Gary Fisher’s Superfly is a cutting-edge rig that introduces the sweet benefits of carbon to the world of 29ers. The Superfly’s monocoque carbon frame is incredibly light and stiff and features Fisher’s Genesis Geometry, giving you the best riding position for power on climbs, control on descents, and comfort all day long. You’ll love the smooth ride of the 29-inch tubeless-ready Bontrager wheels and tires and the silky feel of the Genesis-specific Fox F80 RLC fork. Plus, the Superfly is adorned with a stellar parts package, including a SRAM X.0 drivetrain, super-stiff carbon crank, and ultra-powerful Avid Juicy Ultimate hydraulic discs.
Submitted by
michrider
a Racer
from Cadillac, MI Date Reviewed: November 24, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Do not buy this bike. It is fast and light, but useless unless you race in a bubble. Frame cracked at Gary Fisher would not honor the warranty. Do not buy, you have been warned
Bottom Line:
Do not buy, when your frame cracks and Trek won't cover it, you will understand why.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tommygunn
a Weekend Warrior
from denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: November 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
indian creek trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2999.00
Purchased At:
wheatridge cyclery
Strengths:
fast, light, really stiff, great handling
Weaknesses:
i'm worried about how durable this bike is, will it last?
Similar Products Used:
niner one nine, spot longboard, GF rig, redline monocog flight
this bike is a flyer, just so damn stiff and fast w/ those 29" wheels. it's really flickable and fun to ride it just eggs you on to get out of the saddle and sprint. I'm not a racer I bought this bike to use as a mountain bike and therein lies my only concern, how durable is the frame set? can it hold up to the abuses of mountain biking?
i checked out this frame in my quest for a singlespeed to contrast my turner 5 spot, but since of all the issues that GF is having w/ the SS frames and w/ prices being discounted on the superfly at end of year i got the geared version and WTF i dunno if i'd go back to the SS when i can put it in the big ring on the hammer the flats and downhills.
I've got the large frame w/ the long wheel base and big wheels this thing actually handles technical terrain amazingly well I've taken it down some rocky chutes here on the front range and badda bing it just holds a line as well or better than my turner...it flies such power and stiffness on the climbs you can really kick this puppy and she goes and goes fast.
really a fun bike to ride, i didn't think i would be into a hardtail w/ 80mm of suspension, the carbon frame is amazing, it takes the edge off of the trail chatter gotta love the power transfer. I dunno when I'll be getting back to my turner. dunno if I would be comfortable taking this bike to moab only because of my fears of breaking the frame if I crashed it, the tubeset is super thin.
I haven't yet experienced any of the "mentioned" issues w/ the rear hub or the seatpost and hopefully won't but see how things shake out as i begin to pile the miles up on this ride.
bottom line this is a great bike, maybe it's for racing only i dunno but it makes one hell of a x country/trail bike that is really really fun to ride fast. I just hope it lasts a couple of years at least, i would cry if anything "happened" to this bike. I'm just a touch under 5'-11" and I can't imagine buying another 26" wheeled bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pghryder
a Racer
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: October 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
buttery smooth, climbs unbelievable, weight
Weaknesses:
not so much the bike, but the same rear hub problem as everyone else. I'd prefer a handle bar lock out w/ the fox fork or the Reba.
Similar Products Used:
Tons. My first 29er was the GF Mt. Tam 1st 29er version.
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock. Salsa Bars, 2x9 set up
Bottom Line:
This bike just plain rips. You can put all the power into the bike, with what feels like little power loss. I'm sure that's why it appears to climb so well. I'm a SSer mostly and TTer so I have a tendency to push a bigger gear at times. This thing just lets it happen. I have ridden and owned a lot of 29ers and this one so far is my favorite. The carbon just soaks up the trail chatter. The G2 does seem to handle better in the twisty stuff. I got away from Fishers for a while but am sold on them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don H
a Racer
from Underhill, VT, USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Lyster Zone
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
Earl's Cyclery and F
Strengths:
Light weight, beautiful look, climbs like no other bike I have riden.
Weaknesses:
As you search the web and read these reviews there are some problems that are not being addressed by Gary Fischer and Trek. The seatpost on this bike is useless and this has been known for years. The clamp will not hold the seat flat even when tightened 100 lbs. over spec. The rear hub on the stock wheel set is a manufacturing abortion. Read other reviews and do a Google search on it. I have spoken to riders who are on their third of this wheel. The hub was not manufactured to correct specs. The pawls slip within the hub and you get this awful cruch as the pawls slip and then deliver all of the load into the next contact point. Not only does it sound bad but it feels bad as well as the cranks jerk. Eventually the hub fails as the amount of play that developes and the cassette wobble makes it useless. This went on for a while as I thought it was the drivetrain. New chain did not work and my LBS was unaware of the problem. I did the research myself and delivered it to the LBS with descriptions of the problem. In the meantime I got a set of I9 wheels since I did not know how long it would take to get a replacement and it was peak season. Yesterday I changed out the I9's and put on the "new" Bontrager to finish the fall riding and save my I9's. Within 15 miles on a new wheel / hub the pawls on this wheel are slipping worse than the original. I was told by LBS that I had been sent the 2010 wheel. This is obviously not the case and I was sent another 2009 hub. I cannot believe that Trek/GF does not send out a recall and inform their dealers of the problem. Obviously they are hoping to save money by not taking care of their customers and replacing the wheel with something that was manufactured correctly. Same story with the seatpost, looks great but totally worthless. My LBS tells me that they have not sold enought Superflys with this wheelset to be aware of the problems. A little bit of research and the problems is very widespread and should be adressed.
