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Gary Fisher
Hoo Koo E Koo
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Submitted by
msr.daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Lombard, IL
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This bike is amazing! I am greatly impressed with the quality of the bike and components. I have never had a SRAM drive train setup before, but it is easy to get used to. The Avid Juicy 3's are also great. On top of that, the bike is pretty light; I believe it weights about 27 pounds. Really awesome. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first higher end mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | Juicy 3 brakes, sram shifters and derailleurs, Rock Shox Recon fork (coil) and bontrager wheels, as well as handlebar, stem, etc. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great higher end mountain bike, you can't go wrong with buying this one. This is my first Trek/Gary Fisher bike and definitely not the last! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trail-rider
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Very solid bike for the price | | Weaknesses: | Promax brakeset, a little heavy compared to a more current hardtail | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Topanga Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock '02 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Speedplay Frogs, SMP Evolution seat | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden this bike fairly hard without any problems. The frame geometry is slightly dated but very comfortable. The paint-job looks great and the stock components are very decent. Mine weighs in at about 29lbs. with pedals in a 17.5". I would definitely recommend this bike to someone interested in riding at an intermediate level. If I had the $$ I'd definitely look at getting another (more recent) HKEK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don2000g
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburg
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I ride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | I've owned this bike for about 9 months and I have been absolutely pleased with this bike. The first thing that attracted me to the bike was the cool blue color that was somewhat in between a matte and glossy look. The HKEK is pretty lightweight and allows me to corner very well, ride fast and still gives me that feeling that I'm always in control. This bike is just fast and I can't think of a better bike in this price range. Its tough, I've put some hard abuse on it and its holding up very well with no service issues at all. | | Weaknesses: | The juicy 3s require some time to fully bunction at its best. I ended up just upgrading to some juicy 5s that I found on sale for $90 and this has been a winning formula for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Specialized, Trek, GT, Ralleigh, Fuji and other Gary Fisher bikes that range in price from $500 to $1200. The Hoo Koo E. Koo is easily my favorite. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock for the exception of Juicy 5 brakes and a Fox Talas 140 fork. Sweet!!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | Best bike for the money. It takes whatever you throw at it. Lightweigh, tough, and FAST...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LandonXC
a Cross Country Rider
from Overland Park, KS
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | SMP is my home trail. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Biscari Brothers on | | Strengths: | Very stable, Climbs well. | | Weaknesses: | SPD 505 pedals, Loud Juicy Threes (fixed with Hayes rotors), Jones tires wore out very quick. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2008 w/ MTB MotoRaptors | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The loud brakes were an issue but it seems like the Hayes rotors fixed that problem. I love the SRAM components. I couldn't find an XL frame anywhere (not even the Trek store) and I was told multiple time I would have to wait for a 2009 but Bob at Biscari Brothers tracked one down in California and I had it within a week. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MtbikingRob in Nebraska
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack | | Strengths: | Light weight, decent components, LX shifter work better then some XT's I have used, Juicy Hydro brakes stop on a dime | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager grips are worthless, saddle is hard and heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kula, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Pretty stock right now. | | Bottom Line: | This is the fourth bike I have now added to my "collection" and I have to say had I not just purchased an 08 Kona Kula for racing this would be my new race bike. It corners like it is on rails, climbs like a mountain goat and flies on the downhills. Components are good for entry level to intermediate racing, the LX shifters were surprisingly smooth shifting with none of the Ghosting I often get with even the Shimano XT drive trains (would still switch to SRAM). The biggest surprise came from the new Jones tires on this bike, they are vastly superior to the Jones tires of even two years ago (not even worth the rubber used to make them)the new Jones had a front and rear specific tire and performed better then expected in both loose sand/dirt and climbing something that was always and adventure with the old Jones. All in all if you can find one of these sitting around in your local bike shop that is last years model you can get a hell of a bike for a steal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jadan_mtb
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia, Boyette | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good Spec for the price. Great bike to learn on. Lightweight frame. | | Weaknesses: | Not strong enough for tall clyde rider. Some of the bolts are rust-prone. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Similar | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Hoo Koo E Koo Frame (replaced after cracked with Big Sur frame), X.9 Rear, X.7 Front, X.7 Shifters, Shimano Octalink Crank, DT Swiss / Laserdisc Wheels (Updated from OEM), Thompson Seatpost (Updated from OEM), Cane Creek Aheadset (Replaced), WTB Pure V saddle (Updated from OEM), Shimano 540 pedals (Updated/Replaced), Avid Juicy 3 Disc, Ergon Grips (Updated from OEM), Specialized Fast Trak LK (Updated from OEM) | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike to get into racing. It was a little higher than my budget, but I wanted to have something that would last and keep me challenged. I have not been disappointed.
