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Gary Fisher
1999 Hoo Koo E Koo
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Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, MI.
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Egypt Valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | From a friend | | Strengths: | The bike is bomb proof. My buddy beat this bike up, i got it from him and i only had to tune it up. Bike is balanced well and easy to ride. Not too heavy not too light. | | Weaknesses: | it is not made any more. Disk breaks would be great. | | Similar Products Used: | First Mtn. bike purchased | | Bike Setup: | original set up. | | Bottom Line: | You cannot kill this bike. I fully intend on owning this bike for a very long time as long as I can get components for it. I love the medium weight frame and how well balanced it is. This is a great bike for a beginner, just getting into the sport and does not have a lot of money to get going. I would put money on a used one of these instead of buying another bike brand new. You may have to put a few dollars into it like I did but you will be money ahead in the long run. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
el
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail which is ridable | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 880 US | | Strengths: | Warranty - lifetime
Its chromoly - steel feels and rides so much better than aluminium
Paint finish - nice finish and art work design
| | Weaknesses: | Fisher no longer make the HKEK in chromoly
No disc mounts
Might want to upgrade to better parts down the track ie Forks and tyres | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first mountain bike, other bikes in the shed are Banshee Chaparral and Surly 1x1Â | | Bike Setup: | xs frame size. I wont list them all, but a Salsa CroMoto fork, 60mm Kore stem, Azonic DH bars, Kenda Nevegal tyres = all mountain trail bike set up | | Bottom Line: | Too bad Fisher Bikes don't make the HKEK in chromoly any more. I've gone totally rigid and rides just as sweet. If it only had disc mounts then this would have scored 5 chillis. Components like the stock forks were a let down.
If you get a chance to get your hands on one, get it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobber
a Cross Country Rider
from Maplewood, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadel (CA) Ringwood (NJ) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Daves Bike Sport (CA) | | Strengths: | Indestructible steel frame, price$, decent components, genesis geometry | | Weaknesses: | chain suck, a bit heavy (it's steel!), rock shox judy | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer xc pros, specialized comp riser bar, nashbar clipless, soon to have Answer Manitou Black Front suspension and XT crankset. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I bought it in April of 2000 and got a great deal, putting riser bars on made a huge difference, no more over the handlebars and it still climbs like a goat and screams downhill. In the two years I've had it I've gone from Novice to advanced, in that time i've dropped it, crashed it, tossed it, flown it and hopped it and it still goes, so i'll just replace components as needed and keep riding!!! I would recommend buying it to anyone if you can find it used because the new ones are Aluminum and way more$ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TOm
a Cross Country Rider
from Merrimack, NH
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rutty rooty rocky NH singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Naults Cyclery | | Strengths: | ummm... Steel! you'll never break it! For the price the XTs are good and the wheelset is way better than some cheap shimano set... Most of the finer details are given good attention, light for a steel frame | | Weaknesses: | umm stock brakes are kinda weak? That's it. | | Similar Products Used: | I compared it to a GT Zaskar of that same year... And the Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | narrower seat, xt levers/ shifters.... everything else is either inconsequential or still stock - all XT drivetrain! | | Bottom Line: | this is a GREAT deal for the money... Bought it as the new model year in the fall so I paid top dollar for it, but in my opinion it was well worth it. I'm young, so I didn't have enough $$ for a high-end XC machine... This was the perfect thing for beginner-intermediate XC racing on a budget. I held my front wheel against a high end DT Swiss Hugi/ Mavic SUP setup and if anything mine was lighter... The Bontrager setup really seems nice... The straight spokes in front look cool and I haven't knocked either wheel out of true yet, asym back rim is good... They seem to be really high quality and great value.... The GT I think had a cheap Sun rims setup I think or something... The reason I picked this bike over the GT is that the Fisher bike had better all-around quality "other" components... Like the drivetrain was pretty much the same but stuff like wheels/ cockpit on the fisher are nicer. Plus for some reason I got XT cranks on mine when specs said LX. Sweet! This is super-light for a steel frame too, and I'll never break the thing. Umm only reason I gave overall rating a 4 is b/c the brakes could be better, and so I bought XT levers... And the fork- the Judy C is the year before RockShox made Judy the crappy low-end, so it's still good enough, but could be better. But that's it! This thing could kick the pants off of a same-price aluminum bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Gray
a Cross Country Rider
from Guilford
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Westwoods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$770.00 | | Purchased At: | Clarke Cycles | | Strengths: | This bike has gone off 4 1/2 drops and landed perfectly. I love steel. It has stood up to everything I throw at it and still looks good. It is lighter than a lot of steel bikes and lighter than the next year Hoo Koo E Koo. I love it and am never selling. | | Weaknesses: | They could have put on better components on it but I am happy with how long my components lasted. This bike has the worst chain suck I have ever seen. I hope my new drive-train will take care of that! | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Hoo Koo E Koo. Still good but not steel and not as good looking. Heavier too. | | Bike Setup: | Currently LX crank,cassette,and front derrailer,XT rear derrailer, Avid v-brakes, rock shox judy C. Bontrager rims and hubs. Soon to be XTR and XT all around With Mavic X517 rims and XTR hubs. | | Bottom Line: | A bike you can beat to hell and still keep riding. I would tell you to buy it but they don't make it anymore. Sorry.
