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Gary Fisher
2001 Tassajara
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Submitted by
Michael McDermott
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos Hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Kozys | | Strengths: | Awsome frame, great handleing, super durable(ive had the bike for 3 years now)mines a small, and im 6ft 180ibls, never had any true problems with it. | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset is weak, the spokes loosen up pretty quickly-once in a while the gears mess up when you arent playing with em | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500(2004) and haro v | | Bike Setup: | stock +new seat | | Bottom Line: | Kick ass bike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B-52 Bomber
a Cross Country Rider
from Leigh Creek
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Arkaroola Ridgetop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Clarence St Cyclery | | Strengths: | After three years of ownership and use, thought I would repost. Won't go through the component list - see previous posts. The components are of a high quality, particularly Rock Shox Judy XC and the derailers. The tass has a solid platform, no sign of fatigue or cracking in three years of hard punishment over unforgiving terrain. The frame is light and easy to carry when the trail stops. Paintwork still looks new when the bike has had a wash. In many ways, the paintwork distinguishes this bike from the current breed of metallic "you've seen one seen them all" paint jobs. It is a go anywhere bike and it will last a very long time. It is a dream on up hill climbs, and very stable on loose surfaces. The design is also one of a classic hardtail that will never lose its relevance or show its age. I plan to ride the thing around Australia one day. Solid bike - great value. | | Weaknesses: | After three years of turning, climbing and water crossings, the crank is showing its age. It makes a crunching sound when on the highest gear - but still goes like mad. Will eventually replace this assembly. The V brakes have never been changed, very basic, and will upgrade eventually. I threw the seat out and replaced it with a Bontrager before I left the store on the first day. | | Bike Setup: | Per international spec - Judy XC shox, Chameleon tyres (outstanding wear and grip), standard v-brakes and Deore derailers, 5 degree Crow Bar etc. | | Bottom Line: | No regrets in purchasing this bike. It has exceeded my expectations. The components have been long lasting, and as I said earlier, will update the crank and brakes when they are completely shot. If you ever get lazy or find excuses not to ride, just one look at this bike will remind you why you have to climb aboard and blaze new trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomaz Toplak
a Cross Country Rider
from Ptuj, Slovenia
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$655.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKE EK, Ptuj, Slovenia | | Strengths: | The genesis geometry was a large plus when I was deciding what bike to buy. My deeler sad that the bike is a 2001 model but I am not shur if the 2001 had the front the back derailleurs and the shifter deore! A strenght are also the Bontrager handlebar and steam. | | Weaknesses: | When I bought the bike I had some problemss whit the RockShox JETT suspension, but my dealer fixed that. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized RockHopper A1 Pro FS (tested), FELT R900 (tested), B1 whit deore components (tested) | | Bike Setup: | STOCK! Genessis geometry frame (has any one seen a tassaraja whit 6061 aluminum?), RockSox Jett Fork, deore components, ProMax V-brake system, Bontrager HandleBar, steam and seet post, Alivio Crankset, Vuelta rims whit Hutchinson chameleon tires and a SIGMA BC 800 computer! | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great. I don't know if someone has ever seen a tassaraja made of 6061 aluminum but I own one. I supose it's because I am from Sovenia. The shock is a weakness and I intend to replace it next year. The bike is a must have for newbies to mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Smedley
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | West Hartford Resevoir | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$890.00 | | Purchased At: | Central Wheel | | Strengths: | Good disc brake system (mechanical. | | Weaknesses: | Weak front shock, numerous infant stage problems; flats, loosening brake retainer, etc. Clippless pedals added to cost should be standard. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830. Much more robust. Rode for 7 years without a major prooblem. Upgrade for brakes and front shock option. | | Bike Setup: | Tall rider on XL frame, wt 225 lb | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike apart from front shock which is not man enough for the rough trails. Expect to spend a lot of time in the shop having the shock repaired and other parts reattached in the early life stages.