Similar Products Used:
Rode other niners and was looking for a race machine that was lightweight.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the following changes. Ergon grips with carbon bar ends. Thompson elite post, Kooby saddle, Industry Nine wheelset. Maxis Ignitor tires. Stan's tubeless.
Bottom Line:
After 6 months I really love the bike since it is all I ride now. I am done with 26" and have not ridden my Blur all season. It is a hardtail so continous rooty sections you do get bounced around a bit but it is overall a fast and fun bike. Very disappointed with above mentioned problems and Trek's not doing a product recall and informing their dealers of the problem. My bike was also delivered to me with all of the cables too long and the brakes rubbing. All of which I had to fix myself by cutting and rebleeding the lines. I was told that this would be extra from my LBS???
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hojie
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley. CA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
too many to list !
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Michael's Bicycles,
Strengths:
Light, stiff and fast !
Weaknesses:
None to complain about as yet.Maybe the chain stay gets hit by the chain more than my other bikes, but nothing a lizard skin couldn't fix.
Similar Products Used:
Jumped on some Niners, and a Specialized Comp 29er full suspension
Bike Setup:
Mostly as it came, changed out bars for Bontrager carbon high risers, and some bar ends. Converted to stan's notubes as soon as I got it home of course.
Bottom Line:
OK, so I have only been riding this for under a month but I wanted to put a review out there as I love this bike. I've clocked about 150 miles on this baby now and I am just starting to feel "at one" with the bike. Even riding it for the first few times it felt so much better than my old 26" bikes. The pedal stroke efficiency on this thing is crazy ! Every pedal stroke converts directly into powering forward. It may be a tad slow on the initial sprint but once you get it rolling its like a race horse. You actually feel like you are "in" the bike rather than sat on top of it. Makes me feel like my old 26" bikes were just me sat on a kiddies bike. I am just over 6' and for once I feel like I have a bike that suits my height and build.
Even my friends have commented that I am riding between 10 and 15% faster than I normally did (not sure if this means I was slow before, but anyway !!). This bike is fast, responsive and climbs like no other. When I was buying this bike, there were 3 other people in the LBS that had this bike and they couldn't say enough about it, and boy they weren't kidding.
I couldn't be happier with this superfly. I went with a gary fisher as he has been making niners for years and I took a bet on experience. He knows his stuff and the G2 geometry is so noticable on the steering.
My friends ride niners, and after jumping on this bad boy, they are also thinking of making the switch. Now if you excuse me, I'm off out to hit the trails !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
1west
a Racer
from Toledo ohio usa Date Reviewed: September 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
poto
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Light handles good eats up the down hills , fast on the straights
Weaknesses:
I have had all the problems mentioned here cracked the frame GF replaced great customer service , Problems with the rear hub it pops. Problems with the crank and BB it clicks , I have replaced the BB and still have the issue Crank bolts come lose. Issues with both brakes in terms aligned and stopping power. I changed out the bars Easton Carbon Flat.
Similar Products Used:
Niner
Bike Setup:
stock , Python tires , Easton bars
Bottom Line:
This bike requires a lot on repair more than any other one I have owned. For the funds you need to spend to ride this Bike it sould not have all these problems . I weight 185/lbs ride cross country avg 120 miles a week and dont ride this bike in the rain or mudd . I can say its fast but
so are a lot of other 29ers out there. I have other 29ers that I ride as much without 1/2 the problems they are with in 1/2 lb of this bike. I could accept a few issues but not all of these for the money GF charges.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
killer hiller
a Racer
from p-town Utah Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Deer Crest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$9999999.00
Purchased At:
Racerss Cycle Servic
Strengths:
Light and fast. Stiff and supple.
Weaknesses:
Zero.
Similar Products Used:
Felt Nine Pro, GF Paragon, Giant Trance, GF HiFi,
Bike Setup:
1x9 with X.0, MRP guide, Juicy Ultimates
Bottom Line:
Perfect, perfect perfect! The best I've ever ridden.
Can get a bit sketchy on steep climbs if you're not careful to stay low over the bars. So much fun to descend on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mpiolet
a Racer
from Crested Butte, CO Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Deadman's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Fast and efficient climber, descender, rolling terrain
Weaknesses:
A few bad stock parts
Similar Products Used:
Moots Ybb - Specialized Epic S-Works
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Just made the move to a 29'r and what a great move it was! Now that this bike is light enough it climbs better than my Ybb. The fact that when climbing steep terrain I no longer have to move the bike around a bit, pay attention to tracking allows this bike to ascend nicely. And of course everything else is awesome, converted the rims to Stans kit and running around 32psi tubeless.
Now for the bad news, the stock seatpost is a terrible design and unless you continuosly crank the bolt down it will move. The rear hub was not manufactured to proper specs allowing play and skipping, this is the new Bontrager Hub with DT Swiss Centerlock fitting.
And at my first race with this bike the chain slowly started autoshifting and chainsuck with it finally snapping costing me valuable time. The chainsuck scratched the hell out of the chainstay but I guess that's my fault.
These are all known problems with this bike and are being addressed so if you buy one immediately warranty or replace the parts.