If you don't mind having a little heavier bike than the competition , but a lot stronger, than this was the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris julian
a Weekend Warrior
from mt.jewett,pa.u.s.a.
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | off-road/trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | ridge rider charelston,west virginia | | Strengths: | impecible frame stregnth,good hill climbing ability | | Weaknesses: | no longer availible | | Similar Products Used: | connondale 800,trek analope,specialized | | Bike Setup: | gary fisher front hub,LX rear hub,shimanoXT rear derailer,avid brakes,shimanoLX rapid-fire shifters | | Bottom Line: | outstanding bike with a realy good price tag. easily upgradeable.i've wrecked a couple times,managinng to break only my nose.it'll be three years old in june and she's still puttin the miles on.by far the best $750 i ever spent!
highly recomended;steel frames are worth the extra weight.for beginers,reckless teens or just plain hardcore riding fun this bike's for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Wallace
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredrick, Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | amazing frame geometry, especially for us tall guys
good components
steel is great, very responsive and pretty light | | Weaknesses: | fisher no longer makes the steel frame
some components could be better
saddle | | Similar Products Used: | specialised hardrock a1 fs comp, fisher kaitai (00), | | Bike Setup: | mavic crossrides, lx rear/front derailleur, race face crank, marzocchi z2, the rest is pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great, I have taken it all over on trails and beat it up, the frame is solid, especially for the price. It's a great entry-level bike and is easily upgradeable. I won't need to buy a new bike anytime soon. Buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Archambault
a Cross Country Rider
from Schaumburg, IL, US
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus, Arlington Heights | | Strengths: | Great frame, excellent components for the price. Nearly carefree | | Weaknesses: | The stock saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with upgraded Specialized saddle (for comfort). | | Bottom Line: | The frame shows no wear and the shocks still respond like new. This is a killer bike. In two years, the only maintenance required was an adjustment to the front derailleur. For me, it's been the Japaneese car of bikes, wash and ride. The frame shows no wear and the shocks still respond like new. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Chaney
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wild Rose Mountain Sports, SLC, UT | | Strengths: | Great Components for the Price.
Triple Butted True Temper Oxy Gold Steel Frame equal to Reynolds 853.
Smooth steel ride. Climbs like a goat! | | Weaknesses: | None, except that Fisher doesn't make this bike anymore. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Time ATAC Thermo pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike! You cannot buy this bike anymore but if you are in the market for a hardtail, consider a steel frame. Don't follow the crowd, give steel a chance, you will be pleasantly surprised! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FAT
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | pacific bicycle | | Strengths: | Frame and wheels | | Weaknesses: | not too many... | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn moab2, 2000 Hkek, klein | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi fork, race face riser bar, titec stem and many other upgraded parts. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up since 2 years ago. This is a bombproof bike. Beside doing cross country, I gain my skill in jumping, drop off and many other riding skill from this bike. Frame is not giving any sign of failure. The parts are the failure, got to upgrade to XT if you want a strong parts. Anyway, this bike is not a super fast x-country bike, but will hold up on any trail. The best bike ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Dacula, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | one with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes USA - Gainesville | | Strengths: | Good feel, not as harsh as aluminum. | | Weaknesses: | Rear deraileur not replaceable. Me. | | Similar Products Used: | Only test ridden other bikes. | | Bike Setup: | XT everything (except cranks - LX-170's), Manitou X-Vert 100, Rock Shox suspension seatpost, Mavic 517, Tioga tires | | Bottom Line: | Bought originally as a 1997 model, but the frame broke and was replaced with a 1999 (absolutely no hassles from Fisher or the bike shop - many thanks to both!). With new frame, upgraded everything and have enjoyed every minute.
Was a lot lighter without the seatpost and 4" travel forks, however, I raced two races this year and finished fourth in both behind Specialized FSR, Cannondale and ???. Who needs expensive equipment to do well?