You might want to stay on the paved roads to avoid lengthy repair delays. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T. Rex
a Cross Country Rider
from jacksonville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | hanna park (jax); Laurel Highlands (PA) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles, Etc. | | Strengths: | Frameset, good geometry, stable ride, great climber, reasonably stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Lousy WTB seat, cheesy bottom bracket. Some skimping in the parts bin! (brake levers) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000; Custom Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Terry Liberator seat, XT bottom bracket (stock bb was wobbled early on). Will replace wheelset with mavics. | | Bottom Line: | Actually I have the 02...Great Frame, good entry level bike. LOUSY seat. Cheesy bottom bracket. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dimm
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | roys sheepshead bay bike shop | | Strengths: | The bike came with quality components. Genesis geometry which makes the bike easier to handle and feels more comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | The crank of the bike was quite low quality and heavy. i also experienced problems with switching to 3rd front gear from time to time. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, fisher mamba, fisher sugar 4+, mongoose zero G. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano guts: xtr brakes, xt levers and shifters, Xtr rear derailleur, Xt front derailleur, xt crank and bottom bracket, Shimano Dx pedals. Shimano m535 wheels system. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that eventhought i gutted my bike and will change the frame soon to a Fisher Sugar 1, this frame and all the components it came with was top notch qaulity for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jessica
a Cross Country Rider
from Holbrook, NY
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Minnewaska/Mohonk | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$429.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World Plus Bicycles | | Strengths: | Just about everything about this bike is great!!! | | Weaknesses: | Although I love the Genesis Geometry it sucks for extreme uphill-there's not enough weight on the front tire to get any traction. Also, my husband changed to a better seat and added quick release to the seatpost...2 things that should have been standard on this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M400 (I own one). | | Bike Setup: | Standard w/toeclips, different seat and quick release seatpost added. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is excellent on any surface, especially rocky single track and carraige trails. I even use this to tow my daughter on her Trail-A-Bike and it performs great. As a woman with a short torso and long legs I've had trouble finding a frame that fits me perfectly, but this bike kicks. The Genesis Geometry is great. The suspension fork is perfect even for long distance road rides (30+ miles). This is, by far, the best bike for rocky trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Winston-Salem, NC
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hobby Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ken's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Solid, reliable components, and responsive, predictable, and forgiving handling. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat is hard and narrow (replaced with a Trek gel seat and suspension post). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Raleigh, Giant hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for gel seat and Post Moderne Bracer suspension seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Except for a couple of derailleur cable adjustments during the first 40 hours or so of break-in, this bike has been a solid performer and a pleasure to ride. The handling is light and nimble in the fast, twisty sections yet reasonably stable and controllable on rough downhills and jumps. The fork is more than adequate for my 155 lbs, but might be a bit light and springy for a heavier rider. Shifting is crisp and smooth up or down, front and back, even under strain. Brakes are strong but easy to pull, and the WTB knobbies grip well in climbing or braking. I got the Tass thinking it I'd upgrade any weak components, but so far I haven't found anything it needs other than the seat & post. Overall, it's a good reliable bike and a great value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Strengths: | Secure grip on all kinds of surfaces. Very easy to maneuver in tight spots. Very comfortable fit and ride. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur (sp?) got messed up 1st time out, not letting me use the smallest setting, but the bike got a heck of a beating, and if that's all that went wrong, it's not a problem. Should be easy to fix. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano components | | Bottom Line: | This was my first time mountain biking, and I was a bit tentative, but where my courage failed a little, the bike really came through. I was amazed at how well it performed in really advanced technical areas. It reacted to the surface as if it had a mind of its own and knew what to do. My only job was to hold on. I had several really bad falls, mostly because I lost faith in the bike and tried to steer it from its path. But amazingly, the bike came out unscathed, except for a little front derailleur problem which didn't prevent me from continuing with the trip. I have immense respect for the bike and I know I made the right decision in buying this bike. I feel more confident about getting out there and trying again. I highly recommend this bike for beginners especially, who are looking for some confidence in their new sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle
a Racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes | | Strengths: | strong frame, brakes work, lets me get away with doing lots of stuff | | Weaknesses: | fell the hubs wont let me go too fast | | Similar Products Used: | GT hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Deore rear, Bontrager stem and handlebar | | Bottom Line: | good for a hardtail, hasn't broken yet doing some tough freeriding with some full-suspension friends so its strong, however i feel like its holding me back for some big stuff, yet lets me do some big stuff------its a fun bike and have had lots of fun and blood on it
This bike is great for mountain biking, drops,tricks, and even pavement | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Central Wheel | | Strengths: | Everything, even the seat could be worse.