In summary I am very happy with how the bike runs and I wish GF had not left these design issues on an expensive production bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rewardadjusting
a Racer
from Exton, PA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Michaux
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Stiff and efficient peddling, best steering 29er geometry I have ridden
Weaknesses:
Stiff and beats you up on rock gardens need to set up with Ti seat post, ti handle bars, run high volume tires with low pressure 20 pounds or less to make it compliant for 100 mile 10+ hours of racing
Superfly singlespeed limited production purchased frame / fork only. Installed a carbon lefty, ti seat post. Currently have an aluminum bar - to stiff bad beating need a Dean ti bar
Bottom Line:
A very fast efficient peddling stiff bike, need proper set up as it is stiff and beats you up. Aluminum hard tail feels like full suspension in comparison to this stiff carbon frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ergomaniac
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunshine Coast, Australia Date Reviewed: May 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Parklands
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Planet Cycles in Bri
Strengths:
This bike has exceeded all of my expectations. Have riden a 26" hardtail for years, and it was a leap of faith to go to a 29er. Every second person told me that I would be wasting my money...that the only thing it would be good for is open trails...not true. This bike is incredibly fast and stable, going uphill, downhill and of course along the flats. Racing next weekend, and feel more confident than I ever have before.
Weaknesses:
Don't really like the wide swept back bars...will swap to a set of flat bars this week
Bike Setup:
Biek felt a bit high in the front end at first, so put the stem down as far as it could go.
Bottom Line:
I'm in 2 minds...I want to gush about this bike, but if my friends get one, my new advantage will be lost! But I can't leave off without saying that this thing is an absolute rocket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
karl
a Racer
from baltimore Date Reviewed: May 23, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I'm amazed at how fast this is over the 26 inch platform. After my 3rd ride on it i put my team scalpel on ebay - I'll not ride a 26er again. The superfly handles beautifully. I've a lot of time in the saddle on mtb bikes and this is the bike - fast, efficient and surprisingly agile for a 29er. only buy one if you want to go fast.
Weaknesses:
the chain it ships with broke the fist time i rode it - others have similar stories so recom. checking it before you head for the trails
Similar Products Used:
scalpels mostly.
Bike Setup:
stock except for xtr cassette and stans race 29er wheels.
Bottom Line:
great great bike. Highly recommend to anyone except the folks I have to race against.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Snowman
a Racer
from Fairfield Date Reviewed: April 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Huntington
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Trek of Fairfield
Strengths:
The Superfly tracks like it's on rails,very balanced, smooth ride.The Carbon Frame and G.F Graphics look sharp.
Weaknesses:
Price if paying retail!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock w/Bonty Race Lite Flat Carbon Bar 630mm, Lock on Grips, Crank Bros Eggbeater 3Ti and 25psi for XDX Tires
Bottom Line:
This is my 1st 29er and have to say the ride is incredible.Got to ride some tight singletrack w/ rocks and logs and the G2 geometry makes the handling spot on. The bottom bracket is very stiff. All of your power goes into the pedals and nothing is lost. After riding 26in. bikes for the past 30 yrs, nothing beats a Superfly.Thanks Fish.Ride on...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
terrible tim
a Weekend Warrior
from london ontario Date Reviewed: March 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
boler mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
reynold cycle
Strengths:
climbs well,quick stiff light 20lbs bike
Weaknesses:
very little weakness, i guess it's corners arn't the tightest
Similar Products Used:
none i rode Kona HEHE and made up my mine(and i own klein palomino race,kona caladera)this bike is tops
Bike Setup:
all carbon frame 19" wheels xxx lite ,riser carbon bars,seat post ,crank, on and on got the weight down and stiff
Bottom Line:
if your l@@king for fast light bike for single track racing or trail rides this one is tops it climbs and falls fast going over rocks and lumber like sticks and stones..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronbo
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Streets of Manhattan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Habitat
Strengths:
Cool looks, light weight, high quality components, 700c wheels for variety of tire sizes
Weaknesses:
Stands tall to make up for 29" wheel size and BB clearance, not specific to this product, probably like that on most 29ers.
Similar Products Used:
none, first time with a 29er
Bike Setup:
switched out stock carbon for thompson elite seatpost, switched out sram x-0 triggers for sram x-0 grip shifters. Bell and front and rear lights.
Bottom Line:
For NYC riding conditions - potholes, cobblestones, sidewalk curbs, steps, this thing is unbelievable. Sooooooo comfortable and stable. It rocks. Really light so makes carrying it easy to go...into and out of the subway (hey, it rains sometimes!).
I can't wait to take it offroad and see what all the other reviewers have been raving about.
I'll switch out the suspension fork for a rigid to make this a sub 20 pounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moval49er
a Cross Country Rider
from Temecula CA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Cycopath
Strengths:
Compliance without flex, amazing climber, excellent handling up and down. Components are not to faulted.
Weaknesses:
Chain ring bolts backed out - not unheard-of problem with this crankset.
Similar Products Used:
2008 HiFi 29 Plus
Bike Setup:
Stock, with Shimano M647 pedals
Bottom Line:
I've been back into biking just a couple years - the Superfly is showing me I can still do it - it gets my out of the seat and riding!! Hands down the best hardtail out there. Top notch slow handling, top notch handling at speed, faster on the downhills than I ever thought I could go. Will be going tubeless and matching the tire set-up I have on the HiFi - XDX rear, stock ACX front.
Hope they offer the Fly SS to the general public - it is my best shot at an SS ride.
Now Fisher owes us a carbon HiFi 29er!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BodaBoda
a Cross Country Rider
from Nairobi, Kenya Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere offroad
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
It flies, it really flies, it really really flies.
