|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from England (Suffolk)
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mayday Farm, Brandon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Can't remember | | Strengths: | The frame is mega light, it twists round the trails like you wouldn't belive. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components | | Similar Products Used: | None really but i know a good bike when i ride it!
| | Bike Setup: | Mavic 217 rims & Lx hubs , Lx rear & front mech,Z5 forks, M700 V brakes, WTB saddle, Mega 9 shifters 27 speed, Bontrager crank seat post and stem. | | Bottom Line: | A GOOD STURDY BIKE TO HAVE FUN ON THE SINGLE TRACK.
IF YOU WANT A GOOD LEVEL ENTRY BIKE FOR XC RACING THEN I FEEL THIS CAN CUT THE MUSTARD! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stone
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Shoal Creek Detour | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$720.00 | | Purchased At: | Discovery Cycle | | Strengths: | light, good components for price, Good Looks, Fisher Quality, a frame you would usally find on a 2k dollar bike | | Weaknesses: | Bontranger Components are weak, especially cranks, oh well their better than coda. Also i hope to never see the word deore again | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale f900, specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Fisher gold frame, shimano lx / deore, bontranger :(
for some reason my bike came with a marzocchi mx pro horray | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike, comes with good components for the price. I love my shock. and i love to ride, just get some real components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Silver Spring, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Potapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line (Delaware) | | Strengths: | Light, sturdy, and handles well. | | Weaknesses: | Derailer (see below) | | Similar Products Used: | varied | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Shimano XTR front and rear derailer | | Bottom Line: | Here is the deal. There are many posts about replacing the rear derailer on the Big Sur. I figured, "hey, I might was well replace the front one as well". The problem is that the XTR front derailer doesn't fit exactly right on the Big Sur frame. The shop I bought the bike from didn't tweak it right and I had shifting problems. I took it to College Park bicycles in Maryland and they set it up right. I can now shift fine on all gears and am completely satisfied with the bike. I would just get the rear derailer replaced if I had to do it over again. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Logandale, NV
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$749.00 | | Purchased At: | Fishers SLC | | Strengths: | Everything execept the seat(ouch) | | Weaknesses: | Wheel flex and of course the seat!! Could use some better components | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock -clipless pedels- Gel seat. Thudbuster on order | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike however I wish the cable runs were under the top tube. Had to do some major adjustment on deraillers but finally got them to work OK. Plan on upgrading to XT components. Have not had any other problems- brakes work good, BB seems to be fine. The front wheel flexes too much and causes the brakes to rub, but the rims seem tough. However already bent the rear on a small jump - flat spot but otherwise nice.
Plan on upgrading components!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maxime
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec city, PQ, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Le Pédalier, Wendake, Québec | | Strengths: | Beautifully generous, gracious and strong frame. Nice welding job ; amusing hidden sticker under bottom bracket and the funny sentence graved on the headset cap. The most serious fork (marzochi z5 aria made in italy) for the $. Nice pair of wheels never needs truing (but ...). the best tires for climbing : Wtb Velociraptor | | Weaknesses: | The cheap brakes : you have to upgrade or, at least put cartridge pads. Doulourous seat !!! I'm changing it this spring for a Selle italia with titanium rails. Other than that : weak hubs ; the pieces are loose inside, the tech solved this by forging the inner pieces of the hub and opening the freewheel to glue some things inside ... but it works like new now !! | | Similar Products Used: | kona blast, marin palisade trail, diamondback zetec | | Bike Setup: | derailleur : Lx/Deore, seatpost/stem/handlebar/crank : Bontrager, pedals : bontrager re-2, wheels : Bontrager superstock, fork : marz z5 air, seat : wtb sst.x (im changing it for a luxurious selle italia piece of leather), Brakes : Avid Arch Rival with Avid speed dial Ti levers (oh that's the sweetest part , braking power : mmmmm !!), Tires : wtb 2,1 velociraptor/front ; wtb 2,1 motoraptor/rear, chain : shimano hg, cateye computer | | Bottom Line: | Once you get rid of the original stoppers for serious brakes everything zen ! a smile on your face, wind in your face and a fast singletrack down the tires !!
