Submitted by
trail killer
a Weekend Warrior
from Thun Switzerland Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Very strong frame
geometry for me is the best I have ridden
bontreger earl parts
hayes hydraulic brakes (a little loud but have had no prob)
Weaknesses:
Manitou splice fork Is way to soft for someone my size and it flexes side to side I hate it. Trade it out if you can.Im going to ASAP.
Bottom Bracket Used it till it died after 1 year then replaced it with a down hill version .
The wellgo pedals died about the same time so upgraded to NS bikes leg eaters (NICE)
Similar Products Used:
Just your every day mountain bikes
but nothing SIMILAR to the bitter
Bottom Line:
I have used the bitter every day for 1 and a half years to ride back and forth to work ( 10 mi round trip). I go for rides about every weekend including street and single track.
I have even hit up the dirt jump park a few times and even though the bitter is no Specialized P3 it still holds up And Im kind of a big guy 6 foot 220lbs. But don't think its gonna fly like a dirt jump bike ,it wont.But fun none the less.Im more into single track and that's where the bitter shines, it handles like a dream. It will take anything a trail can dish out ,high speed 4 foot drop offs no prob. weaving in and out of the trees no prob.
flying off the trail and tumbling down the hill about 30 ft painful for me but just scratched the paint on the bitter
So the bottom line is I love this bike. It loves trails and is also happy on the street jumping curbs riding wheelies bunny hopping over what ever. I would and have recommended it
When something goes out upgrade it! by the way i would have given it 5 points but the fork just sucks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RTK
a Downhiller
from Williamsburg, VA US Date Reviewed: March 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bikebeat
Strengths:
Strong frame!
Weaknesses:
Forks bottom out easy. Tires, Rims & Cranks were the first to go.
I find the handlebars and the stem are weak and have some flex on hard landings.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond back, Speacialized, Gary fisher
Bike Setup:
SOS rims, Hayes hydro disc brakes, panaracer tires, WTB skewers, Race Face cranks.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike, but found when hitting the bowls the tail end is alittle on the heavy side. I will be changing out the gears to a single, and smaller rims for better agility on the bowls, splines, grinding, and ramps.
Overall, the frame is strong and will take a beating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ShBlakeND123
a Weekend Warrior
from Mukilteo,Washington Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Japense Gulch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bycilcle West
Strengths:
Good Fork,strong frame,good tires
Weaknesses:
Brakes stink all they do is make noise
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Custom
Bottom Line:
Its a ok bike for someone who just rides every other weeekend but if you are looking to go insaane i get a better fork and brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake matos
a Weekend Warrior
from turlock california Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
live wire
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
cycle masters
Strengths:
seat post hasent btoke cranks havent broken
Weaknesses:
everything fork blow derailer sucks frame is weak just broke the head tube off casing the 20 footer like what the hell
Similar Products Used:
ged mullet riot
Bike Setup:
e 13 argyle 318 chris king headset new whell avid bb7 other crap
Bottom Line:
ok if your not really going big cool for putting around and small rythme if your real good dont buy this bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mdorado
a Downhiller
from CA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Folsom bike park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeler bike sho
Strengths:
Strong frame, grips, metal end caps, shifters, hubs
Weaknesses:
Manitou Splice sucks balls. super soft new but felt good for the 2 weeks before it broke. Sent it back and got a new one which broke a month later. brakes suck for hydros, why even call them hydros, they feel like mx4s or some other wannabe hydros. rims have too much flex, tires lose tread fast. pedals have freakin huge pins that have killed my shins numerous times. bars are too long had them cut and are fine
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
upgraded magura julie hydros, blackspire chainguide, upgraded fork to dropoffs 2, feels much better
Bottom Line:
get this bike for mild dj but not drops. i dh now but occasionally use it for dj when im bored. MUCH better if u upgrade the fork and brakes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doridude
a Downhiller
from Summerland Date Reviewed: July 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
whos your daddy, rockstar
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
freedom bike shop
Strengths:
frame, its really strong and i like how it looks
Weaknesses:
all stock componints are crap, crap forks, crap derailer
Similar Products Used:
brodie bruzza
Bike Setup:
pike forks
Bottom Line:
just get the frame and build up from it it will be way nicer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bmarley93
a Weekend Warrior
from Maine Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Maine Sport Outfitte
Strengths:
Strong frame few good components!
