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Submitted by
john_cda
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills / Dundas Valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheel Cycle / Du | | Strengths: | very little to no bob / great climbing / handles extremely well in single track / after 7 years the bike is still not out dated / the new full suspension bikes are all this design | | Weaknesses: | none - at first the chain suck drove me insane, but once I learned how to ride and could do hills in middle ring I was fine. | | Similar Products Used: | my only bike owned / have tried hard tails that were well equiped | | Bike Setup: | 2000 frame (now replaced with sugar + frame) / sid fork / mavic 517 rims / xt xtr mix of components / avid sd7 brakes / xt crank with time pedals | | Bottom Line: | I consider myself very fortunate to have bought this bike when getting into mountain biking 7 years ago considering I had no clue what to buy. I have rode it hard for 7 plus years and have no itch to get a new bike. Fisher was ahead of it's time designing this frame / set up. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin Ireland
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Ballinastoe Woods, County Wicklow | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Trip, Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | I bought the frame new in 2001 and it has moved with me from the US to the UK and now Dublin. It did two runs this weekend and is still as good as the day it was made. Strong and great for climbing. | | Weaknesses: | They don't make it anymore. But it has rarity value now. People invariably stop and comment on it. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Lots of changes: Fox RP23 rear Shock. Marzocchi Marathon Race forks, XT crankset and casette with XTR groupset and Shimano SPDs, Easton EC90 handle bar with EA70 stem and Chris King threadless HS, Thompson Elite seat post with Fizik Gobi saddle and Mavic Crossmax SX wheels and Maxxis UST 2.1 tyres. | | Bottom Line: | One day my Sugar will give up the ghost and I'll spend hours deciding between another GF frame or something from Santa Cruz or Ventana (the El Salt looks a beaut.) but until that day I am in no hurry. Okay, I'm still using V-brakes and the travel on my rear shock and front forks is unfashionably small but I wouldn't swap this frame for love nor money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Piedmont, NC
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Various | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight, responsive shifting | | Weaknesses: | Parts expensive and not readily available for this model | | Bottom Line: | I had the main pivot and a few bushings of the dual suspension replaced at local bike shop. Cost me $80.00+, and waited four weeks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micky Frye
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | PX / Veisbaden, GM | | Strengths: | Tough, Light. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap stock parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Only "true" XC bike Ive ever owned. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Bontrager stuff...XT rear wheel (upgrade) Avid Brakes (upgrade) Zocci EXR Pro fork (upgrade) | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike...I ride rough stuff and broke a 04 Trek Liquid 55 last month. My Sugar has outlasted it on the same trails. Ive raced it 5 times, and generally disregarded maintenence on the thing and it still rides great. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis G
a Cross Country Rider
from Stratford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trumbull, CT | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Great climbing, light, handling | | Weaknesses: | I bought the bike in Oct 2000. I just cracked my third rear triangle in the same spot. I am a cross country rider weighing under 200 pounds. The bike cannot handle multiple smaller hits, which are common on the east coast where I ride with roots and rocks. This bike was made for Cali hardpack. | | Bike Setup: | I have added a beefier sun mammoth rear double wall wheel. xtr crankset. time pedals. those are the major addons. | | Bottom Line: | I am not impressed with Fisher's customer service. The lifetime frame warranty is great but Fisher obviously issued a defective product for this model year and refuses to upgrade me to a newer/beefier Sugar frame or Trek bike. I will never buy another Fisher bike and nor would I recommend it. Too bad since the bike has many great qualities and I think the genesis geometry is smart. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Low cost full suspension bike, no bob on climbs. Fast Customer Service. | | Weaknesses: | Frame, Cane creek shock, Combo shifter/brake levers | | Similar Products Used: | First mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3 with 2002 Pslyo SL Forks, Shimano XT Cranks, Avid 3 brake levers, Avid Mag calipers, Shimano XT shifter levers, Shimano pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires. The rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Frame withstood about 2,200 cross country miles (1.3 years) before crack appeared in rear triangle section. I'm a 170 lb x-country rider. Fisher replaced triangle section in 3 weeks. 2 months later the other portion of the frame broke next to a weld. Fisher upgraded me to a new 2002 Sugar 3+ frame within 3.5 weeks through LBS CycleWerks in Costa Mesa (Thanks Trever). Blew seals in cane creek shock after 9 months and then again after another 6 months. Cane creek sent two sets of seals for free the first time. Easy to replace seals. I think the Shimano XT cranks and the front fork upgrade are a must. You will have to by new shifters when the bushings in the brake levers go bad (all one piece). Have no regrets in buying this bike. Fisher has lifetime warranties and fast service. I do like the additional travel of the 3+ so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Bodine
a Weekend Warrior
from Fullerton, California, USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with a good climb and fast descent | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | light,climbs like at hardtail,genesis geometry (comfortable)Bowlink suspension design (laterally stiff, progressive spring rate),reliable(no major mechanical failures),cheap(it outperforms many "monkey bobbers" and "squeakers" that cost twice the price) | | Weaknesses: | tires,seat,chainsuck(rarely),stickers peel,paint chips, quick release seatpost clamp not stock(special order from garyfisher), bontrager RE-1 pedals(difficult to release), seat(hard and painful on longer rides) | | Similar Products Used: | 88 Specialized hardrock,89 specialized rockhopper,90s specialized rockhopper A1
| | Bike Setup: | manitou mars elite, canecreek cloud-9,sram XO shifters/rear derailer,avid single digit 25,WTB Speed V race, gary fisher fishsticks,MythosXC 2.1F 1.95R | | Bottom Line: | This was my first full suspension, I was loyal hardtail fan until an injury left me wanting a more cushioned ride than my aluminum HT. Since my previous specialized bikes had been great, my first consideration was the FSR($1200 ouch). So I went to supergo, rode it, wasn't convinced it was worth the dent in my wallet. I asked the salesman about cheaper FS like the klien mantra on sale for $899, he suggested the Sugar 3(which was selling for $999). Still not conviced I should spend a grand,I did my homework researching full suspension designs. The more I read about the sugar, the more I believed the it had the qualities I was looking for:lightweight,great climbing ability, no pedal bob, low maintanence. About a week later, I was riding El Morro when two women rode up on brand new Sugars. I asked what they thought about thier bike. The were only too eager to preach, a little too long, about my how much they loved the bikes. Then, they informed me that supergo had lowered the price to $899 and if you mention seeing the advertisment on the web you get a free hydration pack, pump, and gloves. I was sold. After upgrading the shifters to gripshift and the brakes to avid the price when back up to about grand after tax. And that is the story of how I fell in love. From the first ride, I felt th bike allowed me to ride longer, climb better, and descent faster than on any other bike I have ever ridden. Upgrading the front and rear shocks made the ride even sweeter than it was. For the price, it was well worth the improvement to my riding abilities. To this day, I am still amazed when I clean a tough or impossible looking climb, decent or technical section that I don't expect to make. I just look down and thank the bike, for being the best $1000 I ever spent. only 4 chilis overall because of the seat, tires and pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Ridge (Austin) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun&Ski | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, frame design, decent component group for the bucks, great customer service. Once you dial it in it rides like a hardtail... | | Weaknesses: | Stock crankset, original rear triangle flaw(design), stock tires, Cane Creek 5 inadjustability. The Bonty stem is a biatch to get pointing straight auuuughhhh! | | Similar Products Used: | Voodoo, GT, Raleigh, Santa Cruz... | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z2 Atom 80mm, Kore 1.5 riser, Ritchey Zed and WTB tires, WTB Speed saddle (ahhhh) King headset, Avid AD20 | | Bottom Line: | Great handling bike once you get used to the built-in flex of the rear triangle. Cracked the original and upgraded to the carbon stays (less flex, ghostshifting etc..) The Bonty crankset will drive you crazy no matter how well you tune it, get a Shimano LX, XT etc... on this baby. If you slap on a new rear shock (AD12 or Cloud 9) as well as replacing the adequate but low-end Manitou SX it will totally transform the handling of this sweet ride. The Superlight still beats it in the rougher (rocky) terrain but for the bucks it slams the competition with its simple and effective single pivot design. The geometry feels just right once you get the stem/ bar thing tweaked. I'm 5-11 and ride a large with a 90mm stem. Happy trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan Sandoval
a Weekend Warrior
from Platteville, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail from Kenosha to Georgia Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | This FS bike feels like a hardtail. No bobbing when climbing steeps. This bike is very fast and has great handling on fast descents. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck on occassion but that's usually associated with dirty chain and rings. Stock tires suck for cross country but great for slick rock. | | Similar Products Used: | None....this is the first FS bike I've owned. | | Bike Setup: | stock except the crappy tires. I reaplace them with XC Panaracers. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great deal for the $. I've improved my technical climbing immensely and fly down hill. I'm 150# and consider myself an intermediate to advanced rider. I haven't really put the bike to the test on extreme terrain but, for Colorado trails, it's prefect! It climbs and descends very nicely.
Change out the tires and you're ready for riding. I won't be upgrading too much on this ride. I give it a 4 for not putting good tires on such a good bike:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from mililani
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mililani mango Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Go San Diego ( New) | | Strengths: | Frame, Off of the shelf components, Climbing. It climbs like a goat. Size., and stand over distance. Power transfer on the climb | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires suck | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, Trek I Drive and KHS | | Bike Setup: | Totally Stock, I have not changed a thing but the tires, and cables, added Lizard Skins to guard against chain slap and to keep rear shock cleaner. | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike in some very rugged areas and it has just preformed. It has never let me down both in racing and on group rides. It climbs like a goat and has enough suspension to take the bite out of some pretty rough trails. I will putting on a new front fork soon as the stock one is about shot. Also any one that does not use Lizard Skins is an idiot. Put them on any thing that might damage the frame. Remember you are dealing with aluminum. All in all I am stoked with this bike. the only change that I made is getting rid of the stock tires. I run Hutchinson Mosquito Golds. 2.0 in the front and a 1.8 in the rear, that takes care of any mud build up from the frame. Buy this bike if you want a reliable, XC machine that can get you on the podium. Happy riding, be safe aloha | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Humberto Freire
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Planet OH! sorry !our EARTH | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bonthrone cycles | | Strengths: | underrated cross country bike,reliable well thought through design.Strenghts well four World Cups and two Olympic Gold Medals and gentlemen the two Golds was won by a certain Italian Lady! enough said I,m not going to bore with specs just go and test ride one . | | Weaknesses: | well the weaknesses are The handel bar could be a riser instead of a straight bar A individual colour choice could be a plan Mr Gary Fisher,Oh and a extra thing the pre cut Fork is non negotiable every rider has his or her preferance in stem length or height but an extra 5 centimeters or room for an extra stem spacer would be great.The head badge fell off my sweet sugar and it has taken me since November 2001 to get a replacement I FINALY GOT ONE TODAY THE 26th OF JULY 2002. other than that it remains the perfect bike for me but thats me . | | Similar Products Used: | FSR specailized, Cannondale m600, trek 4400. | | Bike Setup: | Factory go to gary fisher web sight | | Bottom Line: | well I took a long time in my research before I bought this bike and I am realy happy with it,s handeling , climbing descending and on straights I can kick arse! I,m flying next weekend in Cornwall England. Taking my Girlfriend,her Trek 4400, My sugar a tent doing Penzance to st.Ives 3 nights 4days of adventure! you want a good cross country bike But please you got be serrious other wise forget it this is a serrious mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Comox
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything Fast | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Quebec | | Strengths: | Light strong frame, good component spec, excellent geometry for climbing hills, a good rider can fly on this bike! Also a great bike for beginners. | | Weaknesses: | Paint/stickers scratch and nick easily. WTB stock tires and seat absolutely suck arse. Shifting problems with chain into small front cog. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Specialized FSR XC. | | Bike Setup: | Crowbar, Rokko XC Pro tires, Time ATAC pedals, Specialized BG seat - everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. The 2000 model has better components than the 2001. The only problem I've had is a common one with Sugars. When rear shock is under compression with simultaneous switching to front small cog, ther chain gets jammed in the frame pivot point. Very frustrating because it scratches the frame and damages the chain. The rear Cane Creek shock works well although it is very, very stiff - that's the idea for good XC riding. Frame is strong enough to take small hits and drops. Front fork - Manitou SX - works well but I'd like some rebound adjustments - SX R would be better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shaun
a Weekend Warrior
from cincinnati
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | harbin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclesport | | Strengths: | light, stiff, cheaper than sugar 1 or 2 | | Weaknesses: | some house components, not great wheelset, cheapo stickers | | Similar Products Used: | a few treks, kleins, and rocky mountains | | Bike Setup: | mostly xt, shorty stem, xt/517 wheelset, flite seat | | Bottom Line: | I posted last year, and the bike just keeps getting better. Replaced the lx brake and shifter combo with seperate xt shifters and levers, new cables, new azonic shorty stem and flite seat. Also, replaced wheelset with xt/517 that you can get anywhere. It is a world of difference. Replace the bontrager crap with only a slight weight penalty, and this thing is stiff and responsive. Replaced the stem and rode it a few times, great. Then replaced wheelset and rode it a few times, great. Next I will get a 2001 Z2 Atom race to replace the crappy fork. This will be one still mofo. Still lighter than my friends fs bikes. Want to replace the crankset with xt, but it has not broken or caused to many problems, which is somewhat of a suprise after all the bad reviews that I have seen here. Buy one, ride it, upgrade it, it only gets better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Healdsburg
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shiloh, Foothils and Anadale parks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | genesis geometry, low maintinance pivot, climbs good, light
fun to ride | | Weaknesses: | No disk brake tabs on the rear, all the stickers on the frame, | | Similar Products Used: | couple of hardtails Gt and Univega | | Bike Setup: | XC riser bar, Avid arch rival brakes, Ritchy V2 comp pedals,
Raceface Prodigy Isis drive cranks, pc69 chain, Yeti grips, the rest of stuff stock | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. I found a good deal on Ebay and snatched it up. I upgaded a few things and it works great. I had some chainsuck problems at first but the new cranks and the better I ride now have stopped that. It is a good XC bike. Have put about 700 miles on it and just did a complete strip down and clean on it this winter. Rides better now. 5 on value since I got it used 4 on overall since I dont have much to rate it against. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
emory ehrenfeld
a Cross Country Rider
from mechanicsburg, pa usa
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail not closed | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | holmes cycle | | Strengths: | No bobbing on rear shock. Rides like hardtail, but smoothes out rearend on babyhead rocks. Haven't even replace pivit points elastmers (plastic bushings) yet. Geat standover height and top tube length | | Weaknesses: | Seat tube angle too shallow (73.5). Had to buy seats with 3.5 inches rails and move them all the way back. Rear seat stay doesn't have much clearance. I run 2.1 tires and the clearance is about 1/4 inch. Did some races this spring that was supper muddy and it packed up bad. I could had run a smaller tire, but I saw other racers run my tires, who weren't packing up as bad as me. I guess Gary wanted to beef up the stay and clearance wasn't a concern. The rear shock cane creek 5 lasted three rides before making a knocking noise. Road the shock until I blown it and upgraded to canecreek 10 ($125 upgrade from canecreek) and love the feel of the bike better now. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension bike, but rode 12 different hardtail bikes since 1990. Raced MTB for 11 years. | | Bike Setup: | LX groupo and now mazzochi MRC forks. | | Bottom Line: | Bike rides great for full suspension bike. Don't feel weight of bike verse the old hardtail. Took a few rides to get use to rear end and notice bike doesn't bob up hill like some specialize bikes.
