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Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | Good components nice tires light weight | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike
Good Hardtail | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Knaffle
a Cross Country Rider
from Hillsdale, MI
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | fort custer | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Kettle Moraine | | Strengths: | For the money, I don't think you can get a better bike. Great components, sweet paint job (especially compared to the 2001), and an overall very functional bike. | | Weaknesses: | Seat was way hard. Stem was too short.
Frame is cracked in two places, but its been that way for 3 years, so I just keep riding it because they haven't made a frame that looks as good as this one since 2000! | | Bike Setup: | Velociraptor tires front and rear, new seat, longer stem, XT front deruilleur, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Can't beat this bike for the money. I love mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeroen
a Weekend Warrior
from Arnhem, Holland
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Veluwezoom | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Strengths: | Geometry and quality components used | | Weaknesses: | Not a real weakness but finding replacement parts for the Bontrager components is hard when most of the shops only sell Shimano (compatible) parts... | | Similar Products Used: | Marlin '99 | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept front derailler and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | After riding the bike for well over two years and eating approx. 6000km of dirt with it I think I am entitled to chew on some minor details.
The problem with the Bontrager parts (crank, bottom bracket, rear/front hubs) is that it is hard to find substitute parts here in Holland and if you do you do not have much choice or variation. So, if I ever buy a new bike it will be all Shimano components (except for Magura brakes).
I changed the drive train twice since I purchased the bike. I think this is normal because there is not much left after 2 times 3000km :)
I had the bearings of the rear wheel including cassette body changed ones but that problem hasn't come back. And what amazes me the most is that the Bontrager RE1 pedals are still holding, the look awful but keep going!!
The bottom line is that I think that I will be riding this bike until the frame breaks!
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Triolian National
a Weekend Warrior
from Shreveport
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bodcau | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | weight/price | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | xt rear/lx crank | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Its light and strong, kicks ass on climbing. It had a few upgrades when I bought it, but I love it. The front end does get squirrely on climbs but I am light at 155 lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johan van der Heijden
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Schoorl, The Netherlands | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Tromm, Amsterdam | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Value for Money | | Weaknesses: | Front Suspension Manitou SX, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | LX - XT, Manitou SX, Bontrager Wheels, steering and seat, Avid brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I love the Genesis Geometry. Especially climbing becomes fun with this! I recently broke my frame, but it will be replaced by Gary. Great service!! The reason I bought this bike is the good value for money balance. It performed well in European Alps, Belguim Ardens and the dutch mountains (just joking). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sHasta
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line of Charlotte | | Strengths: | Frame, wheelset, and pedals. | | Weaknesses: | Fork, (Mantiou SX I believe) | | Similar Products Used: | GT Tequesta, Mongoose IBOC Comp, GT Zaskar, GT Ruckus 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the exception of grips and tires. | | Bottom Line: | I have ranged from ~210-240 during my time owning this bike and it was taken a beating. For some reason I cannot seem to break this wheelset. I folded the rear wheel on my Ruckus like a soft taco, but these cheap-o bontragers take a licking (although my 170lb buddy bent the front one a little.. thanks Mark). This bike has been smashed into tree, droped off a bridge (along with me :( ) laid out on a rock garden, hell I have done 3-5ft drops with no problems. At first I did not like the bike, but after the hell that I have put it through.. I love it. The fork is the only down side, a bit sloppy, what can you ask for with a sub $150 fork? .... it hasn't broke.
Also, I would like to add if you are in the Charlotte area and in search of the best bike shop, goto Bike Line; Shane, Cory, and Brian will hook you up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Issaquenna | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Trails End | | Strengths: | Great componetry for the money, Genisis Geometry is great for climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Stickers are horrible, and I had to upgrade my brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | None, I love this bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, expect I put Avid Ti Brakes and a Body Geo Saddle on, and Time ATAC clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT GREAT bike for the money. If you are going to do some light racing, but mainly just having fun, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stark
a Weekend Warrior
from Highland, CA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Bear | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Still a great bike. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, brake levers, rear tire. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | replaced seat with terry liberator, added thudbuster seatpost, panaracer fire xc rear tire, deore brake levers | | Bottom Line: | After two years, I still really like this bike. I also have a sugar 2, but actually prefer the big sur for trails with more down than up hill riding. It would be nice if you could lock out the front shocks for riding on pavement. The addition of a suspension seatbost is a great improvement.
Somehow I bent the heck out of the small chainring but it bent back and works just fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Powell Butte (No where else to go) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bikes | | Strengths: | Good frame design puts over the rear tire for better traction. Pretty good components LX, 80mm. Bomber Air Shock. Good brakes (for V-brakes) | | Weaknesses: | Rims bend easy | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike for the money if plan on riding for a while. It's not a hardcore downhill bike, but it can take a thrashing. If your an intermidiate mountain biker this is a good bike. (The shock kicks @*%) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, some stock components (XT rear, LX levers, re-1 clipless pedals) | | Weaknesses: | Most other stock components (seat, bontrager rims, tires, bontrager crank , manitou SX fork. As someone said before ugly too | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Rocky Mountain. | | Bike Setup: | Added continental tires, titec handle and bar ends, raceface crank, and 1664 bmx pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike originally for fast commuting around the city but have been using and abusing it on trails. I like the frame very much but I had to send away the fork after 3 months because the steer tube came loose which wouldnt be a big deal but the service from manitous distributor or whoever fixes it was terrible and for some reason I ended up having to pay for it. Also if u wreck alot of chain rings the first thing you'll find out is that a regular 4 bolt ring wont fit very well on the bontrager comp crank, it will work but you could be in trouble if the chain slips off. The only chain ring that u can get is the racelite which is about 100 canadian loonies. Im slowly adding better and tougher components to this bike, and it is good for its money so im giving it 4 flaming poo's but overall with the bontrager components its only gets 3 flaming poo's. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan K
a
from Toronto, On
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | excellent price and excellent bike. | | Weaknesses: | No weaknesses. I think it is so ugly.... that it's beautiful. So this isn't really a weakness. | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike for a very very low price. If you can find it get it (by I doubt you will).
good luck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Halligan
a Cross Country Rider
from South Salem, NY
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Good parts for the price. Nice geometery fits me perfect.
| | Weaknesses: | Rims | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, Specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Marzocchi Z3 coil, WTB X3 seat, Easton riser EA70 bar | | Bottom Line: | Great riding and handling bike.
Strong frame, I need it Im 6'1" and 250 lbs. Bought the first one, Nov 99
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a rod
a Cross Country Rider
from jax
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles etc | | Strengths: | frame genisis geometry, | | Weaknesses: | cheap seat | | Similar Products Used: | hoo koo e koo, raleigh,trek,giant | | Bike Setup: | stock except saddle and computer | | Bottom Line: | great trail bike especially for the price great setup for beginner all the way up to big time racer. love this bike five flamin chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Belmont
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville,TN, USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamilton Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$579.00 | | Purchased At: | sun and ski sports | | Strengths: | Light weight,strong components,Genesis geometry | | Weaknesses: | Rear RacingRaptor tire needed to have more knobs, so I got a VelociRaptor 2.1, Bike climbs much better | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, execpt that I changed out the back tire to a WTB Velociraptor 2.1 | | Bottom Line: | Wow what else could be said about a Fisher Big Sur. I love this bike, If i ever have to buy another, it will be a Gary Fisher for sure. I was looking for the 2001 BIG SUR when i spotted the 2000, glad i got the last one they had at Sun and Ski, it's a much better spec'd bike than a 2001 model. Thanks to the Bike Shop Staff at Sun and Ski for the great deal, you guys ROCK! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, MA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | Salem Cycle | | Strengths: | Great beginner bike for price/value. Genesis geometry fits me very well. Quality components, LX/XT, Bontrager bars, stem, crank and wheels. Solid fork takes a beating. Lightweight for the $$. | | Weaknesses: | Had rear tire replaced based on previous reviews. Saddle is hard, but I grew to like it over time. The bike should have been spec'd with the Manitou SX-R instead of the SX. I would like the customability of the SX-R, but it is not worth upgrading right now. The pedals suck in the mud, but that appears to be true of 95% of the clipless pedals out there. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwin Mesa GSX/Moab, Trek 4900/6500, Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Stock, for now. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, for the money it is a superb bike. I will keep everything stock until it breaks and then worry about upgrading. I ride it pretty hard on XC trails and commuting and I am a big guy 6'2" 230, so I need a bike that can take a beating. I have had no problems with the crank like others have, and the saddle only hurt for the first couple weeks, now it feels better on long rides than others that are softer. I had a problem with the front derailer not shifting into the granny gear, but my LBS was able to take care of it no problem. I also was experiencing wrist soreness on longer rides, but a pair of bar ends helped out immensely by giving me another hand position. I have enjoyed riding this bike so much that I want to go out and buy a Sugar right away. But, I will wait a year or two for my skills to catch up with the enthusiasm I now have for MTB that this bike has created. I will write another review in a few months, it will likely be positive too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Flower Mound TX, USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO | | Strengths: | Fantastic Climbing bike? Great price for component group. Much better than 2001 model. | | Weaknesses: | REAR TIRE Replace it with a more agressive tire. The stock WTB saddle is way too hard and needs o be replaced. The AVID brakes are a bit on the weak side. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager crowbar comp riser bar. Bontrager FS 2000 saddle, great saddle!
