Submitted by
slp999
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, Ca Date Reviewed: October 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Backbone
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Michaels Bikes
Strengths:
Frame construction and geometry. Superb component package for the price.
Weaknesses:
Creeky bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
None. This is my first 29er.
Bike Setup:
Rock Stock other the an Easton EA50 stem and Easton Monkey Lite bars.
Bottom Line:
I bought a Gary Fisher Rig 29er SS last Thursday after reading over and over how great 29ers ride and handle. Well, All I can say is that I'm totally sold! The day after I rode my 29er rig for the first time I took my Epic 26er out for a comparative challenge. I wasn't sure if it was all psychological or did my 26" ride suddenly feel like it wasn't my favorite bike anymore? I get attached to my bikes, like their my buddies and I don't want to hurt their feelings by leaving them at home when I ride the other bikes I own. The 26er now felt like a BMX bike. I found myself thinking, "there's no way this was the bike I've been riding the last two years without complaint"! It's amazing what happens when 3 inches are added to a wheel set. Needless so say, My 26" Epic is now on Ebay with a GF Paragon 29er taking its place.
I rode one of my favorite trails today after work and I must of yelled out 4-5 times "No way"! Sections that used to rattle my melon on a full suspension 26er, suddenly were smoothed out by these 29" wheels attached to a hard tail frame. The stock seat may be a bit on the heavy side, but comfortable as hell. I'll never settle for an expensive light ball-buster again. The Reba fork work really well. I love the lock-out feature for climbing, too. The trails here in SoCal are perfect for 29ers. Smooth rolling single track and lung busting ascents. I’ve been racing and riding mountain bikes religiously for over twenty years now and not since the invention of the front shock, clipless pedals or Chris King headsets has a bike or component made such a noticeable difference during a ride, period. If you haven’t tried a 29er, you are seriously missing out on the greatest design in cycling. In parting, I'll never buy a 26er again, period. 29er, where have you been the last 20 years. I wonder what a 32er would feel like?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark60amp
a Racer
from Menomonee Falls, Wi, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
John Muir/Connector/Emma
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Weaknesses:
Frame Strength
Bike Setup:
Switchblade fork, XTR crank, American Classic wheels.
Bottom Line:
Bike is fast as hell the way I got it set up.
Problem is, chainstay broke on drive side next to B.B.
I'm outta the game for the next week till I get a new one.
I race it every week so maybe its limits have been met.
175 lbs. 17.5 frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ocho_cervezas
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kenosha Pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1080.00
Purchased At:
University Bicycles
Strengths:
Simplicity, climbs like a banshee, Fox F29 fork is great, price (best $1000 I've spent in a long time), lightweight, FUN factor
Weaknesses:
Headset/handlebars creak when I'm standing and mashing on the pedals. Remote lockout for the fork would be a nice option.
Similar Products Used:
Have only ridden a few friend's 26" single speed bikes, Yeti 575
Bike Setup:
Stock except riser bars. If you are a taller rider and raise the seatpost enough you probably won't like the riding position with the stock bars...too far forward.
Bottom Line:
I have the 2008 model FYI. This bike is so much fun I just can't get enough. It has taken my riding to a whole new level and I'm riding a lot faster than I ever did on my fs bike (except on downhills when pedaling is pointless). It handles just as well as my Yeti and feels very stable. I'm not component expert but everything on the bike seems to be decent quality. If you haven't tried single speed yet, give it a shot...you might just love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zunoto
a Racer
from Brooklyn Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1025.00
Purchased At:
Roy"s Cycles
Strengths:
Great for training between races.and low maintenance (no bent rear derailleur)
Weaknesses:
The saddle railing broke already, and I am only 155 pounds.
Gary Fisher will replace it.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock, with Shimano XT pedals, and the brown ODI Rogue grips to match the brown Bontrager saddle.
Bottom Line:
I am already doing better at the xc races. More muscles in the legs and better cardio.
I am racing beginner at the Campmor H2h race serie.
Maybe next year I will try SS sport categorie with this bike.
The G2 is great, mostly in the descents, you don't have that feeling of diving down the steep hills.
