...I am only 5'4" and had about 1/4" of standover clearance, but what the heck did I know at the time? Needless to say, I don't patronize that shop anymore!) I feel like I have a lot of control over the bike, and that it's well-balanced, although I still am trying to get used to how easily the front end pulls up during steep climbs. With the addition of the discs, this bike is really awesome and was a great upgrade for me. I've only ridden hardtails, and this one was in the right price range (around $1000 once I had it modified to suit my needs). I'm not interested in dual-suspension bikes, and I honestly ride the same (if not better) than many folks who have the dualies. Bottom line--quality and good price for the componentry package. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Nutley, NJ 07110
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$819.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bikery | | Strengths: | Price, quality of construction, looks | | Weaknesses: | Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Various Cannondales over the years; | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Except for seat, and Continental Town & Country tires for doing laps on pavement. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this: This is a great bike for almost anyone. When I was younger I always felt I "needed" the lightest and newest out there. This bike is pretty old-school, cantilever brakes, hardtail, and it suits me, and I suspect would most people, fine. It shifts well, the riding posture is comfortable.
It is a little on the heavy side, but not obnoxiously so. The Manitou Axel Comp fork has been much maligned by other reviewers, but seems to work well for me, & I weigh 185-200lbs. I have no worries about how this bike will hold up over the long haul. Everything is solid, if not state of the art.
Seats are tricky. The Titec Ithys seat that came with this bike and I never got along. It looks nice, but I found it uncomfortable. But seats are personal, so this is nothing to hold against the bike itself.
If you are looking for a bike to "get back in the swing of things", and your budget is sub $1000, check out the HKEK. I think you are better off with this bike than with a Tassajara Disc. I really don't need or want disc brakes and would rather see that dough go in to a better frame/fork/components. Plus the Tassajaras have crazy paint schemes that seem to give them a department store look. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Bogner
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | 2004 upgrades are great: Platinum series tubing, Bontrager crank, XT rear derailleur, Bontrager Maverick rims, Shimano 420 V-Brakes, Rockshox Pilot SL fork. Nice silver and black color scheme. | | Weaknesses: | The usual- seat, tires, etc., are just OK. Not totally sold on the new custom-like Fisher lettering. | | Similar Products Used: | Bought a Fisher HK2 back in like '91 and rode it until it was stolen in '99. Just now replacing it with this one... | | Bike Setup: | Stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | Get the new 2004 model over the 2003. The upgrades are pretty incredible- like getting a Big Sur at the Hoo Koo E Koo price. The frame upgrade alone would have made it worth it, but the new fork seals the deal and everything else is just gravy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brent
a Cross Country Rider
from Butler, PA USA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Hites Bike Shop | | Strengths: | the frame is great. I work at the bike shop so I rode all of the fishers below this. The drivetrain is amazing. Im tough on bike and the deraileurs never go astray. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is beyond crap. I had this bike special ordered through the shop I work at. First thing I noticed as I built the bike was how soft the fork was. I am 6 foot anbd 165 lbs. I can bottom the fork on just pushing down on it. Took it on vacation and had it bottoming goin off small curbs. Ordered new extra firm springs ASAP. still horrible. Now after about 2.5 months I blew the fork out. Now I have to wait a couple weeks while I get a new one. lookin at the mantiou skreb with the stable platorm valving for racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock rockhoppers. sugars, treks. Basically all the treks, cannondales, raleighs, and some haros. | | Bike Setup: | truvativ bashguard, new scareb elite fork soon, Big Cheese Stars grips. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a lil on the heavy side for a race bike but the geometry is awesome. I had a specialized Hardrock A1fs before and I am now a lot faster than I was with the specialized. I am giving this bike a 4 chili rating because the fork is a waste of metal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Rodasti
a Cross Country Rider
from Sioux Falls, SD USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | just want to ride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$749.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels | | Strengths: | Great Frame- the fisher gold series climbs and descends well-if you like genesis geometry, you'll never like anything else. I like to ride shimano m515 clipless, nice amount of float. Also enjoy 29" tires-I feel more stable than on 26" Drive train seems to be nice so far, no problems with breaks yet... | | Weaknesses: | seat is tough at first, but wears in. on really tough climbs back tire loses much traction. Recommend different tire, tried a michelin from a friend and it was great... | | Similar Products Used: | Marin nail trail, fisher tassajara, specialized rockhopper, marin eldridge grade | | Bike Setup: | stock-ripped off reflectors. | | Bottom Line: | I like the hoo alot, rides well. Loyal fisher fan for life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Montana
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun Summit in Sun Valley | | Strengths: | It's a great frame and geometry. Great Shock for someone lighter weight like me. Also good components and rims.
