Submitted by
bapfreak
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV, United States Date Reviewed: July 23, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$274.00
Purchased At:
College Cyclery
Strengths:
Frame, Relative Quality, Economy, Shifters are decent, and derailleurs seem OK.
Weaknesses:
Crank and Pedals are terrible. Tubes are ultra-thin cheap pieces of junk that should be thrown out as soon as the bike is purchased ( As with most new bicycles ). The bike is kinda heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, etc
Bike Setup:
Shuigoro crank. New pedals. Bontrager pierce resistant tires. New rear wheel.
Bottom Line:
The version of the bike I bought with a solid fork is no longer listed on the Gary Fisher website. I bought this bike because I needed transportation and didn't want a 2nd car payment. The crank on this bike is terrible and broke in a few months. The new crank is awesome, but it cost me $250, almost as much as the entire bike. This bike is a decent value, but considering the crank problem I can't recommend it. It would be better to save up more money and get a few models up. The internet says the bike is aluminum, but it feels heavy like steel to me. It could be a low grade aluminum, but it just seems to heavy to really be a high quality aluminum; maybe I'm just ignorant? If it weren't for the crank it would be an awesome value bike. Perhaps if this bike were rode on occasion the crank would survive. Maybe its my fault for riding this bike as if it were a street bike, but I don't think so.
Bottom line, unless you have an amazing deal just pass this one up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fisher4lifeSnj
a Racer
from south jersey Date Reviewed: October 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
eshers 4 life cherry
Strengths:
nothing broke since i bought it
lol i back gary 100% on his frames
Weaknesses:
again nothing broke and im not easy on anything
dont buy a less expensive bike and expect it to perform like a 7 thousand bike
Similar Products Used:
nothing really i had a couple no name bikes i put together when i was younger
Bike Setup:
stock but id like 2 get the forks w shocks on em
Bottom Line:
i ride almost everyday, alot of miles no check up(MY BAD) had some chain suck a couple times but thats because peddlin hard and shifting..bottom line, I BEAT THE CRAP OUTTA THIS BIKE AND IT HASNT STOPD YET
i give it a very good rating for what the bikes dudes said i can do . and what i get away with
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis Wilner
a Weekend Warrior
from shawnee Ks USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Overland Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
trek store
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
entry level components
Similar Products Used:
Trek Giant
Bike Setup:
computer, clipless pedals, medium bar ends
Bottom Line:
There were two bikes under $300 that stood out in my area, the Gary Fisher Mako, and the Giant Boulder. I wanted a hardtail to get back in shape after my heart attack, so I chose the Mako. After the initial break in and adjustments the bike is still keeping up with me...100 miles a week.
I occasionally get some "chain suck" Shifts are still smooth and accurate some sound from the RIVETED CHAINRINGS some sound from the headset on hard braking
good entry level
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis wilner
a Weekend Warrior
from shawnee KS Usa Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
overlandpark
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
trek store
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
componets & chain stay location
Similar Products Used:
trek 830
Bike Setup:
stock w/ toe straps and medium bar ends
Bottom Line:
I did alot shopping in my area, and the 2 that stood out under 300 were the giant "boulder" and the Gary Fisher "Mako". I didnt want a bike w/shocks so I chose the Mako.
Standing up on climbs is a bit akward for me (before buying try all positions)
I have had some "Chain suck" the chinstay could be offset (I plan on pounding on it when I upgrade front chain rings)
the components perform like entry level, but still perform.
I was on a budget and needed to get in shape after my heart attack. I have put at least 300 miles on it and enjoy the bike. The very few problems I have had are expected and tolerated with an bike under 300. The store I got it from was helpful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Morristown Tenn. USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Panther Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Shop
Strengths:
Light frame, some decent components and the weak components are cheap to replace.Simple but dependable V-Brakes. This is a great bike for less than $300 bucks!
Weaknesses:
Low-end Shimano parts are delicate. The '07 was advertised with the 42/34/24 chainrings, mine has the 48/38/28. The stem was not welded properly. Headset is very cheap compared to previous years of this bike.
Similar Products Used:
Older Trek 800 series aluminum, Trek 3700 in rigid form.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the usual bottle bracket and tool pouch.
Bottom Line:
This is not a "Mountain" bike by today's standards but it is an "All-terrain" bike in every way. As far as rigid bikes go, this is the best value for a good quality bike. Park trails and city paths are perfect for it. Learn how to maintain the drive-train and the Tourney components will do just fine. I do suggest replacing the stock pedals and headset. This could also make a nice Single Speed (my plan).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lower Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$260.00
Strengths:
Great value, durable, solid components, nice frame
Weaknesses:
Not for the hard core Mountain biker, more a rails to trails/gravel road bike.