I am short 5"5, and love that 29er.
If you are short like me, do not listen to people telling you that 29er is for tall riders only...
I am saving to get the Super Fly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dblspeed
a Cross Country Rider
from Bari Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Fisher dealer
Strengths:
Good price for a Reba and disc brake bike back in 2006. Light frame, good geometry, decent wheelset, fun bike.
Weaknesses:
The Bontrager crankset is horrible, mine snapped at the crankarm, this was afer 1 year and while I was pedaling. The frame just broke on the seat tube, just like you read all the time, and you think maybe those are bug guys who do 5 ft drops to flat, except it happens to you and you're a 170 lbs cross country rider...
Similar Products Used:
Vassago Jabberwocky
Bike Setup:
Saint crankset, salsa pro moto bars, ti seatpost and wtb saddle, stock for the rest.
Bottom Line:
Mine was a 2007 model, but I hear the 2008 supposedly sturdier frames are braking too. It's a shame but unless things change don't buy these Fisher hardtails because they will brake, even with the lifetime warranty (original owner and country of purchase only) it's still not worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey Zelek
a Racer
from Newington, CT USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
jzelek@cox.net
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Does what 29ers do - eats up the rough stuff on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Crank - Black Chrome is all flaking off. BB - Tru-Av Giga Pipe seized up on the trail and spun out the left BB cup. Chainring spun into the chain stay and cut into it. Not a trail side repair. Had to walk several miles out of the woods. Big wheels are heavy and steep climbs are impossible. Brakes - Avid Mechanical in the mud and rain will last about an 1/2 hour and the pads will be totally gone and the bike unstoppable.
Similar Products Used:
You name it I've played with it. Gargage is full of bikes.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Great starting point but beware of the BB and Crank issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bmxronl
a
from Raleigh Date Reviewed: March 27, 2008
None, unless a Slayer 90 or vintage 1994 Klein Attitude are considered similar. Actually my BMX bike is probably the closest thing to the Rig!
Bike Setup:
Pretty stock for now - added a computer, Eastern platform pedals and a Salsa QR seatpost clamp.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks!!! I've read a number of reviews that said "I'm a big guy and this bike fits me great"...well I'll add to that, although all my other bikes fit me fine too, including my 20". For reference I'm 6'3", 230lbs and went with a 19", just like my Slayer. Anyway, I am totally in love with this bike and haven't touched any other bike I own since I bought the Rig. As others have said, I'm actually a faster rider now - significantly! I do get winded a lot faster though - you're either movin pretty good or you're not. The bike climbs like a goat and mashes though everything with ease. I'm still getting used to the handling, though. When I really rail a turn I still tend to go wide - you REALLY have to commit to a superbike type of lean to nail it and on tight singletrack, that can be hard to do. Overall, the bike is a pure pleasure to ride. Fun, fast, simple. SS really is a pure ride - if you haven't tried one, you need to! BTW, I haven't had any tire rub under load as some people have had.
Complaints - the ebb has been a bit of a pain. I've had to adjust it after about every other ride so far, but it seems like it's settling in now - 3 rides, no adjustments BUT now under load it creaks. My bar/stem also has a creak when I'm pulling hard and mashing up a hill - kinda spooks me - and I'll probably replace those sometime soon. Tires are great until you need cornering grip. The front tire slides out pretty quick and when it goes, it GOES - there is no slip and catch like my Nevegals do. Lastly the Fox fork is awesome, but it's starting to knock a bit on the rebound.
Overall the bike is fantastic. I did list complaints, but they are all reasonable and nothing major. I've never spent so little on an MTB before, yet this is the most fun MTB I've ever had! Go buy one NOW!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin DaDogg
a Cross Country Rider
from Staffs UK Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Coedy Brenin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Swinnerton Cycles
Strengths:
Light frame (excluding Ebb),decent forks,Simplicity,Good tires,bought 1/2 price,a lot of fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Had a few problems with Ebb initially due to inexperience, Poor chain stretched in 6 rides, Rear free hub failed after 5 months possibly due to poor assembly from factory so a rebuild is under way.
