Submitted by
joe brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Billings Montana Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rimriock
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
WILL NOT BREAK
Weaknesses:
saddle, not made any more
Similar Products Used:
1996 Aquila
Bike Setup:
All stock components
Bottom Line:
Best bike that I have ever used buy it even just for the frame. Rides very smoothly. Frame is the best you will ever find. Most similar thing Gary Fisher makes now is ferrous. Great for rough stuff. Does not break even in bad crashes. Very fast light weight for steel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Betsy
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
river city bicycles
Strengths:
I've had it since 1999 and its still operating as well as when i fist got it
Bottom Line:
freaking badass. will never die
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Billingsley
a Downhiller
from england Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
queen elizibeth country park,secret pro dh
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
bomb proof frame
Weaknesses:
bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:
identiti 666,kona fire mountain,cindercone,minimula,specized rock hopper
Bike Setup:
Kona p2 forks,azonic stem,ddg bars,planet x seat, halo sas rear, sun mamoth front,original sugino cranks,dmr v12's,single speed,magura hs33
Bottom Line:
Bought from a friend who needed the money having always wanted it. size is 12.5" meaning the cross bar slope lines up with the seat stays!! rode hard as semi pro trials bike and unable to even bend it! recently given it a makeover and expect it will last another 10years.taken some serious abuse,ie 10ft drop offs and never had any problems. not light but has out lived countless friends ally and cro-mo trials frames
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from cincinnati, OH Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dupont S.F., NC
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This frame will kick your butt right up into your neck. It's compliant enough for all day, all week riding and at the same time has sucked up some of the gnarliest sections the NC mountains could throw at it. Descends great, climbs better.
Weaknesses:
What's not to like about steel? No disc brake tabs, but that will soon be remedied. The seat, wheels and fork gave up the ghost before anything else on the bike. But at 5 years old, original componentry is a non-issue.
Similar Products Used:
scads of hardtails
Bike Setup:
The frame is the only piece left from the original purchase. Judy Race, eggbeaters, XT, blah blah blah...
Bottom Line:
I'm ~230# and have been abusing this bike for 3+ years. With the exception of a bent derrailleur hanger (stuff happens), the bike shows no signs of wear or fatigue. Bottom line, if you're looking for a steel hardtail that's both cheap and worthy of upgrading for serious riding, this is the frame. I love mine, and as soon as it's prepped for discs it will be a top-drawer unit. Nothing beats a light and nimble hardtail. Especially one that likes 4ft drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikey T
a Cross Country Rider
from middletown, OH Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
It just plain works. I love how it fits.
Weaknesses:
Some stock components are weak
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Airborne
Bike Setup:
Judy Race, XT/LX all around, Shimano 535 wheels, Fire XC Pros
Bottom Line:
Super Bike!!! After 3 years I have changed everything on this bike except the frame and I don't think I'll ever part with it. The stock stuff put up a great fight for years, but the bike has gotten much mcuh better with upgrades. Derrailluer hanger got wrapped up in the cogs one time, but it's bent back and still working like a champ. Absolute best value in XC bikes at $550.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Hunterville, NC Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Beach Springs (Concord, NC)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I purchased the bike in 1999, and I am still glad that I did. It is hard to beat the quality of this frame when you consider the price. The bike is fun to ride, and can soak up abuse. Even though 3 years have passed, I still would not consider paying for another bike (until I go full suspension). And when I do buy another bike, I'll have two of them because I wouldn't sell this one! This bike is STILL worth every penny.
Weaknesses:
You guessed it...the shock.
Similar Products Used:
Giant and Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Upgrades: '01 Manitou SX-R shock, Shimano SPD clipless pedals, new saddle, current tires are Hutchinson Python Air Lights. the rest is stock and running smooth.
Bottom Line:
This bike is worth holding on to. If you own one and ride it alot (I ride about 3 times a week) you understand why it's a keeper. If you can still find one, buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frazier
a
from Georgia Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Pawn Shop
Strengths:
The frame is invincible and the brakes work like a charm. The colors rock and the Bontrager rims are tough as nails.
Weaknesses:
The fork sucks.
Similar Products Used:
None this is one of a kind.