I built this bike by pirating most parts off my Spider 29. I am now completely sold on the 29er idea and I can't believe I'm riding a hard tail again. This bike is awsome, made even better by the fact that all I spent was a grand on a brand new frame on Ebay and a couple of other parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kapitan21
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fells
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Strengths:
Light , good race geometry , good carbon fiber construction
Weaknesses:
Seat post started coming loose after the first few rides . Creaking in the BB
Similar Products Used:
Redline 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock parts
Bottom Line:
I actually came close to selling the Superfly after three months . I felt that there was little difference in the ride vs the 26 inch wheel . However I decided to ride them back to back and I realised that I needed to have different expections of both designs. The 29er in a roll over everything kind of trail ride.It is slower on the acceleration but very stable on the downhills. The turning radius is wide so I tend to loose momentum on tight switchbacks. However I find that I can ride the 29er more agressively because the bike is more forgiving on picking the lines . The 26er is a roll around the obstacle technique.It is quicker on the accleration and easier to whip on the trail . I am 6'1' so that 29er definately fits better , I think I will keep it .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rueger007
a Cross Country Rider
from glenwood springs, colorado Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
up boyscout
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
cutting edge, louisv
Strengths:
2009 XL Superfly, SRAM spec, light, stiff, good ride quality (riding tubeless), G2 geometry corners exceptionally and is super stable on the fast downhills
Weaknesses:
None, if you are buying a bike like this, you want it dialed and will probably swap out your contact points anyway (bars,grips,saddle, stem rise)
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher 05 Rig, Seven Teres, yeti 575
Bike Setup:
stock except for changing contact points
Bottom Line:
I've had it less than a month, but I ride 6 days a week and I can say emphatically that Gary nailed it with the Superfly!! I now know what it feels like to ride a geared bike that levels the playing field for long legged guys. A 37" inseam on a 26" bike feels like you are in the circus with a high center of gravity and big drop to the handlebar. It's like driving a Hummer on Hwy 101 . . Not no more! . . This bike allows a tall guy to enjoy the performance that many of my shorter friends take for granted on their 26". I love the GF Rig and now a light 29er for racing with quicker geometry is gonna be fun. If you are built like me, the Superfly will make you noticetably faster, happier and above all make you realize that 26" bikes have been holding you back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kimdani1
a Weekend Warrior
from Edgewood, KY Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2799.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
Weight, carbon frame, light wheels, brakes, Fox fork
Weaknesses:
Foam grips are pretty weak and uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock + Ergon GX1 grips and Eggbeater SL pedals and Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow Saddle
Bottom Line:
This bike is light to the point where it felt almost skittish at first when riding it. The only other 29er I've been on is my 07 Fisher Rig which handles like a tank compared to the nimble Superfly. After getting used to the quicker handling of the Superfly, I find it a very agreeable ride. The acceleration feels instantaneous and despite the 29" wheels, it still picks up quite nicely. The only issue I had was with some sloppy bike assembly at the store of purchase. All sorts of components started to come loose on my first ride of a couple miles. They took care of the problem and now the bike has been a joy to ride. For the price, it was definitely worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sizzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: November 1, 2008
You will effortlessly cruise along at such a rapid clip that when it comes time to stop, the 160mm rotors seem a little insufficient on the big wheels. My current ride now feels woefully inadequate but I don't/won't have enough money to buy one.
Bike Setup:
09' Stock Demo
Bottom Line:
It's an evangelist for the church of the 29", carbon XC bike. If I was in the market for a XC bike and had 4 G's on hand, I would have driven right to the store and dropped the cash. Compared to the squish trail/AM bikes that I had ridden just previous to that, and my own hardtail, this thing was my favorite bike of them all. The test site was singletrack (fantasy Island for those in the know) w/ few particularly techy parts, so the terrain was skewed in favor of an XC bike, but even on the parts where I thought that surely the DS bikes would have the upper hand, this little guy continued to own. I had always felt that carbon had no place on a mountain bike, while I still don't see the benefits in a full-suspension rig (the Fuel EX 9.9 OCLV was ho-hum in comparison), I have changed my mind when it comes to hardtails. 4 chilis for value cuz the price jumped $1000 dollars since last year. 5 turds overall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bogordini
a Cross Country Rider
from Hailey, Idaho, usa Date Reviewed: October 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
greenhorn/mahoney
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
formulasports
Strengths:
super light, quick, ultra-fast, quality parts
Weaknesses:
none that I can see
Similar Products Used:
trek 8900 hardtail
Bike Setup:
small frame
Bottom Line:
Imediately after I climbed on this bike, I thought, wow, light, fast, easy to pedal. It was the fastest I'd gone on a mountain bike. I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I'd like 29'ers. I'd been told they're for big guys, but I'm 5'6 and I thought it was a rocket ship! I was impressed! I'll never go back to 26" and I doubt to a full susp. because of the weight. My last ht was a Trek 8900 8 years ago or so and I forgot how much I loved it. And the Fly is just that much lighter and faster with the 29's. I'm sold! Anyone should buy this bike whether large or small in stature if a)they want to haul butt over rough stuff b)they want to kick their buddies butts c)refer back to a and b.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
factoryracer#22
a Racer
from michigan, usa Date Reviewed: October 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Boyne mtn, avalanche
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
north country cycle
Strengths:
climbing, cornering, lightweight, flawless shifting, great breaking, stiff frame, fox fork.
Weaknesses:
had to switch out the big sweet bars. creaking coming from BB area hard to figure out, ended up being the chain ring bolts. hated the grips.
Similar Products Used:
trek elite 9.8, gf ziggurat,
Bike Setup:
stock, in addition to sl egg beaters, bont. xxx flat bar, single track solution bar ends
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for the price. gary fisher got everything right on this one. no complaints! this bike is for serious racers and enthusiasts. it speaks to all levels of riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scooter2468
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Name it.
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er. Previously on a stock '06 Stumpjumper FSR Comp.
Bike Setup:
Stock, plus Egg Beater pedals. Experimented with Ignitors and Specialized FasTracks, went back to the stock Bontrager tires.