Similar Products Used:
None just took the plunge on both a single speed and 29er
Bike Setup:
Upgrades: Bar ends, Avid juicy 3's 203mm front rotor, Sram SPC1 chain.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to slow me down a bit as i was getting a bit quick on my full suss for my mates, unfortunatly i am now faster than ever as a single speed makes you or breaks you. The bike is a very fast rolling all black stealth machine with wheels like a monster truck. The front fork is good seeing as it retails at over £300 and i only paid £400 for the bike (then £100 for the brake updgrade). My plan this year is to build a lighter version of this so Mavic Xmas 29" wheels with a carbon post and new seat are for starters, i want a lighter Ebb the stock one weighs over 300g this is soething im having trouble sourcing.
I'm giving it 4 chilis as i have had a few problems with some of the stock components but that is going to happen on any bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Wyatt
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Worth, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Northshore, Grapevine Lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart @ White Rock Lake
Strengths:
looks great,rolls fast and over everything, less effort used than on a 26"
Weaknesses:
maybe the tires, i have the same tires on my hifi pro and they slide out in the corners. Everything else seems great
Similar Products Used:
first ss and 29er
Bike Setup:
all original equipment. will change tires and go to odi lock on grips, only cause my other bikes have them and the diameter of the grip is bigger and more comfortable to me.
Bottom Line:
Every Tuesday evening, there is a group of guys that ride ss. They all burn up the trail and i was really impressed by them. Now i might stand a chance to keep up with them. I have a hifi pro 26" and a hardtail 26" and I wonder if I will even ride them anymore. I have not actually timed my regular route on the ss but it is so obvious that it is faster. If you are competitive and just aren't quite as fast as your buddy, this will push you passed him.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL, USA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Bike29
Strengths:
Low maintenance, simple fun
Weaknesses:
Uncomfortable saddle, eccentric bottom bracket creaks when dry
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Home Grown Race, Cannondale Super V M9000, Giant ATX 860
Bike Setup:
Stock except Crank Mallet C, non-QR seatpost clamp, and seatbag with tire levers and tube patches
Bottom Line:
I wanted a BMX-like bike for riding around town as an every day fun bike which I can use to commute and do errands on... basically a car-replacement and fun machine. Low maintenance and no need for special bike clothes a must.
I got this bike on sale used online (it was a demo bike). It came in good condition except for extra stickers everywhere which didn't come off too clean.
I used it to commute 5-6 miles to work everyday for a couple of months.
+ I love how it doesn't get my right pant leg all greasy. + I love being able to take various shortcuts. + I love how it looks. + I love the simplicity... no more gears.
- I hate the uncomfortable seat. I'm 135 lbs and I feel the shell and rails through the padding. I also always ride with a backpack, sometimes loaded with 15 lbs, but usually only 5, so it's worth looking into an upgrade. A Brooks B-17 maybe - seen it for $80 at Price Point. - It's noisy when I'm pedaling, which is really noticeable when I'm going relatively slow (10-11 MPH), which is because of the eccentric BB getting dry. - The gearing isn't so great for road riding (commuting around town). I cannot maintain 130+ RPM standing over a long distance and bounce considerably in the saddle maintaining enough RPM to go over 16 MPH. The gearing seems tuned for cruising at 12-15 MPH at 90 +/- 30 RPM. I should definitely look into getting a smaller cog in the back. There's no hills/mountains around here anyways and I can maintain 25-30 MPH on flats on my Schwinn racing traffic in town. - I'm afraid it'll get stolen being in Orlando with it's high reported crime rate, so I carry a cable and a U-Lock in my backpack at all times.
The stock medium sized feels somewhat oversized for me. My Schwinn and Giant were both 18" and fit great. This one has me more upright with more of my weight on this crappy saddle. I don't feel quite as agile... might be the 29" wheels and riser bar combined with a short stem. It's also unstable at lower speeds... takes more effort to maintain a line riding hands free or with only 1 hand on the bar.
