Submitted by
Wrightride
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheffield Lake, OH, USA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Vulture's Knob
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Eddy's Bike Shop
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
all other stock components
Similar Products Used:
Kona Shred
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
buy this bike if you want a durable framethat you can romp any style and want t build up with good components over time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
opieman1
a Downhiller
from Acton ontario canada Date Reviewed: September 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any fast and that has a challange
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
up your bike
Strengths:
The durability, strong wheels, virtually unbreakable
Weaknesses:
pedals break easily (what plastic stock pedals dont) gears skip/ alingment can be off very easily
Similar Products Used:
specialized p3
Bike Setup:
stock, with evo pedals
Bottom Line:
handles awesome, sturdy, but would recomend that this bike is a project bike ( could upgrade breaks, pedals and gears)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chenny
a Downhiller
from Goleta, The Goodland Date Reviewed: July 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
la pateria
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Velo Pro
Strengths:
Great Geometry, Nice STRONG Frame, Alright Forks, Nice Shifter, Beastie Wheels Helps landing jumps. PERFECT FOR DIRT JUMPING.
Weaknesses:
Pedals Break really easy, breaks , Seat comes loose.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse
Bike Setup:
Factory Setup
Bottom Line:
Nice Bike needs a little upgrade and it's good as any other bikes.
Upgrade to Disc Brakes, Get new shocks, Pedals, Seat, Grips, HandleBar and Stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yellowbeta
a Weekend Warrior
from Wausau, wi Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
city streets
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Loved the look of the bike. I also love the big frame (wanted something for my size).
Weaknesses:
I found out right away you have to watch were you get the bike from. The shop didn't put it together very well. I had trouble with the chain and brakes.
Similar Products Used:
N/a
Bike Setup:
Factory at first.
Bottom Line:
Now that I've addressed the poor setup, it runs good. I had to replace the chain and work on the brake.
It is a nice bike for starters. I plan on keeping it for winter riding and will get something lighter for summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GHynson
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
I make my own
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Some bike shop on 28
Strengths:
1)Ruggedized frame.
2)Matte Black unmarked paint job.
3)Cheap bike for upgrading.
4)Stock crank doesn't make a clicking sound in neutral.
5)Tool-less quick release wheels and seat height adjuster.
Weaknesses:
1)Heavy frame
2)Gear slips in 2/8th gear
3)Crank makes a grinding sound after heavy use.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse, and el-cheapo disposable Wal-Mart bikes.
Bike Setup:
Stock componets, except for Grip-Shifters.
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for over three years and had no major componet failures.
The bike is a little heavy if your like me and drag your bike up the side of cliffs, or constantly clibing over barbwire fences.
Other then the extreme abuse this bike has indured, (it's been thrown down 10-15' drops, hit by a car, draged under muddy water, and left out side constantly) I'd give it a 9 out of 10 rating. It works best if you swap out the stock shifters for grip-shifters. The plastic pedals are fine also if you have a problem with pedals hitting you in the shins or back of the legs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Opie Rider
a Downhiller
from Highlands Ranch, Colorado Date Reviewed: December 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Don't Have One
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Alpha Bikes
Strengths:
AWESOME FRAME(STRONG!), looks, fork, tires(stick on anything),brakes(stop on a dime), grips, handlebars.
*2008* STOCK, except rear derailleur hanger(because it bent), and chain(because a sprocket broke).
Bottom Line:
I love this bike,im 13 and I got it for christmas (08) and I cant stay off of it.
Its a good bike to learn how to do tricks on. You can do urban, downhll, freeride, and dirt jumping.
It has the same frame as the GF Mullet (which has better components for 2x the price) but you can customize the components exactly how you want to. So its amazing for the price.
I recommend this bike for any beginner or advanced rider who enjoys dirt jump or freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GSXRScott
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City, Mo Date Reviewed: December 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ft. McDowell Mountains State Park, Fountain Hills Arizona
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Craigs List
Strengths:
Haldling. Climbing ability. Great bang for your buck.
Weaknesses:
Clunky transmission. Just a little dirt in the components and the bike will miss shifts.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Aftermarket WTB rims and Specialized Tires. I Put a Stanz tubeless kit on it.
Bottom Line:
I'm new to the sport so take my comments with a grain of salt. I bought mine used off of craigs list for $180.00. It was pretty beat up but after an $80.00 tune up and rim truing it worked very well. Mine came with after market rims and tires that kept me glued to the trail even in the loose sand of the Arizona desert. I've really enjoyed this bike. My wife rides a Wahoo and it feels a bit heavy compared to my Opie. All in all this bike has worked great for me. My skill level is starting to go up so I'll probably upgrade to a Cobia but for the money the Opie is a great entry level bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe-mtb-junkie
a Weekend Warrior
from london Date Reviewed: December 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any singletrack or freeridy stuff
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
nice bike to ride i used my friends for a day or to when i went to do some freeriding but he has totaly changed components nice to ride though. took everything ithrew at it.
