Stock, but swapped for a straight handle bar, Shimano 515 clipless pedals, and a "friendlier" seat for the family jewels
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry level/intermediate bike! I bought it in 2001 after my other HooKooEKoo was stolen. I love the way this bike climbs and descends...the Genesis geometry is great! I've ridden this bike mostly single-track, cross county. The Judy XC is nice on rocky downhills. My only gripes is some of the quality of the components. A lot of other reviews knock the disc brake, which I found to be adequate. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who wants a fun ride at a good price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
b smtih
a
from kingston Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Mavic 517 with LX hubs, Indy XC fork, Nashbar clipless, DX rear derailler, XT front derailler, LX linear brakes. IRC Mythos XC tires.
Bottom Line:
Bought the frame only from LBS, saw it hanging up in the shop, and asked if it was available.
Built with components from old bike - Miyata Elevation.
Love the way it handles, and climbs. Seems very nimble. Would definetly recommend this bike to the pretty serious rider without a lot of cash laying around. It handles everyday riding on technical trails. Only had to replace the derailler hanger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Byron Cavandish
a Weekend Warrior
from Easton, PA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Shamino Deore, and Shamino Deore LX, Bontrager Wheels, Disc Brake
Bottom Line:
Outstanding bike for moderate to advanced riding. This bike climes hills with easy, and is so fast it's scary. I ride on what is considered to be moderate to advanced trails, and I wouldn't trade this bike in for anything. It's very easy to drive. The only down side is it's kind of heavy, but I like that. It has a very solid feel when riding, and braking is a dream. Would by it again. Anyone who likes to ride, but is moderate rider will love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Singapore Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$810.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Bike Setup:
Stock Hoo Koo E Koo, comes with Bontrager Kra-Rims, hubs, crowbar, 9-speed LX mechs, front disc brake, Aheadset, Bontrager Revolt slick tyres.
Bottom Line:
Full on smooth stuff! Everybody who has tried it thinks it's the smoothest bike they've ever ridden, and these are seasoned riders. It glides like a vintage Merlot, and handles as refined as a Mozart string quartet. Gary Fisher's Genesis geometry has shortened the chainstay and lengthened the top tube, amongst other things. This contributes to the way the bike evenly distributes weight between front and rear and lowers the centre of gravity. For the price, it CANNOT, i repeat, CANNOT be beaten. i venture so far as to say that it will give any sub-1500 hardtail a run for its money. For once, a product that lives up to the high standards set by the name of the manufacturer. If you're looking for a hardtail and not looking to mortgage the house, GET THIS BIKE!!!! 5 hairy Taiwanese sausages!! Kudos to Gary!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KW BROWN
a Cross Country Rider
from Snow Hill, Md, USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
wooded single track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Bikesport
Strengths:
Great frame.I'm 225 and I pound this bike.Good wheels,great geometry.Good components for the money.That 100 XC has been a great fork,and I like the bars.
Weaknesses:
Front disc is junk.Even after break in,no power.Not crazy about the Promax levers.Saddle has weak rails.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Sedona,Trek 930
Bike Setup:
Magura Julie disc,LX V brakes,platform peddles,WTB saddle w/cromo rails,42T chain ring for added clearence
Bottom Line:
I really enjoy this bike.Tons of fun.The only things I have broken on this bike are 2 saddles a big ring and middle ring.I ride this thing alot,its just a tuff machine.This bike has been so good, my wife also rides a Fisher.If you want a quality hardtail,you need to check out Fisher.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kace
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, UK Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Decent frame from a good builder
Weaknesses:
Some low-end components
Similar Products Used:
cheaper MTBs
Bike Setup:
HKeK frame, EVERYTHING else upgraded
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in about '95. Since then I've replaced every last part except the seat post. I still reckon it was worth the money, and it rides as good as most XC set-ups. I think the key is not to expect too much of the in-house components, ride it a year or two then replace these with better, because the frame is good enough to benefit from it. You're getting a serious frame, with rideable kit at a budget price. Oh but I'm relieved I bought before that dodgy front disc was introduced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dedrick Curtis
a Racer
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bike USA
Strengths:
Great beginner bike, color, geometry.