Overall, this bike has been working for me. It just needs a bit of customizing to get it "perfect" - a more comfortable saddle, a smaller cog in the back, and maybe a new stem and handlebar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joek9999
a Cross Country Rider
from San Hose Date Reviewed: January 25, 2008
For first time twenty niners and single speeders, looking for a simple machine that can do it all pretty well. Be prepared to upgrade the rear cog and the seat. The pop-loc is not necessary, but it makes things better for keeping your eyes on the trail. This complete bike is good for the money. To me the frame felt light and stiff when climbing or carrying the bike. It descends over bumbs well and behaves like a 29er should, rolling over everything with ease. 29ers are hard to catch air with, and you hit the ground rolling a lot faster. The low rise OS bars give it OK cornering, but I think a switch to flat bars would give even snappier handling especially at low speeds. BB7's are great stoppers. Stock rear cog is an 18. Tough going there. Switched to a 20T and it still is a grinder.
The EBB gives extra weight where you don't want it, although the BB is very stiff and gives a great feel while descending on the pedals. Easy to adjust, and also easy to over tighten. Had to learn to be gentle with that thing. The wedge action is enough, you barely have to torque the bolts at all.
The seat is junk. The seat post has adequate flex and is easy to swap saddles.
I needed to run a smaller than stock tire in the rear because the Bontrager Jones 2.2 kept rubbing ever so slightly on the right chainstay, only when climbing out of the saddle. It was a combination of the rim flexing and the narrow spacing. I ran a 2.0 and everything is fine now. I knock down to four chillis because of this aspect, and the fact that the Pop-loc Remote switch was an extra 100 bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Friedman
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mr Toads or Foresthill Divide Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Tour Of Nevada City Bike Shop
Strengths:
Simplicity is beautiful.
Weaknesses:
Nothing to complain about
Similar Products Used:
My other bike is a Trek 6500, but I only use it on days with heavy climbing
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike, can't go wrong. Buy this bike if you want your bike to work when you're ready to ride. No shifting problems, brakes are simple to adjust, no frills, just a bike. It's ready to go when you are.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fergus
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland,OR Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Superfund site
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
CL
Strengths:
Fun Bike! I just raced it Cat C cyclocross with 35mm wide knobbies. The mud was no problem. It barreled though puddles and up hills without complaining. I used the stock 32/18 gearing and it was the right call. I hope to be able to push the 16 soon. By the middle of the race I had forgotten about being on a SS (except for the flats). The season is over and I just put on Big Apple street tires.
Weaknesses:
The dia compe /cane creek stock headset is cheap and needs to be replaced.
Similar Products Used:
first ss, first 29r. some other 26rs which I stare at and wonder if I'll ride again.
Bike Setup:
Panaracer Cinder X
Bottom Line:
I have yet to commute more than 6 miles on it. The street tires are at 70 psi (10 pounds more than recommended). I look forward to jumping on it. We'll see how it does on the street and on more trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light, fast, perfect geometry for my size.
Weaknesses:
none so far.
Similar Products Used:
raleigh xxix
Bike Setup:
completely custom
Bottom Line:
Perfect, and light. Built up under 22 lbs. Get one and enjoy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CB
a Racer
from Flagstaff Date Reviewed: November 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Singletrack Bikes
Strengths:
Bombproof design, and outstanding genesis geometry
Weaknesses:
Finicky Eccentric Bottom Bracket
Similar Products Used:
Brodie Unibomber, Bianchi S.A.S.S
Bike Setup:
Straight stock except for I scrapped the lame Bontrager saddle and swapped the equally lame seatpost for a Thompson Elite
Bottom Line:
In 12 months, I have put over 1,500 miles of rough/steep singletrack on this pig. I say pig because it isn't light, and it isn't bling-bling looking. What it is - FUN, near zero maintenance, surprisingly agile, and it has made my Scalpel only available for race days. Why ride gears when you can train like a champ on this fun machine? In short - the Rig is the best bike I have owned. If you enjoy singlespeeding, and you want a big, tough bike that will make you stronger on race days then don't look past the rig. Yes - Soulcrafts and Sycips are ultra sweet, but I've ridden them both and this Rig is right there....don't let the price/value fool you.