Weaknesses:
cant think of any atm
Similar Products Used:
specialized p1
Bike Setup:
marzocchi 180mm suspension deore lx rearmech system shimano hydrolic discs shimano cranks easton monkeylite straight bars gary fisher opie
Bottom Line:
good bikeit was reallyfun to ride im looking at getting one but i dont know whether to just get the mullet which hasd the same frame but the componenets are twice as good but its twice the price so i dont know if i should get this bike and get some marzocchi forks new rims and a new crank and disc brake but atm i would recommend thisbike. and my friends had his for 5 years but for a year of it hes used his 2000 pound marin downill bike. ITS GOT A GREAT FRAME
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taco
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Polo Grounds
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Trip
Strengths:
Frame,tires,
Weaknesses:
shifets,rims(bent the first month i had it)rear derailleur,no iscg tabs,cranks,seat post clamp won't hold seatpost in place,peadals(plastic)and the seat,Its super hard and it hurts!!
Similar Products Used:
Giant stp,Specialized P.2
Bike Setup:
Hussefelt stem,cranks 2.2,howitzer bb with Blackspire stinger guide,Specialized Demo bars,Rhino lite wheels,maxxis high rollers,sram X.7 Rear derailleur,2009 Sram X.4Shifters,Hayes MX2 brakes
Bottom Line:
Stock is good for beginners but needs to be upgraed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rrs465
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Big Wheel Cycles
Strengths:
frame of course
Weaknesses:
rims, shifters
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
standard right now but buying new cranks with clips, about to get some new rims as well
Bottom Line:
Good starting out on, I've beat up this bike pretty bad and the components take it all. It's getting serviced right now. I'd recommend getting pedals with clips but as far as disc brakes (which are really expensive because you have to get new rims) I'd think twice. I might must save up money for an entirely new Gary Fisher bike or a Specialized. Good starting out though, don't get me wrong but once you get into the flow of real trail riding you'll get the feel that you can do more with, of course, a better bike. Good for the money but if you've got more to spend, look into something better because buying parts separately can get a bit pricey.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt Bayencoh
a Weekend Warrior
from Regina, Saskatchewan Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Regina's Massive Bike Path System
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Frame Chucked out Co
Strengths:
Incredible new experience and huge step up on the frame for a newb like me that was used to using a Shimano cb100 department store 300 dollar bike for a few years.
Weaknesses:
left crank appears to need repair. I keep tightening it but it loosens immediately like indicating damage to the crank from what I've read above.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Nakamura cb100 from Canadian Tire 300 bucks. That's as close as I ever got to a bike of this quality.
Bike Setup:
I had to transfer the front wheel from the Nakamura cb100 to the Opie and get a new Camino Bontrager rear rim as the bent rim completely self-destructed on the first ride (a nasty crack was there from the start). I transferred the front brake assembly from the Nakamura cb100 and got a new 290mm (29cm) bike seat post for 15 bucks and mounted the Nakamura cb100 seat on that. Had to transfer the Nakamuras pedals over too but all these parts went on nicely and I only needed a new front brake post to mount the transferred brakes.
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing ride. The bike transfers power at least 100 percent better than the Shimano Nakamura cb100. I am consistantly amazed at the consistency of the bike and the handling it provides particularly over uneven terrain. It gobbles us ground like a starving badger and sneaks it's rough terrain snacks with the cunning of a bandit raccoon.
I would recommend a test ride of the Gary Fischer Opie to anyone who is currently riding cheaper department store products. I think the true realization of the incredible product you are riding when on a Gary Fischer product only comes after at least a month of riding. Only then can the true quality and specifications built into this product really start to be understood by novices like me.
If this is any indication of Gary Fischer products above the entry level Opie, then these are truly well engineered products with an tremendous knowledge base behind them.
I look forward to adding and upgrading the various parts over the next several months, and I find the mechanics of the bike extremely logical and even a novice like me can work out some of it.
Can I join the club? I hope so! Even though I'm just a newb and a novice, I feel like I've taken a great first step to a much healthier lifestyle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steven campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from concord,nc, usa Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Beech springs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bike line
Strengths:
Front fork is decent. it alows sucessful landings and can take just about anythings
Weaknesses:
Pedals, Cranks- i had to replace the left crank but afterwords everything worked fine. From expeariance, make shor you tune bike at least onece every two months
Bike Setup:
Great Frame,pedals suck(there plastic) i purchased metal pedals pronged pedals and that work great
Bottom Line:
Awsome bike, if you are looking for a starting bike to build up on, the garry fisher opie is a great bike to do that with. when you get the bike make shore you get different peddals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam weber
a Weekend Warrior
from marietta, ga, US Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$360.00
Strengths:
good frame
Weaknesses:
everything else is crap
Bottom Line:
I got this bike when i was just starting to get into jumps, gaps, pretty much just free riding and i broke the cranks in a two months, crushed the rim, and have had constant problems with it ever since...the bottom line is if you want a bike that can handle anything big go for a diffrent bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from FTP, FL Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Village Bikes
Strengths:
Frame, Tires, Looks, Grips, Brakes, Fork
Weaknesses:
Pedals are trash. Seat hurts. Low end components, but they work.
Bike Setup:
Race face good n evil grips, Eastern magnesium pedals, cushy seat otherwise stock for now.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! It was relatively cheap., yet has handled every thing Ive thrown at it. The components are low end but that lets me set up the bike my way I want it! I was worried about the forks but they have worked great so far.... The only major problem I had was the oil that chain was shipped with was super tacky and my trails have a lot of sand.I ended up throwing the chain and bending some links and derailer hanger. So my advice is to clean that crap off and get some dry lube.. By the way this review is for the 08 model
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from South lyon, Mi, USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
good frame that seems to work for everything
Weaknesses:
the components are junk
Bottom Line:
this bike is decent for a first bike, that you can upgrade as the paychecks come in or as you get into this sport, but get another bike if your not willing to build it up as time goes on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Pierce, FL Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007
crank looks weak, plastic pedals, saddle feels like is made of wood.