Bottom Line:
I got this bike not to long ago and suprisingly it was in very good condition considering I got it from a pawn shop. It looks brand new. The guy who sold it to the pawn shop had not ridden it on any trails. I saw the same bike selling for $900. I really got a steal. I love this bike man and hopefully it will last for a long time. GARY FISHER ROCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE
a Racer
from San Antonio, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
bike world
Strengths:
V-brakes and the rapid fire shifters are the strengths of this fisher
Weaknesses:
the fork sucks you should probaly throw it away as soon as you buy the bike and put some JUDY's on it
Similar Products Used:
fisher Kiatai, trek 8000, fisher hoo koo e koo
Bike Setup:
lx components and jett shocks
Bottom Line:
THis bike is great just change the shocks and you'll be set
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Very nice frame. Sweet at climing and handles all types of terrain very well.
Weaknesses:
Without a doubt the shock. The Jett T2 or whatever is straight up a piece of poo on a stick.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sur
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z5 flightlight air and Time atacs mtb's. those are the only big things I have really changed
Bottom Line:
I've love the vanadium frame and the genesis geometry. I have had this bike for two years and it is a great beginner bike for a really sweet price. The only thing that really needs to be upgraded is the stock shock. You can ride this thing anywhere and have a blast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey Hodges
a Cross Country Rider
from Hurst Tx US Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lake Bryan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
EBAY!!!
Strengths:
Vandium Steel!!!!!! 4 pounds for a medium
Weaknesses:
the one I bought had all the paint stripped off. I plan on painting it because it is currently a nasty white.
Similar Products Used:
Raliegh m-200 aluminum, Giant Cu-92 alloy
Bike Setup:
full LX drive with XT rear, LX hubs Mavic 221 rims, LX brakes, tektro levers, Judy T-2, Onza Porcupine classic tires, Wellgo 800 spd pedals, ringle moby post, and Selle Italia flight saddle(ti/kevlar)
Bottom Line:
GREAT FRAME!!!! I cant believe I got this for a 100 bucks. the ride is like a dream and the geometry is PERFECT for me. I am 6'1" and it wouldnt take a custom builder to give me a frame I liked better(size large). it climbs great and the only time I lose traction is because of my tires not the frame. if you find these frames anywhere the are a STEAL. it's triple butted and hand welded. I was sold on this frame after I rode my brothers 96 model almost the same tubing. no wonder fisher was so popular, they should still make these. small builder quality steel from a big company
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter McFeelme
a Weekend Warrior
from Middle Earth, MO, USA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Solid frame, good solid entry level components.
Weaknesses:
Color choices.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000.
Bike Setup:
Basic bike +riser bar +Time ATACS.
Bottom Line:
Best bang for the buck around. When I got this bike 2 years ago it was a good deal, and it continues to be. Have put over 1500 miles on it, and it's still running like a dream. I do my own maintenance, so I keep an eye on things. The wheels stay true, the frame is right for me, and the steel will last a real long time. . .
If I could find another one, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Ellis
a Cross Country Rider
from Pullman, Washington USA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Moscow Moutain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
B&L Bicycles, Pullman, Washington
Strengths:
The Vanadium Steel Frame, Genesis Geometry and Bontrager Wheelset.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side, some lower end componetry but this is to be expected for the price tag.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Privateer, which I absolutely Love.
Bike Setup:
At the moment, the only change I've made is upgrading to a Bomber Z.3 Fork. However, when the money comes in I plan on spending major bucks upgrading the frame.