Weaknesses:
fork sucks cant go off a drop without bottoming it out
hayes sole brakes aren"t very good all they do is make noise!
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher opie
Bike Setup:
gary fisher bitter pretty much custom!
Bottom Line:
its a decent bike i wouldnt take it off to big of a drop!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bmarley93
a Weekend Warrior
from Maine Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
strong frame, takes smaller drops like a champ
Weaknesses:
forks sucks, I cant go off a drop without bottoming it out!
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher opie pretty much same thing but with crappier components and no disc brakes!
Bike Setup:
pretty much custom!
Bottom Line:
bikes rides well i raced a season of cross country with it but hopefully wont be doing that again its too heavy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Kania
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Its hard for me to find a bike that fits me, but the Bitter has the amazing G2 geometry and the cockpit is unbelievably roomy.
Weaknesses:
Fork is HORRIBLE, It bottoms out all the time. This bike likes being pushed to the limits but the fork does not.
I've always appreciated the simplicity of hardtails and the Bitter is my favorite one since I've been riding for fun and competition (10 years). For the price you absolutely can not beat what it has to offer. Sure the fork sucks but after a fork swap this bike will take anything you throw at it. Put on some clipless pedals and raise the seat and it is ready for some serious XC. Throw on some platforms and lower the seat and its ready for some urban assault or a day at the dirt jumps, the bike REALLY is THAT versatile!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter B
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
cedarbluffcycles
Strengths:
Awesome frame, awesome wheels and tires
Weaknesses:
Front shocks. I had the 06 with the splice forks. They were way too soft. Poor climbing ability.
Similar Products Used:
none,
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I love the bike. It would hold up to anything. I had a hard time climbing simple hills. The bike just wants to do wheelies. I have done xc riding a long time, and although this bike is a tremendous value for the money, I took it back and traded it in.
If you are a dh or dj rider, it is the bike for you. Wonderfully fun to ride. I am just too old now to do any drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John F.
a Downhiller
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ray's MTB, Frick Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Pittsburgh Pro Bikes
Strengths:
Compontry, Strong Frame, Good turning response and great breakes 8 inch front disc and 6 inch back disc
Weaknesses:
You have to open the fork to interchange springs because it isnt air
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Mullet
Bike Setup:
All stock right now
Bottom Line:
Great bike, has a really good feel to it and jumps very well, best bike for the money, although GF didnt make a 08 model so you have to try to get an 07. Its impossbile to break and is hard to damange
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stacy Langford
a Weekend Warrior
from Powell,Tn Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Local greenways and parks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Cedar Bluff Cycles
Strengths:
Frame,Wheels,Brakes
Weaknesses:
Bars,Stem,Headset,Cranks,Fork belongs on a Walmart Bike
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Diety 2"rise bars,Race Face Prodigy DH Cranks,CaneCreek Tank Hit headset,BlackSpire 34t front chainring,Truvativ BoxGuide,Manitou Nixon SuperPlus 145mm
Bottom Line:
With a few upgrades this thing is pretty much bullet proof.It can take 2 to 6 foot drops all day.Love it more each time I ride it.Great for beginer or expierenced riders
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan preston
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario, canada Date Reviewed: November 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
spoke o motion
Strengths:
it has good brakes and cranks and i like the handle bars .
Weaknesses:
i don't really like the forks. the seat post is too high but u can get it cut down.
