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Submitted by
Orcus332
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Alum Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$849.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek of Columbus | | Strengths: | My first true mountain bike, so I don't have much to compare to.
Great stopping power, haven't had to adjust the brakes at all, root beer color is unique, SRAM shifters. | | Weaknesses: | Tires don't have very good traction in mud, not bad for pavement, hardpack though. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike climbs like a goat! If you're budget is under 1000 and you don't plan on doing crazy jumps this is a great bike. My first true mountain bike and I love it so far. I plan on going to clipless in a year or so. The seat doesn't bother me too much (150lbs). The grips could be easier on the hands, but i probably just need gloves. I get lots of compliments on the looks of the bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty Shackelford
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Charles, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Lost Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Momentum | | Strengths: | Frame, Hydraulic brakes and G2 geometry, love the sram components | | Weaknesses: | Seat and pedals both suck but these are easy and cheap fixes. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Outpost | | Bike Setup: | Crank bro pedals WTB seat in the near future | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The seat leaves me feeling numb and thats with wearing biking shorts. Other then that there is nothing else i would change about this bike. I loved the pedals i had on my old bike so i did switch those out. This bike is great for the weekend warrior or those that want to keep their budget under 1000.00. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adplicity
a Weekend Warrior
from Southlake, TX
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | El Morro Canyon in CA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus - Copp | | Strengths: | Great value. | | Weaknesses: | We'll see how the front fork does after a few roots and ruts... | | Bike Setup: | Stock - switched to time pedals and upgraded the front tire to Maxxis 2.3 | | Bottom Line: | Have 1 good trail ride. The fork is suspect at the moment but prior riding has been on a Fox Float R. The bike is very predictable and handles well. The X5 group was very good - no miss shifts. Coming from a full susp bike - I will say the ride is a bit rougher but at no point was I disappointed or let down, especially since I sold the other, bought this and pocketed some coin. I'll get a few more rides and post an update. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from East St Paul, MB, CA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | local trails/bike parks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels Sporting Goo | | Strengths: | Great All around bike. trails are handled with ease. mid air control is great. cruising is easy, handling is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | balance point is weird. seat is too hard. Front forks take time to get use to, and they to are hard on most days. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike with some flaws. once your use to it its a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yeahdog31
a Cross Country Rider
from South Central Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to choose... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Columbus | | Strengths: | Value, good component group, size options, stability, and confidence-inspiring geometry | | Weaknesses: | Poor assembly job (not GF's fault), factory fork was garbage, tires aren't really all-terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | Old-school steel hardtails, fully rigid steamrollers, modern full-suspension monsters. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, with these upgrades:
RockShox Recon Race solo air front fork (warranty replacement upgrade)
BBG 32T bashguard (ditched the 44T ring for lighter weight and more ground clearance)
Shimano SLX 203mm front brake rotor
Bontrager Bar Ends
Crank Brothers Egg Beaters C | | Bottom Line: | I went to the store to check out pavement bikes, but on a whim I hopped on this hardtail. I didn't leave the store without it. It really felt great right away and I knew it was coming home with me.
I've been on this rig for almost a year now, and I've probably put about 250-300 trail miles on it -- and that's not counting the crappy winter months when I didn't ride OR the SIX WEEKS it sat in the repair shop waiting on RockShox to replace a horribly faulty stock fork. I also had some wrestling matches with the front derailleur, but we finally came to an understanding. Smooth shifts into and out of the granny gear if needed now.
I love the stiffness of the frame and climbing ability. My riding group all have dual-suspension outfits, and I have no problem keeping up with or even outpedaling them going up or down. I agree with some other reviewers that the tires could be better, but that's an easy upgrade. The Jones XR that came stock are pretty good on dry or hardpack, or even gravel/pavement, but are slick on roots, loose conditions, and especially mud. Seat is surprisingly padded and comfy for such a thin profile. The fork that RS gave me as an upgrade is WAY, WAY better than the junk that came on it.
All in all, a fantastic bike for someone who's looking to get quality components at a reasonable price. If you aren't too bitten by the full-suspension bug and still like to ride fast on a hardtail, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better one at this price. I'm a fan of Fisher bikes from now on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
friedwilly
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorktown Hts., NY USA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Danny's Cycles | | Strengths: | Strong, Solid and a Great Bike | | Weaknesses: | Stock Tires, Grips and Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list | | Bike Setup: | 09 Gary Fisher Pirahna - Stock, minus the seat, grips, pedals and tires have been upgraded | | Bottom Line: | I have owned many mountain bikes over the years and I must say this is probably one of the best hardtails I have owned. This bike is very strong and solid.
I replaced the grips and seat with better items, based on comfort and performance. I also replaced the stock tires because they just did not grip well.
I would recommend this bike to any person who wants a serious hardtail, but does not want to break the bank. A Great Buy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wing8337
a Weekend Warrior
from round rock, tx
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | walnut creek park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle sport shop a | | Strengths: | This bike feels solid. I bought it to replace my GF Marlin (which was stolen)and the difference is amazing. The Genesis2 geometry really works for me, but I think you need be a certain size/weight ratio to get the most of it. I rode this bike for 10 min and plunked down the cash. | | Weaknesses: | I've had some slight gear changing hiccups but chalk that up to unfamiliarity.There is also an almost inaudible "chirp" coming from what i guess is the front forks pilling up for jumps. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana/GF Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Fully Stock (so far) excluding a bottle cage. I can see the seat being replaced in it's near future | | Bottom Line: | This bike is everything I thought it would be for a stock bike.Considering it's a 100 dollar upgrade from the Marlin I consider it money well spent.By the way the fire engine red color was a little offputting at first but when it gets out in the sun you'll see a subtle metaflake in the paint, really nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HopDaddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Beaver Dam/Legend Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | TrekRaleigh | | Strengths: | The G2 Geometry - Wow, the bike just felt "Right" on the trails; decent front fork (Rock Shox Tora); love the hydraulic Disc brakes, what a difference over mechanical Disc! Sram x-5 from front to rear, pleasant intro to intermediate components. Rides and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | None for the money - I'd like to have x-7's or better for components but that will come as upgrades later. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 Alpha | | Bike Setup: | I changed out the pedals for clipless and bought lock-on grips. Everything else is stock. Love it! | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike (09) on sale and I'm thrilled after my first time out! With a lot of research, I got the best components and bike set up for the money.
This bike climbs "like a goat", descends fast, corners like a dream and is sturdy enough to take everything that I will throw at it. The front shock ate up the roots and rocks and I have nothing but good to say about my new GF! If you haven't tried one out, the G2 geometry is NICE.
I'm a relative newbie, but love tearing up the intermediate trails and I do my best on the most technical stuff. Usually steer clear of drops >3 ft. Love the workout aspect of the sport. I am really impressed with this bike - | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
garyfisherofmen
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | classified | | Strengths: | Well balanced bike. I upgraded from a Giant and I can definitely tell a difference on my climbs. 6" disc brakes work great. | | Weaknesses: | Is not ultra light weight, I think about 30 lbs. Shifters needed to be adjusted after about 40 miles on the trail despite no crashes or falls. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. For the price I paid I feel like I got a bargain. I like it much more than my Giant (which I rode for 6 years and will always have a fond place in my heart). Loyal to Gary Fisher bikes now. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mapogi
a Weekend Warrior
from Quezon City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | San Mateo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$920.00 | | Purchased At: | Life Cycle-Philippin | | Strengths: | Rides smooth, well balanced, Fun and easy to ride | | Weaknesses: | the saddle | | Bike Setup: | just add topeak comp 150 | | Bottom Line: | I got my Piranha'09 2 weeks ago, I use mainly on the roads. So far so good, it response well.. little shifting problems, maybe it needs some adjustments. The weight is nice at 14.14kg (31.17 lbs). No trails yet cause i dont have the time. Hopefully this weekend i might try it on one. I'm sure it'll be an unforgetable experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theologic Bear
a Cross Country Rider
from Taylors, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Kanuga @ Paris Mountain State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | The Great Escape | | Strengths: | This is for the 2009 model.
Hydraulic Brakes - I am an uberclyde, and these brakes do wonders.