Only get 2.5 inches travel, so new models should feel better with 4 inches travel. If you don't mind not replacing bushings on pivit points, this is the bike for you. I found this to be the easiest full suspension bike to maintain.
This bike has the best fit for the rider than any hardtail I ever rode. I always need long top tube bikes, but the standover clearance was close to my max height. This bike doesn't have a standover clearance or top tube being short issue. I like that the stem is 105mm and can get a longer stem.
Must be doing something right because Klein, Trek, and some other bike companies are using Gary Fisher design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from Clearwater
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | climbed great, light | | Weaknesses: | weak frame, cracked after a year of riding | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails | | Bike Setup: | rf isis turbine lp's - mavic crossroc tubeless - rf stem and seatpost, xtr everything else. | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 190#, don't do any major drops, and the rear swingarm cracked in 3 places right behind the bottom bracket. I'm switching to Rocky Mountain because I don't want to wait 20 years to get another frame from fisher that might break again. I'm still sending it back so I will post another review when I find out what Fisher is going to do about it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from South Australia
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Agile, great climbing and light for the $ | | Weaknesses: | Should have been sold with a better choice of tyres | | Similar Products Used: | None, i always had hardtails before | | Bike Setup: | Standard except XT crank and BB, Ritchy seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I instantly loved this bike, i came from a hardtail (which was a bit big for me) to the Sugar and found it was really easy to throw around on anything i tried it on. Had some big crashes initially because it made me feel overconfident and was way more sensitive than my previous bike (i have a small frame when i could probably be on a small or med). Once i got in some solid riding on it i really tuned into it and now ride way better especially on technical stuff and tight tracks.
I read what people said about chain suck and didnt even try the bontrager crank, just put on the xt from my old bike. No probs with that although i think the chainline could be better. Also had to get a longer seat pole which was difficult because the top tube is so low and so i needed a pretty long one. The tyres were a crap choice for this kind of bike and i ditched them pretty quick.
Overall, great ride and it runs sweet all the time, i have done very little tinkering, although it hasnt had to deal with too much wet weather and mud yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ranger Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Bothell Ski n Bike | | Strengths: | Climbing, Abuse factor | | Weaknesses: | NO REAR DISC BRAKE MOUNT!!! Crappy Bontrager components | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Race Face Turbine LP cranks, Race Face Rings, Time Atac Pedals, Hayes Hydraulic Disc in front, Hayes/Hugi hubs, Sun Rims, LX shifter pods, Avid rear brake lever | | Bottom Line: | This is a pretty awesome cross country bike. I love it. I've beaten the hell out of it and it keeps coming back for more. As you can see I've upgrade A LOT of stuff. The only knock on this bike is that Gary didn't design the 2000 model with a rear disc mount. Come on Gary! And also that he uses crappy Bontrager components. I hate Bontrager. Cheap, cheap, cheap components. Once that's all upgraded, this is a smokin' ride. I can't say enough about how much abuse this bike can take.
I'm only giving this 4 Chilis b/c of the Bontrager and rear disc mount problems. If you can buy just the frame and upgrade everything yourself, you will not be disappointed with this ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Gillett
a Cross Country Rider
from Wiltshire, England
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3 standard except for wellgo flat pedals and velociraptor tyres. | | Bottom Line: | This 2nd opinion follows my much earlier review which praised the bike.
Since my last review I'm now on my 3rd sugar frame and all within 6 months, the 1st original frame cracked on the weld just below the front mech, this was replaced after numerous calls and about 6 weeks with a 2001 sugar 1 front tri-angle, this lasted just over 2 months when the paintwork started degrading losing it's sheen and resembled sand paper.
Paul's cycles of Norfolk, England and bikes of boards of Devizes were tremendous in helping me sort this problem out and it's thanks to Paul's cycle's that I now have a complete 2002 sugar 1 frame. Only time will tell if this lasts as long as the other frames did.
Moral of the story: the sugar series are well hard kick ass bikes with a great component spec, they are fast, agile and superb for cross country, that's providing the bike does'nt fall apart first;
Ride Quality and spec : Superb
Reliabilty and build quality: 2nd rate (in my opinion and
experience)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Clown Head | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price, climbing | | Weaknesses: | None that you wouldn't expect from the price. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension bike, always have ridden hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Chris king Hubs, Mavic 517 ceramic rims, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, XTR rear derailleur, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Virginia and West Virginia mountains beat a bike up with all of the roots and rocks, but so far no real serious problems. This is a great step from a hardtail to a full suspension. The bike climbs great and really smoothes out the rocky decents. I have made a few upgrades to the bike, but none were because the equipment was not operating correctly. So far the only things that have broken were the pedals and the rear derailleur and that was from the rocks that kept getting in my way. The stock Manitou SX was a little soft for me, but at the Snowshoe NORBA race the fine folks at Manitou replaced my spring with an x-tra stiff one and it solved my problem. I was told when I first got the bike that I may have some problems with the cranks, but so far no problems except a few bent chain rings from log crossings. I plan on giving the bike to my wife soon and getting a new ride for myself. I am looking at the Santa Cruz Superlight. After riding one the other day I realized that there is a good reason to spend $3,000 on a bicycle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Follow up from last review: Gary Fisher came through with flying colors on their warranty. Can't complain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pemberton | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Like the other guy a few reviews down, I'm skipping the other stuff too. I submitted a review about 8 months ago after I bought the bike. I agree with most reviews. Great bike for the price, also agree that some components were lacking but I replaced crank (to Shimano XT), front shock (to a Mars)and used a lighter wheelset for racing. So I have been quite satisfied....except, last week, I too cracked my frame in the same place - right above the bottom bracket at the weld. The bike shop said others had been brought back with the crack at the same place. So now I'm waiting to see if Gary Fisher will honor their lifetime frame warranty. I had a dent in the big tube which the guys at the shop said Fisher may use as an excuse to say the warranty is voided because I crashed the bike. Well, I didn't crash the bike when I cracked the frame - just took a gulley a bit hard. I picked up the dent months ago with no effect on performance. In fact, when the frame cracked, I didn't realize it at first because it was still going. I did notice some lateral movement which I thought was a flat or spoke. Anyway, my feeling is since this is a known manufacturing defect, they ought to own up to their warranty and give me a new frame. The bike shop guy also said that the warranty is voided if you use the bike to race which I didn't know as I had not read all the fine print. He said (and I believe him) that all bike manufacturers have the same provision in their warrantys. Since a lot of us race and a lot of the marketing of mountain bikes is aimed to racers, this stinks. I would remind anyone whoever faces such a response that practically all states have laws that state that a product should be fit for its intended purpose. Since all the bike manufacturers promote their bikes as race worthy machines, I don't think this argument would ever hold up if you took the trouble to sue, but who wants to do that? Looks like they've got us.
Anyway, check that bottom weld above the bottom bracket before you ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a
from CA
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry. Not too heavy. Responsive. Lean, racy look. | | Weaknesses: | A bit too responsive with short stem. Saddle not very comfortable. Manitou SX shocks could be more durable. Gary Fisher stickers on the bike...which I solved by peeling them off (bike actually looks great without). | | Similar Products Used: | This and that. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for upgrades; longer stem (105mm), 1" riser bars, Selle Trans Am saddle, XT @ cranks & chainrings, cassette, front derailleur, shifter and brakes, IRC Mythos. | | Bottom Line: | As a newbie, I tested several bikes and finally settled with the Sugar. The price at the time was just right and the fact that it felt as if it was an extension of my body made the choice easy.
On paper, the Genesis geometry makes sense and on the trail, it makes for a more comfortable and confidence inspiring ride. Even the switch to a longer stem did not change that part of the geometry very much. It did however, ease the climbing ability of the bike. The shorter stem forced me to be a bit more attentive to my body positioning, etc. while climbing...not that it is a bad thing. But with the longer stem, I don't have to be as attentive while climbing. It also, together with the riser bar, slowed down the overall responsiveness of the bike. It was a bit too quick/responsive for my liking.
The stock Nanoraptors, though capable, were a little short in the grip department but one can sense/feel the tires breaking away before washing out. After throwing a pair of 2.1 IRC Mythos tires, handling and grip improved considerably. I noticed that I was riding faster and harder, especially into and out of turns.
Bike is a good one for a newbie or any rider not wanting to spend a lot...especially when buying previous season's models. The Genesis geometry throws some people off when they first get on the bike but after a few spins on the cranks and a couple of steeps, they realize that they don't have to move back as much as compared to their own bikes. Which I will assume that it works...at least for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demonstration Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Start to Finish (now 'Finished') | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Thompson elite seatpost, Float RC rear shock, SID Race, Propels | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up from my previous review on 2/9/01 when I had had the bike for a couple months.
I still absolutely love the bike. I ride fairly hard, and do alot of bouncing around on the bike, and haven't had any problems with wear and tear. A couple of people have broken the frame just doing light riding? Wow. I don't do enormous scary drop offs, but I pound the bike fairly aggressively, and my bike has been completely solid for 11 months now.
I weigh 150 lbs, am 5'7" and ride a small with a little longer seat post. I've switched the rear shock for a Float RC which I love - SO much smoother than the AD-5. I'm using a SID race which is flexy, but gets the job done. I'm using Propel tubeless tires and a Thompson elite seatpost. Total weight is down to 24.5 pounds on a regularly calibrated scale here at the hospital where I work.
The AD-5 is light, but was pretty jarring compared to my Float RC. The Float RC can be locked out, but I almost NEVER use it, because the bike really doesn't bob much at all, though I almost always climb seated - can't vouch for what it might be like standing on steep climbs.
At first, I had problems with chain suck, but haven't had any problems for at least 6 months - though I continue to be very careful about shifting from the middle chainring to the granny gear.
As others have written, the rear wheel has too little wheel clearance to be suitable for mud riding at all. I've heard that the 2002 Sugars have more clearance.
Lastly, I took off all the stickers on the bike after a kind soul sent me an email to let me know that there is some clear coat under the stickers, as well as over them. I also took the stickers off of my red sid fork, and it looks great now. No more of the NASCAR/Malboro/Penzoil etc kind of feel to it.
I still LOVE my Sugar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Summers
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything within 1 hour drive | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Bicycles | | Strengths: | Overall quality and ride. | | Weaknesses: | rear mud clearance, SC red clay mud buildup can stop rear tire | | Similar Products Used: | proflex 857 XCFS, old Schwinn rigid beater | | Bike Setup: | Easton riser bars, junk saver, stiff fork spring kit(I'm 215+ lbs), IRC Mythos knobs, TIME ATAC | | Bottom Line: | This is my first XCFS bike. I've ridden it 1-2 times a week for a year now. Overall, this bike is sweet! Some days I want a hardtail or a 4" travel bike, but overall I'm happy. No maintenance or quality problems. It climbs pretty eficiently, descends faster than I want to, and looks good. Good bike for old fat men who don't want to stand on the pedals all day. My riding buddies envy the ZERO maintenance pivots. Chuck the Bontrager/SPD pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Fulton
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Petersburg, FL
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos\TOS | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | The frame is very solid and the rear pivot is suh-weet. Price is very good. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 400, Cannondale Jeckel, Some full-suspension Kona | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3 Frame, Race Face Crank, Rocket Chain Rings, XT Deraileurs, Cane Creek: C2 headset, saddle, direct curve brake levers, direct curve 2 brakes, AD-5 shock, Mavic 221 rims, Titec Hellbent bar, etc. | | Bottom Line: | First I owned a bottom of the line Fisher, soon realized I needed full-suspension. Found a very cheap, brand new, frame and fork on EBay for $350.00 so I went for it. Took me about 6 months to get it built up to what I want, but I love it. This bike can take a beating on the trails (even when I get upset and toss it). I don't know how anyone could break this frame, because I have dropped mine from 15 feet at TOS trail in Ocala, FL, and it survived. I also use this bike as my work transportation every day. This bike rides smooth even on my 6 mile commute. I haven't noticed any "bucking" or "bobbing" ont he rear end. The Manitou fork is decent as well, although I may upgrade to a Rock Shox Psylo so that I can lock it out for the street.
