Submitted by
John
a
from Bath, somerset Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Fast, light and great to handle.
Weaknesses:
Due to the lightweight tyre's, i've suffered three punctures in to years, not bad
Similar Products Used:
Barrucuda and Muddy fox
Bike Setup:
Usual setup for the GF Tam
Bottom Line:
The best bike i've ever owned and the thought of using another bike only makes me sad. Once you go gary fisher you never go back. I've had this bike for nearly 2 years and the novelty still hasn't warn off. I love this bike as much as i love life itself, Gary fisher lightwieght bikes are the most easiest and fastest bikes i've ever come across.11/10
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Wolfe
a Racer
from Brevard, NC Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Easton Aluminum, Genesis Geometry,
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
GF Big Sur, GF Sugar 3
Bike Setup:
XTR Cranks, XTR Brakes, XT Shifters and Levers, Easton Carbon Bar, Cane Creek Thudbuster, Selle Italia SLR Saddle, Yeti Grip wit Odi Locks, Bontrager RE-1 Pedals, XT Cassette, Manitou Mars Fork, Thomson Stem, Syncros Lil' Snapper Rims with XTR Hubs, Cane Creek C2 Headset, XTR Skewers, and WTB Racing Raptor Tires
Bottom Line:
There is no better frame on the market and this 99' Gary Fisher MT TAM is best frame I've ever owned. The orange speckled paint and stickers make this bike as unique as snow in Florida. I bought the frame on ebay recently and built it up. We had some sun here today and I went for a ride in Pisgah and realized that I had the perfect bike. I wanted to support my local bike shop "Backcountry Outdoors" so I went down this morning and let their mechanic put it together. I couldn't be more pleased with the performance and the weight...just 23lbs and that was with the Thudbuster which is a bit heavy. I am really impressed with the rigidity of the frame and how well it climbs. The XT front derailer makes shifting a breeze and the non-offset rims actually climb better than the offset Bontragers I have on my other bikes. Overall if you can find an older Fisher Frame with the Easton aluminum I would highly recommend you go for it. Not only will you have something that is of much better quality than the new stuff, but you'll have something unique.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeroen
a Cross Country Rider
from Eindhoven, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
French Alps
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Very stable downhill and lots of grip uphill due to the geometry! Parts are OK for XC racing. It was the cheapest bike in its class at the time (Since that time the Euro only devalued which makes very nice US bikes a bit unattractive...)
Weaknesses:
Because your weight is on the rear wheel due to the genesis geometry, you have to concentrate on putting downforce on the front wheel in turns. Or else... eat dirt, or worse: Rock.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 970, upgraded with XT/Mavic517 Wheels
Bike Setup:
Stock setup with some changes:Hugi240 hubs/Mavic517CD rims/DT revo spokes/Schwalbe FastFred tires/Flite/Time pedals
Bottom Line:
It flys uphill, due to the geometry and my light wheels and tires. (I recommend Schwalbe FastFred tires to everyone! They weigh in at 355gr each, and they still are a real 2.0inch so you won't bounce off your bike + a lot of grip for a semi-knob) Handling characteristics are OK. My bike weighs in at around 10kg, which is very OK with me. More recent top Fisher frames are appr. 250 grams lighter by the way! The SID'99 has to go once I can afford a SID SL'01! It functiones OK, but caused me many leaking problems. I stopped this by keeping the main seals covered with fork oil, but that makes it more sticky. I'd buy another Fisher if this one breaks or gets stolen. Without having to pay the small car like price for the top Fisher bike, this is the best alternative for XC racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chase
a Racer
from memphis Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
top of the line frame, geometry, well thought-out spec
Weaknesses:
lx bottom bracket, poor tires, cracked rear rim (but replaced under warranty in under a week!)
Similar Products Used:
barracuca, cannondale, klein
Bike Setup:
everything stock but xt square taper cranks, sram catridge bearing brake pads, time atac pedals, split time between ritchey tom slicks, speedmax alpha and omega, and hutchison python air lites.