Get a Fisher if you want to spend around 1000$ CDN, 700$us | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maxime
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec city, PQ, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Le Pédalier, Wendake, Québec | | Strengths: | Beautifully generous, gracious and strong frame. Nice welding job ; amusing hidden sticker under bottom bracket and the funny sentence graved on the headset cap. The most serious fork (marzochi z5 aria made in italy) for the $. Nice pair of wheels never needs truing (but ...). the best tires for climbing : Wtb Velociraptor | | Weaknesses: | The cheap brakes : you have to upgrade or, at least put cartridge pads. Doulourous seat !!! I'm changing it this spring for a Selle italia with titanium rails. Other than that : weak hubs ; the pieces are loose inside, the tech solved this by forging the inner pieces of the hub and opening the freewheel to glue some things inside ... but it works like new now !! | | Similar Products Used: | kona blast, marin palisade trail, diamondback zetec | | Bike Setup: | derailleur : Lx/Deore, seatpost/stem/handlebar/crank : Bontrager, pedals : bontrager re-2, wheels : Bontrager superstock, fork : marz z5 air, seat : wtb sst.x (im changing it for a luxurious selle italia piece of leather), Brakes : Avid Arch Rival with Avid speed dial Ti levers (oh that's the sweetest part , braking power : mmmmm !!), chain : shimano hg, cateye computer | | Bottom Line: | Once you get rid of the original stoppers for serious brakes everything zen ! a smile on your face, wind in your face and a fast singletrack down the tires !!
Get a Fisher if you want to spend around 1000$ CDN, 700$us | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Hudson, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | FOMBA Trails - Manchester, NH | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Naults - Nashua | | Strengths: | Strong, light frame. Genesis Geometry makes this bike decend and climb like a mountain goat. The shocks are great. | | Weaknesses: | The breaks could be a bit smoother especially when trying to feather them in a steep decent. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M50 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I needed a longer seat post. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! The way the Big Sur handles tight single track is amazing! Very nimble. If this is your first experience with the Fisher Genesis Geometry, get used to it before trying to get it in the air. The front end doesn't lift the way my old bike did and there was much blood and gore the first time I tried to take it for a small 3-foot drop. For those of you that are concerned, the bike is fine. The Big Sur likes to stay on the ground and for mountain biking, this is a very good thing! The way this bike climbs is nothing short of amazing. And as for descents; I don’t walk down many hills any more! My confidence level has shot up 100%. The combination of a light, strong frame, the Marzocchi Z5 air shocks, Velociraptor tire combo and the Genesis Geometry made me a better rider almost overnight! It doesn’t hurt that this Big Sur looks great too. I can't imagine a better value in a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarvan Sumra
a Cross Country Rider
from North Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cwn Pennant in N.Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Forgotten | | Strengths: | It's a VERY strong frame. I've been free riding with it for about a year and not a crack, nor deep scratch. It's only little stones scrathes and believe me, ...I've had my fair share of falls! It's also brilliant for all day trips. Get a comfyier seat though. And it's great with the Z5 up front. | | Weaknesses: | The Z5 was great, but it could be better with a Duke or something like a Z2 X Fly. Erm, ...to be honest, the groupset is fine, but there are better deals out there. Bontrager cranks aren't that strong either. | | Similar Products Used: | Quite a few. Marin Wolfridge, Coyote, Specialized, Mongoose, other Fishers and many more. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great frame. Though here's a note to all hart tailers: "why not go for a full sus with lockout. I've switched to a full sus with lock out and disc brakes and its much better. Just try it. Seriously." This bike would suit all of those who want a great handleing cross country beast that will take a lot of abuse and still come back for more. Though, ...remember that if you want it to STAY good, ...then clean it, ...very very throughly.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor Vasquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Flat Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Discovery Cycles | | Strengths: | Great Fork. Marzocchi is great.
Genesis Geometry is great and fits perfectly with the fork
Overall great ride | | Weaknesses: | Brake Kit is weak.
Front derailer is cheap stuff...at least could have used an LX | | Bike Setup: | XT V-Brakes system with shifters(replaced shimano pads with kool-stop)
ATAC TIme clipless pedals
Bontrager Seat | | Bottom Line: | Bike rides well...upgrades I made have been out of desire rather than need (except for chain). Bike worked well without the upgrades.
I did experience some problems with the chain and the shifting. I have broken two chains so far and the gears skip now and then. I finally replaced the chain with a Sram69.
I must say I am very picky about my bike performing well at the trail so overall I can say it is a great bike.
I would recommend the bike for a mid level biker that likes hard trails but does not want to get too competitive. Bike will take any terrain just fine.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morwan Osman
a
from Pullman, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | B&L Bikes | | Strengths: | Light, Fork, Genesis Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Usually comes with clips, Seat, If you're not used to Genesis Geometry.. You better get used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 970, '93 Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for 2002 Superstocks instead of 2001.
Different pedals. I don't remember what brand, they were free with the setup. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. It's very light for a XC bike, great compontents(Bontrager), decent fork(Z5 Aria). I spent the better part of a year looking for a good deal on a bike, and I had settled my sights on a 2002 Hoo Koo E Koo- but I went down to my local shop and they had a 2001 Big Sur at the same price, so I picked it up instead. It's a great starter bike, my only problem is the seat.