Similar Products Used:
Wal-mart crap, motobecane
Bike Setup:
Stock except for saddle
Bottom Line:
this review is for the 2008 model. This bike is great for the money, a perfect bike to build up. I was worried about the RST Fork, but it feels good so far, Brakes have really impressed. Also the bike is much lighter than other reviews indicated. The only immediate concerns are the pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Downhiller
from mission viejo,CA, usa Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Cycle werks
Strengths:
great frame and tires. fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
chain broke within the fist month but easily fixed
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
standard
Bottom Line:
love it. may add some disc brakes and new fork and deraler. i'm 5'7 and i ride a 17.5 and my dad is over 6 foot and he can ride it to. i love it on dirt jumps and trails. great all around bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from madison Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bluemounds
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
trek store
Strengths:
this is a follow up to my previous review, i had upgraded to some bontrager big earl parts, big earl cranks- much stiffer and better but i just havent been doing much urban riding or downhilling; been primarily doing xc and it is great on the downhills, but climbing on this bike just sucks, really bad, so i sold it to get a more xc style bike, test rode the gf wahoo disc and it has somewhat same geometry feel, good for wheelies and bunnyhopping which most xc bikes are not good for, so if your going to do even a moderate amount of xc or riding distance on street- reconsider....
Bottom Line:
see above
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cub bekkala
a Downhiller
from dassel mn 55325 Date Reviewed: May 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
out n' about (out of business)
Strengths:
frame. thats it. everything else sucks.
Weaknesses:
all the components, the only things i havent replaced is headset and forks, the forks suck now though. getting new ones this summer.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
bontrager earl cranks (w/ rock ring- get one theyre awesome) hell bent bars, sun rims wheels, SRAM X9 derailler, haro bmx pedals
Bottom Line:
the only thing you want this bike for is learning to ride, or getting a AWESOME frame and putting new components on it as they break. ive spent over 1100 on it now, but it is totally worth it, the frame is as good as any of the other GF hardtails. ive been biking since i was born. take my advice. i use my opie for everything, downhilling, technical riding, dirt jumping, urban assault, it works perfect!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david fairchild
a Weekend Warrior
from south bend in usa Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fast And flowy
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
outpost sports
Strengths:
great all round do anything pretty darn well frame. I have taken many trail rides, 30 plus mile street rides, and got it about 7 feet off the ground. I love it. no complaints id buy another if i broke it today.
Weaknesses:
made overseas...booooo....weight weenies will find it heavy..riders with leg muscles will find it fine...expect to replace parts if you leave the ground, first time of a little ramp rewarded me with a bent crank to ride home on. great frame pos build kit. ive replaced every part on mine and its fantastic
if you like the geometry and the price buy it. if you like nice things and bling or you plan on using the frame to its potential plan on replacing every pos part bolted to this nice frame
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a
from ffld,ct, usa Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
CyeDye
Strengths:
frame, look
Weaknesses:
parts (fork, bottom bracket, headset, crank, drive-train, wheels)
stock, until i get some cash to upgrade when things break
Bottom Line:
bottom line. this bike looks cool. it's cheap. if you are thinking about getting into mtbing then try this out. bear in mind that the frame is really good but that the parts on it are basically really low end. i'm betting the first things to break are the drive train (cranks) and the fork. the bike is basicallya frame. i can't stress it enough. if you are looking to do 10 foot drops, hell, 5 foot drops, buy the frame and the parts separate so you don't break the bike. this is an entry level bike that you should upgrade. having said that, this bike is fun and i have yet to break anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Mankato, MN, USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
stadium hill woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
A-1 Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great Frame, worth price alone Good Brakes Looks Good, I've got the red one
Weaknesses:
Handlebars and Pedals are crap
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock
Bike Setup:
FSA Crank, Primo Pedals, Crowbar Handlebar
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the price. I really like it. I would say take it easy on drops and such unless you can afford to upgrade everything as you bend it. Only buy this bike if you plan to upgrade components later. Otherwise you might as well buy a bike with a less burly frame. Great bike for those who are strapped for cash and need a solid bike to build up as the paychecks roll in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Suchecki
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kelso
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Brant Cycle
Strengths:
Really good frame, comfortable to ride on.
Weaknesses:
Within the first year, had to get the lowest gear on the cassette changed along with chain. But I alot kms on this bike and maybe used that gear abit too much.
Similar Products Used:
Just got into the sport last year, first bike that counts as a bike.
Bottom Line:
I used this bike more like a all mountain bike and I went where full suspension bikes went. I'll have to admit I've beat the crap outta this bike and still kicking. For a beginner who wants to learn mountain biking and doesn't want to destroy their bike the first time out or doesn't know if they'll like the sport, this is a great buy. Remember tho its a hardtail, but when you get that full suspension you'll be alot better mtber. Just like the other guy said "good bike indestructible".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Davison
a Downhiller
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the ghetto
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
North Riders
Strengths:
Alright forks Excellent brakes
Weaknesses:
Rims Cranks Petals
Similar Products Used:
Norco Katmandu
Bottom Line:
I dont like what i've read so far in these reviews. I've been ripped off. I am disapointed in the opie's performance. I have taco'd the rims twice from dirtjumps. DON'T BUY THIS BIKE IT IS A BAD DEAL!!!! You shouldn't buy this bike unless its for road use only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chad pwoell
a Weekend Warrior
from isle of wight UK Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007
is that it is a good bike i went to a bike place and they had the opie in and there was a 2 week waiting list for the stp and now me mates got a stp and it is much better then the opie i made the mistake dont u!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Who cares Its awesome
a Weekend Warrior
from ca Date Reviewed: January 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Peddler
Strengths:
This bike is sweet. Love it. I go all mountain, downhill, and dirt jump. Great for money.