Bottom Line:
I have thus far owned the bike one year nine and a half months and have ridden it nearly every weekend minus the Winter months and have never had a problem with the bike. I have logged over 1300 miles on this bike and generally ride 25-35 miles on a weekend day then another 5-10 through the week and the bike runs like a top. I did follow my local bike shop's instructions and after the first 20 hour break-in I received cable and break adjustments, then after the first year I had a tune-up which primed the bike for another summer of riding, this is all the maintenance that was performed. If I had a complaint it would only be that the saddle gets a bit uncomfortable after about the two and a half hour mark but I suspect most do by then.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirkland, WA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Strengths:
Great Value, Light Weight, Sturdy
Weaknesses:
It's basic
Bottom Line:
Don't listen to these other reviews. Most of the people who post are those who complain. But I'm writing to let you know that for what you pay, you'll get something decent. I've looked at bikes under $300 and this was the best one. I had no problems with any of the parts, the bike has an aluminium frame and lacks shocks so its great for a light ride.
For a casual ride or for commuting to school or work it's great. Just don't expect a thousand dollar bike while paying a quarter of that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis Wilner
a Weekend Warrior
from Shawnee KS USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
overland park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
trek store
Strengths:
light light light!!!! and good looks! I get complements on it all the time. Im 5'8" and 230lbs and this bike is helping me get back to 185lbs
Weaknesses:
haven't had it in for the 30 day check up(next week) but this is what I'll tell them:
chain skipped a couple times, (chain suck)chain gets stuck between chain stay and largest chain ring when shifting gears (sometimes), noise from crank only on 2nd chain ring, dropping gear to (front 2nd to first) hangs sometimes. A bit on the noisy side.
Similar Products Used:
I had a trek 830 in my teens and it was a dream It didn't need any service except for a slightly bent rim(4yrs)...I sold it during a moment of broke stupidity and I am still kicking my self.
Bike Setup:
stock shimano components medium bar ends toe straps (clips soon) dual bottle cages (thinking about street tires, and component upgrades)
Bottom Line:
the price is great!!! still breaking it in, will see after the 30 day check up. I wanted a hard tail...I can sure feel the road.
These are all things I can deal with for an entry level bike. I ride 3-5 times a week 2-10 miles a trip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
If you switch out the rigid fork for an 80mm you end up with geometry similar to modern slack XC from Commencal and Kona, but with a 1cm shorter chain stay - plan.
Weaknesses:
Threaded headset, 7 speed hub, seat too soft, low BB with stock fork.
Bike Setup:
Single speed using Cambria Real Design hub on Ritchey OCR rim. e-13 34t to wtb 16 cog. M580 cranks, wtb seat, used XTR front hub on light $15 sun rim... FR-5 levers
Bottom Line:
The front deraileur for this bike may weigh as much as the frame. The frame is good. With the changes above and a light front wheel my scale says 23.5 lbs. That is with the stock rigid fork, stock steel bars and inexpensive threaded headset.
Who should buy this bike for the bike - People who want a smooth surface commuter with a lifetime frame warrantee.
Who should buy this bike for the frame - People who: like V-brakes, will not be satisfied with the suspension forks found on sub $1000 bikes, don't want genesis geometry, have light V-brake wheels that need a home.
Who should not buy this bike for the bike - People who have had problems with drivetrain flex.
Who should not buy this bike for the frame - people who need 100mm of travel. Rating is for the frame from this $240 complete bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Urban Street
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Strengths:
Frame is fine and fits well.
Weaknesses:
Components
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock Sport, Trek 820 (Early 90's)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Owned one week and already in the shop with chain and gear problems. I have had Specialized and Trek entry models with no problems. The shifters are awful and I basically have one gear. The frame is the only redeeming quality about the bike. I bike mostly city with some light trails. Given that the chain pops off on the street with gear change (multiple times), I wouldn't want to see what happens on a trail. Hopefully I get a refund or a good trade in. I wouldn't recommend this bike to anyone. I would say pay the extra $100 and get something different. I was very disappointed because I thought Fisher was a good brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stacy
a Weekend Warrior
from austin, texas, US Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Weaknesses:
Vibrations are felt on everything, and my arms were itching just from the vibrations. I was so uncomfortable I had to trade bikes with someone. It was too uncomfortable, and very disappointing to use.
Bottom Line:
DO NOT BUY! Paying a little more is worth a lot, this bike is just not worth the money. If you are only going on the pavement you might be ok with it. I always heard great things about Gary Fisher, but this bike was not great. Paying $100 more would be worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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