Highly recommended frame! (I give it 4 chili's 'cause it aint a Sant Cruz!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodstock, GA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Pisgah, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1190.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes | | Strengths: | Value, climbing, weight, active tracking. | | Weaknesses: | Dude, I busted my frame right at the pivot weld last weekend, and now I'm without a ride for a month! The guy who posted 2 back is diluted though. A Giant XTC??? C'mon. Now, the Specialized FSR XC is an awesome bike, but a friend's rear triangle locked up due to cartridge bearing failure in a race on his $3,000 S-Works ride.
On my Sugar 3, I have had to replace the small chainring for hooking, the chain, and cables in the first 700 miles on the bike (in addition to the broken frame). | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XR drivetrain, AR50 brakes, EA70 seatpost and bar, everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Light-weight FSXC racing bikes are going to have some failures. They're going to save you weight at the expense of durability. I still love my Sugar 3 and would recommend it to anyone buying a new FSXC racer -- great value & performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | I skipped all the other stuff since this is my second review of this bike. The only reason I'm reviewing it is becuase of the previous reviewer and his total dump on the bike. I understand how much of a pain a broken frame can be, but don't go slamming the whole line because of your problem. I've had my Sugar and beat the hell out of it riding here in Southern Ontario. My main stomping grounds for riding is full of exposed rock and I'm bashing around on that stuff at least 3 times a week. The bike has also been through 3 races this season where I pushed the bike to it's limits. Again, no problems and no cracked frame. Your frame cracked because of a production defect and that's it. Everyone else is not a bunch of pansies, they just have gotten frames that did not have that production defect. Plus, I'm pretty sure that if I had the same problem as you that my LBS would be putting together a new ride for me and taking the warranty frame when it came in.
Overall that bike is more then worth the coin if you are into serious XC riding...Not freeriding, downhilling...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant P
a Weekend Warrior
from lake Mary, FL
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere with Dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The suspension does work. And it does minimize the bobbing.
Handles well for open moderately fast trails. Rides nice
on paved Rail-Trails and bike paths. If you ride easy and
don't expect much of frame strength it's o.k. | | Weaknesses: | The frames break to easily. The genesis geometry is not for
tight trails or screaming descents. What is it good for?
Entire component package is a Joke. Should have been on a much cheper bike. I thought I was really buying the frame.
Kind of ironic and bitter. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC(should've bought), Schwinn Rocket88(HA!),
GT iDrive(what were the GT eng. thinking), and the
Specialized FSR(should've bought). | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Riser bar and Tires. Waiting to upgrade
as parts required, which is scary for this bike.
My previous ride was a good old Chromoly Trek 930 frame. Lasted for eight years of serious abuse,the before children happened. I will not be purchasing any Trek poducts or endorsing them to others I talk to about bikes. Doesn't sound like a big deal to lose me as a supporter. But wait, it just takes a little time. | | Bottom Line: | I have had the bike for a year and have not really ridden
more than 10+ miles a week. Very little since the family
started growing. And I am not a big guy. About 5'11" and
175lbs. max. So why would this frame crack on such wimpy
florida trails? If you read any of the other Sugar1, 2 or
3 reveiws, and wonder how could this bike get such praise.
Well I think these GF worshippers are either on CRACK or just ride like pansies. Or maybe they work for Trek/Fisher and want to pad the reviews to help keep their jobs.
To cynical? Think about it. Anyway I was annoyed that a frame would break within a year. And on some wimpy Florida trails. The trails here should not have cracked a frame of
this high acclaim. And now the Trek/Fisher customer service isn't to customer or service oriented towards me.
I made a very simple request at the beginning of my contact with them (7 weeks and counting now). I made a request by
e-mail(with RGA from shop) that could they send me back a
Med. size frame instead of a Large. I want to give the bike
to my wife since she could benefit from the suspension and
she would not fit a Large frame. The chance she would ever
break this frame is so remote, impossible really. So they
would never hear from me again. Done deal. Customer happy and the next frame would last forever. Well at first it seemd to be do able. Now many weeks later I had the LBS call and they said they didn't have a Med. available. And they would have to take and unpainted Lg. and paint it red for me. I don't care about color. Now if they send back a Lg. I will have to ride this frame. And yes the next one will break as well. I have looked carefully at the newest Sugar frames and they are no different. So, to the Fisher helpless crew at Trek. Just know that it is not a matter of if the next frame breaks but when and how bad. I only hope, for everyone, that purchased a Sugar is not badly injured or...you know. So check your Sugar often.
Gary you really should be ashamed to have your name on this pathetic peice of engineering and production. One reason I
settled on the Sugar was from others that I know that still have Fisher bikes rolling under them. They are speechless
at this point. And blame it on being gobbled up by Trek.
So, Gary if you read this. Drop me a E-mail or better yet
come on down and see what kind of wimpy trails had done in
your Sweet Sugar.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brentford
a Racer
from Auburn
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tanasi, Ducktown, TN | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | no "bob in the suspension while riding hard. light, fast, and affordable | | Weaknesses: | can't really think of any off the top of my head | | Similar Products Used: | i spun around on a Fuel 90?? does that count?? | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Mars C, bontrager revolt front, nanoraptor rear, 90mm Thomson stem, Thomson seatpost, Koobi Au Chrono saddle(awesome), topo bar ends and pretty much everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | When I wrote a review on this bike about 8 months ago, I hadn't been riding it very long. I didn't really know much about what I was talking about. I have now had this bike since Feb '01 and have been through about 9 or 10 races with it and ride all the time when I'm not racing. I love everything about this bike. Originally I said that there was a weakness because the bike was a bit heavier than a hardtail...screw that. I will never race a hardtail unless something drastic happens and changes my opinion about full suspensions. I'm willing to sacrifice a couple of pounds to be able to have a softer, faster ride and FLY over roots and rocks that would leave most hardtail riders walking bow-legged for a couple of days. Bottom line is...I just feel this bike enables me to ride faster than a lot of the hard tail riders that are about the same caliber rider I am. And for the price...I don't know what to say!! This is a great bike for the hardcore XC racer as well as the "weekend warrior" as MTBR puts it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Salsa Biatch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Norcal
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Braille Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Trip | | Strengths: | Gary's ingenious Genesis geometry, Bonty Superstock bars,XT rear derailleur. | | Weaknesses: | WTB grips,nano raptor tires. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | By 'Trip employees. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a twelve year old cross country rider who used to ride a 300 dollar Specialized Hardrock. Needless to say, the 3 was an astronomical improvement. Its bob-free rear suspension and smooth-as-butta Manitou SX fork and totally bomb-proof wheelset allow me to ride up and down stuff my friends would soil their cargo shorts on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Frame, good standover clearance, no bob, no pivot creaks | | Weaknesses: | chain suck, front der not properly adjusted initially, no seatpost quick release, double denslippy grips, hard seat | | Similar Products Used: | various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | stock, different saddle, panaracer fire XC pro tires | | Bottom Line: | After about 60 miles, I experienced chain suck and problems shifting the front derailler, chain fell off both small and large rings. Brought it in for Supergo's initial free tuneup and their mechanic fixed the problem. Now after almost 380 dirt miles on it, I climb and descend faster, especially over rock gardens and spots I would take slower on a hardtail. At about 28 lbs, it somehow feels lighter going uphill. No problems with the pedals. No problems with the shocks. Grips are useless when wet, so I wear full finger gloves. This is a great all around XC bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mustang Trails, NV | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Escape the City Streets | | Strengths: | The sugar frame design is a beautiful thing! It allows for agile movement through dangerous terrain. Fast and light full suspension bike! | | Weaknesses: | I have been slightly annoyed with the bontrager cranks, but never any major problems. It has been thoroughly abused!
I am happy with the Cane Creek 5 but will upgrade the rear suspension to a SID very soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocket 88 stage 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Panaracer XC Pro Tires | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike! I will keep the frame until it gets munched or I die. The sugar 3 eats up the dry and sandy Mustang Trail section of the Las Vegas desert. The suspension proved itself with some serious hits in Gooseberry Mesa, UT. Fast and light (28lbs) cross-country bike and a superb climber. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chilo Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Fe, N.M.
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1075.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Store | | Strengths: | Geometry, Looks, Price, Overall Value... | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, Seat, handlebar and mmmmhhhh ... That's about it | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, LiteSpeed, Klein's Mantra | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR Drivetrain, Chris King Hubs/Valiant Rims(from www.speeddream.com Highly Recommended), Selle Italia Seat, Easton Riser bar, Otherwise Stock ... | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks!!!, At the beginning I had the same problems with chainsuck, so I replaced Drivetrain's Bontrager parts with shimano's XT/XTR and now it works flawlessly, replaced wheelset to make it lighter and faster... great race bike!!! ... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chilo Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Fe, N.M.
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1075.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Store | | Strengths: | Geometry, Looks, Price, Overall Value... | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, Seat, handlebar and mmmmhhhh ... That's about it | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, LiteSpeed, Klein's Mantra | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR Drivetrain, Chris King Hubs/Valiant Rims(from www.speeddream.com Highly Recommended), Selle Italia Seat, Easton Riser bar, Otherwise Stock ... | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks!!!, At the beginning I had the same problems with chainsuck, so I replaced Drivetrain's Bontrager parts with shimano's XT/XTR and now it works flawlessly, replaced wheelset to make it lighter and faster... great race bike!!! ... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lisa Rivera
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Linda, CA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in Sedona, AZ | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Redlands Cyclery U.S.A | | Strengths: | The genesis design is very much appreciated, especially as a woman with a lower center of gravity - going over the handle bars is much harder to do! The Nano raptors are a great choice for all around hard pack trail riding. I haven't had any problems with my front or rear shock. They have been great on anything I've ridden. The sugar is great for cyclists who like anything from speed to technical cross country. | | Weaknesses: | Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but the crank has been the cause of a few grey hairs. I would have appreciated a more adjustable front fork like the Manitou SX-R (the shock that is put on stock on the the comprable Trek Fuel 90). What's up with the mile wide handle bars? The Bontreger superstock rims left some to be desired. They felt like they had to much flex in them. | | Similar Products Used: | NA | | Bike Setup: | I've got velociraptors on it right now for some of the softer dirt I've been riding and Kujo (front)/El Gato (back) for the sharp, nasty rock trails that I love in Sedona, AZ. I've switched to Rolf Dolomite rims and Shimano LX crank. The crank is brand new so I still have to see if it takes care of the chain suck/gear shifting problems. I've had to shorten the handle bars significantly and I plan on getting a different more comfortable seat. | | Bottom Line: | For being my first full suspension bike, I love it. My skill has improved a lot because of its versatility. You definitely have to climb seated to keep the front end from coming up. The genesis geometry has saved me several times from taking a couple of serious headers. I think it is an awesome buy. Overall it has been very good minus some of the Bontreger components that have caused problems. It is a lot of bike for the money paid. Minus the carbon stays and some of the lighter components, the sugar 3 is a terrific choice if you don't want to put the money down for a sugar 1 or 2. Gary Fisher's warranty has been great in acknowledging the problems with the Bontreger crank and exchanging it straight across for the Shimano LX crank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Orem, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Copeland Sports-Provo | | Strengths: | Light, Frame design,Genesis Geometry. | | Weaknesses: | As has been duly noted, the components aren't great. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Specialized riser bar and body geometry saddle and Manitou Mars Elite '01 | | Bottom Line: | I started getting serious about racing this year and this is a great bike to do that with. I find myself beating up on many guys with lighter and supposedly faster bikes. the bike climbs like a dream. I have had a few problems with chain suck and slip, but with proper lubing and cleaning, along with minor adjustments I have been able to avoid that problem.
As some of you have seen, the frames tend to break at the weld above the BB. (Talk to the guys at Poison Spider...) This is an XC bike, not a freeride bike.
This is a bike I will keep for a while and continue to upgrade where needed. So far I am pleased with the purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a
from Milton
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Spokes and Slopes | | Strengths: | Frame, genisis geometry | | Weaknesses: | Component spec | | Similar Products Used: | nothing | | Bike Setup: | Too much to list....bought the frame and swapped components off my HT and upgraded where needed | | Bottom Line: | First off I can't really review the entire bike because I've only got the original frame, rear shock, and front derailer. Every other part has been swapped out or upgraded. Just like a review below I feel I have a Sugar 1 minus the carbon seatstays and rear shock. The swap and upgrade path cost me more then buying the bike stock, but now I have the bike i want. Overall the bike handles great and does what it is suppose to do which is smoothen out the rough stuff. This is no DH or freeride bike, but an awesome all around XC trail bike. I find that I am able to tackle trails more confidently then on my HT and the descents are so much easier and less hair raising. The climbing aspect also doesn't really suffer with the rear suspension. There is no noticable bob when cranking on the pedals, in the saddle or out. I actually find it easier to climb now because the rear tire has a tendency to stay glued to the ground. The only probem I have is the front end is noticably lighter then my HT. On climbs I have to find a happy medium between the front and rear to keep the front tire in contact with the ground. Now, granted I have a riser bar so that may be part of the problem. The only other problem I've had with the bike is with chainsuck. I started with Shimano LX crank and rings and chainsuck was an issue. I've since replaced the shimano with TruVativ Stylo Team crank and rings and that has really helped the chainsuck. My GF has the same frame and cranks and she's started with the chainsuck problem again. The only way I can see to combat the chainsuck is just to what when shifting to the granny.