Bottom Line:
I hadn't ridden an MTB in over a year when I bought my 'Fly, and fell in love with the bigger wheels right away. Unfortunately, I was hoping that the larger wheel would allow me to go back to a HT, and for most people it will. Me, not so much. My worn out ol' back won't take it and I'm going to a "short-ish" travel FS 29er. The problems I have with the bike are all about me, not the bike. Can't blame the bike 'cause I can't deal with a HT. Virtually every good thing you read about the 'Fly seems to be right on. Climbs great, descends better, carves the turns! The only thing I might change would be a bit more travel up front. If there's a HT 29er out there that does anything better than a 'Fly, it's hard to imagine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rollo
a Cross Country Rider
from Gifu, Japan Date Reviewed: October 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Japanese Alps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
International bikes
Strengths:
Frame, Brakes, Fork
Weaknesses:
no studs for a rear pannier. I know its not that kind of bike but none-the-less if I want to put one on to carry something I can't and I need a backpack.
Bike Setup:
Brooks leather seat, XTR rapid rise rear dérailleur, Serfas
Drifter City Tires (Love the suction cup popping sound as I corner)
Bottom Line:
So much fun for a large man to ride a 29er I'm 6'4"! When you clip in and stand up you seem to actually fly! The stock Sram XO dérailleur was surely good enough for flat landers but here in the Japanese Alps where the hills go up forever you gotta shift fast under load... happiness = bottom normal and that means XTR rapid rise.
The larger frame/wheel size gives you a much higher vantage point than a 26inch.
Could this be the end for my titanium road bike? I think so. Why would I want to ride anything else? EVER!
If I lived in another county I would be too worried about it being stolen.
Bottom line is It's the best bicycle I've ever ridden. If you can, get one, you'll enjoy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jcdogger
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, Mo. Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2860.00
Purchased At:
Sunset Cyclery
Strengths:
Lightweight, Handling,Climbing,Descending,G2geometry
The Whole Components Package.
Weaknesses:
GEEZ Gary,Where did you find the cheezy foam grips.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper Anniversary edition FSR.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Carbon flat bar, Specialized Fast Trac Tires,and GRIPS!!!
Bottom Line:
Gosh, I thought my Stumpjumper was the ultimate slicer&dicer.No more!! Welcome to the big wheel!!The Superfly will slice & dice-chop grate and puree the roughest trails with the greatest of ease.
Gone are the days of getting hung up trying to climb up&over roots and rocks.The Fly with it's lightweight,G2 geometry and Big wheel makes it easy and in a straight line.
Components are new to me (XTR Fan) Avid Ultimate Juicy brakes are spot on when applied.They have very little fade on long down hills and come right back to spot on afterwards.Also, new to Sram Shifters.I had the XTR flip lever reverse pull shifters.Love throwing a handfull of gears starting a downhill!!Sram shifters are spot on and shift great just a small learning curve on triggers.
Downhills are absolute blast.I never thought a hardtail could fly down a technical descent and have both wheels planted and hold a straight line---The Superfly does just that ---Slicin & Dicin !! AND without feeling all beat up after the ride.
Buy A Superfly it,s a Modern Marvel!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sp_oshea
a Racer
from Boise, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Georges Cycles Boise
Strengths:
Most bang for the buck. Rock solid on the climbs and fast on the downhills. Very agile in extremely treacherous conditions.
Weaknesses:
Saddle and grips were replaced after the first ride. Had some bad creaks which were first thought to be the BB but ended up being the seat post which needed more carbon on carbon putty. Tubeless not setup, had to buy stans kit.
Similar Products Used:
Came from a Gary Fisher Sugar2. First 29er.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for replacing seat and grips.
Bottom Line:
This bike fly's. Purchased it about a month before the 24 hours of Canmore 2008, at the race it was a rocket. The conditions were deplorable (rained most of the race) and it plowed through the wet roots, muddy-mossy section, and loose rocks. I have no doubt that if I had been on my old mtb I would have crashed multiple times, but not once on the Superfly. This bike was smooth on the climbs and fast-stable on the descents. Because of this bike I was a contributing factor on the 5 person winning team Udaho's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tcook
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollister Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
just ride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2850.00
Strengths:
Weight, climbing, cornering
Weaknesses:
bontrager race x acc seatpost barely clamps seat in place and carbon wrap has cracked,Skewers are lightweight but don't clamp effectively without severe tightening, Bontrager wheelset is flexy, front brake fade at speed(corrected with 185 rotor).
Blackspire 1X9 with NGear on XT crank, Thomson Masterpiece, WTB Devo, Ultimate 185mm up front, Crankbrothers 2ti eggbeaters, Salsa skewers, tubeless 22.96 lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is my first venture into 29ers, so this is only a beginners perspective. When some riding buddies gave up their Ibis Mojo's for over 9 mos and rode only their 29ers I figured maybe there was something to it.
My first ride was 2400 foot climb in 5.5 miles with some technical climbs over roots and rocks and short steep sections. Had to get used to the 29 inch wheels but this bike climbed straight and true with no wondering at all! Even with the learning curve never left the 32 tooth ring in the front.
The downhill was the most stable I have ever felt on a bike. It railed through the corners and handled gnarly root/rock sections with 1 to 3 foot drops. I smiled the entire way back down.
I've never looked back and probably never will. Have since converted to 1X9 and can climb most anything.
Priced building an Air 9 but couldn't cough up almost five grand. This bike is an excellent product for the dollars but unfortunately is a little too brand loyal to Bontrager and sacrifices some quality in the seat-post. Found the wheelset flexy but haven't ridden other tubeless setups so don't really have room to compare. Lot of creaking in rear dropouts, tightened the crap out of the Bontrager skewer and finally put my Salsa's on.
