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Submitted by
GFAthens
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Unicoi State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpha Bikes | | Strengths: | G2 Geometry is hugely confidence- inspiring and excellent for taller riders. Price, especially when getting a 2009 right before the '10's (Simple paint job change) came out. Components clearly aren't going to be the best on the trail, but are a great value at this price point. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur, tires are a bit heavy but the tread is pretty solid. | | Bike Setup: | Stock as of now, Planning on Adding Hydro brakes and new wheelsets/tires. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, this bike is excellent for beginner to intermediate XC riders. The gearing is awesome and is made for hill domination. The G2 geometry will change the way you bike, this bike has excellent torque and high speed stability but is truly astounding when turning, tracking and at low speeds. The '09 black paintjob is classic and sporty on the trail or the street. The frame is also almost identical to much higher priced Fishers (HKEK) so that this bike will be able to grow with new riders.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
schneidie
a Downhiller
from South Windsor, Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Case Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | newington bicycle | | Strengths: | weight, good geometry for cross country, price | | Weaknesses: | Frame strength, front fork, entire driveline, no durability. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coilair, Felt Redemption 2, GT Avalanche 3.0, old diamondback | | Bike Setup: | downhill handlebars, rim brakes, 8 speed stock drivetrain, everything's bent | | Bottom Line: | This bike is horrible for anything more than light off road use. I break the driveline every time i ride, the frame is bent badly, the bike has been maintained well, but it lacks the structural strength to hold up under freeride or all mountain situations. Good for a beginner. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Warminster, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Delaware Canal & J. Thorpe,PA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | Architecture and weight | | Weaknesses: | Dump the oem saddle! | | Similar Products Used: | 1990 vintage GT | | Bottom Line: | In October completed first full riding season with this bike. From April thru October did over 1,200 miles - mornings before work when I am not travelling and avg 40 miles over weekends.
Even at age 60, this bike is a pleasure going uphill compared to my previous GT. I can't begin to tell you how much better I feel after my typical 25 mile Saturday morning trail ride on this bike. Also holds up very well on some modestly aggressive downhill trails in the Poconos.
Also nice is its weight. About 30% less than my 15 year old GT.
If you are looking for a great ride at a decent price you can't go wrong with this GF Marlin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Lasters
a Cross Country Rider
from Sun Valley
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Do'nt have one. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Scotts Ski and Sports | | Strengths: | Responsive brakes. Nice rear derailer, I got the 2004 so it is pretty light. I love the genises geometry. It has good control, and awesome gears for around here (rocky mountains) | | Weaknesses: | The seat is more of a thong, the front derailer sometimes has trouble responding quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Haro, GT | | Bike Setup: | brand new.
| | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike! Especially if youre a begginer. It is great for pretty much all the terrain you can think of. Im going to replace the front derailer, and suup it up a little. I love this bike, and deffinitely dont have any regrets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j shaps
a Cross Country Rider
from Pa
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | bike line | | Strengths: | frame with genesis geometry is nice for uphill riding | | Weaknesses: | the wheels on this bike seem weak to me. after a hard riding they are always untrue and sometimes my spokes bend or break the fork has suddenly changed rebound leaving me with a hard landing. the components are nothing to brag about and sometimes have a hard time shifting. i have broken several crank screws which led to me getting new cranks. this happened because the cranks become lose and tear at the bolt when riding. if you do drops and urban riding i would suggest getting a larger tire | | Bike Setup: | i have put a 2.4 tire with a downhill tube in the rear to help with the drops. i have never popped that tube but it rubbs the frame baddly somtimes when not true. i have a new deore crank set with shimano clip in pedals. i have had to replace my seat twice because of seat rail problems when landing | | Bottom Line: | this is a solid bike despite my many gripes. i have put around 1000 miles on it believe it or not and it is still rideable after the roof drops and countless other manuevers. its value is great for the use i have givin it. it can handle abuse to a certain degree and i would suggest that this would be a great starter bike for just about anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted O'Leary
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin Headlands, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Lombardi's, SF | | Strengths: | Great Frame, very comfortable, good handling. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting needs to be regularly tuned to work efficiently, or maybe upgraded after a few hundred miles. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ricon, Trek 820. This is a little better than both. | | Bike Setup: | Still stock. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I did the 580 mile AIDS ride on it with slick tires, and it definitely came up trumps. Very decent on the road. Reached 49 MPH with a tailwind and gravity! The saddle is quite OK after a breaking in period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Ross
a Weekend Warrior
from Virgil, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Liberty | | Strengths: | Seems to be a sturdy, fun ride. My first mountain bike. I'm doing a lot of country roads and such, and don't plan to do hardcore offroad. | | Weaknesses: | Not too many complaints. I had to change the seat ASAP. The grips are hard as rock. They seem to be different than the non-disc model. As others have said, front derailleur is shoddy. | | Similar Products Used: | My first mtn bike. I owned a Peugeot touring bike in the mid 80's, and a crappy Nishiki touring after that. | | Bike Setup: | This has disc brakes, hence the steeper price. Changed the seat, and put bar-ends. I plan to change the grips too. | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike, performs well, made solidly. Looks great too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tristan
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything rough | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Naults Cyclery in Nasua, NH | | Strengths: | Its just great. It will handle anything. there is nothing that i can do to get it to derail,skid out on uphills, or even slid on stops. This thing handles drops like a charm too. | | Weaknesses: | The front derailer dosn't like to upshift for me, even after being re tuned. I'm definitely going to by new. The front shocks leave a bit to be desired too. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first full size mtn bike so i guess i don't have a leg to stand on as to points of view. | | Bike Setup: | stock with new shimono SPD clip-ins but im gonna get a new front derailer. | | Bottom Line: | THis bike is amazing. For less than $500 I got a entry level racer w/ good specs. I was gonna buy the TASSAHARA for $530 but i didn't want to pay, and im not sorry. THis bike is great and if you are thinking of buying one you should definitly go ahead and do so. Especialy if you don't mined fiking up minner things. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$469.00 | | Purchased At: | my LBS | | Strengths: | Light Frame, Genesis Geometry, Deore Rear Derailleur gets the job done, stock bontrager wheels are relatively light and strong (mine did take a beating after a few drops, but nothing that couldn't be fixed) | | Weaknesses: | My BB and Crank were destroyed within the first few months. What could I expect? They were that square taper junk. I replaced them with Deore LX, which is holding up nicely.