Panaracer DH 2.3 tires | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. If you can get your hands on a 2000 model Big Sur grab it! Nothing can beat it for that price. I have ridden this bike hard and it keeps on going. This bike climbs better than any other bike I have ridden. The geometry is outstanding. I strongly recomend this bike to anyone who wants to ride hard and doesnt want to spend a fortune. This is one bike that you don't have to worry about pushing too hard and if you somehow manage to outride it, you are good! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from New Haven, CT
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Zane's Cycles | | Strengths: | The Big Sur is an excellent bike for the price i paid, the Fisher Genesis geometry is totally awesome, and the 2000 is way better than the 2001. It's lightweight and fast, just what i need for the trails and road. The shocks are fine and alot better than the junky ones on the 2001 model. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is really hard and im on my second drivetrain (derauillers, chain) in three moonths or so. The seat isn't too great, and i need to invest in a new one. The rims are ok, but i've already gottem them trued about a dozen times, especially the back ones, i really like the radial lacing, but I will be replacing the rear wheel soon. The tires that came on it wore out really quick and get no grip in the loose dirt and rocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Trek 8000. | | Bike Setup: | Almost all stock, but i got a stem with a farther reach because the one that came on the big sur was a little to short, and i was in-between frame sizes. Other than that, my Big Sur is about all stock. | | Bottom Line: | The big sur is a great bike for the weekend trails and the daily ride to school, i fell in love with it when i got on it and still am. I dont know any adults that ride it, i'm 16, but i've convinced 2 of my friends to buy a fisher, and they like 'em alot. It's light and serious, just buy a new seat when you get the bike. And think about the prices for a new set of wheels down the line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Costa
a Racer
from Malverne, NY USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Skytop Quarry | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | North Shore Cycle | | Strengths: | This is a great bike, amazing ridequick handling, especially in corners. I LOVE GENEIS GEMOETRY, gotta have the aggressive riding stance. Componenets are high quality for the price, and the manitou SX is a great performing fork. | | Weaknesses: | The wheels suck through and through from the tires to the rims. I've had to replace spokes many a time, and i've already replaced the back rim. Put on Mavics with Shimano XT hubs. The Racing Raptor tires suck, they offer no traction unless you are in the desert, they wear wuickly, and suck in climbing in loose stuff. I have Panracer TRailblaster's now and I love them, much better ride. The seat like everyone says sucks. I replaced it after about two months of riding. Eventually going to get riser bar and upgrade the cranks which are alright to Race Face or XTR. Same with drivetrain compnents | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Switchback, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat have WTB gel saddle, and put on Shimano 546 Clipless with replacable aluminum platforms. Going to add new cranks and riserbar sometime soon and upgrade drivetrain compnents to XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, A classic I've ridden the 2001 model and it doesn't compare. This is a great ride and its obvious Fisher paid a lot of attnetion to its performance in making it. Best bike I've ever ridden. lightweight, good components and wouldn't trade it for the world. I've have this one until i snap the frame in half. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Megan
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattke
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs & handles with ease. I love the feel of this bike. Great components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Got rid of the seat the 1st day. The pedals broke about the 3rd time I rode her. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. I love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clément
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, On
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mountain goat - good component/price ratio - looks | | Weaknesses: | saddle, pedals, «choking» front Deore derailleur | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Stratos - Kona Muni Mula | | Bike Setup: | I've customized my Big Sur with a Selle Italia flite gel saddle and Time atac pedals | | Bottom Line: | I really enjoy riding with this precise MTB apparatus ! Except for the front derailleur (which fails at shifting when needed ... and which will be upgraded when it breaks) my customized model delivers an excellent ride in a variety of conditions : a real treat! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Alberta CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great suite of components for the price.
Confidence inspiring frame geometry.
Very light weight for price. | | Weaknesses: | The seat feels pretty hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Specialized, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Replaced Deore front changer with LX.
Swapped out pedals for Time Alium.
Put on fat / sticky hand grips | | Bottom Line: | What a sweet bike! Everything works on it like a Swiss watch. And since I weigh less than 150 lbs I wanted as light a bike as I could afford and the Big Sur seemed to fit the bill. I am impressed with the way the bike handles and love riding up & down steep hills that I was afraid to go on with my old piece of junk. Genesis geometry at work?
Buying the 2000 model at clearout prices sure didn't hurt either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeroen
a
from Arnhem, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Veluwezoom | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | Roelofs | | Strengths: | Absolute superb frame and good selection of components for a bike this price. Really got me hooked on cross country riding. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailler, changed it for a LX
I'm still not sure of the rear tire, for now it's summer out here and the tracks are dry, but I definitly will change for the fall. It will probably be worn long before that ;) | | Similar Products Used: | Used to ride my K-mart type of bike (<$150) and had to repair it twice a week for it just fell apart from riding the dirt tracks. Got some milage on a 1998 GF Marlin and I was pleased with the way it handeled so I went to the local dealer to take a closer look at Gary's bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except front derailler (now LX) | | Bottom Line: | I think I agree with most reviewers posting here. The 2000 Big Sure is the best buy you can (could?) get. The 2001 version is definitly not the same component selection.
I've read complaints about the seat and the pedals, but sofar everything is just great!
