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Submitted by
ACE28
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethel, OH. USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | East Fork State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | used Craigslist | | Strengths: | The stance of the frame and the rack of the front is far better then what I have tried before. Overall everything is good for being a lower end Gary Fisher... | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are going to be the first thing I replace... The seat is starting look bad from wear and tear. | | Similar Products Used: | Bikes they call MT Bikes at the Marts... They are roads bikes with Knobby Tires. When you hit a dip you feel you are going to flip because of the rack of the front end is wrong and the handle bars are lower than a real MTB so your weight is too far forward. Mart Bikes are not MTB's... | | Bike Setup: | All Stock... | | Bottom Line: | I'm new at riding, but I can already tell that my Gary Fisher Wahoo is a nice MTB that has earned respect from other riders. It makes no differance if I'm on a hard tech trail or a fast beginner trail this bike rocks. Keep in mind I don't go air bourne unless I wreck. I do hit small jumps but nothing to stress the Judy Rox Shock or the frame on this bike. I'm too old and overweight for the big stuff. For the $ 200 I spent it is a great deal. The 1st owner had more money than knowledge. He bought this bike to ride on paved trails. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbkrchick
a Racer
from Cedar Park, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | muleshoe bend | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | This is an absolutely great bike for the money... I have recently (last year or so) gotten into mountain biking, and just decided to use my brother's Gary Fisher Wahoo. I used it in my first XTERRA triathlon and it held up under the WORST conditions. i mean mud globs and rocks in the front fork and rear. I never wrecked on it, and believe me I was pushing that bike as hard as it could go. When all was said and done, the GF Wahoo won me a regional championship with NO damage done whatsoever. Basically when the $1000+ bikes had broken deraileurs and forks, my lower end gary fisher with reflectors came out unscathed. competiitively. I was amazed. Now I am becoming a better, more serious rider and am just growing out of the bike. def great bike for the buck! And the crappy J1 hasn't bottomed out on me once, and I go off 3-4 ft drops fearlessly (This could be because I am 120 lbs.) I recommend this bike to anyone who is the beginner mtbkr looking for a good *good, bike for little cost. | | Weaknesses: | the fork, but like I said it hasn't bottomed out on me. but I know you get what you pay for. V Brakes are getting a little sketchy and slipping, but I have been hammering this bike for the past year. Can't wait to get disc brakes. It's a little heavy too. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Bang for the buck, this bike will hang in there with the competition of much higher end and costly bikes. But I wouldnt stick with it if you're a serious rider looking to get better. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paramedic927
a Weekend Warrior
from souhtfield , mi
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | island lake st park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | D&D bikes | | Strengths: | Great quality I have has this like for 5 years now and have nothing bad to say about it. I take it in every spring to get tuned up and its good to go. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals that came with the bike were crap but I upgraded to clip in pedals anyways. | | Similar Products Used: | None this was my first Mt bike | | Bottom Line: | Its an amazing bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eliude
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas, tx, usa
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Boulder | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | used, craigslist | | Strengths: | This is a well-built frame. Able to withstand severe conditions | | Weaknesses: | components are entry-level. Ok for the price. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded tires to panaracer, new wheels. clipless pedals. everything else is stock
| | Bottom Line: | This is my second hard-tail and so far, I am enjoying every minute of it. The design is top-notch and I can ride long and hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Parkside Cycle | | Strengths: | light frame, cool paint scheme (silver/black), decent higher-end entry level components, a very reliable bike with an affordable price tag. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Bontranger seat takes some getting used to, plastic pedals and the rear derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Gary Fisher Wahoo (Stock) | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike new about a month ago. The bike was sold to me at a discounted rate because it was a 2007 model. I have ridden the bike faithfully on an almost daily basis and absolutely love it! I have not encountered any major issues other than a flat tire due to a thorn in the tube. (Still an easy fix.)
A few things that I would like to mention however, are the above stated "Product Weaknesses". I really do not mind the stock Bontranger seat, because I only do mountain trails and see no reason to sit. However, if you purchase this bike and plan to spend the majority of your time sitting down, I would recommend a better padded seat.