I am 6'5" and 220 lbs, and I got the 21" frame. This means that I keep the seatpost cranked just south of the atmosphere, this means that my saddle is about 2 inches above the handlebars (very "racy"), and I cracked my frame at the seatpost after about 6 mos. of owning the bike. If you are a taller and heavier than the average man, I would get a 410 mm Thompson seatpost installed before you start doing any serious riding (I haven't had any problems since this upgrade).
Within the first month, my shop had to replace the stock shimano pedals. There was some kind of problem with the tensioning, and I had a really hard time unclipping. They put new pedals, and I haven't experience this problem since.
After 9 months, I had to replace the headset.
The most irritating problem I had was with the Bongrager wheels. Spokes started breaking on the rear wheel on the non-drive side at the nipple. Each time I would take the wheel back, and they would replace and retension the spokes. Finally, they replaced the whole wheel. This still did not fix the problem. I bought a new wheelset and used the Bontragers as my "road wheels" thinking that smoother terrain would help me avoid the problem. Not so, I am still breaking spokes. I don't know if this will change for '09, but it was definitely an issue for me until I upgraded the wheels.
All in all, I am really happy with my bike. I understand that I am taller and heavier than most, and I knew going in that I would be harder on equipment. I will be upgrading my stable soon with a full susser, and my Gary Fisher will become my commuter. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel venezzio
a Weekend Warrior
from belmar nj usa
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | starflyr@optonline.net | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$849.00 | | Purchased At: | ski barn | | Strengths: | light, handles well, fast(great acceleration w lil effort!)strong frame, gf geometry(awesome)-handlebars feel too close on other brands, componetry- avid juicy 3 brakes, good overall value, the 08 has alot of upgrades over my 07 that r really nice | | Weaknesses: | not many! but i got three flat tires the first two weeks. had to get plastic barrier between tube and tire. quick cheap fix and under ten mins and only adds few grams to wieght. the shifters have a cheap plasticty gauge to show what gear your in, this thing was the first(and only so far!)thing to break. it cracked while loading into my truck 1st day! i was able to remove them with just 2 alan wrenches and about 10 mins. didnt like the shifter reset (push lever too hard and you go down to 1st gear) but i got used too it. now it feels fine. | | Similar Products Used: | tested the rockhopper pro, gt av 1, trek 6500, felt 650, jamis dakota, cannondale f1 | | Bike Setup: | bike is stock the 07 setup maintou sliver fork | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great, every time i look at it i smile. im 32 now and hadnt been on a bike since i was a kid. but now all i can think of is hittin the trails and gettin air. i couldnt be happier with the bike.
the bike is built well and can handle what ever you throw at it . (i wouldnt recomend xtreme freeriding) but it can handle drops jumps moguls...it handles tight and is very responsive. i read a review that some dude cracked the frame jumpin off a curb- CRAZY! either the frame was defective, the dudes a liar or he works for specialized.
i tested a lot of bikes in its class and did a lot of research. the hkek is as good or better than all in its class. what set it apart for me was the gf geometry. it was the only one that didnt feel claustraphobic, in other words the handle bars werent too close too my chest. it was the perfect length for my arms. the second i got on it i knew i was sold. it also has great componetry and the frame is good to upgrade on.
bottomline if you want a competitive hardtail and have a grand then i highly recomend this bike. now if i could jus learn to spell.....
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Submitted by
Vermin
a
from Pinckney, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | potowatami | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | D & D | | Strengths: | Performed quite well with a newbie at the tiller. Nothing has broken. | | Weaknesses: | The right hand thumb lever thingy gets stiff now and then so I clean the cable and it gets less stiff. It is still stiffer no matter what than my buddies much cheaper GF Piranha. | | Similar Products Used: | I have never used a similar product. I am a middle aged moron that has come into mountain biking lately because it makes me feel 12 again. | | Bike Setup: | Probably unless I go tumbling through the miscellaneous shrubbery on the singletrack near my house then it laysdown. | | Bottom Line: | I was horribly depressed after a preview of my own mortality during a uncomfortable heart situation. A extreme moron buddy of mine forced me to go do a local single track on my diamond back city cruiser. I had so much fun I went out and bought the HKEK. It has resurected me I don't give a crap about equipment all I know is this bike has given me no grief and tons of fun. Ride on!!!!!!! Oh I forgot it turns real good and the blood washes off the paint real good. Blood thinners make the subdermal hematommas ultra massive and muy psychodelic. Gary Fisher Rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Weaknesses: | None now. | | Bike Setup: | XT front & rear derailleurs, Deore XT bottom bracket/crank arms/chain rings, ZR9000 frame, Kenda Karma Tires, Chris King headset and Odessey peddles | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to the last couple of reviews I've made.