The Fork is not exactly my favorite thing in the world. It bounces back up due to a lack of dampening, and I keep hearing horror stories about them snapping and people getting badly hurt. I sent manitou an E-mail about it, and I'm hoping to get a response soon.
The front Derailleur isn't all that great, but I swapped that out too.
T | | Similar Products Used: | Basically everything at my LBS, because I work there. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the following:
Deore LX Crank and BB
XT front derailleur
New chain (kind of expected after riding a bike for a year)
Diamondback Bigfoot 3 Pedals (i wear a size 12.5, so I need larger pedals)
New brake pads (expected after a year of use) | | Bottom Line: | It's a great hardtail just to get around on. It handles the XC trails quite well, and the frame is very light (although the fork is basically a bouncy cinder block). With a few upgrades this bike can become a decent hardtail for the novice rider. Mine has even taken a few drops and jumps with very little damage. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants to get into the sport, and be able to progress into the intermediate level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from near Glasgow, UK
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry
Deore Hydro Brakes
Some stock quality | | Weaknesses: | crap front mech (bin it!)
cranks and BB
Manitou 6 fidgets | | Bike Setup: | Marz MX pro air '03 (85mm); Truvativ Stylo Chainset and Team SL BB; SPDs; WTB Pure saddle; Deore front mech. | | Bottom Line: | Geometry is spot on as it inspires confidence in developing XC rider (like me!). Brakes are superb for cash (Shimano pads need replaced ASAP though). Stock saddle hurts the arse due to too little support - a perfectly good upgrade was obtained for £20. The bike needs a new fork to shine though I didn't have a huge problam with the Manitou 6 other than it being a bit on the flexy side. Stock Alivio is abysmal - bin it and spend £15 on Deore (coupled with the Truvativ chainset this shifts like a dream).
Frame could be a bit heavy but unless your a 9 stone XC race whippet let's get a sense of proportion on this one. The bike hasn't let me down since new and with a few choice upgrades suits me down to the ground 'til I can afford a Spesh Enduro! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes Boyce
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, MO
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sac River | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Nice stiff frame-good to upgrade. Genesis Geometry is magical. Just a good all around bike for the money. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is not so good. It is an entry level fork so that should be expected, but I would recommend getting an upgrade. I plan to sometime. | | Similar Products Used: | Besides a crappy old Schwinn I used to have this is my first good bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I put some bar ends on it and clipless pedals(a must for any riding other than on the street). | | Bottom Line: | This bike really gets the job done. I almost went with the Yahoo, but I am extemely glad I did not. Buy this bike. It may have a few more entry level componets, etc than I would like but that is easy to fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Braintree, MA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Grafton State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | DownTube | | Strengths: | Lightweight, strong frame. Pretty good components. Price. GENESIS GEOMETRY allows you to climb like a squirrel on speed. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't noticed any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first MTB | | Bike Setup: | Stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | I have only had it for a week, but I have been hitting some pretty nasty trails with it. Climbing with this bike is fun...yes I just said climbing was fun. I can switch gears nice and fast right before the hill, then just power it out. The genesis geometry does something crazy and it is very easy to climb. If you stand up and really push, the tires don't slip as much as other bikes. I haven't hit too many big jumps, but I haven't noticed a problem with the fork (other people have). My bike was tuned to perfection right before I took it out of the store so shifting is no problem, and the brakes are nice and tight. This is a great bike, and for under $500 I don't think you can go wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from OH
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob, Mohican | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Lightweight, Price & Handling. Genesis Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Braking action, especially in rocky terrain on downhills | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike to see how much I would like mountain biking and it has delivered everything and more. I love the feel and handling of this bike. With some upgrades to certain components it would handle like a bike costing far far more.