Great bike for the money. Ability to upgrade as desired without getting too deep into the pocket book. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown, MA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks | | Strengths: | Reasonable price for getting into the sport
| | Weaknesses: | Components not durable enough for real off-road use. After 3 years, the only original components left on the bike are the GripShift shifters, v-brakes & levers, crank arms, granny chain ring, and stem. Even the frame cracked (replaced under warranty -- cudos to Fisher for standing by their product). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850, Bridgestone MB5 | | Bike Setup: | x517/XT wheels, XT front/rear der, Shimano 535 pedals, WTB SST98 saddle, 1997 steel frame replaced with 2000 aluminum Genesis frame under warranty, rigid fork. | | Bottom Line: | When I originally bought it, this was the most expensive bike I had ever owned, but in hindsight I would have saved money by spending a bit more initially for a bike with more durable components, since I ended up spending over $500 on individual component replacements/upgrades within the first 3 years of owning this bike. By the way, I am not a teenage gonzo bike abuser -- I am 36 and do 1-2 short rides per week from spring through late fall, but I do ride aggressively and enjoy rough, technical terrain. With the upgrades, this was a competent bike that was fun to ride and gave me the confidence to improve my riding skills. After 3 years on the HKEK, I was ready to invest in a higher end bike (IF Deluxe). The HKEK is now my commuting bike (hence rigid fork & fenders). Note that the 2000 and 2001 HKEK's have better components than the 1997 model, so my experience may not be as applicable to the new models. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Brewer
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Poto | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | I bought this bike as a frame only, and it was a sweet deal for a Chromomoly/Vanadium frame. Nice steel ride, and while not light, it is not heavy either. Genesis geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Um...while not really a weakness, the Genesis geometry took a while to get used to. The light front end wanted to wash out until I figured out how to set up the fork and tire pressure (i.e.: light for both!) | | Similar Products Used: | A lot | | Bike Setup: | '98 SID with Englunds, Ti bar, XT, Machine Tech hubs, Mavic rims, Kooka cranks, Thompson Elite | | Bottom Line: | This is basicly the same material all the big frame builders use (Breeze, Ritchey, Fat Chance, etc.) but you don't pay the big name price. With all the high end components on my Large (19") frame, it weighs in at 24.0 lbs. Not bad for a steel frame. It is a sweet-riding bike, climbs like a mountain goat and desends just as well! The frame is worth upgrading (seems a lot of people complain about low end components) and makes a very nice cross country bike.
If you are looking for a flashy bike that will get a lot of compliments; move on, but if you want a bike that really works then this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefan Boulangerie
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I got this bike a couple of months ago and got a pretty good deal. Great bang for the buck and climbs like a champ. | | Weaknesses: | I blew out the front tire on the first day out and then the rear tire the second. Maybe I am good but I think the tube may be a bit suspect. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 6500, Moab 2, GT M80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus 545 clipless | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Now that's a bottom line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Decently light for lower end bike, the tires have lasted me a long time without wearing too much, the fork has proved strong and has been working great with out repair since day 1 | | Weaknesses: | Way too much low end shimano stuff that cuts down on the bike's perfomance, the bike has also started making squeeking noises at the breaks and repair and inspection have not helped this. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, Fisher Mt. Tam | | Bike Setup: | Cross Crountry, have made several upgrades to XT | | Bottom Line: | If your wallet is really pressed I guess this is a pretty good bike. It will hold up and almost never need repair. If you can though, I would recoment buying a higher end hardtail such as the Mt. Tam. The bike is full LX which is not good if you are a serious biker or ever intend to be a racer. Other bikes I have checked out and loved are KONA's. KONA makes the best bikes i have seen for their price. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fox Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Steel feel, component mix for price, geometry | | Weaknesses: | wimpy wheelset, mushy brakes, fork is too flexy | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Hammer, GT Zaskar, Cannondale F900 | | Bike Setup: | Avid Arch Rival 50, Manitou X-vert, beefier wheelset | | Bottom Line: | Excellent handling bike for the price, climbs well, but the fork, cranks and wheelset can't stand up to excess jumping. Shifting good, bulletproof reliability and decent weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Component mix, cost, frame | | Weaknesses: | pedals | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer XC Pro's, clipless, Sachs chain, LX brakes, RS seat post | | Bottom Line: | The bike handles beautifully in most conditions. The front end is a little light on uphills but controllable. I'm 6'4/240 and love the steel frame. It is comfortable and responsive and well worth the extra weight. The only problem has been occasional chain suck when shifting between the small and middle front rings. The Genesis geometry is for real. The handling is exceptional. The stock Avid brakes were a little flimsy under my weight, but the LX's work fine. I'm very happy with this bike. I won't be upgrading to a more expensive ride as soon as I thought. 5 chili's for price and value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Steel. Nice Component mix. Nice looking. Value. | | Weaknesses: | On the Heavy Side | | Bike Setup: | Sid XC, Race Face Turbine LP cranks, Magura Hydraulic Rim Brakes, WTB SS 98 saddle, Panaracer Fire XC tires. Otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | After one year this bike has held up incredibly. I have upgraded several components, but this was not because of breakage. The bike climbs and decends extremely well. I'm around 235 lbs and have put about 1500 miles on the bike. The paint has held up well. I can't say enough about the ride of this bike and the qualities of the steel frame. This will be the last hardtail that I buy for quite some time....knock on wood. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SiK
a Downhiller
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The shore baby! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Steel, wicked for trials with the short chainstays and high stem I put on it, looks real fast.
| | Weaknesses: | Thin stays, fork, FLAT BARS, tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky, Brodie, Nishiki | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer DH Pro's, Avid 20 brakes and 2.0SL levers, Club roost risers, BulletProof flat pedals, Manitou SX fork, Envy ring thing, shorty look alike stem, and some creativly placed peices of tire on the frame protecting the stays and downtube. | | Bottom Line: | Im not really a DHer, but Im definetly not a cross country racer. My seat never goes higher than 2 inches,my tires never hold more than 40 PSI, and I dont ride clipless.