| | Weaknesses: | I think the brakes are beat, but they serve my purpose.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trk 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Magnum R, Deore rear, | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! I'm amazed at what it allows me to do. I'm no professional but I think anyone would enjoy it. The frame is killer so you can always swap out or upgrade as your skills progress and wallet allows. I say go for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pieter Jordaan
a Weekend Warrior
from Johannesburg SouthAfrica
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | None yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Lab | | Strengths: | Genisis Geometry | | Weaknesses: | The seat must be the worst around, Judy TT Shock are a bit soft | | Similar Products Used: | My old trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Just changed pedals (Bontrager), Seat Bontrager (From my old TREK) and brake leavers, Deore | | Bottom Line: | The sweetest ride I have ever had. What a pleasure to ride, sticks to the road on both up and downhills | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | O-hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry makes the ride incredibly sweet | | Weaknesses: | handlebar grips could be better, they get slippery fast. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830 with rock shox | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Magnum fork, Deore rear derailer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet for the price, it handles great, and it is pretty lite. I suggest this bike for someone who either rides on the weekends or races. This bike is a good bike for someone who already has had a bike with shocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Severt
a Weekend Warrior
from Davenport, Iowa, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugar Bottom in North Liberty | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Healthy Habits | | Strengths: | Geometry, Great For Climbing. Decent components for the price, | | Weaknesses: | the seat, you might as well sit on a rock, front derailer needs to be adjusted too much. | | Similar Products Used: | '01 GT aggressor | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock,so far, except for Salsa quick release post clamp, Salsa skewers, DK Iron Cross Pedals, Bontrager gel saddle, and a bontrager comp II flatbar. | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike, very upgradeable, its the most bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie PA USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | newlite | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | cycling spoken here | | Strengths: | Good bike very adaptable | | Weaknesses: | plush shock | | Similar Products Used: | 95 marin | | Bike Setup: | pretty decent components | | Bottom Line: | very nice bike there are betters but ffor the average guy looking for some decent equipment its a good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, MD
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | HTO | | Strengths: | Beginner biker so not much experience with the product. The design and geometry are great. Easy for hills. Nice bike for someone who is making their first attemp in MTB. | | Weaknesses: | I am having problems with both the front and rear derailers. They are slippling all the time and I do not know why. It is in the shop for the second time to get adjusted. I am going to talk to them to find out what the deal is. No other issues but with the hard seat, which will be replaced before I hit the trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Checked out the 2002 Specialized Hardrock A1 Pro FS TT. It was a hard choice. They have the exact same components so it came down to the Fisher for the Geometry. The specilaized looks like it could take more abuse, but not really sure. | | Bike Setup: | Straight out of the box. Will probably replace the seat today after reading all the reviews. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money, the derailers suck A** though, or they just have not been calibrated correctly yet. If anyone has any reviews on the Specilized, I would like to hear them. If anyone has any suggestions on how to fix my derailers problems, let me know.