Weaknesses:
Forks aren't that good, cranks and componets are okay. I don't weigh much so not much damage is done but it is the bet bike for the money.
Similar Products Used:
First real hardtail got me into biking.
Bike Setup:
Black/White outlaws: discs: white manitou forks: thick dh handlebar riser.
Bottom Line:
Nice frame awwsome setup but I'll hopefully be switching parts. Nice sleek look. Great for money but more of an upgrading bike. Love it!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doesn't matter who cares
a Weekend Warrior
from where ever Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Peddler
Strengths:
Great frame!!! Love the bike, but more for upgrading. Nice sleek look. This gets beaton pretty bad and is an awsome bike for the price.
Weaknesses:
Forks aren't that great. okay componets, will last for a while. Cranks are breaking down a bit.
Similar Products Used:
First real hardtail, got me into biking.
Bike Setup:
I am light so I haven't damaged much, but probably replace forks, get disks, and maybe cranks.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. I take it off jumps, to foothills, all mountain, and it holds. Nice and sturdy for jumping holds in mountain and all around great bike. Can't complain much for price but definitly upgradable and nice. Love it!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a
from Brighton, MA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any good street ridin, Lynn Woods, Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
International Bikes
Strengths:
Frame has been bomb-proof thus far. Geometry is spot-on for anything from big drops in the city to dirt jumpin. The red color is sweet, plus the minimalist approach of decals deters the theives. I can leave it out at the store, run in and nobody knows what the hell it is.
Weaknesses:
I changed out pretty much every part on this bike. Sweet thing is though, I got more selling the parts as takeoffs than I paid for it. Free frame, gotta love it. Most of it wasn't bad and could take some abuse, but those forks, I don't know what they were thinking with those. The felt great off drops and I never really bottomed out, but the topout on those are ridiculous. They sound like a gunshot.
Similar Products Used:
Plenty of bikes for what I do, but for the money, 330 for a complete is a waaaay beter deal than 700 for a frame.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi DJ's, Avid Mech's w/Snafu Levers, Mavic Dee-Trax (Rr); Ryno XL Lite (Fr), FSA Pounder Cranks w/Odyssey Cilenki Pedals, e.13 STS chainguide, Truvativ Hussefelt Bar/Stem Combo, and a bunch of other crap I don't feel like typing.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike for the money. If you're strapped for cash and want something nice to build up, then this is the bike for you. I upgraded the majority of mine at once because I needed a new frame, but if you want to go jam the streets, jumps or even some burly trails, you can easily see the things that will go wrong and upgrade along the way. Love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James C
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anyplace witha trail n dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$344.00
Purchased At:
Hedgehog cycles Botany
Strengths:
Tough hard-tail frame reinforced in the right places, appealing geometry, plain paint job
Weaknesses:
uncomfortable seat, components are of average quality
Similar Products Used:
scott, avanti, Regal, Giant
Bike Setup:
bottom of the range Shimano acera components
Bottom Line:
seems like a good deal for this price range. Similar priced bikes were crap and looked crap. Cheap components yes, just gotta look after them to make them last. Solid frame can handle a punishing ride but I wouldnt push this one to the extreme.
If you are on a tight budget and want a freeride bike that looks good and a frame that lasts then this is for you. Components will need upgrading depending on how hard you thrash it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Street/Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Fitzroys Cycles
Strengths:
Frame, Geometory, Ride, Price,
Weaknesses:
Handle bars, Brakes, Head stem, Pedals, Fork.
Similar Products Used:
Giant
Bike Setup:
Magura hs11 hydrolic rim brakes, Azonic bars (wide), GT head Stem, Modified Gear Shifters To accomadate Magura brake Blades, Velo Seat, Modified Seat post (shortend), Modified Frame (40mm cut of the post that seat frame inserts into)
Bottom Line:
This is my second Review on this page on the opie, (see "Greg" Below) the first Review was after a month worth of use and abuse,(now up to approx 3 months) Quite a lot has happend since then, as mentioned above ive cut and shortend the frame that the seat post inserts into by 40 mm (its just the way i want it), the Head stem cracked after some not so rough treatment)**KEEP YOUR EYE ON THIS ITEM!! (it could save you great pain), I prefer a wider handle bar and feel more secure knowing that it is double sleeved (Azonic),the brakes didnt stand up to what i wanted to do and the squeeling drove me mad.....errrr, so they have been replaced by Magura HS11 Hydrolic rim brakes( Front and Rear)and to save money on new gear shifters ive modified the original Shimano shifters (cut of the brake blades ) to fit the magura blades. (if this sounds strange its because the shimano blades arent removable from the all in one shifter - brake assembley?? The new Velo seat is much more comfortable than the Bontrager seat that comes standard ( not to say that its a bad seat, its just personal preferance). I think i said in the last review that i love this bike, well now i think i could be in love with it!! its a great buy at a very resonable price and i just cant ride it enough! , PS i forgot the fork story, the knob that adjusts the spring tention snapped of inside the fork, simply by turning it ( i think this was a fault of the person who assembled the fork as after inspection found the item to be cross threded - all it really means is that i have to adjust it manualy by unscrewing the mechinism and adjusting the two threaded parts that change the tention leg, no real biggie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from madison, wi Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
trek store
Strengths:
it looks awesome, really burly frame though not too heavy, components so far have held up to some pretty good abuse, love the geometry and feel of the frame, brakes work good though very squeaky
Weaknesses:
relatively heavy, low end components, doesnt climb very well, though not made for just that, things feel somewhat rattley, though doesnt seem like anything is loose...