If you're looking for a good deal, get a Big Sur, it's a good bike, and a good investment, because three or four years down the line, it'll still sell for decent cash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern Nevada
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$725.00 | | Purchased At: | Fishers-SLC,UT | | Strengths: | Everything other than Brakes, Derailer, Seat, Pedals. Nice color scheme. Frame balance | | Weaknesses: | The obvious - Pedals and Seat(ouch)still have a sore A$$.
Front Derailer -Big POS - No GPS unit:) | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock with plans on a few upgrades | | Bottom Line: | Very nice bike- However it took some time adjusting to get it to shift into all gears without issues. Will be replacing the front derailer for sure. Bent rear wheel on a curb and haven't been able to find a replacement. Wish the rims at least were disk ready so I could replace the sub-par brakes. Have not had one problem with Bottom Bracket or rings as other have. Have really pushed this bike and I weight 170lbs and it has held up great. Plan on adding to the Fisher line with a Sugar. All I have to say is "Get a Fisher" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Batavia, Ny
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycles Plus | | Strengths: | Top - notch componentsfor the price, great fork, great geometry (Genesis), easy to ride for a beginner. | | Weaknesses: | Toe-clip pedals, seat takes a bit to get used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn sidewinder, Schwinn Frontier | | Bike Setup: | All stock - upgraded to Time Atac clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT bike. I picked it up as a year old and got a HUGE discount on the price. I love the Marzocchi Z5 air fork, and the genesis geometry makes handling very stable and predictable. It would have been nice to get clipless with it - but Gary seems to have fixed this for his 2002 bikes. I would recomend this bike for anyone who is just starting to get serious about riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Saunders
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexander City, AL
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sturdivant Fire Road on Lake Martin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Escape | | Strengths: | Rock solid frame, perfect fork (Marzocchi z.5), beautiful paint job | | Weaknesses: | bottom-of-the-line brakes and saddle; front der.; bottom bracket; | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | XT v-brakes and levers, Bontrager FS2000 "prostate saver" saddle | | Bottom Line: | i researched bikes for three months before i finally made a decision and bought my fisher. i wanted a mid-entry level bike that could take the abuse that a 6' 1", 220lb guy could dish out, and keep on going, without breaking my pathetic college bank account. and in the big sur, that is exactly what i got. this bike has taken more than its share of hard hits and falls and abuse and just won't stop. not only do i attack the trails with it, but i also use it to get around on campus at UA during the week. and what kind of xc rider would i be if i didn't have to batter down all the steps i see and fly off of all the curbs in sight?
after i replaced the stock seat (WTB sst.x) with at Bontrager FS200 and brakes (shimano M515?) with an XT brakeset, i found what mtb bliss really is.
the z.5 bomber fork is buttery smooth, and attacks and soaks up everything from three inch roots and rocks to three inch curbs.i have yet to bottom it out either, and that is saying alot for a 220lb guy who likes to ride steps. it works seamlessly with the frame to provide a great ride no matter what the terrain. and what a frame it is! no fear on steep downhills here with that fisher geometry! all the hype that you hear about the Genesis Geometry from the fisher boys is not all hype - it is the truth. you can't really understand until you experience it. it gives me confidence on hills that i would never think about on any other bike.
the only major complaint i have is that the bolt on the left side of the crank does not want to stay torqued down. once again, this may be due to the stress that i put on it. i have almost replaced the bottom bracket twice due to this problem, but they guy at my lbs said that the bottom bracket was fine for now, despite its adamant protests to the opposite. i almost had to replace the crank arm due to this problem, but he took care of that with a ball-peen hammer and some rubber padding. and after a hard ride, it is often loose. i have taken to carrying the wrench to correct this problem in my saddle pack on long rides now to avoid trouble.
bottom line, big guy + big sur = love.
