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Submitted by
woc
a Weekend Warrior
from north carolina
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | One of the smoothest bikes I've ever ridden. Extremely responsive shifting, huge range of gears. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this '03 Tassajara last year for a 3 mile commute to work. I was looking for a decent entry-level mtb that would serve the dual purpose of possibly joining my mountain biking enthusiast roommate on the trails. I fell in love with how comfortable it was the instant I tried it.
Turns out something must be right with this bike, because I've since gotten completely hooked to mountain biking. Which is a pretty remarkable achievement considering I wasn't much of a cyclist before this. I don't think the previous owner changed any of the original components with the exception of the tires, which I had to replace anyway, and he sure did a wonderful job of maintaining the bike. It's since picked up a good number of dings and scratches, but it's holding up well to the abuse. I took it up to Pisgah last weekend and it worked really great on the slopes. I'm now thinking about upgrading to clipless pedals, but otherwise that's the only thing I would change.
In a nutshell, I totally love my bike. Of course, there will be other more expensive and better bikes for people with bigger budgets, but for the average rider, this bike is a pretty sweet deal! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Blanchette
a Downhiller
from tamworth, nh
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | cranmore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob and Terys | | Strengths: | awesome bike for trails. brakes wirk on a dime. tires dont bend that easly | | Weaknesses: | the seat sucks. hurts to ride for a while | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all shimano gears . awesome brakes and gears | | Bottom Line: | the bike is good i would recommand it to any one with a need to be hard ona bike and loves trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Blanchette
a Downhiller
from tamworth, nh
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | cranmore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob and Terys | | Strengths: | awesome bike for trails. brakes wirk on a dime. tires dont bend that easly | | Weaknesses: | the seat sucks. hurts to ride for a while | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all shimano gears . awesome brakes and gears | | Bottom Line: | the bike is good i would recommand it to any one with a need to be hard ona bike and loves trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Brown
a
from San Antonio TX
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Trek shop in San Anton | | Strengths: | -Strong frame
-Light | | Weaknesses: | -Loose brakes
-Don't care too much for the grips | | Similar Products Used: | -GT | | Bike Setup: | Nothing special
-bar-ends
-Upgraded to disk-brakes | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because I had shattered my knee cap in 2005 and was told I was never going to run again. This was the best for the amount of cash I had and I couldn't of been happier with it. 8 months after purchasing this bike I was back at 100% with an new addiction to mountain biking. Awesome bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zinc alloy
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | england | | Strengths: | very fast bike, love the geometry | | Weaknesses: | the paint, i could do better, bought it because of the looks party,but the quality of the paint is rubbish, within 10miles, the cables had rubbed the paint down to bare metal, this is unacceptable | | Similar Products Used: | GT ,far better quality, | | Bottom Line: | Fisher, learn to paint, or just sell your bikes to dry regions, definitely NOT overseas | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zinc alloy
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | england | | Strengths: | very fast bike, love the geometry | | Weaknesses: | the paint, i could do better, bought it because of the looks party,but the quality of the paint is rubbish, within 10miles, the cables had rubbed the paint down to bare metal, this is unacceptable | | Similar Products Used: | GT ,far better quality, | | Bottom Line: | Fisher, learn to paint, or just sell your bikes to dry regions, definitely NOT overseas | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zinc alloy
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | england | | Strengths: | very fast bike, love the geometry | | Weaknesses: | the paint, i could do better, bought it because of the looks party,but the quality of the paint is rubbish, within 10miles, the cables had rubbed the paint down to bare metal, this is unacceptable | | Similar Products Used: | GT ,far better quality, | | Bottom Line: | Fisher, learn to paint, or just sell your bikes to dry regions, definitely NOT overseas | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zinc alloy
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | england | | Strengths: | very fast bike, love the geometry | | Weaknesses: | the paint, i could do better, bought it because of the looks party,but the quality of the paint is rubbish, within 10miles, the cables had rubbed the paint down to bare metal, this is unacceptable | | Similar Products Used: | GT ,far better quality, | | Bottom Line: | Fisher, learn to paint, or just sell your bikes to dry regions, definitely NOT overseas | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zinc alloy
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | england | | Strengths: | very fast bike, love the geometry | | Weaknesses: | the paint, i could do better, bought it because of the looks party,but the quality of the paint is rubbish, within 10miles, the cables had rubbed the paint down to bare metal, this is unacceptable | | Similar Products Used: | GT ,far better quality, | | Bottom Line: | Fisher, learn to paint, or just sell your bikes to dry regions, definitely NOT overseas | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zinc alloy
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | england | | Strengths: | very fast bike, love the geometry | | Weaknesses: | the paint, i could do better, bought it because of the looks party,but the quality of the paint is rubbish, within 10miles, the cables had rubbed the paint down to bare metal, this is unacceptable | | Similar Products Used: | GT ,far better quality, | | Bottom Line: | Fisher, learn to paint, or just sell your bikes to dry regions, definitely NOT overseas | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashford, CT, U.S.
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | dunno | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop (manchester, CT) | | Strengths: | very good quality for the money. very excellent climber | | Bottom Line: | awesome | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat harrington
a Cross Country Rider
from aurora, co
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mary's loop (GJ, CO) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | littleton cyclery | | Strengths: | awesome frame, geometry, climbs well, very good components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | seat sucks, brakes suck, fork is just OK | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Trek 4900, rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | bontragor seat, crank brother candy c pedals, working on changing bike to avid mech disk brakes. Marzocchi mx comp W/ eta fork | | Bottom Line: | have had mine for almost 2 years now and love it. No better deal for a bike than this to get started. Deore all around. Awesome frame. I got sized too big, a 19 instead of 17 but I have adjusted to it being a little large for me. Only negatives are the promax brakes and the seat. The newer models have better forks but the pilot xc was decent. I would reccomend this. Buy the bike and upgrade parts when you get the chance. For the difference in the price on the disk tass you can get levers, rims and avids and do much better. Climbs and decends well!!!!! Get this bike or any good fisher hartail before goig to a FS rig. You become a much better biker!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from christchurch, new zealand
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | smiths sports | | Strengths: | wicked strong frame
Good realible gears
good all round components for the price range | | Weaknesses: | had problems with the shocks bottoming out
Hubs not disc ready | | Similar Products Used: | similar priced scott & kona models | | Bike Setup: | Shimino cable disc on front
Rock shox duke | | Bottom Line: | fantastic all round bike for intermediate riders
I'v given it death over the last year and it hasn't faulted at all.
I would absolutely buy another gary fisher in a heartbeat, if I manage to wear this one out! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mr. Toad's in Lake Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Stan's Bicycle Store | | Strengths: | -Geometry feels great
-Shifters are smooth and responsive
-Derailers do exactly as I ask them to
-Grips are grippy and not sticky
-Front fork is best in this bike's price range
-Pedals are very grippy and my feet don't slide | | Weaknesses: | -Stock tires gave me chronic pinch-flats
-Seat is uncomfortable
-Brake levers have a lot of play, very loose
-Brakes don't stop as well as I'd like them to
-The engine needs a little work. | | Similar Products Used: | -Highly modified GT in the $2k+ range.
-Slightly modified GT in the $300 range. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with computer and WTB tires. Clipless pedals soon. | | Bottom Line: | I came into this looking for a bike for $500 that would make me happy. Very soon I realized that I would have to stretch to $600 to get what I was looking for. My background at the time was 10 or so rides borrowing my roomate's $2k+ bike, and I really wanted to get something that was quality.
To me, the important parts of a bike are the ones that I interact with such as the shifters/derailers and the front fork. The entire drivetrain is Simano Deore which makes me very happy, and is rare to find on a bike of this price. The front fork has a positive air input which is also rare on a bike in this price range.
After using the bike for over a year now, I am fully satisfied with my purchase and it's great to see that over 90 other people on this website are happy with their bikes too. I love to play around in my street with bunny-hops and little tricks like that, and I also enjoy flying up into the hills. I can leave from my front door and gain 1,000 feet of elevation to reach a commaning view of the silicon valley in about an hour and half. What an amazing feeling.
If you're considering this bike, then go take it for a test ride and have some fun. I did :)
~Justin | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave NYDB
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, US of MF A
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dakota Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$515.00 | | Purchased At: | Mojo Wheels | | Strengths: | This is an excellent entry level package for ANYBODY looking to get into mountain biking. Spending $1000 on a rig is friggin stupid if you don't already know you are going to enjoy your new investment. I think the TASS has a fat-ass components package for the price, (All deore parts, ok fork, unbeatable frame, very strong wheels) Frame is super tight, seems indestructable... I went over the bars going +20mph the other week, and my rig landed about 30-40 feet down the trail. Road rash, dislocated shoulder, and a completely split helmet for me, but the frame was FINE. (Took it in to Fisher dealer to verify this)... It landed about 30 feet in front of where i did... I just keep upgrading parts instead of wanting a new frame, or bothering to go to a Pogo stick... Bontrager parts are ok, but i did wear thru the threads on the stock Bont. seatpost. See below for my thoughts on that... | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck. Seems like all Fisher owners complain about this??? I definately agree, SUCKAGE happens, not that bad, tho. Plus, it's usu. more the riders fault. Also, stock brakes are kind of junk. Stock Manitou fork wore out pretty quick, but hey, i weigh about 2 bills, so that didn't bother me. Oh yeah, the friggin seat post is a pain in the ass!!! 29.2 width, so the only replacement brand you can use (Pretty much) is Bontrager... The threads wore out on mine, and i was pissed off when i found out that i couldn't upgrade my busted seatpost, because there's no fkin manufacturers who make posts that size except Bontrager! (Don't tell me to use a shim, that sht is gay) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Trek 4000, Specialized SOFT Rock, Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Avid Arch Rival Brakes/SD 7 levers, XTR Hubs laced to Velocity Aeroheat Rims, XT front/Rear der., Rock Shox Psylo SL fork (Only go to 100mm for this frame, tho...) Eggbeaters, Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle, Stock cranks, Titec Big al Stem, and shorty bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I ride aggressive trails, no city riding at all, and i feel totally comfortable on this bike, no desire to move to F/S rig at all... This bike ate up the Porcupine Rim, with no trouble at all. i.e. this frame is NOT the lightest, but the sht is strong!!! I'd take a few more ounces for safety any day. I love this bike, and have said 100 times, the only reason i'll get a new frame is if this one snaps. I have tried EVERYTHING possible to make that happen, and it has performed top notch. I just keep upgrading things. Disc brakes next, maybe, but you can buy the TASS with a set anyway, that would be one thing i'd recommend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Niemeyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Hattiesburg,MS
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Hattiesburg Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | I love the way the bike feels. It has some great color schemes and is rugged. I use it in adventure racing and it has held up good for the last year now. I get a lot of compliments about the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Cant say now. I wish mine would have come with a better head set. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for someone like me. I ride twice a week and race a couple of times a year. The bike comes well equiped with components and is a great bike for under 1k. Good step up bike for someone wanting to get a little more serious about their riding. If I had to do it over again, I would get the one with disc brakes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from London Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | aggro xc | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Genesis
Deore
Brakes
Rear wheel
Frame strength
Fisher Quality | | Weaknesses: | Front Hub
Cranks
Pedals
Seat
Grips
Tires
(most fairly easily replaceable)
Price in Canada ($1100 CdN, over $750 UsD) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock (no comparaison)
Cannondale F300
| | Bike Setup: | As it was sold to me, will upgrade things mentioned in weaknesses when i'm out of the hole! | | Bottom Line: | Crappy front hub, pedal bearings failed and ruined my cranks, painful seat (helped by chamois cycling shorts worn under normal shorts), grips split apart after about a month of riding, tires are too thin and choke on mud and have practically no traction in sand, price in Canada is not a very good value. Fork is pretty crappy, but really plush for trials.