Similar Products Used:
Brodie Bruzza
Bottom Line:
I CANT PUT THE FRIGIN BEARING BACK TOGETHER!
otherwise its great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Maume
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
scratches easily, forks a bit soft, cant realy sit down and ride without being thrown off seat.
Similar Products Used:
Trek bruiser, Norco bigfoot.
Bike Setup:
Stock 06
Bottom Line:
sexy bike loveley ride, soooooooooooooooomuch better looking than in photo and only £400. If you got the money buy it and it will never break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Denton
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Kulshan Cycle
Strengths:
Sturdy lightweight frame. Components that came on the bike seem to do the job. 8" and 6" disc brakes rule for the pacific northwest where it is wet. This bike is sweet.
Weaknesses:
I am sure I will make some upgrades to derailler in the future, but it does the trick.
Similar Products Used:
??
Bike Setup:
Stock everything
Bottom Line:
I am a land locked surfer who needed some outlet for fun. Waltzed into a bike shop and told them to give me a bike that would take a beating at a reasonable price. I hadn't been a mountain biker so when they showed me the Bitter, I said okay, I'll give it a try. I have taken big drops, gone to a dirt jumping park, ridden bridges, skinnies, and fallen off of a lot of stuff, this bike keeps going. Another bit of assurance, is all the guys with real expensive bikes compliment this bike and its set up frequently. I am sure full suspension is in the future, but this bike can do it all. This is a great bike for some one entering the world of biking, who wants some freeride, downhill, and cross country. I still have plenty of riding before I outgrow this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Abe
a Weekend Warrior
from Overland Park, KS, USA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bike America
Strengths:
very Strong Frame!! It can really take a beating. It can take some good jumps as well as tackle semi-technical areas.
Weaknesses:
The stock components the bike is equipped with arent all that great...especially the shocks.
Similar Products Used:
You name it, I rode it.
Bike Setup:
Fisher Bitter with upgrade to XT(well worth it), Manitou Minute SPV Shocks. Crank Brothers Mallet C Pedals.
Bottom Line:
As long as you do some upgrading, the bike is phenominal!! If you're like me; love to jump, but also love to ride...the Fisher Bitter is for you. The bike works great for beginners as well as experienced riders. Enjoy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jaden
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Fresh Air Experience
Strengths:
The frame is really strong and the suspension is pretty tough. The hydraulic discs make the bike better than the lower class mullet.
Weaknesses:
I didn't really find any weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Mullet
Bike Setup:
Wider handle bars with bigger rise.
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike for the price it costs. It has a strong frame and hydraulic discs. So if your on a budget and are looking for a bike buy this one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nat Earl
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
make it up
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
Clarence street cycles
Strengths:
frame, super strong ive taken it off small drops and jumps and flew over 8 stairs landed funny and it still didnt hurt it. The suspension it IS THE BEST. manitou splice: 100-130 mm and lockout with rebound adustment. I love the seat, even if it is a bit hard. The wide handlebars are the best though, they give the bike a real cruiser, layed back feel
Weaknesses:
sometimes the gears take a while to get going, at the end of the first day i owned it the bike had scrached pedals.
This is a present for my 14th birthday. I was thinking of getting the specialized hardrock and upgrading it. But then i found a 2006 bitter with 700aud off and i couldnt resist, anyway its so nice. Ive been biking for a while. But i have only been seriously bikeing recently, it is the perfect bike for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Welch, MN Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Memorial, Red Wing
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Freewheel Bike
Strengths:
Strong frame. Fairly light. Almost No Decals
Weaknesses:
Fork is a little soft for me. The pedals can be killers.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Jack Trek 6500
Bike Setup:
For now Stock
Bottom Line:
Over all it is a great bike, but I think Fisher could have put in some better parts for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Damian
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
our Cliff trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Cambridge
Strengths:
Bike has great warrenty on frame. The fork on it is fully adj. from rebound to travel. Disk are nice and smooth and nice DitchWitch rims.