Ocasionally, your feet will slip off of the plastic pedals, and that will get irritating. Plus, many people have complained that they break after a while. Mine have not yet done so, and I have no intention on replacing them until they do.
The rear derailer bothers me most. It's a little tempermental, and can leave you in a bind if you're trying to make a rapid shift to go up or downhill. Even so, I must admit that I have never had the chain pop off as a result of a gear-shifting mishap.
I love the bottom of the barrel Rock Shox front suspension. It has never bottomed out and offers plenty of support. As I previously mentioned, I ride this bike primarily on rugged trails. The bike has only briefly seen pavement twice. It holds up extremely well even in the most unforgiving circumstances.
I would recommend the Gary Fisher Wahoo to anyone. If you are a novice like me, and would like an affordable and reliabe bike that you can just romp around on stock, without having to make any immediate changes to; than this bike is for you. As your skills improve, you can always upgrade the bike to suit your needs. In my opinion, it was money very well spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Collierville, TN
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Great frame at the price, this is the same stock fram that you will find up to their Tassajara line. Parts are so so that come with the wahoo but I have a full XT drive train to up on it, along with a stylo crank... Genesis geomtry, either you love it or you don't, personally I love it. | | Weaknesses: | stock components are pretty poor,but that gold series frame is well worth it for the upgrade possibilities | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, rockhopper, stumpjumper. Gary Fisher Marlin, Tassajara, Hookoo, big sur | | Bike Setup: | Stock Gold series Purple Wahoo frame, with J1 fork. Shimano XT rear derailleur, XT Front Derailleur, XT shifters, Avid single digit 7 TI brake set, Avid Single Digit TI Brake levers, Thomson Stem, Specialized Carbon Seatpost, Terry Fly Ti Saddle, Answer Pro Taper Bars, Truvativ Stylo Out Board bearing crank, Shimano m646 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great value, ride the sucker until you break or wear out a part then upgrade.... I upgraded mine immeditely with nice stuff but there is nothing wrong with Deore on your bike. Frame is well worth it all.....
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Olsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge, Vermont
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | yourassic park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Rack bike and outdoors shop | | Strengths: | very nice, tires, frame, extremely light, great shifting, relyable drivetrain, good brakes, strong name, nice paint job. | | Weaknesses: | front fork preloader adjuster, broke it off, suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | diamondback | | Bike Setup: | basicly stock except for specialized hardrocker rear tire, aftermarket break pads, brand new shimano crank, chain, rear gallery and rear hub. | | Bottom Line: | this is an overall excellent bike, i have owned mine for 6 years i have had to replace, about 200 dollars worth of parts, but due to neglect in lubercation on my part, new crank, chain and rear gallery. but except for breaking off the preloader adjuster on the front fork this bike has served me well and is a great trail bike/urban bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Salvation Army | | Strengths: | price, simplicity, clean design | | Weaknesses: | pedals, weak seat post | | Bottom Line: | Landed a deal, 2005 model, $60.00 for a mint bike. Spent 45 minutes fine tuning the derailers, brakes and had to true the front tire. Actually gave the bike to my daughter who has now put about 300 miles on it. So far the bike holds up well, has good balance and is lightweight. I actually bought the bike to strip the components and wheels but it was so clean, I couldn't do it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reece
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's | | Strengths: | price, frame, decent components | | Weaknesses: | pedals...pedals....pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Specialized Hardrock pro, and have demo'ed countless others | | Bike Setup: | shimano clipless pedals, and everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredible buy for what you are paying. Thisbike has proved to be nothing but fun. It rides great. I use this bike for commuting and hitting the trials on the weekend. It excels in both. The only downside is the stock pedals, they are garbage. The first thing i did was upgrade them. Other than that, i recommend this bike to anyone who likes hitting the trails hard on the weekend and having a reliable bike for the week. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reece
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's | | Strengths: | price, frame, decent components | | Weaknesses: | pedals...pedals....pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Specialized Hardrock pro, and have demo'ed countless others | | Bike Setup: | shimano clipless pedals, and everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredible buy for what you are paying. Thisbike has proved to be nothing but fun. It rides great. I use this bike for commuting and hitting the trials on the weekend. It excels in both. The only downside is the stock pedals, they are garbage. The first thing i did was upgrade them. Other than that, i recommend this bike to anyone who likes hitting the trails hard on the weekend and having a reliable bike for the week. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Regis
a Weekend Warrior
from PIttsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Dirty Harry's | | Strengths: | cheap, good looks, comfortable, decent parts | | Weaknesses: | some cheapo parts, a lot of stuff made in China | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kula | | Bike Setup: | GF Wahoo; Marzocchi All Mountain 1 fork; zoom bars; rest is still stock | | Bottom Line: | pretty good for aggressic XC riding. Overall pretty decent parts considering the price.