Bottom Line:
amazing frame. stiff! great parts spec (excluding bontrager tires and pedals). really had no problems with the bike for a year and a half. none! ok, i did find a crack in my rear rim, but i am a big boy (185 lbs. in the offseason) riding 6 days a week on a radially spoked wheel. i am amazed it lasted a year. other than that, i have just recently started getting normal wear and tear problems, like the bottom bracket, brake pads and cables. i did the smart thing and swapped out pedals and tires before the bike left the shop. i have had no problems with the 99 sid, but i have heard that some batches are better than others. i must have been lucky. great for all day rides or races. i even throw 26x1 slicks on the wheels and stiffen up the fork and go for long road rides. i love this bike... especially for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenwood Village, CO,USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bergen Peak/ Wild Thing @ Keystone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Wheatcyclery
Strengths:
This bike is a real climber, and it flys on the downhill, too. Nice light frame great components except tires, I changed 'em. I swapped out the seatpost also, the original was too short.
I just love this bike. For technical singletrack riding it gets the job done exceptionally well. I don't think I'll ever out grow it, and I plan to race it next season. Anybody looking for a stiff, light race ready hardtail should consider this bike. If you don't go for it on the trails forget it. I have over 300 miles on this thing in less than 2.5 months, this bike makes you want to ride!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JB
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
The quality alu frame with the genesis geometry, SID XC, XTR\XT, Price
Standard, but with Hutchinson Gold tyres and Nokian Extreme and rear Mavic 217 gold rim
Bottom Line:
I love the genesis geometry with the short stem It's the best. I have never tried a frame like that. The components are good exept of the slick tyres and the weak rear rim, I broke it totally and had to buy a new one. A Mavic which is much stronger than the Bontrager. Now I'm going to buy a riser bar and with knobbie tyres, It's a perfect forrest- bike for me. But I should Rock Shox could give us a SID pump included to the fork. I like this frame and bike very much and I'm pretty shure I'm buyin Fisher next time too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adambomb
a Cross Country Rider
from Agoura Hills, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Backbone Trail System
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Genesis geometry and componentry are tops. It's a pretty light bike. The price is very good for a bike of this quality.
Weaknesses:
The tires are not well suited for the loose terrain around here.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale and Specialized
Bike Setup:
Stock except U.S.E. XCR Shock Post and Michelin tires
Bottom Line:
The bike is awesome. You really have to take some risks to find out what this bike will let you do. The Genesis geometry allowed me to keep my center of gravity further back so I was able to descend much steeper drops with a lot more confidence. It's no slouch climbing either. Actually, it rips on the climbs, especially single track. The stock tires (Racing Raptors) were not designed for loose terrain so I was a little disappointed, but that was easily fixed with a tire change. I'm really impressed with this bike. Looks like Fisher did their homework out on the trails. If I decide to start racing again, it will be the perfect rig.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max Nealon
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wood Canyons
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Geometry, Weight, price (I got my frame on a close-out deal). Overall Ability is stunning. Quality of the welds is first class, and there was not a blemish to be found on the paint when new. Very Spacious quick to throw around the trail.
Weaknesses:
None found yet, astheatically the Nascar paintjob is a love or loath talking point. At least you can find it when you throw it off the mountain. Also the paint is taking a hammering, and looking a little abused already.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Specialized, Access etc Most anything light and sub 2K built. Replaced a Giant Chromo H/T.
Bike Setup:
Bought as just a bare frame, loaded with XT/XTR drive train, 2000 SID SL fork, XT hubs/SubIV rims, XT/XTR Brakes/Shifters, Carbon bars, Mythos tires etc, WellGo Pedals (really). Nothing that it does not need, nothing to slow it down,weighs in at just 21.8lbs without bottle holders and spares :)
Bottom Line:
The frame is simply wonderfull hugely forgiving, and dynamite fast over rough terrain. My choice of components has given me a supurb X/C bike that I may be racing this year if I can get fit enough. Jury is still out on the SID SL howver, this years is better than last years, but feels flimsy, and requires a lot of looking after. I may swap this out with something a little tougher for none-race-day usage, and throw it back in if/when I race it.
The frame is much more of an uphill screamer than a downhiller, very, very, fast uphill and on the flat it is good enough to embarass a roadie on the way to the hills (this is something I like to do).