The Genesis Geometry is the real deal. I have enjoyed my biking trips and have learned so much that I am looking into upgrading and investing a little more into better components. This bike keeps up with much more expensive models and it's cost gives you ease of mind if something breaks. Enjoy the trails !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lazy E
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything I can crash on | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Price. Geometry. Handling. | | Weaknesses: | Chain falls off all the time. It falls off if you look at it the wrong way. Forks extend and thunk when wheelying or jumping. Brakes don't stop fast enough. | | Similar Products Used: | Similar offerings from Trek and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome for the $. The chain falls off all the time and the fork sucks, but it's a cheap shock and a cheaper front derailer so you shouldn't complain about that. I usually only ride cross country on this bike. I took it to a ski mountain last weekend to ride down hill. I got 4 flats - 1 front 3 rear, had an enormous crash at about 35mph that bent the front rim and made the headset dangerously loose. The bike did awesome. The bike ate up 3 foot drops and miles of down hills with only loose rocks rocks for a trail. the bike did ok on switchbacks. the front end washes out when i push it hard.
It needs fatter tires, a better shock and a better front derailler. I'm also goign to get disc brakes. the bike doesn't stop once the rims get wet. If the bike came stock with those, it would have been much more expensive. I'd rather get the decent frame and pick out the upgrades because i'm going to upgrade it anyway.
i used to ride a trek 5 years or so and didnt' buy into the geometry stuff, but after trying bikes out, the marlin feels much more comfortable and seems to turn faster than trek and specialized. my girl has a specialized in the same price range and it sucks azz.
great beginner bike, but if you're not a beginner, you're probably not reading a review of this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Grena
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | New Light | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here, Cary, NC | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, Cool yellow paint | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this as my first MTB and am pretty happy with the bike - great service from LBS. I echo the complaints about the drivetrain. I weight 250lbs and not all of it is fat. So far I have torqued the front chain rings to hell. Yes, going over log rolls have bent up my outer ring but the middle ring is also bent and will not hold the chain under any load. The shop guys said that the Avilo(sp) cranks are "soft" - I agree. The chain comes off every ride and the front derailer sucks. The front drive train is the weakest part of this bike. The rear Deore derailer is fine but I also stripped out my cassette about a month ago - broke the fifth gear right off going up a hill! The mechanics were impressed with this - I guess that does not happen very often.
In fairness to the bike shop, I came in asking for a 50/50 bike trail / single trak bike. The Marlin is the perfect bike for this. I got the biking bug and am now hitting New Light, IBM, Regency and soon Rocky Road. Also, I don't know much about brakes but I sure wish mine would stop me sooner! 250lbs going down a steep hill stresses anything I guess. I would buy this bike again but am dreaming of a Santa Cruz Blur with a big ass 5th element coil.
Damage so far. 6 tubes, 1 cassette, 1 replaced shifter wire, front chain rings junked out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gevorg
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton, CA,USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pleasanton Ridge/Lake del Valle | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | real bicyccles, pleasanton | | Strengths: | Very reliable, durable, best bike for the buck under $500 | | Weaknesses: | Bike is slightly heavy, fork travel adjustment knob is hard to use | | Similar Products Used: | Motiv MTB from Costco | | Bike Setup: | Stock, later upgraded tires to Michelin Wildgripper HOT S | | Bottom Line: | The bike is really great on cross country ride. Stock tire grip well on fire roads but loose traction on loose dirt. Bike is very reliable, I just took it for tune up after 2000 miles and did not have any problems, only pedals were worn and break cable needed a preplacement. This is the bike that you take it off road and do not worry about anything. It is very reliable compared to my Marin bike. Bike is very inexpensive so you do not have to worry about crashing it. Frame geometry (Genesis) makes long rides a breeze, climbing hills are very efficient with this hardtail. If I had more money would buy next level of Gary Fisher hardtail with Genesis frame that are lighter.
If you are new to Mountain biking and want a reliable entry level bike, and want to spend less then $500 this is your bike. If you are looking for lightweight bike look somewhere else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Indiana, USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Muscatatuck | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Gilles Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Great deal for the money, Genesis Geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components are passable, but could be better (PEDALS!). | | Bike Setup: | Marlin with Marz M/X pro, and eggbeaters. | | Bottom Line: | Great GREAT deal, probably even better now that the 04's are out. Quality components. Seemed to be a really good compromise of price/quality. I wanted a "good" bike but didn't want to spend a whole lot. The price is very reasonable for what you get. But realize that while the components are all very good, they can't be race quality for this money (nor could any model of any brand). I could accept that. If you can't then spend some more money get something higher up the line.