I took my bike in to the place of purchase to have the headset checked out. The owner said it was loose and tightened it. The next time I rode it the metal tink came back, plus, the bottom bracket started creaking and making noises under load. So, I took it back a second time and the owner said, "We'll pull the headset and bottom bracket and look at them." I picked the bike up after their so called take it apart and look at it inspection and the first time I rode it, all the same noises where there. Gee, do you think the mechanics really took it apart and looked at it? I doubt it.
Anyway, I bought a new Chris King headset and a new 2008 Deore XT B/B and Crank arms w/chain rings and had Sunflower bikes in Lawrence, KS replace them. The headset had corrosion build up on it and could have been fixed if pulled out and cleaned up. No biggy I wanted the Chris King anyway. The B/B was loose and needed grease and is still good, but I wanted the XT set up as well.
My hats off to Adam and his technicians at Sunflower for going the extra mile on my bike. They replaced my front and rear derailleur cables and housings, stretched the cables and dialed in the shifting like it should have been from the beginning at no charge. Stellar Job guys and girl (Girly babe installed my headset with ease).
Now, the bike shifts like the XT's that I heard everyone ooo'n and ahh'n about. The new XT B/B is excellent to look at and compliments the shifting very well. I opted for 170mm instead of staying with the 175mm crank arms just for a little more clearance on the trail. The headset was a subtle change, but noticeable enough when twisting the handlebars from side to side in the switch backs. The CK was a good investment indeed. The bike is excellent as is, FINALLY!
Evan at Bike America is still the Sales Rep to do business with, but I won't be coming back for maintenance on my bike. Sorry guys, Sunflower went the extra mile to prove their competence and won my vote with their customer service.
After all of the component upgrades and with the proper maintenance, this bike is an excellent ride. Max Chili Peppers for the bike now, but not stock.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phillip Van Horn
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Diamond Log Bridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Kent Mountain Bike Outfitters | | Strengths: | Great hardtail mountain bike. Fork couldn't be better when set up the way you like it. Really forgiving and absorbing of any blow your bike will take. The rims are very nice. Frame is very light. Hayes brake are top of the line. Great for helping you in any situation you get yourself into. Very comfortable to ride and very well made. | | Weaknesses: | The tires that come stock are not very good. I liked the width of the tires that came stock but the tread pattern and grip was very bad. Replaced with a Michelin All Mountain tire that was a 26X2.35. Works a lot better. The grips that come stock are very uncomfortable. Not very much padding to protect your hands from blisters. Changed to the Specialized Enduro grips that were much better more padding and much protection from blisters. Haven't got another blister since I put them on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | I set my fork up for my weight. Added a bash guard to it. Put a chain pad on the lower bar under the chain. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best hardtail out on the market. I rode the specialized hardtail before i bought the Gary Fisher and the Gary Fisher was a much better ride. The brakes fork frame and everything else is much better than everything about the Specialized. The wheels spin smoothly and the bike will go as fast as any other bike on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Kress
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Landhal Park, MO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Brakes, nimbleness | | Weaknesses: | Headset, derailleurs | | Bike Setup: | XT front and rear derailleurs, Kenda Karma tires | | Bottom Line: | See my original comments when I first bought this bike below.
One year later: I always judge the quality of a bicycle by how little I have to think about the bike when I ride. With this bike more often than not I am thinking about shifting. I thought that maybe it was just the cables stretching, so, I took it to the dealer and they dialed it in. Later, I'm thinking about shifting again. When down shifting I must give it a little nudge with my thumb to get the derailleur to move the chain to the next cog. My thought: hum, needs another adjustment. Bottom line, the XT rear derailleur needs frequent adustments. When it is dialed in it works great.