All work and no play.... is zeker niet gezond :)) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean Myers
a
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Lifesport | | Bottom Line: | Just another update for ya. Having now hammered on this bike for a few months, its holding up very well. Even the Bontrager cranks are holding out after an earlier failure and replacement (I'll stick with 'em unless I have another problem). The wheelset is super solid, the shifting remains positive (though the front is not the greatest), the fork (Manitou SX) is like new. Only problems? The damn seatpost won't stay put no matter how much I tighten it up; it keeps slipping down on me. Drives me nuts. I finally switched grips after numerous hand-numbing rides (a $7 upgrade - big deal). Also, I get kind of a floating feeling in the rear end too, like a fish-tail thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
g Bambam
a Racer
from toronto
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | urban | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath on Bloor | | Strengths: | HANDLING. Gorgeous feel, Slick as $h!t. Fast on the acceleration. Slick wheelset....never wants to stop rolling. Genesis is great. Manitou front forks are very responsive and plush. Handles stairs like they werent there. XT rear derallieur is SSSSSOOO nice and buttery. | | Weaknesses: | Comp crank is a bit heavy but still quite stiff, but I switched to an LX crank and its SAWEEET!. Seat was gone in three seconds, found a Brodie stock seat with anatomical cushioning for 12 bucks. Put on a wide semi slick on the back and moved the rear Raptor tire (a semi slick) to the front and its coasts like Zuess's lighting. GOod for pavement racing. Didn't like the straight bar and low angle for my height...Put on a Kona DB riser bar, and kona stem to raise it. Stock clipless pedals are plastic and i've eaten through the housing and the clips are cheap. Front forks could be lighter, but its hardly worth noting as they are a good performer. | | Similar Products Used: | Had a Tassajara but, although alot of fun and quite perky, just wasnt up for hard pounding with the stock components and the lack of Genesis geometry. So upgraded to this and wont look back. Tried a GT Aggressor and it was nice but not as good a deal in components and a little too tricky in its geometry rather than racey. Kona too - a close call but Genesis won me over. Specialized stumpjumper or one of those hoppers or something....all the same....nice components but just not as nice a feel as a Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | lx crank, lx shifters and levers(stock), Avid 10 brakes(stock), Bontrager Superstock rims and hubs (sweet, light, AND stock!). kona stem and riser bar. Michelin Rock tire (smmooothhh). XT rear derallieur. | | Bottom Line: | Once I put on the LX crank the bike performed as though it were a part of me. Fast and acurate handling. Speedy startup. Stiff too. The bike makes we want to keep going. Awesome uphill ease. I pass by people all the time without strain, and watch them struggle. The paint job is nice if you want to be on the track and showing your stuff, but if you live in a big city where theft is common, then the paint job just screams "I am worth dying for to steal me!" So I used black cloth Gaffer tape used in film production to cover the whole bike (yes the entire frame and fork). But now its looks cooler and less conspicous. Someone thought it was carbon because of the matte finish of the tape. It also protects the bike from chipping and dirt so whenever I take the tape off the bike will look showcase new. Did that with the tassajara and peeled the tape off to sell it. Bike looked bran new except the back cassette. ANyways. Go get a Fisher. You'll love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, frame, and good balance of components | | Weaknesses: | Tires | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper M4, Trek 8000, Cannondale F600 & F700, and Schwinn Moab 1 | | Bike Setup: | All stock (LX Crank and LX front derailer) except add a Thudbuster suspension seat post | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for its price point. The geometry allows you to climbs like a goat, and decend faster while maintaining control. The components are good. When I purchased my bike I took the advise of other reviewers and purchased a model that had the LX crank and front derailer. The stock tires are OK for trail and hardpack; however, if the conditions are wet or muddy forget it. The saddle is OK, once I broke it in (100 miles or so). I have had the bike for less than a year and it is great. Overall, I am very pleased with my bike. I would highly recommend this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Wolfe
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, NC
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line Charlotte, NC | | Strengths: | After riding this bike for six months..this is my second review. This bike is fast, durable, and incredibly smooth. This is a great bike for intermediate riders, but can satisfy the demands of a more experienced rider. I just bought a Cane Creek Thud Buster and I'm faster than ever. It climbs great and is stable and responsive on the down hill. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, headset and seat post, but just bought the Thud Buster...what a difference. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3, Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | 100% Stock except for Thud Buster seat post. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike with better components than the new 2001 Big Sur. A solid investment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Dunn
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, Ga, US of A
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | yellow river | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$929.00 | | Purchased At: | Peachtree Bikes | | Strengths: | Fork, shifters, brakes | | Weaknesses: | seat, tires, petals | | Bottom Line: | One of the best hardtails, especially for under 1,000. Good Shimano components, although the pedals broke on me after about 3 months. Doesn't compare to a Sugar, so if you have the money, buy that. Gary Fisher rules anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve McCluskey
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow, Scotland
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any I find! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Bikes, Glasgow | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, good balance of components compared to other bikes in this price range and its very light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle was very uncomfortable after my first few rides but once I had worn it in and got used to it, I had no further problems. I'm also not to keen on flat handle bars. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Caldera, Cannondale F500, Specialised Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Straight out the box. | | Bottom Line: | Firstly I checked out all the reviews here on the above bikes before testriding and deciding and like everything it comes down to personal preference. I'm 6'3 and decided to go for the L frame as I prefer slightly smaller bikes for throwing around and also for a bit of clearance for the old nuts. The bike is very light, don't listen to the anyone that tells you it's heavy and the Avid brakes do their job nicely with a very quick stop time. The riding position takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do you'll never look back. It way out performs anything that I tried on test and due to the genesis geometry the stearing was super responsive. It's kind of like a bike with power assisted steering. The tyres gripped reasonably well in the notorious wet Scottish mud and even though they are a bit thinner than what I'm used to (Continental Kevlars) I had no problems even at speed. The only thing that I would eventually change would be perhaps a hydraulic disc on the front and a decent suspension seat post. Only because I found that V brakes get a bit clogged up at the front in the wet mud and I'd prefer to keep my face from looking like a scrap yards dog! and like anyone else we'll always want more on our bike!. All in all it's a kick arse bike from Gary the man, so buy it!. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, DE
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$820.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | Geometry, weight, and wheel set | | Weaknesses: | the back tire sucks (got it changed before I bought it), the pedals are not the greatest (switched back to my old 747s), and the seat will ruin your chances of ever having kids. Replace that right away! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for a new seat, 747 pedals, and a new back tire | | Bottom Line: | The Geometry on this bike is amazing. It is so much more comfortable then my Rockhopper. As long as you change that seat out before your first ride you will be amazed by this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stark
a Weekend Warrior
from Highland, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | sycamore cyn, fullerton loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great frame, good wheels, nice paint job, got GF to sign my frame (he was making an in-store appearance). | | Weaknesses: | The back tire suuuucks. If you climb anything softer than hard pack fire roads, the velociraptor 1.95 will slip. The front tire isn't much better. The only thing worse is the pedals.. they'll be replaced shorty with some nashbar clipless. The components are on the low end, but a new front/rear derailleur is cheaper than the next model up. The brake levers are kind of cheesy too. The seat seems ok, having padded baggy pants helps a ton. Shifting can sometimes be a problem when climbing, but I may just need to adjust them as the cables stretch and break in. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried new trek, scwinn, specialized, liked the fisher frame and ride even though it came with lesser components. | | Bike Setup: | stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | If you can get it for around $700 and don't mind spending some more on component upgrades, it's a great bike. The only limitations on the components have shown up when riding tough, hilly, rocky singletrack. Everything works great on beginner/intermediate trails. Keep in mind the frame is top notch: it's what you're paying for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Santiam Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame, XT rear derailleur, LX components. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle has to go! Don't even leave the store with it! The tires work well in the dry hard stuff, but here in Oregon, those conditions are hard to find most of the year. | | Similar Products Used: | Barracuda A2T, Specialized Stumpjumper, Rocky Mountain Stratos, Schwinn Moab 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, got one with the LX crank and shifter/brake set. Specialized MTB Comp saddle was added for comfort. | | Bottom Line: | If you can find the 2000, with the LX crank instead of the Bontrager, buy it! The 2001 model has been drastically reduced in terms of quality components, etc., I wouldn't even bother looking at it. I have not had the same problems with the Big Sur that others have had, the pedals are still working great, and shifting has been smooth and quick. I made sure to steer clear of the Bontrager crank, and the LX/XT group is working really well. I like the wheelset, they have stayed true, but I'm no heavy weight, in size or riding style. The only problem I see is with the Manitou SX shock, it seems to be a little softer than I like. Plus the saddle, of course. I could not find a better bike for the money, anywhere, and the frame pays for itself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dean myers
a
from calgary,ab,canada
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Just an update - my Bontrager Comp crankset failed already. The threading for the left pedal stripped 30 minutes into a ride, leaving me pedalling home with one leg. Pretty weak cranks. the pedals seem ok, tho. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dean myers
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary, ab, canada
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tom snow or rundle loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | lifesport | | Strengths: | solid frame, genesis geometry, reasonably good fork, judicious component mix, lifetime warranty on frame, BIG HUGE value | | Weaknesses: | crankset, goofy stock tires, 70's handlebars, seat is pretty woody, but there's always prep-H | | Similar Products Used: | gt ricochet, norco nitro, trek 8000, different brodie bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock, i guess. manitou sx, xt rear derailler, deore front, lx levers, avid v brakes, bontrager cranks, hubs, bars, and superstock rims | | Bottom Line: | It all comes down to value. If you're like me, and don't want to have to give up food for the sake of a bike, you have to set a spending limit but still get something fun.