Coil Tora SL - while cheaper than the Solo-air Tora on the Tassajara, this coil fork is better for heavier riders.
Aggressive geometry - good for people with long torsos or those who prefer a really aggressive style.
Looks! I get complements on the design regularly.
| | Weaknesses: | I broke the chain and the rear free hub within the first 350 miles. This is probably due to the fact that I am really heavy and strong. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first real mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | As I uberClyde, I recommend this bike for its durability. At 320 pounds, I ride this bike over punishing terrain with only minor, expected incidents. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Downhillclimb
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingsland, GA USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Dragon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes etc. JAX | | Strengths: | Great clearance,responsive, G2 geometery lives up to its name. Easily a better bike than several above it. | | Weaknesses: | Heavier than the platinum on the Tassahara, fork is ok but not the best, ranger rim is on all the mid range bikes, upgrade it on purchase. Tube tires are heave and have poor integrity. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cinder Cone, | | Bike Setup: | Swapped Rim/wheels for Mavic crossmax+Jones XR Tubeless. I will likely swap up to a race light seat and carbon headset/post. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. I can balance better than on the high end stuff, very nimble and responsive. This bike tears up the trail and is rugged enough to survive just about anything. For a 1000 range bike ( bought it 15% off) it is as god as it gets. You will not be disappointed with your purchase. I looked at the Tassahara but the color was a huge turnoff. I don't know what GF was thinking not offering 2 choices in colors. Oh well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kkuty16
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | West Branch, Alumn Creek...all of them... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Concept BIke St | | Strengths: | New front suspension from last year, RockShox Toro SL, Hydro Brakes...X5 F/R Derailleur is OK but could be better. New seat is very comfortable. G2 technology is great...5 year warranty on Bontrager components (stem, handlebars, wheels, seat/seatpost) | | Weaknesses: | Tires seem to have cheap sidewalls but haven't popped one yet. New pedals are cheap will swap asap. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro 8.1 w/disc brakes, Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | RockShox Toro SL Fork
SRAM X.5 F/R Derailleur
SRAM X.5 Shifters
Shimano Hydrolic Brakes
Bontrager Race Wheels | | Bottom Line: | Overall for the price paid...excellent bike. I was torn between a Rocky Mountain Trailhead for $900 or this bike. The trail head had Deore XT Rear derailleur however I chose the Piranah due to its lock out front fork and G2 technology. The fram also is a bit longer for a more potent stance on the trail... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lampy29
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsford, NY
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Letchworth State Park, and anything tight & fast | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Towpath Bike | | Strengths: | Reliability, Stock setup is very ride able, durable, fun, cheap, decent shifters, good brakes for mechanical disks. | | Weaknesses: | Eh, it's a starter hardtail | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara - what I ride now.
Cannondale Scalpel Team Edition - demo'd and it was amazing! | | Bike Setup: | Stock with upgraded platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this to a friend after recommending the Gary Fisher Tassajara. This is a great bike with good enough components for a casual beginner rider and the capability to take a beating and keep going. Outstanding bike, though the shock isn't as good as the higher end hardtails by Fisher Bikes though its better than what I expected from a $300 bike. Its geometry makes it an amazing climber and its descents are golden. I would buy another for a beginner, but would upgrade to the Tassajara for an intermediate or advanced rider. It's a decent XC bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stinkydeluxe2004
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Root 66 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | London ONt | | Strengths: | Really like it. Upgraded the tires and to XT before I took it outta the shop. Brakes are a bit noisy but work great. Very durable and the geometry is responsive. Good for riding on the "skinnys". I ride clipless so no feedback on the pedals | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found. | | Similar Products Used: | Have ridden Rocky Mountain(Cirrus, Stratos, Kestrel MXZ, and several Treks) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For the price it is a good bike. I would say that it is comparable with some in the $1000 to $1200 range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angles
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Helens Cycles | | Strengths: | Light, amazing grip especially uphill on loose dirt, great geometry, powerful brakes, good fork, fast, strong, great control | | Weaknesses: | front derailer sometimes derails the chain, easy to shift accidentally on rough terrain, derailer hanger becomes misaligned easily, too stretched out and hunched over with flat handlebars | | Bike Setup: | carbon fiber handlebars | | Bottom Line: | Brutally fast and durable. The perfect balance between cross country and all mountain for someone that will use this bike for every ride, or great for either. I need to put the riser bars back on, but that's my only real problem. At this price, nothing else I have seen comes even close. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jh11
a Weekend Warrior
from northville, mi
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | lakeshore park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | two wheel tango | | Strengths: | genesis geometry is great, frame is light, rockshox tora, and hydraulic disk brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat and tires have to go and components are a little weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850, Specialized Rockhopper, Iron Horse Warrior. | | Bike Setup: | Sram x5 shifters and derailers, rockshox tora, and dart front and smoke rear tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price. Climbs like a goat, descents are awesome, and the frame is light. This is a perfect bike to ride and upgrade components as you feel like it, I suggest you start with the seat and the tires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tengwar3
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua NH
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Yudicky Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | awesome bike, extremely light compared to my old Yahoo (which also has served me very well) and great over all performance. Shifters work great, brakes are awesome, paint job looks cool, its a great bike, what can i say. Its doing its job and allowing for me to explore my own skills. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is a little on the weak side. It does a lot of shuddering when i use the front brake (which is often) so getting shaken to death is getting annoying. Also on some turns it has bent so much that the tire has hit the side of the fork!!! It does need constant adjustments, but im ok with that. I work on my bike after every ride anyways to get it just the way i want. The tires are also a little bit under the standards. They wear out way to fast. This is my first season with this bike and im already down to the base knobs on the back. | | Similar Products Used: | GaryFisher Wahoo 01 or 02 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Get it. Its one of the best hard tails you will invest in. The jump from my Yahoo to this was all i needed to go further in testing what i can do. This bike is also so light, that i saw a HUGE performance jump in my riding. My friend who also tested it out one day found him self jumping 2 times further because of its so light. Granted he was coming off of a low grade heavy as hell full suspension bike.
I only gave it a 4 for overall because it needs adjusting every time, the front fork needs to be replaced, and the tires will wear very quickly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eneff
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$639.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | Climbs well, comfortable, brakes, color, shock | | Weaknesses: | Seat, tires, rear derailer | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the seat, rear tire, and converted to a 1x9 by adding a bash guard and chain stop | | Bottom Line: | This has been a great bike to re-introduce me to the sport in a new xc oriented local. The price got me good quality. I've been impressed by the Shimano brakes, which operate better than some of the Avids I've ridden.
Considering I have a tendency to push myself a little too much and end up over the handle bars now and then, the bike has held up extremely well. The only thing that has broken is the seat, which wasn't very good to begin with.
I tended to lose traction and skid out on turns where my buddy was having no trouble with his knobbier tires, so I upgraded mine.