Similar Products Used:
mullet, giant stp, old raliegh, various bmx
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock for now..
Bottom Line:
i love this bike, i come from bmx background and it has a nice feel to it for manuals and bunnyhopping, and beefy frame for jumping stairs and urban thrashing, though still being good for commuting and trails. i have given this bike a pretty good beating though i havent had it very long and no problems, been jumping stairs, wrecked on trails, im about 230 lbs so im impressed, hopefully will stay that way; overall very good for a do it all bike that is cheap and upgradeable, though will last as is if not beaten too hard...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Bunbury Australia Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Street/Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Fitzroys Cycles
Strengths:
Price,Ride Quality,Frame Geometry, Handling.
Weaknesses:
Brakes
Similar Products Used:
giant bikes
Bike Setup:
Standard so far.
Bottom Line:
Love it!! the bike just feels right for me, im not into anything serious, just like to throw it around and play with it, only had it less than a month and its cost more in ambulance fees, hospital fees, than the bike cost!! but the "URBAN ASSULT VEHICLE" as i now call it took it in its stride, after a quick inspection rode off again without the need to repair anything!!( couldnt even find a scratch on it! If only my head was as tough as this bike i wouldnt have needed a week of work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ren Dee
a Weekend Warrior
from HB, Orange County Date Reviewed: June 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bolsa chica wet lands
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
JAX bike
Strengths:
frame, color, Geometry, very durable and stable.
Weaknesses:
Deraillurs not so smooth in shifting front disconnected chain on first day. Seat hurts on trails or just being on it.
Similar Products Used:
first MTB
Bike Setup:
XTR Brakes
Bottom Line:
very stable and balanced. first time MTB'er and this felt most comfortable and confident from other bikes in similar price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe guse
a Weekend Warrior
from wisconsin rapids WI Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
pile driver at levis mound in neilsville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$365.00
Purchased At:
brings cycling and fitness
Strengths:
very good bike form the money the frame will stand up to alot. i just love the overall feel of the bike.
Weaknesses:
lots of the components, i have a 2005 model with the spinner edge fok and had to get it replaced because of grinding and locking up in the stanchions. the only other thing i would change is i would get a isis crank rather than the stock box style, it lossens to easily
Similar Products Used:
specialized p.2
Bike Setup:
frame wit sigletrack wheels hayes mechanical dics fsa handlebars and new pedals. oh and the new fork from spinne.
Bottom Line:
Very good bike with some minor component adjustments
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Abrams
a
from Washington DC, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
singletrack baby
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Strengths:
It already got me all banged and bloodied up! ;) Great bike for the money. Sturdy looking and feeling frame. Awesome paint job: all black with literally no obnoxious showy brand name (everyone keeps asking me if I spray painted my bike all black, gary fisher wins some cool points for that one). Good geometry. This bike can take some serious punishment, and look cool doing it. Did I mention great bang for the buck?
Weaknesses:
First of all, the fork is very sub-par. I realize I paid less than 400 bucks for the bike so I can't gripe too much. I do agree with the guy before me, my fork also "bottoms up"... quite an engineering flaw if you ask me. I could go on about the fork, but I see others have already elaborated.
The stock rear tire (26 X 2.4) barely gets enough frame clearance and it will rub on the frame/front derailer if your wheels are at all out of true.
Most of the components are generic and lack that quality feel and luster, but hey, for a $400 bike, they get the job done.
stock saddle hurts my grundle.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hard Rock.
Bike Setup:
Stock at the moment. Im gonna try to resurect an old marzocchi fork of mine and throw it up front, and put a well worn sella de italia XO saddle.
Bottom Line:
In reality this bike is a steal. Excellent frame for the money! It looks cool, and performs quite well stock for only 400 bucks. Its a great bike to start with because it has such a solid foundation. If you throw a few hundred bucks worth of upgrades onto it, you'll have one sick ride, no dout.
I absolutly love the "stealth" paint job. This bike is a total sleeper!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC, USA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
poison spider
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Mikes Bikes and Backwoods
Strengths:
Good bike for the $$$. Cool flat black paint job. Good looking sturdy frame. Good frame geometry. Rides like a freeride hardtail bike should. Fairly sturdy components (except for fork) for the price.
Weaknesses:
Componentry... You get what you pay for, and since this bike is pretty cheap, it has some cheap components on it. The RST fork is a joke, it not only bottoms out (I'm 175 lbs. and the fork is set to maximum stiffness), but it also bottoms up: you can feel/hear the fork clunking on the upstroke. The square taper on my crank arm is already deformed because the lazy jerk who built my bike didn't tighten the crank bolts, at all. Its a tad heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized P series.