On the good side, genesis and good frame make it a very versatile bike. I can ride in a short-track xc race one day, mess around at the skatepark the next, do trials the day after, ride to school (30km) the next day, then ride all-mountain and smoke some freeriders on the downhills on the weekend! The wheels would take some serious conscious effort to untrue, the brakes are really powreful and allow good control without skidding, and can do awesome endos. Deore make it easy to shift, even when climbing a 60 degree hill and it is still buttery smooth after 3 months of serious abuse.
Buy it if you can get a decent price on one! (I got $500 CdN off mine!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Anacortes
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Still Looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Art's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This is my 2nd MTB since my 1988 Giant Rincon. Whoa, things have come a long way! You can ride up hills easier than you can walk. After one assent was so easy I started going up hills like a mountain goat. Nice and light and very nimble. I wasn't real impressed with the shock at first but upon reading it's owner's manual I let out all the air (per my weight). MUCH BETTER! Yep, things have come a long way!! Thanks Gary! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Robinson
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle (the best!) | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry allows me to climb like I never thought I could. Super tough construction....Climbing out of the saddle on this hardtail is really easy...except the rear tire slips at times (hardtail for you) very comfortable. This bike has taken a beating and keeps on ticking...I have 500 miles on it...hard ridden x-country miles...and it still shifts great. The Deore shifts so smooth as I crank on the pedals standing up...impressive. | | Weaknesses: | I swapped the seat out immediately....made the switch at the store before I bought it....
The shox bottom out if you like to jump a little bit..I run them at max 50psi....and still feel bottom out at high speeds over roots.
| | Bike Setup: | swapped out seat for a cushy Serfas.... handlebar extenders...computer....panaracer xc-pro tires | | Bottom Line: | I feel really tall on this bike which gives me a sense of power over the trail. It handles so darn well at high speeds on dirt..corners great. I love the shifting of the Deore components....I have had no problem with them in 1 year....I raced this bike twice in the Sea Otter and passed many $$$$$$$$$ bikes by who lost chains...seats....other stuff.... this bike is the bomb. I am looking to upgrade to a full suspension...I am definately looking at Gary FIsher...I need to keep that same dynamic feel!! Great bike...recommend to everyone!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alexyve rabar
a
from portland, or usa
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | forest park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | river city bicycles | | Strengths: | Great geometry, stand out manuaverability, clever color scheme ( red blu yellow ) good starting out components for the novice to intermediate biker. | | Weaknesses: | seat is like...well like there is no seat at all or at least that's what the hind quarters feels like when done with a long ride. rock shox pilot xc should never have come out on the market (poo-poo junk) | | Similar Products Used: | hutch pro racer ( way back in time ) stumpjumper and gary fisher al-1 | | Bike Setup: | tassajara 03, chris king headset, easton monkey bars, gel seat, yeti grips and computer | | Bottom Line: | no bike is better than the tassajara for the price and ride. with some minor upgrades the bike and biker will unite as one and yoda will appear and tell to you to use the force to exterminate all those who say bad things about the trusty tassajara, then the world and all the mtb trails in it will be at your disposal... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dustin Chessin
a Downhiller
from Idaho Fall, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ones To Huck Off | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Idaho Moutain Trading | | Strengths: | The Bike is real nice for haulin a$$ down hill. I rode the hell out of it and it still works. The Gary Fisher is number one in Geomotry and riding up hard trails.Fun bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the frame after a year.But i ride harder than you. The wheels also were shot after a few crashes and drops. I reccomend new tires and a front fork.like maybe a rock shock physlo. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hardtails.. same price range. | | Bike Setup: | New seat, panaracer fire X tires, and rest stock | | Bottom Line: | Its the best hardtail bike that you could buy for the money. I would buy it again but i freeride now so. Also when i would ride up hill with my friends their chains would always have trouble shifting. I never did because the geomotry is so nice.Pedal Hard. I would recomend this bike for intermediate riders that have some experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucasp
a
from Pa
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes | | Strengths: | Great body posistioning | | Weaknesses: | The seat is super killer... .ouch | | Similar Products Used: | giant yukon, iguana | | Bike Setup: | waterbottles lol | | Bottom Line: | This is a nice bike especially for starting off. I have gone down tech 3+ out of 5 trails and handled them just fine the rock shox ar enice for the bucks but too bad the seat is not nice for the butts. Would recommoned | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RICKY
a Cross Country Rider
from PLEASANTON
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | MACH 5, NORTHSTAR | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | REAL BIKES | | Strengths: | IT IS GOOD FOR THE MONEY. CAN TAKE SPEED VERY WELL. | | Weaknesses: | THE SHOX WAS CRAP | | Similar Products Used: | TREK AND GIANT | | Bike Setup: | XT HUBS, AND DISC BRAKES, SUN RIMS, FOX VANILLA 125RL | | Bottom Line: | IT IS A GOOD BIKE, CLIMBS REALLY GOOD BUT DOWNHILL I AM A LITTLE TO BIG(5'10 AND 215) FOR THE SHOX AND THE SPEED I AM GOING. WORTH EVERY PENNY, RIDE ALMOST EVERYDAY AND IT STILL HASNT BROKE. WHEN IT BRAKES I WILL DEFINATELY GET ANOTHER FISHER. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maurice
a Cross Country Rider
from Murfreesboro, TN
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamilton Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$415.00 | | Purchased At: | MOAB ....Murfreesboro Outdoor And Bike | | Strengths: | Great construction, good parts for the price | | Weaknesses: | WOW I havent found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock except clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike used to ride till my cake comes in. I am 6'2" about 245 lbs and OLD. I like going fast downhill and this bike has no problem with holding on to the trail. I just entered a race last weekend and really put the bike to the test and it came out MUCH better then I did. 1 fantastic straight downhill and lots of climbs and the bike by far out lasted me. I cant wait till my cake comes in if it rides half as nice as the TASS I will be a complete happy rider. Fantastic bike for the new and experienced, young and old. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Rueda
a Cross Country Rider
from Bogotá, Colombia
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Technical land of mondoñedo, in the savanna of Bogotá | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | Todo Bici (Bogotá) | | Strengths: | Color, Quality of components, (Deore), the Genesis Geometry does make it easier climbing and descending the steep hill, light weight. a great buy.
| | Weaknesses: | Hard seat, It is not as cheap as in the EEUU. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500/4900. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano clipless pedals installed at purchase. And seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first real mountain bike, and I'm loving. I never thought that I'd have so much fun riding a bike. I guess I should've bought a mountain bike a lot earlier. And the Genesis geometry is just perfect for wheelies | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from alexandria,va
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | four mile run/mt veron trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | HTO (Hudson Trail Outfitters) | | Strengths: | Quality product for price. | | Weaknesses: | Not many.. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stocks | | Bottom Line: | 2003 fisher tassajara
over 2000 miles, 1 flat, commute to work daily about 10 miles each way.. I know I'm pedalling harder than street
bikes on paved trails, but I still love the bike.
5'10, 175 lbs.. 10 lbs on my back, Don't do any serious jumping, but do use the shock on street curbs with no problems.
Did take it off road on a bumpy trail, the shock was
bottoming out after it heated up.. bought a pump and
started filling it up regularly. This was probably because
of lack of maintenance on the shock (never oiled it!).
Tires are starting to look a little dry rotted, after
sitting in the sun all day long and 2000 miles..but still
holding up! Brake pads will need replaced. It is ready
for a shifting adjustment ( only had to adjust 1 time
at about 200 miles, when the chain went goofy ).
Sometimes when downshifting on the front gear, the chain
will jump off. (tuning issue?)..
No crashes yet..bike feels solid as the day I bought it.
The price is great for what you get component wise.
I'll definitely be leaning towards another Tassajara
if I am ever in the market again, and would highly
recommend it for a first time biker with spending $$$$
on a new bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared G
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Scotts Trail #32 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | World Cycles | | Strengths: | Good bike for the buck. Lightweight yet sturdy to pound on for a less expensive bike. Typical good Fisher handling for climbing and a rocket on the downhills. You get what you pay for in components...but the average rider will be OK with the stock parts. | | Weaknesses: | None noted. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Trek, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for clips and a computer | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. Good entry level bike for those starting. Will hold up on the hard trails but won't break the bank. Genesis geometry is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Squillace
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Martin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$335.00 | | Purchased At: | Crooked Creek Young Life Camp | | Strengths: | Geomitry ROCKS!!!! Solid frame. Climbs like a frikin mountain goat, and nible on the downhill! | | Weaknesses: | The Pilot XC is kina seems kina week, and is kina heavy. Rear shifter can be kina touchy to adjust. | | Similar Products Used: | Peice of junk mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Clip petals, panaracer front tire, panaracer rear or Velocraptor rear. | | Bottom Line: | All in all this bike is increadible for the price! Ill say this again. It is amazing on the uphill and downhill. The tass is a great all-round bike. I have ridden this bike really hard and it has held up to it all. From tearing down hills and slamming into rocks to climbing the steepest technical trails it is awsome!
Alot of people have been complaing about the seet?!? I havent notice anything wrong with it.
I only have a cupple complaints about it. The rockshox pilot xc is kina weak for some of the stuff i do. It used to be at 80 mm of travel, but its droped proble a whole 10 mm! It seems to bottom out on curbs and small stuff even when it is pumped up to its max of 50 psi. Later I am going to upgrade it to a Pilot Psylo XC or something. It works fine for smothing out moderate bumps but it just cant handle the big ones. It doesnt retain its air very well anymore either. The seals must be going out. KFinally the rear deraler can be kina touchy with adjusting. Its hard to get it to run on both the highest and lowest gears. Heck its not like I use the highest gear alot. I can live with it.