This bike is very versatile and I've been happy with it. It makes me want to get on it 7 days a week and ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Redge
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | sweetwater reservoir, mission trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | trek bicycle superst | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry, good technical handling, great climber/descender, excellent acceleration off the line. | | Weaknesses: | Front/rear derailleurs, bottom bracket, stock tires, tektro brake levers, stock stem, stock saddle | | Bike Setup: | Easton EA70 Monkey Bar, Thomson stem/seatpost, WTB Rocket V, Odi Ruffian lock-on grips, Avid SD7 levers, Bontrager Rhythm Comp wheelset, Bontrager Race crankset, XT front/rear derailleurs | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the size 15.5". Awesome bike for the price. It is getting upgraded as needed. If you climb a lot and ride tight, technical trails, I recommend switching to a lower, longer stem (90-100mm, 0-5 rise) and 26-inch wide bar to stabilize the steering, for better cornering, and to keep the front end down on the uphills while at the same time, maintaning its superb handling. Replaced the Bontrager Jones ACX tires. They were not compatible for the type of soil and terrain I ride at my local trails. Saddle provided no comfort and I recommend replacing it with a saddle of your choice. Brake levers rattled annoyingly and did not have smooth operation so I got them replaced with Avid SD-7 levers. Bottom bracket, chain, and front/rear derailleurs didn't last for the type of riding I do (nothing crazy, though) so I replaced them too. After upgrading (or replacing) the vital components, the bike now performs flawlessly. This is for people who values great performance coupled with good price/value. The Genesis geometry has to be ridden to be appreciated. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
snailsongs
a Cross Country Rider
from wausau, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | perserverance trail (Juneau, AK) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$739.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek concept store, | | Strengths: | nimble and light (enough for me), maneuverable both on and off road, disc brakes that work nicely, smooth shifting, overall value for a mid-range MT hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | a bit stiffer than my old Kona Muni Mula, but still responsive and fun to ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Muni Mula | | Bike Setup: | Factory/trek. I have not yet upgraded anything, don't feel the need to. | | Bottom Line: | I am not a pro gear-head, so don't expect a technical breakdown of this bike. I am just in it for the ride, and this has been my daily ride since I purchased it in April. I ride this bike to work, take it out with the kids, and push it's capabilities on some great local MTB trails, and it performs flawlessly in all areas. I was shocked at how well it handled the ups and downs of trail riding, and I have really put it through some abusive riding. It climbs nicely on the trail, runs smoothly on pavement, and is always enjoyable to ride. I have found myself looking for excuses to get out and use it (for example, I purchased a system of grocery panier bags to fit the rack on the back, so that I can take it shopping, too). Though I wish I could afford a separate bike for each type of riding that I do, I cannot and so I needed one bike that could handle it all. So far this bike has more than lived up to those requirements. I give 4 stars out of 5 after pondering the words "Great" and "Outstanding": this bike falls somewhere in between. In comparison to my last well abused and loved bike, a Kona muni mula, this one is ever so slightly stiffer (or feels that way to me....but I think the Muni Mula was just a slightly better fit for me overall...this GF may be a better fit for you...and I'm really splitting hairs here....this bike rocks!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | My Mountain (AUS) | | Strengths: | Fits well, corners well, shocks responsive, lockout handy at the traffic lights, responsive components breaks great - used older models of same break and never had a problem, always good to see it is continuing to be great | | Weaknesses: | .... If I had to say, the shifters (being purely thumb action) took a while to get used to... but thats it, after about 10 mins I was fine.... and that is being REALLY nit picky | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Boulderer | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I know it has not been all that long but it was fitted to me at My Mountain and I can not fault the setup, for the money I paid and what was available to me I could not find a better setup!
Great bike for those wanting to get into XC on a decent setup without spending millions. Cant get enough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Houston
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, KY
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Idlewild | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store Columbus OH | | Strengths: | Strong, not too heavy (if I can lift it with one hand w/o straining, it's light enough for me), very responsive, easily adjustable Manitou fork | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires (Bontrager Jones) like to lose air; it's blue/black (would have wanted it in a dark green/black) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike in fourteen years (last was a Huffy that someone stole). I was amazed that there is a front suspension! Had LOTS of fun with that during first few rides! I'm mostly a hiker, but I wanted to start trying out some of these bike trails I'd come across, so I tried to find an affordable but sturdy bike that I could take around the neighborhood and also take to some of the trails in the state. Since I haven't much experience with reviewing these products, I am all happy with my purchase. There isn't much to complain, except that the back tire needs to be pumped much more than the front. This may be due to me being fatter than I should be (hovering just over 200lbs). I haven't had any problems with the derailleurs, and the brakes stop me when I ask for it. At 6'2", I got the 21" frame, which some people may find too big for me, but I like it. I really haven't tried to beat the crap out of it; I'm pretty slow on the local trails. I got the '07 model, which is not my favorite color.
I looked at the same price range from Trek, Specialized, Cove (liked the product names), and Giant, and though these were all quality products, I feel I got the most out of my money (and not having to wait for it to ship) with the Piranha. It may be gimmicky, but the seller convinced me with the Genesis geometry. For what I do, if I were to upgrade, I'd probably stay with a hardtail, though maybe go with a 29er for fun. As for the bike, I might upgrade to hydraulic brakes, but that's about it (oh, and see about putting some panniers on it to do a crazy Colorado hike/bike trip - anyone not recommend this?)
If you're looking for a bike to get you out on the trails for the first time and want something with some quality parts, the Prianha is perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen Hall
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach,Va
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | york river | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Beat | | Strengths: | very smooth ride no complaints from the shocks...yet .very good slow speed technical handling | | Weaknesses: | grips sucked lost those first month ,pedals went next,bottom bracket had to be rebuilt after bout 3 months very noisy havent had problems since ,having very bad slippage in chain/derailler have not been able to resolve | | Similar Products Used: | 90s gary fisher advance | | Bike Setup: | stock except, new grips bontrager ,new pedals shimano clipless,lights led, computer by trek,ntb tires soon | | Bottom Line: | 1000+miles only problem now is my chain slippage problem planning on replacing chain and other drivetrain componets upgrading very good for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Northeast Pa
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Bottom Line: | Forgot to mention (Previous Review):
Bike is a 2008 Piranha
Dutch Wheelman Bloomsburg Pa
The white is very nice but the green is amazing in person.
...spelled geometry wrong????....
Ill give a complete review after I get to ride it for a month or so.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Northeast Pa
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Purchased At: | Dutch Wheelman | | Strengths: | Great components. Nice geomatry. Hydrolic disc breaks. Not heavy at all. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Plan on getting a Blackspire Big Ring Protector. | | Bottom Line: | So far the bike was great. I am 6'2" and felt very comfortable on the 19". Climbs very well. Stock tires are not to bad for stock. I only got to ride it for a short time because it is a chrstmas gift and i gotta wait till then for more riding. Compared to other bikes in the same price range it had the best components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coney
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Middlerun Natural Area Parl | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeLine (Newark, DE) | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Avid Mechanical Disk Brakes. Rapidfire Shifters. Manitou Axel front fork w/ lock out and adjustable damper | | Weaknesses: | Shimano Alivio Front Derailleur. Stock Bontrager tires. Stock grips are horrible wet or dry (but cheap enough to replace) | | Similar Products Used: | Older Trek MB | | Bike Setup: | Replaced front and rear derailleur w/ Shimano XT components (rapid rise rear). | | Bottom Line: | Overall, this is a great bike for the price for an entry level MB'er like myself. The Genesis geometry is was sold me over a comparable Trek, plus got the disk brakes for the same price as the trek. The paint scheme is really nice (Black to blue w/ blue fork). After 1 year of solid riding on XC courses (no jumping), I have to say I have had zero problems w/ this bike, save a rear wheel going slighty out of true. If they ever Gary Fisher makes a carbon fiber hardtail w/ Genesis Geometry, I'll be all over it! To then, I will be upgrading the crankset, seat, shifters and pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bee
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, PA USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$620.00 | | Purchased At: | Pottstown Bike Line | | Strengths: | Price, comfortable, looks. | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailleur needs constant adjustment. Mechanical disc brakes are very noisy. Pedals are bulky. Grips are hard on the hands, and slip in any weather condition. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the "weekend warrior". A few minor upgrades would make this bike perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Royal Oak, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | D&D Bicycles | | Strengths: | Fantastic geometry, good square spindle BB. | | Weaknesses: | PARTS. Deore crap, Hayes shat mechanicals, wheels, drive train, everything but the crank and BB. | | Similar Products Used: | not much. | | Bike Setup: | Hope hub mavic 717 wheelset, Juicy 7's, SRAM X7's and 990 drvitrain, AWESOME Shimano Alivo crankset. | | Bottom Line: | I BROKE IT. Also, it was an 06 model. Value rating is based on this, keep in mind it was an employee purchase, but that I had soaked about 800 into it within 6 months replacing broken stuff.
I'm only 5'7", and I snapped the seat tube about a year after I got it, because the stock seatpost was too short. BS.
The parts on mine were total crap, save the BB, which was a surprisingly nice Shimano knockoff. I literally burned my rear hub in about 5 months. MAKE SURE YOU GET AT LEAST A 400MM SEATPOST OR YOU WILL BREAK YOUR FRAME.
This frame has the best XC geometry on the market, and the piranha (now) gives a good baseline component setup. If you're trying to get started with XC, this is a great bike to do it with.