Bike Setup:
Stock right now. Im gonna change the fork, handlebars, brakes, levers and stem.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. The bike looks awesome, and the frame is sturdy and stiff as hell. Solid welds. I view this bike as a project bike, its fine for bumbling down stairs and hopping off curbs stock. However, if you plan on doing any serious offroad freeriding, I would definatly get a new fork, disc brakes, cranks and cockpit. There's no doubt in my mind that the frame can take some serious punishment but the stock components won't last too long if you are doing anything remotely serious with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Discovery Cycles
Strengths:
Frame is Bulletproof. Heavy but Bulletproof. I am 6'3" about 250lbs and wouldnt ride anything else.
Now have a Bontrager Big Earl Crank. A Bontrage XXX DH bar. And upgraded pedals. Waiting to buy new fork and install dics
Bottom Line:
Project Bike. Frame is an excellent starting place(Especially if you are a big guy).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Weekend Warrior
from mississauga, On, Canada Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
good frmae
Weaknesses:
fork and seat post seat- 2 injure d crown jewels handle bars
Bike Setup:
exr fork lizard skin grip and profile design handle bars
Bottom Line:
THis bike is amazing after u do some upgrading it rules if taken it off road gaps, 6 to flat, dj's, and tranny drops i ride this bike with no remorse i kill it on trails but never let me down
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gervais Alkins
a Cross Country Rider
from Tobago Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Iguana Trail, Tobago & El Tucuche,Trinidad
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Geronimo's Bike Shop, Trinidad
Strengths:
I bought the frame only and it did'nt disappoint. Nice geometry for light freeriding and extreme cross-country.
Weaknesses:
My 2.4 Geax Sturdy on the back just about fits, any bigger will be big problems.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Komodo 2000
Bike Setup:
A third hand 2000 Rock Shox Judy Race,still going!! Nokia Gazza 2.5 in front, Spesh cranks .
Bottom Line:
If you live on an island and like to ride cross-country,freeride and even the road ride this a great choice. Though its' a tad heavy, I think this bike frma will last.I've only done about five rides so far but the climbs are still fun and on the downhills this bike just wants to go faster......man I need disc brakes!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Lacroix
a Downhiller
from Windsor Ontario Date Reviewed: January 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
seven hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ambassador bikes
Strengths:
it's good all around for the smaller stuff.
Weaknesses:
if you want to do sum big stuff the shocks are a litle small and you will bottem out a lot.
Similar Products Used:
p.1
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock.....i havn't had enough time to buy upgrades yet
Bottom Line:
if you are a biker starting out THIS IS A GREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY. If you want to do the bigger ramps and want a bike that will last you, you should get the mullet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephan Weed
a Downhiller
from Everett, WA, USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
San Diego Bike Shop (Great Place)
Strengths:
Frame, Headset, Good Balance/Handling
Weaknesses:
Wheels, Fork, Cranks, Brakes, Derailers, Basically everything but frame and Headset...
Kooka Cranks, Hayes MX-1 Disc Brakes, Sram PC970 9sp Cassette and PC99 chain, Deore Trigger shifters, XT Deore Front Derailer, Deore Rear Derailer, Richter Handlebars, Ti-Tec X-Wing Seat Post(bout to go), Stomp Pedals/ Shimano DX Clipless Pedals, Tamashi DH Tires/Maxiss Minion DH Tires, Cane Creek Lock-on Grips, Supergo MX-8 Stem, Alex Rims Wheels... and Stickers (lots of Stickers)
Bottom Line:
Excellent Bike to start with, It's what I call a rolling project bike. It's exactly what I was looking for. You can build it for any/all types of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a
from mississauga, On, Canada Date Reviewed: January 11, 2006
marz exr fork n im gettin a new stem n handle bars from truativ d hussefelt series
Bottom Line:
Its a good bike if u decide to updrade it the front forks is the worst possible fork on the market, many components are not worth calling a part there just crap but frame is awesome so if u like to do dj n fr but after go on a trip go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Krueger
a
from wausau wisconsin Date Reviewed: January 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
streets anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Builers bike shop
Strengths:
Great beginner bike I work at a bike shop and i could have gotta a different bike but this bike works great stock but if you upgrade it it turns out to be a kick ass bike
Weaknesses:
the crank will go pretty fast but if you take the arm off and put electical tape around the spindal and hammer the arm on and put lock tight on the bolt it stays togher nicely the fork isnt the greatest needs to be up graded for bigger jumps...
Similar Products Used:
chucker, stp3
Bike Setup:
single speed with stock v brakes but gold finger levers shortend the bars primo tenderizer pedals maxxis hookworms in the spring i will have new wheelset new crank and fork bike will rock then
Bottom Line:
this is a awesome bike for the price if you dont want to spend alot this bike is for you it will hold up and if you want to ride harder stuff just put alittle money into it and she'll be golden
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas Sköld
a Downhiller
from Leksand/dalarna/sweden Date Reviewed: December 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
freeride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Allans sports
Strengths:
Frame, rims, kranks
Weaknesses:
handlebar
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
new handlebar
Bottom Line:
Its my second bike that i have jused for jumpin´with, and i like it. Right after i bought it, i bent the back rim, but i fixed it stiff, and now i kan drop like 15feet with it, and nothing happends. Am going to buy a new fork, and maybe disc brakes. But the bike is good, even thouge GF is new on the freeride scene. FORZA Opie!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkshire, England Date Reviewed: December 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Explorin new ones at the look out
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
iBike, Crowthorne
Strengths:
Price! I do like the frame, tyres, most of it.