My only big gripe:
I broke the crappy plastic preload adjust knob off the Rock Shox. The J1 isn't particularly great, but it's about as good as you'll get at the price point for this bike. If you break it or get tired of it, replace it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle Foreman
a Weekend Warrior
from Turlock CA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | pleasonton bmx track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle masters | | Strengths: | very light | | Weaknesses: | peadals suck | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bike Setup: | stock shimon pedals | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price it,s really not good for dirt jumping but thats all i use it for i really dont know how durable it is because im only 85 pounds and five feet tall but so far the only thing i have broken are the pedals good bike | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
p
a Cross Country Rider
from santiago chile
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | santiago, chile | | Strengths: | pretty light for the $, decent components for intermediate, nice paint job and nice tires and hubs, good brakes | | Weaknesses: | pedals, suspension | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher advance | | Bike Setup: | shimano pedals 520, barends, streettires | | Bottom Line: | very good dependable bike, nice paint job, suspension is pretty poor as I bottom it out very easily and i weight 180 lbs, 6´1 ft. pedals are the only thing you must change. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose
a Weekend Warrior
from Center Valley, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | C&O Canal | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Good Strong Hardware | | Weaknesses: | None (maybe the pedals, after 1500 miles they are ready to be replaced) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for (Continental T&C tires) | | Bottom Line: | I am over 6 ft tall and 200 lbs. I bought the Large frame size. I took this bike along the C&O Canal (180 miles) in 2003(before which I had a few 30 and 50 mi practice hikes). We started near Cumberland Md. and ended the bike hike in Washington DC. We rode off road and along bike paths, and the Wahoo does both quite well.
This bike held up very well in which 3 of the 5 days we rode in mud and rain. With over 1500 miles on it since I bought it, it still rides like new. We are planning on doing the Canal again this year 2006, and guess which bike I will be taking? Gary Fisher Wahoo of course!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jannes
a Weekend Warrior
from Berlin, Germany
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | Fahrradstation | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | PEDALS! Seat, handholds | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the bike today, and the shop gave me new pedals, an abus u-lock (worth 46 €), and a spraycan of cross country finish line oil (worth 12.90€) with it. at no pice-up. so I must say I think I got a good bike for not much money (399 € alltogether). the shop also makes a free inspection after 8 weeks, and they told me that I could replace stuff like seat and handle bar at no fee, if I don't like the stock after this time. OK, I've just driven like a few kilometers, but it's driving very smooth, brakes work very well and it shifts like a charm. price/performance is well balanced! the sound of the tires is quite loud, but well. I can live with it for now.