Overall I've been very happy with the bike and I intend to keep for a few years. I think the Sugar3 is a prefect ride for someone to go with if they don't have the cash for a Sugar 2 or 1. The frame is basically the same and you can always upgrade later to make an even better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Tx
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | SUGAR UPDATE | | Strengths: | After over one year on my Sugar 3, here's the deal so far:
Genisis geometry works but its a trade off: the bike is great on decents, stable handling and always feels like it has plenty in reserve to bail you out of a situation. But, the front gets lighter on climbs and you have to compensate, and it does not steer as quick as traditional race bike geometry. Overall for trail riding it rocks. Hitting 24-26 MPH it feels stable and secure, while flexing just a tad bit to absorb trail shock.
NANO RAPTOR TIRES: THEY DO NOT SUCK. They are made to be fast rolling, are very supple and work best on dry hard pack. They drift more easily in loose conditions, and on sand. If your in lots of loose, rocky conditions you might want something with more knobs. But compared back to back with Michlen X-LS, sure theres a slight disadvantage, but its never been a problem or interfered with having lots of fun.
CANE CREEK AD-10 SHOCK: When you start riding faster, the rear end feels "springy" because the non-adjustable rebound damping is not strong enough...so at higher speeds, the rear rebounds back too quick, but this is also in the nature of the short travel design with the flexing stays. So eventually you might want to update to a SID thats more tuneable. But after over ONE YEAR, ZERO problems with the front or rear suspension. Just keep them clean, use Manitou Prep M, and run Lizard Skins.
YOU CANT LOOSE WITH A SUGAR, YOU WILL LOVE IT. | | Bottom Line: | YOU CANT LOOSE WITH A SUGAR YOU WILL LOVE IT. STABLE, CONFIDENCE INSPIRING, AND PLENTY OF HANDLING IN RESERVE TO SAVE YOUR ASS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great ride and suspension design. Genesis is great and the benefits are realized almost immediately. Climbs great, but you really need to stay seated or hovering. Very fast and has great feedback through the frame. | | Weaknesses: | Original Bontrager components are pretty much worthless. In fact, the total stock build out is crap. Out of the saddle climbing is poor over technical steep climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Ibis FS | | Bike Setup: | King headset and hubs, Mavic 517 ceramics, Avid brakes, XTR/Syncros drivetrain, Easton bar, Thomson stem/post, WTB 98 saddle, Ritchey pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Read the testamonial by GF on his website about why he did the Genesis frame. My story is almost identical as to why I decided I needed a bike with a longer top tube and shorter stem.
I bought the bike for the frame. The next day I pulled all the components off my Ibis (except the front derailleur and seat post which both had differenct diameters from the Fisher) and swapped them onto the Sugar. The day after that I was riding and haven't had a bit of a problem. The Bontrager stuff is pure cheapness in every sense of the word. Just looking at it you can understand all the problems that people talk about. It is amazing how a bike runs when you run quality components. Unfortunately, the crappy parts that come on the bike are so beneath the quality and performance of the frame that many people will not realize just how good the "real" bike is. My suggestion is to replace all components as soon as you can.
Therefore, my bottom line is that this is a great bike with the setup that I run on it. The praise that the magazines are putting on the bike are justified. Actually, with my setup, I feel that I am running a much better bike than the Sugar 1. Carbon stays would be nice, but I don't think I'll fret over that bit. Value chilis are low because the crap Bontrager, but my overall rating is high due to my setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles L. Hall IV
a Cross Country Rider
from Sutter, CA 95982
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | I ride circles in my garage | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Copeland Sports in NOTOWN | | Strengths: | STYLE STATEMENT!! Awesome for climbing. The frame design is unlike any other. Zero pedal induced bob. Nice rear suspension. Great shocks(manitou sx) that can handle nything that it is fed. It just chews it up and swallows it like it's SUGAR!!! Smooth componentry. Lightweight for a full suspension bike. | | Weaknesses: | NO MOTOR! Had one problem with the chain falling off just cruising down the street. Probably just needs some kind of adjustment. It's been sitting in the shop for awhile. Seat also hurts my butt, but for those of you that have had your butt kicked and it's nice and callased it should be just fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab 2. First full suspension bike I've road, but it rides like a hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | XT, and LX componentry. Manitou SX fork. Cane Creek AD5 rear suspension. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet as SUGAR, Smooth as a caddy!!!!! This bike will deal your cards better than Vegas. It is fast, built to last, and might even save your dome from a blast. Rides like a hard tail, yet absorbs like a full on. Suggestion Please: Get to the shop and buy it before they run out and you'll also have a pair of cinco flamin chilis. Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Gilligan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cranston,RI
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | arcadia park,RI and Lynn Woods(Lynn, MA) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Union Cycle Attleboro,MA | | Strengths: | Great overall. Climbs great, handles great Iam 6' tall 190 lbs and this bike fits like know other Genesis geometry rocks. No problems with bike and i beat this thing. | | Weaknesses: | front shocks They take it all even suprise stuff , but i think i would like to have more adjustments on them. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel ,Cannondale, Gt-i drive, kona and pretty much every thig else that was at the 20 bike shopes i demoed. | | Bike Setup: | stock-for now | | Bottom Line: | Kind people nug. its light, good setup til they break and i upgrade. Overall its a steal for a new left over, Its the only way to buy.saved 500.oo dollars.Give this "5 choice nugs" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shaun
a Cross Country Rider
from cincinnati
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | harbin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesport | | Strengths: | Fast, light, and looks great. Rides great after a few upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Not the best setup for mud. House components, cheap brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | fuel, mantra, adept, superlight. I trade with my friends for rides. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except velociraptors, time pedals, xt brakes, shorted handlebar and stem. | | Bottom Line: | The bike rides great. No pedal bobbing noticed at all. It climbs wonderfully. I thought I was much better on downhills, and this will smooth them out some, but now I climb significantly better. Only a few problems. The brakes are my least favorite part of the bike. They are low end avids and they behave like it. They contribute to the mud problem this bike has. They are narrow and collect mud. Upgrade to XT ASAP. The rear triangle is stiff and responsive, but it will collect mud regardless. I am trying different tire sizes and brands with a little luck so far. The nanoraptors work great in dry conditions.
The only other problem I had was that the frame broke. I've only had it for 4 months, and the frame broke. The store said it was a defective batch and the fisher people replaced it w/in 3 weeks. I rode it in Snowshoe and other trails in the midwest, but I was on a local trail in Ohio, on my second lap of an easy course, and the frame started pinging. I hadnt wiped out, but when I sttod up, I heard this pinging. I got off and inspected the frame, and the weld above the bottom pivot had snapped clean in half. It had to be a lemon. Than God I wasn't doing anything hard or I could have been seriously hurt. I love the bike and believe this was a relatively isolated incedent. Otherwise the bike is great and will replace the drivetrain with XT components when the house stuff wears out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Worth, TX
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dinosaur Valley, Glen Rose TX | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Climbs great, good steering. I ride a mix of trails from hard packed single track, sand/gravel, and hard rock. Bike is pretty solid in all conditions | | Weaknesses: | Tires are only good on hard surfaces, they pretty much suck in the sand (nano raptors). Buy and XL frame if you are tall. I am fairly tall, and the Large frame make you a bit top heavy when going down steep stuff (gotta hang off the back seat). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, GT, Cannondale (test rode them all, i chose the fischer. it was the best value) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals. Replaced with Shimano PDM-324 dual pedals (spd one side, regular the other..they rock). | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. If you are thinking of upgrading from a cheap bike, it is awesome. You get a lot of bang for the buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MJ
a Cross Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Hey!! This bike is not perfect,but its dam close to it. There are alot of reviews on this beast to help you people resolve your problems. I think the biggest prob with the bike is the riders. The Fisher team and your shop will help you. Work it out man! Fix it, ride it and shut up! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Pelham, MA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | B&L Bikes, Pullman WA | | Strengths: | good frame geometry, excellent value | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a bike that I plan to kep for a while. Simply put, it it nice bike with a good component mix. Some of the "hidden components" could be better, but thay are more than good enough to start with. I'll upgrade only when things wear out or break. The frame, suspension and fork are nicely matched. The suspension is a good compromise between comfort and stiffness when climbing. Bottom line- this is a nice, reasonably priced full-suspension cross-country bike.
In the first month that I had the bike, I had problems with the frame, but both the shop and Fisher took care of it so well that I have no future concerns about it. That experience could have soured me on the bike, but instead it made me like it even better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dusten Searcy
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything but pavement and gravel roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | I like the way the frame is designed alot because of my body size (5'5") The rear suspension is nice. no bobbing at all. climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | Mostly all the components suck. gears dont shift smoothly, chain falls off from shifting into the lowest gear in the front, cranks suck, Front shock is kinda mushy, TIRES SUCK BIG TIME (Nano Raptors), Avid breaks are just okay. | | Bike Setup: | All stock: Xt/Lx gears, bontrager | | Bottom Line: | I am in the process of upgrading to all XTR components. Easton carbonlite riser bar. Also getting Panaracer XC fire tires. After that the bike will be choice. The sugar 3 is a great bike and it's very stable. Other than the components, it's great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodbridge, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ravenshoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Light, great climber with minimal bobbing. Descends great too. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. However, I bought the frame only. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua XO | | Bike Setup: | Rolf Dolomite wheelset, 8sp XTR 12-32 cassette, XTR rear deraileur, XT front deraileur, XT crankset, Time carbon MTB pedals, XT V-brakes and levers, XTR shifters, Cane Creek AD5 rear shock, Bomber Superfly Z2 80mm, and Specialized Body Geometry Comp saddle. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? I love my red rocket! I can't imagine the standard bike setup being much worse either. Yeah, sure - your going to have problems with chain suck and shifting if your bike isn't setup right. For a flawless ride, go see a better mechanic or learn how to fine tune the bike yourself. To the reviewer underneath - puhh! This is a great bike for the money! Buy it! Otherwise, spend your $$$ and buy an Ellsworth truth or an Intense Tracer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hector Martinez
a Weekend Warrior
from Chula Vista, CA, San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKE USA | | Strengths: | Lighweight | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, crank throws chain out on lowest gear and rear gear traps chain. Cheap crank and gears on nice bike. | | Bottom Line: | Stay away from it. Not worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Everett, WA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Galbraith Mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Weight, climbing, descending (no trips over the bars so far- genesis must work!), general handling is excellent! Its very fast. | | Weaknesses: | No problem shifting the front derailer, but some problems with the chain jumping around when in the lowest rear sprocket. Made adjustment and it is better, but could shift better all around. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Enduro Expert, and Trek 8500lt. | | Bike Setup: | For the money, I have no complaints about any of the parts. The 2000 comes with Bontrager Race Crank, some below mentioned it was comp?? No problems thus far. The WTB seat has been great for me, not sure if the previous reviewers had big butts or what? Also, the nanoraptors work much better than expected in Pacific Northwest mud, you may want to give them a try before switching. Upgraded to Time ATAC Aliums. | | Bottom Line: | I love riding this bike! I am out on the trails way more and have a ton of fun. Its a great bike to hone my skills on; great climber, can take the drops fairly well, just the right amount of rear travel for XC riders who want efficency and light weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from morgan hill,ca
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | pacific bicycles | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow -up from 1st review (11/29/00)after @ 8 months of severe x-country riding. Hope this will be helpfull info for the rest of you Sugar owners. Right from the beginning I have had shifting probs. After a few visits to the shop and corosponding with the guys at Fisher, I think we have a cure. What was happenning was when desending thru the rough, the chain would drop down off of the rings and cogs as well. I was also being plauged with chain suck. After a few unsuccessful attempts of derailuer adjustments, my bike shop changed out the bottom bracket next size down(110mmLX to 107mmXT) which corrected the chain line. The only prob. with this is that the front der. cage sits pretty close to the rear tire(aprox. 3/16")and bottom pivot(aprox. 1/16"), but so far no tire rub. All this was to no charge, thanks to Fishers customer service and Jeff at Pacific Bikes,which deserve 5 flames! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Houston
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ant Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | I can honestly say that I can accomplish things I could never do on my previous bike. However, I never had a full suspension. I dont realize the rear suspension is there most of the times, until i hit something substantial. Even then, I keep saying this setup is soo smooth. | | Weaknesses: | I havent noticed chain suck, but my chain pops off frequently with big jumps | | Bike Setup: | Standard except, I had to replace the seat. It hurts like hel@! after 15 mins. also, i have to have children it the future | | Bottom Line: | This is one good bike. I dont regret what I paid for it. This is one truly invisible suspension until you realize that it must be working because I keep hauling a$$ over objects without even noticing. 5 stars to Gary Fisher/Trek. If you can find a 2000 model, haul a$$ like the bike and buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
al leebo
a Cross Country Rider
from chula vista, Ca.