Weaknesses:
eerrrmmm not much. its a bit front heavy, so u rly need 2 pull up on jumps, but im quite light
Similar Products Used:
nothing similar, my first decent hardtail
Bike Setup:
Hayes hydraulic discs installed, thts y higher price! (the shop installed them 4 me)
Bottom Line:
i do like it. im 14, so didn't worry about buckling the frame, but it feels like it wouldn't buckle anyway. i enjoy doing jumps on it, because it makes you feel really hard, knowing if your foot slips, your 'nads are gone! i would think this is a good begginner bike, because none of the components are going to be s*"^ next year, and you can upgrade them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
karl
a Downhiller
from mn Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$520.00
Purchased At:
out n about
Strengths:
frame, seat post, seat
Weaknesses:
rims, handlebars, cranks, pedals
Similar Products Used:
rockhopper, mullet, stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
deore wheel, hell bent bars, haro pedals, everything else stock
Bottom Line:
this is a decent bike, i bought it so i could just upgrade it. good idea- mullet will eventually break and jsut end up being more expensive for the same result anyone can buy this bike, if you dont get the best one, get the opie and upgrade it. the cranks will wreck pretty quick if you take it off cliffs, the spindle wears down and the cranks slide on them. i shoved some steel wire in there and torqued it up. held up for a while, getting new ones.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian simpson
a
from vernon, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: October 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
jumping
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
sun county cycles
Strengths:
good frame, good (so far) rims and tires Nice colour
Weaknesses:
cranks, fork and drivetrain
Similar Products Used:
NORCO Rival
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Good bike because im just getting into jumping. Good Price and is light so is easy to jump. something is wrong with my cranks because they flex a lot when i land but im buying new ones and also the fork is easy to bottem, even when it is set to a firm setting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jp
a
from hilliard, ohio, united states Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$340.00
Bottom Line:
im about 13 years old so i dont do too much hardcore stuff so i think the bike is good for what ill be doing like some trail riding, some dirt jumping, and just around the neighbor hood pretty light most of the weight is the big tires, but the tires are nice on the trails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from texas Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
richardson bike mart
Strengths:
frame, price
Weaknesses:
all the other components
Similar Products Used:
hardrock
Bottom Line:
i got it with planning on upgrading as i had the money. no major problems.....its a good deal
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cub
a Downhiller
from Dassel, minnesota, USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$372.00
Purchased At:
out n about gear (st cloud MN)
Strengths:
frame, seat post, seat.
Weaknesses:
rims for sure pedals are plastic. at least they are wellgo
Similar Products Used:
couple other gf's, rockhopper
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i rode the opie for 15 minutes before i bent the back rim. returned it next day. specialized is probably a better bike to beat on for under 500. if you want to but this bike, dont even try 180s or 360s or anything like that. it bunnyhops nice, a good bike for people that dont go ape on their bikes. cant beat on it very good at all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brody stone
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
dirt jumps
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$464.00
Purchased At:
A$L Cycle ans Ski in brandon,MB
Strengths:
it's nice and light so you don't have to go as fast at jumps to get similar leights or hieghts as acanadian tire bike....DON'T BUY THE CANADIAN TIRE BIKES!!!
Weaknesses:
i hear the handle bars are so i will just buy better ones when i buy my opie
Similar Products Used:
nothing really
Bottom Line:
i think the all aorund bikes performance is great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Downhiller
from West Linn, OR Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
sk8 park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Gallery
Strengths:
Nice frame and virtually logo-less
Weaknesses:
every single component on this bike really is a joke. I had better components on my 2004 Motiv Vortex. and that was just a beater bike I bought at costco for $200.00 what is wit the fork making a squeaking noise ? the fork doesnt work unless you are jumping. when you ride the bike on trails if feels as if you are running a rigid fork.
Similar Products Used:
2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport, Trek 4300, specialized Big Hit spec
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
do not buy this bike, I returned this bike because after 5 rides the bike was falling apart ( crank arm came loose, cables snapped ) I took it back and bought a 2006 Hardrock and I love it. The gary fisher product has made a bad impression on me and it is definatly not worth the $ ...maybe if they were selling the bike for $190.00 then it would be a good buy ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Keokuk, IA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Madison & Davis, Quincy, IL
Strengths:
The frame and wheels are great. I've been looking for a good used frame to build a jumping / generally abusable bike in this price range. When I saw the price tag on this at the shop I bought it on the spot!
Weaknesses:
The components are a joke...all of them. The fork? What the heck is that noise...it sounds like a freakin' squeaky dog toy. My four year old base model manitou is 100 times the fork this is.
Bike Setup:
Stock so far.
Bottom Line:
Amazing value!! I've been wanting to build this type of bike, and was willing to pay about this for a frame alone. Instead I have a functional bike with an awesome frame, good wheels, and components that I can upgrade as I have the money. Bottom line: if you don't have much cash, this is the one. Even if you do, the components don't get much better (except the fork) on the higher models. You'll be upgrading no matter what, so why not start out super cheap and pick exactly what you want as you go?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill zimmer
a Weekend Warrior
from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
burchfield Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Velocopede Pedaler
Strengths:
Cool Frame, everybody asks, what is that? NIce 2.4 Bontrager Tires and Rims...beefy. Adequate components for a beginner like me. Holds up to all of the beginner stuff and most of the "advanced"( not including the stuff I'm too chicken s!*# to try). Very comfortable to ride as I am short (5'6") and have a 19 " frame but the design makes it ride smaller!
