Submitted by
tcapri87
a Racer
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Loch Raven
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Bike Stop
Strengths:
Good climber. Good weight for being a 29er. Greatly improved my climbing, downhill, and technical ability since I got the bike. Seems to hold up pretty well. Put over 1100 miles on it. Just changed out the drive train after 1000 miles. All the shifters and brakes are doing well, havent had any issues with it.
Weaknesses:
Not 100% durable. Bent both wheels, had to replace the front wheel. Broke the chain stay. Not the first Gary Fisher bike that I rode where I broke the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Procaliber
Bike Setup:
Other then the core components, I added a WTB Dual Duty 29er front wheel and an upgraded stem.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Only thing is I do ride alot and do ride hard. Have bent both wheels and broken the chain stay. No issues from Gary Fisher replacing it. Will probably not go back to 26 inch wheel. Love the bike, hope to have it for a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Branton
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Potowatami, Pinkney, MI
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1378.00
Purchased At:
Wheels In Motion, An
Strengths:
Very stable, maintains mometum well, climbs over obstacles better than 26er, smooths out ride, lightweight (29 lbs.) for the size and price. Lower to mid range components are working fine so far. The hydralic brakes are a big improvement over v-brakes.
Weaknesses:
Seat was uncomfortable. Had a lot of flats initally. Tubes too thin. Doesn't corner in tight places as well as my Epic did. Slight pedal bob when compared with the Epic's brain.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er. A definite improvement over my 26ers.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except I replaced the seat with a Softail and had LX trigger shifters installed, so I could use my XTR rapid rise rear deraileur. Also added ergonomic grips.
Bottom Line:
As a Clydesdale, I wanted a more comfortable ride that would maintain momentum better, climb obtacles and inclines better, and increase my overall speed. And I didn't want a heavier bike that cost an arm and a leg. Mission accomplished. I loved my Epic, but I like this bike even more. Now my rides are faster, smoother, and more fun. If I had the $, I'd get the hi-fi pro, but I got a great deal on a 2008 hi-fi plus in Feb. and have no regrets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jt
a Cross Country Rider
from Cherry Hill, NJ Date Reviewed: July 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Middle Run/White Clay, DE.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
demo bike
Strengths:
first 29er I've ridden and thought it would take a bit to get used to it. Nope, the setup was comfortable right out of the gate and I had to look at the wheels to see that they were larger than those on my Santa Cruz Superlight. Corners well, climbs over crap like a goat, not bad downhill either. I was also surprised (pleasently) how well it it handled tight & twisty and accelerates.
I've had about 70 miles on it in 6 different locations and so far nothing has really given it a hard time.
Weaknesses:
Sadly, most of the components are from the bottom and next to bottom shelf adding weight. A mix of Deore and LX, as well as bottom of the barrel Bontrager stuff. The wheels seemed a bit flexy and the seat is already self destructing. The stapled on cover has come loose around the nose. On the second ride, the rear derailleur cable housing blew apart though no sign of anything hitting or catching on it. As with everyone else who's reported, the Avid brakes vibrate and hum terribly.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock HiFi+ See Gary Fisher site for specs
Bottom Line:
OK, everything is a compromise, so while this is a comfortable bike to ride and handles very well w/o being exceptionally heavy, they used some lower end components to keep the price point down. It worked. You can always go for a higher end model that will naturally cost more up front, be lighter, stronger and most likely go further before having to replace parts. Or, go for the + and upgrade as needed. It's still a very good bike for the buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wyodoc86
a Cross Country Rider
from Montrose CO Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
aspen loop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
efficient , great climber , ride all day and still have the energy to kick it up a notch.
Weaknesses:
not a plush downhiller. The brakes ( avid 5) vibrated and howled terribly for the first several months but the LBS worked it out.
I rode this for a year and loved the 29er concept. Decided I might need a higher end 29FS , so demoed a Turner Sultan DW for a week. It is a great bike, totally smoothes out the big and the little hits. It is efficient if you sit and spin but by the end of a 4-6 hr ride you can feel the price of the 5" DW link. The hi fi is no where as plush but it's climbing and xc performance is outstanding. Also tried the Lenz moth and it is somewhere between the two.The hi fi has some frame breakage reports on the blogs but I have riden in sw Colorado , fruita , moab , Crested Butte etc for 1.5 yrs now w no issues and there is a lifetime guarn. So every bike has its plus and minus but for an incredible xc 29er you can spend more but the hi fi is a screaming deal and just plain fun to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ZGOZZ
a Weekend Warrior
from Edison NJ USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Allaire State Park NJ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Good Riding bike,Great climber,Fast downhill on or over anything, confident high speed handling,fox fr and rr, carbon parts, light weight for FS. Hydraulic disc brakes are strong, fox shocks smooth out the ride. First 29er and I will never go back.