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | so far mission hills park san diego | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery, Bonita Ca. | | Strengths: | Sweeet ride for the price. I would have paid $200 more, and not have felt cheated. I have medium frame. I am 5'10"
200lb.. Rear shock is pumped to 150psi.. It feels "Bulletproof" when on the trails. I love to get sick amounts of air...and it handles it no problem. | | Weaknesses: | Crankset. I plan on going to Race Face 1/2 carbon soon. | | Similar Products Used: | My first full suspension. This bike is as stable as a hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager superstock hoops,WTB rubber,Bontrager crankset,XT rear deraileur, LX front deraileur,Bontrager bars, seatpost,kore stem,Rock shox Judy XC forks (with aftermarket "stiffy" spring kit). | | Bottom Line: | Great trail blazer for the rider on a budget.(Like i am).
Very smooth and business-like. Bulletproof feel builds confidence on the trail. People love to look at this bike!
Very nice to look at. If you want a excellent daily rider with "abuse" potential, this is your scooter! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney Eimers
a
from Ames, IA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeworld | | Strengths: | This is for the 2001 Sugar 3. It's a very quick, solid, and well appointed bike for the money. I bought a large and it its the perfect size for me: 6'0, 200 lbs. It makes you want to spend every free minute riding, no matter how much your arse hurts. | | Weaknesses: | Problems shifting on the crank right away. Not sure if it's the front LX derailer or Bont. crank cause I've used the bike 90% on path/10% off road so far. Judging by the way everyone else rips on the Bonty crank, it probably the guilty party. Grips are useless when wet. | | Similar Products Used: | I shopped Fisher Paragon, Trek Fuel, Cannondale and Specialized full suspension bikes, even an engagement ring for my lady. Sorry baby, the Sugar is just a little sweeter. | | Bike Setup: | All stock so far. Mavic 517 wheels and disc brakes in the near future. I really need to beat the hell out of this bike some more. My experience so far tells me it will take it. | | Bottom Line: | The first day I got the bike I put about 18 miles on and jizzed all over myself the whole time. It's long wheel base immediately injects confidence into the rider, especially a beginner like me. The bike yearns for a beating, and takes everything I throw at it with a very cocky stance--did I mention I love it?. I'll report back from beating to beating. I'd really like to hear more feedback on what upgrades worked well for other riders: wheels,derailers,crank, etc. For those of you with your panties in a bunch about which bike to buy, just SIMMA DOWN NOW. The Sugar 3 will do the dishes, mow the lawn, and even pick your underwear up off the floor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aram
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista CA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery (great service!) | | Strengths: | Great value, very confident ride, Increased my riding capabilities in all areas. | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, very unpredictable to shift into big and small chainring. | | Similar Products Used: | None (Previously hardtail rider) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, shimano pedals, profile riser bar, selle italia saddle, panaracer xc pros, xt cassette, xt hubs on bontrager mustang wheels and upgraded to firm ride kit for manitou. | | Bottom Line: | Will immediately change crankset to new XT setup, upgrade chain. Otherwise, great bike. Made me much better rider, I can climb hills like never before, and ride down them much more confident. Also increased my speed on fast singletrack. Suspension system works great! I'm 6.2 feet weigh 240lbs and have the cane creek set up at 195psi.
Very pleased with bike! Highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Gillett
a Cross Country Rider
from Wiltshire, England
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Ridgeway | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Cycles | | Strengths: | Speed, Price, Components and general ride. | | Weaknesses: | Shake down time getting used to the bike, flat bar, weight | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Vrx 200, Marin Muirwoods, GT Tempest, GT Lts 2000 ds | | Bike Setup: | As per Straight set up, with Amoeba bar ends, velociraptor's front & back (off road), velo back and wildgripper sprint on front (dry hardpack). Wellgo (dmr copy)flat pedals. | | Bottom Line: | A very fast and impressive bike, once you get used to it, the saddle's wicked after you've worked it in, perserve and you'll like it. The only niggle about the bike's spec's is that it comes with a flat bar, the 2001 range have risers. I find the handling assured and confidence building, a riser may make it a bit more nervous.
The short travel suspension works for me and if your after a bike that kicks butt (rigid, hardtail or full susser)while having a comfortable ride this is the one, only racing bikes can handles it's speed.
Climbing liking a goat, it does'nt (personal opinion) but then it's no slouch either. Many reviews comment on it's low weight, i personally don't think it feels lightweight,not when compared to the new 2001 range of Marin full sussers. The genesis geometry give's an impression of a lighter bike (speed & control). It's a superb x-country bike.
I'd certainly buy another gary fisher bike, just perserve and you'll never look back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Monterey Park, CA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lower Brown Mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo Santa Monica | | Strengths: | Really sweet bike! Lightweight, handles really tight, good components (but needs upgrades), and priced just right. | | Weaknesses: | Crank and crankset (will change when something breaks). Handle bars and stock seat hurts your booty. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Pro Taper bars. | | Bottom Line: | Never really considered a Fisher before until I read all the reviews and found a good price, I made a wise decision. Great bike, really happy with my purchase. Bikes costing more sometimes have much lower components. Gary Fisher just made me into a loyal customer. Gonna look for a Fisher for my girlfreind this weekend.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
todd parkinson
a
from clarkston,mi.
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | pontiac lake,holdridge lakes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | wahoo bicylces | | Strengths: | tremendous bike for the money. genisis geometry. | | Weaknesses: | colors and graphics are a little weird. Frame breakage reports have me worried. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK (Y-33,7000,8300) SPECIALIZED (S-WORKS M2) | | Bike Setup: | stock except saddle,bars,grips, and tires. | | Bottom Line: | Bought it after getting sick of the ol Y-bike's sketchy handling and power robbing BOB-O-RAMMA. Replaced the nanoraptors with IRC mythos xc, and put on shorter flat bar and slimmer grips. Also changed the saddle to a flite.
Within 50 yards on the first ride I was struck by how nice the bike rode compared to my Y-33. Much more relaxed and confident. Of coarse it doesn't soak up the big hits like the Y, but felt great over small to medium sized bumps.
I was somewhat nervous about the genisis geometry. My old Y-bike is a small (16.5") frame with a 22.5" top tube length. The SUGAR I bought was a medium (18") with 23.75" top tube length. At first I was worried that I had bought too large (I'm 5'7"). But after ridding it, the fit seemed fine. In fact, I may put a 105mm stem on instead of the 90mm stock one because the front end seemed to drift a little in the corners and I may need to shift some weight forward a tad. May try changing to Velosoraptors to help this also.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Bradley
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilton Woods, CT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony's Bikes, Milford, CT | | Strengths: | No rear bob, agile climber, lightweight for a FS, precise steering | | Weaknesses: | susceptible to chainsuck as mentioned below. stock seat kills yo' ass as mentioned below. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for riser ti bar, giant stock seat and time aliums. | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic bike to upgrade from a hardtail, which I did. I am totally more confident now, the bike seems to handle any terrain.
A note on the panaracer stock tires...I agree with the person below...the tires are fine, they handle rock gardens better than knobbier ones and do fine in the mud. It's all about riding style, momentum and weight shift. Most of my bike shop friends ride panaracers, don't upgrade to knobbier ones until you try these. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from jacksonville,FL
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Briar Patch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Strengths: | Reasonable weight for full suspension, great handling, no rear suspension bob when dialed in, easy bike to ride fast. | | Weaknesses: | Some O.E. components were troublesome. Frame developed a large crack above the bottombracket, and frame was replaced under warranty. | | Bike Setup: | chris king headset, thomson stem, gore ride-on cables, avid disc, panaracer fire xc pro, etc... | | Bottom Line: | A good bike with some quality features. It rides like an aluminum hardtail, but the rear suspension dampens out the sharp impacts nicely. Although the unexpected problem with the original frame was a downer, I'd likely still recommend a Sugar to anyone considering a full suspension bike in the moderate price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Holder
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Initial acceleration, climbing, handling, looks, overall "coolness" factor. | | Weaknesses: | Susceptibility to chain suck. While the "bobbing" you get with most FS bikes is kept to a minimum, when it does, the chain can slip off the front chainrings. | | Similar Products Used: | Joshua | | Bike Setup: | stock except for cockpit. Have tenacious riser bars, and longer icon stem. | | Bottom Line: | I tell people that my 2000 Sugar 3 is the single best purchase I have made in my entire life inside or outside the mountain bike arena. This bike is the sole reason why I am a fanatic now. Riding 5 times a week is not enough on this bike. The 2000 Sugar 3 was such a good bike that it forgave me when I was a beginner. Now it helps advance my perfection of certain skills. Very comfortable, although I had to extend the cockpit to alleviate back pain and hand numbness. The worst thing happened tonight though. Unknowingly I broke the frame on the cold weld above the bottom bracket. No dramatic drop, bunny hop or anything else. It just separated. Obviously flawed craftmanship. I am a little worried, but I am sure the folks at Fisher will take care of me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Black Forest, Germany
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Slick Rock-Moab | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Criterium Bikes, Colorado | | Strengths: | good cushion, the Cane Creek shock works, but could be better. nice color. light. chicks dig my bike | | Weaknesses: | not much, except the Cane Creek
comonents coulkd be upgraded to XTR, but the XT and Bontrager are a good team. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSRXC | | Bike Setup: | XT, LX components
Bontrager everything
WTB rims and seat | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. It's much better than the Stumpjumper I believe.chicks dig it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NandoCat
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca.
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mission Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery | | Strengths: | This bike has everything. It handles great,is very responsive,has good components(to start with, but upgrade later!) and best of all it is FAST. Also the price was right...$999.00 before my upgrades....$1400.00 after. | | Weaknesses: | I did as all the other reviewers said, and changed out the crank and crankset immediately. Also the front derailer has a hard time going into the bigger gear. The WTB seat is hard on your butt. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek FUEL 90 and Specialized FSR. | | Bike Setup: | I changed the front brakes to xtrs only because I couldn't afford disc brakes,but will upgrade later. Changed the crank and crankset to xts. Also threw off the stosk pedals and switched them with SHIMANO SPDs. | | Bottom Line: | BUY THIS BIKE! If you don't you'll spend more money for a lesser bike. I am not a hardcore cyclist, but this bike makes me feel like I can do anything. It's quick and agile in every aspect. I never thought that I would want to spend this much time on a bike, but my sugar makes me want to ride more often and for longer periods of time. One thing though, I haven't had any problems with the nanoraptors. I don't know what everybody is complaining about they grip just fine. Overall this is the best bike I have ever riden. You'll hate yourself if you pass this one up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BORN OF FIRE
a Cross Country Rider
from oakland....cali
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | been ridding china camp alot | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | summit bikes in berkley | | Strengths: | this is a review of the 2001 sugar 3.bike is great,i cant believe how good it handles,reacts on a dime,tell it to do something and it starts before you complete a thought.no bob.soaks up the hits when you need it to,and rides like a hard tail the rest of the time.its an incredible ride.i like the marzouchi fork,have no complaints.climbs great,decends fast,light,stiff...i can go on and on. | | Weaknesses: | bontrager comp crank,like many of the other reviews i have experienced chain suck and sluggish shifting up front.this will need to be swaped out very soon.wtb saddle.had to have that swaped before purchase for a bontrager saddle.and the wtb velocirapters are crap.very little traction while wet or cornering..boo.if you read these gary,get rid of the bonatrager cranks and the velocirapters. | | Similar Products Used: | 2k trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | its all stock with the exception of the saddle as of yet,have only had the bike for a week and havent had $$$ to change cranks and tires. | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks butt!i truely love it.i never thought id own a FS bike but when i saw this i new it had to be mine.and i was right.im really glad i bought it.it rides like nothing ive ever experienced before.very fast,quick handdling.go go go.if you plan on buying this bike,see if the shop can swap out the crakset for something else as that is my only serious issue with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erlendur Konradsson
a Weekend Warrior
from Iceland
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All over Iceland | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Delaer in Iceland | | Strengths: | Rear suspension, frame design, soft ride | | Weaknesses: | Front fork, flex in rear suspension, very litle though, tiers. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Canndondale | | Bike Setup: | mostly Stock, raised handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike if you don't mind the flex in the fork. The rear suspension is great and works well in the rough Icelandic terrain. I almost damaged the chainstays by using 2.35" tires. They seemed to fit but due to flex in the rear suspension the tier gradually carved into the chainstay when climbing. In total the tire carved 0,5 mm into the chainstay during a three-day trip towing a Bob trailer.
I have used 1.95 tires since.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodstock, GA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek in Ellijay | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1190.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes Emporium, Roswell, GA | | Strengths: | It makes and intermediate rider's technical skills much stronger and makes an expert unbeatable. The stiff rear suspension makes this a good climber. Super low maintenance -- clean the chain. The price/value equation. | | Weaknesses: | The 3 is a little heavy to be an off-the-rack, legitimate racer. People wanting to race will want to drop a couple of pounds with upgrades. The plastic bushings in the pivots will cost you an extra $40 a year in maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Specialized FSR XC, Klein Adept Comp, GT I-Drive 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to XTR rear derailler, XT shifter pods & levers, Easton post and bar. Otherwise it's stock. | | Bottom Line: | Second review:
Rock solid performer and value. I started racing this year, and the bike has made me more competitive on the descents and kept me superior on the climbs.