At this point, anybody who can find one of these should get a great deal. The geometry of this bike, especially if you're tall, may give you a pleasant surprise. This bike is well balanced for me. Hey - try one out and see it you like the positioning. If you do, look at the stock package. xt rear, lx shifters, avid brakes, bontrager superstock rims, and that manitou sx fork - you couldn't do much better for 700 bucks. Not up to your level? Better pull out some more coin.
One thing i didn't even take out of the dealership is those goof-ball tires - i had them put some ground controls on (its all they had, but at least they're an OFF road tire). The dealership swapped at no cost for me (nice guys at lifesport, nice dogs too).
Bottom line for me is that this was the best bike for the money i could find, and the geometry just happens to work for me. 5 flamin' turds for value, 4 for the bike, because its still a compromise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Schroeder
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | No favorites | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | Pretty light, great fork, and geometry is outstanding | | Weaknesses: | Gary must have a squishy, naturally well cushioned ass to think that seat is even close to comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500 and GT Rebound | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for gel seat pad | | Bottom Line: | This bike truly impresses me with it's consistent performance so far, but MY BUTT HURTS! I go for rides now without ever sitting down. I've ordered an Azonic Lounge Seat off the net. Until it's arrival, I'll be icing my ass. Other than that, no complaints. For the money there is no comparison. Did I mention the seat's a little uncomfortable? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Odie Luman
a Cross Country Rider
from Fargo, ND, Clay
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any one I can find. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels, Fargo | | Strengths: | Light, and FUN!!!! I am almost as fast on it as the Hybrid I rode last season. | | Weaknesses: | Seat and tires. I upgraded the cranks at time of sale. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale H200 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, Bontrager 2000FS Sadle, Race Lite Cranks and Bontrager Jones Tires, Plan to install Bontrager post also. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The season in Fargo is cold and icey. The Big Sur handles like no bodies business on ice. I cliped in after a few hundred feet because I had never felt so confident on the taller framed Cannondale Hybrid. At age 38 my friend thaought I was nuts climbing snow mounds in the parkinglot. goes through snow like a plow, and climbs the plowd snow mounds with a single pedle stroke! I changed the seat after a few rides, and chain has slipped off of the Bontager small ring. (Made ajustments?) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Cycles | | Strengths: | - Climbs and handles technical ground really well
- Basic components are a bargain for the price
- SPD pedals clear mud really well
- Frame feels light for the price so its really easy when loading it onto the bike rake | | Weaknesses: | - replace the back tyre straight away, to quote a UK magazine, don't use these tyres unless there is a hose pipe ban
- I found after 3 to 4 hours of hard riding the saddle became painful
- This is so much not a weakness but I found the riding position took a while to get used to
| | Similar Products Used: | - Cannondale F600, friends bike, felt fragile
- Rockhopper, didn't like the riding position
- Kona Firemountain, first bike, therefore biased | | Bike Setup: | - As standard except put a Tioga XC Back Wheel and in the process of buying a scrotum friendly saddle | | Bottom Line: | I have gone from a steel ridged Kona (which is now part of the London crime statistics).
I bought it to start racing at weekends and for the price you get a really well built bike.
At first it took sometime to get used to the Genisis Geometry as it's set up to put your weight further back. Awesome for climbing but I took me sometime to learn how to ride it down steep technical ground.
After a couple of months of using it I would find it difficult riding anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from San Bruno, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Hamilton | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific bicycles, they suck | | Strengths: | Great framee and parts for the price | | Weaknesses: | The seat, the bontrager cranks (I kept getting chain suck when shifting from the small front sprocket to the middle front sprocked, but a new LX Fixed that, the tires, the cheap paint that chips easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Klein. | | Bike Setup: | added the LX cranks after taking the bike back to the shop 3 times in the first week I owned it due to massive chain suck. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great, but Pacific Bicycle made it hell to get the bike fixed correctly, and figure out that the bontragers cranks sucked. I bought it for a cheap beginner bike, but I think I have found a bike that will last for quite some time. It is fun to ride and with the new LX cranks, it shifts much better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Stanky Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World, Collierville, TN | | Strengths: | The genesis geometry fits great on short torso long legged individuals. Weight distrubution and design did improve climbing and steering response; although, it did make it more difficult to hop logs. The components that came stock were superb except for the rear tire, seat, and chain ring on the bontrager crank. The bike moves like lightning and shifts flawlessly. Manitou fork was comparable to my friend's SID after dropping in some springs. In addition, the bike weighed in at an amazing 24 pounds after minor upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle is heavy and not comfortable at all. The shifter brake lever lx combo is not that cool. The rear tire has serious slippage in moist or soft conditions. Stock chain ring shifted with "crunchiness." Bontrager light superstock wheels feel weak but are very light, We'll see how they hold up, I'll update. | | Similar Products Used: | Caloi, Cannondale, Gary Fisher Marlin 99 01 (good bargain), Paragon (awesome) Hoo Koo e Koo (01) all right | | Bike Setup: | LX hollowtech cranks, shim. 535 clipless, serfas kevlar w/titanium rails, avid AR40 rear, XT front, avid SD2.0 levers, firm ride spring kit | | Bottom Line: | Get a hold of this bike if you can still find one. It is one hell of a bargain! Try to find another medium sized bike weighing in at a hefty 24 pounds. Be sure to ride the bike a couple times because the geometry is kind of tricky when it comes to fit. This is just an intro review, I'll get back to you all with more in depth detail as far as performance and competition once I crank out the mileage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from San Bruno, CA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame, Price | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, Tires | | Bottom Line: | What a killer bike! If you are looking for a great first bike, or a killer hardtail, this is the one. It climbs great and is light - don't listen to the other reviews that say it is heavy. Too many people want to improve their bikes before they improve their riding, and blame their bikes for their own lack of skills. This bike will suite most riders and I look forward to the day that I feel my skills are above its performance - then I will know I'm good.
Downside, the pedals. The broke for me after about 6 months and I ride agressively. Going to put the Time ATAC carbons on.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Wolfe
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah Forest, NC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line Charlotte, NC | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Smooth Shifting on Front and Rear Derailer, Good Response, and its Fast. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are Weak, but Fast. Saddle and Seat Post. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, Kona Caldera | | Bike Setup: | 100% Stock So Far | | Bottom Line: | I bought a Sugar 3 and a Big Sur at the same time and I've mostly riden the Big Sur. It's faster, lighter and is much more stable in the technical sections. This bike is very fast and handles great. I've riden 4 of the most difficult trails in Western NC since I bought this bike and it has performed beautifully. I'm planning on doing absolutely nothing to the bike. The 2000 has great components and is a better buy than the 2001, so if you can still find one...go buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, NE
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Walton Trail Co. | | Strengths: | Great component package for the $ | | Weaknesses: | Lack of a pre-load adjustment, and the Bonty pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode GT, Trek, Cannondale, KHS, Specialized, | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Fire XC's, Wellgo 850's, and replaced the Shimano chain (broke two already) with SRAM | | Bottom Line: | The Big Sur handles great and have experienced far less problems than my Cannondale. For the price...I wasn't able to find anything else that compared. The Gensis geometry frame is perfect for me, because I need a longer top tube. It also helps out when climbing. Do yourself a favor and even if you are looking at any entry level bike, consider upgrading to this bike very few upgrades are required. Other than breaking a couple of Shimano chains this bike has been flawless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
madmike
a Cross Country Rider
from Vallejo, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Tam - Railroad Grade/Hoo Koo E Koo/Blithedale Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Start to Finish, Mill Valley, Ca. | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Great component package for this price break. | | Weaknesses: | Ooooohhh... the saddle! | | Similar Products Used: | First Mountan Bike! | | Bike Setup: | Stock (came stock with Shimano LX crank)except for: Bontrager Crowbars (riser), Body Geometry Gel Saddle, LP Braids Barends, WTB Velocoraptors, Night Rider Digital Pro 12 | | Bottom Line: | This was my first Mountain Bike purchase. It had been ten years since I'd been on a bike, and that was a road bike. I bought the Fisher specificly for it's geometry as I'm a large rider. (at the time I purchased the bike 280lb, now thanks to the bike 250lb and falling fast!)