if you are looking for a bike that can handle a bigger size person (hey, not all of us who ride are 5'10" and weigh 160 lb) then the fisher big sur is the bike for you. i have been quite satisfied with its performance and was impressed with the value for what i paid for it. with a few minor upgrades it should last you quite a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Nagy
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie, ON
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills XC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeland | | Strengths: | Great Genesis Design, Brand Name (Bontragor) Components, Stiff frame | | Weaknesses: | Shimano Stock Brakes...they're decent but you can always complain about something that you always want to work better.. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek/Giant/Other Fishers | | Bike Setup: | LX/LX Rear and Front Deraileurs, Bontragor Comp Cranks/Seatpost/Handlebar, Stock Shimano Brakes (For now), Bontragor wheelset, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for any type of rider...with any bike theres room to upgrade but it's totally not needed with this bike...unless you really want to. Solid frame, best paint scheme of any Gary Fisher of any year, and resonably priced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt J
a
from Chi-town
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Johnny Sprockets (Great) | | Strengths: | Pretty nimble, good feel to it, pretty much everything is great about it. accelerates well, geometry rarely lets ya down. componentry is solid enough where it counts - drivetrain. can handle a lot of abuse | | Weaknesses: | pedals, brakes, the back's a little flexy, wheels a little mushy. | | Similar Products Used: | trusty red s hardrock - i got it tricked out for speed and studded tires for the winter that never came | | Bike Setup: | stock, with red michelin hot in back, spd's, stubby little bar ends like the cane creek but cheaper, '01 Z3's, flashy yellow grips, red kool stop pads in front | | Bottom Line: | So far this bike has kicked some ass. I use it for urban assualt and XC mostly, and the silly radial wheels have kept up. The back one feels a little squishy sometimes - not a really crisp acceleration, but that could be the frame too. The rear triangle's a little flexy - I get occasional chain rub when I'm really pushing in the big ring - and I'm only 14 weighin 145. I do little 3 foot jumps and stairs and stuff, and the rims have kept up fairly well. A lotta sand... i haven't overhauled anything yet and probably should cause it's feeling a little sluggish. probably me being out of shape though. This bike kicks ass I'll gave it all the flamin snot rockets thogh it aint perfect. definitely buy it if you're lookin for something versatile and fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
martin fenner
a Downhiller
from brighton, england
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | south downs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Neilson's | | Strengths: | Good frame, forks, wheels, rear derailleur | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager front rings | | Similar Products Used: | Marlin 2001 | | Bike Setup: | As is, apart from the seat. eek | | Bottom Line: | The Bontrager front rings must be sub-standard, as every review I've read of Fisher bikes mentions problems with them (even on the Sugars). I bought this second-hand from a company that does bike holidays, and guess what? Yep the middle ring was all bent to hell and back. I got it 1/2 price so I'm OK with it, and they're p/xing it back later in the year for a Sugar 3, but I would be really pissed off if I bought one of these bikes new. I'm surprised that a company like Fisher, who produce great bikes, can ignore what is patently obvious, for over 2 seasons now; that there is something dodgy with these rings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dozzer
a Weekend Warrior
from staffs,england
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ribcage | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | winstanleys | | Strengths: | usa made frame
yes, fisher geometry
pretty lightweight
heavenly paint job
super smooth Z5(after a few hours)
bonty crank, finishing kit
tyres(love dry rocky terrain) | | Weaknesses: | deore front derail
brakes
pedals
tyres(hate wet roots and leaves) | | Similar Products Used: | 94 kona explosif
99 gt karakoram | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for spd's | | Bottom Line: | I did a lot of homework before i bought this bike and discovered it was the best deal going.I heard Fisher's geometry was spot on and how well his bikes fitted(I'm 1.82m(6ft) and the large size bike feels like it's part of me).There are a few minor niggles but I am not at all disappointed with my purchase.O.k so the brakes could be better but at least gary didn't skimp on places where it really matters;frame,wheels,fork.The bs accelerates so well thanks to genesis and makes light work of ascents.Descending is also a breeze where the big sur's comfy control center and the Z5's impeccable manners really show through.Top and bottom outs don't exist and there is virtually no flex.The Bonty crowbars and stem really allow the rider to maneuver this baby with ease and stability making technical sections a cinch.You'll never go over these bars!The seat ain't the comfiest cushion on the sofa but it is a quality WTB and you'll get use to it but padded shorts do help!The Bonty seatpost makes up for it.Lovely.Top marks for the clean top routed cables out of the way of the grunge and sheep turds(cleaning the big surs'easy as)!
I will eventually change the cheapo shim v's for avids and get a nice slick xt f/derail but these are only minor worries and the bike still manages to put a devilish grin on my face just by looking at it. Get one!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte,NC
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Catawba | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski | | Strengths: | Geometry, Marzocchi fork, Great climber. | | Weaknesses: | SEAT, replacee it before you make your --- hurt. Chainring, seatpost. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to clipless pedals, suspension seat post, body geometry seat, Race Face center chainring. | | Bottom Line: | I feel that Fisher did a good job of spec-ing this bike with a good fork and well made frame. All bikes in this price range have some lower to mid-range components and everyone will change some basic things. I complain about the seat but am glad they put a cheap one on and kept the price down since I would have changed it anyway. The pedals are cheap but most people change them also. I ride often and have not had to spend a lot of time adjusting and tuning. My center chainring bent over under torque, I am a Clydesdale with very strong legs, I replaced it with a Race Face and hope that solves the problem without going to a 5 bolt crank. The suspension post works great on roots while climbing, thought I wouldn't like it but it has helped lots. Overall it has been a good ride so far and I would definitely recommend this bike for cross country riding. I ride 3-4 times per week. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | To heck and back | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Outdoor Sports | | Strengths: | Sweet Ride. Deore and LX, sweet frame, and U gotta love those rims | | Weaknesses: | brakes are crappy, but that's about it | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ranier, Bianchi Wannabee, Moabs | | Bike Setup: | basically stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks a**, especially for the price I paid. The brakes are crappy but hey who needs em when you're kickin the crap out of a trail. The rims are sweet and especially like that Marzocchi Z5. Fisher really did a nice job with the Genesis Geometry, In fact Fisher really made one sweet ride with the Big Sur, Five Flamin Chilis no doubt | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sandy Hook | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | I'm updating my review earlier review. ..