Absolutely no breakdowns in racing conditions. The XTR/XT upgrades have performed flawlessly. The wheels, crankset, frame, and suspension are incredibly durable at speed with significant hits.
It tracks in the technical stuff like it's on a rail. The Manitou SX is nice, but it's too heavy at 3.7 lbs -- I'll upgrade to a SID or Mars next season. The Cane Creek rear shock is super light and can be adjusted for a hardtail-like ride for racing or a softer FSXC feel on an outing. No complaints about the lack of rebound damping, but there's some biopace when climbing while out of the saddle. Best part is that I'm running 32-36 pounds in front and rear tires and have had only 1 pinch flat in about 20 outings (and never in a race).
I bent the Bontrager chainring on one of my first few rides, but, after repair, have had no problems or complaints. The B-trager Comp wheelsets have held up well, but when they're done, I'll replace them with Mavic 517s or CrossMax.
BOTTOM LINE: The 2000 Sugar 3 has several better parts than the 2001 -- Avid SD10s, handlebar, seatpost, chain, and Bontrager Race crankset. Given the $800-$900 deals I've seen online, you could buy this bike, upgrade the wheels, fork, drivetrain and a few other things and have a Sugar 1 or 2 equivalent for hundreds less. Even if you upgrade nothing, it's the least you'll pay for a high-end bike anywhere. It's a great bike and great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JB
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pemberton | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Like most of the reviewers, I think this bike is worthy of its name because it is sweeeeeet! Handles great, feels like a hardtail until I hit a bump. Cane Creek rear shock may be lower-end but it performs great. This is a very upgradeable bike. Although the stock components have their shortcomings, I don't care because I'll wear them out and replace them with what I want. Overall, I have never felt more comfortable and well balanced on a bike. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager pedals are trash. Snapped one the second hard ride out. Supergo replaced it with some Wellgo 800s which seem proficient enough (I steal Frogs off my wife's bike for races). The Manitou came with blue (soft) elastomers which are a bit too bouncy. I swithed to some red elastomers which solved the problem. Wheelset is OK for riding the trails but not for competition. Again, questionable Bontrager quality in the hubset. Took the wheels off on spun them while holding the axle and you can feel the bearings grind. Bike store loosened the nuts or whatever you call them and that helped a bit but overall, the stock hubs are probably on a level with Shimano Alivio, not even LX quality. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 2, Pro-Flex | | Bike Setup: | Trusting the other reviewers, I didn't even bother with the Bontrager crankset (chainsuck) and immediately put on an XT crank - no chainsuck! I bought a medium frame (I'm 5'8") but the stem seemed too short, so I put on a longer stem and cross country style riser bars. Also immediately removed the Nanoraptors and replaced them with Velociraptors. I'm slap on a Mavic Crosslink wheelset or 517/XT wheelset for races. | | Bottom Line: | I can't believe Supergo was selling this bike so cheap. I feel sorry for the competition, but hey, my spouse closely scrutinizes all my bike purchases so I need to make my dollar go as far as it can. This has got to be the best bike for the money on the planet, better than my previous bikes which cost more (GT, Pro-Flex, Cannondale). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
humberto freire
a Cross Country Rider
from London,England
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | bonthrone vauxhall | | Strengths: | complete package from the genesis geometry to the monitou shocks bontrager componentry, xt and xl shimano, wtb tyres and saddle the speed is incredible | | Weaknesses: | the bars could be risers intsead of the regulars | | Similar Products Used: | FSR SPECIALIZED, CANNONDALE | | Bike Setup: | FACTORY ORIGINAL | | Bottom Line: | TO DUDESSES AND DUDES IF YOU WANT TO GO PRO THIS IS THE BEGINNING START AT THE SUGAR3 AFORDABLE THE PRICE OF MINE HAS NEARLY HALVED SO GET IT I URGE YOU FOR CRYING OUT LOUD IF YOU WANT TO BE SERIOUS GET IT!!!!this bike is soooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! underrated it is rididulous. you have a problem if you see someone else,s arse on a trail race I hope you don,t or not inclined to ! sssoooooooooooooooo! underrated it screamss one word speed finnish line is waiting............... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Issaqueena or Pisgah Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | This is a great all around cross country bike. It climbs great and is very smooth in descents. The component mix on the 2000 is a great deal. | | Weaknesses: | I found the WTB saddle to be uncomfortable and the Bontrager handlebars to be too wide for narrow single track - I hit trees on several occasions. I also found the WTB Nanoraptors to be less versatile than I needed - the Velociraptors on the 2001 are superior. I felt that the WTB grips were uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | I have ridden middle-of-the-road hardtails in the past. No comparison to the Sugar, a much better ride. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup except for Salsa grips, Bontrager saddle, Speedplay pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Comps, and shortened handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommend this bike. I enjoy it much better now that I have switched out the few things that I switched - it made a big difference. I took off 3/4 inch per side on the handlebars and I made for a much better ride. Regardless, although there were a few changes I made, it is a great bike and you probably won't want to switch out any of the more expensive components - shifting, braking, suspension is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Humberto Freire
a Cross Country Rider
from London,England
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | in scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bothrone cycles vaxhaul london | | Strengths: | sugar3 comfort over long rides speed gets the opposition everytime, boosts my performance all in all great dirt machine low maintenance,just buy it if you want to get serious about riding the mountain. | | Weaknesses: | handlebars could be better example high risers is a option we could do with on a dream machine as this other wise great package. | | Similar Products Used: | fsr | | Bike Setup: | factory original | | Bottom Line: | if you considering buying a sugar this is where you start,
speed very very very fast!
handling just piont and shoot dude!
maintance low but clean the bushes on the moving joints
any queries log onto gary's sight and the feedback from the mechanics will help you detailing the smallest of problems
you can think of. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Paxton
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Papago | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my previous review.
I have upgraded the bike a bit more. I added a rear disc (by buying a Sugar 1 rear triangle) & changed my saddle (again). I should have just plunked down the dough for a 2001 Sugar 3 Disc (20/20 hindsight!). But I still love the bike. It continues to be better than I am! Its a little lighter now (thanks to the carbon rear stays that I added), and since I'm not a downhiller, low weight is very important to me. If you are considering buying this bike, just go for it. You probably won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Luttrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Urbana, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up on my Sugar 3. I still LOVE the bike as much, if not more, than the day I bought it. I have not had any problems with the frame or components on it. A number of people, including myself, have wanted to change the tires because they don't hook up really well. What I have found to work best is a 2.1 Panaracer Fire XC up fron and 1.8 Panaracer Fire XC in the back. I went with the smaller tire in the back because of the slightly limited clearance on the seatstays. Mind you, you can run a 2.1 on the back, but for Illinois, the 1.8 works just as well. The suspension will help it stay on the ground while climbing. I cut the bars down about 1.75 inches, which made a HUGE difference. Other than that, the bike is simply great. Thanks, G.F.! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alberto Muller
a
from El Paso
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | gilberts | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1140.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Company | | Strengths: | Great Bike, light for the price range.Good componets in the 2000 model. Short travel rear suspension no problem. Great upgrade from a single suspension bike. | | Weaknesses: | Had to made several chages in the front derielleur. Problems shifting to the large crank. A little bit of a hadfull on uphill swichbacks | | Similar Products Used: | Marin bear valley and demoed the sugar2. | | Bike Setup: | stock, only changed the nanoraptors for velisoraptors and the grips. | | Bottom Line: | great bike, you begin to go faster both uphill and down.
Holds a good line. A little stiff on uphill swichbacks, you feel you are pulling the bike. Will definetly upgrade several of the componets to make it lighter in the future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donald Sonn
a Weekend Warrior
from Owings Mills MD USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Fast and rigid. Good factory specs. Amazing ride. This bike
will improve your confidence, making you a better rider. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes will be the 1st thing that I upgrade. Factory stem too long. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock except an Azonic Shorty stem. | | Bottom Line: | Smoking bike. I'm sure you could find a little better spec for the $$. But this bike as a package is amazing. Truly worthy of any future upgrades. I am 6'3" 250lbs and this bike kicks major butt. As I have seen reported, factory specs on the Cane Creek rear shock are incorrect. I have it setup at 205psi and that is perfect. You will notice your riding skill increase with this bike. Believe the hype-ride the bike and you shall see. Buy lizard skins for front and rear suspension (especially rear). Way to go Gary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle,wa usa
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | not telling | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | This is for a 2001 sugar3 disc.
Hayes hydraulics, front and rear. A nice compromising ride,
not too soft, not too hard, stand for some bumps, sit for others. My idea of a full suspension bike. Came with Velociraptors, perfect for the NW. | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager crank was unusable. Chain suck and a inability to ride in the middle ring with the lowest two cogs (chain would always drop to the granny). The Bont rings were very soft, but could be retrued using a cheap pliers. I swapped the crank with an old XT w/ raceface rings and now the drive train runs like a swiss watch.
The bars were too wide, but Mr. Hacksaw took care of that problem. The Bike is great, but I am disappointed with Mr. Bontrager (first time I've run across a poor quality Bontrager part, hope it's the last) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Carbon Y | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for XT crank, saddle, and lowering the bars. | | Bottom Line: | Fun machine. I don't race, I ride very long rides in the Cascades and western Washington. I think it's going to be a great bike for what I like do. And it'll be nice having brakes when I ride through snow.
Take one chili off of value, because you will probably have to invest in a new crankset soon after your purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deano
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the Cove | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | E. Coasters | | Strengths: | I am reviewing the 2001 Sugar 3
Light weight. Maneuverability over obstacles. Easy landing on jumps. Climbs over everything. Personally, I like the tires, and I love the saddle. | | Weaknesses: | I break a lot of stuff. Not enough space to go into it all, but I just got a new rear derailleur today. Still, it's only broken stuff and not broken body parts. The bike handles great, but maybe someone other than Shimano makes some more durable parts. Maintenance is turning out to be a big expen$e. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher hard tail | | Bike Setup: | DH pedals, everything else stock; I may want to change the stem to get a different angle; XT rear derailleur | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike for anyone who wants to upgrade from a hard tail. I am climbing up things I never could do before. Plus, I can go down switch backs that I could never even attempt on my old bike.
Oh yeah, if you live in Western VA, East Coasters has great service. Thanks, guys. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Holden Caulfield
a Cross Country Rider
from NY, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Where I ski | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1330.00 | | Purchased At: | Some queer place, it sucks whatever it was | | Strengths: | I have the 2001, keep that in mind...
FS rocks, Genisis is all its hyped up to be, the Z2 i have, just a lighter Z3, is nice, low matience, and very plush after the initial 80 mile break in. The cane-creek rear is plush, but gives a jolt of rebound if you attack a log on the uphill sections to quickly, that can be avoided. The shifting is crisp after break-in and streching of the cables. Seat kinda hurts, but now im used to it. Climbs like a goat. The veloceraptors are good in dry, or damp conditions. in ultra dry, dusty conditions, they lose a bit of traction, on mud, they slide like slicks cause they collect mud like a IRS agent collects money. | | Weaknesses: | Odd thing on this bike is the bonty crowbar race is wide, but the stem is short. There is an interesting sensation, easily adjusted to. I might chop the handelbars.
Second weakness is that, i, am not the best rider, but i love the sport, and the speed, and the freedom. Now i can fly down, and up, trails i used to walk. Im gonna eat it sooner or later.
The bike does bob, very little, i see the swing arm moving a degree or two, or maybe thats me bouncing with the trail, when im pounding up a trail. Isnt it stupid to look down and back while you are unaware wahts ahead of you? Any way, i have my pressures set at 17 per tube up front, and 87 in the back. I weigh 100. Recomended settings are 25 in front, i think, and 125 in back, i know. Maybe thats why it bobs a bit, but i dont notice it, i climb better on this bike than i did on my HT. and i go down hill twenty times better, i dont walk anymore. | | Similar Products Used: | i demoed some other crap, trek VRX i think. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Sugar 3, Z2 atom sport, time atac | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, i regret not trying the NRS, for i hear good things about them. But...but - they are infamously high matinence, and infamously expensive, and loaded with brake probs. Only prob ive had with my sugar is when the brake cable frayed, cause the cap on the end came out in the brush. get this bike, it used to take me 2 hours 30 min to do a 20 mile ride, with my HT, now its 1 hour on a good day.
-Ride to live, live to ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Ellis
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Equipment Spec | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Mount Vision, Orange Sub5, Orange Mr XC, 2001 Marin Rift Zone, Wolf Ridge | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | If you like a hardtail with a bit of give then this is a good place to start looking. The ride is good and it smooths out some of the shoulder and back jarring for normal trail use. You can't run this super soft because 21/2" just bottems out. With 20% sag you only had 2" left.
Good XC bike but suffers from poor mud clearence and no chance of coping with big hits. Also felt uncomfortable when riding steap decents, just like your about to be thrown.