I love the geometry, I like the extra length in the top tube as I have long arms, and can run a relatively standard length headset.
If you are looking for a raceable machine at a good price, this is a really good direction to go in.
I have given it full-house of 5's because I bought it clearance, but had I paid full price, I would not really reduce this !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Augsburg, Germany Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Woods at Augsburg, Italy
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Climbing, Steering, Single Trail, Genesis. Good old HardTail-Style at its best
This bike is the best. I wasn't convinced at first that the genesis geometry would make a difference. But then I tried it and compared it to my old bike and others when I was ready to buy. There was no comparison to be made. Not to mention the set-up up it comes stock with. The XT/XTR drivetrain and Sid XC up front. And I was quite surprised as to how well the avid brakes worked. I was planning on switching them over to the XT brakes and levers, but never did. Instead i used that money and switched the handlebar for the Easton Monkey Lite bar. The only two weaknesses were small easily fixed ones. I had the hardest time getting the pedals to work right. Either they were too loose or too tight and the rear tire was a bit too slick for the trails I ride, but that was easily fixed by swithching that out. This bike definitely kicks ass and i would recomond it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Marine
a Racer
from Setauket Date Reviewed: December 17, 1999
When spec'd correctly, this bike rocks! I built it up from a bare frame over time with a Judy XC fork for that plush coilspring thing, LX cranks (I know, I know)XT stuff and nice strong Bontrager Mustang ASYM's. So far, I've had no problems whatsoever. It climbs like a bottlerocket, eats singletrack for breakfast, and accelerates like a scalded cat. The paint and graphics are the only drawback.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Garcia
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz, CA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
geometry/frame fork drivetrain saddle
Weaknesses:
rear tire (replace it) front wheel in mud finiky pedals
Similar Products Used:
Specialized M2 Pro
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
For the money, I think this is the best hardtail out there in it's price range. The bike is quick, light, and handles perfectly. It carves through singletrack like you wouldn't believe. It's geometry makes even the longest climbs easy, and the frame inspires confidence on both fast and slow/knarly descents. However, the rear tire should be replaced b/c it has terrible traction, (esp. in winter). The front wheel tends to warp/bend on corners, and in mud this means the brake pads rub the rim, (this is very annoying when climbing switchbacks when it's wet). But overall, this bike is OUTSTANDING.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Shackley
a Cross-Country Rider
from El Cerrito, CA Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cockscomb, Sedona, AZ
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The Genisis geometry is the best I've ever ridden. It's tight on narrow single track (i.e. Boggs Mtn, CA), and fast on fire roads. The Avid 4.0 brakes are certainly as good as disc brakes, and much lighter. Unlike others, I've had no problem with the SID shock (300 miles).
Weaknesses:
The stock WTB slicks are terrible. I replanced them with WTP Velociraptors immediately. The center-pull XT frt. der. is difficult to adjust. The stock Bontrager pedals are unpredictable; replaced them with Ritchey.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F2000 (not even close)
Bike Setup:
Replaced stock seat with WTB STR.
Bottom Line:
For a relatively small rider, Fisher's Genesis geometry is excellent. The SID shock is plush and very adjustable. I assume the 2000 model RockShox SID has eliminated some of the seal problems. I would recommend this bike to any XC rider who races once in a while.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from CT Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Genisis geometry, xtr rear, SIDs(sweet)
Weaknesses:
Racing Raptors, xt crap and race crank
Similar Products Used:
none my first sweet bike
Bike Setup:
race face crank full xtr(firstthing got ride of xt) race face carbon handlebars(red ahhhhh), race face
Bottom Line:
this bike kicks ass and thats it the SIDs you should only race with though but i practice with them. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY THIS BIKE THE FIRST THING YOU MUST DO IS GET RID OF THE TIRES THEY ARE BAD NEWS AND THEY SUCK WITH TRACTION
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bee & Dam trails @ Skidmore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Genesis Geometry!!!!! XT/XTR combination, SID XC, Light 'n Responsive
Weaknesses:
WTB tires and seat suck, SID XC,
Similar Products Used:
'99 Specialized M2 Pro '96 Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
stock Mt. Tam, except for GEAX Blade 2.00's, Serfas Kevlar saddle and XT 12-34 cassette.