Oh, yeah, they sent me a Ziggurat frame as a replacement. Took a month, but w/e, it's the best frame they make. Go Lifetime Warranty! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, US
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, excellent climber, responsive handling. | | Weaknesses: | Chain, rear derailleur, saddle, cheap pedals. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock; SRAM chain, Shimano Deore LX rear derailleur, Bontrager saddle. | | Bottom Line: | The Piranha is an awesome bike for just about anyone, but especially for anyone getting into the sport for the first time. The price is right and you get a lot of bang for your buck. The 2008 Piranha is especially nice, as it comes stock with SRAM components and hydraulic brakes.
The 2006 model, however, has some seriously shoddy components. The Bontrager seat rails bent within a month of owning the bike and the Shimano stock chain literally broke the day after I bought the bike (along with the rear derailleur hanger). The rear derailleur on the bike isn't the best, but it's not bad; some ghost shifting and skipping. Needs constant adjustment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joshlongstaff
a Weekend Warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | tele point | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1025.00 | | Purchased At: | TRS cycle centre | | Strengths: | nice plush suspension with plenty of travel and lockout, good solid mechanical disk brakes, | | Weaknesses: | needs clipless pedals, thought some of the components could be a little tougher for example my saddle's rails bent after my first decent trail ride. Although the Brakes are pretty standard on AU$1000 bikes i beileve Gary Fisher could put on some half-decent hydraulics. | | Similar Products Used: | test rode some others ie trek 6000, basically the same but i preferred the Gar Fishers great geometry and superior suspension. | | Bike Setup: | Added clipless pedals, replaced my seat, possibly add some decnt hydraulics if i can get a bargain on them | | Bottom Line: | great all around bike i especially love the suspension and all around lightness of the frame but of course im going to give it a good review i bought it.
Who should buy it? people like me, just getting interested in the sport who do more riding than jumps and have a budget to stick to.
Who shouldn't? everyone else | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | Incredible geometry, gives a very light and nimble feeling on the singletrack, and yet it's such a comfortable ride. The forks are great for XC and I love the lockout feature. | | Weaknesses: | grips suck, and I'm not really a fan of the rear derailleur. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for better grips and upgraded rear derailleur . | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike overall. Definitely worth the money. With a few minor upgrades it's a rock solid bike capable of handling all kinds of terrain with ease. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunflower Bike Shop (Lawrence, KS) | | Strengths: | Solid Entry Level, climbs great, love the genesis geometry, feels light | | Weaknesses: | Nit picks - Grips (buy lock ons), pedals are great if you spend a lot of time off the trail, but you'll want something else for trails | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Trek 4300/4500/4something, Giant Entry Level slips my mind at the time | | Bike Setup: | Stock, aside from grips and pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great entry level hardtail that will take you as far as you can push it. Great for trails and XC riding. Rock Solid Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason tichacek
a Weekend Warrior
from st. louis mo
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | castlewood, riverside trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | alpine shop | | Strengths: | awesone frame,killer handling,forks are great. perfect for anyone wanting to get hooked on off road biking. | | Weaknesses: | broke the chain after very little riding, maybe 3 mos. but that can happen with anything. brakes could be a little better but I cant complain, I've ridden with worse | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher wahoo, marin hawk hill, gary fisher mullet, other than that just bmx- dyno,haro,and gt. | | Bike Setup: | completley stock | | Bottom Line: | this is an all around great bike. I'ts all I need as an entry level rider, everyone i've let ride it loves the performance of the bike. I would recomend it to anyone who is on a moderatley tight budget. I can honestly say that I will be riding my 07 piranha for years to come, The blue,black paint scheem is also great. I've had many compliments on the bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Linton
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountaing | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Dothan Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Price. Top of the line entry level bike. Perfect for those getting into biking. Weighs next to nothing. | | Weaknesses: | I'm scared to get it dirty - weakness, you decide. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Haro, Giants, Cannondale (too expensive) | | Bottom Line: | This bike fits me perfectly. My fisher is perfect for my height, 5'10". I'm closer to the ground; handles amazingly. Tried some other bikes that were 'one size fits all'-hated them; no turn/lean ability whatsoever. I felt like an lemon on a toothpick. Plus your situated closer to the center of the bike; it feels like your sitting right between the wheels - x and y axis.
BL: Buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morgan
a Racer
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sport Denver | | Strengths: | Everything, very solid bike. | | Weaknesses: | maybe the fork if you're racing with it. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpy, Kona Stuff | | Bike Setup: | Fox F100 RLC fork | | Bottom Line: | Great price on a great bike. period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark H
a Weekend Warrior
from Russell, KY
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Caney Loop, Cave Run Lake, KY | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sport @ Loveland, OH | | Strengths: | Disc brakes are sweet, as is the Genesis geometry. The '06 paint scheme (with the flames) is definitely kickin'... much more so than the current ('07) scheme. | | Weaknesses: | None at this price point, except the Wellgo platform pedals. Like other reviewers have mentioned, the drivetrain could be a bit more stable with better derailleur respone, the front fork is okay (but not awesome), and the saddle is not that durable. But finding a bike with all of those improvements under $600?! Forget about it. If you want better components, then you're looking at a Tassajara or a Hoo Koo E Koo and paying a few hundred more anyways. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500/6500; Specialized comparable models | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except switching out the grips for Lizard Skin Lock Ons and the pedals for some clipless Crank Bros. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike when it first came out in Sept. '05 and I was spankin' new to mountain biking. It was the best value for a what I call a non-Walmart, entry-level trail bike. At the time Trek (GF parent company) and Specialized got a close look from me, but didn't have anything in the five to six hundred range with disc brakes, and $700+ was out of my budget, which is the case for a lot of beginners. So the Piranha filled a gap by offering quality components and disc brakes at under $600. I guess Trek and Specialized now have similar offerings to be competitive, but after spending nearly 2 years cutting my teeth on hilly Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia trails, I'm still in love with this bike. As my skills improve and I get more into the sport, I could see myself upgrading to a GF full-suspension (the Hi-FI's getting great reviews), but those aren't exactly entry-level, at least not for my pocketbook. Though if that happens, I'll keep this beauty for times I want to rock a hardtail or pass it down to my son... no way it's going on eBay or Craigslist.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$590.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame geometry
Good bang for your buck
Durable | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Trek 4300 - didn't like the feel | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The geometry is amazing... I feel like I could ride the bike forever and remain comfortable throughtout. I've put the bike through a reasonable amount of abuse and it seems to be holding up beautifully. Also, I've heard lots of people claim that they would prefer could v-brakes over lower end disc brakes, but i couldn't be happier with the BB5's. They're easy to maintain and stop the bike without concern.
5 flamin' chilis wihtout a doubt! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Spanish Fork, UT
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Capital Peak, Olympia, WA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Golsan Cycle; South Jordan | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Avid Disc Brakes, Great Looks, Smooth Ride, Manitou Fork w/ Lockout | | Weaknesses: | Seat is not so great, but a good pair of padded shorts makes it tollerable. Same goes for the grips and new gloes. | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock. Bought alloy pedals with toe clips and have added the basics; water bottle cage, pump, and have Emergency vehicle grade LED head and tail lights on the way. Reflectors are gone! :) Specialized bike computer also enroute. | | Bottom Line: | I used to bike with my older brothers several years ago in high school, but kinda fell off the wagon about 5 years ago. I usually rode my brothers Rockhopper while he road his new Kona Kula. I wanted to get back into the sport to stay in shape for work, and because I needed a hobby. So I'm not totally inexperienced, but it has been a long time.
I shopped around and had heard good things about Gary Fisher (another older brother and his wife both have older Tassajara's). It was a toss up between this and the Trek 6000, but the upgraded fork was worth the trade-off for the lower front derailler (sp?). I test rode this and a few other bikes and this one just "felt right". I love the disc brakes, they are very responsive easy to run. For the money I don't think there are many if any bikes comparable.