I noticed that you guys spend less money in USD than me, but found out the cheapest online-discounter in my country offers it for 350 Euros. so with all the benefits the local shop has, I'm happy to pay 50 bucks (€) more. (I needed a new lock anyways)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Powell Butte forest, portland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame (geometry, weight, quality), quality of components for price, looks (absolute eye candy). | | Weaknesses: | Rear brakes (frame region), pedals, seat, tires | | Similar Products Used: | Shogun Trail Breaker (lousy). Progear. | | Bike Setup: | Second set of double walled alloy rims fitted with specialized 1.25" slicks for commuting. Inverted stem (critical for road riding). Quick release front guard, fixed rear guard. Blackburn rear rack for cross country riding. | | Bottom Line: | Over the past 2 years of regular commuting and mountain biking on sub-par mountain bikes, I have come to the conclusion that unless you spend around $400 bucks or more, you're not going to find something reliable, which I consider one of the most important attributes for both commuting and back country riding. I found the quality of both the shogun and progear components abysmal, with the failure of 3 bottom bracket bearing housings and 2 spokes on separate occasions. Thus far, I have had no quality issues with the wahoo (2006 mod, red/black paint - looks grand), apart from the botranger tires. I ride this puppy every day to work on the 1.25 slicks, and throw the chunky tires on in the weekend. I have found that the botranger tires that came with the bike appear a little large for the rims, and one must be careful to make sure the beads are set properly, otherwise you will blow your eardrums and buckle the rims. This problem has been solved by purchasing a second set of QR wheels. Also, I have noticed that the rear breaking is slightly sub par because of the flex in the rear frame struts. It makes it hard to lock the rear wheel when you need to hall it around a corner. This can (and will) be solved by installing a horseshoe bracket between the rear brakes. In all, a brilliant bike for the money for any commuter/weekend warrior mountain biker. I ask a lot of my equipment and make it earn it's keep, however if you are the hardcore mtb type, you should probably look at getting one of these frames with the disc brakes. For the riding I do, it is not necessary and just an added complication. Unless you get a Monday morning lemon, you will not regret this purchase. Great work Mr. Fisher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunset Hills Cyclery | | Strengths: | Major pluses: price and frame | | Weaknesses: | Major minuses: pedals, brakes, stem | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike (well, actually the 2005 Wahoo) for a couple of months now and am very impressed with it. While certainly an entry-level bike as other reviewers have indicated, it is a legitimate off-road machine and is up to the task of all but very severe terrain (the major weakness in terms of performance are the brakes on extremely steep declines.) Although the Judy TT fork has gotten mixed reviews here and elsewhere, it's done well for me and has handled foot and a half drop-offs and pretty rock trails nicely (though I am not a big rider at 160lbs.)
Bottom line: if you're looking to get into mountain biking, as I was, check out this bike and perhaps the next-level up Fisher Marlin. If you go with the Wahoo, have the pedals switched out, the stock stem replaced with one with a flatter profile, the handlebars trimmed down and you'll have a maneuverable bike with a good enough frame to keep while you upgrade components over a few years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keebo
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern Ireland
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Jenkin Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Cycles Norfolk England | | Strengths: | Value for money - even at United Kingdom prices! Comfortable all-day all-terrain steed. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals! Saddle! | | Bike Setup: | Standard Wahoo Disc spec [M475 mech discs] Shimano M324 pedals Specialised BG Comfort saddle | | Bottom Line: | I'm loving it - since buying this bike I have lost over thirty pounds and have had a ball doing it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Loft | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specalized, Jamis, Giant, GT, Cannondale,... | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded pedals, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike represents the best value on the market today.
I did my research and spent two months in the fall of 2004 testing this bike and six others major makes in a side-by-side comparison. For example, compared to the Trek 4300 (retail $320 from the same factory in China), you get a better frame (gold series), which can be upgraded as the rider advances, better folks, and better wheels and tires. Pedals should be the only upgrade necessary for most weekend riders.
The Bottom Line?