Overall a great bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Flores
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$515.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakewood Cycle | | Strengths: | Fantastic frame design, and paint job that gets attention (yellow, red and black). I got a large frame instead of the medium because I have long legs, but am only 5'9". I expected the bike to feel unweildy because I am only 160lbs., but that's not the case at all. It's very maneuverable and really likes to take the turns. People much larger than me could ride this bike and feel at home as well. The bike feels very solid on any surface. Strong wheels (Bontrager Corvairs) and the possibility to upgrade to disc brakes, front and rear. The tires that come with the bike are fantastic, also. The Velociraptors grip EVERYTHING, and even though they make a lot of noise on the road, the reassurance of their ability is worth every decibel. The Bontrager seatpost and seat feel great (I'm not sure it's the seat that was supposed to come with the bike since everyone is bashing that one). I don't race offroad, so the handlebar is a great width... I've added SCOTT barends and they are great because I have small hands. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components could be lighter. My bike weighed in at 28.5 lbs stock from the shop. I've since upgraded to an LX crankset and XT front and rear derailleurs, because stock running gear was a little slow and rickety, especially uphill. Not that it was bad, but i was used to the LX/XT setup on my old bike. The front fork can be mushy at times, but most of the time it's not noticeable. I really wish Gary Fisher had put better brakes on this bike, though... the Promax whatchamacallit no-name brakes have almost killed me a couple times. What is this?? Brakes made of plastic?? I think someone at the brake factory had a lapse in common sense. And someone at Gary Fisher had to be snoozing when they "OK'ed" these brakes for consumer-worthiness. Also, the levers stink. I'm getting a set of LX brakes and levers pronto. Other than that, this is a great bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Pine Mountain, Specialized Rock Hopper (just ridden), Trek 4500 (just ridden). | | Bike Setup: | Stock Manitou Magnum, Scott barends, better Bontrager seat, LX crankset, XT front and rear derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike because you are an occasional rider who enjoys a smooth and competent bike. I have a friend who owns a $2000 Stump Jumper and he comments on the frame every time he rides my bike, and mine cost 1/4 of his. But, caveats: You will need money to replace the brakes. This is not optional. You may even want to have it done before you take the bike out of the store. Also, if you don't like to have the front end bouncing when you pedal uphill, you might want to think about a used RS Judy C or something. I understand the 2002 model has addressed this issue with a better Manitou. Sometimes the Deore rear derailleur needs adjusting because it reacts slowly to shifter input. Also, the rapidfire shifters are bottom-line and never work as intended... I can usually get two downshifts at once, sometimes three, when you are supposed to be able to get four. Great value for the beginner rider, though, and impossible to beat in looks. This bike gets attention. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgantown, WV, United States
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tea creek mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Pathfinder | | Strengths: | good value, seems to hold up well, genesis geometery kicks A$$ | | Weaknesses: | cranks and front derailer could be better, brakes have a sloppy feel, but they work, kind of heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa, Specialized Hardrock, Trek 4900 (tested these only) | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/toe clips | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price. It dosnt' have the best components but everything does what its intended for and does it fairly well. Its a great bike if you just want to get out there and ride. Its not a cross country rocket or a free rider, but who cares about sterotypes and names anyway, just ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Marietta, GA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes | | Strengths: | Genesis comfort. I tested full-suspension and hardtails, but the Fisher geometry won me over. I liked the silver/black paint job, too! | | Weaknesses: | I agree with everyone else... THE SEAT!!! Wow, that really hurts when going on a long ride. Cranks aren't that great, as well as the front derailer. Looking to upgrade brakes to discs, so I'll buy new rims, too. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE - first MTB | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now. I've been saving for upgrades: rims, derailers, brakes, cranks, pedals. I like the handlebars and seatpost. I bought 1.5" Kenda slicks that are fun and FAST on the road. | | Bottom Line: | Since this is my first bike, I can't say a lot, but I really liked the feel of this bike. Yes, it seems heavy at times, but not noticable during a ride. I thought it would be a good starting point for me, because upgrades were inevitable. Good price-point and good feel. I recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Frye
a Cross Country Rider
from Erie PA USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wintergreen gorge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | cycling spoken here | | Strengths: | Good bike with decent components which would be good for someone not to experienced seeing as how it takes most of the shock out of the ride and it doesn't look all that bad. | | Weaknesses: | The handle bars are a little wide giving a tree the oppurtunity to bust your fingers and there is room for even better components but its still a good bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 marin also a very good bike I've still got it but I've given her a fiew battle scars. | | Bike Setup: | decent components but it has a pretty hard seat to start and the bars are a little wide otherwise its decent/ | | Bottom Line: | I would recomend it to anyone but if you're gonna be extreme put out the extra cash after some practice and once you get used to riding by a decent bike that,ll last you a good while like a litespeed or marin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marylee Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Stonington, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis Morris Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Wayfarer Cycle | | Strengths: | Acceptable frame: solid, great geometry. Good handlebars. | | Weaknesses: | Most of the components have bitten it after a year of not too intense riding. Had to replace the front derailleur and the crankset already... the rims and shifters are going to have to go soon too.... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, various Treks, Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame handlebars and brakes... upgraded pedals, seat, front derailleur, crank | | Bottom Line: | I have really enjoyed Fisher's Genesis geometry, so this frame has been an excellent ride in that capacity. I can't moan and groan too much overall since the bike wasn't very expensive, but beware of bikes that have any Acera components. If you are interested in spending about $600 on a bike it is better to get a used higher level bike and replace the components on it than to waste the money on this heavy frame and be forced to replace the components quickly anyway.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Warwick, RI
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | East Bay Bike Path | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Top of the Hill Bikes in VA Beach | | Strengths: | Shifters, weight, and looks. | | Weaknesses: | Seat(saddle). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7200 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new Blackburn semi-slick tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is the 2002 Tassajara. It rocks!! Awsome gold, silver, and black color. Good feel going down the road. Shifts nice and smooth. The bike is loaded with Bontrager components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karel De Waal
a Cross Country Rider
from Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Groenkloof Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Grants Cycles | | Strengths: | Sturdy, Genesis Geometry | | Weaknesses: | SEAT!, Cranks, Weight | | Bike Setup: | Factory except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Slight upgrades can place this bike up there, with some of the best!