I loved the bike outa the box, but right away those tires had to go. They always plowed like a tractor in the corners and offered no pinch-flat protection. Try some hardcore tires one day, they make you feel like a hero in the rough stuff. Other than that and the lack of risers (which is a matter of preference)I didnt see any immidiate changes that needed to be made. The drivetrain has held up very well considering what I put it through, other than a broken freehub. I am very surprised that the wheels have held up to my punnishment, but I will still upgrade to Alex dblwall rims when they come out. This bike is great for the money and very strong, although I dont like the look of those thin little stays, Im afraid to blow right through them.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River & Chick-a-pee | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Price, steel, geometry (pregenesis)98 model in a sick green that grown on you. | | Weaknesses: | Tossed the RS for a Z3 Lite. Way better for my 165 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Novara Pondarose, Specialized FSR Sport Dualie, Giant Pondarosa rigid. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock except the Z3 Lite fork,riser bar & RS seat post. Call me retro but I like toe clips. Onza Porks 2.1 front and rear & a 12 X 34 in the rear. | | Bottom Line: | Can't beat this bike for the money. Handles on a dime and has not broken. Bontrager parts are very good but the saddle had to go. Real back breaker. Low tech Specialized saddle was a good move.
$875 out the door. Can't beat that.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
duke
a Weekend Warrior
from san francisco
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | redwood area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | almost everything | | Weaknesses: | drailure, saddle and???? | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn moab2 and specialized m2 | | Bike Setup: | indy fork, 99 frame, lx crank, stx-rc dralure,.... | | Bottom Line: | this is a very good bike ..i like it very much ..however, i change the saddle to save my generation and thinking of changing the suspension fork and the drailure, too.....anyway ....this is very good responsive bike ...frame never fail i do a lot of jump and downhilling on this bike and still hold up in good condition...but now, i am the one who is not in good condition i have a fracture elbow...so the bike is good, it just wait for you to be a better biker... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from wilmington, de
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fairhill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Bang for the buck. The steel frame has a worderful feel and very good feedback. Genisis geometry lets you climb like a mountain goat. | | Weaknesses: | Many of the steel framed bikes are not assembled with a quality shock, or light wheelsets. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, brigstone mb1 | | Bike Setup: | upgrade to full xt, Bontrager race wheelset, Bontrager rac lite crankset, marzochi z2 superfly shock. | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for the money. I recomend that you upgrade the derailures, and shifters to xt. I also recomend that you swap the wheelset for a bontrager race and swap the tires to revolts. Many times the bike shop will work a deal with you. The best thing that you could do with the indy fork, and the sugino crank is after you take them off, chuck them in the weeds. The fork is too mushy, and the crank weighs a modest 890 grams. After all the upgrades, you have a $1200 bike that can climb the himalyians and weighs in at 24.5 lbs. I wish gary fisher kept on making a steel bike for the old fashion aggresive rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BIKEMAN
a Weekend Warrior
from ROCKFORD,IL
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ROCK CUT STATE PARK | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
GREAT STEEL FRAME,COMPONENTS ANDPRICE. | | Weaknesses: |
NEED CLIPLESS PEDALS | | Bike Setup: |
TIME PEDALS | | Bottom Line: | STARTED TO RIDE LAST YEAR WITH A TREK 800 SPORT. PUT A 1000 MILES ON THAT ONE SO IT WAS TIME TO UPGRADE. I LOOKED AT A LOT OF BIKES. THE HOO KOO E KOO GAVE ME THE BEST BIKE FOR THE BUCK. SOME HAVE SAID IT'S A LITTLE HEAVY. THATS NOT A PROBLEM. I STILL HAVE WEIGHT ON MY FRAME TO LOSE BEFORE I SPEND A LOT OF MONEY TO LOSE WEIGHT ON A BIKE.
ENTERED MY FIRST MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE LAST SPRING.I TOOK SECOND PLACE IN MY AGE GROUP (50 TO 54).I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SPRINGS RACE.