Bottom Line:
Genesis geometry is well suited to tight techy singletrack. Takes a bit to get used to how light the front end is (less-steep head tube angle) but otherwise handles and climbs like a champ. Miss my Trek (guess somebody else liked it more than i did) but no regrets except that Fisher should sell this bike w/the SID pump (for $1600 you shouldn't have to order one on your own).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Park City, Utah Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame geometry is great for climbing.
Weaknesses:
The 1999 SIDs is just horrible. This shock is like a little girl. When she is good, she is very good, and when she is bad, she is just horrible. At first when seals weren't leaking so much, the bike felt great. Then the seals started to leak and the riding got bad. I had to fill the shock once every four days. I had the seals replaced and they still leaked. Now the SID is sent back to RockShocks for them to fix. Any bets on how long it will take for the seals to leak this time? The WTB racing raptor front tire started to delaminate after a few weeks. Good thing I caught it before the tire blew. The WTB tires have no traction. They wear and flat way too easily. The front wheel isn't as stable as I would like. Since it has only 24 spokes, the rim warps into the break pads when turning corners. Now I can't have the pads for the Avid 40 V-brakes close to the rims, making it seem like there is too much play in the brake levers. The climbing bars are short and fat; making it difficult to grip and not much protection for my hands on the handlebars when going through tree branches.
Similar Products Used:
My previous bike, 1996 Fisher Supercaliber, was a nice bike (damn theives). That bike felt lighter and had less problems.
Bottom Line:
I took a chance forking over $1600 plus tax on this thing. I should have known better since the 1998 SIDs were God awful. However, the review from three different bike shops said the 1999 SIDs were great without any repair problems. I guess this was before they actually tested and rode on these shocks. This bike is a mix-match of high end and medium end components. The XTR rear derailer is great. The LX crank is Okay (you would expect something a little better for the money). The wheels appear as if they were cutting corners. No problems so far with the Avid 40 breaks. The Bontrager RE-1 pedals take some getting used to. These pedals have a mind of their own, one minute my feet fall out of the clips at the slightest lateral movement, the next minute I can't click out. I was expecting a whole lot more for $1600. This bike would be good if it were priced for what it's worth (around $1000).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Kemper
a Racer
from Farmington NM Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Kinsey's Revenge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
This is a great bike. It has to be the best bike i have ever had. Nice light weight frame,good componets.
Weaknesses:
The Fork!! It leaks air all the time. I have had it 3 months and have had to fill it 5 times.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8500 LT Klein Attitude Race
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. Climbs really well, decends even better.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danick
a Racer
from Montréal Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt Ste-Anne
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Amazing frame!!...it's stable on descent, and fast on uphills! It helps me take the leading edge when the going gets rough. However I suggest you get a fit kit because it takes time to get used to the GENESIS geometry. I had to change for a shorter stem.The XTR/XT combo is great and works no.1. Instead of the Avid Arch Rival brakes I upgraded to XTR V's and I don't regret my choice. There is just no maintenance to do on XTR.Most of the Bontrager parts spec'd work just fine...nothing to brag about but they do the job. One Bontrager component that is usually left for granted is the seat post. It is well made and durable. After 2000km of riding it never failed. The RE-1 pedals work good in dry conditions.
Weaknesses:
SID!!!What is going on with SID and RockShox? I never owned a suspension that needed so much attention! It leaks all the time...even after having it rebuilt twice! The first time it needed a tune up was after 200Km (mostly fire road!!!) I never had a problem with a suspension like I am having now. If I keep the bike SID will not be on it!! Being a RockShox supporter for all these years I hope something will be done. The Bontrager Race wheelset is on the heavy side and is close to a LX mounted run of the mill mavic style wheel. Therefore it needs special attention and whatch out for those bearings. They need to be greased often. The freewheel clutch will need to be rebuilt or changed after 2000km (If you are a serious rider that is). I did say that the XT is good but I am having problems with the shifters they just started to fail from time to time (The spring tension is getting bad) I cleaned the whole assembly but the problem remains.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose NX 7.5 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Norco Sasquash Gary Fisher F2 Rocky Mountain Altitude Specialized FSR pro
Bike Setup:
XTR V brakes replaced the stock Arch rival brakes (I kept the levers and they work fine)Michelin WildGripper and Continental Double fighter replaced the stock WTB tires.