The Big Sur still works great, but after several months I totally destroyed the rear rim by hitting a curb on a missed bunnyhop. I bent it once, had it fixed, then it happened again and it was simply toasted - flattened and bent. Just got an aerospoke mag, so hopefully I won't have that problem again. But I have to say I didn't expect to wipe out a rim so soon. Maybe it's cause I'm 200 lbs, but still, it's a mountainbike, right? Aren't mountain bikes supposed to take punishment?
The mechanic at Sids told me that the front derailleur problem has to do with Shimano parts not working in concert with the Bontrager front sprockets. I put on an XT front derailleur which helped alot, but I still have trouble shifting onto the big ring. The answer from the mechanic was to make better shifts and don't shift uphill. Maybe new shifter pods too?
The frame is very stiff and doesn't absorb bumps. I finally got a thudbuster seatpost which helped immensely.
The frame seemed to scratch and the decals took dings easier than I'd expected as well.
Still an awsome, tough looking bike that can hadle most anything (except missed curb hops). It's still worth some chllis, but it's not perfect - but is any sub $1,000 mtb perfect? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Cloud, MN
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Monticello | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Out and About Gear | | Strengths: | Geometry really adds confidence to the ride. I am fairly inexperienced but I find myself riding things I wouldn't try on other people's bikes. Color scheme looks great and the wheels and tires work great. | | Weaknesses: | Lots of problems keeping the derailuers tuned. Looking to upgrade. Let me know what is the way to go, or how to keep factory components working smooth and I would appreciate it. Seat is hard but you will get used to it if you ride enogh. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | Stock, looking to upgrade seat, derailuers, brakes (pads and levers) all when I get the money | | Bottom Line: | I questioned wether or not spending the money on the bike was worth it, turns out I didn't make a mistake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail that's a challenge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$629.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Line | | Strengths: | stiff frame, Genesis Geometry, color combination(Blue,Silver,and White),Marzocchi fork,price,service(has nothing to do with the bike,but wanted to throw it in anyway) | | Weaknesses: | Saddle(upgraded)Pedals(upgraded)Brake Levers(will be upgraded soon)Fisher decal color on headtube and stripe(Purple?!!) | | Similar Products Used: | C'dale F400(w/rigid fork) | | Bike Setup: | Selle Italia Pro Link Genuine Gel(awesome for trail and road use), Time ATAC aliums, Panaracer Fire XC Pro's, everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike since...well, it's too long to try and remember.A couple of friends introduced me to the world of mountain biking as a fitness alternative, and coerced me not to purchase a hybrid bike. I researched a lot of manufacturers and settled on Gary Fisher, not because of the name,(because there are alot of good name brands out there, you'd go crazy trying to choose the best one)but the exclusivity of not being able to purchase on the internet was appealing. Also, from a purchasing standpoint it was good to be able to attach a face with the product (the man rides mountain bikes regularly from what I understand). Well, the Big Sur is definitely one sexy, sturdy, riding machine to say the least. I am able to throw my 185 pound frame around it with no anxiety whatsoever. It is not the lightest Fisher frame out there, but who cares? Once I get done spec'ing it wont have to be, and I feel better being under a stiffer frame anyway.Gram counters should stay away,but heavyweights who don't want to break the bank like myself(I'll break it later on upgrades)should drop the C-notes. I removed the cheesy purple logo from the headtube(four colors don't work on a bike, wish I could get a white or blue decal), and replaced the deathtrap toeclips along with the non-descript saddle at purchase time. The thing looked like it had groin pain written all over it. The fork is fine for now seeing that I had never ridden with suspension before. As my skills improve, more upgrading will follow, but I am totally satisfied with the product thus far. Five flaming ones for overall quality and value!