All in all, this as a SWEET deal. If you are looking for a great all-round bike the Tass if for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GoodWill
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Austin, TX | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$590.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling shop in Houston | | Strengths: | Climbing and downhilling are a breeze. Great efficiency. Dynamic feel under you. A beautiful bike that will make you proud when you make it proud whether you're carving out a trail or riding along a trail. The way the bike manuevers is quite impressive. If you haven't already, test ride this bike, you'll be sold. For the value and for its performance it doesn't get any better. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is a complete ass breaker. I thought my nice rump would become accustomed to the stock seat, but its only been a pain in the butt. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Settings | | Bottom Line: | Its worth your money. Every single penny. Its a beautiful piece whether its resting inside your place or your pushing the crap outta the thing on a rugged trail. The shox are real nice when you're climbing or descending. Cornering is a bit week, but if you know how to corner, then there's no problem whatsoever. For the value and for the quality, then highly consider getting the tassajara. I have been nothing but pleased and excited about what the bike has offered and provided me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
manny
a
from Belmont, Massachusetts, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Great bike all around
Shocks are awesome | | Weaknesses: | Seat kills, so i bought a new one | | Bike Setup: | stock, avocet seats, and trying to add SPD clip-in pedals which is why i wrote this review | | Bottom Line: | Dont get me wrong, I love this bike. We've had some good times together. Unfortunatley, it has been letting me down lately. I have benn trying to install SPD clip-in pedals. only problem is: I cant get the old factory pedals off! It is stuck to the crank! :( I have searched the entire internet for tips and tricks, and that little bolt still won't turn. It pisses me off. If anyone has any tips, PLEASE write a review on this site about this subject within, like, 2 hours. otherwise I'm taking it to my LBS. I gave a one chili because im pissed off, but get this bike and have clip-in pedals installed for you. trust me. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C.B. Collings
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA, CSA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Belle Isle-Buttermilk | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's Bicycles (they suck) | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, Fork, Genesis Geometry, Drivetrain, Tires | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset, Brakes, Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Chromoly Rigid ATB - a beast
| | Bike Setup: | Mavic x-139 rims w/ Deore disc hubs, Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes, M-636 clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first real mountain bike and I love it. Genesis fits me perfectly and the frame seems unbreakable, It has come unscathed through many a crash and burn. No problems with the drivetrain, this thing climbs like a goat and corners pretty well too. Everybody says Genesis doesn't turn well at low speed but that is a load of crap. I ride through some of the twistiest singletrack around without a problem. Haven't had a problem with the fork, although something with an external travel adjust would be nice. My only issue with this bike is the crappy Bontrager Corvair wheelset it comes with and the brakes. The wheelset is just too weak for this bike. The brakes are also crappy so I upgraded to Avid Mechanicals when I got new rims and I've been happy ever since. Oh and the seat is a killer on the boys so I'm getting something with a bit more padding. Overall this bike is a great value and the perfect 1st mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Atl Ga USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle works they told me my chain needed to streck DON'T recommend | | Strengths: | Solid I have crashed and burned a few times with no effect on the bike anyways. the geometry and components Rock. All I can say is ride one and you will be enlightend. downhill uphill roots rocks it can handel what you throw at it. balance is awsome.being centered over the back wheel down hill in fall just apply the back brakes and skid through conners JOY | | Weaknesses: | one word buy something "paded" for your back side if you plan on serios riding or buy a granny seat for those sunday rides trough the park. I bashed the shocks in a previous reveiw but have learned that once you find the sweet spot "air pressure"your golden shocks make a squesing niose especialy when oiled properly.
| | Similar Products Used: | none not with the genisus baby | | Bike Setup: | new pedals oh ya they had to go | | Bottom Line: | Solid and fun at the price I can feel good about. Thats pretty much it I feel good about this bike over all. A great bike to enter the sport with plenty of room to grow. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, WA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Capital Forest, Olympia | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Tacoma Bike | | Strengths: | Good value. Comfortable frame geometry. Good components. Srong enough for my 220 pounds hitting some pretty hard trails. | | Weaknesses: | A tad heavy. The seat is poorly shaped and would, I think, lead to some chaffing. Tires suck in serious mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Specialized hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock. WTB 'speed' seat. Cheap tires (that work much better than stock ones). Crank Brothers clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I ride a couple times a week in fairly harsh conditions. The bike is holding up nicely. The disc brakes are great. The bike handles nicely. Thumbs up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Brighton, Mi
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Lake- Blue | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Pointe Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Price, GENESIS Geometry, Pilot XC, USA Made, Aluminum, Color, High quality standard parts | | Weaknesses: | My butt hurts the day after because of the racing seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano Clipless | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. I just recently got serious (this summer) about trail riding. I had done it once or twice before, rather unsuccessfully, on my steel framed Pacific. This bike is a HUGE step up. I originally looked at Specialized Rockhopper, but when I saw that it was made in china, I was out. My friend recommended to me the Trek 4900, which I tried and really liked, except the fork. Plus, all Treks are made in the USA, which is a plus. I was kinda bummed about the fork though, when I saw the Gary Fisher. Turns out, they are made by Trek, in the USA, and it had the fork upgrade to the Pilot XC air-supported shocks. For only $20 more mind you. My mind was made up. It has the same ride and feel of the Trek, if not better because of the Genesis geometry, with better components, for almost the same Price.
So anyway, my first time out on the trails with this bike was awesome. I took hills WAY faster, and because of the Genesis Geo, I didnt have to stand up. The gears shift nice and quick, and the brakes stop on a dime. However, my foot did slip off the pedal and I scratched up my leg, so I got clipless. But besides that, this is a GREAT bike, for beginners or an experienced rider looking for a nice hardtail for not too much money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Zane's Cycles | | Strengths: | Price, price, price. Awesome performance for the paice paid. Good suspension and GENESIS geometry | | Weaknesses: | Brakes make some noise and seat is a butt number. Alloy platform pedals had to go. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Frontier GS with Rock Shox Judy | | Bike Setup: | Replaced pedals with Nashbar clipless and changed out to Shimano crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Love the feel of this bike. The riding position lets me take on most climbs without coming out of the saddle. Shimano Deore equiopment performs will when shifting on the downhill or the climb. Would highly recommend this model to anyone who wants to get on the trails but does not want to have to take out a second mortgage to pay for their bike. Bought the bike and still had money in my pocket for pedals and new shoes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cyrus Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, Missouri, USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | SAC River trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | I have been riding this bike for at least 6 months, at times pretty hard, and i havent had any problems so far. The Pilot XC fork has recieved a lot of bad reviews, but i havent had any problems with it at all. Take into account that i am a skinny guy though,6ft,160. might have something to do with it. The components have served me well so far. Upgraded to clipless pedals and switched out the seat. Genesis Geometry is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | ROCK hard seat, i bent the rails droppin off a 4ft ramp. Replaced that and im really glad i did... new one's much more comfortable. no other weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | i rode a GT outpost trail frame with an indy xc fork back in the day...lol i was young and broke. | | Bike Setup: | '03 Fisher Tassajara, ritchey clipless pedals, nice seat, sacrificed weight for comfort and im glad i did. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I've had no problems, i ride it hard, and i ride it often. Feels stable, easy to manuver through those tight switchbacks, fun to jump with as well. I am pleased with the value as well, defineately a good buy. Had a few flats, put in mr. tuffy tire liners and havent had one since(knock on wood). Great bike, ill never ride anything but a fisher again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a
from Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$595.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bikes, Norman | | Strengths: | Super smooth riding, light weight, quick shifting, nimble. | | Weaknesses: | Rock hard seat, thin tubes.
| | Similar Products Used: | Many BMX bikes, rode some of my friends good MT bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike since early July, and I love it. It is my first real mountain bike. I ride it around town and on trails. I am a small rider so after some long rides my back becomes a bit sore. I can deal with it though. Other than that and the seat, this bike is awsome. The Pilot XC shocks are smooth, it shifts quickly, and rolls easily. The bike is very controllable, and fast. I am very happy with my purchase. For me it is 5 chilis on value and overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, OH
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Great Control, stability, easy shifting and balance, light weight | | Weaknesses: | chain is loose so it bounces but that can be remedied at your local bike shop. | | Bottom Line: | This is the first real mountain bike I have had, I bought it back in July and I couldn't be more pleased. Eveything about it is great, I plan to upgrade to a disc brake package this summer but other than that the bike is solid and can handle any terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Cahaba Cycle | | Strengths: | Value, upgrades | | Weaknesses: | Seat, grips, tubes | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the seat after 2 weeks of painful riding. Just added Pyramid Thornproof tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Having just recently gotten into mountain biking, I needed something that met my needs by getting a quality bike for the least monetary sacrifice (so I can buy all the gear). The tubes were kinda weak for a heavier rider, so I replaced those. The seat is bad enough to turn somebody off from riding altogether, so I made a $40 investment in a new seat and it's much better. Not really planning on doing any racing or anything, so I think this is definately the best buy for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Haven't found it yet! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$510.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Town USA Gainsville,GA | | Strengths: | Genesis frame, Rock Shox Pilot XC front fork, paint. | | Weaknesses: | None for the money | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock, Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Front fork properly adjusted for my weight 195lbs, tires inflated @ 40psi for rough trails and 50psi for smoother terrain | | Bottom Line: | This bike flat-out rips! The overall balance of the bike is excellent. It accelerates like a sports car, stops, turns and climbs like a goat. The Pilot XC fork is outstanding and makes riding a pleasure. Make sure you adjust it to your weight. Descending is good and it can handle faster speeds downhill than what it initially communicates. Every time I get on it I go faster.
A great benefit of this bike is the feeling a owning and riding a quality piece of equipment. The frame and paint are outstanding, as well as, the components. All bikes are way too expensive! However, based on price vs. value this has to be one of the best buys on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Rouses Point, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Maui North | | Strengths: | Solid frame, decent fork, and good components for this price level. | | Weaknesses: | Seat..ouch. Will upgrade the pedals before next season. Grips are pretty sticky but not soft enough for my hands. | | Similar Products Used: | My first new bike in 10 years, previous was a mongoose hilltopper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Good solid bike with a good set of components to start out with. Plenty of room to upgrade components to suit your needs. Good value, especially for me as I am getting back into the sport and don't need a FS bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike 'n' Roll | | Strengths: | Excellent frame; respectable components; unbeatable price | | Weaknesses: | Front gearset; front derailleur; weight | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Bianchi Giro (road bike) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Value - 5 flamin' chilis
Overall - 4 flamin' chilis
No question about it, this is a fine mountain bike at an unbeatable price. It’s rugged, yet nimble, and capable of handling almost any riding that most riders will ever do (fire roads, trails, single track, some moderate downhill), all at a cost of $600 or less. It's not a competition-level bike, but it would certainly stand up to the rigors of entry-level XC races.
I was originally looking for a mountain bike in the $1,200 range, as I figured I wouldn’t be happy with the components found on a less-expensive bike. I am used to riding a road-bike in the $1,200 price range, and can feel the difference between good-quality and cheap components. While I had the money to buy a more expensive bike, after some research, I decided to go with the Tassajara. It seemed like it would fit my needs, and my local bike shop was selling it at a huge year-end discount. Frankly, for the $375 I paid for the bike, if I didn’t like it, I was just going to keep it as a second bike to loan to friends, and go buy a $1,200 bike. However, I’m so pleased with the Tassajara that I just don’t feel any need to go buy a more expensive bike (… eventually I might, but not until this one has been well worn-in).
This bike just feels right. The Genesis geometry is great… comfortable and stable-feeling. The bike feels solid, with no hint of “looseness” or “flexiness.” The Shimano Deore components on this bike work well and don’t feel “cheap,” although they do seem to be a step lower in quality than the Shimano 105 (mid-range road bike) components that I’m used to. I imagine that the Shimano Deore LX and the Shimano 105 components are about equivalent. If a particular component wears out or breaks, I’ll upgrade it to Deore LX or XT.