I am very pleased with my Marlin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonny
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Strengths: | great bike for everything, very light and durable. | | Weaknesses: | none at all yet | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for all the riding you will do, holds up great and hasnt gone wrong yet. best $460 i spent on a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chase B.
a Weekend Warrior
from millay
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Strengths: | great bike for.... EVERYTHING!!!! | | Weaknesses: | seat is alittle rough. | | Bottom Line: | great bike i love it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Weeks
a Cross Country Rider
from Pelham, Alabama, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow trail-Oak Mountain State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | Cahaba Cycles | | Strengths: | I love the front Fork, and the derailures i love too...and the genesis dezine rocks ass | | Weaknesses: | None that i know of yet! | | Similar Products Used: | I had a GT saddleback(1999) but thats all | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike....I have to drag my dad out of the house every weekend to ride with him. But usuallly most days i go ride by myself. This bike is great for a person who has a buget under 500...i would certainly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mojo
a Downhiller
from california
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rock jumping | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$469.00 | | Purchased At: | Town cycle | | Strengths: | this bike has a very good front forks, its great for the trail and climbs up hills great. this bike is deffiantly worth its price. | | Weaknesses: | the seat is alittle hard and thats just about it. | | Similar Products Used: | --non-- | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that this bike is great for just about anything. if your looking for a bike for under $500 this is deffiantly the one. i have nothing else to say except this bike is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Gracie
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mabie Forest, the road to work | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Outdoor Shop | | Strengths: | Great geometry handles really well, Tough survived a crash or two, Nice paint job, Well priced for what you get | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side, Standard disk brake pads are a joke. Wheels have needed trueing
Needs upgrading to get the best from it | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded tyres to Specialized Roll X Pro, upgraded rear mech to XT new Race Face stem, clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | An excellent hardtail with great handling. Genesis geometry is superb, don't have to worry about endoing into a tree. Bought the bike with Deore Hydraulic Brakes which are great now I've changed the frankly bollocks standard ones. The Manitou Six fork is in need of an upgrade and so is the relatively heavy crankset. But overall a great bike for anyone who wants to start more serious riding. it will take what ever you throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | always looking | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Ojai bike shop, Ojai CA | | Strengths: | This is my second post on this bike. It's a great bike to start with. The geometry fits me well (5'8"/ 180#) so I upgraded the components. Upgrade as your budget allows. I ride almost everyday and put approx 125 miles /wk. Made in the USA....none of this Taiwan sh*t. | | Weaknesses: | Stock derailers suck ass. Seat is a torture devise and the drive train falls apart after approx 500. After all my upgrades, I couldn't ask for a nicer bike.If you ride only on weekends, the stock stuff should last a long time. I ride alot and decided to upgrade. Even if I bought it as is (bike shop price)I would have paid at least $2500. Shop around for upgrades, Pricepoint, Beyond Bikes, Cambria, Jenson...you'll find what you want. | | Similar Products Used: | First Mtn bike....always rode a road bike | | Bike Setup: | Marz MX comp w/ eta, Koobi enduro gel, Avid mech discs, Sin Rhino lite wheels wrapped in kevlar Panaracer 2.1's, XT hubs & skewers, Truvativ Stylo team cranks, XTR derailers and shifters, cook bros egg beaters, Answer carbon handlebar, Thompson Elie. This bike is sick. | | Bottom Line: | I've put some dough into this bike. I wore down much of the junk stock components after about 500 miles. I like the frame. Stiff, light, nice paint and good geometry....climbs like a monkey. I do all kinds of riding, single track, intermediate downhill, fireroads, streets and anything else. The frame alone is worth the $$. People always stop me to see the bike. This was a great purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Cross Country Rider
from woodstock ontario canada
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the pines (the only trail around hear) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal power in woodstock | | Strengths: | all around a descent bike for an intermediate level rider.
the genesis geomatry.
all aluminum frame.
deore components.
alexrims (the've been put throw the ringer and haven't even warped yet)
and deore hydraulic disc barkes.
sram 7.0 powerglide 2. | | Weaknesses: | crankset and bottom bracket are pure garbage, the bottom braket alone ways at least a pound and the crankset i wont even go their. like every one else says the alivio front deraulier should only be used on department store bikes. the stock tires leave me fighting for trackion on every thing except pavement. | | Similar Products Used: | i have road my friends stump jumper FSR full suspension and cheap bike shop bikes like velo sport and mountain lite. | | Bike Setup: | my marlin did not come setup with the same components that the fisher website has posted. "extras" on mine include deroe hydraulic disc brakes and alex td17 anti snake bite disc only rims. pluse after market upgrades include xt bottom braket and deore lx crankset. that combo saved me at least a 1 and half pounds! future upgrades include speaselized pro tires and deore front deraulier and a much lighter front fork. | | Bottom Line: | a very good buy for a wana be pro rider on a tight buget.