Easy to ride uphill because of the low gears. | | Weaknesses: | The seat was a pain but after a while it gets worn in and a little better. Not bad enough to change. Brakes out of allignment all the time. Flat tires alot. Handling is a little tricky sometimes. Back tires sucks skids bad on the uphills. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Kona Blast, Cannondale 5300, Jamis Durrango sport and Jamis Dakar | | Bike Setup: | New platform pedals with pegs and 100mm instead of 80mm on the travel on the fork | | Bottom Line: | THis is a great bike and is very smooth for a hardtail. If you buy it you should get a new back tire and change the travel on the shock. I like this bike. Great for cross-country and trials riding. I would imaginge that the shock is a little soft for heavy riders but if your light it's great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, CA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | most fire roads in marin county | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$735.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Frame, Wheels, Shock | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Rainier, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for new saddle and toe clip pedals | | Bottom Line: | Wow! This is my first new bike in 12 years. I literally wore out my Rockhopper, so I looked at a new one. Didn't like it. Rode a few others, and didn't really look at Fisher because of the reputation, I thought they would be too expensive. I finally did seriously look at the Fisher, and I am so glad I did. I love the Genesis geometry; I feel more in control, and not as over the front wheel like on the Rockhopper. (Just like Gary intended!) I love the shock, but I may put in a stiffer spring. I am 200lbs, and even at full preload, it is still too squishy. I traded the clipless for toe clip pedals, and like the guy before me, bought a Serfas men's saddle. Whoo. Much better. Sure, I'm no breakneck racer, but I also don't pretend to be like so many other bikers I have seen. I have had to alter the way I ride significantly: I am now towing my son in a trailer. No more jumping rocks, or stumps without having to give thought to the little guy behind me. That's OK, it makes me go slower so I don't leave my wife behind anymore when we ride. My previous bike had 21 gears, the Hoo Koo has 27. It really helps for climbing. (Especially since I am now pulling an additional 40 pounds.) I would seriously recommend this bike for intermediate riders who want to do dirt and pavement riding. The Hoo Koo doesn't try to be a racer's bike, because it ain't. Consider this: when you buy a bike, you are likely to have it for 5-8 years before getting a new one. Don't buy a $400 crapper to save money. You'll hate it. It won't ride, shift, or brake as well as a better bike. Do you buy the cheapest car on the lot because it is the cheapest, or do you buy the one with the goodies on it you like? I thought so. Learn to pay for it. You will enjoy the R.O.I. If you don't know what that is, go buy the $400 bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Motto
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque,NM
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bosque/Rio Grande | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$698.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Cave in Albuquerque, NM | | Strengths: | The frame is bullet proof. Gary Fisher's gold series American made aluminum frame is rock solid. The components, when adjusted properly, worked well. | | Weaknesses: | The seat was a little to hard for my kiester, I opted for a
Serfas anatomical seat....ahhhh much better! The bike is not exactly a light-weight machine. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Giant XTC2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except Serfas seat and std pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Hoo Koo E Koo (affectionately known as the Hoochie-coochie) is a solid bike for the price. I got a smokin'deal on this one at the Cycle Cave (I recommend this shop.) For riding X/C, hardpack or as an urban warrior, this bike is
bomb proof. I woudln't try it on serious down-hill. I think
the frame could handle it fine but aggressive down-hilllers
may need a more advanced ride. For beginner to intermediate
level riders this is alot of "bang for the buck" The Manitou
shock worked well for my size/weight 5' 8" 160# I had to replace the seat...its just too hard for longer rides. The Serfas seats work great for about 25 bucks. I also opted out of the clipless pedals for std ones. Make sure your shop sets up the bike and componentry properly. Some folks have had trouble with the brakes but I have not experienced this. I ride 80-100 miles per week on pavement, hard-pack trails and some X/C.