For its intended purpose as a solid all around bike for anyone who is getting into the sport or for the rider who wants a solid frame for upgrading, it gets a “5 Flamin’ Chilis” rating.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Spackler
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Vernon Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles Arlington, VA | | Strengths: | This is a good frame that handles urban street riding and asphalt trails with aplomb. I'm a big rider (6'5", 300 lbs.) and the frame is strong and stable and rides comfortably. Light enough to truck up and down the stairs to my condo without any problem. Shifts cleanly and smoothly for the most part. | | Weaknesses: | Front forks can only be cranked so tight, for larger riders you will notice an almost unacceptable level of front wheel sag when get out of the saddle on very steep climbs on pavement. Handle bars are a tad short and would be more comfortable replaced with a longer set. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price (and I obviously overpaid). Its been an excellent ride in and around the city and on paved trails. I love the weight and strength of the frame. Some of the smaller components (seat, handlebars) will need to be replaced for ultimate comfort and the forks could be better - but I think its been worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Cross Country Rider
from P.E.I
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | brookvale | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | radicul edge | | Strengths: | the front fork,rims,tires,and gears | | Weaknesses: | PEDALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT aggressor,Jamis durango,Norco screamer,Trek 4500,and Giant boulder | | Bike Setup: | race face cranks,race stem,xtr shimano shifters,black front fork,maxxis tires,and mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | Well the bottom line is it is a great bike for the price.I only made so many upgrades because i ride hard.it is a light frame ok components.i think the bike would be good for anybody.ilove my wahoo so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent
a Cross Country Rider
from Antrim
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Patten Hill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Banagans in Keene | | Strengths: | Light, efficient, | | Weaknesses: | Stock shock wasn't great but I fixed that | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Marin | | Bike Setup: | Nuthin fancy. Deore, XT, Rock Shox... | | Bottom Line: | Reliable and cheap. This bike cost next to nothing and the only money I've put in to it is for replacement tires, tubes, breakpads, and a front shock. Not to shabby for beating the heck out of it for the last 4-5 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Jech
a Weekend Warrior
from Athens, OH
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | R&R Bikes in Tucson, AZ | | Strengths: | Great all around mountain bike.. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals | | Bike Setup: | Stock except i changed out the pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for me. I bought on a college kid budget and it is great. I use it to ride trails and stuff around campus here at Ohio University. The plastic pedals are a little bit of a let down. I bought metal pedals with toe clips the day after i bought the bike. Great all around bike, especially for the price.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Alumn Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | WARRANTY! and price. | | Weaknesses: | The only surviving parts are the headset and top cap. | | Similar Products Used: | 97 Trek 800, 98 Haro Vector, Cannondale cad2, demo'ed many other bikes | | Bike Setup: | Deore derailleurs, RaceFace Prodigy cranks, sram cassette and chain, alivio rapidfire, cane creek dc levers, coda seat, LX/Mavic rims, IRC Mythos, syncros seat tube,onza bar ends, crome eggbeaters, shimano lx/deore v-brakes, 97 judy xc w/total air | | Bottom Line: | Bought it on a low college budget. I really only needed the frame and wheels at the time, and had other components. First thing I did was strip it down and build it back up. After one week I went back to my old fork, after two months I bent the stock handlebar, at six months I bent the stock seat tube and crushed the bottom bracket. At nine months the rear hub gave out and I endoed, bending the front rim, and after eleven months the frame cracked on the drive side chain stay. Understand that I ride cross country and commute with this bike only (no DH/urban assult with this), but I do weigh 200 lbs. For the money it can be made a good commuter, but Save your money and at least buy a marlin if you plan to ride on anything rougher than a gravel road. Gary Fisher is a great company and replaced my frame with an 2004 HooKooEKoo at no cost or request from me. They have treated me great and I will always be a loyal customer! 5 for value because it's a pretty good entry bike, 3 because the salesman told me it would last as long as my old trek (which is still alive, and I think I new he was lying). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
freshman
a Cross Country Rider
from Poland
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Witex Lublin | | Strengths: | frame, rock shox, light weight... all - besides pedals | | Weaknesses: | pedals | | Bike Setup: | back shimano alivio in place of acera + new pedals | | Bottom Line: | Excelent stuff for a low price. Great for mountain and downhill trips. Wahoo is great for light use to boot. I had some problems with back shifting, but the salesman in order to warranty had changed Shimano Acera to new Alivio! Pedals need to be changed quickly (after first ride, in forest near lake, pedals was demolished :/) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marsha
a
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Rincon Cyclery | | Strengths: | Price, decent components | | Weaknesses: | Pedals | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Semi-slicks, Zu-Zu pedals (going clipless soon), cyclo-computer, bell ;) | | Bottom Line: | For the price, it has decent componentry. I use the bike more on the road than off, but it performs very well on either ground. This is my first mtn. bike, and as many have already said, it is excellent entry level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from FL