but if you are looking for a solid ride up grades are needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
"too tired" tony
a Cross Country Rider
from mizugama, okinawa, japan
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Spider loop okinawa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | NEOS outdoor center, japan | | Strengths: | decent all around package for the money, more so for a beginner. shimano deore components are reliable I dont think I would need more than deore, for now. not the most heavy bike on earth. genesis geometry kicks A$$! makes me confident going down hill. paint job is pretty cool ( i got the yellow & black one) | | Weaknesses: | not very light. front derailer is worthless, junk it quick! so is the seat. i busted the crank and somehow stripped the BB under street use! brakes and brake levers remind me of some bikes I would see at K-mart they suck! platform pedals weigh like 5 pounds each. front shocks bottom out too much and are flexy. the frame is kinda flexy under heavy pedaling. ( I am 6'1" weigh 280 lbs) | | Similar Products Used: | first real MTB. | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to xt crank,bb,cassette. deore front derailer, deore brakes and brake levers. marzocchi MX Comp, much better than stock! serfas mens rx seat. magnesium pedals. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great for the beginner. I think the quality is pretty good and you get a good set up of components if you are a weekend warrior and dont need high perfomance gear. (like my wife) I think because I know what its like to ride a fancy bike and am a clydesdale rider I would not buy this bike again, I would save and buy a sugar or mt. tam. I dig the geometry and the build of the frame. It can really hold its own on some hairy trails but I recomend changing the front forks. the frame seems pretty durable I crashed twice and nothing broke. (hauling a$$ down hill went over the bars and the bike kept tumbling down without me)beginers and recreational riders go for it but if you plan on really tearing it up on the trail save up for something better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey Bandy
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | O.P. Schnabel | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Austin bike shop | | Strengths: | Great frame Genisis geometry was great. This was a perfect entry levell mountain bike. climbs well and shoots down hill. very durable. I have yet to have to replace a single pert due to failure | | Weaknesses: | none to speak of as I said earlier this was a entry level bike so the componets are not super high end but the function properly and I do not realy consider this a weakness | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | excelent entry bike I would recomend it to any one GARY FISHER ROCKS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from arlington, texas, usa
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | northshore trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles inc. (arlington) | | Strengths: | strong frame... well put together (made in usa). nice fork ... its a good bike... rear derailer is pretty good.... the brakes are awesome... they are very reactive...( takes a lil while to get used too)... awesome looks!!! | | Weaknesses: | sprongy fork.... chain comes off alot (add chainguard) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | computer | | Bottom Line: | good bike for the money...(not very much) but well worth buying. good for the beginner level.. to some intermediate. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from lincoln park, nj, usa
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | waywayanda | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | metro bikes, nyc | | Strengths: | The frame is a great size, weight and balance. The geometry of the bike is perfect IMO. I am newbie to mtbing and have only been going out for the past three months, but have really come into my own and working on hardcore/xtreme, meaning i don't avoid tech stuff, rocks, logs, but am not about to take a 6ft drop anytime soon. For what i have put the bike through, I’d say it was a great purchase. If you are looking for something to hit mainly fireroad with lighter single track then this is the bike for you. | | Weaknesses: | The gears and brakes are a little weak. I have had some issues with them. My chain comes off almost on every rocky downhill. I probably ride a lot harder than the average newbie, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
For example, myself and a buddy bought the exact same model, same day. He has yet to need any adjustment, meanwhile, i have nearly bent the frame, bent a rim, had to have my front tire re-coned, had two flats and had issues with the front derailler. Though, i still think it's a great bike, and see myself making climbs that others don’t, and getting over logs that others walk around.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 490, the fisher handled better than a trek that is nearly $200 more. | | Bike Setup: | standard, though i strongly recommend getting either clipless or toe-clip pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, i have had a great time with this bike, i haven’t been disappointed. All of the 'work', repairs i have had were free and done at the shop i bought it from, so at the end of the day it hasn’t really been a bad experience. I had test rode the treks that were in the same price range and really found the fisher to handle much better.