P.S. I've had the bike now for a month, and ride probably four times a week on average-will submit another review in another six months | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chip rice
a Cross Country Rider
from athens, ohio
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Hope, Wayne National Forest ORV | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Athens Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Climbs like a squirrel, very steady and tracks great on climbs, Genisis geometry, pretty smooth ride with bomber shock, handles great.... bike seems pretty bomb proof | | Weaknesses: | brake levers, front derailure, pedals, grips... | | Similar Products Used: | rode an early 90's supercaliber for several years, compared this one to a Giant Rainier | | Bike Setup: | pretty much still stock at this point but... | | Bottom Line: | I was looking to stay under a grand for a new bike.. I ride pretty hard and was searching for that blend of good geometry, decent stock parts, bomb proof and price. I really feel this bike gave me the best for the money. I agree with the comments made earlier it is an all around great ride... complaints - front derailure absolutely sucks... even when it has just been tuned I still have trouble either gettin down to the granny or up to big ring.. one or the other.. It has to go. brake levers and pads are cheap. I will probably swap out the levers soon. Along with the shifters but I won't change them until hey break. grips are thin WTB... they gotta go.
i have read alot of complaints on the bottom bracket being cheap. mine is ok for now but I am not expecting it to last.. we will see. oh yeah, the seat is hard but my butt is used to it now.
bonuses far outweigh the minuses... shock is great, bike has great balance and handles fantastic very steady on both uphill and downhill... i was sold on fisher in the early 1990's and this bike reconfirms it for me... I don't thhink you will be disappointed in this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt and downhill and I'm happy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Sids | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, drivetrain, awesome Bomber fork, wheels, tires. | | Weaknesses: | brake levers, brake pads, seat, pedals, suspicious of the bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400, P3, Old Rockhopper, Hoo Koo. | | Bike Setup: | Selle Italia Flight Ti saddle, SD7 levers, YPK pads, XT front Derailleur, Titec carbon ends. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money - Rides fab out of the box - until you can save up for upgrades, and it's easily upgradable. Very fast and quick - totally explodes off the line - way better than the Cannondale. The Genesis really works - with your weight back on the rear it's easy to climb, and descends with ease - bottom line is the Big Sur gives you confidence. On the street it feels a bit stretched out but on the trails you feel totally at home. The first day I had it I bombed down the stairs at Sunset Park - no problem (did knock the front wheel slightly out of true, however). That Bomber fork is amazing - totally solid and can take anything with ease (just remember it takes a few weeks to break it in so don't freak out if it feels stiff at first - it will get sweet as it ages). I hit some hard gravely downhill rock trails Upstate and shot down them like they were pebbles-I'm talking smacking into 1-3 foot boulders and the Big guy came out without even a screw loose. It can take it.
You'll eventually need to change some parts, however (no company can survive if they sell a full XT bike for $800 - so they have to cut costs somewhere - the Fisher product managers did a great job of using cheap parts where they don't matter as much and good parts where they do). The first thing to do is get rid of the horrible heavy hunks of plastic they call stock Shimano brake pads. I bought a set light YPK's for $20 at Supergo and it made a world of difference - 30% more braking area - I was going to get Arch rivals, but now I don't need them. The promax levers need to go - they make this creaking sound they're really sloppy. Speed dial 7's took care of that - and for only $20. Had ongoing problems with the front Deore derailleur hitting the chain and making noise. Finally replaced it with an XT and now the drivetrain shifts like silk (seems the problem was the stock derailler was bent when I got the bike). The seat's a killer - I put on a Flight ($59 at Pricepoint) and my bottom's much happier - and it looks way cool. The pedals MUST be replaced with clipless ones (my next upgrade). The velociraptors stick like glue and the frame is bullet-proof. I was going to get a Hoo Koo, but the guys at Sid's pointed out that for only $100 more you get better brakes, better wheels, better cranks, better bars, and a way better fork.
I didn't like the color at first, ("chad?") blue and silver, but it totally grows on you - looks tough and purposeful with just enough flash with mean looking blackout wheels and fork that screams "Bomber". No trendy mango or rasberry colors. A real mountain bike.
I did a lot of research before I spent my dwindling doneros on the Sur - and I'm totally satisfied. If you're considering this bike all I can say is: "Yes Sur!". Go for it - you won't regret it. I'm even thinking of growing one of those whisker things under my bottom lip so everyone knows I have a Fisher... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Dutcher
a Cross Country Rider
from Lenexa, KS USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Shawnee Mission Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheeler's Cycle & Fitness | | Strengths: | Great Shimano drivetrain. Genesis geometry! Enough said! | | Weaknesses: | Sub-standard bottom bracket, brakes, and levers. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M60 with many upgrades. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox SID, Avid SD 7 Brakes and Levers, XTR Rear Derailleur, XT Bottom Bracket, Shimano SPD's, and everything else is pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike really rocks. It is a great upgrade to what I was riding before. I just can't believe how light and easy it is to handle. Descending is not a problem with this bike. This bike is ideal for to money conscious buyer looking for a great buy. After the upgrades, I have spent close to $1000 (I already had the SID and the SPD's).
The only thing that I would recommend is to change out the brakes to Avid SD 7's (the stock brakes are OK, but there is a lot of slop in the levers), the rear derailleur to XTR (to shed some weight), and the bottom bracket to an XT or XTR (to shed some weight, plus to stop the grinding sound that the cheap piece of stock crap made). The SID really helps out too. That I transfered from my other bike.