I HAVE PUT 1300+ MILES ON THE BIKE AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marko
a Weekend Warrior
from Ames, Iowa
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Steel frame, component group | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
I over-researched:
Specialized Rockhopper FS A1 Comp, Trek 8000 & 7000, Fisher Big Sur, '98 HKEK & Aquila, Marin Pine Mountain, K2's, GT Ricochet, Cannondale F400. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | I test-rode a lot of bikes over the summer, after deciding to FINALLY replace my vintage (okay, just plain old) '86 Diamondback this year. I really liked the ride of the '99 Fishers best, and I narrowed it down to the HKEK and Big Sur. Finally decided I really liked the ride of the steel frame, though the BS was fun to ride, too. Then I waited until the end-of-season sales came up, and nabbed my favorite dealer's last HKEK in my size for $675. It's a blast to ride, and I hope I can keep this bike's awsome frame in business as long as I did my last frame. I have to give the bike 5 flamers...at the current year-end prices, it's a great buy on an awesome bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Parrish
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mercer Island, WA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Crystal Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good componets. Brakes are awsome, good at cross-country, Icon clipless | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy (Cro-Moly), Shocks are not the best (Judy) | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Sid Shocks | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike for beginners. Can be upgraded to make lighter. The price is right for all the componets. I recomend all gary fisher hard tails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max L.
a Weekend Warrior
from Englewood, Co.
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Frame is awesome, LX, XT components are great for a bike in this price range. | | Weaknesses: |
Fork | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 8000, Fisher Big-sur, Kona Pahoehoe | | Bike Setup: |
Z-2 fork, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for a little less than a month, and I have been totally impressed. The frame geometry works well, and just feels right. The new fork really brought the bike to life. Best of all, I picked up the bike for $900 WITH the Z-2 fork! If you like Cro-moly frames, this is definetely the best value out there. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross-Country Rider
from Milton, Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hilton Falls | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price, Steel!!!, Design | | Weaknesses: |
Pedals, Fork | | Bike Setup: |
Upgraded brakes to XT, Time Aluim Pedals, Z2 Atom Bombs | | Bottom Line: | This is my second mountain bike, the first was a Raleigh (this might actually be my first real one). So far I am extremely happy with the bike. It handles really well on the technical rocky terrain I've got up here. It's also great on the smoother stuff and simply makes climbing a dream. I find I'm able to climb in a much higher gear then I was able to before. The bike seems very nimble with it is pushed on the tight twisty trails. the most important thing for me is the steel frame. There was no way I wanted to subject my small framed body to the punishment of an aluminum frame. This frame is stiff enough, the gussets really help. I find that the frame has very little lateral flex and just enough vertical flex to make the ride comfortable. Some people complain the bike is a bit heavy, but I'm sure if your swapped out some of the components you'd lighten her up pretty fast. Overall I'm quite pleased with the bike and happy I bought it. At this time I have to give it 5 flamers because there really isn't anything to warrant less....
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
austinbika
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Porcupine Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Great bike for the cash | | Weaknesses: |
none that i know of | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, Balance, Specialized, pretty much any major bike brand i have tested | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | I only test rode this bike once, but that was in the rough trails of Austin TX, they say the austin zip code has more broken frames than any in the U.S. nonetheless... i am mainly writing to respond to naysayers about the fisher warranty. if you got a run around about the fisher warranty it is because you local bike shop is morons or a--holes. i work in a fisher shop and i have seen the fisher warrabty to be impeccable. should the frame fail, they send us a new one, no questions asked. in fact, i just sent back a 6 year old fisher paragon frame, which they replaced with a brand new frame with no hassle. i have worked in bike shops for 4 years, and i am just a lowly wrench so i really dont care how many bikes fisher sells, but i assure you this, fisher has a very good warranty, and the genesis geometry does work.......... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lubbock, Tx
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Palo Duro Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong yet solft riding
reliable XT Rear
Judy C OK | | Weaknesses: |
Little flexy in the rear fork, add a Gorilla Arch. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 8000, Schwinn Moab and HG, GT5000, All the Joshuas | | Bike Setup: |
factory except upgraded to XTR brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is the best $750 bike in the universe. It has put me in the ER twice because I thought I could do stupid stuff. The ride is smooth yet quick handling in the single track. Climbs super. Nice plush ride on long cross country but will still run the hills. Makes the Trek feel like a roller skate with steel wheels. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Gibson
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
700 acres | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great bike for the $$
Though a bit heavy you cant break the thing, and I have tried | | Weaknesses: |
weight, needs clipless pedals. | | Similar Products Used: |
trek 800
Gary Fisher Kai Tai
Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: |
factory. | | Bottom Line: | I come from a BMX background and ride like I am still on my Robinson. I have yet to cause any damage to the bike other than untrueing the wheels. This is my first REAL mountainbike and though I am already saving for a new one, I am very happy with what I got from the bike for the money I spent. P.S. Next time you go to the emergancy room tell them James said Hi | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anders
a Weekend Warrior
from lincoln, ne
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
platte river | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
handles like an absolute dream! great components, great value - great name | | Weaknesses: |