Rode a friends steel Niner which I felt climbed with less effort and definately rode smoother but did not handle corners nearly as well as the Superfly. Maybe an IndyFab with G2 geometry! The increased cornering ability far outweighed the slight disadvantage in climbing and ride smoothness.
I am very pleased with this bike and feel it has given me a great introduction into the 29er world. The cornering and balance through tight switchbacks is on the money and as stated before I have never felt more stable. I will ride this bike for a long time as long as the frame can handle my abuse. And if it does't my next bike will still be a 29er!
4 chili value rating because of weaknesses stated above and parts I've needed to improve on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
whftrout
a Cross Country Rider
from Decorah, Iowa Date Reviewed: July 16, 2008
Stock other than monkeylite bars and lock ons, stan's rim strips (standard) and sealant.
Bottom Line:
From the moment I learned that GF would produce this bike I wanted one. After having spent several months riding this bike I can conclude that it is indeed a really nice ride....with a few caveats. My XL is 24 lbs even with a carbon riser bar and tubeless setup (race x lites, Jones ACX and Stans). Certainly a respectable number for a fully geared and suspended 29r....but not ultra light. The bike does not climb as well as my Ferrous frames. I feel like the bike gets light in the front end and wants to wander when climbing steeper climbs. I think this is due to a slacker head angle/greater offset and more rearward bias than the Ferrous. Low speed handling, which GF touts as improved, is indeed so. The way a 29r handles rough terrain yet still retains its efficiency while climbing, without the complex suspension linkages of a F/S, is the way to go in my opinion. I prefer the Rockshox Reba Race on the Ferrous to the Fox Fork due to the lockout (actually very handy), fit and finish (never thought I would say that about Fox), lighter weight and more intuitive tuneability (less monkeying around with dials and air pressure). Despite having a pretty light 29r wheel setup and a light overall weight, the lack of snappyness is sometimes annoying....this is the only drawback to 29rs vs. 26rs IMO. I am 6"1" (34.5 inseam and long arms) and am riding the XL which fits appropriately. All in all, its arguably the best stock 29r package available at this time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango
Strengths:
Fox F29 Fork, Juicy Ultimate brakes, XO shifter/derailleur, lightweight stiff frame
Weaknesses:
Grips are lightweight but pretty flimsy. Once the glue wears off, they just spin.
Similar Products Used:
Niner EMD, GF X-Caliber
Bike Setup:
Stock with Candy Ti pedals
Bottom Line:
My first foray into the 29er thing. I wanted a lightweight stiff hardtail 29er vs. my current full suspension bike. I started looking at X-Caliber but by the time I counted all of the components I wanted to upgrade, it was near the price of the Superfly. This bike is fast, fast, fast! It makes some of the tame trails more fun with speed. I find myself riding this bike more and more and leaving the FSR behind. It's especially great for trails in SE MI.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jhemp
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cd
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Gila Hike and Bike
Strengths:
great build out of the box. Light weight. Price is hard to beat for what you get
Weaknesses:
Steep climbs, accellerations.
Similar Products Used:
My First 29er. I have had a Moots ybb, Ventana El fuego, and a breezer lightning
Bike Setup:
stock build and xtr pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, but it's not because of the 29er wheels. It's a great bike because of a good componets and a nice frame. I almost got rid of it after the first few rides because it felt so awkward climbing steeper trails. But I stuck with it. Now I'm used to how it climbs, and can clean almost everything I could on my 26. I do miss the way you could punch up steep inclines with a 26. The 29er does seem to roll over obstacles a bit easier but I'm really am not sold on the 29er. I dont think it climbs or decends better or worse than anyother hardtail I have ever had, and definetly not as good of a descender as my Ventana. I think my next bike may be a 26 fullsuspension again. Dont get me wrong, I like this bike and plan a keeping it for a few years. I just dont think it's that much of an improvement over 26.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Redball409
a Weekend Warrior
from Stafford, Va. USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Works in Freder
Strengths:
Stiff yet light frame, absorbs vibration better than aluminum. Fox fork is excellent. High end SRAM and AVID components round out the ride. Bike handles very well though I am still dialing in my bar set up.
Weaknesses:
aluminum "big sweep bars seem awkward at first, and stock Bontrager seat is too narrow for me. And gearing is a bit tall compared to similar 26". Some bottom end creaks and loose chain rings during break in but other than that, sweet ride.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude, GT Zaskar,
Bike Setup:
Changed seat to WTB and bars to Bontrager high rise carbon. (not so sure on this one though since raised front end quite a bit). Shimano XT pedals, Maxxis Ignitor and Crossmark tires (2.1) - experimenting with stans tubeless set up.
Bottom Line:
At times I question the 29 wheels when accellerating or climbing billy goat hills from dead stops or switchbacks. I recommend the rider is 6' or taller for this size large frame. To summarize: an excellent bike from an excellent bike shop. I am not disappointed in this purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sprocketjockey9
a Racer
from Waterloo, NY USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
DEC Naples
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
superlight frame, stiff, g2 geometry, fox f29 fork
Weaknesses:
None I can think of
Similar Products Used:
Supercaliber 29, Paragon 29
Bike Setup:
Crank bros egg-beater pedals, xxxlite riser carbon, ergon ge1 grips, wtb rocket v ti saddle
Bottom Line:
From the moment I threw my leg around this bike I was in love with it. I've been riding a 29er for a few years now, the g2 definitely is the biggest improvement I can think of. This bike just rails. Super stiff and fast on the climbs, agile and easy to accelerate in the tight singletrack. Even on a hardtail I'm faster on long descents than my friends on 6" plush bikes. The big wheels rock!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dino
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Guadalasco
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Michael's Bicycles Newbury Park
Strengths:
The whole package-top to bottom.