I do tech downhill’s, hit rocks, go over logs and do jumps...the bike is great.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Natomas Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good componets, nice ride, resonable price, looks good | | Weaknesses: | I have no complaints | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This has been a great entry level bike. I shopped around looking at different bikes in the $350 to $450 range and it wasn't a hard choice. It's definately worth paying a little more for quality. I'm sure I'll ride a Gary Fisher bike for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael crawford
a Racer
from Kunsan City,South Korea
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ansan Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The only thing this bike has going for it is the Geometry of the frame. Genisis is great! Frame has held up to pretty hard abuse considering it's alluminum. | | Weaknesses: | One word:Junk! This is the biggist piece of garbage I have ever ridden. The fork broke after the first two months(not GF's Fault,Manitou) The crank bolts wouldn't stay tight and the front DER sucks! The rear... won't even go there... The hub crapped out after the first ride. Warrantied...lasted another month...I didn't even bother from there..... and the cassette wansn't worth the stuff it was made of... missed shifts and terrible hill climbing gears. The rear deraileur performed.. ahhh...never... and the wheels were heavy and never stayed tru. Seat!!! Aweful!! Replaced the first day. Test road the bike and the thing felt like a granny seat. The factory installed outer housings from brake lines for the shifting cables!!! Poor QC. Heavy!!!Terrible paint job too.. looks like something out of a comic book. The grips.. these things are so aggrivating... they started coming apart after a week. | | Similar Products Used: | only thing I've used that I would place in this category is the Huffy I used to ride as a kid $99.00 junk
Better products..Anything...Yeti Ht,trek 8500 HT, El Fama Race HT,Blackcat HT, Gt HT,Specialized M4 HT, Trek 4500 HT | | Bike Setup: | As far from stock possible. Marzocchi Z.1 FR, Discs front and rear (hard as hell to find an adapter for the rear) Shimano XT everything, Spd Pedals,Selle saddle,Race face stem, Bontrager Post,Crowbar bars,Woodmans bar ends,Ryno lite wheelset w/shimano hubs. This bike is only used to train for XC racing. | | Bottom Line: | If I could get my money back and invest in something else I would immediately!! If you want a quality bike try the trek 8500 from their website. Great price and set up right. I have pretty much replaced everything on this bike inside of three months and now it's finally starting to ride worth a damn. I still have a few bugs to work out... and then... I'm gonna unload it to any poor sucker that likes the brand. The only thing left stock is the damn frame!!! I am completely un-impressed with GF and I'm definately gonna stay away from them in the future.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron King
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredonia
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$431.00 | | Purchased At: | Towpath Bikes Rochester | | Strengths: | Great Entry level bike. Lightweight. Genesis Geometry makes hill climbing a breeze! | | Weaknesses: | Replace Seat ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Aggressor 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except seat | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for something to ride around town and to school for lack of $ being a college student. I previously rode a GT Aggressor 2.0 that wasnt mine and i fell in love with it. i was looking for something similar and got some advice to go with this bike. It rides very much the same and is great for what i use it for. Although ive never ridden anything more expensive or higher quality i would recommend this bike to anyone that wants a good entry level mt bike for recreation or just getting around. it definity outdoes my Huffy ive owned since i was 15! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
armcalmtb
a Cross Country Rider
from washington, DC
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | brush mtn, southeast VA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trial Outfitters | | Strengths: | Strength. Handling. Geometry. PRICE. Good Components for a low cost bike. MADE IN THE USA. | | Weaknesses: | Be sure to get the right size for your height and weight. Range from XS to XL. Crankset and front drivetrain is a must for upgrade. Fork could use an upgrade too. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Bianchi, GT. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Frame and Wheelset. Bontrager Revolt Tires, Marzocchi MX comp Fork w/cane creek headset. XT Front and rear Drivetrain. Avid Single 7 Brakeset. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT OVERALL VALUE AND PRICE. Very strong bike. Can handle a little bit of everything. I would'nt jump off a roof or anthing like that with a hardtail, but it could hold up. Don't know about the rest of your body. I upgraded my Judy fork to a Marzocchi for the versatility from stiff to soft. Heh. I am a component junkie so am still upgrading this bike. You could get by on the trails with everything stock if you really wanted to, but new compnents are fun. I may have dropped 2 pounds of the overall weight of the bike with the upgrades. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HARDTAIL. MADE IN THE USA too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paragon
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bumpy stuff | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Good, solid frame, nice components. Looks good, it's a much better bike than the average thing you see on the street. Handles trails no problem. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur needs adjustment once and a while | | Similar Products Used: | Department store crap | | Bike Setup: | stock except for WTB velocirapter tires, Rock Shox mountain shock poast, WTB seat, and Manitou X-vert air fork. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicked butt before i started messing with it, and it's awesome now. The top of the line fork shaved off over a pound while improving ride and handling considerably. This bike was priced better than many of the same level from other companies, and the Fisher dealer has been very helpful with any support I needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Krom
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua NH
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodale's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | -durability
-good value
-great stock components
-nice ride | | Weaknesses: | -front derailluer blows
-a little heavy
-relatively small tires (stock) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The best thing about is its great value. I'm not a real serious rider, so it's perfect for what i do. I'm thinking of upgrading soon, but i can't bring myself to because there really is no reason (except the front derailluer). The stupid front derailluer has given me multiple problems, although my chain hasn't fallen off once so i keep putting off an upgrade. I recommend it to anybody. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin Dennis
a
from Greenville, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Bicycles | | Strengths: | -Low Price