This would be a great bike for anyone gettin into the sport, or someone who wants a more budget minded bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
XCUtah
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab High Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | GF Moab Cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame, components, paint is awesome | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Specialized Rockhopper Comp, Specialized HardRock Pro, Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | hutchinson sand tires, new brake levers on the way | | Bottom Line: | You can't beat this bike. I've used it and abused it for over a year and i cant break it. I used to only ride Specialized until I rode this bike. The Piranha is the best $660 bike, no question. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Whalley
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Dupont State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$645.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame, Genesis geometry, really good components | | Weaknesses: | pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, Cannondale Rush | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 520 Clipless pedals, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Honestly, I've ridden a trek 8500 for the last five years, and it is no match for this bike. The avid BB5's are amazing, and the genesis geometry is awesome. This is the best bike for around $650 out there, period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Isaqueena Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Great components for the price, Gary fisher frame. lockout on the fork is pretty nice. | | Weaknesses: | none so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Exile, Jamis Durango | | Bike Setup: | fully stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an amazing bike for the price. I used to be loyal to Jamis until I found this bike. I am extremely satisfied with it and don't see anything in the future to replace on it. The bottom line on this bike is that for the weekend xc rider, it's pretty much just as good as the tassajara for $200 less. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chandler
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Rock, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Burn's Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$659.00 | | Purchased At: | AR cycling & fitness | | Strengths: | geometry and construction
good climbing and sprinting
feels surefooted when descending
GREAT value | | Weaknesses: | feels a little flexy at times
could have been made from stiffer 7005 grade aluminum | | Similar Products Used: | various Konas (a friend of mine is proprietor of Kona LBS) | | Bike Setup: | xtr m965 hubs and mavic 823 rims (wishing I got lighter rims now)
sram x.7 drivetrain
bonty sport crank
bonty switchblade fork (soon to install a manitou nixon) | | Bottom Line: | I ACTUALLY HAVE A GF CRONUS. THE PIRAHNA IS SAME FRAME AND PRICE POINT.
Who should buy: First time buyers looking for solid frame to ride and grow with. Any rider looking for a high quality but entry-level frame.
Who shouldn't buy: buyers looking for a superlight XC, rugged all mountain, bombproof freeride, or downhilling tank. OR Riders looking for "budget" bikes.
So the frame is an excellent frame. GF Genesis frames are probably the best value out there for a quality hardtail XC frame. There are better HT XC frames out there, but for anything that this frame couldn't handle as well as another (gnarly all-mountain type stuff or hardcore leg-shaving XC racing), you should want a full suspension frame or a super light XC frame anyway; both of those scenarios leave the price point of high quality, but entry-level, HT frame.
The Genesis geometry is a competent climber, descender, and sprinter. Weight over the rear wheel is good for moving up or down hills. The longer top tube means you got room to get a good stroke when you lean forward to sprint. After many miles (around 20) of solid MTBing, I get a small pain in my lower back from leaning over the top tube. I havn't ridden other bikes for any distance to know if another geometry would help, but Kona HTs that I've ridden short distances have a much more sloped top tube and relaxed positioning. Also, my body type is such that I have long arms and torso for my height, meaning I needed a size larger than most people my height. This may have somthing to do with my slight back pain, but I don't really know.
Bottom line: Trek/GF bikes (I now call Trek the Wal-Mart of high quality bikes) are perfectly positioned in the portal between serious cyclists and day-trippers (as a side note, Giant is also right in this same portal). A step down (think Jamis, GT, Raleigh, Mongoose) and you are getting really a generic frame, and somtimes a poor quality one. Don't do that unless you know for sure you are nothing more then an occasional rider forever, or you are simply too strapped for cash (I have no kids but sympathize with those that do) and must have absolute best bang for buck (in that case get a Jamis). A step up (think Kona, Specialized, ect.) isn't a bad idea but is a step more expensive. A bigger step up (think Cannondale) is a bigger step more expensive. This GF frame will handle anything any other XC HT frame will though (there are no AM HTs, IMO). If you decide you don't want to move into serious cycling, then you at least have a good frame that will last forever. If you do want to move on, then you have a good enough frame to hang some upgrades on as you build up for getting a serious frame (think Ellsworth).
All things considered, I think this frame gets two thumbs up.
Well, that's my two cents. I hope it helps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Calera, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Cahaba Cycles | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, paint job is very nice, drivetrain shifts smoothly, Manitou Axel Elite forks. Bike climbs awesome and is ultra responsive downhill, brakes are great. Price is great for such a nice, fun bike! | | Weaknesses: | Only the stock pedals, they work fine but will be replaced with something with a little more bite. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the dough with very good components. This is a 2007 model so the other complaints with the Manitou fork may have been remedied because my fork is working great beating roots and rocks a plenty. Like the tires too, although they haven't seen the wet roots and rocks yet.
This bike is a steal for the cost for most all riders in my opinion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverhead
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Carl Hart Bicycles | | Strengths: | climbs like a monkey, looks, price, handling, feel | | Weaknesses: | water bottle cage thread in frame stripped on 1st use so had to be replaced by Fisher | | Similar Products Used: | WalMart poo poo | | Bike Setup: | upgraded many components | | Bottom Line: | Stock components are solid for the price, great feel and handling, climbs great and the Genesis geometry really fits plus it's a great lookin bike. You can't really go wrong with this ride at this price point. Go test ride one and chances are you will not be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edwin
a Weekend Warrior
from TO, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Frame is great and love the look of the bike | | Weaknesses: | Chain? | | Similar Products Used: | 04 Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Stock! | | Bottom Line: | Well maybe it's just bad luck but I had my brand new 07 less than 24 hours and it's in the shop for snapped chain link. Took on a XC trail with a friend and 15 minutes in the front shifting starts getting difficult. Hit the next hill and it gave out completely. It wasn't due to bad shifting on my part, the week before I was on same trail with the 04 Yukon and it was still kicking ass.
This review is likely biased due to my misfortune. When I get it back I'll tackle a few more trails and update. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Salmons
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Route 66 bicycles | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, price | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, tubes, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Wahoo! | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black Platinum Air fork, m520 clipless, XT shifters, rear derail, Hallowtech II cranks, carbon bars, Race X Lite Pro Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Bike is good stock, more than enough for the casual trail rider. The Genesis geometry is awesome, perfect for climbing hills. The stock tires are not good, they slide around a lot in dirt, spin the rear on hills too. The tubes (both of them) punctured while riding on a sidewalk. Components are really good for the price, no problems with the stock stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Natomas Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Better components than similarly priced Specialized that I was comparing. Brakes grab very well when adjusted. Deore in the rear works well, alivio in the front is fine. | | Weaknesses: | LH grip slides around, pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper Disc | | Bike Setup: | Added shimano m-520 pedals, cateye microwireless, other stock | | Bottom Line: | First legit mountain bike I've purchased. I wanted to get into MTB and didn't want to spend too much. What I found was a decent bike to begin with that overtime will be upgraded to fit my needs. At this moment, bone stock this is a good bike in the ~600 dollar range. Brakes need adjustment after each ride it seems, and the front derailleur isn't as smooth as I'd like it to be. Bottom line: for 600 dollars this bike is tough to beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dorian
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, US
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | dyeager535@yahoo.com | | Strengths: | Cost, looks, 27 speed, disk brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, shifters, paint, forks. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback WCF4.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Had this bike about 2 months, ridden it maybe 5 times. 2006, bought new in January 2007.
Since I haven't owned that many "modern" bikes, some of my complaints might be due to how few bikes I go through. Don't take this as a negative review, it's just easier to put them first.
So the stock tires. Bontrager Jones. They aren't that great on the road or paved trails. Any debris on the asphalt or concrete, and you lose it, especially climbing. I didn't expect much, they came with the bike, knobby, thats about all you can say. Fifth (or so) ride, finished, hopped off bike, hissing noise. Front tire has a puncture. Inspecting the tire, it looks like the tire itself failed. Large separation behind one of the tread blocks down the center. I have yet to pull the tire/tube to make sure it wasn't some weird object, but there is nothing in the hole, and I ran over no obvious objects. I suspect something got through the separation and hit the tube. Oh well, not a big loss.
Pretty unimpressed with the durability of the paintjob. I assume it's powdercoated, as the paint comes off in large chunks every time (three times now) I remove the front wheel. Eventually there will be none left in that area so I won't have to worry about it. Got some marks on the frame elsewhere I have no idea how they got there, I try to be VERY careful with my bikes. Didn't go through the paint, just scuffed easy.