Weaknesses:
Front disc, lower end components, rear wheel.
Similar Products Used:
None (1st bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Specialized body geometry saddle, Shimano M636 clipless pedals, and Avid speed dial 7 brake levers.
Bottom Line:
This is my first mountain bike so I really don't have anything to compare it to. Front disc is cheap and bends easily, and you have to buy a whole new wheel for the rear if you want to add a rear disc. However, great for someone wanting to start mountain biking and that's why I love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Obra
a Racer
from Bellingham, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fat Lady
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Fairhaven Bikes, Bellingham, WA
Strengths:
Climbing, geometery, fork, wheelset, descending
Weaknesses:
wieght, cheap componetry shows after hard riding, I've bent the seat post and handlebars, broke the crankset, shifters, front derailluer, and disk brake
Similar Products Used:
KONA Muni Mula
Bike Setup:
LX, XT, XTR Drive train, avid disk on the front, time alium pedals, specialized strongarm II crankset, easton ct2 handlebars, thomson elite seatpost, continental tires
Bottom Line:
I would defanitly consider buying this bike if your into moderate trail riding; but if your hardcore expect components to break, bend, and fail. I don't regret buying this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JayTec
a
from Pittsburg, CA. /USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Copeland's Sports
Strengths:
Great bike for a decent price!! RockShox Judy XC's ride plush, disk brakes aren't bad as well...stock LX rear deurailer a lot better than what similar bikes had to offer...
Weaknesses:
Needs better front deurailer, an upgrade on the disk brakes, better pedals, better crank(at least an LX) and I wish it could be just a little bit lighter...All in all, great bike!!
Similar Products Used:
Trek 850,Schwin Moab
Bike Setup:
Basically stock but added a plush WTB saddle, bontragger race lite bar ends...Future set-up, Easton Carbon dh/handle bars, shimano pedals, XT disc brakes, RockShox SID fork, XTR front and rear deurailer, etc.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for its price...just needs a better front disc brake, better front deurailer, pedals, and needs to shed maybe a pound or two off the overall weight of the bike...
p.s. thanks babe for the bike!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ari
a Weekend Warrior
from Stratford Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All down hill, No up hill. (I wish)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The fork and the geometry
Weaknesses:
Front Derailer and the Front disk brake
Bottom Line:
I posted when I first got the bike and now I wish to add a bit of information. This bike still rocks like a Bi#*h. I am having a hell of a time with the front brake though. It still stops me, but I can no longer wait to replace it. I have had it professionally set up twice thinking that maybe it just needed some good luvin, but apparently that ain't the case. Maybe I am just to big for what it was made for. Whatever the case, it has to go. The front derailer, which I have noticed others dislike as well, kinda stinks, but again, it can be replaced. If Fisher were to put all the stuff we wanted on this bike, he would have to discontinue the next one up the line. One more thing. I stated in my earlier post that the bike soaked up the small hits with ease. Now I know that it's not to shabby on the large hits as well. How I do love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from reedsburg,wi, sauk Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
devils lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
budget bikes
Strengths:
very solid bike, great shock and great color.
Weaknesses:
the seat is as hard as a rock.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale f500, specialized rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
stock except for the specialized pro saddle.
Bottom Line:
great bike!! This bike can climb a hill like no other I love it and recomend it to anyone who can get there hands on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from Yokota, Japan Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ome Mountains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
GREAT FRAME!!! Tight feeling in the curves, and nasty on the downhills. This bike has improved my riding style and confidence. A great buy.
Weaknesses:
Lots of componets that need upgrading. No matter what people say about the front disc brake. It simply does not stop the bike securely or quickly. The adjustment knob is only reached by going through the spokes, and the manuel is not worth the paper its printed on. Also, the crank is pretty low end as well.
Similar Products Used:
Giant atx
Bike Setup:
XTR brakes, LX levers, and crank.
Bottom Line:
SUPER BIKE. This bike rides like a caddy. The fork and frame setup makes this bike fun to ride. I would recommend this bike to the "middle of the road rider" who wants to ride great, but can't spend a huge wad of bucks on anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Surveyors Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Rivercity Bikes
Strengths:
Great paintjob. Front disc brake works well for a mechanical disc. Climbs like a Jeep. Turns quick. Very solid construction. A lot of bike for the money.