Weaknesses:
I dunno got to be the seat post cuz its so long and it gets in the way of freestlye but i just got mine cut and inch and its fine. The only other weakness i can think of is the tread. It really ment for dirt and thats a problem for the streets in the first few months but when they get worn in they get alot better.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized HARDROCK PRO
Bike Setup:
took off reflecters! EW they're ugly looking! (stock)
Bottom Line:
nice smooth bike for getting into freestlye and downhill
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Downhiller
from surrey Date Reviewed: April 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
PORC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
frame is amazing! for six months ive had no problems with the cranks or the rear mech, and the bar and stem combo is great. bontrager lock on grips are good too.
Weaknesses:
manitou stance fork and ditchwitch wheels. The brakes can be a handful because you have to adjust them once every couple of hard rides, but this isnt really a problem unless you dont know what you are doing.
Similar Products Used:
identiti 666x(nothing compared to fisher) Specialized p2 norco torrent
Bike Setup:
standard but ive now got junior ts, halo sas wheels dmr v12s and dmr jump seat
Bottom Line:
Ive already done a review of this bike, but because im soon getting a dh frame, i swapped my rockshox pikes for some marzocchi junior ts. Ive had the forks on my GF hardtail for weeks with no hint of a problem! ive taken it off drops and jumps and even done some dh on it! i think it shows just how good the frame is that it can go from 100mm jump forks to 150mm triple clamp dh forks. also the geometry isnt that bad at 150. geat value for money too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a
from Chesapeake va Date Reviewed: March 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
new quarter?
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$990.00
Purchased At:
Scat
Strengths:
lot of fun to ride, turns quickly and looks cool.
Weaknesses:
The forks
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Well I had the forks locked out and I jumped a three foot high log roller. When I landed the bike made a loud noise and the suspension gave. No adjustability anymore. I've had the bike less than a week, this my first time to ride it on a trail, and this happened within the first minute of my ride. Taking it in tommorrow to get fixed. Otherwise the bike is good and a pleasure to ride. This is the first mountain bike I've ever owned, and the first one I've ridden since I was a Freshman in Highschool. 10+ years ago. I wanted something that was a good for the money, easy to control and could take a lickin. I think I chose the right bike. I went with the small frame and feel that its a good size and will do me well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MD, USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Strong frame, oversized front disc rotor, hydro brakes, saddle, almost NO DECALS
Weaknesses:
stock tires, chain suck
Similar Products Used:
azonic hardtail
Bike Setup:
Bike equipped with new headlock, Maxxis High Roller tires, Sun Rhino Lite rim in front, "Ronnie Ring" chain guide, everything else is stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is a free ride bike and I bought it strictly as a mountain bike. It is a really good bike for beginners because it can get banged around and still tough it out. The weight of it also builds leg muscle. The stock tires need to be replaced if you are doing cross country riding. Also, I was getting really really bad chain suck in the mud with this bike . This could be due to the fact that Gary Fisher had installed the bottom bracket backwards with no spacers. I bought a chain guide product called a "Ronnie Ring" to solve this chain suck problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Lenexa, KS Date Reviewed: March 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Bike America
Strengths:
Very tough bike and can be very fast. Its pretty light and easy to maneuver.
Weaknesses:
I would have to say the shocks arent up to par, however, they work just fine.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
After purchasing and riding the Fisher Bitter I upgrading to XT on shifters and I upgraded my shock as well. One more thing, I went with Crank Bros Mallet C pedals to give me a clip option.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is the bike is a sweet ride and can really take a beating. I would suggest the Fisher Bitter to anyone!! Have fun and ride hard!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from Hortonsville Date Reviewed: March 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Local DJ's
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Sponsored
Strengths:
Frame, bars, stem... only things that really held up
Weaknesses:
hubs and rims are super weak, cranks are weak, headset is unsealed, stock suss., derailleur, and brakes are trash after a few good sessions.