At the time of purchase, my LBS suggested we add some riser bars (to get all my weight even farther back) and to swap the tires out for WBT Velocoraptors.
I've been riding the bike on mostly fire roads and some single-track three days a week for the past few months and have had no problems other than some cable stretch to the derailurs after the first couple rides (which my LBS said is expected and promptly adjusted). After six months, unlike some of the other reviewers, I've broken no components and I'm completely happy with my bike (and I'm becoming an obsessive rider).
You've read reviews from racers and extreme riders, well I'm about the greenest rider here. I'm also "large" for a Mountain Biker. This bike has been perfect! And I highly recommend it.
Only thing I think I'll be adding is a disk brake kit.
Mike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any that are at Heartshorn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$820.00 | | Purchased At: | Jays | | Strengths: | Good light weight frame lots of cockpit room strong and o one more thing it's fast | | Weaknesses: | The sattle just might as well be a rock the front derailer is slow the back tire has no grip what so ever and tubes are kinda weak i suggest people move up to a thorn tube it's way stronger!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | first really good bike used GO FISHER!!! | | Bike Setup: | Tailbones seat Bontrager riserbars other then that stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line this is a really good bike for hitting all kinds of trails but i suggest that the 2 first things that you change is the tire and the sattle but over all this is a really good bike i suggest that a begginer buy this Gary wad2go. This bike was the one for me, however if you don't have $900 to spend then i say go with the Gray Fisher Tassjara a fine bike for a fine price keep those bikes coming Gary!!!
P.S. I got the price lowered on the bike so u might be paying like around $900-$975 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Goat
a Racer
from Lubbock, TX
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Palo Duro Canyon State Park system | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$822.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Light weight, componentry (mine came with an LX crank instead of POS 'trager), looked b1tch1n when it was new, awesome feel - Genesis Geometry RULES | | Weaknesses: | Crappy WTB Racing Raptor 1.95" 47/48 front tire, back is decent for a SS | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-3 (first Mtn. bike I owned), Specialized Rockhopper (junk, rides like a K-Mart blue light special), Specialized Stumpjumper (kewl but sh1t geometry and way too stiff), Trek (several models, all SH1T!!), Klein (nice but too much $$), and other 'Fishers (I woulda bought a Sugar 3 if i had the money..) | | Bike Setup: | All stock, except for the dealer installed LX crank at no charge, the Hutchinson Python Air Lite front tire, and slime in both tubes (lots o' cactus in these parts). | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is, you wont find a better bike for the money. The geometry rocks, and the frame is identical in every way to the top-of-the-line 'Fisher bikes except for wall-thickness on the frame tubes (the higher-end bikes have double-butted thin-wall tubing) but that just means that your Big Sur frame will probly last longer, and it only costs a nominal amount of weight. The components are excellent, good enough to start racing in amateur classes. With another 700 bux or so in upgrades, you will have a bike that will carry you to the expert classes and beyond
Alot of Mountain Bike companies like Trek and Specialized got into the business by selling Road bikes. Not Gary Fisher. Gary Fisher makes only Mountain Bikes and BMX, dirt is their only deal, and they do it best.
In the past 4 years, Gary Fisher bikes have won 3 world championships, and 2 gold medals in olympics.
Also, if you have the extra dough to spend (like 1200 bux) get yo'self a Sugar 3, the baddest bike on the planet.
GO BUY THIS BIKE NOW, The GOAT commands it!
DONT BUY THIS BIKE IF YOU ARE A POSER, A NO-TALENT FAT-A$$, OR AN AGGIE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Arace
a Weekend Warrior
from Glastonbury,CT
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Split Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$820.00 | | Purchased At: | Valley Bicycle | | Strengths: | Rear derailer, frame, fork, most of the components | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, Crankset, No-Name seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | Ziggurat, Kona Roast, Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for crank | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing, great handling, and will take anything. The Genesis Geometry is the best out there and it's very nice uphill. Look, the seats a brick, but I don't sit very much and I have shorts with padding. The real problem is the crankset. It's not very stiff, shifting is not good at all, and the outer ring is very fragile. Within one ride I broke the outer ring just from pedaling hard and maybe a bump or two. I replaced it with an XT set and now it's great. If you have $850 get this bike its awesome, the only thing you'll have to do before you ride is just replace the outer ring with a strong steel one, and if you sit a lot get a nice comfy seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dena
a Cross Country Rider
from Tarzana, CA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo-Santa Monica | | Strengths: | Lightweight, easy to handle | | Weaknesses: | Seat, rear tire | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback, Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT, LX cranks, Velocirapter Tires, Performance Pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike has excellent manueverablity. I broke my climbing record on Caballero Canyon first ride out. The bike rides so smooth for an aluminum frame. I now feel like I can get serious with my mountain biking.
Buy this bike if you are ready to really ride. For $750 bucks this is the best deal out there. Just make sure you get a new saddle and rear tire. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Pownall
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills-Gnarly | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Cambridge | | Strengths: | You can't beat the components for the price. Climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | I don't find much wrong with this bike, but I guess the seat isn't the greatest. | | Similar Products Used: | Infinity-upgraded to deore/stx/lx and manitou answer forks | | Bike Setup: | LX brakes,crank fr. derailleur. XT rear. bontrager pedals,and rims. Pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | The value of this bike @ under $1000 is great. I checked out specialized, giant... and for a comparable price it was stx and deore with generic brakes!! the geometry is awesome and climbs effortlessly. I have only had it for a couple of months and love it! I race occaisionally and it seems to be a great bike to start racing with. It is a good starter bike because of the price, yet has stellar components, good suspesion, and handles/climbs great for a more experienced rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from SF CA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Henry Coe, Mt. Tam,Spy Hill... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$916.00 | | Purchased At: | Open Road Cyclery | | Strengths: | strong frame, good geometry | | Weaknesses: | some of the stock components suck | | Similar Products Used: | voodoo hoodoo AL, | | Bike Setup: | LX crank, time carbon pedals, rock shock mtn post, terry fly ti saddle, enduro raptor tires, | | Bottom Line: | The bike was good to begin with, but after adding the above upgrades it became great. Flawless shifting (like butter),really good handling, comfortable enough for long rides (5 day trip into Henry Coe), and strong enough to take a beating (I'm 230lbs,and not afraid to crash). My ratings are for the bike with upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JMac
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Strengths: | 1) Genesis Geometry
2) Decent Components | | Weaknesses: | 1) Saddle
2) Gearing (who uses those tiny gears?) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale, Colnago | | Bike Setup: | Cut down the bars a bit, new saddle, heavier springs in the fork | | Bottom Line: | In the $900-1100 price range you start getting some decent bikes, and for taller riders(and I'm only 6'1") the Genesis geometry found on this Big Sur is unequalled by Trek, Specialized, or GT. I used to race criteriums in college, and am used to a road bike set up/position. With the Big Sur I can finally get my seat back far enough so that I'm comfortable, and feel efficient on roads and uphill. I got an XL frame which is a touch too long for me but I'd gladly take the comfort over the cramped feeling of other brands. I shopped for 2 months, and all I have to say is: don't get sold on a bike that's too small for you! Beware bike retailers that try to sell you on the smaller frame cause they don't have the next size up in stock. I'm very happy with my Big Sur, though I would like to spend $1500 on a custom steel frame one day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Youngstown, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great frame...feels like you were born on it...low price for what it comes with...all in all a nice, light(er) bike with decent components...great climbing bike... | | Weaknesses: | POS seat, horrible tires (lasted me 1 hard ride), and all the Bontrager crapola has to go...this includes the saddle, crankset, and pedals...rims have been ok so far...if you are seated while climbing, the front end has a tendency to come up... | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper & a few Giants... | | Bike Setup: | All components upgraded to XT...Intense 2.1 CC Tires...Specialized Comp Saddle... | | Bottom Line: | Don't let the weaknesses fool you - this is one hell of a bike. Buy it for the frame...then upgrade the Bontrager with XT and a set of tires (Intense 2.1 Cross Country)...and you will love this bike. It handles well in all conditions and can take a real beating for an aluminum frame. For the $$, this bike cannot be beat. For the ultimate ride, add a suspension seatpost, and even the most die hard full suspension lovers will think twice about switching to a hardtail...beginner to pro, the Big Sur is the way to go... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pikachoo
a
from colorado
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | i really havnt found one yet ezcept for the fork and the rear derailler | | Weaknesses: | just about everything but whats listed above the frames way too stiff the chain breaks like every five minutes i suspect it has something to do with the genisis geometry. | | Similar Products Used: | specialiced hard rock it performs almost exactly the same as my freinds hard rock | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | do not buy this bike unless you have a chain factory in your back yard it is way too stiff and has a bad ride but great fork and rear derailler. the pedals are about as cheap as they get i suggest upgrading to the wtb clipless for like 60 dollers. ive learned never to buy another fisher from my experiences with this bike. and it should be lighter for an aluminum frame for some reason fisher decided to build a cow and put components and wheels on it. why?? ya got me | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OPIE
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | All But... | | Weaknesses: | -Rear Tire
-Pedals
-Saddle
| | Similar Products Used: | Sugar4 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with new TIME ATAC Alums, new rear tire, added bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Fork & Frame- The Genesis Geometry really comes out when you learn how to use it. The fork seems like it was made for a larger rider than my 130 lbs. Coloring is great very editable.