Bottom Line:
Truth be told, considering the quality of the frame the biked is really underspecd. I'm a bike shop employee and my boss was able to find me one of the last 99 Aquilla's in existence up in Canada for me and I got a killer deal on it. In 1999, Gary Fisher had exclusive rights to use Vanadium Steel in bicycle tubing. It's one of the new heat treated, air hardened steels, very similar to the Reynolds 853 Tubing. True Temper must have made Fisher a great deal on the tubing because the quality of the frame for that price in unbelievable, (especially when you consider what I paid for it!) I'm there are very few availabe to be sold as new anymore, but I recomend to anyone who likes riding steel, that if they can buy one used, they should.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Rigby, ID, USA Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kelly canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Idaho Mountain Trading
Strengths:
LX rear, Bontrager Wheel sets, Genisis Geometry,
Weaknesses:
Brakes, Fork, Cranks, Front derailur
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rock Hopper
Bike Setup:
LX brakes and levers, LX crank and chain rings, clipless pedals, Bar ends,
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the beginer and price. Once you get a little better it's great for upgrading. Good climbing and control. I realy like the bike. Just test ride one and see for your self.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luciano
a Downhiller
from Mill Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Old Springs and Flameout
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great frame, wheels, tires, price
Weaknesses:
LX parts, RS jett shocks, headset and handlebars
Similar Products Used:
trek mountain track (ugh)
Bike Setup:
Z3.5 bombers, bmx pedals, titec risers, XT stuff
Bottom Line:
this is a GREAT first bike. it comes with Lx parts, a flat bontrager bar and Rs jetts. once you get some experiance under your belt you can upgrade to some risers, nice shocks and XT or XTR. the low end parts were great for learning on. when you upgrade the parts you have a great hardtail. the frame is superb for singletrack. it's very agile and handles well. I've ridden all over North Star and Mount Tam and haven't experianced any problems. a great learner bike and a very good bike once you do some upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Winthrop, MA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods/ Harold Parker
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Look,Feel, Componentry for the price, GENESIS!! WTB Seat
Weaknesses:
Front deraileur, Brakes
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000, Specialized Rockhopper, Kona Cinderkone, GT??
Bike Setup:
Factory tuned,,added clipless pedals and Trek wireless computer
Bottom Line:
I test road over 20 bikes before defaulting to the Aquila. From the opinions I got from the shops I dealt with, this bike has a great frame, and good components where it matters. Don't change a thing, just ride the hell out of it!! I did upgrade to clipless pedals a MUST have. Great entry level mountain bike!! I actually had bought a TREK 6000 for $399..that was the deal maker, but when I went to pick it up, it just didn't ride right...front deraileur problems, just not the same feel. This bike has taken over 200 miles of trail use (mostly at Lynne Woods and if you know this area..you know the abuse it offers) as well as over 150 road miles shared with my Bianchi road bike. I AM setting my sights on a Sugar already but for now, I love my Aquila! The Genesis geo. takes a little getting used to but when you do, I think you'll like it.Very happy with what Gary has done despite all the industry criticism about Genesis..etc..whassup with that?? If it weren't for Gary Fisher, many of us would have no source for inspiration to hit the trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
700 Acres San Antonio
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Price, strong frame, LX rear deraileur, Bontrager rims and hubs, looks, etc.
Weaknesses:
Front deraileur, chipping paint, Jett T-2 shock, weak chainrings.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Hopper A-1 FS, Kona NuNu, GF Kaitai, Trek 6000, etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for XT front deraileur and a Crow Bar.
Bottom Line:
Price was the big issue with me, as I suspect it has been with most people. My wife wouldn't let me spend more than $600, so I chose the Aquila after trying out other bikes in the price range. Another factor was the fact that I don't plan on racing. I just wanted a good bike with a reasonably good component package. You get a great bike for the $$. The bottom line is that bike companies have to compromise certain parts when they build quality bikes for people on budgets. Next to the bike having a steel frame, the Jett T-2 fork is probably the key factor in the bike's low price. GF makes up for the cheap shock with the Genesis frame design, hubs, rims, Alivio crank and LX rear deraileur. No bent rims! I haven't had any problems with the Alivio crank other than the chain rings bending a little. The bike still feels reasonably light compared to other steel frames. There are better bikes with aluminum frames, Judy or Manitou shocks and better component packages, but they cost more. If your budget allows for no more than $600 to $650, consider the Aquila...if you can afford $700 to $900, then get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, Washington Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Spokane
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great wheel set, LX components, Frame geometry, weight, and overall aperance of the bike.
Weaknesses:
Decals seem to chip away easily, and Jett T2 suspension fork, shifters, front derailer, and cranks.
Similar Products Used:
Test road while looking for a bike: Kona Fire Mountain, GT Rebound, Schwinn Mesa, & Jamis Agile.
Bike Setup:
Added clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
Overall you can't get much better of a bike for it's price. Great bike for when your just getting into mountain biking because it can handle such a wide variety of terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eli C.
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Downtown
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Super Cheap,LX components,Weight,Wheels,Tires,Genesis Geometry
This is a definate fixer upper, The Fork is a pathetically low travel RS Jett,I remedied this by tossing it and getting some new Zokes,It took more work and cash than i thought to convert this bike into a Urban Assault bike but i'm happy with the results plus I only paid $800 for a spankin new one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marian
a Weekend Warrior
from Three Rivers, CA, U.S. Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
local BLM
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I like the stretched-out feel (I'm 5-5 on a small frame). And I think the wheelset is cool (Bontragers: radial spoking in front, asymmetric in back). I've done some hard riding and crashes and the wheels are still true.