The headset: I've had a few crashes on this ride, but nothing serious. Hence, I'm not sure if this is the reason my headset is creeking. I took it into the dealer and they tightened it, but a week later the creek is back. I will upgrade to a NoThreadset by Chris King this winter.
The brakes: Well, they are predictable and leave one with a feeling of confidence. My only dislike with the disc brakes are centering the discs in the calipers. If not done perfectly the disc with rub the pads. An adjustment issue, for sure, but it's an annoyance none the less.
The tires: The stock Bontregars were less than desireable, so I swapped them out with a set of Kenda Karmas. They are very good tires in rocky, rooty, gravely and dirt ridden terrain. My only beef with these tires is not really the tires fault, but the forks fault. The front tire, when inflated above 40 psi or if I have my kevlar belt inserted inside the tire, will rub against the mud deflector/stabilizer bar that is between the shocks.
Everthing else on the HKEK is nice. I like it and enjoy it, even when I fall down! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Biser
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hanna Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$790.00 | | Purchased At: | Ponta Vedra Bicycles | | Strengths: | Strong USA made frame (Gold series aluminum), first class finish on paint and decals, wheel set (Bontrager Corvair Asymetricals) have not required truing yet!, Velociraptor tires are the best all around tires I have ever used. Avid disc brakes are the best bang for the buck, Manitou Magnum R fork works great with my 240 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post binder slips no matter how much I tighten it. Cheap saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Pulse comp, Cannondale F 700, Cannondale Super V 900 | | Bike Setup: | XTR F&R ders, XTR brake levers, Syncros bars, Race Face stem, SDG Gran Prix saddle, Bullet pedals, ATI grips. | | Bottom Line: | This is a 2001 HKEK Disc that I bought new and have kept longer than any other mountain bike, American made frame, all around great bike, I'd recommend it for bigger riders (200 lbs.+) who are looking for a bike that can hold up under heavy stress loads. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Piacenti
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | mohican wilderness | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle One | | Strengths: | Price, fork gives a smooth ride, frame is stiff without giving a harsh ride | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, The Juicy3 brakes lack the any adjustments to speak of. Stopping power is strong but to not give you a great feel | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Cobia | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals, using 540's now but am going to get some egg beaters soon. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, can handle rough trails and holds up to big spills | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zachary harless
a Weekend Warrior
from bristol Va USA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Steel Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Skee and Outdoor | | Strengths: | The Tora fork is heavy, but very durible. Since Sram bought Rock Shox, Rock Shox quality is much better.
The Hayes 9 Brakes are very strong, but I love them.
| | Weaknesses: | Very Heavy Fork.
| | Similar Products Used: | first 26" bike. | | Bike Setup: | The bike shop built it for me. | | Bottom Line: | I have upgraded the wheels to Bontrager Race Disc.
The fork was changed to Manitou R7 Elite.
The Seat is now Terry, Dragonfly.
I hate to add weight onto the bike but, I cannot ride the bike without a Suspension Seatpost. I have the Cane Creek Suspension Seatpost, the lightest one they make.
I am going to try to upgrade the front Derailor from LX to XT.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Kress
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that gets me out of the house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike America, Overland Park, KS | | Strengths: | ZR9000 frame is light and well balanced. The Avid disc brakes are extremely powerful. XT front/rear derailers are accurate, quiet and easy to adjust. The 2007 paint scheme is nicer looking IMO than the 2006. Crank arms are nice to. | | Weaknesses: | The tires don't seem to do to well on the rocky surfaces, especially on accents. | | Similar Products Used: | I tested the following before I picked GF: Lightspeed Pisgah (I was dreaming, but I had to ride it anyway), Trek 6700 and 6500, Gary Fisher Tassajara and Piranha, Giant Raineir and the Specialized Rockhopper Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Before I picked up the bike I exchanged the following: Front/rear derailer's - XT
Peddles - Odyssey BMX | | Bottom Line: | The 2007 Hoo Koo E Koo front shock was changed in 07 to a Manatou Sliver. The 06 was a Rockshox Axel, I think. The paint was changed to blue and silver in 07. I like the whole package. The seat ain't so bad either. I heard a few complaints about it and was concerned about it, but I just did a 16 mile trail ride and it didn't bother me at all. It handles well at low speed and is easy to navigate through technical areas. It's light and nimble with a well balance feel. There's good feedback in the handle bars and does what you want it to without any suprises except for ONE! The BRAKES! I had to force myself to put all of my fingers around the left grip on decents. I kept tapping the front brake, habbit from my other bikes so so brakes, and the tire would skid a little. Not good. So, until I am completely acclimated to the disc brakes I'll use the back ones like a good dirt biker.