Have you seen the 2008 version? Damn - Gary F. has it goin' on. Get one before they hit $1,500 and start to become expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Frazee
a Racer
from The Wild West Date Reviewed: October 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The long singletrack one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Gary got it right with the Genesis Geometry: I'm a gorilla on a bike: 6'3" with long arms and legs and this bike has fit me better than any other. The top tube is longer than most frames but it is a positive for me. Light weight, 1lb less than my double butted steel 29er. I was honestly surprised at the ride quality of an aluminum frame in rigid fork configuration after riding on a steel 29er steed. This thing rails! Makes me long for sweet ales! I was sceptical to the EBB concept after riding on sliding dropout frames but I have to say the EBB is the way to go. It's so easy to adjust chain length
Weaknesses:
EBB if you don't know how to adjust. I had some trial and error issues but most of the problems were operator error. Yes I admit to being a Jackass. Aluminum tubing is always a second to good old hard steel in my opinion but I have to say as a steel rider I'm pleasantly surprised with the ride.
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo Dambala Steel 29er, Salsa Dos niner Scandium 29er, Many 26ers but they are has-beens!
Bike Setup:
05' Gary Fisher Purple Rig with Rigid Surly Fork, American Classic hubs with Bontrager Race light rims hand laced by your's truly, Stans no-tubes set up with WTB 2.3 Exiwolf tires. Old school Kooka cranks, Avid mech disk brakes
Bottom Line:
Like I said above I have been very impressed with this aluminum butted frame. It is light, compliant, quick steering, stable and pretty stiff, with a nice long wheel base for big dudes like me. I've read complaints of riders having problems with rear wheel rub at the chain/seat stay under effort. Let me tell you I am 6'3" and weigh around 200lbs and I used to squat 400+lbs and I've never had any flex/tire rub issues. I've raced this thing to success and it gives everything I ask of it. I was once a Fisher skeptic but Gary got it right on this one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Wydizzle
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: September 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cubb, Tom's is pretty close
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Route 66 Bicycles
Strengths:
Great bike from a great manufacturer. Solid construction. Awesome shock. Comes with some killer components: Cane Creek Headset, Great Bontreger wheels and tires. Eccentric Bottom Bracket. 29" of wheel. LIGHT! Killer mean looking paint job.
Weaknesses:
Creeky bottom bracket. No deraileur hanger, shes strickly a SS bike, although they fixed this for the 2008 model.
Similar Products Used:
nope. I had a homejobbed diamond back single speed before this.
Bike Setup:
Stock...Planet Bike Alias light, i guess.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, this is a great bike! I really love it. It was like rediscovering mountain biking again. The big wheels are amazing. This bike a durable to. I have really been hard on it, 4ft drops, jumps, getting limbs of downed trees caught in the spokes, water, sand and other crud...you name it. The bike is still true and in top condition. The bottom bracket will creek, but if you're riding hard enough on rough enough trails, you wont even notice it, its only on the pavement i notice the creeking, but this bike was not made to cruze on pavement, but it does that well too. The eccentric bottom bracket may be some of the reason for the squeeking but it sure is handy. I have two cogs on the back, the stock 18 tooth and a 14 tooth for commuting and 'Rails to trails' type riding. Making the switch is as simple as removing a masterlink and retensioning the chain with an allen wrench. Takes maybe 3 minutes. This bike is worth the money and a great product! 5 chills all the way, if i could give it 6 i would.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, Ut, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Helen's Cycles
Strengths:
Great specs for the price. No gears. 29". Frame fits like a glove.
Weaknesses:
EBB creaking. Grrrr.
Similar Products Used:
Lots of bikes but this is my first 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock, except maybe the saddle. Running a WTB Rocket. Oh, and Cane Creek bar ends, which are the ticket (these should come standard on all ss)
Bottom Line:
The first time I rode my friend's Rig my first reaction was that it was the first mtb that's truly fit me. I think it's due to the 29" wheels and my size, 6'1". Anyway, bought one and now I've sold my 26" bikes except for one hardtail that I'm turing into a 69er. The only time I don't prefer 29" is when I'm out of shape because they do require more power, but even going slower it's more fun, so maybe scratch that comment. Also, tight turns take some getting used to. I've become one of those "I hate to shift" people and prefer the ss even for my epic rides.