Drivetrain- Pedals suck, get some Red TIME ATAC aluminums... they look awesome and work great. Rear deraileur works great with no sticking, the 9 speed drivetrain helps a bunch! The front deraileur dosent seem to want to shift into first gear but thats probably just because of me.
Tires- Front tire is good to go stock and will work until you wear the treads to nothing. The rear tire is a diffrent story... out of the box it will work great for about 3 rides, after that the braking power is lost because of a lack of grip. It will still be useful for climbing so its not a total dud.
Miscelaneous- I dont find the saddle too terribly uncomfortable, but it is very undurable... get one with kevlar sides and call it good. Im getting some new red grips soon to make it look cooler.
Overall- Very good for the price, good looks, very customizable. There is no substitute. 5 Flamin Turds!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lauren
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | douglas state park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | genesis geometry, fork, lightweight...great components for the price. I've had no complains about the saddle at all--was planning on getting body geometry, but I see no need for it. | | Weaknesses: | bontrager crank sticks during shifting. Plan on upgrading to an LX if you're like me and get annoyed by the stickiness. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper A1 fs comp, cannondale f700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock at the moment. Am upgrading to LX crank as soon as i pay off the bike. I shorted the handlbars a half inch on each side as well. | | Bottom Line: | LOVE my pretty little (XS) bug sur. The frame fits me perfectly, which was hard to find because I am a fairly small person. I was very anal about selecting this bike (i think the guys at my LBS were mildly annoyed with the 84,000 questions I had) but I am so pleased with my fisher. If you are willing to pay this much for a bike, then I honestly think that this bike is the best deal. I have riden this bike on my commute to work and also in the woods, and she does amazingly well in both places. I only wish that Gary had spec'd the bike with the LX crank instead of bontrager, but its no big deal to upgrade it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter O'Rourke
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwalk
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | cranbery park,CT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The rear deriler,frame,and weight,. the xt deriller works great for steep climbs and tough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Seat. the seat hurts you butt but you could buy a new one for a cheap price. | | Similar Products Used: | Speacilized rockhopper pro. rockhopper a1 pro fs. this is alot better bike though | | Bike Setup: | genus frame. it is the best frame in the world.better then any other. | | Bottom Line: | this is a overall great bike. the price is not to high but the bike is still great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Rock solid. Everything about it less the weaknessess that follow ... | | Weaknesses: | Rear tire, Bontrager clips, front LX derailleur, seat. | | Bike Setup: | Stock less, new front and rear tires - ENDURO-RAPTORs, new clips - replaced stock Bontrager w/ Time, new seat - Body Glove TI. | | Bottom Line: | This bike sucks up the terrain as good as any soft-tail. And I don't know if it's the Genesis technology or what, but it tracks uphill as if you were on flat terrain. This is definitely the intermediate to experienced rider's bike. I had to make some modifications to the stock bike. The rear tire, great for hard-pack, but to do the real stuff go with a matched pair of Raptors. The Bontrager components are excellent with the exception of the clips, they blow. I managed to break them all my first ride; thus installing Time Atacs. The seat had to go, but even the $100 Body Glove TI seat, isn't as comfotable as it could be. The front derailleur leaves a bit to be desired; I lose the chain ocasionally. Will probably swap out the LX fron to XT/XTR. Other than that this bike rocks! The front Manitou SX kicks, and the overall balance and feel of the bike is not as harsh as I was expecting; or at least what many reviewers have stated. Buy the bike for around $900 and drop another $200 for the uplifts, and you will have a bike that you can ride proudly for a good number of years! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Royal Oak, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Potawanomi | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, bars, brakes, and everything else other than the weaknesses I list. | | Weaknesses: | Rear tire, front shifting, seat, and pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than coda barends and I am getting a new rear tire today!! | | Bottom Line: | If you are tall like me (6'5') you will love this bike in the x-large frame. It has a very agressive feel that gives you confidence in all conditions. Other people who have rode my bike are now going to order one for themselves!! I got it for $900 and would recommend it to anyone looking in that price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Lorden
a
from North of Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Fork, wheels, rear deraileur, geometry, pedals | | Weaknesses: | SADDLE, tires(?), chain(?) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Bontrager Race Lite bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for the price. I love the fork, I'm a light rider, so it is pretty much impossible for me to bottom out. The pedals have easy entry and exit. I can climb and decent and mantain control with Genesis Geometry. The saddle is terrible. I can't stand to ride more than 5 miles on it at a time, but I don't care because of the great value on the bike. And I just hate Shimano chains, but it is rare to find a bike with a Sachs stock. Buy this bike!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew magill
a Racer
from ashland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | toothpick | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Manitou SX fork, strength of rims, bontrager RE-1 pedals, high speed control, take it to the limits and its totally predictable, good value. | | Weaknesses: | weird geometry that I can never get used too, sucks in steep climbs (wants to rise up), crappy on switchbacks due to long wheelbase, funky paint scheme, bottom bracket just went out, weight, shocks are too stiff for lightweight tubes (guarenteed pinchflats everytime)the brakes flat out suck after riding for awhile. | | Similar Products Used: | too many to list, but I suppose the rockhopper, cannondale m-500, raleigh m600. | | Bike Setup: | I bought it and immediately put some 2 in riserbars and fire XC pro 2.1's on it for no charge. | | Bottom Line: | Funky bike I have never ridden anything like it. It climbs good as long as you arent going up anything steep enough to use the lowest gear standing up. The shocks for some reason must be too stiff because everytime I do a killer downhill I get instant pinchflats on supposedly non-pinchflat tires when I use lightwieght tubes. I still cant get used to the geometry.
Awesome for cross country and nice long rides, the 9 spd makes it effortless to gain speed ASAP, and the genesis geometry from TREK gets that power to the ground from some kind of engineering trick. If I could get used to what the limits of the bike were, I think i would finally allow it to be the perfect bike. If it werent for the funky blue/red paint scheme I'd sleep with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere outside of Indiana | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | (In no particular order)
1. Genesis Geometry
2. Components
3. Light Weight
4. Looks good
5. Steering
6. Front suspension | | Weaknesses: | 1. Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | All as spec'd, with the exception of a VDO trip computer and some racing bar-ends. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is truly a work of art. It's MSRP of $1000 is unbelievable for the bike you get.