Weaknesses:
Crankset, chain. I showed chain wear in less than a thousand miles (before the end of last summer) and replaced it right away to save my drivetrain. BTW: I don't have any trouble with the seat---it's good and slippery for getting off the back---although it's a little scratched up now. And I've never bottomed out the fork, though I've set it on the lightest preload. If the seat hurts, you probably just need to ride more until your legs hold you up better.
Similar Products Used:
None, but my friend's new Santa Cruz Heckler beats my Aquila all to h---; of course, that's at three to four times the price.
Bike Setup:
I upgraded the crank at the outset. Have since added bar ends and clipless pedals. In about ten months of moderate riding, I've replaced the chain, the rear tire, the brake pads, and I'm about to replace the front tire. PS: slime the tubes.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price (and it's about the minimum you should spend if you want to do a lot of single track), but there are a lot of worthy competitors. Buy it from a shop you trust who'll put it together well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio TX Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Barton Creek Greenblet-Austin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The frame is great. The bike is light and quick. The bike handles very good, an agile bike.
Weaknesses:
I have been had countless flats. The tubes and tyres need to be replaced. Also, I have been through two gear rings.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Tassajara Trek 6000 Demo'ed a Klein and a Giant
Bike Setup:
Basically stock except for the gear rings (shimano stx RC) I have replaced and clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
A great bike to have for the price. It's the perfect bike to start out with. I have put the bike through a lot and it hasn't let up any. I have much more compliments than complants on the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Stromberg
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockford, IL Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rock Cut State Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Frame is vanadium steel worth upgrading components
I ride my bike almost everyday, I was considering a Sugar this year, but chose to upgrade my Aquila instead. I will probably change out the whole spec by the time I am done and have a pimp ride...now if only it wasn't light blue. I love the feel of the steel frame...the aquila is agile and light feeling for steel as well. Replace the fork and you are good to go however... Excellent first bike, and is very worth upgrading components
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dougie Richardson
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh, U.K. Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Musselburgh to Pencitland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Weight, Genesis geometry.
Weaknesses:
The saddle has to go!
Similar Products Used:
91 Kona Lavadome
Bike Setup:
As it came from the shop
Bottom Line:
Having returned to cycling after 9 years I am amazed at how far bikes ahve come. I got the fisher for a very good price, 20% reduction cos it's last years (1999) model. As a very unfir rider I am glad I chose this bike. cos it just makes me want to keep on going. It's very light, and the Genesis geometry means that almost all of your pedalling translates into forward movement, and it tracks like a dream. I haven't had a chance to try any real hard core trail riding yet, but the little I have has been excellent. I would thouroughly recommend this bike to anyone in the market for their first MTB. At the price I got it for, 400 U.K.P. it is absolutely unbeatable as far as spec and components go, the nearest bike I have seen in terms of specification to this would have cost me at least anothe 100 U.K.P. Fantastic!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken, South Carolina Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Local Fire & Power Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Biggest Bang for the Buck in it's price range. Great Intermediate bike. Has held up to some fairly abusive trails and a few crashes including a pretty serious endo. The bike fared much better than my collar-bone which kept me off the bike for a while. Although the only comparison I have, is my old TREK 820 which weighed about 400pounds, the Aquila seems extremely responsive and agile. I love the way the bike feels under me and how I can easily negotiate obstacles. In addition, regardless what other reviews have said, I think the bike's colors in White and Black accented in Red looks great.
Weaknesses:
None really - The seat was a little hard and did not fare to well after a couple of hard landings and the endo. I have since replaced the seat with a Serfas. I also upgraded to clipless pedals and slapped on a pr. of ICON bar ends. The innertubes that come with the bike are thin and I must have patched them a gazillion times before replacing them just several weeks after buying the bike. Where I ride we have tons of little sharp hitch-hiker, like sticker-balls that have itty-bitty thorns that will go through the tire and put tiny little holes in your tubes. I stopped riding in that area and replaced the tubes and have not had the problem any more.
Similar Products Used:
TREK 820 (1989 version) Rode many others from various showrooms when making my purchase.