I can compare the shifters to my old Diamondback. Same style, push up/down shifts. The Diamondback components (probably lower end Shimano) are still crisp after what must be 7 years. You push to shift, it shifts. The Piranha (Shimano Deore) shifts seem sluggish. You push to shift, wait what seems like eternity, and then it shifts. Painful when climbing a very steep hill, as I haven't been able to time my lighter pedal push to the shift timing. On the DB, push lever, lighten on pedal, it shifts. Now it feels like I must coast before it shifts. Otherwise you end up grinding the heck out of it as it goes into gear under full power. Perhaps this is tune, but it doesn't seem like it. No problem hitting all 27 gears, no excessive chain rub, etc.
The forks. I haven't had the problems others have seen (stiffen to point of little travel after minimal use) but I have one problem that seems to be odd for a bike that I would expect to be decent quality. The fork tubes are rusty! We don't use salt in the winter here, so that's not an excuse. I just noticed it the other day. The portion of the shock tubes that don't see the seal (at least not while I'm riding it) have fairly large rust blotches on them. I can pick it off with my fingernail, but the initial rust spot is still visible. Obviously where the shock travels oil or grease is keeping it from rusting. My DB has no such issue, never did. I plan to write GF (although they are Manitou "Axel" forks) and see if they had some quality control problems. It just looks like a very poor chrome job, if that is indeed what it is.
I hope these problems are one-offs and I just got unlucky. For the price if most of the problems didn't exist for others, it's worth it. Paint issue isn't a big deal, but the shifting and rust are pretty hefty problems in my opinion. Definitely ride it before purchase, and look the forks over real close for tiny pinheads of rust. As rusty as mine are being almost new, I don't expect any of them could be assembled without some rust forming.
So other than that..it rides nice. Seems to be no more harsh than my DB, saddle seems fine, and the 27 speeds are nice.
I love the brakes. Hit the lever for the fronts, the suspension compresses...pretty cool to experience.
The grips are ok. I'm wearing gloves now, but they don't seem any worse or better than others.
I would suggest taking one of these on a test ride if you are looking at them. The bike shop had some Specialized bikes around for a higher cost, and from what I saw, the components utilized were inferior.
I'm by no means a hardcore rider, and I doubt this bike is equipped for one. But so far, with some better tires, it should be a pretty good around town/light trail bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | equisetum | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikewise Oxford | | Strengths: | I've Been Riding it for a year and some months. I ride almost every other day and participate in beginner races and the bike has done great. The frame is nearly indestructible. It's been to Moab, Silverton CO, Durango CO, Various places in Wyoming, and all the local spots. It's handled pretty much Everything I've thrown at it. | | Weaknesses: | The Frame won't accept tires bigger than a 2.3 so if you like really fat tires your outta luck. Also the component group is great for beginers, but if you want the best I'd suggest saving up a little longer. The factory pedals are kinda lame too. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Wahoo and Cake. Titus RacerX and Moto Lite | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Pirahna Frame, Manitou R7, Crank Bros. Candy SL's, Cane Creek lock on grips, Race Face Dues Crank, Sram X9 shifters and rear Derailueur, WTB Rocket saddle, Panaracer Fire XC tires, factory Headset, Stem, Bar, Seatpost, Front deraileur, and Chain | | Bottom Line: | I added all the upgrades toward the end of my first year of riding it, up until then it was bone stock, minus the grips. It performed great through out the whole year. If you're a beginner and you want something good at a fair price this is it. But if You're a well seasoned rider who wants the best you'll want to save up some more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steven gerrard
a
from cary, nc, usa
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | cycling spoken here | | Strengths: | light frame, brakes are awsome, manitou axel elite forks are the best. genises geometry really helps on climbing hills. | | Weaknesses: | none except stock tires grab more mud than most tires and shove mud into front derailer | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500, trek 4500, iron horse warrior | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the best thing since sliced bread, everything is awsome, the manitou forks are really smooth (I dont know why some people said they sucked, their just rich snobs who buy $2000 dollar shocks) this bike is perfect for any mountain biker no matter what skill level, this bike will not disappoint you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from chattanooga
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | Woody's | | Strengths: | climbing, smooth shifting, nice ride | | Weaknesses: | pedals, saddle | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6000, specialized hardrock comp | | Bottom Line: | So far I am very pleased with this bike. Of course it does have some minor weaknesses--saddle, crappy platform pedals decent grips and suspension, but still a great bike for the money. I tested everything in the 700 and below range and this was no doubt the right decision especially for a long torso dude such as myself. I was also very pleased with the service from the nice folks at Woodys Bicycles in Wincester, TN--not the closest dealer but worth a few extra miles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta,GA,USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Great climber, brakes are awesome, well built | | Weaknesses: | Saddle mechanism dislodged during ride, had to switch out seat. | | Similar Products Used: | A $99 Walmart Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Walmart Mongoose seat | | Bottom Line: | Freaking awesome bike. It was like riding a Ferrari after my last backe. Sweet ride: Lightweight and fun to climb hills. Great value. 5 chilis would be a $4000 bike, this puppys >$600. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from Palm Harbor, FL
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Nice frame, great geometry, great paint job | | Weaknesses: | some of the stock components | | Similar Products Used: | old school rockhopper, trek 3700, trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | 2005 GF Piranha, XT front and rear, XT crankset(non-outboard bearing) Time ATAC xc pedals, ACC Carbon seatpost, Specialized Rival saddle, IRC Mythos Race 2.1's | | Bottom Line: | After riding and upgrading this bike over the past year, it is a great hardtail with "all mountain" geometry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycle | | Strengths: | Value, Ride, Geometry, braking, overall component level, looks. | | Weaknesses: | Rear disc brake clamp set is prone to rust from sweat (hey, it's Atlanta and we sweat a lot in the summer). | | Bike Setup: | stock except i've just added crank bros. eggbeater pedals (chrome). | | Bottom Line: | love this bike! my first serious MTB after several road bikes. stops on a dime. i've got a long torso and this bike fits well. tires are the best for road but work great for Urban Assault (which is primarily how i ride). a very versatile bike. love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Santanu Bandyo
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremon, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Coyote Hills, Fremont, Diablo Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath, Hayward | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry is awesome. Reasonably light bike with disc brakes for a great price! Uphill trails have become so much easier | | Weaknesses: | Front gear shifting can be reluctant. | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhorse Quantum, Spcialized Hardrock. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike and would like to use it for many years to come. I am 47 years old, and just started mountain biking. There are some trails in Coyote Hills that I did not even look at because of the steep climing.. I am doing the highest peak on the Redhill trail (for ones that are familiar) relatively easily these days.
I will keep this bike and sell my roadie and other bikes to buy a Gary Fisher Paragon next year, which is a 29er. I think the Genesis Geometry makes all the difference. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Forest
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond,VA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Blueberry Trail (Northern VA) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$670.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's | | Strengths: | Great frame geometry, climbs well. THE PRICE! Deore rear derailleur is ok for now but it can be a little crude at times. Gets the job done though, no adjustment probs or ghost shifts yet. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur was horrid when I first got the bike, now that it's adjusted it's been ok. Breaks just suck in my opinion, need to upgrade to hydro breaks soon! You have to mash the lever as hard as you can on downhills and it kills your hands, even then still doesn't stop as well as I'd like. Fork, well...just blows too! It was ok for first 15 hours of riding but now it's just plain stiff. Lockouts still work but I never used that crap anyway. but for the money it's what I expect. seat can hurt the rump after about 30 min. of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Felt (double shot), Jamis Durango 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money! only thing that I would feel that I would really need to upgrade is the breaks. other than that I can live with everything else stock on the bike. Note: that there is better out there, but for the price you cant beat it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam P.
a Cross Country Rider
from Royal Oak, MI
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Stoney Creek, Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | American Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Love the geometry-It climbs and handles great. Disc brakes are a plus and the fork starts off good. No problems with the drivetrain thus far and the wheel set is pretty durable and I haven't noticed them coming out of true yet. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes (MX-2's) aren't that easy to adjust. I haven't really noticed much in terms of descending, even though the Genesis Geometry is supposed to help. The fork. That worked very nice for the first couple weeks, but now it is extremely stiff and I haven't noticed much travel anymore. Lockout still works though. Stock tires suck. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Working on upgrading the MX-2's to some BB7's and would like to upgrade the fork. I also added some shimano clipless pedals (540's) and replaced the tires (Jones AC in front, Conti Comp. Pro in rear). | | Bottom Line: | This is a great mid-level bike with a durable frame and mostly quality components. I wish there was a little better fork on it, but that's really it. Handles great in technical XC riding. Sweet looking paintjob with no scratches bigger than pencil lead, even after wiping out three times. I love this bike and would be good on just about any trail. Four flaming chilis for value due to the fork, but 5 overall.