Similar Products Used:
king fisher
Bike Setup:
deity cranks, crank bros pedals, stock bars and stem, sun ringle wheelset, sram x.9 rear der. and shifter, hayes 9 brakes, fox 32 talas, maxxis tires, funn bars and stem.
Bottom Line:
the frame is really nice, i like the geometry. i have the 15.5 so for me, its perfect. the stock components really arent that good but then again, they arent made for a pro rider. i highly recommend this frame though but change the stock parts!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Heerenveen Nederland Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
kikkereiland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$735.00
Purchased At:
www.12gotraing.com
Strengths:
the frmae is very strong the gears do work proparatly and the bike is very light
Weaknesses:
front suspensions is crap
Similar Products Used:
be one trial kona cowan 05 and 06 be one dual giatn atx agent orange
Bike Setup:
front suspension is a 150 mm '04 dirtjumper and the other things arre standart
Bottom Line:
very sick bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a Downhiller
from leesburg Date Reviewed: December 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
sshaffer farms
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bicyle outfitters
Strengths:
extremly stiff frame high quality parts. easily manuvered for tricks and jumping. Strong frame. Nice platform pedels
Weaknesses:
Handel bars, to wide. had to cut mine. tires are heavy. Rear derailure could be better for the price.
Similar Products Used:
Custom 2005 haro excape.
Bike Setup:
king earl bars, king earl crank howitzer bottom bracket
Bottom Line:
Great buy, high quality for the price. Stiff frame. I bought a 13" because iam using this for jumps. This bike FLYS and landings are easy. Fork is okay. Breaks are excellent and easy to adjust. 8" rotor flexes a bit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Donner
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
LKIke nuthing ME AND MY BRO BOTH BOUGHT A BITTER (not at the same time i bought mine like a month after he did) THEY SUCK
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING LITERLY THERE SH**TTT!!!
Similar Products Used:
kona shred
Bottom Line:
DO NOTR BUT THIS BIKE ITS A PIECE OF CRAP
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Donner
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
......
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Strengths:
LIKE NOTHING
Weaknesses:
handlebars are wayy tooo wide, tires suck, frame geomatry sucks, forks are crap, i cracked them taking them off a 6 footer like wtf??? Crank is sh**t terrible, crakced the frame off a 7 foot jump, trued the rims off a 5 foot jump, just a terrible bike DONT GET IT!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
kona shred
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
I AHTE THIS BIKE DO NOT BUY IT ITS CRAPPPP
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, England Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
C & N Cycles
Strengths:
Looks great, and great value for money. Perfect for dirt jumping, and the soft forks allow you to take pretty hard blows.
Weaknesses:
The tyres work fine on dirt, but take them anywhere else and there may be a problem. The brakes need more fluid for my liking too. This combination is not good. I even managed to skid the front tyre on dry concrete. WTF?!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Great bike overall, and any problems can be solved with a few minor adjustments, depending on your preference. Get alot for your money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a
from kauai, HI Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the banana split
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
bicycle john
Strengths:
every thing!!!!
Weaknesses:
nothing exept the headset
Similar Products Used:
haro backtrail X1 (BMX)
Bike Setup:
stock for now...
Bottom Line:
when I jump this bike it seems to never land. its light enough to ride xc but duroble enough to withstand anything. the only problem ive had is the headset makes a funny noise when i turn the bike. overall its great!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA, US Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
big bear area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Trek Bike Store
Strengths:
Tight handling, very nice brakes, suspension is good... maybe the best downhill bike you can get for the price.
