I bought the SuperCaliber as a frame only, 16", in '00. It has enough room for a 2.35" rear tire, and can take all the abuse you can give to it. I only weigh 150lbs, but I've never noticed any flexing or other issues from hard riding. My frame weighs exactly 3.0lbs, and doubles as a sweet "road" bike in the wetter, colder months due to its light weight (just add road tires and a rigid fork!).
I'll ride this into the ground--which will probably be a lot more years--and then have a custom frame made to its dimensions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg, PA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Ages well! Wheels are phenomenal, original shock still working!
Weaknesses:
None, considering the age.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 Aluminum, Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Original wheels, brakes, hubs, shock, gears. Upgraded to XTR front and rear derailleurs, club roost handlebar.
Bottom Line:
Found lightly used at a swap meet a few springs ago. I beat the snot out of this bike, but it needs absolutely zero maintenance. The original shock was rebuilt twice (only due to incompetant shop tech) and aside from a small amount of leakage, works well. I am replacing the bottom bracket this winter, and probably the shifters. Aside from a very, very minor wiggle in the front wheel, I haven't had to true the wheels ONCE! The ceramic braking surface is fantastic as well, and I hesitate to upgrade to disc brakes because I know I'll have to spend SO much to find a wheelset as good as this. Buy this bike if you find it at a swap meet or on ebay, because you just can't go wrong!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maciej
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- light and it feels - Bontrager ceramic wheels (and resulting braking performance) - geometry (I guess it is individual, I am 6"3' and bought 19' frame) - atac pedals are brilliant!
Weaknesses:
Let me work on this one. A! the supplied brake pads where crap.
Similar Products Used:
GF Aquila '98 - previous bike Specialized Stumjumper FXR XC - demoed only - not bad GF Sugar 3 - demoed only - comfortable but feels too heavy
Bike Setup:
Stock except seatpost - Thompson Elite, I needed a longer one (410 mm). I am also playing with tires as the semi-slicks do not offer enough grip for me (currently Schwalbe Black Shark 2.1 was put on the rear, Specialized Extreme Masters 1.7 are next in line to be tried)
Bottom Line:
Great bike. This is my first aluminium bike and it is nowhere near as hard as I feared it would be. Genesis geometry works for me. The price was steep but I do not regret a single $ (or DEM as the case may be) - it is a great XC machine and I love it! Makes me want to cry it is winter and my weekends are spent skiing instead of climbing hills on it (that is why I took the time to write the above).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew Whitehead
a Racer
from N. Ogden, Utah Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Deer Valley trail #17 and #6
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This is a way light bike. The frame has lived up to my hard hard riding(broke brake arch off judy sl and popped 6 spokes out of rear wheel)even though it is made for cc racing i used it more for a dual slalom bike.
Weaknesses:
Wish it had more tire clearance by the chainstays. Even though the frame cracked it is because of the 6 foot jumps and dropoffs which it wasn't made for.
Similar Products Used:
GT timberline FS, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Trek 8500LT, Trek Y3, Trek YGlide, K2 Animal, and don't forget good old POS huffys!!!
Bike Setup:
Gonna put Marzocchi Z1 fork, Azonic riser bars, Shorty deluxe stem, Butcher DH rims, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 tires, Syncros seatpost, Diamond Back wayyy spikey flat pedals(scars on shins to prove it).
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for XC racing and riding. But I used it for that then did dual slalom for it and the frame and MOST of the components are still stock. If XC rider get it! If dual slalom rider get a different bike!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Southern Maine Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Windowmaker
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I really thought this was a nice bike. Very comforatble in all conditions. Wheelset is very light and overall weight of bike is unbelievable. Genesis Geometry is a comfortable position for everyday riders and racers. Price was worth it.
Weaknesses:
There really is not many. A lot of flex in the rear braking, possibly due to the powerful new Shimano V-brake.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Hoo-Koo-E-Koo and Lemond Reno
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a X-country Riser Bar and Tires. There's not much to upgrade.
Bottom Line:
The value is great. Manitou SX Ti Fork. Chris King/Bontrager Race light wheelset which retaisl for $800 alone. Full Shimano XT which is almost as good as XTR. Very reliable bike. Great for anyone seeking a fast ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dusty
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa City Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sugarbottom
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The XT components, Bontrager Racelites, SX Ti fork, and Genesis geometry.
Weaknesses:
Immpossible to find one. Ok I guess the barends suck but that is personal preference.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
Stock, for now anyway.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is super fast, light, and climbs like a dream. The Genesis geometry may get some bad feedback, but I really like it, because it corners smooth and makes climbing easier. Also the MRD lock out is great for sprinting, and climbing. I don't race or anything, but I can't imagine a recreational rider needing anything more. This bike delivers and I couldn't be happier, and since I bought mine new for $1800.00 I feel I got a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
malcolm
a Cross-Country Rider
from san diego, CA Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Geometry Spec.