With all of that in mind and all of the upgrades, this bike is very much comparable to the Paragon or MT Tam. I love this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, PQ, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont's Bing Bang | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame (geometry, material and paint); fork; wheels (light and great tires). | | Weaknesses: | Brakes and brake levers; saddle; bottom bracket (it's worth 15$CDN for god's sake!!!); pedals (they broke on my first ride; why not give us clipless, i would have paid the extra 30 bucks!) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Schwinn Moab 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the bottom bracket (it broke, replaced it for an XT), the saddle (made my butt hurt) and the brakes and levers (AVID SD7). | | Bottom Line: | Once you replace the brakes, this bike performs like much more expensive ones. The bottom bracket doesn't really cause any problem until it breaks in the middle of a ride. The saddle isn't that big a deal if you've got padded shorts.
This bike handles great! The front end is really stiff, thanks to the Bomber up front. Plus, once you figure out just how much air is right for you, this is definately the best fork for the price, period. The drivetrain shifts pretty smoothly except maybe for the front derailleur at times. The Velociraptors are well, themelves, as they grip to everything you can imagine. The bike climbs pretty good, but its real strenght is down that hill. The combination of Genesis geometry and riser bar enables you to go so far behind, you'll feel much more confident and you'll find yourself going faster than you thought possible on a hardtail.
Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Quality of frame, great fork for the price, great handling on the downhills (gotta love that Genesis geometry), good specs in general (handlebar, grips, tires, rear derailleur), but... | | Weaknesses: | The saddle looks cheap, so does the bottom bracket. The brakes and levers are horrific. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, Devinci Saguaro | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except brakes and levers (Avid SD-5) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price. Some people might be able to live with the brakes (but certainly not with the very, very bad pads), as I am very critical when it comes to brakes. The fork works marvelously once you figure out the right air pressure for you. This bikes climbs amazingly well, while the downhills are simply wonderful. This bike will get you very confident in steeper portions, as the geometry really keeps your wheight rearward. So all things considered, a very good first buy for someone who enjoys overall riding or for a more advanced person looking for a cheaper alternative. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Bobster
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | long gone trail over Chestnut Hill, Northborough Mass. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1039.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Handmade (USA) frame. Wheelset. | | Weaknesses: | Stock bottom bracket is a joke. Same for stock brakes, seat, tires (really suck), and pedals. Deore? No. | | Similar Products Used: | Marlin Eldridge Grade (Yuk). Giant Rainier (now thers a nasty bottom bracket and wheelset. Hoo Koo (Manitou fork thats is very poor and subject to warranty only recall). | | Bike Setup: | UN 72 bottom bracket (absolute necessity) Bontrager Revolt Kevlars( also necessary), XTR derailleur (now we are talking), XT shifters, Avid single digit 5 brakes (get rid of those awful bottom of the line Shimano brakes, Onza bar ends, seat bolt instead of q-release. Waiting on new pedals, decent seat that won't turn my privates numb and useless over the years. | | Bottom Line: | Very light for straight gauge tubing in frame. This frame is built by a real artist. Having welding experince myself, I can attest to the quality and consistency of the welds throughout. That with laser measured imensions really creates a strong frame. The genesis geometry felt natural to me. I like the long top tube approach for more than just climbing and descent. The bontrager comp crank is very strong. That and the stiffnes of the frame create no flex, and I am 200 lbs. and very hard on bikes.
I have been riding serious machines for over 20 years now, and I can attest that with my upgrades, this bike is well worth the $1039 I paid with upgrades and tax. Fisher could stop cheesing on the stock bottom bracket, brakes and tires. There are other things to upgrade, but these thre are the glaring contenders before the obvious seat and pedal change.