I’ve read some reviews complaining about the seat, although I found it to be quite comfortable. The seat, of course, is always a matter of personal preference.
The RockShox Pilot XC fork is a great piece of equipment. It has a spring/air system that can be adjusted from soft and cushy to very firm. A number of people seem to dislike it (see the reviews of the RockShox Pilot XC on this same website), but I, personally, can’t find a thing wrong with it. Mine works just fine. The XC is a significant upgrade from the C, in that the XC has an adjustable air pre-load system, which allows the shock to be adjusted for different riders and different types of riding. If you want, you can even adjust the travel from 80mm to 100mm, although that requires a complete overhaul of the shock at the bike shop. There’s more lateral flex in the forks (holding the wheel straight and twisting the handlebars) than in a fixed fork, but that’s probably simply inherent in a fork with moving parts.
The wheels and tires are well-matched to the bike. The rims are the double-walled aluminum type (seemingly with machined sidewalls, but I can’t tell for sure). Rear hub is Deore, but the front hub is some no-name brand. IRC Mythos tires are quite good. The brakes are inexpensive Pro-Tec direct pull type, but work just fine.
Considering what this bike costs, and how pleased with it I am overall, it's not fair to complain too loudly about its few minor drawbacks. However, I'll point them out for the sake of completeness. The bike weighs a couple pounds more than I would like (15.5 inch frame bike weighs 28.5 pounds), although the bike is still quite nimble. The couple of pounds extra weight would be felt primarily on hills. Also, the front chain rings are steel, as opposed to lighter aluminum alloys, and sound and feel rather “tin-ny” to me, although they work OK. I much prefer the lighter and more solid feeling of the aluminum alloy chain rings. If I could make only one upgrade on this bike, upgrading the front chain rings is probably the one I would make. Lastly, the front derailleur seems like it needs a stronger spring to push the chain back down to the lower chain rings. You can’t have any tension at all on the chain if you want the front derailleur to work. This is probably the second upgrade I would make.
So, why the lengthy review? Well, I was so impressed by a bike that I bought for $375 that I felt it was warranted. Unless you’re looking to compete or do extreme riding, you’ll find the Tassajara to be a worthy, capable mountain bike. It's a great bike at a great price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mason
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington, WV
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Beach Fork | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Jeff's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Great deal and handles very well on single track. So far has held up great on a very rocky trail. | | Weaknesses: | None so far, but did change the petals to clipless. | | Similar Products Used: | GT hardtail, looked at Giant Iguana and Trek 4900. | | Bike Setup: | Onza clipless petals and barends. | | Bottom Line: | The Tass I have is a 04 red and silver 15.5". I looked at the specs on other bikes in the same price range and I think this bike is the best bang for the buck. I am 160lbs 5ft 6", and I'm totally happy with this bike. I heard the RockShox XCs were petty weak but I like them so far and I ride on fast and very rough trails. The brakes feel stout, as for the frame I find it is very agile and climbs well. The Tass is a great bike if you want to stay under $600 but want a very trail ready MTB, all you need is some clipless pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Brick, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Allaire | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$558.00 | | Purchased At: | Shrewsbury Bicycle | | Strengths: | New frame for '04. Fisher kicked up all the frames a notch for the '04 models (uses Gold series aluminum). I was a little worried about the Rockshox Pilot XC fork based on component reviews, but so far has performed great. Doere drivetrain. Great value. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. Pedals. Did I mention the pedals?
Also not thrilled with the grips, but workable. | | Similar Products Used: | 15 year old Mongoose IBOC Comp. Demoed current Trek 4900, Giant Igauna and GF Marlin before deciding on this bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals. | | Bottom Line: | 2004 bike great value for the money. I was able to get it on the end of summer sale right when it first arrived in the store (those guys rock). I am a big rider (6'2", 285) and this bike is awesome. Big concern was the RS Pilot XC fork. I bought a fork pump, check the air before and after riding and so far so good. I heard about the geometry of this bike, but didn't think too much about it. When I hit my first uphill, and it didn't feel as hard as expected, I was impressed. Seat is OK. My only real complaint about the bike is the pedals, but at this price I know I can't expect everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Catawba Riverfront | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Ultimate Bicycle | | Strengths: | This bike really performs. Mostly all of this bike's qualities are strengths. | | Weaknesses: | After a long ride, my butt will hurt if I sit on something else that's hard. It is definitely bearable though. Changing the seat is not a must, but it could help. | | Similar Products Used: | Messed around with my neighbor's Sugar 2. Feels similar, except for the absorption on the back wheel | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really awesome for the price. Every time I go to the trail I give it the hardest beating, and it brings me home every time. GREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY. its also great for younger riders, like me (I'm 15) if they don't have much money since their parents dont spoil them. i recommend testing a TASS if you can, and if possible buy one. great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$549.00 | | Purchased At: | Ultimate Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great components (Deore), Good Brakes, the Genesis Geometry does make it easier climbing and descending the steep hills. | | Weaknesses: | Platform Pedals and Seat somewhat tough (takes some getting used to. Recommend buying some good bike shorts if you don't have any and are not upgrading the seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Ridden and tested Trek 4500/4900. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano clipless pedals installed at purchase. | | Bottom Line: | Totally agree with most of the reviews written here. Great first Mountain Bike! Spend the extra money you save on upgrading the pedals, seat, and getting your gear. Ridden it every weekend and really enjoying the bike. It will take you anywhere you want to go. 04 models are now out and have a slightly lighter frame but if 03 is on sale its worth the buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art
a Cross Country Rider
from Oceaside, CA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$512.00 | | Purchased At: | Amazon Bikes | | Strengths: | Great geometry, strong frame, good components, handlebars, brakes arn't bad, trouble free opperation. Overall quality/ price can not be beat, period! | | Weaknesses: | Pedals (get a good clipless set), seat (get something you dont mind sitting on for 2+ hours at a time) | | Similar Products Used: | tested assorted bikes at the bike shop, both hardtail and FS | | Bike Setup: | Crank Bros. Mallat C pedals, Night Rider light, Serfas seat, XTR/Mavic front wheelset, Cat 9 computer, Panaracer fire XC pro tires | | Bottom Line: | For the price, there is no way you can beat the Tassajara. This is my first "real" mountain bike, and I cant be happier with my decision. No, this bike isnt a 20 pound, 4,000 dollar bike with full XTR components, but Ill tell you this, this bike will go where you want it to. Ive put about 300 miles on the bike in the past couple months, and its been nothing but a pleasure to ride. If any of you that are reading this are debating between a hardtail or FS bike, buy the hardtail, and spend the 500 bucks you save on lights, camalback, etc, anything! Buy the disk if you want to ride in lots of mud/rain, buy the V otherwise, its simpile, and still offers a great ammount of stopping power. This is a GREAT bike either way! With that said, I must say, don't buy this bike if you want to get on it and race XC (only because of wieght) or downhill, it's not designed for that. Have fun riding whatever bike you ride, hardtail, FS, whatever. Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vijay
a Weekend Warrior
from Sudbury, MA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Callahan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Franks Spoke N' Wheel | | Strengths: | Geometry rocks, everything i read here about the uphill ease was true. The frame just feels solid, all the parts seem fine (i have yet to have problems with the brakes), and i actually think the seat is really good once you get used to it. | | Weaknesses: | The shocks right now are a bit squishy, but i'm sure it can be cleared up by adjusting the air. The pedals are crap though, i wiped out really bad two weeks ago after my feet just slipped off completely. Haven't had the bike long enough to discover any other weaknesses yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous bike was a Schwinn Frontier GS piece of crap that i'd had since i was twelve. Before i bought the tassajara i tested a Trek 4500/4900, K2 Zed 3.0, Specialized Rockhopper, and a Giant Iguana. Compared to the Schwinn all of the bikes were fantastic, the Fisher just seemed the best fit for me. | | Bike Setup: | All stock, about to get pedals with straps on them. | | Bottom Line: | I read everything i could find here about the bikes in my price range, and this bike was absolutely perfect for me. I bought this bike to get started into mountain biking and it's worked, once i get back to school in amherst i'll start hitting all the trails up there. My only real concern is that i have a tendency to hit the biggest air i possibly can, and i hope the frame holds up to it (5'10" 160 lbs.). Since i have no huge experience with mountain biking so far, i have no idea just how much stress i'm putting on the frame and how much it can take. So far though its been absolutely awesome; after mountain biking for the first time, i never wanted to go back to road biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellington, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | West Hartford Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Concepts | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. The Tassajara has the best component combination of all the bikes I looked at in its price range with the added benefits of being American made, and the build quality of a Fisher frame. | | Weaknesses: | The Promax brakes are pretty cheap, but that should be expected when all of the other components are such better quality. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Bar ends and Shimano clipless pedals installed at purchase. Recent upgrade to Shimano Deore XT crank set, cassette, front and rear derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | The Tassajara is a great bike for the entry level mountain biker or the biker with only about $600 to spend on a new bike. Buying a Fisher you know you are getting a quality constuction frame and that combined with the component combination Fisher has chosen to put on this bike make it a very well rounded bike. The Genesis geometry just feels right after test riding other bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from mechanicsburg
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | none specific | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | holmes | | Strengths: | color combo, deore all around, solid bike, best bang for the buck in this price range | | Weaknesses: | seat sucks, could be a little lighter in weight but not a complaint | | Similar Products Used: | rockhopper, trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | stock-except new gel seat | | Bottom Line: | thanks to recommendations on this website i made an informed decision. i previously owned a rockhopper and was looking at a new one and a trek 4900 til i saw the components that came with this bike, for the same price you getter better quality components with the fisher bike and i like to paint setup better. i guess trek and specialized spend more money on advertising instead of putting it wear it counts-bike quality...one other item i had to get used to was the shifters, i had grip shifts on my last bike which i still like more than the current setup which are the deore rapid fire push button shift mechanism which took some getting accustomed too.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xiong Yang
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$484.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek | | Strengths: | Trek was great, they price matched this bike with another store! If you ever need some price matching and Trek has the bike you want then by all means! Anywho, the GF Tass MSRPs for around 600 something, I got it for a good 520 after tax. Love the Genesis Geometry, I can climb better, faster, and what not. (HAH! Take that crappy 'ol GT!!) For 500 bucks I got a great bike with good components, I'll be buying better components however, but with it's standard setup you can't beat it...well, unless you got a deal like me! | | Weaknesses: | Took the bike out one of those days ago (it was hot, I can't remember) came back with a small chunk of my Corvair (Bontrager) Rims missing. Some parts need to be tightened too...like the handle bars, they came loose on a steep ascent. Oh and the seat hurts, I don't care if it's leather, it hurts, bought some baggies with gel inserts; doesn't bother me anymore. | | Similar Products Used: | GF Big Sur, Trek 4000'something, Huffy-something, GT-something, and a Diamondback-something. | | Bike Setup: | Standard so far. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike. Its light for this kind of price and its stiff as heck. My friend has to pedal twice as much to keep up with me while I cruise. Friends can't keep up with me racing downhill and especially going up rocky hills. It's got descent components but I'll be getting better/ even lighter parts after I pay off the bike. I've always liked Hard-Tails and this new bike of mine makes me like them even more! If you don't have that much money and are looking for a great bike then purchase the Tassajara. And, if you're lucky and find a lower price then what Trek is selling it for and there's a Trek around you then let them price match it for you and you're set! Hi-yah!! Take that Yellow Schwinn!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Alonso
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Lightweight (price/pound), good suspension, decent components. For the price........a great buy. | | Weaknesses: | Could have better brake set. Although, satisfactory for flat Miami. | | Similar Products Used: | Big Sur, Stump Jumper and varios not too serious bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Factory specs. | | Bottom Line: | Best buy for around $600.00. Anybody who really rides the trails in the capacity of a heavy duty weekend warrior will appreciate the performence of this bike. The only reason I would trade in this bike for another would be if my ability as a rider supercedes the ability of my bike (don't see that happening anytime soon). Good performance for intermediate riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yann Schutter
a Weekend Warrior
from Geneva, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike shop | | Strengths: | Full Deore!!! and all other components are great. Awsome feel, geometry makes you confident downhill and gives you noticibly more grip uphill (are there any weaknesses to genesis???). Even if we dont always want to admit it the look is also important, and this bike (mine is red and grey) looks awsome without drawing too much attention to itself. Grips are cool too. | | Weaknesses: | You either have to buy a shock pump or you go to the bike shop to get the shock adjusted. Feels a little on the heavy side but geometry makes up for it. Seat feels like it is made of non absorbing steel, and of course the pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a trek 800 beforehand but have borrowed... Specialized Enduro, Specialized Hardrock comp/sport Giant iguana Treck 4500. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Stock, except for some shin ripping (but very grippy) bmx pedals... and a new seat when I can afford one. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike!!! Great value (try and buy the components for the price of the bike) Genises geometry makes you wonder why everyone else isnt finding a way to copy it? In this price range you really cant beat it. I did my research on this site and I agree completly with whats been said... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jussi Koukku
a Cross Country Rider
from Kangasala, Finland
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | R-Tech (Finland) | | Strengths: | Price (believe it or not), light weight, geometry | | Weaknesses: | Brakes. Seat too if you're not wearing proper padded shorts (but hey, it's a racing seat ;) ... and the only available colour here in Finland was the red/blue combination. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400, GF Marlin Disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except the Wellgo clip pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike, and I'm loving it =) First I thought that the Pilot XC fork was broken, but apparently it is supposed to make those funny noises. And the Genesis geometry is just perfect for wheelies. I'm 29 y/o and I never thought that I'd have so much fun riding a bike. I guess I should've bought a mountain bike a lot earlier.