Bottom Line:
I would buy this bike again. The positive aspects well exceed the bad stuff. The SID needs attention but when it works...whatch out it's stable and plush. If you are serious about off-road riding try a Genesis frame...it beats anything I road before...even the M2!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smitty
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hope Ranch, CO
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Components Frame geometry Wheels
Weaknesses:
WTB Racing Raptor rear tire
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Blizzard Rocky Mountain Thin Air GT Zaskar Gary Fisher X Calliber Klein Attitude Race Cannondale SM800
Bike Setup:
Stock, w/Ritchey Z-Max rear tire
Bottom Line:
A very well thought-out, well-spec'd bike - especially in the US$1600 range. The SID fork is excellent - plush, highly adjustable, doesn't seem to have the usual Rock Shox flex. The bike is a great climber - this thing rocks on long grinds - though you really need to get over the front wheel on steep pitches, thanx I suppose to the genesis geometry and short stem. A very quick fireroad bike, both ascending and descending (light, though seemingly very solid and not tremendously uncomfortable for an aluminum hardtail). On singletrak, the steering is very quick (for better or for worse), and the frame feels a bit large. Bontrager RE-1 pedals are okay. The stock rear tire just sucks for my applications - though it's probably a fine, fast tire if all you do is hardpack. Fisher swapped out the spec'd Bontrager crankset for XT. This was apparently due to a flaw in the new Bontrager chainrings. XT cranks are of course fine - but other cranks would've been nice. Has an LX bb on an XT/XTR bike - but really can't complain. Thus far, this seems a great bike out of the box, with very little need for upgrade - but allows for that potential (has disc brake mounts, etc.) As I've only done several rides on it, I'll update my review in a few months.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smitty
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hope Ranch, CO
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame geometry, SID fork, excellent components for the $$
Weaknesses:
WTB Racing Raptor rear tire
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude Race Rocky Mountain Thin Air Rocky Mountain Blizzard GT Zaskar Gary Fisher X Calliber Cannondale sm800
Bike Setup:
Stock, with Ritchey Z-Max rear tire
Bottom Line:
Great bike, very well spec'd for the money. The SID is excellent - light and highly adjustable, with a very nice feel. The frame simply fits me better than any other I've tried. And Bontrager components, of course, rock - not the lightest (though light enough), but probably the strongest. The rear tire, however, leaves much to be desired - I swapped it out after one ride. The XT cranks - which are fine - are a bit of a disappointment considering that Bontrager was spec'd - though I understand that there were some problems with the chainrings, so Fisher scrapped the crankset all together. Steering is very fast & sensitive, for better or for worse - I assume this is due to the short stem. It climbs like few bikes I've ridden - especially on long fireroad ascents, though due to the frame geometry, you really need to get your weight over the front wheel on steep pitches. This, combined with the quick steering can make steep singletrak a bit tricky. Very stable at high speeds, though the jury's still out on singletrak handling. As I've only been on several rides with the bike thus far, I've yet to really push its limits - will update my review in a few months. Thus far, I feel I could have spent much more, and not have found a better hardtail.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norwegian Viking
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka, Oslo
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Comfortable geometry. Forgiving rear frame. Great selection of components. It's light.
Weaknesses:
I'd prefer a pair of knobbys instead of the Racing Raptors. I've had better pedals. I'd be happier if it was equipped with Bontrager Race cranks instead of the Shimano XT cranks.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Kula, GT Zaskar.