Good starting place but take it out for a proper test ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn, AL 36830
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO BIKES | | Strengths: | Smooth shifting under lots of torque; the full suspension gives great rear traction with a new set of tires; beautiful to look at. | | Weaknesses: | A very lite bike however, heavier than a hard tail but that's what you get when you want a full suspension XC bike. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Mars C suspension fork, WTB Velociraptor tires, Axiom 8.0 Cyclocomputer | | Bottom Line: | Overall, Fisher has outdone himself with this bike. Of course, if you can afford it, go with a Sugar 2 or even a Sugar 1 but the Sugar 3 was a steal at $899 and I am very pleased with what I have seen so far. Component-wise, this is a better bike than the 2001 Sugar 3. A few of the components are the same but overall I prefer many of the components that are on the 2000...mainly the fork that it comes equipped with being a Manitou SX. In comparison to the Marzocchi that comes on the 2001, the SX is just better all around. Bontrager Race crank on the 2000 compared to a Bontrager Comp on the 2001...I'm not going to go into all the details. Anyone who wants a lite, fast, sexy full suspension XC bike for a minor cost should go for the 2000 Sugar 3. Awesome bike Gary!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leon Jacobsz
a Weekend Warrior
from Manzini, Swaziland, Africa
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | luve | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Manzini Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | light, easy ride, great suspension, good climber, geat looks, excellent handling, good braking system, need I say more ??? bike is suitable for leasure rider looking for style and comfort and some very good handling. I'm not so sure if suitable for professionals/competitive types. | | Weaknesses: | experienced minor problem with gears, I think more to do with lack of properly trained technical back up in darkest Africa. what happens is chain jumps when changing from 2 gear to "granny" gear under stress | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bottom Line: | cant' wait for the next ride. would buy it again (esp new model with disc brakes) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | local loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | This is all it's cracked up to be. I thought 2.5" of rear travel would be lame, but it's been great so far. The AD-5 may bnot be adjustable on the fly, but you can more or less adjust the pressure for a stiffer or plusher ride. Plus, I bought the bike for $999 at Supergo and then saw an ad fof theirs from the month before for $899 and they gave me $100 with no hassle. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Cranks... Handlebars... The paint job takes a little getting used to and you have to remove the decalks that haven't been clearcoated to get rid of that "stock car" look. Gary, chill on the stickers. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR series, Specialized FSR series | | Bottom Line: | You will love this bike. For the money, it's almost a steal. Anybody who says full suspension sucks only says that becasue they can't afford it. Now you can get a great XC bike for chump change. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Start-to-Finish (moving sale) | | Strengths: | Nice balance between a solid feel, and absorption and smoothness of ride. The 'Genesis Geometry' thing was more different than I thought it would be at first glance. The front end does come up more easily on real steep climbs, but I have gotten used to the difference in positioning and balancing, and like the handling.
I haven't noticed any bobbing, though I have always been a person who climbs much more in the saddle. I really feel like I have more control on descents, which is important to me, because if I were ever going to injure myself while mountain biking, I'll probably do it while going downhill. (I tell my wife - THIS is why I needed to get a new bike: for increased safety on descents)
The basic bones of the bike are great. The components have worked fine (except for chain suck mentioned below) but there's plenty of room to upgrade if I end up with extra money floating around over the next few years. There's no way I could've afforded to buy a new Sugar 1 or 2 even. | | Weaknesses: | The set-up seems VERY susceptible to chain suck - even with a well-lubricated chain, and very careful avoidance of tension on the chain while shifting. I've never had a problem with this on other bikes. The tires are fine most of the time. I have to admit that I thought that most people were complaining too much about the tires; most of the time good balance seems so much more important than tread. BUT!!! I have to admit that I've spun out going over (especially when wet) rocks and roots, that I'd previously never given a second thought to. | | Similar Products Used: | Hoo Koo E Koo, Voo Doo Hoo Doo | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for a little longer Thompson Elite seatpost. I also cut the handlebars, which were a bit wide for my tastes. I am 5'8", and bought a small because I really felt too stretched out on a medium. I did have to switch to a seat post that's a tiny bit longer. | | Bottom Line: | I've always thought of myself as a hard tail kind of person, but I LOVE riding my Sugar 3! Nice balance between a boing-y kind of mattress feel some full suspension bikes have, and a sleeping-on-a-hardwood-floor kind of feel that hardtails can have. It's what Goldilocks would ride. If she were into hard mountain biking...
I've removed the easy to remove stickers but also would love to know if anyone has been able to remove the blue and white stickers that seem like they're under a layer of clear coat? Please e-mail me if so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wait a while
a Cross Country Rider
from Patience
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything I've had time to ride my Sugar on more than once. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Bottom Line: | Why does everyone feel the need to put their 2 cents worth in after owning a bike for less than a month, or God forbid after a demo? Live with your bike awhile-atleast 3-6 months-before posting a review. Anything less than that and you don't yet know enough about your rig to render a valid opinion. This is particularly true with regard to durability issues. I know you're excited about your new bike, but be patient and post a review containing valuable information that will benefit all. MTBR isn't going anywhere. Disregard the ratings in this post, it'll probably be deleted anyway. Feel free to email me with comments; flame or praise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Potter
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodstock, GA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek, Ellijay, GA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1190.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes in Marietta, GA | | Strengths: | 2000 setup had several better parts than the 2001 like the bottom bracket, Bontrager Race crankset, Avid SD10 brakes. Plus I like the Cane Creek AD5 rear shock better than it's heavier upgrades -- Sugar 3 climbs like a mountain goat! Great brand, and the inventer of the short travel, super light, single pivot, cross country racer. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic bushings have to be replaced at the end of every season -- at $5 a pop, that's $40 a year extra maintenance. Wish I had money to replace the Manitou SX with a SID SL, but the Manitou is a really nice fork. | | Bike Setup: | Easton EA70 bar and seatpost, XTR rear derailer, XT shifters and brake levers, everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | Rode 40 miles the first weekend and ended Sunday with an epic out-and-back including a 2,400 ascent followed by an 11 minute bomber run.
While seated, there was absolutely no biopace with the Cane Creek AD5 rear shock. It felt a little funny pedalling when out of the saddle. But, it's so light and set up so sweet, there's no reason to come out of the saddle on an ascent.
Firm and very in-control in the technical stuff. The geometry, feel of the cockpit, suspension and set-up was dialed in from the very first time out. This ride loves switchbacks, drop offs, rocks and roots. The wheels stay on the ground! The suspension really takes the edge off the hits too. Much more relaxed than on a hardtail.
Unlinke a lot of other reviewers, I may leave the stock tires on. They're quick and light, and I had no problem with traction all weekend. I might feel different the next time I'm in the slop though.
Bottom Line: If there's a 2000 Sugar 3 that fits you in your local bike shop, buy it now. It's got everything and more than a comparably equipped hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Paxton
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Papago | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Slippery Pig (Yeah!!!) | | Strengths: | Lightweight, very responsive. Love the way it climbs, and descends! | | Weaknesses: | Tires, switched to IRC Mythos'; Saddle-not my style; cannot add rear disc (2001 models, you can) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR; Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except added Avid Mechanical front disc; IRC Mythos tires; Saddle: Serfas ARC; Easton Monkey Lite 2" riser | | Bottom Line: | I got a great deal on this bike, as the shop was blowing out the 2000 models. It afforded me to make some (but not all that I wanted) upgrades to the stock bike. Overall, a great bike, that has great value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Luttrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Urbana, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kickapoo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good Component Selection
Balanced Suspension
Hardtail Feel with Reduced Edge
Weight (under 27.0 pounds) | | Weaknesses: | Preference Issues:
Nanoraptor Tires
Wide Handlebars | | Similar Products Used: | Trek STP 200, Trek Feul 90, Specialized FSR XC, Klein Mantra, Cannondale Jekyll 500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Setup, with Panaracer XC's | | Bottom Line: | A great bike! The tires don't suck. Instead, they are simply not correctly spec'd on this type of bicycle. I live in flat, USA, and they still don't give enough traction. The handlebars are a little wide. While they seem to be of good quality, again, if you are going for the fashionable riser bar, then they will be O.K. However, if you ride anywhere with congestion, you will need them to be shorter.
The suspension is perfect for the type of riding that I do. Just by looking at the different bikes that I did, I felt that this design was the right way to go. I didn't trust the Specialized pivot point, the Treks were WAY MORE expensive, the Klein was a very different type of ride, and the Cannondale was not worth the money you would pay for it, as well as felt really dead as a bike. The Sugar is zippy, stable, and very fluid in its pedal stroke.
For the money I paid ($800.00, and thats including tax!), I could not have bought a better bike. I am extremely happy!
If you are looking for a freerider or a downhiller, don't be stupid! I can't believe someone would buy a bike for something that it is not intended for. This is an XC distance/racing bike. Treat it as such. If you are like most people out there and believe that you cannot ride a dualie, but you want to be more comfortable, this is the type of bike that was designed for you..and me. I am sold.
One more thing- If anyone can tell me how to remove some of the decals off the bike without screwing up the paint job, let me know! It is just a preference thing. Thanks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | T-Town Bikes | | Strengths: | Best bike for the money bar none. Total Babe Magnet | | Weaknesses: | tires & pedals | | Similar Products Used: | looked at sc superlight briefly, then realized I wasn't a millionare
| | Bike Setup: | Stock plus blue panaracer fire XC pros, and time carbons | | Bottom Line: | With 60+ favorable reviews(and growing) of the sugar3, there is not much I can add that hasn't already been stated ad naseum. So with my apologies to the dead horse....
Obligatory Rant:
the bonty pedals suck AND blow. Get you some times, which are only the best mtb pedals ever. The nanoraptors are basically slicks. I know roadies who would be scared to ride these. However, any dealer worth his salt should trade these out staight up with something else no problemo.
Response to "downhillers" cries about limited travel:
2.5 inches is perfect for climbing. Let me just state for the record that downhilling is not mountain biking. Any idiot can get on your standard issue huffy and fly down a hill. It takes skill and stamina to ride up it.
Finally, the bottom line:
What more can you ask of a bike other than does it make you a better rider? 2 minor changes and what you get is nothing less than perfection. This bike is a testament to what can happen when you set out to build a machine with a specific purpose, instead looking for gimmicks or trends.
Bravo, Gary, Bravo: A Perfect Ten
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RK
a Cross Country Rider
from The Rockies
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs like a nitrous blown tractor. Priced $500 under MSRP | | Weaknesses: | The crank dosn't shift crisply or consistantly. I've had some problems with the chain coming off when shifting onto the small ring, even after adjustments. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the tires and pedals. I swapped those at the shop after reading the reviews. | | Bottom Line: | I walked into my lbs looking for a 2000 clearance hardtail for about a thou. I have been interested in FS for a while but I do alot of fairly serious climbing and was afraid I would have to sacrifice too much power to pedal induced bob. I was also concerned about the added weight of FS. So when the shop guru suggested I try the Sugar 3 I was less than enthusiastic at first. That didn't last long! I had admired the $3200 Sugar 1 from afar but thought the 3 would be a bloated look alike. So, after learning that the 3 had the exact same frame minus the carbon seat stays we put it on the scale and at about 27 pounds for the large, it was only about a pound heavier than the hardtails in the same price range ($1000). OK, I'll take it for a spin. The very first thing I noticed (because it was the very first thing I looked for) was a total lack of pedal induced rear suspension bob. I had to ride it up a curb while looking down at the rear shock to verify that the rear end was moving at all. Wow I thought; I guess all the hype about how far light weight FS has come is for real. Ring it up Mr. Guru.
I got it out about 10 time before the snow swallowed the trails and have never regreted leaving the shop with something completly different than what I went in for. I had expected the rear suspension to help alot on the fast descents, but what really took me by surprise is how much it helps on the climbs. I'm climbing with alot more stamina now. The ability to remain seated really saves the legs. I also run higher tire pressure for less rolling resistance and fewer flats. The genesis geometry took a little getting used to but now it feels right. The jury is still out on handling in tight singletrack swithbacks. The bike has a noticably wider turning radius than my old hardtail. The rear Cane Creek AD-5 has been trouble free. It lacks the adjustability of the AD-10 that came on the Sugar 2 but that's just one less thing to fiddle with. Ditto for the Manitou SX. Manitou should receive the Nobel prize for common sense with regard to the microlube system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Walnut Creek, CA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Barbecue Terrace - Mt. Diablo | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Sharp Cyclery - Lafayette, CA | | Strengths: | Agile climber that doesn't bob when you pound on it. This bike is fast. Tweak the setup and you could race this thing. I wanted a hardtail that could absorb the big bumps and save my back. This bike does that. If you want crisp handling, the ability to hang with the hardtails when climbing and to kick their butts when descending, this bike is for you. | | Weaknesses: | The first crank I had kept sucking up the chain. The bike shop replaced the crank with a new Bontgrager Race and the bike has performed great without anymore problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M4, FSR Enduro, Trek STP | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded brakes to AVID Arch Rival and SD7 levers. At the same time added XT rapidfire shifters. Improved traction by changing tires out to Bontrager Jones. Next improvement will be upgrading front deraileur to at least XT when LX wares out. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price. The Sugar 3 in 2000 was a better value than the Sugar 2 or Sugar 1. I like the component setup much better than what I have seen for 2001...sorry guys. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilbert, Az, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pass Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Bicycle | | Strengths: | Weight, agility, good components, nimble and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | tires (nano's) | | Similar Products Used: | Gt XTR4000, Fisher hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. Can shed some weight easily. Climbs and descends well. I haven't had any problems with components or seat numbness. I use this bike for commuting as well as alot of trail riding. Very well balanced. Looks pretty good after getting rid of all the stickers 'cept the Gary Fisher logo!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefan Moxness
a
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path Oakville | | Strengths: | One of the best bikes ever. i've test rode many others but settle for this one. it's stiff, and relatively light weight, is very reliable once you get it broken in, which doesn't take long at all. tracks really well, great package for the money you pay. climbs like a mountain goat. | | Weaknesses: | tires just stink, if you let the suspension (rear) lose to much air, the whole bike goes to hell (but that's normal), could naturaly be a little lighter but that only takes a few modifications to change. | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountains (quit a few tested, can't remember which ones) klein, and giant | | Bike Setup: | stock except, shimano wheels with continental tires, avid archrival 5.0 brakes, soon to change pedals, and brake lever (avid speed dial) | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great all around xc bike. it's not gonna fly you down a mountain side like a dh will, but it definitely will get you back up. i've nailed some many things and my bike is in much better shape then i am. there is no suspension bob (unless the shock is not setup well), you can naturaly get a better bike, but for the money it's great. it's not the most comfortable bike at first (the saddle made me very numb for a while), but once it's broken in it's like nothing else out there, get it tuned up once and it'll ride like a dream (a very good dream might i mention), if your looking for a fast, confidence inspiring bike that's by far worthy of upgrade and racing, this is the one for you. you might want to consider going for the sugar 2 since you'll spend almost nothing on upgrades, but it does come at a price... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from SLO, CA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Local Shop(Copelands) | | Strengths: | Great all the way arround. This is a superb cross country bike. Great design, great geometry, great ride. No energy-absorbing bob on the climbs. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Tested/Demoed: Rocket88 stages 2&3, Specialized Stumpjumper FSRs, Rocky Mountain Spice and Element, and hardtails by the same companies, too. | | Bike Setup: | Stock+Velociraptors | | Bottom Line: | This is a great cross country machine. It's really the best (and only) out-of-the-box race-worthy full suspension bike out there. For what this bike is designed for, ultra-efficient, ultra-fun cross country, at its price point(arround $1300), its unbeatable.