I'd recommend this bike to anyone who is new to mountain biking. Buying a cheap bike as your first MTB will most likely kill your interest, so I'd say that the Tassajara definately worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Mesa Cycles | | Strengths: | Great Frame and Fork. Deraileur nicer than on a Rockhopper. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals suck... Fork needs air or it is reeeeeeaaaalll sloppy | | Bike Setup: | Bone Stock | | Bottom Line: | I went in the bike shop wanting to spend $500, after riding the $500 bikes, I tried this, and for the additional $100, I got a much much better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, NE
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$563.00 | | Purchased At: | Lincoln Bicycle Company | | Strengths: | Color
Quality of components | | Weaknesses: | Need an extra pump for the shocks
Strange rattle that the LBC has been unable to solve | | Similar Products Used: | DiamondBack---Long time ago | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Shimano 515's | | Bottom Line: | First off I am very bitter...I bought this bike after a ton of research and yet never considered that new models might come out in late June. So 2 months after I bought it there is a brand new Tass on the market with a lighter frame and better hubs...blah blah blah.
The bike does what it is supposed to do. It hasn't fallen apart and if it doesn't then it's a great bike. What else can you ask for...Plus, I really don't have anything to compare it to except for my 10 year old rusted DiamondBack! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Weston, Connecticut, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | aspetuck land trust | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Dynamics | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, great rear derailleur, very nice shocks, wheels, and tires. | | Weaknesses: | THE SEAT. It is a horrible seat and kills you after a 1/2 hour of riding. This will be my first upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | First mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | All stock. Soon I will get a rockshox seat post and a new seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for someone who is pretty new to mountain biking who doesnt want a real low end bike or a real top end bike... one in the middle. This bike can go over most terrain and is great for someone who goes a few times a week just for fun. I highly recomend this bike even though the seat is very uncomfterable (most bike seats are this way though). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randall Ling
a Weekend Warrior
from Channahon, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Illinois & Michigan Canal Towpath | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunbaums , Joliet, IL | | Strengths: | Just about everything. Excellent geometry, good component mix, great tires, competitive price, made in the USA...Hey, it's a Fisher isn't it? | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat | | Similar Products Used: | None really. I was a roadie on a Ross and Cannondale for years, but I did a ton of research before settling on the Tassajara. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano clipless pedals, Trico anatomical gel seat, Profile Bar-ends, Rock-Shox suspension seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike! I have added some things to tailor it to my needs, but out of the box it was already great. I did have the seat and pedals replaced at the shop the moment I picked it up,(seat too hard for a 46 year old, wanted clipless pedals) and after 400 miles, added a suspension seatpost and bar-ends. This bikes climbs like a mountain goat if you give it the go power. The Genesis geometry works as advertised and the IRC Mythos XC tires really dig in and bite well giving good traction, even in loose stuff. The tires are quite buzzy on pavement over 17 mph or so, but hey, they aren't really designed for asphalt anyway and they still get it done. I rode the Kettle Moraine John Muir loops in May and felt secure on both uphill and downhill runs over roots and rocks. The fit and finish has been flawless. The only adjustments I have made are routine wheel truing, brake and shifter adjustments after break-in cable stretching, and regular lubrication. I have pounded it on occasion and it just comes back for more with no issues whatsoever. I have about 900 miles on it now and I couldn't imagine being any happier than I am with another bike in this price range. There are some good competitors out there like Giant and Jamis, but there's no way I could ride a bike made in Taiwan, Korea, or other foreign country, when we still make the best right here in the USA. Gary still knows what he's doing, even if he has TREK doing the building for him now. I only wish I hadn't waited until I was 45 to discover how much fun I could have been having with this bike. It has kept me off the road and on the trail since I bought it and that is no small feat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Astoria oregon
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hard to choose | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | bikes and beyond | | Strengths: | price, looks cool, rides awesome | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900, old murray mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | I just got this bike and i am absolutely thrilled with the purchase. this is my first real bike, besides the "murray" i had when i was 13. it gets me out onto the trails and i feel really good about it. basically it opened a new world to me and i can't wait to get more involved with it. save your money that you would've spent at the bar in a few weekends and go get it. it's cool | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mikey
a
from long island
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | cheap. great value. Awesome geometry. delives on its promises. | | Weaknesses: | hmmm.... at this price? A ton, but dont think you are going to get a $2000 bike for $600! everything will soon need upgrading if you are serious. | | Bottom Line: | buy it if you can absolutely only spend no more than $600.
great value. treats you well, climbs great.
great for wheelies!
genesis geometry kicks ass!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a
from Burlington, VT
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Skirack | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry, great climber, real responsive bike. You get an incredible bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals got to go. I've heard a lot of complaints about the seat being too hard, hasn't bothered me. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Giant Iguana disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals. Got some cage pedals with clips (couldn't quite afford the clipless setup, don't really like them anyway) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! I'm 23 years old, been working since I got out of school and wanted to get back into mountain biking but didn't have a huge budget to do it. I looked at quite a few other bikes in this $500-$700 range, but when I rode the Tass I knew within 15 seconds that I was riding back to the shop and buying it. The components are great, I haven't had any problems with anything except the pedals. I ride about 4-5 times a week pretty hard and the bike just keeps going. The rock shox pilot xc fork has been awesome. Some say it's too soft, but you can have that adjusted to your specifications at the shop (and yes, they're supposed to make that noise when they compress/extend). The Bontrager wheels and IRC tires are awesome. This bike is the way to go if you're on a bit of a budget, it makes me want to get out and ride everyday. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | TI Cycle | | Strengths: | The geometry on this bike is incredible, makes descents not so scary and climbs like a dream. I love the response of the pilot xc shocks, they smooth out roots nicely. Frame is strong and fairly light, plus it looks really cool. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, but you have to expect at least one cheap component on a bike at this price range. Save your money and upgrade them when you can. | | Similar Products Used: | GF HooKooEKoo, Devinci, Giant Ranier, Giant Iguana, Specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for Avid Arch rival brakes and Avid speed dial mag levers | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, gary fisher knows what he is doing...he combines the best components for the price range and listens to the consumers. You people who complain about the pilot xc know nothing about shocks, I weigh 195 pounds and they work amazingly well....yes it makes the squishy sound, but they are supposed too since they are air/oil combination shocks you morons. Man stop complaining and just ride. Awesome bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yvonne
a Weekend Warrior
from West Linn, OR USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deschutes River | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great bike! I am used to a Sugar and this is not too bad. Just have to get used to a hardtail... | | Weaknesses: | NONE. I reviewed many other bikes and this one takes the cake! | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 4, Cannondale F300, Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I don't think it needs much more. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mary's loop (Grand Junction) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Littleton Cyclery | | Strengths: | Lots of power!! Great for climbing, better steering than originally thought, great frame and american made. Great for the price | | Weaknesses: | Seat----- Very, very hard. Going to get a new one quick. My butt has been sore for days since riding this for a few long periods of time | | Similar Products Used: | Tried out- Trek 4900, Rockhopper, Kona, Fisher hoo ko, Giant Iguana (disk) | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus climbing bars, thorn resistant tubes, and toe clips | | Bottom Line: | Was down to the Rockhopper and the Tassajara. Went with the Tass because it was a stronger frame. For the price I got it at I was geeked. I usually ride 3-4 times a week and now I want to do more and tougher rides as well. Other bike I have is now a training /road bike. Got better components for a little more but well worth it. Looked at a lot of other bike in the same range but felt I was getting a better bike than the rest. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, Texas
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles INC | | Strengths: | Frame, front/rear derailleur, tires, weight, look/feel | | Weaknesses: | seat (had LBS swap it out before purchasing), front suspension seems like it may be a little weak for my size(5'10" 220). | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Trek 4300/4900, Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than seat.