Weaknesses:
got a weird flat tire where the stem kind of cracked off the tube; front derailler is messed up going from 2 to ; chain rattles and may come off; I just keep it in 2.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock stuff
Bottom Line:
I'm very happy with this, and if I want to upgrade you can get a better bike but no better value for a beginner!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Colmone
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon City, Oregon, Usa Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hag lake / meldrom bar dirt jumps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
the Bike Gallery
Strengths:
Frame!!!
Weaknesses:
Fork, handle bars!!!!, Crank, pedals, Chain, basicly everything except the frame and wheels
Similar Products Used:
friends bikes noting special
Bike Setup:
UPGRADES!!! YA Race face Down hill evolve x type cranks, BMX pedels, Race face Diabolus 31.8 handle bars and stem, Chain
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. Excellent for beginners and people who aren't to agressive. I've taken lots of dirt jumping falles :( and never tweeked the frame! I ride it on local trails and all around town. I think its a great bike but ive put some money into it about another $400 so if you can upgrade some parts as you get the cash I think its alot better then some $800 bikes but to each there own! So Pick your poison carfully and do some research it will all pay off Good luck!!!!! Rock on! Ya
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Downhiller
from West Linn, Oregon Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Gallery
Strengths:
Great frame, nice short stem, and the price, you wont get into an agressive bike for a better price. The Tires are pretty nice.
I would buy this bike if you are getting into some more agressive riding and need a bike to get it through everything, I think that this bike is versitile and can handle a lot thrown at it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TOBIE GARZA
a Downhiller
from AUSTIN TX US Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
brand new to trail riding need som info
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$410.00
Purchased At:
discovery cycle
Strengths:
im very aggressive i ride both street and trail also idrop offalot of jumps or bunny hop over questionable hops luckily ive made them
Weaknesses:
speed
Similar Products Used:
k2 not similar b/c it was to big but great control
Bike Setup:
?
Bottom Line:
i need better components what should i get at beginner prices
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter brad
a Weekend Warrior
from saskatoon Date Reviewed: June 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
sutherland beach
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bruces cycle works
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
fork and brakes. but those are easily upgradeable.
Similar Products Used:
marin nortrhside trail
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
pretty good bikes for the price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
ridgeline (for now)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Strengths:
Frame is beefy, wheels are tough for an under $500 bike
Weaknesses:
Components, chain broke after 1 month, front fork tops out easily, and I swear the handlebars were from wal-mart
Similar Products Used:
2005 Kona Shred
Bike Setup:
All stock but some nice magnesium bmx pedals and a SRAM chain
Bottom Line:
I couldn't be happier with the bike. Great for beginner freeriding. You can't possibly expect a sub $500 bike to hold up to any aggressive freeriding. Get a nice set of freeride components, better fork, disc brakes, bombproof wheels, etc etc and you'll have yourself a ripper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan blubins
a
from marquette MI Date Reviewed: May 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Strengths:
good frame
Weaknesses:
everything else. Components are crap. This thing literally rattles itself to pieces while riding it on anything other than the road. The brakes WILL NOT stop you, nor will they last long without problems. The fork is also crap. I would strongly recommend spending a few hundred more bucks and getting a bike that will last.
Bottom Line:
Spend some extra money and get a bike that will last. NOT THIS ONE. i regretted not buying a better bike a week after a bought this one. The frame is awsome, but you might as well throw everything else on the bike away. this bike is definatly not worthy of the 'biggins' name that gary fisher gives it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
randy
a Weekend Warrior
from new lenox, IL, USA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
three ravines in palos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
sumbaum cycle of joliet
Strengths:
the frame and the price...the brakes are great, who needs disc...
Weaknesses:
UPGRADE the handlebars Imediatly...i bent them jumping a curb, shamono crap, would be fine with new handlebars, gaurd for sprokets and a not to agresive rider.
Bottom Line:
i bought this bike just getting started in mtb... i LOVED it and i was hitting trails not ment for this bike... with a few up grades it would be ok. mine fell apart in a week....literally. 14 days after i ordered this one i ordered a Gary Fisher Bitter, check it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan
a
from Townsville QLD Australia Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$315.00
Purchased At:
Quensland cycle supplies
Strengths:
Real strong frame same as used thoughout gary fishers bigg'ns freeride range
Weaknesses:
Components are crap!
Similar Products Used:
merida umf (united merida freeriders) frame set
Bike Setup:
fisher opie frame marzocchi bomber z1 freeride forks, titec el norte stem, truvativ hussefelt crankset and o/s bars ,e thirteen chain guide, hayes disk brakes, shimano xt or xtr throughout
Bottom Line:
A great affordable freeride frame at a good price just remember to replace the components or they won't last ya a week of heavy freeriding.I give it a 4 for value since u wont get a decent freeride/jump hardtail frame for a better price, and a 3 borderline the frame is the bee's nee's in an alloy hardtail frame the components r the worst gary fisher makes several build ups of this frame decide on how much ballls u got if there big id go the ged or atleast have a good set of components waiting like i have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tekn
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Bragg nc Date Reviewed: January 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Handles well
Weaknesses:
Kind of a cheesey drive train
Similar Products Used:
old (9yr) rock hopper
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Only had it 2 weeks now, but no problems or complaints. Decent bike for the price. Not a race bike, good for us weekend warriors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 360.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