Weaknesses:
Pretty much made for only downhill/freeriding. Climbing is hard and the seat is right over the back tire so if you sit down you'll bounce off the smallest rocks.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized hard rock, Trek 820
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike if you're serious about getting into downhill/freeriding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Kunath
a Weekend Warrior
from Bow,New Hampshire,Usa Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Concord Quarry
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Strong Frame,Grips,Seat,Rims
Weaknesses:
Tires,Crank,Chain(no Master Link),Shocks Leak,Brakes need Bleeding,Bars Wayyy to wide,Crank is to close to the frame, Paint Chips easyily
Similar Products Used:
Ironhorse warrior,Gary Fisher Mullet
Bike Setup:
Crank Brothers 50/50, Race Face Diablous,Pedros Black walls,Maxxis Holy Roller and Mobster, Sram Pc 48,2006 Deore R. Derailer
Bottom Line:
Great Bike For The Moneny
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Big Rapids, MI, USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
White Pine Trail State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Speed Merchants, Rockford, MI
Strengths:
Beefy frame, looks, Hayes Sole XC Disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
Tires (if riding anywhere but soft dirt), stock drivetrain setup, fork is a little too soft for my riding style (and weight).
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Kenda K-Rad tire out back, otherwise stock. Size Small frame.
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike. I'd never really had a bike that fit me well before. I got a deal on a used model after calling the bike shop looking for an Opie. The overall look along with the amazing brakes and beefy frame is very confidence-inspiring. It's a very fun bike to ride, I use it for commuting to school and work mostly, but I also like to take it to the local Rails-to-Trails (White Pine) and just ride.
Only problems I had with it were with the tires and drivetrain setup. The stock tires are way too soft for riding on pavement. I just swapped out the rear for a Kenda K-Rad and that's been a MAJOR improvement. The drivetrain has a 2 ring crank up front but the shifter is set up for 3, so that took a little adjusting to get it to shift properly and go to the right place, and I still don't have it perfect. Also the lack of a lockout on the fork is a drawback for me, at my weight (210 lbs) I lose a lot of pedaling efficiency due to pedal-bob while climbing.
On the plus side, the frame looks amazing, and the silver paint is very sleek looking, especially with the lack of gaudy decals found on most other bikes. I've had several people compliment me on it. The brakes work phenomenally, however I do have an issue with the front disc touching the outside pad when I get rolling really fast down hill.
Overall this is a great bike, and I am very satisfied with it, aside from those minor issues mentioned above.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
honeytoast maple syrope
a Weekend Warrior
from nfld Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
my roof
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50001.00
Purchased At:
store
Strengths:
i like the fork
Weaknesses:
the bars are waay to long,the frame is too slanted,the pedals are pretty bad,and the discs are bad.
Similar Products Used:
specialized hardrock sport,cannondale chase 3, kona shred, kona scrap, norco rival, norco wolvarine, tech team, scwin
Bike Setup:
stockkk
Bottom Line:
i dunno man..this bike is pretty intense..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fsda fasf
a Downhiller
from new york Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Berts Bikes
Strengths:
Frame Wheels bars headset and both derailers
Weaknesses:
Fork crank isnt the best and tires Brakes hayes sole and pos
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Dirt Jam pro Big earl crankset and crank brother 50/50 pedals and Big earl tires
Bottom Line:
good bike but the fork is weak and I broke off a 6 foot drop it locked up crank arm broke off also and brakes are weak
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Snowdonia Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Strengths:
Bomb proof frame Great components Smooth suspension Great value for money
Weaknesses:
Front tends to lift on steep climbs
Similar Products Used:
Specialised Hard rock pro
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
I was ideally looking for a full susser, but for the money i had available i wouldn't of got what i wanted. I saw the bitter at my local bike shop had a ride and was blown away. Now i'm a rider that understands that going uphill is only for the purpose of coming down again (fast) this bike is not one for the uphill, so if your a cross country rider look elsewhere. If you looking for a great handling aggressive trail/downhill/freestyle bike then look no further. This bike is solid it looks and feels as if it could go the distance with Beelzebab himself, and still come out smiling. The suspension is plush, brakes have enourmous stopping power and the ride is super stable and snappy. You instantly feel like a better rider when on this thing, and it really encourages you to push the boundaries. I would recommend this bike to anyone, and if you purchase it you will not be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt temple
a Cross Country Rider
from ak juneau Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
dredg lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
light weight,cheep but good, good breaks have not faild me yet!