Weaknesses:
A tad on the heavy side. My 94 steel Bridgestone MB4 is lighter. Has more lower end components than I'd like out of the box.
Similar Products Used:
Heavily upgraded 94 Bridgstone MB4.
Bike Setup:
Replaced rear LX with XT. Replaced noname crank with an LX crank.
Bottom Line:
I've seen this same bike at other stores WITHOUT the front disc for well over $850. I'm very happy with it. It is the nicest bike I've owned so far. I have no real complaints with it. The front Rock Shox fork kicks arse. I guess I'm surprised at the amount of confidence a bike like this gives you when taking on harder stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C Dawg Kella
a Cross Country Rider
from misissauga,ontario,canada Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
erin mills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1525.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
genesis geometry,avid disk brakes,front magnum fork absorbs well once broken in
Weaknesses:
heavy,components not all that,seat could be softer,drive train is not for extreme riding
Similar Products Used:
test drove a few in price range used to have diamond back topanga as a kid
Bike Setup:
fully stock hookooekoo with cateye comp.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a definite upgrade from what im used to however the drive train has its problems. When I lay on it hard it squeeks as if it is hurting i imagine its the crank but im not sure. Its a heavy bike but then again i went for the disk brake version(avid disk brakes)which pack on the pounds. Im happy with the frame and the disk brakes which stop on a dime as long as u have them tuned properly but i must say for the 1499 canadain which is what they were asking its a rip.I got the guy to drop the price 250 and it ended up coming to 1525 with tax but originally it was going to be 1750 which is a crazy price for this product.I do a lotta single track and it seems to perform good on easy trails once u start going crazy on it shifting and laying into it tends to display its weakneses its not a hard core racer but for the 1525 canadain with tax im happy. I plan to get some new components were needed like crank and drive train as well as a new seat and suspension seat post.Overall its a good value but im sure theres better bets for the money your suposedly paying for the genesis geometry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Perin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mounty Lemon Highway
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
FullCycle Spdwy Tuc. Az
Strengths:
Great deal good components for the money. Nice paint job red-black. Strong frame while still being flexible enough to absorb shocks. Was asked to get to mountain bike by neurosurgeon (lower back stenosis).
Weaknesses:
Bad saddle. Could use better brake levers and front derailer.
Similar Products Used:
Owned many road bikes from Pugeot Px 10-e to Mondia Special full Campy equipped with Mavic wheel set. (used for 15 yrs)
Bike Setup:
Stock. Added Specialized Spd clipless pedals, Profile Design Fiber RS riser bars, Armadillo Hemisphere EX 26 x 1.95 tires, Specialized Body-Geometry saddle .Will be changing brake levers and adding hydraulic brakes.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. The people at the shop sugested and let me ride many other bikes in the price range b4 I decided on this one. I kept coming back to the Hoo-Koo because of the BANG-FOR-THE-BUCK. I realy do not use it much for trail riding but the few times I did take on really rough terrain I felt very sure of how the bike handled in the rough. My first day of serious riding I was able to get this machine up to an impresive (I was told by fellow riders this was great I am 51 yrs old and have back problems) 35mph on a level road. I did not think I could get this much road performance out of a mountain bike. My next bike will more than likely be a Sugar my son has a Tasahara I will be getting my wife a basic no-shock Fisher. I recomend this one to any one having about a grand to spend. There are better bikes out there but for the money you can't beat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Risinger
a Cross Country Rider
from St Pete beach, FL USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Alot
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
ABC Bicycles
Strengths:
Great fork! The judy xc 100mm is phat..Its like riding on a cloud. The bike is really light weight and the bontrager superstock wheels are damn nice. There is nothing about this bike I dont like, I love it.
Weaknesses:
Front wheel is a little hard to get on straight and the stock seat is like wood And it comes with some pretty cheap brake levers.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Well its all stock except a Serfas rx seat.. I plan on getting some new brake levers and some xtr components down the road.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great, It is also very sexy. It deffinately gets the job done. There is nothing that I dont like about this bike, Only a few things I saw that needed bettered. Certainly worth the price I paid. Cant wait to take it to the trails =O)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Georgetown, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Discovery Cycles
Strengths:
Killer paintjob. Frame geometry(!). Rock Shox Judy XC/100mm is a bump-soakin mutha. 'Trager wheelset/WTB tires get it done. Tight, tight bike. Climbs like a scared goat.