In short, great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Porter
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkton, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line Newark DE | | Strengths: | Geometry makes hill climbing a snap. Much easier than classic geometry bikes. I've ridden this bike about 100 hours and never had any trouble with the transmission components or the crank. Zero squeaks. I think the bike was a great value, especially the excellent frame, and disk brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The manitou axel elite fork is awful. After 20 hours use it became so firm it felt like a rigid fork on the trails. Made riding almost impossibe. I WOULD NOT buy this bike again because the fork is so bad. I had it repaired under warranty at about 40 hours within 10 hours it went bad again. | | Bike Setup: | shimano spd pedals, titec downhill saddle (dealer swapped out for free) mud-grade tires (dealer swapped for stock xc tires again for free) | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, it made a much better rider out of me. The fork on my bike stinks, I don't know if they're all this bad, but mine is crap and will have to be replaced costing me 2-300 more dollars. OUCH | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Bu
a Weekend Warrior
from Sterling Heights, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | pontiac lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | american cycle and fitness | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry... fits like a dream. lightweight, disc brakes, deraillers are nice as far as i can tell. everything works and holds up nicely through the rough rides. what more can you ask? the price for what you get is perfect. this is my frist real MTB, so everything i compare is to a WAL-MART bike that fell apart within a month. | | Weaknesses: | seat frame malformed pretty easily, but not too badly... its ridable. the crank squeaks like crazy, espesially since i put on clipless pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | a cheap WAL-MART bike. it sucked. this is far superior. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except i added shimand m520 clipless pedals, and a cateye computer | | Bottom Line: | being my first "real bike", i love it. i ride it literally every day, and it's been holding up great so far. i dont know why a lot of the reviews are bashing so many things on this bike... my handgrips work fine (they dont slip at all), my deraillers work fine (had them cleaned out and got back that smooth shifting), the way the bike fits me is awesome. i feel like this bike was made for me. this is exactly what i was looking for when shopping for my first MTB. the price isn't too bad, it has all the components that will last for quite a while (anything weak in the component area is easily replaced if ever needed). now for those of you in a better financial situation than i am, i could probably see what could be better in the more expensive bikes (getting into things like hydraulic brakes and extremely light frames), but in all honesty i can see myself on this bike for many many years before i feel an upgrade is necessary.
if you're looking to get into the sport and not sure what bike to get... i'd definately suggest this one! I'm gonna give it 5 flamin chilli's for value, and only 4 on the overall rating just because i know that there has to be somehting better about those $4000 bikes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micheal
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Stanky Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$721.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus Bartlett, TN | | Strengths: | Good fork, mechanical disc brakes, decent components to start off with, handles like a dream, the geometry makes this bike great. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy loose fitting grips, uncomfortable saddle (IMHO), platform peddles. | | Similar Products Used: | Department store bikes | | Bike Setup: | 06 Gary Fisher Piranha, WTB laser v saddle, WTB grips, shimano m515 clipless peddles. | | Bottom Line: | At $721 (including high a$$ TN sales tax) this bike is a bargain for the intermediate level XC rider. I have never ridden a real MTB until I got this one so I don't have allot to compare it to except my upgraded Fuji. It is much lighter than my old bike, the genesis geometry really makes those climbs a breeze, and the handling is outstanding. My down hills are less like controlled crashes now! I've decided to enter some local races just to see how I would do, before I would not have given it a thought.
The fork handles all the small hits with ease though it has a little more travel than I like. Probably just needs some getting use to. It has an adjustment knob but I have read some horror stories about tightening it then hitting the trail. We are talking explosive decompression of the fork's guts. Read the review on the specific fork.
The bontranger saddle didn't work well for me. I've seen other people comment on that particular saddle on hard tails being very uncomfortable but working fine on FS. After a few rides and some sore a$$ I got a good deal on a WTB Laser V saddle that has really worked well for me.
The original grips were scary loose. I tried cleaning the handle bars with alcohol and using hair spray as an adhesive with no luck. I replaced those with WTB grips and have been satisfied with the results.
All and all this has been a great bike for me and I would recommend it to anyone looking to get a beginner or intermediate weekend warrior rig. I'll give it 5 flaming turds for the value and 4 for the overall only because of the components I didn't like.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tanner
a Weekend Warrior
from charlotte nc
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | poplar tent | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeline | | Strengths: | all around great value. | | Weaknesses: | grips, seat frame bends easy, front fork stiff and notchy feeling. locked up solid after 7 rides. >32# hardtail????? | | Bike Setup: | bontrager grips. ritchy pedals | | Bottom Line: | just like most things buy the nicest one you can afford so you don't need to upgrade as soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jk
a Cross Country Rider
from oakland michigan
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$545.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Geometry, solid frame, dependable fork, disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, deraillures, cassette, the entire drive train is garbage for anyone who wants to do any single track. As soon as I went clipless, a squeak began, and then a very loud squeak with every pedal thrust. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, cinder cone. | | Bike Setup: | WTB grips and saddle. Eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | Solid ride for the money, but the drive train is stinko...We definitely get what we pay for in this life. I was attempting to make a balanced decision with some of good things like disc(mechanical) and a decent fork, but the Tass and higer models were not much more for an isis type crankset, and better components; and with trek/ fisher dealers in abundance, one of them will sharpen their pencil on the sticker. I like the geometry, so I will pay the difference for an XT or an Atlas to fix my problem. Good Hardtail for beginners and weekend warriors on the fire roads. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Road Warrior
a Weekend Warrior
from St Louis, MO USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | momentum | | Strengths: | Nice look. Everybody I encounter on the trail wants to know where I got a Fisher bike. It's a Walmart country here. | | Weaknesses: | The Shimano 501 components. I had the LBS tunned it several times, gears, chains, brakes, etc, but can't get the squeak out...drives me NUTS! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Original Equipment. | | Bottom Line: | At $650 with tax, the LBS told me not to expect too much for an entry level bike; still a lot of money to me. It does begged to play in the mud with the Bontrager tires it came with; no problem with loose gravel, rocks, or wet mud. But again, a couple times the chain jammed when I tried to switch gear going up hill; caused a crash.
I'll probably will buy this bike again if I can have different drivetrains.