Weaknesses:
None detected so far.
Similar Products Used:
No other 29'ers
Bike Setup:
Stock out of the box, except for Crank Bros. Eggbeaters pedals.
Bottom Line:
Phenomenol. I just did my first "long" ride on the bike today, and I was blown away. It was like geting a 20% increase in power right off the bat; 30%, if you count the psychological boost. The stability of this bike is hands down far above 26'ers. The long, paved hill at the end of the ride was a quicker ascent, and required less energy than I am used to expending on my 26'ers.
I was also very impressed with the ability of the bike to handle fairly twisty singletrack; ascending or descending. The larger wheels really do provide a great deal more shock absorbency than expected.
I found it quite interesting that, at least in my case, it took me about 3-4 full cranks to get the bike up to speed, but when it did-Wow! did it haul tail.
Even the stock saddle gave me absolutely no discomfort for the entire duration of the ride.
The Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes are the best I've ever used. I doubt that I'll change anything on the bike with the possible exception of going tubeless with Stan's. This is just an initial impression of this incredible machine-if anything significant develops to alter my opinion, I'll be back for an update; but I seriously doubt it.
I'm an old dude, but this bike has given me new life and taken me to another level in mountainbiking. I would say that, if you have at least 5 years of frequent biking experience, and you're looking for a boost in enthusiasm, this bike may what you need. If you can afford one, get it. Get it now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Racer
from Exeter, NH Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Few creaks from carbon frame & BB areas, still working these out.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, KHS, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Wow! Gary Fisher is onto something here. This is the ultimate mtb bike! 3 Days after purchase, headed for 1st mtb race. Course was muddy with lots of tight single track, rock gardens, and tree roots. The Superfly made it so easy. I had some doubts about the stock Bontrager ACX 2.2 size tires for racing, but the advantages were so obvious that the tires are staying on the bike. Out of the box with not so good pedals the bike weighs 23lbs even. Highly recommend to racers, trail riders!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Nugent
a Cross Country Rider
from Spring Lake, MI Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Owasippe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Holland Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
Super light, incredible value with top shelf part spec., Fox fork, Very surprising G2 Geometry delivers great handling, Very stiff and responsive climber. In a nutshell "Exceptional Bike" Very helpful Dealer.
Weaknesses:
The carbon frame is a little less compliant than my Scandium Niner.
Similar Products Used:
Niner One9, KHS Solo-On, Lots of those "Little Wheeled" bikes.
Bike Setup:
Industry9 wheels with Stan’s Arch rims (tubeless), 2.4 Racing Ralphs, Ultegra cassette modified to 5 speed, X-O short cage and Shifter, XTR 970 180mm Cranks set up Single Speed, Monkey Light bar, Juicy Ultimate brakes, Fox Fork, Candy SL's. Extra Large Frame; 21.8 lbs.
Bottom Line:
This bike is simply one of the best bikes I've ridden, period! Though I've done a good bit of modifying to the parts spec to hit the sub 22lb. mark, it was still less than 24 lbs. out of the box. The frame is super stiff, I'm 6'3", 215lbs. and it shows no sign of flex under hard climbing. When I got my Niner a year ago, I believed I had found the "Holy Grail" of bicycles; the Superfly is hands down superior in handling and stability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Date Reviewed: April 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Lane
Strengths:
Package for the money. Bike Weight. G2 geometry.
Weaknesses:
Have not found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Paragon, array of 26ers, Salsa 69er rigid SS
Bike Setup:
Stock, except tires. Switch them out depending on the course/terrain.
Bottom Line:
What an amazing bike for $3000. It kills the chatter the AL frame on the Paragon gives you and eliminates 4+ pounds of the weight. The Fox fork is buttery smooth and yet sturdy. The bike handles as well as or better than any 26er I have been on. The shifting is excellent.
You can go so fast on this bike with so little effort I think it is the ideal tool for racing anything but a course requiring a dually.
I should add, hey, I even really like the stock saddle!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave E.
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: April 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kennedy/Sierra Azul
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Summit Los Gatos
Strengths:
Carbon frame that is forgiving with the 80mm Fox Shock. Other carbon components that are extremely strong, and light.
Weaknesses:
With all the carbon components, why did they leave out the handlebar??? I will replace it with a Race Face carbon flat bar.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Completely stock out of the crate. Added carbon bar ends for leverage on those steep grade climbs. Put on XTR pedals. Will replace handlebar with carbon fiber..
Bottom Line:
This ride rocks. It glides downhill hill flawlessly. A point and shoot master: direct it, and it will follow. I thought it might be a little faster downhill as I traditionally ride open fire roads and have the need for speed. I'm hoping as it breaks in, the speed will increase
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan Sovich
a Racer
from Ventura, CA ,USA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Romero Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Action Sports, Bakersfield, CA
Strengths:
The Superfly is a racing 29" hardtail right out of the box. Gary Fisher has offered this bike with great groupo and parts selection so those wanting a top end bike can get it without upgrading. One may want to personalize or save 100 grams and can do it, but that up to the rider. This frameset equals that of the best carbon layups and designs out there be it a Tarmac SL or Scott Scale. Unidirectional carbon, short headtube allows for variation for any bar height. It is stiff, compliant and beautiful.