Weaknesses:
A wee bit heavy. Would rather have (at least) an LX crankset. Disc front is ok... not much power for a disc but it's aiiiight. Bar w/a cross bar is pretty much worthless and make mounting lights, comp., etc. a pain in the arse.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000 & Giant Iguana SE (both demo'ed). Old rigid GT All Terra that got me through college.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Body Geometry saddle (not all it's cracked up to be...), Bontrager Clipless pedals (pay the $$ and get Time pedals), Fish Sticks bar ends and Specialized SpeedZone computer (rocks).
Bottom Line:
My red and yellow '00 Koo is a bad mamma jamma. I got a pretty good deal 'cause they wanted to make room for the '01's. The sticker was over 1K, and if that was the case I would have forked out a little more and gotten a Paragon, but this bike is awesome and I can't think of another bike in this class that comes close. Yes, the front disc could be better and the cranks will have to be upgraded eventually, but you have to keep in mind that this bike rocks as-is, and upgrades aren't NECESSARY. Plus, if it were perfect to begin with, what fun would that be?
The only thing I will 100% recommend is to get your shop to swap the cross-bar Crowbar from the get go. It has no purpose at all and makes mounting a computer next to impossible. That engineer should sober up and go design motocross bars. All five flamin chills for my rockin and rollin Koo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
L
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City UTAH Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$649.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent geometry, solid parts pick for the price, Hayes direct mount
Weaknesses:
Portly, could have shaved weight with little added cost at the factory -- i.e. Steel chainrings?
Good deal for $649. Honestly the bike handles really well. It climbs very well and the long travel fork and short stem make the descent plush and controlled. I wish that it weren't so hefty but as long as I'm not trying to throw it in my truck I don't notice the weight. The mechanical disk brake that came stock was adequate(loud, little power) but the $107 upgrade to a Grimecca was well worth it. Since all of your braking power is provided by the front wheel the V-brake in the back is a good idea -- it is cheap,lite, dependable. Riser bars are gay and riser bars with a cross-bar are gay and heavy so I dumped them. Better climbing with flat bars at the healm, plus you don't look like the wicked witch of the west riding around -- sitting upright(Toto?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ari
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything that wont kill me to quick
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Strengths:
Frame geometry. Sweet front suspension for my size. Great tires.
Weaknesses:
The seat hurts my butt. Peddals, but their cheap enough to change.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500, Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I'v only had a chance to do some winter riding since getting this bike. (Its Feb. in Ontario) This bike rides great over the rough snow and ice and so far I have had no problem with the " cheap " front brake. The Rock Shox Judy seems to be able to handle my 200lbs with a great amount of cushion and the frame is comfortable for my 6' size. It handles small drops with ease and the up-hills don't seem as hard as with other bikes. I can't wait to get out on some dry trails. I'm tired of freezing my beegeebers off. I recomend this ride to the intermediate rider who likes to have fun on a ride without hurting the old bones to much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joey roxas
a Cross Country Rider
from scottsdale, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Competitors Track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Supergo Bike Shop in AZ
Strengths:
The fork(kind of heavy) The color The price some of the components
Weaknesses:
The crankset is crap the disk brake can just go to hell for a hard tail it's kinda heavy
All stock except for Crankset, tires, saddle, pedals, and bars. Put an XT crankset and loving it. A Giro saddle. I also put some shimano clipless pedals and some new Bontrager tires.I also have some easton EA70 bars. I am planning in the near future some XTR brakes and shifter pods/levers and some black Mavic 517's. I am also thinking about a Thompson stem and post.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is... That it is a killer deal for a bike. It has good parts and a great riding frame. It is great for the average weekend warrior.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gus
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring, TX USA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cypresswood
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$495.00
Purchased At:
Bike Lane in Spring(Great Shop)
Strengths:
Sturdy frame and pretty light, good front shock (Manitou Magnum R)
Weaknesses:
Rims a bit weak (Bontrager) and Shimano LX front derailer has some problems, back not so bad...probably will upgrade in near future, seat is pretty hard but you get used to it.