Weaknesses:
1st is the saddle, terrible. The brakes howled at first but but bike is still breaking in. Handle bar sweep uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
None first 29er First FSB
Bike Setup:
2009 Stock setup; Juicy 3's, Sramm gears, fox shocks, Replaced set post and seat, handle bar and seat post and stem. Seat post and stem Thomson.Seat upgraded WTB seat.Handale bar upgraded to Monkeylite XC, grips need to be upgraded.
Bottom Line:
This is my first FSB, and a 29er.
Bike is great, love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtdober
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe,Rocky Hill
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Rented from Bicycle
Strengths:
Fast, smooth and quick. Suspension seemed to absorb everything or maybe it was the 29's, not sure but it was very smooth. It maintain it's speed just like everyone said it would. The G2 worked excellent, it went around corners better than my 26" Sugar. The Juicy 3's actually worked well. I didn't expect much from them because I have them on my Marin and they gobble like a turkey. Liked the seat.
Weaknesses:
Didn't find any in this one day test.
Similar Products Used:
'03 Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, '98 Gary Fisher Big Sur, '06 Marin Rift Zone(Sold it)
Bike Setup:
Stock rental
Bottom Line:
Only road this bike one day on a rental but fell in love with it and am saving up for one. It handled so much better in the tight stuff than my Sugar, but still would fly down the hills. I'm 6'2" and have found how the Fisher fit me much better than any other brand so I figured I would just have to deal with the slow steering of the old genesis system. Well it has been fixed!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mattk
a Cross Country Rider
from mesa, az Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
mcdowell tech
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Rage Cycles
Strengths:
I love the entire bike. (except for the weaknesses listed below) The frame design rocks!
Weaknesses:
1st is the saddle, terrible. The brakes howled at first but after approx 150 miles..good. Handle bar sweep uncomfortable. Slightly too heavy. Loose rear end.
Bike Setup:
Specialized saddle, deity riser bars, lock on grips. MiNewt usb light, custom tubeless setup.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike extremely cheap. I would still pay more if I were to buy another one. The biggest annoyance is the loose swingarm but only noticeable on the street. I think the bars, seat, and wheels are bottom line bontrager crap and weigh a ton. This bike weighs in at 29.5 lbs and should be 26-27.....I know its a 29er but the low end parts are heavy and I will slowly upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michauxguy
a Cross Country Rider
from PA, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At:
Gettysburg Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great climber, Fast downhill on or over anything, confident high speed handling, efficient rr pivot design, fox fr and rr, carbon parts, light weight for FS. Hydraulic disc brakes are strong, fox shocks smooth out the ride and drastically improves handling allowing faster decents. This bike gets away quickly on downhill but the strong stopping power gives you confidence. I easily overtake other bikes on decents, especially 26's. It makes me a better biker. This bike has some good stuff for the price.
Weaknesses:
Throw the seat away, who needs 27 gears?, trigger shifters could be smoother. I'm still fine tuning..
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper 29er hardtail
Bike Setup:
2009 Stock setup; Juicy 3's, Sramm gears, fox shocks, bontager everything else.
I put on GP1's and bar ends.
Bottom Line:
This bike is easy to set up, the brakes are solid, suspension is exceptional. Ideal for those looking for an upgrade to a full suspension. I think GF figured out a good frame design here. This level of bike for less than 2G is hard to find. I paid above average but the shop provides great service after the sale which is worth shopping for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
byenolam
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Co Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Climbs like a mountain goat!! Very light. Great speed on long flat uphills (fire roads) because of the 29s. Greatly extends ride time. Surprisingly agile on gnarly climbs. It rolls over everything. Brakes are really sensitive- (my first hydrolic discs). Had a good crash b/c I'm used to v-brakes.
Weaknesses:
A little wobbly on fast decents- probably due to its light weight. As a first time 29er, it rides a little high and takes some getting used to- at least for downhill switchbacks. My tube literally exploded out of the tire without popping on my first ride. The tube had been pinched? WTFO? Should be tubeless out of the box.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500
Bottom Line:
Killer bike. It really helps my climbing at the cost of downhill bombing. I'll adjust for downhill eventually. I'm used to a heavy 26. The added height, lightness, and ultra-sensitive brakes are going to take some getting used to, but the climbing more than makes up for the downhill issues. When climbing, my legs will crap out long before the bike. Also, the 29er morphs to the "cruising around town with the kids" a lot easier than a beefed up 26, making it the last bike I'll probably ever buy. Throw some slicks on it and its commuter-ready.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
davir
a Weekend Warrior
from tulsa ok usa Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
turkey any where
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
adventure bicycles
Strengths:
still loving this bike. im amazed by what you can ride on it.best way to get up stuff is to not get excited just roll over and use the great slow speed handling if things get tough.