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?bike=Tassajara&strAns=&sttypeID=single&stgender= | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! No problems as of yet and I've been pretty rough and aggressive with it. This is my first bike since I was a child and it's been perfect. I ride it on and off road and it handles both great and with ease. I tried the bikes above and I did a lot of research online, but the others just did not compare to the smoothness and the value of this bike. This bike rides like a dream and it looks great. If you're looking into getting a mountain bike, whether new or old to the sport, get the Tassajara, you won't be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Lutherville, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Robert E. Lee Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$619.00 | | Purchased At: | Lutherville Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Geometry is awesome, fast bike, very responsive when hopping over stuff (ex: logs, curbs, rocks, etc.) | | Weaknesses: | seat is very hard, thinking about getting a seat with a dip in it to make it more comfortable, sometimes have problems shifting with front/reare deraileur (shifting when I am riding without my changing the gears) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Schwinn Mesa, Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Eggbeater clip on pedals, Lizardskin chainstay guard | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I am pretty small, being 105 lbs, so I cannot protest some of the things some bigger riders are saying. I know that some are complaining about the shocks and how they are bottoming out, but I find that they work well for me (at least for someone my size). The bike handles well on the trail, like I said, it is very responsive in popping wheelies and bunny hops to get over logs and other obstacles. The geometry is great and makes it a lot easier to climb hills. Here is a tip though: To maximize the advantages of Gary Fisher's geometry, you should make sure the seat is high enough. This is really important and really helps when you are climbing hills because you can stay in your seat and get the traction you need without having to stand up and ride out the saddle, which is inefficient and quickly tiring. To find the proper seat height: Get on bike and put one pedal at position where it is closest to ground (so if you draw a line from one pedal to the other, the line is perpendicular to the ground). Then, put your shoe on the lower pedal with the back of your shoe on the pedal. If your leg is straight, then the seat is high enough. Also, you can do this by putting the front of your foot on the pedal. Then, your knee should only be a little bent. Therefore, once you find the proper height for your seat, then you can maximize Gary Fisher's geometry. Try it, it works well for me.
Bottom line: The Tassajara's biggest advantage is its awesome geometry. Maximize it by making sure your seat is high enough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Bucks County, PA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pennypack (so far) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sonic | | Strengths: | Very quick under your feet, Great geometry for uphills, Nice wheels, Decent seat, Great fork | | Weaknesses: | Pedals? | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Added pedals w/ Clips & Straps, and Fisher Bar Ends (not as thin as all the others) | | Bottom Line: | This is my first real MTB, and so far I love it. I only got it about 8 days ago, but I like it so much that I've been out 5 times (and I work full time). The bike sounds kind of heavy at about 30 lbs., feels mediocre when you just pick it up, but hop on and it is fast as hell under your feet. Clips and straps help tons, bar ends as well with the uphill stuff. I've been riding this thing through really deep mud and have done some shallow stream crossings and the brakes hold up pretty well. I have also bee flying down some pretty treacherous downhills with stumps, retention logs, and lots of loose and grounded rocks, and the fork takes the brunt of the impact. Deore components are working well so far. Have had to adjust the derailleur cables due to "New Bike" stretching, but shifting smoothly now.
This bike is great for those who want to get into riding offroad and are on a budget. If you have the money and plan on getting as muddy as I have, you may want to invest in a bike with disc brakes but make sure that the bike doesn't skimp out on the other components.
All in all, this bike is awesome and makes me want to ride everyday.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Old town Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Climbing, Handling, Looks, Lifetime Warranty, 9 Speed cassette, Tires, Components, front suspension, frame geometry. | | Weaknesses: | A little more than I wanted to pay, but completely worth every penny extra. The weight. It's 29 Pounds, (1 to 1.5 pounds heavier than the Jamis Durango SX and Cannondale F300, but you can't notice it when climbing. ) | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Durango SX, Specialized Rockhopper, GT Avalanche 1000, Diamondback Topenga Comp Disk, Cannondale F300, Giant Iguana, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | As built by dealer. 17 inch size. | | Bottom Line: | I looked at 8 bikes in this price range very thoroughly. I test rode all the bikes in the "products used section". The tassajara won because this bike rides incredibly smooth and effortless, especially when climbing. Not to mention the good components and 9 speed cassette. I have riden it super hard on some very nasty stuff and wiped out hard 2 times, and the tass didn't even blink an eye. Since upgrading to this bike I have fallen in love with riding and have been going 3 times a week for an hour to an hour and a half. The XC front suspension keeps up with everything I do, even big jumps (I weigh 170 lbs) The tass weighs 1 pound to 1.5 pounds more than the Jamis Durango SX and Cannondale F300, (which were my other main choices in this price range) But what sold me was the dreamy way it rides and climbs. (I ride in the mountains and climb alot)This bike is a winner for for anyone with $600 to spend who is looking for a bike that will hang with any serious (experienced) rider!!!!!! Excellent bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatomi | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Geometry feels great, the bike is nimble on the trails compared to others i have ridden and is still very adeguate on climbs. On top of that it has a very durable frame and wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Fork has caused some problems, but that is mostly the bike shop's fault. When i bought the bike the fork didn't have enough air and when i took in on the trail a spring broke, but its covered under warranty, so its all good. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, GT Timberline | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but clipless pedals and a flat bar and bar ends are in the mail. | | Bottom Line: | I am a college student that can usually take my bike out in the summer only. The bike is a tank in the sense that it puts up with everything i put it through. I left it muddy and gritty for months and the Deore drivetrain shifted smoothly after 7 months of sitting unused and dirty. The frame and wheels take a huge beating, so far i have hit the ruts and drops in the trail as hard as i can, and it still feels like the day i bought it. The fork has caused some problems, which is the bike shop's fault, but it still performs well enough on the trail with a broken spring. The bottom line for this bike is that its great for everyone, for the beginner its a bike that is easy to get used to, and for the more advanced rider, i would consider the frame worthy of many component upgrades since the geometry is so sweet. This bike can withstand a beating, and doens't need constant attention and will be there for you on the trail day in and day out. Fisher really hit the mark on this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K C Hargis
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmar, AR, US
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Womble | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is awesome, virtually bulletproof. | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Trek 4900, Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Anyone wanting to get started in biking or not wanting to spend to much money and still get an awesome bike should look at Gary Fisher products. The best quality for the money.
I only ride on weekends, but when I do ride I ride pretty hard. The bike stays together very well and I have had no problems yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
garrett
a Downhiller
from nh
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | local | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | naults | | Strengths: | great strong frame. Good wheels. Iv been bashing them and they havent bent. awsome bars. good brakes. good pedals and cranks | | Weaknesses: | The rear delrailer sucks. Iv been through 3 of them because warranty only pays for shimanos. Front derailer sucks too but its held up, it just skips after drops. the fork is good at first but it bottoms out at 3 ft after about 4 months. When you buy the bike, get a new seat. I broke it after 5 minutes of rideing. Wasnt comfortable anyway | | Similar Products Used: | sugar 3, all treks | | Bike Setup: | stock except for maxxis 2.5's. new seat, kore chain reactor, new brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is a great xc bike for thos who do xc. Since i bought it, i have gotten into freeriding and had to put new parts on it. Now i wish i had bought a freeride bike to begin with. ITs strong enough for decent hits but the geometry is all wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron B
a Cross Country Rider
from ATLANTA GA. US.
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | yellow river | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle works I don't recommend | | Strengths: | Solid bike over all.The geometry of this bike has three +s 1 it seems to put you in a position(a little behind the pedels)to deliever more power 2 more traction from weight being over the rear wheel 3 more comfort on those epic rides I did a 80+ ride last weekend and the only thing killing me was my legs.great componets at this price point.look around and you will see that for the same componets on other brands you will spend $100-$200 dollers more. | | Weaknesses: | Rock shox makes to much niose I think the the seals are going out first thing I am going to upgrade behind the stock pedals and brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | some $3000+ plus jamis a buddy had all tricked out a rockhopper and a couple of treks. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the pedels | | Bottom Line: | I was looking to get back into riding I did my research (look at the reveiws)narrowed it down to 2 treks and gary fishers at this price piont gary fisher has much better components and just fits me better. yes the rock shox bit but hold up until your ready to step up and the brakes have something to be desired but I am not really into rideing in the mud or the rain they perform adequetly otherwise.what I love about this bike is the control being centered over the rear wheel you can skid into coners and pop the front tire up on a up hill climb I toast my friends which I believe is due to being in a better riding position ie a little behind the pedals and a little more stretch out on the bike. It is not the lites bike bike but feels like it when riding it.Can't wait to start upgrading componets. I have rode this bike on technical trails, off 4 foot drops at 200+ pounds through the city and on 80+mile paved trails and never felt I wish I went with something else. At $600 I guess I am pretty satisfied. See you on the trails, momentarily anyways. Happy Trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cal
a Weekend Warrior
from arlington, tx
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | north shore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles inc. | | Strengths: | The genesis geo is great. It has good balance, light, strong and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | I will upgrade to eggbeaters soon | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4500, specalized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | stock right now | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I've not had one problem with the bike yet. I'm not that great of a rider and my scars prove it but this bike makes riding easier and therefore more fun. Makes climbing better, downhills more stable and general riding more comfortable. The tires hook up good, the shifting is good, the seat I don't spend much time on but hasn't gotten in my way, the shock a wee bit soft but reacts well, the pedals beat the heck out of my legs. I've only been mountain biking for about 1 1/2 yrs now so I'm still learning and this bike makes you want to ride more because you have more fun on it then pushing it up a hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Kieper
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamson, New York
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bristol | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | RV&E Bike & Skate | | Strengths: | The Genesis frame design is awsome! After riding on a Fisher, i can't imagine anything else. I like having my center of gravity over the rear wheel more and over the handlebars less. It makes me feel more secure and stable. The fork comes set at 80mm of travel but can be switched to 100mm via some internal adjustments(best left to a bike shop unless you know what you're doing). | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager Corvair wheelset is crap. There is no cross-pattern to the front spokes and the offset spoke bed on the rear combined make for a wheelset that feels unstable in the corners and the loose stuff. The Rock Shox Pilot XC fork is not too bad except that it is a little soft for my liking(I am only 160 lbs and have the air pumped to the maximum 50 psi). | | Similar Products Used: | 1997/1998 GT Timberline FS | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, profile design "L" bar ends, lizard skins, titec x-wing pro seatpost, sdg ventura comp ti saddle, crank brothers egg beaters pedals, mavic x139 wheelset w/deore hubs, and ritchey speedmax wcs tires | | Bottom Line: | For the money, this is an awsome bike. I would suggest it to any intermediate rider looking for a bike packed with great features for a reasonable price. Get a pair of clipless pedals. You would definitely need to find a better wheelset. The one I bought only cost about $100 and easily doubled the amount of control I had. Depending on your riding style, you may want to get the extra travel out of the fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Johnny Sprockets, Broadway | | Strengths: | lightweight, brakes, colors, geometry | | Weaknesses: | gears seem to shift a bit hard at times, seatpost seems to slip after some riding time | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher BigSur, Cannondale CAAD3, Klein Attitude | | Bike Setup: | factory setup | | Bottom Line: | I am having so much fun on this bike. The BigSur was nice, but for the price the Tassajara could not be beat. It is super light and I take off when I ride it. I am always waiting on my friends to catch up. The components are just the right mix of quality. I am trying to wear them out (and I am hard on tis bike) but they look lik ethey will last for a long time. Everything is very solid. Get the red/yellow/blue color scheme it is fun and grows on you (come on, have fun). I find myself making excuses to ride. I was also so happy with Gary Fisher and my LBS that I bought my girlfriend a GF Advance as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Stallard
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville, Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Panorama Farm - Charlottesville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Factory (Charlottesville) | | Strengths: | Great first bike. Solid components, sturdy, comfortable - except for the first ride on the seat - youch! | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Specialized Rockhopper, a similar Cannondale, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Deore (stock), added Egg Beaters | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike and I am very happy with it. Of course, after testing this bike and others like it, I started out with big cajones and went on an intermediate trail and quickly realized that I wasn't ready to be doing anything tough! A major tumble and some bumps and bruises have led me to get to know the bike and how to ride it and I am very confident now. This is a great bike for a rider like me who wants to work out on singletrack, wide paths, or cruise around town. I added Egg Beater pedals and am now figuring out clipping in and out. All in all I love it and enjoy the ride and find myself fast becoming a bike junkie - something I swore to myself that I would not become! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.J. Curtis
a
from Pleasanton, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Real Bicycles | | Strengths: | Light Frame, Great in all ares, climbing, jumping, down hill, and crusin'! | | Weaknesses: | I feel that the Rock Shock (piolit) air shock is a little weak for my fat ass. I am 6'1 and 225pounds. I am going to upgrade to a fox fork. | | Similar Products Used: | GT avalanche, trek 4500. | | Bike Setup: | Titec riser bar, 03' XTR front derailer, 03' new XTR crank set& bottom bracket, XTR rapid raise rear deralier, XT brake shifter combos, and Mavic CrossRoc ust wheelset! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing!!! It has taken everything I have thrown at it with no problems what so ever! I upgraded alot of the parts 2 months after owning it. I got all the xtr and wheel sets at cost! I am sure that you would upgrade as well!I will never get rid of this bike! As far as the seat being uncomfy, I have had no problems at all. I would by another one no doubt about it, I got one for my sister and my woman, they love them as well! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Haile
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sig's Loop, New Light, Raleigh, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | The Clean Machine, Carrboro, NC (recommended) | | Strengths: | *** Solid componentry -- most bikes in this price bracket have to use some cheesy OEM parts somewhere, but not so the Tassajara (well, maybe the brakes, see Weaknesses). Knowing this gives me real peace of mind.