The Ride: The ride is very smooth and lively. The 2.5 inches of rear travel are enough to smooth out the rough parts and soften good hits (it's not a downhill or free-ride bike, though). It climbs better than a hardtail, period. It is a lot of fun, very quick, very responsive, and very efficient.
The Components: I complained about the Manitou SX when I got the bike. I now retracat that complaint. I haven't logged too much time on other forks, but the SX has worked very well for me. (The 2001 comes with a Zocci, oh well...) The drivetrain is smooth, all good stuff. (I don't know what the problem seems to be with the Bontrager pedals. They work great and do well clearing mud. If you don't like the way yours are working, learn to adjust them or ask your local bike shop.--There is nothing wrong with the Cane Creek AD-5, either. It doesn't have all the external adjustability the AD-10 does, and it doesn't matter that much.)
Final Comments: This is a great bike for anyone who plans to spend lots of time on the trail. It is raceable, as I plan to do as soon as possible. Much better than the Sugar4 for a serious cross-country bike. Oh--and make sure you don't keep the Nanoraptors on unless you only ride on hardpack without loose stuff.
The Sugar 3 is a joy to ride!--Too bad it can't have some more chilies, it deserves them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
christopher king
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas TX
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | just moved here | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1285.00 | | Purchased At: | ski & skate or something | | Strengths: | Strengths: just bought it today. very quick and responsive. feels lighter than it probably is. "firm flex" comes to mind. plush but firm fork--gives big when it should. | | Weaknesses: | Weaknesses: not aware of any yet, except no seat stem Q.R......and that rear shock is somewhat of an entry level deal w/out dual air control....otherwise, maybe just the tradeoff of not having big time plushness & a tad less travel. but that's not a "weakness" per se. yooze can't have it all. | | Similar Products Used: | Similar Products Tried: tried 2000 SCR 3000 and had one on hold. plusher, a bit heavier but still nice. lime green and white--kewl bike. also rode 2000 rocket 88. didn't feel that lively to me. | | Bike Setup: | Bike Setup: stock w/kool stop brakes. bike came w/VelociRaptors :) | | Bottom Line: | if you want big time plush, go elsewhere.
me, however, i am out riding this !@#%%&*!! at 4:30 a.m. and stopped at kinko's to give a shout. that sez it all, folks. i ride several times a week, play tennis and rollerblade. i get low to moderate air. i like a good technical woods ride as much as tight hardpack trails w/jumps and city bashing.
last bike: '92 rockhopper rigid.
BTW, it is a 2001 but there's no section for that yet. price did NOT include tax. will report back after i have it on the trails.
5 chiles all 'round. i can tell this bike will LOVE all trails except radical downhills--which i'm not really about, anyway.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura County,CA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo :( | | Strengths: | Killer Bike! Handles everything I can give it. Great climber. The AD-5 rear shock is unbelievable. | | Weaknesses: | Gawd awful graphics (bike looks better minus some stickers), straight bar, so-so drivetrain | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale stuff, K2, numerous hardtails | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT, pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | This is actually a great bike. I don't understand why the Nanoraptors are getting such a bad rap. They have worked FLAWLESSLY. You just have to work them right. Trust me, I was a Velociraptor rider for years. The fork works ok, however I need to get the "fatboy" kit. The choice of components could be better, but the LX/XT stuff works, for now. What really impressed me was Fishers customer service.
They got my missing paperwork off right away. They and the bike get 4, mabey 5 Flamin'Chilis.
My only complaint is about Supergo. Typical volume retailer. Brain-dead sales people..................
Supergo gets about 1/2 a dried prune. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ForestRidge(Austin) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun&Ski | | Strengths: | Component selection for the $$. Genesis Geometry. Rear Suspension design. Lifetime Frame Warranty! Proven FS Race design. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Pedals, Tires are lame on sand, loose soil, great for hardpack though. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned 4 hardtails in last 3 yrs. checked out GT I-drive, Specialized FSR, | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Avid 2.0 brakes, Serfa grips, switched 105mm to 90mm stem | | Bottom Line: | I've only had the bike 3 weeks and the Genesis geometry is right on target.(am 5-11" and ride a large w/ a 90mm stem) On every bike I've ever owned it always felt like I was constantly fighting the bike to keep my weight centered over it. Always felt like I had to keep pushing my weight back. Now I can relax and focus on the ride. All the other FS bikes I checked out felt too spongy, sucking up any full strength hammering. While I'm still tweaking the air pressure to perfection (115-120 pretty cool for 155#) I havent noticed any lack of climbing power because of rear shock powersoak. On the contrary, now I can sit and spin up those hills without having to cringe as my spine takes all the abuse. Whats absolutely incredible about it is that it handles tighter than my last two hardtails.Genesis Geometry? The wide bar is similiar to a riserbar width so it gives you better balance when launching off jumps and putting extreme body english to those tight corners. The Manitou SX is cool. Had an SXR on a previous bike for 2 yrs. and it never let me down. No real complaints here! Sugar? Swwweeeeeeet :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Jamison
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Fe
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Not telling | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Im placing my review for the 2001 bicycle here because i couldnt find the 2001 slot..
Stregnths...hm It handles quickly, the short stem and long top tube system is great except fisher did a stupid thing and put on extra wide handlebars, why? It isnt that bad a problem though. Genisis has allowd me to climb things i never could before in conditions i never even could ride in before. If you are new to FS like i was and was worried about the pedal-induced-bob, there isnt any. i only get it when im 2 gears to high and just mashing the pedals down. The parts spec is quite amazing for the price i got it at..for 1300 you get a full LX, LX, XT setup and a z3 fork but my shop gave me a z2..go figure, but im not complaining..The XT in back is amazingly sharp and crisp and the LX, after a few hours, is decent and ok but this might be due to the Bontrager Comp cranks...why not LX? | | Weaknesses: | (Its mainly me)
Since you stay in the seat more b/c the rear suspension takes bumps and you have more traction my arse (darn lanugange sensors) hurts.
I go faster than ever before on this bike and its getting dangerous.
Chain really slaps around but no chainsuck yet :) I got the lizard skins chainstay protector..it worked | | Similar Products Used: | None First FS bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for z2 and Time ATAC thermoplastic | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike...it has improved my riding ability to a completely different level..i used to be just a guy who loved the trail..im thinking about racing now.The handeling is phenominal (sp?) and climbing and descending is amazing..i tried a VRX 200 and it was nice...It soaked up bumps like no other..but you couldnt feel the trail..with sugar you still feel the trail..still feel the bike carving underneath you into the clay still feel the rocks..but you dont feel that big log that would normaly have killed you, and you dont feel those large rocks in your way...Go get some sugar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael August
a Cross Country Rider
from Oceanside, Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dailey Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Climbs excellent, contolled descends,Weight,Gotta love the
Genesis Geometry!!!
| | Weaknesses: | Front fork,tires. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Giant nrs2, Specialized fsr, GT 3000. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Panaracer fire xc, Marzocchi z4(what a Plush fork!!!!) | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you a better rider no doubt about it!
Descends are more natural! Thanks Gary! This thing just climbs sooooo efficiently! I purchased this bike for $899. minus the Marzocchi. $220. for that. These bikes just RIP for X.C.ing! Jump on one and find out what you've missing!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from cincy
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ceaser's creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | montgomery cyclery | | Strengths: | -nice beefy frame
-cane creek ad-5 is pretty plush
-not too heavy
good mix of components
| | Weaknesses: | -wtb nanoraptors SUCK!!!
-bontrager pedals SUCK!!!
-chainsuck | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 giant xtc-nrs | | Bike Setup: | stock except for blue panaracer fire xc pro's & time atac cromo's | | Bottom Line: | this bike is definitely worth the money that i paid for it. i got it for a christmas present so i havnt had it for that long but ive been scoping it out for awhile. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Hwang
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston TX
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anthills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1330.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski Sports Expo | | Strengths: | -Strong, NorthShore Proof fork.
-Air on both ends.
-Genisis, Genisis, Genisis I climb, descend, and jump better.
-More adjustibility as you can extend the reach 50 mm just by swaping stems...
-Looks Cool as anything
-The Bent top tube lets you forgo much "abuse"
-Weight..It is simply the lightest...even with a Marzocchi
-For the price LX, LX, XT is great..at 1330 with tax it is leaps and bounds better than a Rocket 88 Stage 3(SX-R($1350) or a NRS 3(Deore, Deore, LX, Judy C)($1100). | | Weaknesses: | -Limited travel will worry you if you are not an "over the top" rider and you chose to ride ledges..
-Risers...I am still a Flat Bar person but it isnt that bac seeing that the risers add more adjustibility to the bike | | Similar Products Used: | Tested
-C-Dale Super V 800s (3star for pedal induced Bob)
-C-Dale Jekyll 600 (4.5star for headshok and unadjustibility)
-GT XCR-3000 (4.5star for Deore, Deore, LX componeants)
-S-lized Enduro Sport (2.5 star for low bb and componeants)
-Rocket 88 Stage 3 (4.5 star for SX-R Elastomer-coil fork)
Owned
-GT Outpost(4star, 4 da price pretty nice,
bad fork though) | | Bike Setup: | I GOT A 2001 SO SOME STUFF IS DIFFEREN
2001 Sugar 3, Marzocchi z2 Atom Sport, Bontrager Superstock Wheelset, Bontrager Comp Cranks, LX, LX, XT setup. Time ATAC Pedals, Cane Creek AD-5, WTB Velociraptor Tires, Bontrager Crowbar Race HB's. | | Bottom Line: | This bike, off the shelf, outta the box, is sweet. It climbs like a goat and descends like a rock, solid as heck. Genisis is all its cracked up to be..and for all you jelous people who say genisis is twitchy..it isnt, AT ALL!! This is an AWESOME bike...heck it convinced one of my friends to get a Jamis Dakar Frame and a MARS C shock (patheticly leaky and flexy) just so he could say his bike is better (he is a freak and already had LX, XT, XTR setup). I recommend a Sugar 3 to a starting racer or to any guy/gal who loves the trail, like me. It will get you where you need to go .-=]FAST[=-. and .^_^fun^_^. I would say a flat ||||\NO/|||| for enduro or freeriders for this bike..you will eat the rock if you are an enduro racer and u buy this...I was kind of worried about the 2.5 inches of rear travel at first but then i thought about it...Hey what did i have before..? I had umm 0 inches.. I took the 2.5...In a nutshell BUY this bike if you are into Racing or XC riding...Not if your into Enduro or Freeride and unless your a freak downhill....Jeez i wish i could give 7.5 chills cause that is honestly what i think
- Good Love, Good Luck, Good Riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice Ninaud
a
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Discovery Cycle | | Strengths: | Handling, Climbing, Genisis Geometry, Acceleration | | Weaknesses: | Chainrings, could shift better | | Similar Products Used: | JoshuaF3, Moab 1 | | Bike Setup: | Sid XC front shock, Shimano XT Front Disc and Bontrager Race disc front wheel ($300 extra to upgrade at the dealer when I purchase it). Easton monkey lite risers($90) | | Bottom Line: | A pure joy to ride. It loves to go fast and inspires great confidence in my riding. The bike is very composed at speed and has predictable and stable handling. It feels great to accelerate out of turns. This bike is a blast down hills and eats-up the hills. I am using the Nano-Raptor tires and have no traction problems. However, here in TX we are mainly riding on hard pack and some loose sand. My brother put Michelin Wild-Gripper XLS tires on his Sugar 3, for the winter and likes them. I absolutely recommend that you buy a sugar! (Buy the most expensive one you can afford, because it always costs more to upgrade later!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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