Bike Setup:
The Aquila as purchased is a Vanadium Steel frame, RS Jett T2 fork, Diore Rear dr. and Alivio front. Bontrager wheels. I have added Nashbar clipless pedals, A CatEye computer, icon bar ends, new tubes, and a good seat. The old bike I use for comparison was a solid frame bone-crusher that was used primarily on nice trails and park paths. It is very heavy compared to the Aquila.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike if you are in the $500 to $700 price range. The Y2K bikes are hitting the shops now and you may be able to find a great deal on a 1999 Aquila. This bike has been great fun and a good stepping stone that I plan to keep using for a long time. I will upgrade as needed until my skills and luck dare me to a higher level. I have had to play with the Alvio front derailleur somewhat, but don't realy care because the shop I bought the bike from gives free adjustments forever. I'll replace it if it falls apart or stops working. I'd like to see what a $300+ fork rides like, this one seems to be great for under $100. Brakes work great. Also Note: I did not make an impulsive buy. I am a very carefull shopper and will spend hours looking over specs, prices and suppliers. I looked at well over 50 or more bikes and personally rode most of them prior to deciding on this bike. If I had to buy another bike tomorow I would buy this one or maybe the Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. I don't know why people rag on products that function well within their price range and sometimes equivalent to other products twice their price. I can't rag on this one at all. Who should or shouldn't buy this bike? Of course this bike was not intended for Pro-Comp racing so Racer-Dudes are out of the question. (I love it when someone says they are a Racer Dude and reviews products not intended for racing. Then they say that the product is junk after they have busted it up.) Like everything else, you gotta pay to play. Novice to intermediate trail busters will make good owners. Buy it You won't be sorry.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dustboy
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
n/a
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The frame, genesis geometry fits well.
Weaknesses:
Fork. upgraded to Manitou, now it rides and pops like a cherry
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Hoo Koo e Koo, Specialized
Bike Setup:
lost the saddle and added a shock post for very little loot
Bottom Line:
Gets me where I want to go with a joy and no hassle. I really haven't done much to change it or invested much more for slight upgrades. It has been a blast on weekends and I have even taken it out on extended hunting outings. If it's going to be your first MTB, get it, if not, hey consider it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from St Albans, Vermont Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hardack Mtn., St. Albans, Vt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great geometry. A light bike for a steel frame. Great component set for the price...even at $599.
Weaknesses:
Chuck the seat before leaving the store...brings new meaning to the word hardtail.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000-8000 series, Fisher Hoo-Koo, a few Cannon-whales...many, many others.
Bottom Line:
I shopped for over a year for the perfect bike within my price range: $500-$700. I test rode just about every bike made in 1999, and found the perfect match in the Aquila. The genesis frame fits me perfectly at 5'11, and Vanadium steel rocks! The components are great as a starting set, and the fork isn't as bad as everyone seems to think it is...for the price, and considering the fact that most dealers will upgrade to a higher-end fork for you at the time of purchase if you pay the difference. I can't imagine a better bike for any intermediate rider.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Love
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Somewhere in Ecuador
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Beautiful Mothra colors (blue, green, orange) Very functional on and off road
Weaknesses:
High center of gravity riding position Cranks Saddle Tires
Okay. My Performance was lighter (no shock) and felt more relaxed on the trail. My wheels, original toe clips, and derailleurs were all set up by a lousy mechanic at Performance and so loosened up real quickly...no fault of Fisher's, though. BUT the cranks (ALivio!) are flexy and the chainrings are soft (bent the middle ring on the trail...no impact, just torque). The saddle also got bent somehow. The tires suck, I am upgrading to Ground Controls when I get truly fed-up. The fork is no Judy, but I can't give it heel because it is still working fine despite my uncivilised riding style. I find that while the geometry makes this a fun commuting bike (bunny hops, wheelies, jumps, and max speed! Yee haw!), it is less than ideal on rocky ascents. The front end gets light too easily...I say give me another inch on the chainstays and I promise to keep pedaling no matter how much my legs hurt. The Aquila descends quickly enough, but again, the Genesis geometry is not ideal. The low-slung Konas and the C'dale are much faster, I felt. By the way I am 6'1, 170lbs and my frame is an 18 or 19
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate Ortiz
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Genesis frame is really great. Bontrager wheels are beautiful.
Weaknesses:
Front derailer has been needing a lot of adjusting and the fork is a little soft.