Weaknesses:
None that jump to mind. If I designed the bike I may have made it with 100mm of fork travel and put a larger diameter post instead of 27.2mm .
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher OCLV hardtail(1995), Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Gary Fisher Paragon (Genesis 1), Ellsworth Epiphany, Scott Scale, Rocky Mountain Slayer, Santa Cruz Nomad.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Will be Tubeless momentarily. The bike stock before tubeless in 17.5 (M) size is 23.67 lbs with XTR ('08) pedals and no cages.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides great. I have ridden 29" bikes and some since the first Fishers and wanted the Superfly when I saw it first advertized. Why? Perfect blend of tire size,parts selection in a carbon hardtail. This bike makes a believer out of a owner of 29". Just pure riding fun. It really does hookup in corners, rolls fast in up, down and flats. Rolls over things better than 26" and steers really well. Feels like you are in flight. I will say if you like fast, rolling terrain without fully technical and rocky single-track this would be a great bike to consider. Save your money if you want a big hit bike or look at the HiFi Pro which is 100mm travel both front and rear with 29". Remember that it is still a hardtail,however, a 'kine one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Racer
from Edgmont, PA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wissahicken
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Very fast and stable. Accelerates quickly. Climbs superbly. Light and nimble. With pedals under 23 lbs. SRAM XO is the best on the market.
Weaknesses:
Bars have a little too much sweep. I switched to a flat carbon bar. Seat not very comfortable. I changed to a Specialized Rival. Not tested for performance over time. It will be interesting to read these posts after we all race this bike for a full season.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Rig, if you can call that similar.
Bike Setup:
Changed to flat carbon bar. Changed seat to Specialized Rival. Changed wheels to Mavic Cross-Max. Added Cane Creek ERGO Bar Ends.
Bottom Line:
A great bike, one of the best on the market. Fast, stable, light, seems to be a perfect racing set up. This is a bike made to be raced, but the serious rider can also benefit from using this bike. Not for the casual rider. My bike is under 23 lbs., with pedals. Even though it is really light, it feels very stable. I am looking forward to see how it performs on enduros, marathons and 24 hour races.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Hart
a Racer
from Beaumont California USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Redlands Cyclery (Cyclery USA)
Strengths:
Low weight,handleing, acceleration, power to the pedals is instant.
Weaknesses:
NO SUCH THING!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
07 Fisher Paragon, Cannondale Scalpel, Specialized S-Works Epic and so many more!
Bike Setup:
Stock except I went to the XO Grip Shifters and a Bontager XXX Lite flat bar 580mm wide. Crank Brothers Egg Beaters with 4mm shorter than stock spindles.
Bottom Line:
This bike loves to be riddin hard. The frame is stiff and soaks up the bumps better than ANY bike I have ever had. The Fox F29 is plush and doesn't twist under hard loads in a corner. This is the best hard tail on the market. Twenty-nine inch wheels roll over anything with ease. When I picked up my bike from the shop it weighed 22.94lbs without pedals. I replaced the factory bar with the Bontrager XXX Lite and replaced the X0 trigger shifters with X0 Grip Shifters. I estimate the bike's weight at 22.5Lbs, but it really doesn't matter because this bike is balanced so well it feels like a 19lb 26er. This bike is all about the racer. Brakes, fork, wheels, the whole package! I'll be using this bike for 12 and 24 hour events. I will also toss in a few XC race's. I have full confidence that I will have the unfair advantage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clayton Bell
a Racer
from NLR, AR Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Womble, Vista, Sylamo, Camp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Arkansas Cycling & Fitness
Strengths:
This bike is smokin' fast and begs to be ridden balls to the wall. Great components and frame, esp for the price. Fisher really made a bigger difference with the new G2 geometry. This bike handles as well or better than any bike (29er or 26") I've ever ridden. SRAM XO kit is superb and so are the Juicy Ultimates. With a medium frame and pedals this bike tips the scales at just over 23 1/2 lbs.
Weaknesses:
Bontrager tires got to go.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Sugar 292 & Niner One 9 SS
Bike Setup:
Stock is tricked out, but I got rid of the Bontrager tires and threw some Specialized S-Work Captains on there. Also going tubeless via Stans No Tubes. Switched the saddle in for a WTB Silverado. Time ATAC Carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks, esp for people who are wanting a sexy race machine in the quiver. This bike was conceived and built for one purpose: speed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Racer
from Jacksonville, AL Date Reviewed: February 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Wigs Wheels!!
Strengths:
Light, Fast, Smooth, Handles Great! Eye Candy.
Weaknesses:
Noisy Crankset
Similar Products Used:
Trek 9.8
Bike Setup:
Stock, with carbon bars.
Bottom Line:
This is a lot of bike for the money. I will upgrade the wheels to crossmax and the crankset to FSA K-force light, but besides that this bike is maxed out. I'm not a big sram fan, but the X0 works great. The avid ultimate brakes are just that, the ultimate; they are the best brakes I've ever used. If you are looking for "the best bag for the buck" this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Cavaretta
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: February 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Slippery Pig
Strengths:
Fast, fast, fast, climbes like a goat. The new front fork has the handling dialed in. Did I mention Fast?
Weaknesses:
Crank has got a strange slip to it. Like any tubless, when you run them at low pressure they flip up rocks that rip up your shins and occasionally throw you over the bars if they end up in the front wheels.
Bike Setup:
Traded up to cross max wheels other wise stock.
Bottom Line:
Lots of candy for hte cash. Rode a soft tail for years and the transition to the 29 was easy. Fast well tacking stable ride. Considering trading up to the xtr crank set for weight and no slip, but the carbon crank is damn sexy! This cart made an old donkey faster!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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