Recommended for advance riders that enjoy a good climb and quick rough downhills! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Zaugg
a Racer
from Pocatello, ID USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pomerael Pounder | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Scotts Ski and Sports | | Strengths: | Rims, Seatpost, Great Frame, Little heavy but great for downhill | | Weaknesses: | the fork, the pedals that come with it, THE SEAT!!!,Front Derailleur, and Crankset | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z5 100 Air, Race Face Crank set, Shimano M515 Clipless Pedals | | Bottom Line: | Its an great bike for a just out of the factory but if you want to race with it then you got to upgrade the fork and the crankset. You should buy it if your a beginner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodford to Glenbrook, Blue Mountains NSW | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Clarence Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Geometry and feel, nice looking bike. Good components. Feels solid. | | Weaknesses: | Could maybe be a little lighter. Standard seat is pretty orginary. | | Similar Products Used: | None - First MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Bontrager seat and Wellgo clipless pedals (yellow to match bike) - pick them up in Australia at http://www.deanwoodsdirect.com.au - bargain. | | Bottom Line: | The Tassajara is my first MTB, I'm a converted roadie. It has a really reasuring feel off the road, and the gearing and geometry make hill climbing almost enjoyable. Feels solid going downhill on the rough stuff and is equally fun on the streets.
If you pick it up it feels kinda heavy (from a roadies perspective) but in the saddle you don't notice it... if anything your thankful for a bit of sturdyness.
I paid AU$1500 for it after looking at, and riding, a number of bikes in the price range, including Trek and Kona. The Tassajara not only felt the best, it looked the best.
If your getting your first mountain bike and you think you'll be pretty serious about off road riding then this could be a good starting point - it's good enough to keep you interested and is enjoyable to ride. It also gives you room to upgrade to something higher end if you really find yourself getting into it. I was going to spend AU$1200 originally but am glad I went the extra AU$300 for the Tassajara - the result is better components and a more enjoyable ride.
US$1 = about AU$2 so halve my prices above for US equivalent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Racer
from Jericho, Vermont
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Skirack | | Strengths: | Decent fork, good componentry. Not the lightest bike in the world but still not too bad. | | Weaknesses: | Nithing significant. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Trek 6500 | | Bottom Line: | A great value, and you're still getting good componentry weight and fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | scholl's bike shop | | Strengths: | ruggedness. i got the 2002 model (black, silver and red)because of the upgrades (manitou elite fork, deore components, etc.). the bike shop guys i talked to said the upgrades made the bike a no-brainer over the 2001 model. one guy told me it's the kind of stuff you spend an extra $150-200 for in a bike. i'm a very small rider (5'6", 150lbs and the bike is very responsive and takes me on trails i have no right to be on yet as a beginner. one more thing, i'd suggest having the fork set for 80mm of travel. mine was set at 100mm and that seems to be a little too much for most trails. But I love the bike, despite the problems mentioned in the next section. | | Weaknesses: | the saddle still sucks, even after the upgrade. i saw the standard saddle on sale at a shop for $10. so that tells you what you're getting for you money. although i love the bike, i've had one major problem -- chainsuck so severe that it bent my middle chainring 20 minutes into my first ride. i was shifting from the middle chainring to the small one when it happened, and i was a flat section of singletrack only approaching a climb. my local wrench replaced the ring while i waited (free of charge, of course), but the same thing almost happened again today. a sales person told me that Fisher is sending the product to shops with chains that are too long, which could be causing the problem. i'll find out tomorrow when i head back to the shop. but today's incident scratched my frame to the bare metal, so the problem is big enough to watch out for. Also, the promax brake levers feel cheap and my front lever chirps like a traped bird when squeezed. If you guys at Fisher are reading this, e-mail me if you can help out with the chain problem. It's a real pain to start a climb and feel major chainsuck. if the problem continues, i'll be calling or writing the main man himself. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900. Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | standard out of the box. swapped saddle. added clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it if you're budget can't top $500-$600. It's a great value. But find a great wrench to make sure it's set up properly. Make sure the frame fits. I'm going with an overall 3 flame rating for now because of the recurring chain problem, and because my paint job is nicked to bare aluminum as a result. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anch