Bottom Line:
Bike has performed beautifully so far, but as I said, that front derailer pisses me off now and then.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
guillaume
a Racer
from fredericton Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
mont saint-anne
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
the fork,i added later on
Weaknesses:
heavy , very bad frame,i broke it and it was not coverd by warranty.do not like frame desing.
Similar Products Used:
kona lava dome , much better for the same price range
Bike Setup:
stxrc/fully loaded,rock shox judy xc
Bottom Line:
do not get this bike, very very bad at climbing,and everything else.extremly bad frame.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Lambert
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wawa, Ont. Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
I don't have one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The genesis frame, good components, and a very good feel.
Weaknesses:
The front suspention is not to great.
Similar Products Used:
Only other Gary Fishers because of the genesis frame.
Bottom Line:
The bike has a very good feeling frame for long cross-country rides.That is the best part of the bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fruit Stripe
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great entry-level bike. Worthy of upgrades
Weaknesses:
Looks, fork, components are a little weak, fairly heavy
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, trek
Bottom Line:
I have a lot of fun on this bike while on and off road. My long torso and short legs find a nice blend between agressive laid out and upright, bmx-esque positions. Upgrade the pedals, fork and add some bar ends and your off (or just buy hoo-e-koo its same frame with better stuff)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Desert Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from 8 Towanda Court Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
waterfall glen (IL)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome handling and stability!!!
Weaknesses:
Shocks could be stronger
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Cannondale, Mongoose
Bike Setup:
First mountain bike, normally road rider.
Bottom Line:
This bike has been every thing I've needed. Takes awhile to get use to the genesis frame, but it really comes through on tight trails and downhill manuvering. It just gets better and better, the more I ride it! If you are in the market, I would highly recommend!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
njidiot
a Weekend Warrior
from montclair, nj Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ringwood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cost Nice components
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
Canondale
Bike Setup:
front suspension
Bottom Line:
A friend of mine got me involved with this bike. After having him puch me for a 2K full suspension bike, I went for this one. It's a solid bike that I've done a fair amount of off road with. I was real impressed with the way it kept a line and took bumps. I had a chance to try my friends Canondale delta V 1500. Much less weight, better components but twice as much. This is a great bike, nice components and a good price. If I just didn't ride his backup bike this one would be a outstanding. 4 out of 5 flamin turds. i'd give it five if i didn't try the cannondale.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shrimp
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicken, Alaska Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame design. Fits ya great! Responsive and handles well.
Weaknesses:
like the others say, the shocks are a bit weak.
Bottom Line:
Five Chillies! It's a great bike! You can always upgrade, if that's what you're after.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
x
a Weekend Warrior
from x Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
good for bending you over
Weaknesses:
they dont use any lube when they bend you over
Bottom Line:
Gary Fisher bikes suck, they don't care about you, but like your money...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Schniepp
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame is bombproof, and the geometry fits me perfect. I've been kicking the shit out of it every weekend, and it doesn't seem to care. If you are starting out with mountain biking and don't want to spend a lot, take it for a ride. You can upgrade the components as your skill improves. All around solid bike.
Weaknesses:
Fork could be better, but I'm not complaining.
Bottom Line:
I got mine for $550...there is no better hardtail for that price. Infinitely upgradable.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ob Ewan Kenobi
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen, Scotland Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Geometry works. Bit weird climbing at first. Lots of torque through short chain stays. Vanadi-yummy Frame! It holds a line well but is agile and turns in quickly. A singletrack demon.
Weaknesses:
Mediocre fork, but fine for the price. Poor build quality in back wheel not what you'd expect from Keith Bontrager. Oh and brake levers have slightly high return spring tension which reduces the feel at the lever making modulation more difficult.
Bottom Line:
Nothing special in the spec but good for the price and frame is eminently up-gradeable. Oh and I just love that aheadset top cap. Vanadium frame should still be springing lightly from rock to root in years to come, not like aluminium.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from LA Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999
Bottom Line:
Although this is my first MT bike to buy, I have ridden several others from Trek and Cannondale. The Genesis frame design is very stable and responsive. The components are decent for this entry-level bike. I wouldn't trade it for full suspension, for the ride is very comfortable even on rough terrain.STABILITY & RESPOSE:the keywords here. PS: the color is ugly(aqua blu and red), but unique.
Overall Rating:
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