upgrade to clipless | | Similar Products Used: |
trek 7000, trek 8000, klein attitude comp, gary fisher big sur | | Bike Setup: |
factory | | Bottom Line: | great bike for whatever you do... costs virtually nothing, and all because of the incredibly strong, triple-butted steel frame, i suppose. reacts as if an extension of your body. i had little experience with actual hardcore, singletrack trail biking, but this bike makes a first-time rider feel like a pro... rock on fish, but lose the ego - and the soul patch. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Whistler BC | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Value, componentry, handling, control | | Weaknesses: |
Front derailer sometimes gets a bit jammed...maybe I should oil it some more | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondale, GT, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
STOCK | | Bottom Line: | Bought in October 1998, it was my first real mountain bike. Since then I've clocked over 1,000 miles on it with very little wear. The bike is perfect for me...I commute to school every day on it and take it up to North Georgia and North Carolina on the weekends. It's a very tough bike that doesn't mind being beat up. It handles just as well on the roads as it does on the trails. Because I was so happy with this bike, I recently invested in a 1999 Fisher Joshua F3...another great product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shannon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fairfax
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
fountainhead | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
price, frame | | Weaknesses: |
ICON clipless pedals
STX front derailliuer | | Bottom Line: | Good buy for $800. ICON pedals will break when ridden hard. Upgrade the seat, pedals, and front derailler. Use the money you saved from buying this bike and go skiing in Montana. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward Price
a Cross-Country Rider
from Charolette, NC
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Looks cool. Mucho bike for the money. Shipped with LX crank rather than the STX speced. | | Weaknesses: |
Pedals. Not a big fan of the WTB STX saddle, but that is more of a preference thing. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, GT, Cannondale...yadda yadda | | Bike Setup: |
Stock + clipless | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Climbs well, but the front end gets really light on steep technical trails. Great on downhills and really is fairly comfortable on XC rides. After having steel and Al bikes, I think I like the steel better, much more forgiving. Bottom-line: It is going to be hard to beat this bike for the $. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Groundskeeper Willy
a Racer
from Ontari-ari-ari-o
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame, Component Mix, Price | | Weaknesses: |
Dubious finish work,no clipless peds, chintzy seatpost, silly bald men with goatee image | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 7000, 8000, Rocky Mtn Hammer, Kona Explosif, Oryx Equipe 4000, Hardware Store Clunkers, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock setup, added SPDs | | Bottom Line: | Color me surprised, my HKEK came with an LX crank (thank god), triple bottle braze-ons (whatever), but no replaceable derailleur hanger (arrgh! But do I really need one on a steel frame?). What a frame though, eh? Despit what Fisher says, it's just True Temper OX Gold, and there's probably about .01% Vanadium in it, but: this stuff is stronger than Reynolds 853 (most 853 frames use steel that has a yield strength of 180 to 205 KSI, OX Gold rates in excess of 195 KSI for all applications), even the best new aluminum frames don't top 55 KSI, so don't crash them! Genesis geometry is marketing pap for a frame roughly sharing the geometry of a Rocky Mountain machine, very stable going down, a bit wheelie prone going up, so taller riders should set their saddles a bit more forward than usual, very fast all round. The paint work is a bit rough in spots, the bottle cage bolts are underbuilt and a bit sticky, and all those decals better not peel. No build trouble, though, my frame was quite true on delivery. Almost impossible to get components of such quality for the price elsewhere, thanks to Trek's parts bin probably, but the finish on the seatpost is very poor (for the price, do I care?). Only nimrods obsessed with XTR and CNC machining (forging is stronger, by the way) will want more. All parts have proven crash worthy so far. Fork is fine in this price range and works well. Weight whingers evidently ride $6000 Litespeed rigs every day, Cannondale, Klein, Diamondback and others can't beat the weight of this bike (complete) without charging much more. I would have liked clipless peds, but most spec'd pedals in this price range are garbage, so I'll BMOP, thanks. In the end, for the price, I can overlook the few niggling complaints and award five infected whatsits (gee, I guess I can't call 'em what they look like without offending the kiddies, ho hum, it's a dreary world)without any guilt. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Downhiller
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Decent component line for the money, good frame design and relatively light for the 9 ring rear. | | Weaknesses: |
Had a frame alignment problem, rear triangle was tweaked and tire wasn't centered between the seatstays. Delivery of new frame was 2-3 weeks. Oh well. | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant, Trek, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
Got money back for using my own shock, put a Manitou FS and works damn good. Also, put on Shimano Deore XT brakes and direct pull levers, works better. | | Bottom Line: | Despite the slow delivery of a new frame, the bike is worth every penny, and still have not seen as good a deal as this for the compenent line, the bike design and the weight. Also, the Bontrager line helps the looks and the parts are well made. I would take a star away, but the bike kicks a$$. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
duke
a Weekend Warrior
from san francisco
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
purisma creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
light steel bike | | Weaknesses: |
pedal should be clipless
also bad customer service | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized, gt, other | | Bottom Line: | for the bike, it is a good, responsive bike, but as long as the customer service is very badddd!!!The reason is because i warrantied my defective frame and the new frame that i get is also deffective but eventhough it does not really matter but again i am not paying for deffective bike. then i want to warraty my frame again but i will get another labour charge to dissamble the bike which is redicules as it is the company's fault, thus i give the bike 4 star,,but overall only i fire as they give a very bad customer survice | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig C.
a Cross-Country Rider
from VA.