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Great handling thanks to the Genesis geometry and the awesome SID forks. At high speeds it's stable, and not as nervous as other bikes I've had. Even if the frame is a bit longish, it never feels long. It's still quick round corners, perhaps due to the short stem. Jumping is a dream,- it's light and therefore suitable for some acrobatics. I'm really impressed with the rear frame. It doesent feel as brutal as other aluminium bikes, but lateral siffness is still there. I don't know the weight of the Bontrager weelset, but they feel light. And the SID is simply the best XC forks on the market. But I think it's a bit simple to make us pay hard cash for the SID pump. It should have come with the bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MATT C. (procal 1)
a Racer
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
goat path baby!!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
SOrry kevin k. but a the procal is better than the mt. tam
Weaknesses:
not a procaliber like matt carlson's
Similar Products Used:
procaliber
Bike Setup:
mt. tam is lower than procaliber but it still rocks baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
Matt Carlson's Procaliber (custom built) is better than Kevin K.'s Mt. Tam sorrk kev its only the truth!! FisherFisher Baby!!!!!!!!!! Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher Fisher RULES!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bristol, RI Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Big River
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Much smoother ride than my cannondale.Very stable and confident blasting the singletrack.
Weaknesses:
Have not found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stump FSR, cannodale raven 2000
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
light and stable, race ready out of the box.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giles Wooltorton
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ashtead Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Box hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Weight components Ride
Weaknesses:
paint chipping
Similar Products Used:
Marin bear valley
Bike Setup:
as sold but changed tyres to conti xcountry
Bottom Line:
This bike is a complete set of very well thought out components attached to the most highly tuned and tweaked frame producing a truly great ride experiance.It realy is that good. However there are a few downers. The 9 speed needs to be kept away from thick mud or it will start to skip and you will cry when you chip that lush paint job.also take off the plastic chain guard it rubs against those sexy black spokes.So a bike that does exactly what it should and maybe a bit more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Jacksonville, FL Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hardrock MTB
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Genesis Geometry and 6061 T-6 Al. frame. It is very light and responsive in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet
Bike Setup:
XT-XTR,Race Face cranks and BB, Bontrager Race Light wheels, Manitou Carbon SX fork.
Bottom Line:
I have never ridden a bike that is as responsive as this frame is. I bought the frame and custom built it. The bike weights 22.4 lbs. That is sick for a mtn. bike. The geometry and frame quality is what makes this bike what it is. The shorter chain stays make it super fast and easy to control with excellent climbing, especially on long, drawn out climbs. It is incredibly comfortable and super light. It actually weights less than some very high end ti. bikes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Belgium Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
De 6
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Responsive, fast, good drivetrain, good downhill control
Weaknesses:
Bumpy, breakes, hubs, not super fast for road racing.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Pine Mountain, Trek 930, Sunn Revolt
Bike Setup:
I replaced the seatpost by a USE suspension seatpost + Michelin Wildgripper Tires
Bottom Line:
It´s a great bike if you race in difficult conditions, epecially mud, rocks and roots, tricky single tracks etc. The bike has great accelleration. In downhill the bike is fast and reponsive. Only the breakes make that you are a bit carefull because the breaking distance is rather long. I tried a large number of break pads but this was not the answer. It´s a good climber but not on the road because the SID starts pumping. A negative remark concerns the freewheel of the Bontrager System Wheels. I needed only 1.5 months to destroy it...poor quality hein. I feel it is a good bike but I guess when you are looking for the best, this is not the produt of your choice. Anyway it is a good toy and I advise it to every MTB speed addict.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hemmesaurus
a racer
from University of Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Mt. Tam is good. It is the goodest piece of easton 6061 that i have ever owned in my good life. The SID's are so good, they react to everything and enable me to be gooder than the pack. I took out the Re-1 pedals which i heard were good and put my 747's on there which i felt were gooder. I used to own a StumpJumper which was a good bike but I feel that the ride on the Mt. Tam is good and smooth, its a stiff bike and climbs like a good billy goat on El Capitan. Genesis geometry is much gooder than what I have had prior to this, I go fast and am able to corner and steer very good. Five chiles is good but I wish I could give it six.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric alexander
a racer
from erie,pa,16508 Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
the mt. tam has every thing that anaverage xc racer would want to have when they are moving up in the classes in the norba circut. the components are great o9n the bike especially the sidS in the front and the xtr-ish bontrager crank set the MEGA 9 drivetrain is the best for going DH and i love the genesis geometry on the whole bike, it makes the ride/race much more comfortable and adrenaline rushing when you come across the finish line in the top 3.
Overall Rating:
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