Bike Setup:
2001 Stock setup, Manitou Magnum R adjustable front fork, LX derailers, Bontrager crank set
Bottom Line:
This is a pretty darn good bike for a mid-level bike, I lucked out and got it in place of a Tassajara that wasn't shipped timely due to a mix up at Fisher. I would recommend this bike to anyone not willing to spend a fortune on a hardtail and just wants a strong bike to get the job done!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lou
a Cross Country Rider
from Plainfield, NJ USA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Watchung Res
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame; excellent color; comfortable sizing (for my 6' bod)
Weaknesses:
Got this bike to build up as a hardtail to complement my Sugar 1...the front disc brake is crap. Other than that all other parts are respectable for the Jing ($) charged!!
Bike Setup:
Lots-O-Changes made--but thi bike rocks now & is totally unique. XTR Brakes/XTR Pods & brake levers/BONTY Race light Crankset/Shimano UN72 BB/Easton CT2 handlebar/ WTB Ti saddle/Thomson seatpost/Rock Shox SID XL Fork/Bontrager Racelite wheelset/WTB Velociraptor fr & Nano for rear [Winter use only]
Bottom Line:
I got this bike for a great deal & had other higher end parts to upgrade this baby laying around. This bike now rocks & I have it setup to match my racing Sugar 1--but now have a hardtail when the Full Sus is not needed...This bike rocks!! AND IT LOOKS COOLER THAN THE TEAM FISHER BIKES...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Groff
a Weekend Warrior
from Strasburg PA near lancaster Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
french creek and camp mack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
BIke Line of lancaster
Strengths:
Very cool graphics fork weight ride feel disk brake does actually not suck good ride setup (riser bar and frame angles combined makes for a tight ride)
Weaknesses:
seat already is almost fell apart after only 6 months!!! POS!
Similar Products Used:
vrx 300, trek 6000, gt talera, univega, ross rock machine, mongoose crap from wal mart
Bike Setup:
stock with henderson front fender
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A PHAT BIKE...i have had it for exactly 6 months and i am still ecstatic with it. i have put over 400 putz miles on it but have been TOO damn busy to take it on a good trail...as soon as i get my licsense i will be riding every afternoon..the only gripe i have is the seat it already is coming apart. oh well it is under warranty ill just get a new Ti saddle. also i want to get new disk brakes front and rear only when i have extra money but for now its all good. the quote "cheap" disk brake equipped on this bike does well for me. its kool when i go 30 mph and just ease in the front brake and it gets hardcore hot it is awesome. well peace i just want to say this is one tight bike and i highly recommend it for a second or first hardtail
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jordan m.
a Cross Country Rider
from Summerhill pa Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dupa slide
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Trailside Bicycle
Strengths:
It has a great Fork, and a strong, lite frame, great components, great wheels, and brakes.
Weaknesses:
People cry over the front brake, but to tell you the truth, i think the brake is a good brake for being an entry level brake. The brake is cheap, but it is good for being cheap. It does make a souind when I ride, but almost every disc brake makes a sound. Plus, i think the sound is sortof relaxing. (Don't ask me why!!)I would rather have this disc brake than any other rim brake. If fisher bikes was gona put a top of the line disc brake on it, you can add another $ 200.00 bucks to your bill. But the only complaint i have about this bike is the chain derailer. I't is a pile of crap. My chain always pops. So i plan on replacing it. Th pedals aren't clippless which i think sucks, but hey, kep in mind that if it had clippless pedals, you would be paying more money for the bike. The seat is hard, but live with it!!
Similar Products Used:
I had a schwinn frontier. It was a nice bike for being what it was built for. I also had a '99 Gary Fisher puire bender spin, which was my Porsche.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
one hell of a good bike for the price. If you want a bike that has a better brake, and ect, you are gona be paying alot more cash$$$ Gary makes this bike with a better brake, seat and derailer, It's called the x-caliber. The hoo koo e koo is just the cheaper model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Rigden
a
from London Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Quantocks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Price - £850rrp , I paid £599 as its end of season. The fork - my first suspension fork and I'm well impressed. A very solid quality frame for the money which just doesn't seem to flex and blinding handling. Old school colours and some great Bonty kit.