What I love about my new Big Sur:
1. It steers like a rocket ship. You can be bouncing down a hill at 30+ and still have complete control over this rocketship.
2. Great connection with the bike. Clipless pedals are good, and can be adjusted. Handlebars are right where they should be for a comfortable posture. The seat is hard, but you feel connected to the bike.
3. Genesis geometry. Like Christ was the savior for the people of Isreal, Genesis Geometry is the savior for mountain bikers. WIth this new geometry teh chance that you'll ever go head over handbars is highly unlikely. Also with this new frame geometry the bike allows you to climb like a mounatin goat. It also allows me to be comfortable while seated, which is hard to do for taller riders (I'm 6'4).
4. The components. The bike was originally spec'd with a Bontrager crank, but Gary wised up and realized it was crap and now they are all shipped with LX cranks. The back derailleur (XT) doesn't just suggested the chain moves up or down the cogs, but shoves them into place with the smoothest shifting I've felt in a very long time. The front derailleur (LX) I had some problems with at first, had to do with cables stretching, but otherwise has held up fine. The front suspension fork couldn't get any better reviews from me. It's easy maintenance, and doesn't pogo, but rides very smooth. The adjustable dampening is nice for heavier riders as well.
Well you ask is there anything I don't like about the bike? The only suggestion I could offer up is that after putting about 500 miles on the bike in the last month ranging from pavement to thick mud is to replace the back tire with something made for more wet stuff. The back tires has a tendency to loss some grip in the wet stuff and loose pebbles.
However, after riding this bike everyday of the last three weeks, I can truly say this is the best bike I've ever ridden, and I haven't needed or wanted to change anything on it yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dailey Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Geometry, breaks, large handle bar, front shock | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, saddle, front shifting | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Spec'd RockHopper Pro, DiamondBack Zetec | | Bike Setup: | Hutchison Python Gold Tires, Bontrager Race bar-ends | | Bottom Line: | Great bike overall:
Pros:
1) Geometry works (climbing, downhill)
2) Large, flat handle bar makes handling easier
3) Manitou SX is smooth
4) Brakes are awesome
Cons:
1) Stock tires are for hard trails. Anything wet, sandy or loose (rocks) will make your life miserable. I broke my left collar bone going downhill on loose rocks when the front tire decided it had enough. The Python Gold have changed all that. On the other hand, if you want to go fast on hard trails, keep'm.
2) Seat is hard. I've yet to see a decent seat on a bike less than $1000 anyway, and that's stricly a matter of personal preferences.
3) Front shifting is so-so. Some suggested it's the crankset. Could be. I might replace it with LX eventually, but I can live with it so far.
Overall, this is still the best bike for me, because it immediately inspired me confidence the second I sat on it (and that's what really matters for me). No bike is perfect, but this one is darn close! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Reeves
a Weekend Warrior
from Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Taunus from Oberursel | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The Big Sur Climbs like a mountain goat and has generally
great components, it inspires confidence.
Looks good, weighs little. Great bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur is not so slick unlike the rear.
Saddle is little uncomfortable but aren't they all.
Stock rear tire is no good, its more for roads than trails. As soon as it fills up with mud etc. then its like trying to climb on slicks - especially bad at going over large tree roots.
My back hurts a bit as i have long reach to the handlebars although i have the right sized bike. I'm 6ft 4in and have an XL frame. Could just be me.
I have trouble getting into the clipless sometimes but myabe that it just me as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed Trek 7000, Focus Green Monster (!) and other crappy
bikes. First real mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Bar ends, bell, trip computer, otherwise as stock but will change the rear tyre and have the front derailleur looked at and maybe the clipless pedals as i tend to find it hard to get in at times. | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike, climbs brilliantly with that Genesis geometry and descends with confidence at speed. It takes a while to get used to as it is very responsive especially for the downhill.
Good components except maybe the rear tire, front derailleur, and possibly the saddle.
Sure the paint comes off a bit but what do aou expect when rocks constantly bounce of the thing.
I am very happy with my Big Sur and each time i ride i like it even more therefore 5 Flamin' Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Geometry, quality components for the price, awesome look. | | Weaknesses: | Manufacturing defect (see below), otherwise none. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized RockHopper A1 FS Comp | | Bike Setup: | WTB Momemtum headset | | Bottom Line: | First, you gotta know that I'm a roadie. I bought a MTB for cross-training i.e. improve handling, change scenery, and so forth. I wanted to pay around $750, have good components to won't let me down and a reputable frame. I spent a few weeks extensively searching for bikes that would fit my criteria (and www.mtbr.com is a good source).
This bike fits me very well (Large frame; I'm 6', 175 lbs), and I'm satisfied with the components (as a week-end MTB rider). The geometry helps climbing (better than the RockHopper, hence my choice of buying the Big Sur).
Contrarily to other reviewers the seat works well for me; I actually find it quite comfortable. But I've noticed the the pedals are "sticky" (roadies are not used to swing their feet off that often, so the problem might be me) and front shifting is not perfect (although read is impeccable). But that's not a $2k bike, and most bikes spec'd like the Big Sur sell for more.
When I bought the bike, the headset had a problem that made the handle slightly hard to move. My LBS regreased the whole thing, reduced the preload, but nothing could do it. They suggested a better headset and they installed a WTB Momemtum, which helped just a little. They finally found out that the frame (where the headset sits) had a minor defect which was fixed through a slight grinding (i.e. about .2 mm). They reinstalled the WTB headset and the whole problem was gone. It cost me $25 (for the WTB headset, which I didn't really need after all) and 3 hours.
Since I am extremely pleased with that bike, I give it 5 chilies. And the value can't be beaten. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Williston, VT
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good suspension and frame. Good rear derauiller, ok tires and rims. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle hurts! It also is hard to shift into the smallest ring in the front. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano m535 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is pretty good overall. I would recommend changing the saddle, it hurts during long rides. The fork instructions are extermely vague. Replace the pedals, they're crap. Also get a new front derauiller. The bike climbs very good and does ok on downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | In the beginning, everything | | Weaknesses: | SADDLE... Keep it, and you'll need a buttocks replacement | | Similar Products Used: | Comparable bikes, but as soon i rode the Big Sur it just felt right | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Purchased bike July, 1999 (99 model) at first the bike was great, but within the last 10 months(didn't ride the winter, off 3-4 month's) the pedals fell apart,
rear hub keeps having to be readjusted(3 times), crank rounded at bottom bracket, may need new bottom bracket,chain broke, there was something else but can't remember now.Shop(bought bike at) which will go nameless in pittsburgh charged me $30 for ONE LX crank plus(warranty ??) installation AND also charged for hub adjustment.
I don't want to sound like i hate my bike because it's a great ride but when all these parts start to go , so does the confidence in GF. Maybe i just got a lemon(and i'm being nice) But one thing is for sure the Big Sur IS NOT made for East Coast rough terrain or very aggressive riding(root,drops, baby heads etc.)aggresive riders stay AWAY!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick dfrs
a Cross Country Rider
from ellicott city
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | frame,good group of specs. | | Weaknesses: | none for price range.I got it for $860, retail $1050, at a store closing sale. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode Trek 7000,similiar to Big Sur. Trek 8000 better but cost more. | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT Manitou SX, bontrager wheels, WTB tires, i put a Thudbuster and made the bike even better. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the price. Great frame.If you want to ride serious trails and you want a good bike, the 2000 Big Sur is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bernard Reuvers
a Cross Country Rider
from Veenendaal / The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | kwintelooiyen / zandgat | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | weight, price, | | Weaknesses: | paint comes way to easily off
pedals (bontrager re1) mud and kley keep stikking to it
| | Similar Products Used: | rockhopper a1 comp, some giant's
i've tried lots off bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock, only added some bar ends
slowly gonna make it all mine with the needed parts | | Bottom Line: | It’s a hell off a climber, but genesis geometry doesn't get used in descent in a moment (but he maybe it’s just me)
I think after some more rides I know my way with my baby.