Small jumps are a blast. I liked the Giant xtc2 just a tad better but it was almost 250 bucks more. The Paint on the 2003 HKEK is pretty cool too. Overall, for just under 700 dollars, I couldn't find a better machine and a lifetime warranty on the frame to boot! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville NC
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$819.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Post | | Strengths: | Nice XC bike. Nice upper-mid-range components. Have had it 3 months and it hasn't been truly tested yet, I need to make some time to ride!! | | Weaknesses: | Not a big fan of the tires, switching to Bontrager Revolt SS. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Trek 800. Old Pacific. Niether are in the same ballpark as my HKEK. Tried an old GF Joshua, but full suspension is not what I need in this area right now. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, although I did change petals and added a Tomo computer | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for beginner to intermediate. Not sure how it will handle DH. After riding a crappy bike for a while, decided to upgrade. Feels like a cadillac. Riding mostly on hardpack and pavement five times a week. The hardtail is a good fit for me. Can't wait to get to some trails to see what it can really do. Shifts great, handles great. This bike screammmss take me out, right now! Would give it 5 chilis for value, but the bike shop here has a monopoly and they charged retail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Irving, TX
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$749.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry makes the bikes track longer than a lot of bikes you'll see on the trail. It's wide weel base with pushed back cockpit offers a better position on descents as you don't have to hover behind of your seat to keep from doing an endo. Strong, solid frame. Fairly light weight 6061 T6 frame with conservative lines, design, and paint job. I like it because it does look simple. Stock the bike comes with full Deore with a Deore LX rear derailer, SRAM 7.0 cassette, Mantitu Axel Super fork, and a fairly nice seat (see below). It is probably a little pricier than other bikes at this price point, but I think the Genesis geometry offers a ride most bikes don't match - which if it feels right for you, makes up for it. | | Weaknesses: | Genesis geometry positions the rider further back on the bike, over the back tire. This is perfect for descents as you aren't hovering over your seat so much - but it's a little problematic going up hills as you are more likely to loose contact with the dirt and front tire if you're seated and peddling with a lot of torque. It kind of forces you to stand over the bike on tricky climbs. Then again most bikes will put you in this position anyway, this bike just does it a little sooner. The peddles - I will probably never get used to them - they are a pain to get into, and can be a hastle getting out of. Lastly the breaks - I will be replacing these sooner than later as they are constantly going out of adjustment. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots.. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is my follow up review on my bike. It's been about 5 months (not quite 6) and I am still in love with my bike. I have the '03 model, all stock with a few minor additions. A few complaints I had about my bike when I first got it were the peddles (Shimano 515 clipless) and seat (Titec Ithys Armore).
The seat was a pain in the ass (literally) the first week I rode with it. I am a pretty slim rider (about 5'11" and 155 lbs) so there isn't much padding down there anyway - but after a few rides it didn't bother me as much - and now I don't even notice it.
The night I got the bike I couldn't release my feet from the peddles, ended up falling hard on my side still clipped in. Setting the peddles to their loosest setting fixed the clip out problem. They are still a pain to get into - which could just be clipless peddles in general, I dunno - but trying to clip in in critical spots can be dangerous but more likely just annoying. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toyon
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the next trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | The shop I got it from lost my buisness | | Strengths: | This review is for the '02 model.
Very strong frame; I can't believe some of the stuff I've let myself do to this bike. Not one frame complaint. The componentry is a great place to start, but if you are sloppy or very agressive, you will end up having to replace(sloppy) or upgrade(agressive). | | Weaknesses: | The seat must be some sort of mean trick on Garry's part. The thing was off my bike in a mater of seconds. The brakes were the next thing to go. Not that they suck, they just aren't very good. Had problems with my rims. I'm blaming that on the shop I got the bike at. I think they tensioned them with two sticks and a rubber band. | | Similar Products Used: | My old Fisher Mamba, K Mart bikes, Target bikes, garage sale bikes, really nice Santa Cruz Chamelion/Heckler/Bullit, Kona Dawg.... | | Bike Setup: | Bommer EXR(great for the small stuf)Avid SD 7, supper thin clamp on grips, the cheapest replacement seat I could find. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, I didn't expect to excell this fast. My riding has gone beyond this bike. I love it, and as soon as my new wheeles are put togeather and my new Truvative cranks arrive, I'll be back on it. But when I can afford it, I'm going full suspension, (6" disk, progressive 5th, Z1 Freeride, single pivot rip the trail appart not the bike kin of ride)
But really, it is a good bike, especialy if you are strictly XC or a beginner. Hay Wayde started on one.