My thanks to Evan at Bike America, Overland Park, KS for his help and the cool laser fit. This is the second bike he's sold me. No regrets here bro.
See pictures of the 2007 GF HKEK in my album = Bucknbronc | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ken horton
a Weekend Warrior
from brewster,ma usa
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | nickerson park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | chatham cycle | | Strengths: | climbs like a mule, fast on the hardpack, solid frame, brakes work great when broken in. | | Weaknesses: | seat, seat clamp is junk, grips, hydrolic cables fold under presure, | | Similar Products Used: | trek, stumpjumper, older GF. | | Bike Setup: | replaced seat, pedals, new salsa seat clamp. | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike overall. i am glad I have it. I like hardtale bikes I still cant get used to full suspention. I have had a lot of bikes since the original stumpjumper and they get better and better. This is one fun bike. good for a weekend warior. paint is but ugly but that makes it easier to scratch up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lane Cove | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | was a nice bike straight out of the box. handled well, even when bombing a firetrail from hell. could tackle a seven hour event or a 40 minute sprint with equal ease and comfort. I found it especially good at handling singletrack. tires stuck to everything except for sand | | Weaknesses: | I could never get the seat pole to stay at the same height, no matter how hard I tightened it, it always sank, annoying when riding and it suddenly gets harder and harder to ride and your knees start to hurt. | | Similar Products Used: | raceline xtreme sports, apollo hardtail | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | A good well rounded package for weekend warriors. I can't comment on racing it, but for MTB Orienteering it was a great bike able to handle the various terrain types with ease, from a gnarly single track to a rocky firetrail it took it all.
I would still be using this bike but someone else liked it so much they stole it off my car last friday b****rd.
A good versitile bike with good components for its price. which is cheaper than last years model. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, NC, US of A
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Hefner | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Purchased At: | THE Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | A sure-footed frame lands small hucks well and fast downhills confidently. Hayes 9 disc brakes and a MAJOR improvement over my old V-brakes. It shifts well and is a good climber. I suggest it for any hilly, rocky, muddy trail. | | Weaknesses: | Just a few pounds heavier than comparable XC hardtails in the same pricerange (somewhat due to the 2.20 and 2.25 tires). Handlebars are wide, but not a negative except in fast, tight areas. Two-poing landing on the Tora 318 from a 2.5 foot jump and blew it out. RockShox is replacing motion control unit. I'm not as equipped (with cahones) for freeride stuff (skinnes, logs, etc) with this bike as I was on the Trek. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Been on one out-of-town trip to Uwharrie Mtns and the bike handled very well. Big improvement all around over my older bike and I'm already used to the heavier ride. Worth the $$$. Only regret is that I couldn't afford the Trek 8500 I wanted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Blow
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesport | | Strengths: | Build quality and components. Fork is reasonable for the type of riding I do | | Weaknesses: | Decals and paint not perfect but ok.
Seat is poor, pedals are cheap, tires are weak | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Cannondale F600, | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for Crank BRos 50-50 pedals, Specialized saddle, new grips, and tires. | | Bottom Line: | Overall good value for a mid tier bike. Good componentry for not too high a price. Frame seems strong and not too heavy. Manueverability very good on tight trails. A little heavy for hopping over large obstacles (or maybe it's my skills). For me it is the perfect balance of cost, performance, and fit. Rides well | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TLud
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ho Chi Minh @ Memorial | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1025.00 | | Purchased At: | West End Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great climber, fast, solid, good components for the price, pleasantly surprised with the Tora 318 Air fork. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager seat is awful, grips aren't great, and the clipless pedals are cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Sorrento, various Trek models | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX drivetrain, Hayes HFX-9 hydros, Rock Shox Tora 318 Air | | Bottom Line: |
Although not the lightest hardtail out there, this bike is FAST and solid at the same time. I've only had this bike for about a month, but it's already taken some serious abuse from a 200# rider without any problems. Handles and climbs great better than I even expected. The ZR9000 frame is genius. Replaced the seat, grips, and pedals right off the bat, and I couldn't be happier with this bike. I highly recommend this bike, especially for taller people who don't feel stretched out enough on other frames. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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