Weaknesses:
Tires
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Stock Supercaliber with XTR crank instead of Bontrager, and Speedplay Pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I've had it almost a month and the only thing I'd switch are the Racing Raptor tires and I'm stuck on Speedplay pedals. It's I just prefer full knobbies. This thing climbs like a tractor and decends well for a hard-tail. I think any part-time racer should seriously consider this bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orono, Maine Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any good XC single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
You name it. Marzoochi Bomber fork Components GENESIS GEOMETRY!! Time Clipless Pedals
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Trek Cannondale F1000 GT Zaskar, Avalanche LE Schwin Homegrown Comp
This bikes is the knarliest ride I have had in a long time. I moved up from a Ho-koo-ee-koo (w/o Genesis). I rode about 5 bikes before purchasing this one. I love the Genesis Geometry. I am 6'4 and this is the most comfortable ride I have ever had. This thing climbs like you wouldn't believes, and gets down anything faster than a $2 prostitute. The zoochi fork is the best fork I have ever ridden. Itliked it much better than either head shock or rock shock. It sucks bumps quick as you can hit them. If you are looking for an all out sweet ride, go Fisching with Genesis (any model) If you are tall, you will appreciate it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Magoo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Acton Vale Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bromont Mt. Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Just about everything the wheels the frame the suspention
Weaknesses:
cheap stickers
Similar Products Used:
F-3000 M4
Bike Setup:
Race Face cranks Bontrager rise bar & grips
Bottom Line:
This bike as held up to all my expectations. It`s all I could really ask for. Even the paint hasn`t started chipping, but I figure I`m just playing with time before it starts to. The Easton frame doesn`t kill me after long rides. The wheels are killer, and the Manitou up front has been free of any problems. In it`s price range there`s plenty of other excellent bikes, and the Supercaliber is worth a look, and a ride. To Corey, in Kitchener. In Quebec Huffy`s are very rare, just like a good LBS that will sell Treks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
potowatomi
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
light, agile, unique geometry, wheelset
Weaknesses:
tires?
Similar Products Used:
super-v, f-1000, obed, bontrager, etc
Bike Setup:
standard supercaliber: mostly xt, racelight wheelset, manitou sx-ti, 9-sp with xtr rear der.
Bottom Line:
i was cautious testing this bike on a 15 mile trail. the genesis geometry felt strange at first, but i adapted. it really works (for me)! this bike flew through everything with poise and grace. the tires (racing raptors) made me a bit nervous, but handled very well. it climbs like a monkey, and the aluminum frame is not as harsh as i would expect. a very fast, race ready bike right out of the box.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corey
a Racer
from Kitchener Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
hydro cut waterloo
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
wheels, fork
Weaknesses:
I would rather have a Huffy frame.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8900
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The Trek 8900 frame is far more superior, the attention to detail is unmatched. Genesis geometry is alright.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam thompson
a Racer
from rockford,il Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
wheels weight climbing
Weaknesses:
mrd lock-out on fork
Similar Products Used:
gt zaskar
Bike Setup:
stock, except for king headset
Bottom Line:
the bike is great, i'm not sure if its the bike or just the low weight, but i feel that i can climb alot faster and in a bigger gear. i love to climb, and i rarely stand, so the lock out lever is a pain, i would rather be able to adjust my compression dampning. i have to take the fork apart to adjust it now. otherwise the fork is great. i love the grease ports.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jc
a Cross-Country Rider
from indy , indiana Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
wheels,frame,fork
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
trek 8900
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money! no upgrades needed
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross-Country Rider
from Miami, FL Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Oletta River Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
geometry, handling, CLIMBING
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
'98 supercaliber
Bottom Line:
This year's model is a little heavier (seat tube diameter, disk brake mount in rear) but it's not noticeable. I actually prefer the Manitou fork to last year's SID- no air leaks to worry about. I also like the paint scheme better than the XTR-equipped Procaliber. This bike climbs like a goat.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Thenhaus
a Racer
from Boulder CO Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Bontrager/King wheelset Easton Frame
Weaknesses:
XT Brakes Bontrager stem/bar/post
Bottom Line:
The overall ride of this bike rocks. It handles like a dream and loves to catch air of rollers and rocks. The Manitou fork works well; if you don't blow the dampening. I blew the compression dampening on the second ride! opps! I also ditched the over designed XT brakes for a pair of XTR's.Bottom line: worth your bucks!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
m.magoo
a Weekend Warrior
from Acton Vale, Qc Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt Bromont
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Bontrager wheelset Time pedals Easton frame Fisher warranty
I've own a 97 Hoo Koo E Koo for two years now, and it was time to move on. That bike was very reliable and it never let me down. Rims and paint were only fair, that all. This Supercaliber I'm hoping will do me even better. Genesis is ok for me. I've only had this bike for a week and I don't understand what all this stiff frame and uncomfortable ride is all about on Fisher Program hardtails. I will post another update soon. This Fisher ROCK'S. It's lite, It's fast, It's blue.....It's a FISHER. Belle Machine Gary ;)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chad
a cross-country rider
from seattle Date Reviewed: January 19, 1999
Bottom Line:
i have had mine for about a week and a half and so far so good. spec on the bike is diff from catalog due to the delay on the bont. race lite cranks ( changed to xt). also seatpost is a race instead of the race lite. weight is 23 not the 22 as quoted. i work in the largest shop on the west coast and have owned many bike in the past, half boing, full boing, no boing. frame is light and not so beat your ass up like large tubes but not as supple as my ti bike. wheels are very quick in the get go and the parts are good ( all other bikes are xtr ) fork w/ lock out is fun for climbing and damping adjustment is noticeable. tire suck for up here in the winter slop but hopefully work wonders in the dry. kinda $$$ for a hardtail but thats priorities for the $ impaired. genesis is a copy of the rain city brand from r&e cycles in the u district from the late 80's. people who have those true temper frames cherish them. geometry feels funky at first but give it time and the bike becomes part of you, isn't that what it's all about? i have owned lots of small builders frames and it is about timeone of the biggies did it right
Overall Rating:
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