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Strengths: | strong frame,good shifting,light. all around great bike. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | bike is great for having an all-around bike. its strong and light and does a great job for what i do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashford, CT
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Appalachain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | From a Friend | | Strengths: | Shifting and the Judy TT's | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are trash. Anyone buying this bike should get new ones. | | Similar Products Used: | I've used Trek and Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Very good entry level bike for the novice, but serious rider who wants a bike for a good price!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Ellis
a Weekend Warrior
from hertfordshire
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Strengths: | good frame, affordable, great bike for the price! | | Weaknesses: | rubbish pedals | | Bottom Line: | it's a good bike for beginner riders who are serious about biking. brilliant on jumps because of the light frame, however donty keep the pedals because they are RUBBISH! but the rest of the bike is great!! :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Lownik
a Racer
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nepco and Skateparks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Bring's Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | It holds up well for the price and is a decent race bike for the price. The frame is good, and i havent had any problems with the shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars, Tires, Rims, Crank, Pedals, Seat, and stem. Mostly my fault because I jump the thing off 5-7 foot drops. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Palomar and BMX | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey Racing Bars, BMX pedals, Selle Italia Racing seat, and Shimano Deore Crank. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good starter bike for anyone who is looking into the sport of mountainbiking. It has held up for races and i plan to race it in the future. However, if you do any jumping at all I would not recomend this bike, due to its lack of strenght in the components. It is also a good upgrade bike to keep adding onto due to the stiff frame. One thing that did upset me however was the cheapness of the crank, they make it look like it is held together by hex's but they are actually rivets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane Ye
a Weekend Warrior
from Montana
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$339.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Hanger at MIssoula, MT | | Strengths: | good looking, smooth shifter, Shock. | | Weaknesses: | pedal is very unprofessional | | Bike Setup: | original so far, will replace pedal soon | | Bottom Line: | It's an excellent mountain bike for those who love to ride and want to have some kind of professional riding feeling but not a professional rider yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kartheek Hirode
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The previous one and the next one :) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | George's Bikes (State Street) | | Strengths: | Lightweight Aluminium frame, Steady, Great direction, Handsome bike, Affordability, Smooth Shimano shifters, Judy TT shocks | | Weaknesses: | Pedals...replaced immidiately
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock + new pedals + new Specialized seat | | Bottom Line: | Did a lot (lot) of research on Gary Fisher, Trek and Specialized bikes (looked at Cannondale, but not for now). The Trek4500 rode great, the Trek8900 was also very good. But the two times I got on the Gary Fishers, the whole riding experience was different. It felt perfect. It seemed to do exactly what I wanted it to. It rode smoothly, shifted smoothly, noiselessly. Was light, well-built and sturdy. Plus it had the brand equity of Gary Fisher....eventually the decision was easy and felt great! Now I am (and my wife is too) a proud owner of a Gary Fisher....of course, then there is a whole amazing line of Gary Fishers to upgrade to, but will get to that sooner than later, just not now.
This is a great bike for the price, plus comes with good components which seem capable of taking a beating.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Gallery | | Strengths: | Affordability, weight for price, shifters work really well. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals seem cheap, replaced with ones off old bike. Shock is a little spongy. | | Similar Products Used: | skykomish mtn bike | | Bike Setup: | rockshox judy tt front shock-too soft | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for price (got last years model at steep discount). Easily upgraded with ad-ons to become quality bike. everything works well and is very durable. ridden close to 150 mi street an 50 mi trail so far and still feels solid. Was considering getting level up bike because of marketing hype but am very satisfied that I stuck at this level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Radu
a Weekend Warrior
from McLean, VA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$365.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trail Outfitters | | Strengths: | Aluminum frame, RockShox Judy TT fork, Shimano Components, nice seat, Matrix 550 rims (very nice), nice paint job, SMOOTH | | Weaknesses: | Really crappy plastic pedals, the preload adjustment on the shocks doesn't really do much... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800, Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | stock, new pedals, water bottle cage | | Bottom Line: | GREAT bike for the price, so far I've had absolutely no problems with it. The brakes are awesome, and the rims look like they could take a beating. Shifts nicely, and the Judy TT's do their job. Only thing is that the shock preload adjustment doesn't really do much. The seat is pretty nice, it's pretty deep for a seat that small. Replace the pedals right away, they're real crap. (Fisher had to save money somewher to keep the price down). Nice beginner's bike, it will take plenty of upgrades. It's a great deal for your money, especially with the RockShox. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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