Folks, find yourself s dealer that swaps out parts on a new bike for cost, where you pay only the difference. You will be rewarded immesurably. This bike, with my upgrades, came in at slighlty less than the stock Fisher Paragon, but with components that aren't seen stock til you get to the Mt. Tam and the Supercaliber. The Paragon would need some of the same upgrades anyways, including bottom bracket, tires, seat, pedals, etc. I'll give this baby five chilis because the frame, and most of the bike are worth more in quality than the stock price I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Berry
a Weekend Warrior
from Grapevine, Tx USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Grapevine Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame, components, Marzochi Bomber fork | | Weaknesses: | WTB saddle, color scheme, crowbar (not necessarily a weakness but I don't like 'em), pedals, only LX and Deore derailleurs. | | Similar Products Used: | 2K Kaitai, 94 GT Timberline | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except I upgraded to Wellgo clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | So far I love the bike. I bought a 2K Kaitai but returned it the next day when I found a 2K1 Big Sur for $50 less! Fisher is a great company, I've heard nothing but praise about them. My only suggestions to would-be Big Sur riders is to upgrade your pedals first, then your saddle, then go for the extras. For 2K1, the Paragon is not worth the extra $$$ compared to this puppy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Borgelt
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwell, Ma, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Rock, Exeter, NH | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Power | | Strengths: | The reason why the price is higher then that of the other Big Surs was that I added some extras. I removed the Z5 and installed a Z3 and added a pair of Shimano clipless/platforms. This bike is awesome. WTB, Bontrager, Fisher, Shimano, and Marzocchi all make this bike the wonderful piece of machinery that it is. I would definately recommend this bike but I would upgrade the fork and the stock pedals. Great work again Fisher. | | Weaknesses: | Yeh Right! | | Similar Products Used: | None yet, rode a Rocky before I nabbed the Fisher | | Bottom Line: | Get it and follow the upgrade advice. You will get race quality rides for a relatively easy price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from St Petersburg FL USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Many. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$909.00 | | Purchased At: | Abc Bicycles | | Strengths: | Good frame, Light weight, paint job, Geometry!, Good bottom bracket clearance, nice responsive ride And Good handling. | | Weaknesses: | I have not found any yet.. | | Similar Products Used: | 2k HKEK | | Bike Setup: | 2k1 Big Sur frame w/ 2000 HooKooEKoo parts (except for bottom bracket and crank) | | Bottom Line: | The reason my Sur has 2k Koo parts is because my old koo's bottom bracket got stripped and it wasnt repairable, So my store sent it back to Fisher and Fisher sent me back the Big Sur frame..Fisher is a great company. The Big Sur is a great bike, Its frame is very nice and is responsive yet stiff, Its Tough and is worth upgrading. I was just riding it through some mud and stuff today (construction site) it handeled great and the Genesis geometry really does work. Its a great climber and its good on decents. Its a very very nice Frame for the money, I know my friend has a GT Avalanche 2.0 that he paid about 880 for and it has a 7000 series frame. So, For the price the Big Sur cant be beat. It has great geometry,great frame material and a great company backing it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Forge
a Downhiller
from Los Altos
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$770.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything except for the petals which I quickly replaced | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | The Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except for the new petals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best I have ridden for its price. It is definettley worth it and beats out any other companies in my opinion. I do a combination of down and uphill riding and love it on the streets to show it off also. I bike about 2 and sometimes 3 times a week. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Hanson
a Weekend Warrior
from Eden Prairie,MN
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mississippi River Bottoms Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Bookoo Bikes Chanhassen,MN | | Strengths: | Geometry, Frame Strength, Price, Wheeels The marzocchi Forks are great they say it takes 20 Hours to break them in. If you want can also put in a spring and run them with lower air pressure great fork. | | Weaknesses: | The levers are sloppy and the front derailer Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Giant Ranier
| | Bike Setup: | LX Brake levers and Lx Front Derailer and a Bontrager fs2000
Gel Seat | | Bottom Line: | I love the Bike it Handles Great with just a few minor component changes.
The reason I bought the Big Sur is I'm a larger rider at 245lbs 6'2" they had a XL frame and the air fork holds up to bigger riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott S
a Cross Country Rider
from Mtn Home Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$729.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges Bike shop | | Strengths: | rims,frame angle and face it, it is a good looking bike on the road. | | Weaknesses: | seat and cheap pedals | | Similar Products Used: | almost everything on the market came close to getting the Giant Reiner | | Bike Setup: | new seat and new tires | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike and how I use it. I use it for a Police Bike and spent alot of time on the road. Biggest thing I had to replace for my rideing style was the seat ( hurt the butt after a couple hours on it) and the tires. I do alot of road rideing as a cop and those stock tires would puncher quickly and were very loud. I switch to the specialized amadilo hemspher. Road through the desert and no flats from goat heads. you have to love it. All in all this is the best bike for the money and if you do alot of rideing like me you would love to ride and ride and ride. Alot of the time if you could go back and do it again or buy something else you would, not with this bad boy couldn't be happier. Keep up the good work Gary Fisher INC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny Blaze
a Weekend Warrior
from Claymont, Delaware, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | Bomber Forks (Marzochi), Geomentry, tires, rims | | Weaknesses: | Bontranger Comp. crank, saddle, Brake levers are OK | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700 | | Bottom Line: | The Big Sur looks are excellent, it handles the trails really well. I love the Superstock wheels, and the tires are excellent for climbing.
I bent my middle chainring the first day riding, maybe it was my fault, then the same chain ring bent again, I bent it back and kept riding. I immediately replace my crank with a shimano XT hollowtech. Excellent bike for the price, upgade the crank ASAP. By the way I called Fisher and asked did they upgrade the crank from last years model. The answer was yes, I could'nt tale..Keep yall updated.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 879.00