Look elsewhere if you want a paved road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Eckler
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great value, 100mm travel w/ lockout, disc brakes, excellent geometry, cool colours | | Weaknesses: | lower end components, seat isn't very comfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback (yrs ago), tried similarly priced Trek, Specialized, Kona | | Bike Setup: | stock for now (will start switching out components over the next few months) | | Bottom Line: | I've been out of mountain biking for several years and did a ton of research before I bought this bike. I wanted a bike with mid-entry level pricing, but one that I wouldn't be frustrated with if I decided to get more serious. This bike was definitely the right choice. If you're taller (I'm 6 feet) the frame geometry just feels a lot better than some of the other geometries, really putting your weight back on descents, and allowing you to stretch out comfortably when riding. For the price, getting a great frame, a fork with 100mm travel and lockout, and disc breaks, is a great deal. The components are lower end and shifting is regularly problematic, but these are the easiest things to upgrade. Bottom line is you're getting a bike where all the big things that are hard/costly to change are solid, and the things that need changing are all little things that are easy/inexpensive to fix. A really good choice for anyone wanting to get into (or back into) mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rabi David
a Weekend Warrior
from Papillion, NE
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | lewis and clark | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack | | Strengths: | great handling, smooth braking, streamline geometry | | Weaknesses: | shifting could be smoother | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4500, specialized rock hopper, jamis durango, trek 6500, marlin, trek 4900, kona blast | | Bike Setup: | completely stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I have only been riding on a few trails so far, but the piranha has held up to the challenge. I was pretty sure I was going to buy the trek 6500, but then I saw that the piranha had disc brakes (not needed, but a bonus), as well as better wheel sets with assymetrical spokes, lockout suspension,and a frame geometry that seemed to fit better, all for $100 less! There is probably very little difference here, as both bikes come from the same manufacturer. This bike is perfect for mid-level riding, which is exactly where I'm at, allowing for upgrades, but not breaking the bank. It's a solid ride and will definitely hold up for the amateur biker. I did A LOT of research, including reading all of these reviews on MTBR. Take them with a grain of salt, but for my money, I'm very happy with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockburn Park, Patapsco State Park, North Central Railroad Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor, Linthicum | | Strengths: | Geometry, Axel Elite shock, LX rear derailer, disk brakes, appearance, Deore shifters | | Weaknesses: | Alivio Front derailer (does the job though), handlebar grips are OK, the tires are good for primarily hardpack and pavement-they are not good in loose/sandy soil or mud. | | Similar Products Used: | I compared this with a lot of bikes. The top choices were the Giant Yukon and Iguana (Geometry beat these out), the Specialize Rockhopper (close second, but disk brakes at this price made the difference - note: I thought the geometry on this one was pretty good). Gary Fisher Wahoo (Hated the paint job, no disk brakes, lower grade components). | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | I am 40 and new at MTB riding. I did a lot of looking for a bike a little better than entry level, but still reasonable in price. The Geometry of the bike is really good. On long rides though I do notice some pressure on my hands that I don't experience on my road bike(geometry? inexperience?). The bike has held up well and rides great. I have no complaints and would pick this one again. I wanted decent components that I would not need to upgrade immediately and this fit the bill. I have had to adjust the front derailer a few more times that I expected and the shifting is not always crisp. Shifting in the rear is great. The ability to lock-out the shock is a blessing and the stiffness of the shock is perfect for me (6' and 190 lbs). The geometry makes lifting the front wheel through water, etc. a breeze, even with the heavy front shock. Additionally my kids think the paint job is "cool." The cables are under the center bar, so care is needed in using a trunk or hitch rack. For those looking at MTB plus family rides, note that the disk brakes do interfere with some bike trailers that connect at the chain stay (typ. all disk brakes). You can get adapter kits for newer trailers. Bottom line, this is a good choice for mid-level and high entry level riding. This bike has good gemoetry for those who like to be more stretched out and has quality components that don't need to be upgraded immediately. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Lansing, MI, US
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | acceleration, climbing, brakes, light weight, lock-out, looks | | Weaknesses: | unconfortable seat on long rides, disk brakes squeal a little | | Similar Products Used: | department store bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike! I ride ~50 miles a week on this bike and recently did a 50 mile road riding event. The tires are not the best for road but they are great on trails. The seat left me sore after 3+ hours of continious riding but what seat wouldn't. I choose this bike over the Trek 4900 due to 1 more rear gear, +20mm front travel, and the TPC lockout. This is a great hard tail for anyone entering the sport or for an experienced rider who dosent want to spend alot of money. Good for trail riding and also road riding. The gearing paired with the light weight frame makes acceleration and climbs alot of fun. I would not trade my GF for the world. EXCELLENT BIKE!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evan
a Weekend Warrior
from MI
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Island lake Blue + Yellow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | American Cylcle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat, good seat and components. Disc brakes are nice also. Fork is awesome with the lockout feature great for climbing because of traction loss with loose suspension. You can adjust the fork while riding. | | Weaknesses: | The handle bar grips suck and the tires loose traction on everything exept concrete. The pedals and grips should be upgraded immediatly. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano SPD clippless pedals,lizard skin,Panracer fire XC pro's. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price and for any type of riding. If you replace the grips,tires and pedals with something better you will have a pretty sweet set up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Spartanburg, SC
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Southside, Numerous Pisgah Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Worx | | Strengths: | Gennesis Geometry is Awesome. Great Bike for the money. Much better upgrade from the Wahoo. Better than the Trek in the same class also. Ridden some serious trails and had no problems out of it yet. | | Weaknesses: | The stock seat and grips suck. These need to be replace immediately. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 Gary Fisher Wahoo | | Bike Setup: | WTB Laser V Progel Saddle, Ergon MR1 Race Grips, Shimano m540 clipless pedals, Cateye Micro Wireless Computer | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the money. Much better than the Wahoo for only a $100 difference in the Disc brake model. Not much less than the Tassajara. Certainly a great pick up for the biker with a budget | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockton, CA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | City Streets | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Copeland's Sports | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money. Decent components | | Bottom Line: | Wow! WHat a deal on this bike. List price was $700. I got for $200 plus tax!
Someone ripped off my sweet GF Mamba, so I went shopping for a new bike..and boy it was a bittersweet deal!
Anyways, I take it to work on a 3 mi round trip. Great enough to jump curbs and hit pavement hard.
I'll look into changing come components as I ride more. Rear derailler is first, then maybe the seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from Palm Harbor, Fl
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight,strong frame,Genesis geometry,great looks,great value,FAST! | | Weaknesses: | Stock saddle is terrible | | Similar Products Used: | old school rockhopper,Trek 3700, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for alloy pedals with toe clips and a Serfas RX saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. Gary Fisher geometry is right on the money for me. Much faster and more comfortable than others ridden and tested. great paint job. The Genesis Geometry also provides great traction and acceleration. I'm a Fisher fan for life! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Annapolis, MD
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor in Stevensville MD | | Strengths: | I weigh 260 lbs and the bike does a decent job not bottoming out on me when I take it down single track trails. The GENESIS Geometry is money. The disc brakes bring my bike to a quick stop with my big body on it. Handlebars are nice, the drive-train is decent, the Axle Elite 100 fork does a good job. Solid frame, gear shifters work nice. I love riding wheelies down the street when I teach my kids how to do it. | | Weaknesses: | The gears jump when I climb up hill from time to time and that is annoying. It doesn't happen all that often, but when it does it totally drains any momentum I had. Guess I should lose some weight. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500, Cannondale F400, Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I did a serious comparison between the Pirhana and the Rockhopper and for the price of the Pirhana I feel as if I made the right purchase. It was basically a toss-up, but the disc brakes at nearly $100 less, for the level of riding I am at sealed the deal. If you're a beginner I'd definitely recommend this bike over similarly priced bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Pfeiffer
a Cross Country Rider
from 12477 Buno Rd
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Island lake and bishop lake in brighton michigan, go bulldogs hockey! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | D&D, a local bike shop | | Strengths: | Price, disc brakes so you don't have to buy all new stuff to upgrade, good mix of stuff that makes it easy to upgrade if you want to. nice front fork, but a bit heavy. metal pedals but i'd of coarse prefer clipless. Excellent paint job, the picture makes it look a lot darker, in a way it sort of changes color, it is very sweet. Genesis Geometry is also really nice | | Weaknesses: | maybe isn't the best bike, i could have always went for the next highest, but for the price, it is an excellent choice | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Wahoo | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 540 pedals, that is all, SO FAR | | Bottom Line: | It is a huge upgrade over the wahoo and definitly worth the money unless you are a real penny pincher or hardly bike. It is great for what i do, which is many cross country, i don't really do any downhill or freeriding, so i have no idea how it handles that part. This bike has made me a true Gary Fisher fan, and just as the little hidden decal on the bike says, it turely is "Man's best friend." Look for it, trust me it is on it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alfonso
a
from San Antonio,TX,USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Government Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeworld | | Strengths: | Very easy to handle. Awesome frame...it does not tire you! You do not need anything else, Unless you want to throw your money away on extras to impress friends. | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The guy's at Bikeworld were very knowledgable and actually recommended this bike. I would buy this bike all over again. Genenis frame's geometry makes a BIG difference! You have a sense of confidence on tackling any trail without fear of flipping over....well except crazy steep. Good value! I have a feeling that this quality bike will be with us for years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 660.00