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Don't have any yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Roy's Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | Looks! Silver and black = awesome! Lightweight, 24 speed, easy shifting, powerful brake, and so comfy! After all.. it's handmade in the US! | | Weaknesses: | Seat! I upgraded to a gel seat with no extra charge. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn from the rental place. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except I changed the seat to a gel one. | | Bottom Line: | I have NO idea about mountain Biking until about a week ago on my vacation. We decided to tried so we rented them and we enjoyed it so much. One thing we learned from that experience was to get the most comfy seat possible! So we went to Roy's today .. just to look around.. Well when we got there.. it was the love at first sight! The gel seat I got is also black and silver.. perfect! (I'm a girl so looks does matter!) The price is also unbeatable.I took it for a ride for about an hour (after they ran my credit card, of course..).. very comfortable and I finally got used to the brake.. got to hit both brakes at the same time so I would not get bucked off the bike. The balance is also very good. What can I say? I love this bike! I think if you can afford the price.. go for it even if this is your first bike.. I did and am very happy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jojo
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | AEP | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | breakaway | | Strengths: | A lot of strengths good handling, the frame design is supurb.nice feel on steep descents | | Weaknesses: | the seat feels like a rock, gett rid of that first. front derailer is crap. | | Similar Products Used: | 4900 | | Bike Setup: | selle italia gel seat, shimano clipless, bontrager race stem. | | Bottom Line: | Get bike for the money!!!! dont think twice about getting the seat replaced and upgrade derailers to xt the fork upgrade to mars elite and u got your self a race ready bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B-52 Bomber
a Cross Country Rider
from Blue Mountains NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Arkaroola-Mt Painter Ridgetop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Clarence St Cyclery (in $AUD) | | Strengths: | Solid T6061 construction, high standard of equipment for the price e.g. Rock Shox Judy fork, acceptable brakes (long lasting!), outstanding rims (eyeletted), reliable gear change, Genesis geometry a definite plus, very stable at high speeds (extreme and blacktop situations) and on terrain that you would find difficult to walk/stand on. Colour scheme is a PLUS. Light weight - very important. Efficient up hill. | | Weaknesses: | THE SEAT - get rid of it before you leave the store. I had my seat replaced for no charge before I rode out. I recommend a Bontrager replacement. The RHS is a little noisy when cranking. | | Similar Products Used: | I was going to buy either this bike, or a Trek 6500 (equivalent). My original plan was to buy an entry level Trek 4500 but I did not regret spending a little more and getting the Tass. | | Bike Setup: | Stock per GF's international 2001 offering. New seat though.
What more could you ask? There was a disc brake option on the Tass but save the money and buy better V-brakes instead when you have worn out current pads. | | Bottom Line: | You will be very satisfied with this bike no matter if you are a beginner or a pro rider. Its standard equipment level is excellent and can be upgraded at a later time (from current ProMAX brakes and Deore LX) with experience/wear and tear. I started as a beginner (although having had road bike experience) and now can call myself an intermediate/advanced rider. A bike is a bike, and it all depends on how strong you are. This is a value for money proposition that will give you years of riding. HINT: The best way to improve or change ride handling is to adjust the tire pressures - especially the front (decrease PSI if you are white knuckling too much). If you are thinking of spending most of your time on fire trails, with steep hill descents and ascents, in a cross country mode, then this is THE ONLY BIKE 4 U. Hard tail bikes (like the Tass) are better suited to XC because there are no springs in the rear like a full suspension bike and will therefore not counter (consume) excess cranking energy. YOU WILL NEVER EVER REGRET PURCHASING THIS BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a
from NJ
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$532.00 | | Strengths: | see below | | Weaknesses: | see below | | Bottom Line: | Just an FYI. I saw 2002 model of this bike a couple of days ago. Almost all of the weaknesses listed on all the other reviews below have been addressed in the 2002 model year. The biggest complaints that I have seen in the reviews about the 2001 model are as follows:
1) Seat. Better seat on 2002 -- more padding.