One real minor part are the pedals. Dame I’ve got bruises all over, from just falling again and again and again.
My feet kept stinking to the pedals like they where screwed with it.
The fork works nice. Its not toprange but considering the overall price for the bike it's really all right.
I’m giving the bike 4 flamin' Chilis. But I’ll post a review later. When I tested the bike a bit more.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aubrey
a Cross Country Rider
from stamford, ct
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mianus | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame, geometry, most components. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Comp crank is junk. Doesn't shift well at all. Racing raptor tires aren't versatile enough. Wire bead, too. | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Bontrager Revolt Super X tires and LX crankset | | Bottom Line: | Follow up to my previous review now that I've had the bike a few months and put some serious miles on it. Stock bike only has 2 faults- the Bontrager Comp crankset is the worst crank I've ever owned- terrible shifting performance- had to be swapped immediately. LX was a HUGE improvement- shifting is now slick. WTB Racing Raptor tires are too specific and bad for all around use- a fine racing tire, though. They sneak wire bead ones on there- kind of a cheap touch. Despite these two complaints, now that I have it set up right, the bike is outstanding. Genesis geometry is very good- ride is not harsh, despite the aluminum frame. Bike feels great both climbing and descending. Has made me a better rider. Manitou fork is good, although I think it needs more maintenance than a rock shox or a marzocchi open bath fork would. I love my bike! 5 doodies for value, 4 for overall since they did spec those two crap parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roman
a Weekend Warrior
from Frederick Maryland
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry. Very durable bike | | Weaknesses: | stock rear tire and the seat | | Similar Products Used: | once I tried this bike in the parking lot, I knew that anything else would be uncivilized(or more expensive) | | Bike Setup: | XT deraillure on the front. Michelin Wild Gripper on the rear. Performance Topo MC-7 pedals | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a very good performer on any terrain going up or down. I have put about 260mi on my bike since Feb, and did manage to destroy one bottom bracket and the front LX shifter. Luckly for me, those parts were covered by the warranty. It seems that some people are complaing about the front wheel lifting up during a climb; I never had such a problem. You check out this bike in action at
http://members.tripod.com/~Wrong_Stuff/LogHop.jpg | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ali Engin
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Best component and frame combination for under $1000. Genesis geometry does really work! | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, saddle, saddle! Buy a new saddle before you leave the shop when you buy the bike! Tires feel weak on loose and wet conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock products and, Vette Lasar saddle, Control Tech suspention seat post, break boosters and Profile Tomac bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | The best bike between the entry levels and high end racers. Genesis geometry do really work specially going fast down the steeps. But front end feels a little loose on steep climbs. I would have given 5 Chilis for value if Mr. Gary Fisher had put some nice tires and a saddle. But I still believe it is better then the competitors. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Murfreesboro, TN
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamilton Creek (Nash) and Chilwohie (Polk Co.) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Light wheelset, LX/XT mix, Bontrager Components, Manitou LX, Bontrager SE 1 pedals | | Weaknesses: | Tires(in the spring, but they'll be great later this summer), Seat, no name seatpost (if your a bike snob). | | Similar Products Used: | Owned Fisher Marlin with Manitou SX, clippless.
Tried Trek 7000, Specialized Stumpjumper, Cannondale F something. | | Bike Setup: | Stock (which came with LX front deraileur and crankset - spec-ed with deore/brontrager comp)plus: Replaced WTB SST-X seat with WTB Speed-V. Added Bon. racelight bar-ends. | | Bottom Line: | Excellect bike for the money - I paid way under MSRP. Can't go wrong with LX/XT. It took about five minutes to get me over the Gripshift 9.0 thing. Genesis geometry-it really does feel more natural and stable and FASTER! The only thing I would change would be the WTB SST X seat (vinyl gets slimey and it's hard) and the tires if it's wet or sandy. I did brake my chain within it's first 10 miles, but it was no problem - replaced free. Even shimano makes mistakes. Overall, this is about the same component group as anybody elses $1050-$1150 bike for a lot less, plus the Genesis frame. (It also looks great!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Memorial | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Good component mix. | | Weaknesses: | Tire setup not good for all types of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, Kona Caldera | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike overall. Climbs and decends well. Good price for what you get, I paid under $900. Only problems I've run into so far have been loose bolts, thanks to the guys at Sun and Ski for going the extra effort to make sure bike was put together properly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aubrey
a Cross Country Rider
from stamford, ct
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame, wheels and fork are all solid for a bike in this price range (about $1000). Good climber and descender. Reasonable weight. | | Weaknesses: | Stock WTB Racing Rapots are not versitile enough for most riders- you'll have to switch them unless you only ride hard, smooth, dry trails. WTB seat makes your ass feel like you've been in prison. Bontrager comp crank shifts like crap- many come spec'd with an LX crank- buy that one. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Soul (had stolen), Trek Y3, Trek 6500, GT Backwoods, Rocky Mtn. Vapor | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Comp switched for LX | | Bottom Line: | Real solid all around bike- great for a person looking for a bike you can rip around in all situations and even race some. WTB tires have to go- can't handle wet, muddy or technical riding. Stock WTB seat will punish your ass- you'll have to switch. I did have a defective shifter that was replaced by LBS- no problem. Bontrager Comp crankset is a POS. shifts like crap and chainsucks all the time- I've seen the bike in stores spec'd with LX- buy that one for sure- I switched to LX and now its great. Now that I got new tires, saddle and a better crank, the bike is outstanding. Try and get your dealer to swap these things at purchase and you might not have to buy them like I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Klaus
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry
Light Weight
Excellent on decents | | Weaknesses: | Front end gets light on climbs
Stock seat is like a rock | | Similar Products Used: | Comparable models from Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, Schwinn, GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | Though I'm relatively new to mountain biking, I have a long history of pursuing adventure sports and I'm a bonified gear head. The purchase of this bike involved a fair bit of research. Fit and the quality of the frame, shocks and wheels sets were of primary importance. After riding 2-3 bikes from seven different manufacturers, the Fischer Genesis Geometry stood out dramatically. The body's center of gravity is farther back, the long top tube allows for a relaxed (not bunched up) riding position, and the rear triangle is shorter. The result of all this? The bike feels super stable on steep decents. It's both comfortable and nimble. And it climbs like a goat. The geometry feels intuitively correct. One draw, however, is that it takes some balance and riding skill on steep climbs to keep the front wheel on the ground. Just a matter of practice, I imagine. The bottom line is that I would have had to spend a whole lot more money to be any happier. To quote another reviewer, "it sings to me from the garage at night." I think I hear the music. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Logan, Utah
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry!
Relatively good components
Fairly light weight | | Weaknesses: | Bike didn't come with the cranks that were advertised (Bontrager Comp), came with LX instead.
Stock WTB Racing Raptor tires not very versatile (good in dry hardpack only - suck in the wet).
Bontrager Superstock wheelset nice but probably better suited to sub-200 lb. riders. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Ricochet
Specialized RockHopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Manitou SX, XT/LX Drivetrain), except Conti CC rear tire, upgraded to WTB XCZ seat. | | Bottom Line: | Genesis Geomotry is what sold me on this bike. I was previously riding a Spec. RockHopper and was ready to buy another one until I rode the Gary Fisher. This bike fit me like a glove. The (LG) frame is well-suited for my longer torso/shorter legs.
As mentioned above, the stock tires are very condition-specific. At 6'1", 230 lbs. I may have to go with a stronger wheelset, though the light weight and radial lacing of the stock wheels should be a pretty nice setup for most. Also, i'm considering upgrading the LX crankset to a RaceFace as I seem to be getting a little too much flex out of them (again, probably my weight).
Bottom line: this bike rocks. The components are a good mix in this price range (lots of Bontrager), and the shock is pretty nice. The frame is definitely the high point on this bike. Best part: I paid $713. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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