-Tough
-Better components compared to others in the price range
| | Weaknesses: | -Front Derailleur
-Seat is uncomfortable and is starting to break
-a little heavy | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Avid Single Digit Ti | | Bottom Line: | Compared to my 9 year old nishiki manitoba it's a godsend. Got it to see if mtn biking was my thing, i've enjoyed every second. Like everyone else says the front derailleur is awful, that's the next thing to go. upgraded the brakes after two times in pisgah. The saddle rails are bent and they're starting to come away from the rest of the seat. It's taken a major beating and only broken a front axle and skewer. Downhills at Pisgah, Clemson's experimental forest, and 3 to 4 foot drops to concrete. Overall i'm really happy with it. It is a little heavy, my friend's fuel 90 seems to be about the same weight, maybe lighter. I've tried to destroy this bike to justify upgrading but it just won't die. Great first ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Flushing, NY
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Strengths: | -Handling is good
-rear derailleur
-weight is 30 pounds
-price is good
-fork is good for my weight 135lbs
-solid ride | | Weaknesses: | -Front derailleur is ablsolutely horrible. Constantly needs to be adjusted.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek,Klein | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, This bike is a great for the money. Its a real solid bike and the components are good except for the front derailleur which you should upgrade on. The chain fell off twice on me while I was riding. Has to be adjusted constantly. Not happy about that. However, the rear derailleur is solid, no problems occurred while shifting up and down. The rest of the components I have no complaints about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Paul
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Penn Cycle | | Strengths: | Nice comfortable bike easy to ride easy on hills and great price for what you get. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur sucks and so does the chain. All stuff that can be upgraded. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, Specialized | | Bottom Line: | Like riding bike but the front derailleur needs adjustment often and broke the chain after 2 weeks of riding upgraded to nickle chain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$449.00 | | Purchased At: | Ojai bike shop, Ojai CA | | Strengths: | Climbing is easy, Shimano Deore rear derailer, best bike in the $500 range, aluminum frame. The bike handles well and appears durable. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap front derailer and yes the seat sucks. The front shock (Manitou six) seems a bit spongy and will probably replace it. Chain slap was noticable (take out a couple of links) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon, Marin | | Bike Setup: | Switched over to Shimano XT front derailer, Koobie saddle, Azonic A frame pedals | | Bottom Line: | If you want a good bike to build on buy it. You can find it under $450 and add parts of your choice. Regardless of what you buy, you will always want to upgrade components as things break...I did lots of research and could not find any other stock bike with these options and durability.
I'm happy with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Connecticut, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | genisis geometry makes hills easy, the whole bike handles hill well, looks great, handles drops and jumps well... | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | trek 2500 | | Bike Setup: | stock except rockshox duke xc shocks.... | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price, exponentially better than the trek... shocks good but handle oddly when wet... handles pretty well in water... great for amataur cross country rider.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Crazy Beaver Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Breakaway Bicycles | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, climbs and maneuvers very well, quality parts, low price | | Weaknesses: | Manitou fork heavy and spongey | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, RockShox Duke fork, LX crankset and front deralieur | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for the price. The frame geometry really makes a difference. The beauty of this bike is that it is so inexpensive, you can upgrade to the parts you want without going broke, or leave it as it is for recreational riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Downingtown,PA USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Marsh Creek area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | exton Bicycles | | Strengths: | Very comfortable bike to ride - solid ride. Lighter then any of my friend's bikes (including a $2200 bike). Strong - flipped down a hill and nothing broke! | | Weaknesses: | I am new to mountain biking. I Just got back into riding - did not ride a bike for 14 years, used to race bmx. So I have not noticed any real weeknesses, but I did knock the front rim out of true and had a pinch flat. (I am 230lbs so that puts alot of stress on the wheels) | | Similar Products Used: | Test road Trek 4900 and Marin palisadesTrail | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock, WTB Velociraptor tires, Easton bars, Fish Fins (bar ends), Shimano combo pedals - getting raceface cranks - powder coated Yellow | | Bottom Line: | Great beginners bike, wanted the Tassajaa with Disc brakes. I decided to go with an entry level bike to make sure I was going to enjoy riding again. If I am still riding as often as I do now (every chance I get) in 2 years, I will buy something in the 1000-1800 dollar range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | good price, good rep | | Weaknesses: | can't adjust the damn headset w/o special tools | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | my first indulgence in a "real" bike.... very happy... handles great, no problems yet and all the gripes I saw about the 2002 seem to have been addressed. If you have only $450 bucks to spend, I think it's well worth the money, especially for someone just getting started that doesn't need a bunch of frills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | GEOMETRY!! handles great
durable | | Weaknesses: | The forks suck, I need pliers to adjust the preload now | | Bike Setup: | I race with speedplay pedals and they help | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great. I've come in second and first place during my first two races. The forks suck but maybe thts because I do five foot drops on to flat concrete landings! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscaw, Idaho
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Strengths: | This bike has great geometry. The frame is relatively light and is tough as nails. The components are good. The tires grip the track well. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is a little soft, but everything else is great thus far. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon and Iguana
Trek 4500 and 4900