* Because it puts your weight further back, the Genesis geometry climbs and descends like a dream. Really, though, this is a personal taste issue: try it out, as not everyone likes the long top tube. On the flip side, tight twisty sections can be a bit of a wrestling match. Some have said that Genesis is best for taller riders, but I'm really happy with it at 5' 9".
* Strong frame. I'm 200 lbs and I don't detect any flex. It's not the lightest (my bike, a medium, weighs about 29 lbs), but it ain't gonna break on you.
* The fork *was* nice and plush when it was working for me (see Weaknesses), although the 28mm stanchions were a little flexy for my weight. With air adjust and a pretty smooth hydracoil2 damper, it's a step up from the budget forks on most other bikes in this range.
* IRC Mythos rear tire hooks up amazingly well. | | Weaknesses: | * The fork reliability. Read the reviews on the Pilot XC and you'll see that a lot of people are having trouble with it. Mine developed a hydraulic lock after two months of riding that limited travel to only about an inch and a half. A month after that was fixed, the fork started losing pressure. My LBS has rebuilt it and replaced the stem, but it's still leaking. It goes back to RockShox next week. At my weight, when the fork loses air it's way too soft and I can't trust it. Bottoms out with just a small bunny hop.
* Promax brakes. I like being able to ride with just one finger always on the brakes, but the stopping power of the factory brakes was too weak and required two fingers. I swapped them out for a used pair of SRAM 9.0s with KoolStop pads. Big improvement.
* The build on my back wheel was pretty crummy, with loose spokes and uneven tension. It's gone out of true three times already, and all I'm doing is XC riding. My LBS has been really good about retruing it and tightening up loose spokes, but a good build would have avoided all those problems. I probably just got unlucky with this one, though, as no one else has mentioned it.
* While I love the IRC Mythos rear tire, the front seems to wash out on me all too easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper (rode a '93 for eight years, tested an '03 when I was shopping), GF Marlin, Cannondale Terra '02 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Time Alium clipless pedals, SRAM 9.0 brakes, and a Planet X 8.0 cyclocomputer. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike for the price, no doubt about it. Fisher made a number of key upgrades with this model year (like replacing the old Bontrager cranks with Deore which stopped the chain suck problem the '02 had) and I feel like they've hit a sweet spot with the current mix. I've put 650 miles on mine in 4 months and, with the exception of the fork's reliability, I'm 100% happy with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin TenCate
a Cross Country Rider
from Austintown, OH USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with rocks, hills, but especially dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sales, Boardman | | Strengths: | Great spec for the price.
Good frame, fork, wheels, tires. See above, I guess.
Oh that beautiful blue and red paint! | | Weaknesses: | The saddle's a little hard for my rumpus, but that's really a matter of preference.
No clipless pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Giant Yukon, Iguana, Trek 6700, Gary Fisher Marlin. Still miss my '99 Gary Hoo Koo E Koo. | | Bike Setup: | Bone Stock | | Bottom Line: | Fantabulous bike for the price. My last bike was a 1999 Hoo Koo E Koo with an XT/LX/GripShift mix; best steel mountain frame I've ever ridden, and about $250 more expensive than my Tassajara. This bike, spec'd as it is with lowly Deore, puts my old one to shame. Oh what a difference four years makes! My only gripe would be the saddle, it's a little hard (think plastic stinger seat). Maybe they could have substituted a cheaper, cushier saddle for a set of SPD's?
Enough picking nits, this bike rules. Unless you're dirt poor or in prison, buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Romej
a Weekend Warrior
from Jonesboro, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Clayton County Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeCenter | | Strengths: | Full Deore drivetrain
Nice components
Air adjustable fork
Good looks
Durable and light
Lots of room for adjustment on the Bontrager Crowbar bar | | Weaknesses: | Some say the Titec Ithys Amore saddle is really comfortable, but my rear disagrees. It's hard on the edges so it cuts a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XtC, Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Factory default | | Bottom Line: | A solid bike for the money. It will work great for the next couple of years and then it'll be a great frame to add fresher components to. The geometry feels great; I didn't expect it to feel much different than my '99 GT Outpost (which has similar frame geometry...people have been borrowing Genesis Geometry for awhile) but I do feel further back and the stem and bars change the way I turn now.
Looking forward to many a tough weekend on the Tassajara
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kansas River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Pilot Fork, the overall look of the bike | | Weaknesses: | I'm sure the seat would have caused me post-ride numbness. I know it's supposed to be a good seat, but I tested it out and immediately traded it out for a specialized body geometry seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock Comp, Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for a specialized body geometry seat | | Bottom Line: | A GREAT bike for the price! I'm fully satisfied. The bike handles well on Kansas trails and around town. The other two bikes in its class are the Specialized Rockhopper Comp and the Kona Stuff. Unfortunately, there is no Kona dealer near here, so I couldn't test out the Kona. But I tried out the Rockhopper Comp and felt like the Tassajara was a little bit better and a little cheaper. Don't get it if you're planning on doing a lot of competition or downhilling (if you're into that you're not even looking at this bike!) Get it if you're on a budget and want a great bike for moderate to difficult trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan flinstone
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | bouma bikes | | Strengths: | everything. this is the best bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | no weaknesses so far | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900, giant yukon | | Bottom Line: | best bike for the price, twiceas good as trek, giant, and every othe bike around the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands | | Strengths: | Good Fork(Rock Shox Pilot), adaquate shimano parts(deore),
Good Frame, Very Balanced | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Mamba | | Bottom Line: | If You arwe looking for a hardcore cross country bike that will fit every need you have pick up the Tassajara | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from sterling, pa
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | climbs weel, feels lighter than it is. components work well. | | Weaknesses: | shock gets week after 250+ miles. you can get a stronger spring. the air adjustment is for the rebound. pumping up the shock will not stiffen the springload. shock seals are going as well as bushings, but I do abuse this bike alot!!! | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike for the price. put on a duke fork and you will have a great bike still at a good price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark halprin
a Cross Country Rider
from tucson
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in S. AZ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Oro Valley Cycle | | Strengths: | Genesis Geo is great for a big guy 6'3 , 210. I just find myself sitting and using my legs to climb steep stuff, off camber stuff basically anything my level of fitness can handle | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy. I can't throw it around and am still trying to find that sweet spot in terms of balance and how to really ride it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon. | | Bike Setup: | standard. deore all over except for the promax lever and brakes. they work fine so far. egg beaters. | | Bottom Line: | BL: The Genesis Geo works great for me as I'm learning how to trust how my weight works on the frame. I took it out for a tight single track S. AZ 15 mile ride today. The bike is heavy. I'm a big guy and can move a bike around but not this one. it's best to sit, pick your line and hit it. if you mess up, sit back and power and the GG kind of takes over and corrects a lot of mistakes. Could use a thudbuster. Better tires than the mythos. something like intense system 2's. Foc pilot fork is fine. Basically, for a guy with serious back issues, this hard tail is pretty good. traded my road bike for it so I wanted an even stenven and couldn't go for a FS rig. I really like this bike. Plan to outfit it with slicks for the road. It's the most comfy bike I've ever been on, road or moutntain. Good rig to learn how to ride on. less one bic flame for the weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian S
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | mt vernon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trail Outfitters | | Strengths: | Solid bike. Good components (deore deraillers (front and rear), deore shifters)..good tires, 27 speed. | | Weaknesses: | Seats a little rough in you dont have cushion pants.
| | Similar Products Used: | Test road and compared it with a Haro V3 (www.harobikes.com).. was 6000 series aluminum, felt a little heavier than the Tassajara. Had a better seat. Only had 1 deore derailler). Was cheaper too at $400. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Bought at Hudson Trail Outfitters. | | Bottom Line: | Makes a good mountain bike for the price. okay on paved trails if your looking for a workout. Will probably pick up another set of rims and something closer to a street tire for commuting to work 10 miles. I'm pretty stoked about the bike. I mean I'm waking up early to bike into work and look forward to the bike ride home.
The graphics kinda look stupid at first, but it kinda grows on you.
No problems yet after ~50 miles of biking.
Can't wait to try it out on other trails like non paved ones!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | great fork, good handling, no parts need replacing yet. Great overall performance. | | Weaknesses: | chain was sticking, I put a new link in, not a big deal, it happens to all bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Tassajara | | Bottom Line: | I haven't found any problems in any of the parts exept the chain and that was easy to fix. I threw a pair of Shimano 959 pedals on it and now I get a much better response. The frame is extremely stiff, I hopped on my friends $1200 Specialized stumpjumper that was much lighter, but besides that they both perform equaly. The pillot xc is a great fork for this bike, I upgraded the travel to 100mm, this helps a lot on the downhill and with any light freeriding or dirtjumping you do. The tires hook up well in hardpack as well as mud. For the money you can't go wrong with the Fisher Tassajara. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$579.00 | | Purchased At: | Light Street Bikes | | Strengths: | Love that geometry! Great bike for taller riders. I don't know what uphill is anymore. Light frame for the price. Shimano Deores work well, but I'll probably put some XT's on soon. Overall, the components are so so -- it's the feel of this bike that sold me. | | Weaknesses: | The RockShocks are soft if you're a heavier rider (I'm 6'1", 205lbs). They're decent shocks, but you need to get the shock pump. Seat is hard (I don't sit that often so it doesn't really bother me) Tires don't handle wet terrain that well. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | It's all stock... for now. | | Bottom Line: | I tested a lot of hardtails, and kept coming back to the Gary Fisher. Great feel, cool colors, nice package for entry levelers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$512.00 | | Purchased At: | Amazon Bikes.com | | Strengths: | Light Strong Frame for agressive riding. GF's Genesis Geometry puts your mid-body over the rear wheel for better center of gravity, traction and awsome maneuverability. You can really cut loose on the down hill speed and get agressive without hanging your rear way off the seat. Cool color choices. The RockShox Pilot XC shocks hold up great!
| | Weaknesses: | Stock brakepads, Pedals, Grips, Cranks/BB. Clear Poly Chainstay protective film (peeled back first week)
| | Bike Setup: | Bronze/Red 19.5", ODI Rogue Grips, Aztec2 pads, Egg Beeters', Thudbuster Post. | | Bottom Line: | I am 6'1 and 200 lbs and the 19.5" is perfect.