Weaknesses:
I bought it and the f***ing bike store did'nt put the ajuster for the fork so the f***ing shocks were liking oil
Bike Setup:
left break is my back and the right is the frount
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike brand new for a good price!
Buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Armitage
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, West Yorshire, England Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Stainburn, West Yorkshire
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$317.00
Purchased At:
Bonthrone bikes
Strengths:
Frame Geometry, Fork, Brakes, All of it!!!
Weaknesses:
None really other than the tyres are a bit sketchy in loose gravel! but thats genuinely it.
Similar Products Used:
Nearly all GT hardtails (v good) Cannondale Jekyll excellent bike, Specialzed Enduro not bad.
Bike Setup:
Std apart from i beam saddle and post and Hope skewers
Bottom Line:
Super fast and flickable now with adjustable forks which make climbing easier (lower front end)I use the bike mainly for trail/forest riding and its truly superb! This is a very versatile bike weighing around 33.5 lbs I love it so much it's nearly made my full suss redundant! I forgot how much fun a hardtail was and for a bargain price of £317 due to Bonthrone running out of 2005 Mullets so they sent me a 2006 Bitter for the same money!!!! Thankyou. Also the sole brakes are really strong and match my Hayes 9's for power. Do it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon karbum
a Weekend Warrior
from rochester MI Date Reviewed: July 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
???
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
n/a
Strengths:
Love the brakes, sturdy frame, pedals are awesome
Weaknesses:
Non adjustable fork. Seat is hard as a rock my rear end hurts after a weekend of riding.
Similar Products Used:
trek jack
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great overall bike. Weakness is trail riding but it wasnt designed for that. Good for hitting jumps cruising around town or hucking the local trails. I was hoping for a little better trail rider although i didnt expect it looking at the bike design. It just really sucks for climbs. Loves to bash through rock gardens and over log piles and the brakes are phenomenal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julio C
a Weekend Warrior
from Billings,mt,USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Zimmerman Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Scheels All Sport
Strengths:
Check the package, for my type of rider this bike is perfect in everyway!!
Weaknesses:
Non really, just get some Slime if you like jumps. Besides that, Awesome and light! Like a dirtbike really...
Similar Products Used:
Specialized StumpJumper
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
The bike is SICK. If you love to ride and just love hanging out, hittin jumps, spending a day just riding around town or hittin a trail, this is the bike. It can to it all, makes it seem easy. The best Bike investment i made for a hardtail this year!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Fox
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis IN Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Indianapolis ghetto
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Size and strength.
Weaknesses:
Lack of very low gears. Can't adjust front shock.
Similar Products Used:
True trail bike
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike. Don't let the weight fool you. This is a fast bike. It's noticeably tougher than a trail racing bike. It's a downhiller. It's simple, and sleek looking. And tough as nails. Great trail bike, that is much better at any city riding you may do. It's a fast tank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Weekend Warrior
from hamburg, new york Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
bert's bikes
Strengths:
color, bontrager components, sun ditchwitch rims, everything basically
Weaknesses:
fork but i got a new one because i broke my other one twice and the fact that the brakes lost pressure and i had to bleed them the first month
Similar Products Used:
first FR hardtail, session 7, kona stinky
Bike Setup:
big earls tires, 2.5 back, 2.6 front, 5 in. travel duro fork, lizard skin, big earl seat post
Bottom Line:
great bike in general, great for soft drop son 5+ foot landings and great for the price. maybe better shifters for '07
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Astoria, OR Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bikes and Beyond
Strengths:
Very solid construction and good tires make for great stability. Climbs well, no bob. Bontragger Earl components are solid and comfortable, especially the seat. Hydraulic disks are great.