2) Front Derailleiur. In 2001 it was Acera, in 2002 it is Deore. Now the front, rear and shifters are all Deore.
3) 24 speed is now a 27 speed.
4) Front fork has been upgraded to a better Manitou fork.
I think it was a Magnum in 2001 and now it is a newer Manitou model "six" I believe. I also noticed that the cranks were black Botranger cranks. Did not notice this on the 2001 but remember a review where someone said they did not like the way the cranks felt when powering them.
Also, the color is no longer the flashy bright yellow but a more tasteful gold color. It seems that Gary Fisher's people really read these reviews. Hope this helps. P.S. I could not post this unless I gave it a rating, so I picked 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Flower Mound, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Grapvine Bike Store | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Rims, they are ok but you really can't expect great rims off a factory bike. | | Bottom Line: | I have not had any problems with it at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from lynn
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | salem cycle | | Strengths: | the geometry of the cycle ,, real comfortable on and off road. great bike for the money. | | Weaknesses: | seat, front derailer | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | manitou magnum, pro brakes, deore | | Bottom Line: | im just a beginner to the mtb scene and so far this is a great bike. put a shock post on and your ready to ride!!my first time out in 5 years i went 10 miles on this bike, had alot of fun and was a great ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilbraham, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Comp Edge | | Strengths: | Geometry, price, just feels right | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Brake levers | | Similar Products Used: | tested Kona Lava Dome, Spec RH | | Bike Setup: | Stock, nashbar gel seat, Deore brake levers | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike. I have little experience in this sport and this bike has brought nothing but pleasure thus far. Seat and brake levers suck, but cheap enough to replace. Crank and BB are fine for light-avg size riders, but a larger person (over 220 lbs.) may want to eventually upgrade. Shock seems fine but will need a stiffer spring soon. If you are thinking about getting into the sport try this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn!
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | international | | Strengths: | I love this bike! I've beat this bike to death and it comes back for more. The front shock is a bit soft but a new spring fixed that quick. This Bike was a Great Deal. Pretty cheap for what you get. | | Weaknesses: | GET A NEW SEAT!!!! OUCH!!! Shocks are a bit soft! | | Similar Products Used: | GT Aggressor | | Bottom Line: | This is a Good bike for a great Price! Other then the worst seat I've ever sat on it really rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Riverfront | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Southpark Bikes | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money and learning the trails, nimble, brakes work fine for me (wiping down the rims and scuffing the pads brings 'em back) wheels keep true, race winning genesis frame | | Weaknesses: | Rip the seat off cause there is no break in period! front derailer is crap(won't keep fine adjustments), smoothed teeth on seat clamp after a hard landing | | Similar Products Used: | Moab 3, Kona Lava Dome(bad geometry for me), GT Aggressor 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 515 clipless, Selle Italia Saddle, Lizard Skin, replacement seat post | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money, no question. No reason to smack down more than 5 bills for a bike unless you absolutely hafta have a superlight bike(or FS). Derailer will HAVE to be upgraded soon, though. Genesis frame is fully upgradeable and the only reason the value rating is not 5 big ones is for the Wal Mart garbage front d. Can u say matching Deore, please? I've slammed this thing on some killer roots and rocks in the last month and like I said the wheels haven't lost true yet! Get a suspension seat post and save your bum. Go buy this bike and you won't want to do anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney Whaley
a Cross Country Rider
from clinton twp. mi usa
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bloomer | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | metro bikes and sport | | Strengths: | The geo of the frame, did i mention the frame. rear derailer shifts smooth | | Weaknesses: | front supension is to soft | | Similar Products Used: | specialized, gt agressor 1.0, Giant, trek | | Bike Setup: | stock fisher, titec bar ends, cat system, and shamano clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | the bike had the most comfortable rider position then any other that i tried in this price range. The suspension is soft, but much better then the rock shock jet. I had to fine tune the front derailer when i first got it but have had no problems since then. But for the price range i was looking in, i have no regrets about my purchuse. The only 2 things im thinking of changing is the front derailer to the xt and the front shock to a mars | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trail head