Love your bike and it will love you. Se you on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Weekend Warrior
from Griffin, GA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | BICYCLES UNLIMITED | | Strengths: | Good value bike for someone who rides 2-4 times a week with a race or two for fun. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is thinner than a maxi pad and not for folks like me.... 6'-2" and 200+ pounds. Chain suck is a problem. Bottom bracket or pedals are making a clicking noise after about 6 miles | | Similar Products Used: | KHS alite and demo K2 attack | | Bike Setup: | Changed out the seat for something with a little padding, added a stem riser and bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I am a happy rider. Can rider harder now that I have a bike with a fork that works. My improved ability and confidence has caused my Dad to purchase a Sugar+ so he could hang. Fisher has two new loyal clients. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pancho Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Nampa, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hemingway Butte / Gott's Point | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | World Cyclery in Boise (lovely folks there - yes I recommend them) | | Strengths: | Good value for a XC bike. Lovely ride. Not too heavy. Climbs well with heavier rider. They make an XS frame for those of us under 5'3" hooray. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post QR is dreadful. Chuck it and use a non quick release one. | | Similar Products Used: | rode the GF Marlin. I have plenty of experience with many cyclocross bikes. Also a decade of experience with road bikes (mine are Marinoni 49cm customs) | | Bike Setup: | XS fame ste up stock except longer Bontrager seat post and replaced seat post bolt, oh and slime inner tubes (Idaho
standard equipment unless you enjoy patching tubes). Next thing is some bar ends for more serious climbing trails I am eyeing.... | | Bottom Line: | I am having sooooooo much fun on this thing. I will clearly be a long time riding this before I reach it's "top end". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a Downhiller
from NC
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sugar mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$869.00 | | Strengths: | Axel fork, decent components, frame | | Weaknesses: | Price, not the greatest paint, saddle, chain suck, no disc option | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Fisher Sur, Trek 4900, 03 Fisher Tassajara Disc, Fisher Joshua x4 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad bike at all, Fishers 03 lineup is very interesting. They seem to be big on the 29 inch tires when you move up above the HKEK until the Sugars. I am just a bigger fan of the 26 inch tires.
For anyone looking at purchasing this bike I would recommend it. However, first I would recommend the Tassajara disc for a little cheaper. I have a friend who owns one and I actually prefer it which makes me mad. It looks better, rides as good, and of course has the Hayes disc brakes. Sure the fork isn't quite as good but overall I think its a better deal. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Ferapples
a Weekend Warrior
from Hell Michigian
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pie 23 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Works | | Strengths: | Everything. Strong as anything, great for climbing, for downhill, good fork but kinda spungy, put on tighter coils, geometry, everything. The only thing is that sometimes the saddle can kinda hurt, cuz its like a rock. If it is shapped well for your butt its good. Its not bad enough for me to get a new one. | | Weaknesses: | hmmmm ???? (see strengths) put in new springs on fork. i weigh 160 and its a little too easy to bottom out. Its still very smooth and good everything. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, tassajara, specialized bikes, | | Bike Setup: | stock! (actually new pedals) | | Bottom Line: | If you don't want to spend over$800 but want a bike that will perform like a bike over $800, get this bikes. Its awsome, and sometimes i even forget i'm riding a fairly new bike, and i feel like everything i do is so comfortable and perfect, as if the bike is a bike that i speced myself. I can't really describe the feeling. Its a great bike. Haven't seen many bikes this good come out recently. Most have at least one downfall, this doesn't really. ( this bike is good for, i think anyone. i'm 16 and its good for me, my dad likes it when he rides it, all my friends, and other people. Good geometry!!!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Irving, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I make them, they are all my favorites. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$749.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | "Gold Series" 6061 T6 Aluminium. Good components for the price. Made in the USA. Sweet paint job. :) Cool name. Axel Supers are a nice fork for this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Frame a little heavier than I'd like. No disk brake option. Seems to be the only hardtail in Gary Fishers line with 6061 T6; models just above it use the ZR9000 Platnum series, and the models directly below it have the Silver series 7005 aluminum - if any of that seems important to you. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Fuji Tahoe, GF Tassajara. | | Bike Setup: | So far, all stock - right down to the reflectors! | | Bottom Line: | Only had the bike a week now, but riding every day. This is my first *new* bike so I spent a lot of time doing research, asking friends, test riding, before finally making my pick. Since this is only the second review on this bike, I'll try to stop by in a few months to give an update.
I'd considered going with a cheaper Tassajara at first, but the upgrade from Silver to Gold series frame and clipless pedals sold me on the HKEK. Just before making my choice though I test rode a Trek 6700 but decided the 'feel' of this bike, verses the GF was enough of a difference to go with the HKEK.
I enjoy climbing more than descending, and this seems to be the right set up for that. Frame does feel stiff, and xc can be a bit bumpy. I probably wouldn't say that (or have even noticed it) had the bike shop I bought this from not let me test ride their Sugar 2 - DOH!
Overall I really like this bike. I'm stoked to have a nice bike finally, and look forward to many years of use out of this machine. Hope this review helps! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JayBee
a
from Waukegan ,Il,USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | John Muir,Kettle Moraine State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | Tough as nails... I'm 245lbs and have ridden this bike for 8 years now...went through a few trees and the frame is still as straight as the day I bought her. | | Similar Products Used: | Killer V | | Bike Setup: | 8 year old bike , just about everything has been changed once. | | Bottom Line: | Tough bike strong welds... I recomend for anyone who is looking not to spend $1000 on a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 819.99