This is a superior bike for the $$ and you will probably never have to upgrade anything if you are a casual weekend XC rider and basic trail riding. If you ride 2-3 times week and are agressive speeder/racer style I would upgrade before even hitting the trails. I replaced the brake pads w/Aztec2's that stop on a dime with never any build up gunk on the rims and superior in mud/wet too. Egg Beeter SPD pedals are good for beginner clipless and the Thudbuster is the best upgrade of all. Deore components work great but will eventually upgrade to SRAM 9.0 Shift/Derailer kit for speed shifting. The Shimano Crank's are o.k. but also plan on upgrading too. Hey...for under $550 bucks you will not be dissapointed!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Superlfy
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | A Wheel Experience, No outta business :( | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Cranks and BB could be better. replaced with Race Face XC. Yeah! | | Bike Setup: | (02 model with Manitou Six Elite) New Duke CX Fork 80mm, Speedplay Froggies, 25% Bontrager 60 mm stem, and best of all, the Thudbuster! | | Bottom Line: | This is to the fella that is 5'6". I am exactly the same height. Regarding comfort, I hope you got the small frame. Next, make sure your seat is aligned properly to your pedals. Also, I opted to get a shorter stem with a much higher angle. This brings the riser bar closer to you and and lets you sit up higher. I am not a racer, but, I like the higher angle. It is a plus for long rides and bombing down a hill. It really doesn't affect my climbing.
Regarding the genesis geometery. I personally think it is the best. I have actually tried and rented other bikes from Trek, Kona, Giant, etc with similar set ups. And, in the end, the genesis is the best for feel and control. Also, the measurement from the handlebars to the seatpost is not any longer than most bikes. It brings your weight lower and back compared to other bikes. And, that is why it has awesome control. As for comfort. Get the Thudbuster and shorter and higher (25 degree) stem. It will improve thing significantly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Oppenheimer
a Weekend Warrior
from La Jolla, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Good components for the price. Very light. Smooth ride. Shifting is smooth. Good tires and brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Pilot XC isn't very good. You'll have to fill it up with air using a pump. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Stock components | | Bottom Line: | Overall, this is a great bike for the price. Try to find a bike with these components for the same price: you can't. People are raving about the Genesis geometry but I'm still not convinced. In fact, I'm only 5'6' and I'm not sure if I'm going to be comfortable on this bike after a few hours. It feels ok for 10-20 minutes but will the geometry kill my back after 2 hours? Tall people tend to buy this bike for the geometry and considering that I'm only 5'6', I wonder if this is the right geometry for me. If someone about my height has a good experience with this geometry, please inform us. I wish they'd make the men's genesis geometry more like the women's genesister; well, for short folks like me anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Holly Springs, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | Price, geometry, excellent reviews on mtbr, looks sharp, a joy to ride | | Weaknesses: | Platform pedals, broke chain on first ride | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 98, GF HKEK, GF sugar4+, Specalized rockhopper, rockhopper FSR, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano 536 clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. I could nearly buy 2 Tassas for the price of one fuel, sugar or FSR. Since I am a first-time buyer I had to get all the goodies too (clipless pedals, shoes, camelback, clothing) I figured i'd save the cash on the bike and get properly outfitted. Since I am pretty new to MTBing I figured if I dig it i'll be back to get a FS someday.
I really like the bike thus far - its been fun to beat around the development in - hopefully it will dry out soon enough to get me on the trails here locally.
If you're a first time buyer, or on a budget you can't go wrong with the tassajara - its all you really need out there.
One last thing - if you are in Wake County, NC I strongly recommend Cycling Spoken Here - they are excellent to work with! It was their customer service which made my decision between the GF and the Specalized a no brainer!
Go RIDE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Slater
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Mattew's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry is great so far. Great all round components for the price. Good paint scheme(red and bronze). Great seat. | | Weaknesses: | not the lightest bike at this price. Brakes a little weak | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock Pro, Treck 4900 | | Bike Setup: | All stock so far. | | Bottom Line: | Only ridden it a couple of times so far, but I love everything about it. No other hardtail really compares at the price. Pilot XC fork works great, I'm wondering if some of the reviewers here realized that you can adjust it with a pump. I debated between the Tassajara and the Marlin, but I'm glad I payed the extra $$. The upgraded components, seat, shock, etc... add up to far more than the price difference. I used to mountain bike with an old Chro-Mo Trek, but gave it up after college. Buying this bike is making me excited about taking it up again! Excellent starter mountain bike! Will update review after a season of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Langford
a Weekend Warrior
from Tyler
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$615.00 | | Purchased At: | Simpson's Bike and Fitness | | Strengths: | great geometry, rock shox fork is plush, like the saddle, the handlebar is awsome. | | Weaknesses: | Fork was bottoming out alot. I put some air in it and it was okay after that.
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Trek 4900, Trek 4300, Specialized Rockhopper comp, | | Bike Setup: | stock except for clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | great bike. if you're just getting into the sport or are on a budget get this bike. best one i've tried by far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Rock, AR
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Strengths: | Great Geometry-Keeps more of your weight ever the rear tire.
Tough Frame and Overall tough Bike-I've been putting this bike though hell and its held up great and I'm a big boy (6'2" 220lbs).
Good, Durable components-Shimano Deore.
Good Suspension-RockShox Pilot XC handles the bumps very well.
Great Looking-I've got the red and blue metallic. | | Weaknesses: | None so far and I've been looking. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro V4
Trek 4900
Giant Iguana
| | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A GREAT MOUNTAIN BIKE. I'm a police officer that has many years of MTB experience and I simply love this bike. When looking for a new bike I tried many other bikes but none of them could really compare to the GF Tessajara (at least for under $700). Gary Fisher is a great name in the biking world and has made me love mountain biking even more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aj in ma
a Cross Country Rider
from western mass.
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any gnarly /hilly singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | international bicycle center | | Strengths: | price, quality of components and workmanship and good looks which shouldn't count but we all know they do. And ooh, that "genesis geometry". | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. I couldn't seem to keep my feet on them. The Bontrager Crowbar seemed too wide and high. Adjusting the stem (spacers) didn't seem to help with the riding position, but I suppose the bar could be trimmed to width. | | Similar Products Used: | I've been riding a fuji for two seasons and needed to upgrade. I tested a Fuji Outland, Iron Horse Desperado Giant Iguana and KHS Comp S/T | | Bike Setup: | Titec flat bar and barends, Ritchie clipless pedals, Bontrager Ergo grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is without a doubt one of the best hardtail values available. Good component package and great looks. I thought the "genesis" geometry was a load of bull 'til I rode this bike. It's super on singletrack and I'm still comfortable after a couple of hours. And what a climber! I can even cruise on pavemant with the family for miles and miles without tiring (I know, but we all have to do what we must). I have friends who've spent over twice what I have for their F/S bikes and the only difference is that they can descend a little smoother than me, but all around, they can't do anything with their F/S that I can't do with this bike. If you're looking for a quality do-all hardtail at a great price, take a look at "Tass". I'd like to rate it a 4.5 because no bike is perfect but I can't so I'll give it 5 & 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pablo
a Weekend Warrior
from New Yersey
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | good bang for the buck. Components aren't bad. LOve the geometry. for a 28# pig it climbs very well. | | Weaknesses: | Shock Sucks, bad dampening, spring weakens after about 200 miles, bike now likes to bottom out easy. Get A stiffer spring. All low end shocks by RS seem to do this. Bike gets a little creeky after @4oo miles. Bearings in headset shot. Had to replace brake levers, the became loose after afew good beatings. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900,etc. | | Bike Setup: | avid ti brakes, avid speed dial 7.0. kore gass pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best entry level bike you can buy for the price. It handles well in most conditions and terrian. It is a lot of fun to beat and it takes a lot of them. This bike has brought me out of hidding and back on the trail. I recomend this bike to all who are starting out..If you are experienced and only get out 2-4 times a month its a good ride as well, or go with the hoo koo e koo | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Weddington, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | F.J. Beatty | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$589.00 | | Strengths: | Great feel on the trail. Nice Shimano Deore components. Rock Shox Pilot XC fork. Built well. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. I love this bike! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Iguana, Fuji Outland | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Stock. Pro-Design bar ends. Serfas Rx saddle. Getting ready to put Shimano M515 pedals on. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will take you wherever you want to go. I ride single tracks and in the technical parts this bike is a dream. The Rock Shox Pilot XC fork makes roots and rocks seem like they are not even there. The FISHER is set up with the rider more over the back tire and this is great for those really slick inclines. Shifting is effortless and smooth. I have just been biking seriously for few months, but i know this bike will be great even down the road when i get better. Another great thing about this bike is how TOUGH it is. A ENDO gone terribly wrong and the bike brushed it off like nothing happened. I'm really impressed with the FISHER. Drop eveything and go get this bike!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, Florida
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Strengths: | Nice Frame, Geometry, Very Good Component Package for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Peddles | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 & 6900 | | Bike Setup: | All stock to date | | Bottom Line: | Best bike for the price. Well built, great paint & graphics, very light, nice shifters. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Can't think of any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | Great components for the price. I really like the geometry of the frame. I've been impressed with the Rock Shox Pilot, I have it set up for a pretty squishy ride seeing that there aren't too many big drops on these North Texas trails. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is not light, but I haven't noticed that holding me back. Otherwise, the only other weakness of note is the fact you have to buy an additional pump for the Rock Shox Pilot suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd Trek 4900, GF Marlin, and Specialized Rockhopper. Last bike owned was a Trek 800, so this is clearly a step up. | | Bike Setup: | Primarily stock other than a few additions: Added Shimano M515 Pedals, Prodesign Bar Ends, Serfas Rx saddle for ultimate Grundle protection. | | Bottom Line: | As stated, I like the geometry of this bike. It's longer than most others, which I like b/c it makes me lean forward more. I don't find sitting more upright to be very stable or comfortable. At 5'9", however, it is not too long to handle. I have really enjoyed this bike, and I would recommend it to anybody interested in getting more into riding without busting the bank. I would rate myself a beginner, and I have had no problems handling this bike. It's tough. I've taken a few spills and have had no problems to this point, knock on wood. My riding style isn't as flashy as the bike's paint job. . . yet, but it's apparent that this is a good bike to grow with. In summation, I will quote myself in saying, "the Tassajara is Tassawicked Awesome. . . Dude!" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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