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Looks, value, performance. | | Weaknesses: |
I've had some problems with the chaing rubbing the guard on extreme gear combos, but it is probably just an adjustment issue. A little on the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale F500, F600, Schwinn Moab 2, Specialized, Trek, Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: |
Stock w/Clipless | | Bottom Line: | On my first ride I climbed 2 very steep hills that were always too tough for me on my old bike. Not only did I make the climbs, I made them in 2 gears higher than normal. Genesis geometry is for real. I though it was just hype, but you can really tell the difference on climbs. One thing that I did notice was that the front end did seem to have a mind of it's own on climbs. Possibly because I had so much weight over the back wheel. So far, it has been an awsome bike and I have no real complaints. I'll try to review it again in a few months. But for the $, I think the HKEK and the Big Sur are pretty tough to beat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billw
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Middlesex Fells Medford, MA | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very comfortable feel, excellent components for the $, climbs like a billy goat. | | Weaknesses: |
A little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 830, Cannondale M800, Klein. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is so much fun to ride. I'm going on trails that I would've never tried on my other bikes. The Genesis Geometry is great, you can really feel it help your climb. I looked at a couple of other different bikes and this bike had the best feel by far. I highly recommend this bike for anyone shopping in the $800 range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Ausrin, Texas
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Forest Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Everything | | Weaknesses: |
Nothing | | Similar Products Used: |
Lots of other hard tails | | Bike Setup: |
Stock with clip-less | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best handeling and rideing bike I have every ridden. I have not found any problems yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harley
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Marin Headlands | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The damn thing fits perfectly. The longer top tube and genesis geometry are comfy to ride and I have yet to lose traction on the rear wheel while climbing. The front wanders a bit on climbs but it's easy to get used to. The geometry is great for decending too, I can't believe the drops i'm smoothly riding over. This is a great bike, deal with the bit of extra weight and you pay less and get a strong steel frame. | | Weaknesses: |
Get rid of the pedals and throw on clip-less. Front-end wander when you're way back in the saddle while climbing or decending but you learn to control it. | | Similar Products Used: |
trek, bontrager, marin. | | Bike Setup: |
stock, Judy C, Ritchey pedals. | | Bottom Line: | best bike you can get for the money. steel rules! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
nice geometry, light enough, handles well | | Weaknesses: |
I have to agree with Racer-X miserable customer service. Their warranty is completely meaningless. They will not honor their word. They give you the run around. Fisher is Trek; I would not buy any of their products again. Too bad Gary Fisher sold his name to Trek. The bike should come with clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I actually have no complaints about this bike except I hate the cage and strap pedals. It could use a riser bar also. It handles well; is good climbing and on downhills. The steel frame and Judy shock absorb vibration really well. Still if a warranty and customer service mean anything to you look elsewhere. If it wasn't for the bad 1 year warranty - which they would not honor 1 week after purchase - I would give the bike a 4, but I have to take off half. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Russellville, AR
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Womble | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Steel frame is great, | | Weaknesses: |
Needs clipless pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek | | Bike Setup: |
All Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike has held up so far. I love it. It is the quickest thing on the trail. It is actually pretty light for steel. It is extreamly comfortable. It gives me great control too. I once again give it five flaming dog popos' | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
X
a Racer
from X
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
NONE | | Weaknesses: |
THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE! | | Bottom Line: | DON'T BUY THEIR BIKES, YOU'LL REGRET IT! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Just purchased the 99 Hoo Koo E Koo. All of the reviews were right on.Outstanding bike. Looking forward to many years of riding the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Russellville Arkansas
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
womble | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
everything | | Weaknesses: |
nothing | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awsome. it has a great fork, componets, and frame. the genisis geometry really helps. i am very sick of all you WEIGHT FREAKS who think steel bikes suck because they are to heavy. It may be harder to get up hill but that is called great exercise. i get get up that hill just as fast as anyone else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mcfee
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
This is a great bike! up in canada it is $1600
thats not bad you get so much! I just think the bike proforms so well. I have been in two races sence i bought the bike and finished both in the top 4! before i would make top 10 and thats about it! | | Weaknesses: |