Weaknesses:
Lack of damping adjustment is an annoyance, but the fork does the job overall. Drivetrain could use a couple of upgrades, but for the money, the components can't be beat.
Similar Products Used:
Chase, P2
Bike Setup:
Stock - upgrading to deore front deraileur and shifters.
Bottom Line:
Solid bike with incredible value. This is a real freeride hardtail. It's a do-all: the bike is so stable going downhill, and the hardtail geometry lets you really throw it around on the trails. Urban riding is great, and here again you really feel the thickness of the frame and components. Climbing is a breeze: sit down and pedal it like a freeride bike, with this geometry it isn't meant for cross-country racing.
The fork is a definite future upgrade, and a full deore drivetrain is to be desired, but the value on the components blew me away. If you are thinking about the Mullet, spend the extra couple hundred bucks and go for this one. The hydraulic disks -8" front- and protected drivetrain really sold me when compared with other bikes that would be closer to $1000 with those components. Fisher really did their homework on this one, it defies the Trek dumbed-down component sterotypes.
I was looking to pay a lot more for an FS bike with similar components, but after seeing how stable it was on descents, I'm glad I saved myself the five or six hundred bucks. Value rating is at the max here, and I couldn't be more pleased with the performance for a bike in this range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew smale
a Weekend Warrior
from london,on,canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any street
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
reynold cycle
Strengths:
durability,price
Weaknesses:
forks
Similar Products Used:
norco tactic
Bike Setup:
hard tail
Bottom Line:
its a good all around bike it can take some big flat drops and some big tranys. i have had mine for 3 months and i love it.it is a good starter bike and good for a street bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
Black Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
Price, Paint Job, Frame, Components, Weight
Weaknesses:
Fork, Pedalability
Similar Products Used:
First FR Hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. The components feel rock solid for the price (with exception to the fork which I will cover later) and the drive train is remarkably smooth despite having Alivo/Deore components. The look of this bike is amazing, as good as the picture, but this bike is for sure not a pedaler. For this reason I will probably convert to a single ring setup, because pedaling with the big ring is pretty much out of the question.
I took the bike out for some jumps, and the fork was real loose. There are no external adjustments at all, so I had to go back to Black Mountain to order a stiffer spring at $45. It's a real bummer to have to spend money on a brand new bike to get it to work right, but hey, such is life. Oh I guess I should also say that the fork did ship with the tire clearance recall fixed, so that is a plus.
Since I couldn't get any preload for any jumps, I decided to try the downhill ability of the bike, and I was amazed. This thing handles the downhill real well. It is very nimble and easy to control.
I will repost once I get the stiffer spring, but as of now I would recommend getting this bike, so long as you don't have any cross country aspirations.
Had the fork been better, I would have given it 5 Flamin' Chilis, but for now, 4/5 will do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a Downhiller
from canada Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
quebec sportif
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
brodie hellion
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this bike is super strong and aggresive looking it might be ugly in the picture but hell its nice its strong and u get alot more for what you paid well im sure im the only one that would have paid its brand new for 700
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio Date Reviewed: February 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hillsville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Thum's Bike Shop Warren OH
Strengths:
This bike is built. Solid agressive frame. Ride is balanced and fast. Componets are strong and reliable at least for us weekend warrior type riders.
Weaknesses:
Alivio front derailleur. but seems to not be to much of a big deal. If it brakes then upgrade.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500 ZX series (XC Race Bike) with judy XC forks
Bike Setup:
Stock 05 Bitter
Bottom Line:
This bike is Bombproof for us weekend warrior type riders. I have yet to get out and give it a beating. But it just keep looking at me and saying abuse me. This bike has a fast agressive feel and I'm sure it will take anything you can dish out. If your looking for an urban/trail/Freeride hartail this bike can handle all your needs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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