Gary Fisher Tessajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock thus far but looking to upgrade drivetrain and fork. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike especially for the money. Tried many bikes when I was searching for a new mountain bike and just fell in love with the Gary Fishers. I love the genesis geometry. You wont know how it feels until you go out and test ride it. I'm confident you'll love it too though. Wanted to get the Tessejara but was just a little out of my budget. Now I'm kinda regreting now waiting to get the Tessajara, but I'll soon have enough money to upgrade my Marlin though. Bottom line is that this is a great bike and I'd recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa rosa CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Annedale/spring lake mountains | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | bike peddler | | Strengths: | Genises geomitry is nice, great components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | shocks are a little weak going to replace with stiffer springs see if that cures it.seat a little hard. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900, specialized hard rock comp | | Bottom Line: | Great value and i did allot of shopping around. first bike over 250 dollars great begenner bike. haggle for 429. price, it was priced at 469. lowest priced bike with deore derailers and shamanno cranks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Weekend Warrior
from Helena
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Strengths: | Great beginner/intermediate bike. Nice looking bike. Good components usually only found on bikes costing more than $500. Good performance on the trails for an experienced rider like myself. | | Weaknesses: | N/A | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Stock (getting new suspension and seat soon) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike...makes me love Mt. biking even more than before(if that was actually possible). Afordability makes it even more attractive. Going to make this bike my project and upgrade as the cash flows in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Cooper
a Cross Country Rider
from Cheltenham UK
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Leckhampton Hill - Chelt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes Chelt | | Strengths: | Going from an old Marin, looking to upgrade without spending too much money on a hard tail. Love this bike, no frills, just solid and good fun | | Weaknesses: | I read that the fork is not up to the job, but this is my first bike with front susp. seems ok, but i have bottomed it out a couple of times. would like to try out a higher spec fork like a duke to compare. not much mud clearance at back | | Similar Products Used: | been on mates bikes, marin, gt, cheapos | | Bike Setup: | good spec - love the shimano disc brakes, makes me appear a good rider | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike on the strength of a comparison test in mag. came out best over similar priced bikes from major players.
It fits me 6 ft 200 lbs - and makes me look good
I love getting out into the Cotswold hills around Cheltenham. Very muddy this time of year, combined with frost and a bit of light snow. The bike handles all this very well. Not sure the mythos tyres are best suited to all the muck, as climbing slippery muddy trails can be tricky. However, you adapt your riding. Wet roots will always be a hazzard. Will be taking it to mountains in central spain soon so will compare performance.
Great value for money. Great all rounder. Good on tarmac getting to the trails.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, Oregon
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Strengths: | -looks great
-best value-good components for the cost
-great frame geometry
-can handle the toughest trails | | Weaknesses: | seat sucks | | Bottom Line: | Gary Fisher bikes are the best I've tried. Fell in love with this bike and you can't beat the price. I've taken it on some tough trails up here in Oregon and haven't had any troubles. Bottom line is this bike is GREAT and I'd recomend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Lauderdale Fl.
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All the trails at Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Lauderdale Cycle | | Strengths: | 7005 tubing, Genesis (Genius) Geometry, this frame and components are great for the price. This tubing is the same as on some the more higher end bikes like, Kona, and Jamis. | | Weaknesses: | FORK, the preload will not stay. Must disassemble fork to access grease ports. Ok for people who stay on the novice trails, I think more thought should have went into which fork went on this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, Cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, added suspension seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | For the buck a great value, components work great with little addjusting. With a few small upgades this bike will give you as much fun as the more expensive bikes. I'm a 155 lbs. rider and just got into this sport a year ago, I've tried other bikes on the same trails and this bike feels like an extension of myself. And if I ever buy a more expensive bike that would be a Fisher too. By the way, I do not find the seat very hard at all, and my brakes stop me perfectly. I will post my review for all the other major components in their review spot... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wyrm
a Cross Country Rider
from california
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | geometry
great frame, everything feels tight and solid
cool slate blue and black paintjob
| | Weaknesses: | front tire
promax brakes
saddle-too hard
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this hardtail works great up to moderately technical riding but you could push it a little more if you are good. The front tire (mythosxc) will washout easily if you are not careful. the promax brakes are not the best but they have plenty of modulation although it's a little low on stopping power. Basically, If you're a decent rider, this is all the hardtail that you need for easy to advanced trail riding. If you're only into easy and not so technical stuff, you can't go wrong with this bike. the weaknesses of the stock setup are easily compensated by good riding technique. I wouldn't bother upgrading anything but the seat. Maybe better v-brakes if you are on the heavy side and if you plan to do long, very loose (equals less frequent braking thus faster) and twisty downhills. The new manitou six fork is unremarkable but just perfect if you are no more than 160 pounds, I've bottomed it out only once on a very rough and fast downhill. The bike isn't light either, it weighs around 30 pounds if the scale in my LBS is accurate. On the trail, it feels a lot less than 30 pounds though. It pedals very well and feels light. It feels a little squirmy on high-speed descents but not bad enough to alarm the rider. The bike will stay under you even if you stay on the saddle during steep descents. That must be the genesis geometry at work. The deore rear derailer works great up and down. The alivio front derailer is not very reliable though. It may need frequent adjustments to keep it from incomplete up-shifts and from dropping the chain while shifting down to the smallest chainring during climbing. Overall this bike is a good deal for the money. personally i wouldn't spend more for the higher-priced genesis hardtails. I'd rather save and get a good full-suspension bike if i want a really sweet ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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