Needs clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | kewl bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hrvy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Price | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Bottom Line: | I have got my HKEK for 2 years. I ride 3-4 times per week (all off-road) and never have had any problem with HKEK. All equipment is OEM exept SPD pedals and brake booster (AFT). I bought bike in Zagreb (Croatia) for price of 850 $. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from Tahoe, CA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
MICHEAL DEGAUSSEME, a racer from PORT COQUITLAM, B.C., is a dumbass (read his review of the Paragon). If you're a 6' fat-ass, you shouldn't be riding a race-worthy bike; you should be on a stationary bike in the gym designed to get abused by bumb, fat ass like you. I've been riding HKEK for two years now, and it performs beautifully like any well made bikes I've ridden in the past. Tahoe area has awesome single-tracks, downhills, technical jeep trails, steep drop-offs, and slick rocks you can't find anywhere. Everything you'd ever want from a ride can be found in Tahoe vicinity (sorry Moab). HKEK took on everything Tahoe has to offer and survived it. The true-temper steel frame is comfortable on long xc rides, stiff enough to handle tough climbs, and balanced geometry tackles tight single tracks and steep downhills. It's not the lightest or tricked out bike you can get, but how much praise can you say for a bike that cost me $600 to get? Simple and it works. I race about 10 times a year (xc and mountain tri-) using HKEK for fun. It never failed on me and performed well. Only upgrades I've made so far is Bontrager risebar and SPD pedals. Other than that, all OEM. Too bad Gary doesn't make high-end steel frames anymore (he stopped making the Supercaliber using Reynolds 853). Steel is real. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C-money
a cross-country rider
from Blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my 99 HKEK frame after getting fed up with underdesigned lightweight stuff that can not take the abuse that I dish out often in large portions. After breaking 3 brandX carbon fiber frames in two years i decided to get back to the real steel world. I race 10-15 times per year but don't call my self a racer. I just live to ride and happen to race some because the VA series (kyle's real one) has the sweetest epic-est race courses east of CO, maybe anywhere. Back to the review:
First off the genesis geometry is freakin' dial-o-rama for xc riding. My boys from h'burg (props up) didn't lie when they said it was the sh!t, better climbing traction, stabler descending position, a desire to fly that skys huge obstacles like no other. I nearly cleaned a very tricky 1000ft singletrack ascent on my first ride, -in 3 inches of snow. At that moment I knew I was in love. The frame is beef with gussets and sweet joints and realy nice detail. Perfect for very techincal singletrack riding, heinous rock problems, deadly descents, shetchy climbs, switchbacks, everyd@mnthing. The beef of the frame adds up to about 4.5 lbs, which is more than advertised (4) but definitely worth its weight in gold, or should that be true temper vanadium. I am giving this beut all the sphincter scorchin' props I can. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a weekend warrior
from Louisiana
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I like my Hoo Koo E Koo. I've (unfortunately) been in two of the worst bike wrecks of my life in the last 2 months and I'm still sittin pretty on my tuff ass HKEK. I weigh 180 and this bike is invincible. I wish it were lighter, but its low cost has allowed me to upgrade it exactly the way I want.
M. Degausseme should at least own this bike before slapping a poor (one pepper)rating on it. Too bad I gotta give the old beauty 5 flamers; I wish there were 10. Brett | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thom
a weekend warrior
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my '99 HKEK 5 days ago after all kinds of problems between my dealer and Fisher. I went for a get acquainted ride and loved it. First off, the thing looks sharp. The black rims and spokes give the tires an even more off-road look. And red is definitely a fast color (think sportscar). A couple of surprises I found were the LX cranks instead of the STX-RC spec'd in the catalog. And unfortunately no removable derailleur hanger. But maybe that is because it is still early pre-99. I am coming from riding a rigid fork bike for the last 5 years so I can't criticize the Judy C fork. I don't know too soft from too stiff but it sure helps my arm weariness. I seemed to have some problems with the Mega 9 Drive Train on the road to the trail. Middle chainring and somewhere in the middle cogs kept jumping or skipping or something when I really stomped on it up hill. Maybe just cable/chain stretching because I did not notice it after my ride on my way home. The trail I rode was not very tough except for the newly fallen leaves on moist Georgia clay and roots.
Overall, the jury is still out on 9-speed but the components on this bike and the aggressive geometry make this a fantastic deal at $800 US. I looked a lot before I laid my money down and so far I think I did real well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lohnes
a weekend warrior
from Woburn, MA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
As a die hard roadie I selected this bike based on several factors. First I ride a custom steel road bike with a long top tube and wouldn't you know it the HKEK with it's Genesis geometry fits me like a glove. Second, the component group is top notch for an entry level racer. Third the bike is a real good looker. I've got about 10 hours under my belt so far and love the bike. Stiff enough when I stomp it it, yet the Vanadium/CroMo is a nice supple ride. Bike is slightly heavier than Alum but I can live with that. Front fork which is the new Judy C is a bit soft for my size (180 lbs.)but I'll work on stiffening that up. We'll see how everything holds up over time. The sweet set of Bontrager Corvair wheels are very light and hopefully will hold up. It still amazes me how anyone can make money putting all these nice components on a sweet frame and sell the whole package for $800. By the way you'll need to can the platforms and straps for clipless pedals. Lastly here's my vote for best LBS in MA. The Cycle Loft in Burlington. | | Overall Rating: |
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