Weaknesses:
Avid juicy threes. seemed to heat up and start dragging the pads i got some hayes on sale problem over.avid x 7 shifters also had issues didnt rachet back after shifting replaced under warrenty saddles was comfortable enough but snagged my shorts switched to w.t.b pure v cured this. now i remember why i spent all that money on my last bike and built it from a frame set.oh yah the rear tires side wall got a tear in the first month of use they are really light wieght and its really rock here.
Bottom Line:
Buy one. i probably had so many problems becuase im riding this bike nearly daily my road bike is just sitting un used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Velociphile
a Cross Country Rider
from South Downs Date Reviewed: July 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
UK
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bikepedlar
Strengths:
29 FS! G2 Handling, Climbing, long day comfort, value for money. No noodles from my Reba, but I'm 73 kg.
Weaknesses:
Little bit loose on fast downhills at the rear from flexy swingarm or pivots? Parts spec feels a bit low rent, but everything works well so far. X7, Deore- so what? Should be tubeless out of the box. Spoke tension needed some love on delivery. Freewheel not tight. Chain way too long.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpy 26 Fsr, yeti asr, inbred 29er
Bike Setup:
Std but for 110 stem and SB8 rear.
Bottom Line:
Coming from an xtr xt background I was worried about spec, but have found 29er FS genius at blue collar price - mtbs have come a long way - Thanks Gary. Why pay more? 5 for value, slight flex denies 5 for tech, but still great. RIP 26 inch wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
davir
a Weekend Warrior
from tulsa ok usa Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
turkey any where
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
adventure bicycles
Strengths:
slow speed in rock gardens its unreal.rolls up stuff like its not there. at speed its stable as well.it makes me look like better rider than i am. climbs till i run out of legs
Weaknesses:
i dont know, it has some low end stuff but it seems to work well so far
Similar Products Used:
two 26 inch dual sus.bikes giant n,r.s and salsa el santo. n.r.s broke salsa was stolen.
Bike Setup:
stock for now handle bar has to much sweep for me.
Bottom Line:
Its a killer ride rolls over stuff like it not there.feels light to.use the cd that comes with the owner manual for suspension set up it makes it easy to dial in the fork and shox,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eran
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great handling, very pedal - efficient , confidence builder on steep downhills, very stable at speeds.
Weaknesses:
Rear suspension ain't very plush, a weakness for some, an advantage for some. Chain stays are longish, makes lifting the front wheel a little hard work.
Similar Products Used:
Most 26" trail bike on the market ,GF X-Caliber 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock, with upgraded wheels (Bontrager Rhythm tubeless)
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a bike light & fast enough for XC & Epic rides, but also capable of agressive XC / Trail riding. A 4" 29er seemed like a good idea - light frame, short suspenion would provide XC capabilities, 29" wheels would be a hand on the technical stuff. I was not dissapointed. This bike does everything I expected it to do. I got only about 5 rides on it until now, but still very impressed. The color is actually great, it's special, you don't see many (any ?) bikes with this type of green. Also IMO the Plus is great value, personally I dont feel the need for the higher models specs. Overall rating : I would actually give the bike 4.5 Flamin' Chilis, it ain't prefect, but since there ain't no 4.5 , and it sure deserves more than 4, and considering value for $$ I'll give it a 5 with this disclaimer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterbury, VT, USA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Burning Spear
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Five Hills / Bike 29
Strengths:
Great price for a FS 29 box bike. Decent components designed in, good platform to ride for a while, and then upgrade when/if needed.
Weaknesses:
Brakes - When they're clean they work great. When dirty they howl, vibrate, and don't like to grab.
Paint - look at it funny, and it chips.
Similar Products Used:
GF Tass Disk, RIP9 (demo ride)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
For the money this is a great bike as it comes. It opens the door to a FS 29 to a lot of people (like me). There were some steps taken to keep the price down but no corners appear to be cut.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Gadsden, AL, USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Iron Legs loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2090.00
Purchased At:
wig's wheels anniston, AL
Strengths:
Stiff climber, confident discender, fantastic handling for a 29er.
Weaknesses:
The superstock wheels are a little on the hefty side.
Similar Products Used:
other Fisher bikes.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The G2 geometry is brilliant, and does everything it claims. This bike is awesome, especially for the money. Great value of components to price. The frame is light and strong. This bike floats over small logs and roots in the trail without hesitation or loss of momentum. Undoubtedly, one of the best trailbikes for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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