Weaknesses:
The bike feels a wee bit heavier up the hills than my previous Orange, but then it seems to be built to take a severe beating. It should have better quality levers as standard. The saddle has given me a very sore arse - there is no padding. Other than that I can't complain about anything.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Cindercone, Trek 970, Orange C16-R.
Bike Setup:
Standard (only had it a few weeks)
Bottom Line:
I am amazed at the amount of bike you get for your money, I have absolutely pummelled it and more than any of the previous bikes I have had, it just inspires you to take it further. It is very fast down hills! I am not sure about the disc brake yet but apparently it takes a while to bed in. This is a bike I shall be keeping a long time and with a couple of minor upgrades (brake levers, saddle - ouch) it can only get even better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Trudeau
a Weekend Warrior
from Wells, Me Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Stevens Brook
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Shocks,Balances Well,Very Fast, Smooth on the bumps for a Hardtail,
Weaknesses:
Seat, what seat??? Disc Brake front still to new to determine but sounds like I'll be shoppin for Hydros
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Cannondale F600 Gt Back Woods Fisher Big Sur
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Very smooth If you can your hands on one, This late in the season A great deal at $875.00 Prices have dropped with the 2001's on our doorstep! Do your shoppin and get on a HOO KOO!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Mack
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Stock seat sucks, Front Disk Brake is difficult to keep quiet.
Bottom Line:
As far as I am concerned this bike rules the sub $1000 range, between the componentry and the over all balance of the bike it is hard to beat. I can say for a fact that this ride is very capable in XC race enviroment, we left all but two others eating dust. This is the fastest bike I have ever rode, very stable in almost all situations. It doesn't seem to get as squirlly down the hills as my Specialized did.
Bottom Line: If your like me and $1000 is as much as you will pay and you ride seriously Fisher is the way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Tosh
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen,Scotland,UK Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kirkhill Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame Geometry, weight, those damn Judy's f
Weaknesses:
Front Brakes & leavers, rear mech
Similar Products Used:
Trek6500, Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Boggo standard
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money (LBS had a great deal on), well set up & balanced, fast and light, super smooth fork, al though found it quite soft even on full preload (might get the oil weight changed first service). Front brake crap when new, bedded in Ok after a few downhill thrashes, but as always cable stretch meant that I had to adjust the tension and can't seem to get the same leverage and modulation as before (a job for the experts me thinks). Also when the rotor gets wet it howls and shudders like a ba*"*rd when braking. Might be the first thing to get junked, Im off now to find out a bit more about the solution.
In general if your looing for a good, strong, light upgradeable bike get a Hoo Koo, first thing to do is get your LBS to tell you how to set up that damn front brake to work properly and to stop it from howling when its wet.
Then just get out and ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Groff
a Cross Country Rider
from Strasburg PA USA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
French creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame geometry Parts spec (most of them) The fork baby the fork Price Weight
Weaknesses:
None yet but I hope the disc brake doesnt suck.
Similar Products Used:
Trek VRX 300, Klein Attitude, Trek 7000, Univega Super Sport, Ross Rock Machine, GT Talera, others
Bike Setup:
stock except for toby henderson front fender
Bottom Line:
Well this bike is a great value for $949 at my local bike shop. This is my first bike from a bike shop--my other ones were from MTBR and from pawn shops. The service was great, I got a brand new fender for $25 and this bike rides and looks soooo sweet! I recommend it for racers and XC riders but the only downside is the generic brakes and levers.As soon as I get enough money I am upgrading to XT levers and rear brake or maybe even full Hayes hydros.Well peace out and support your local bike shop!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bike rider
a Weekend Warrior
from pa Date Reviewed: December 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
geometry,weight,looks
Weaknesses:
front brake,seat
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
with the exception of the front disc and block of wood for a saddle this bike really rocks. It handles great and the judy xc 100 soakes up all the big hits.It looks great too. Have to take away 1 flamer for the front brake because it doesn`t count if you have to use your feet.
Overall Rating:
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