a
from ohio
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$459.00 | | Purchased At: | montgomery cycle | | Strengths: | Good name bike, Value price | | Weaknesses: | Ugly, poor shifting on de-railer, SEAT SEAT SEAT!!! | | Bike Setup: | over stock.... | | Bottom Line: | nice bike for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | Ride Away Bicycles | | Strengths: | Price & Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur & Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Giant, Haro, Cannondale, Specialized Rockhopper FS, Kona, Schwinn, Raleigh M80, Fuji Outland & GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock except clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This was the best bike for me that I road in the price range. I love the Genesis Geometry. It totally matches my riding style. And because of it my next bike has to be a Sugar w/ Genesis. Yeah, the seat sucks and my front Derailleur seems to need to be adjusted well before it should. Though I have been told it is the crank not the Derailleur. Either way I will probably upgrade crank,front Derailleur, and seat soon. The bike is great, though I kind of wish I have moved up to the Hoo Koo E Koo Disc; the components are better plus disc brakes, and 6061 series aluminun. You can't beat the price of the Tassajara. Genesis is the way to go... at the very least ride one before you buy your next bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Good quality for what you pay for. | | Weaknesses: | Seat! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400 | | Bike Setup: | stock, but not for long. | | Bottom Line: | Pretty solid bike. Would of liked matching derailleurs like other bikes in the price range, but I am pleased so far. Needed a tune-up only after four days of riding though, a bit concerned. I am expecting a recall on the seats, I believe Fisher forgot to put the pading in the seat! Will soon upgrade the seat to anything with pading! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Asuncion
a Weekend Warrior
from Lorton, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | None | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$549.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop, Springfield, VA | | Strengths: | The feel, the braking power, and very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | The seat/saddle. Upgrade the seat and/or get a seat post that has suspension on it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Schwinn, Roadmaster, Mongoose. | | Bike Setup: | Factory Stock. Upgraded the seat/saddle to gel seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fast. It great on down hills and up hills. A great bike for a beginner and an intermediate. I had no problem getting up hill with this bike. It's a nice bike.
As you get better and better, I'm sure you will want to upgrade but If I were you, I'd just upgrade the brakes to a hydrolic or a mechanical brakes later on. The frame and everything else is fine. I think that's what I'm gonna do later on down the line. This bike is definitely worth keeping. If there's anybody out there in the Northern Virginia that rides for pleasure let me know. ray2k1@hotmail.com. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guilherme
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Skyline Wilderness (Napa) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry = stable at higher speeds
Good aluminium frame, good fork at this price range | | Weaknesses: | Genesis geometry = not very nimble at single tracks
stock saddle is WAY too hard
| | Similar Products Used: | El cheapo commuter | | Bike Setup: | all stock, except for the bontrager FS2000 saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a good value for a beginner bike. The frame is decent and light, paint job is great (mine is gray/black) and the components are reasonable. Genesis geometry provides more stability at higher speeds and keeps you a bit safer from endos but the trade off is some agility in narrow, tortuous single tracks, although It's not been a real problem for me. Climbs great also.
I've been trying to find a reason to upgrade something in the last 3 months but havent find anything. Everything works great, brakes are no name but work just fine, no slop, good power modulation. I've been riding hard (no jumps) on pretty rocky/loose rocks terrain and the shifting is precise after every ride.
The Manitou Magnum is the best fork at this price range, WAAAY better than rock shox Jett. The Bontrager corvair wheels are of course not as light as higher end Mavic 517, mustangs or valiants but is not too heavy either and is quite resistant, a good thing for beginners that are still getting the hang of finesse and can trash a XC comp. wheel in no time. That's a good example of a budget bike, nothing flashy, nothing cheap, good value distribution among componentry, everything works like it should providind a worry-free ride. I recomend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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