The Rig comes spec'd better than anything else. It's not really close, though the Raleigh seems nice for the money too. Friends who've upgraded to custom steel frames have said that they aren't sure they are better. So, for everything other than ultimate cool factor, the Rig is a great bike.
The stock parts have been great for me. I just swapped out the rubber (to Maxis) and actually prefer the Bontragers. Weird. Anyway, I thought they were pretty damn fine tires. I see they now make Panaracer Fire XCs in 29, which is all I used to ride on my 26ers, so I'll probably try those next.
The EBB creaks and needs a lot of service to stay quiet. This is irritating but what can you do? Other n' that it's a great design. I've heard that all bottom brackets creak on single speeds so maybe it's not just do to its design.
Anyway, I will probably change to something more personal someday, but I couldn't be happier with this choice. The bike has actually paid me to own since I've been able to sell all my bouncy geared high tech machines.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emile Smith
a Racer
from Canaan, NH, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Knob @ Burke, VT
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Bethel Cycle Fitness
Strengths:
Good geometry, Reba Fork, Avid Mechanicals.
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel would rub on inside of chain stay, stock components are heavy. Seat is less than desirable.
Similar Products Used:
None, riden soft-tales all 26er's
Bike Setup:
FSA stem and low rise handlebars, Avid Juicey Carbons, American Classic Wheels w/ IRC Mythos, Thompson set back seatpost, Tru-Ativ Stylo Giga Pipe single speed cranks, Reba SL.
Bottom Line:
I certainley added some upgrades. I have been very happy with how the bike handles. It climbs great, and descends well. I typicaly run a 33/18 in the woods and have had great results with that gearing. I think the frame is worth building up with better components as the stock items wear-out or create too much frustration. I have had all the same problems everyone else has mentioned; BB creaking, eccentric noise, as for the rear tire rub I trimmed the stock Bontrager rear tire with a ravor blade and had no more rub. I'm glad that worked because I like the tires. The up-grades and giving the set-up time to settle in or seat properly seemed to make a difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Tew
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI, USA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake Rec Area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
Great ride - corners really well, those wheels pick up mad speed on the downhills and roll over every thing in the way. This bike was my first SS and 29". I ride all 29 now. I was worried about frame clearance when I put some fatter tires on it - not a problem. Fork is great. Mech disc's are trusty and effective.
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket is a little noisy - not to the point of distraction tho. Saddle is just okay, stock Jones AC'c just okay, stock grips are awful
Similar Products Used:
GF Paragon, NRS
Bike Setup:
straight up stock except either panaracer rampage or small block 8 tires, Lizard Skins Moab lock on grips. Saddle change is coming.
Bottom Line:
This is my first single speed so I can't compare it to another SS product. Many of the trails here are well suited for SS riding (great flow, short steep hills, not a lot of grinder climbs). I can say that it has been a really positive intro to the world of SS riding and has changed my outlook on mtb riding in general. I bought it with a 20 tooth cog and put the 18 back on last week - we'll see how that goes. I am 6'1" and 170 - no problems with flex - the frame is technically small for me (17.5) but suits my riding style really well. Love the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Fribance
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford CT Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tom Arcadia
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Mystic Cylce Centre
Strengths:
This is a follow up to a review I posted in January. When I first began riding the bike I noticed that if I was giving a hard effort out of the saddle on climbs that the wheel would rub on the inside of the right chain stay. Originally I thought this might be because of the low quality wheels but that is not the case. The fault lies in the frame itself which is simply to flexy for a larger rider. That said I would not call 6' 220lbs that large. The rear triangle is simply poorly designed with little to no stiffening reinforcements. To cap things off when I contacted Gary Fisher about the problem all they told me was “Yeah that’ll happen.” Needless to say this will be the last product I ever buy from them. I'f you are a bigger guy like me do yourself a favor and buy something else. I'll post a review of my Kula 2-9 when I have finished building it.
Weaknesses:
The above mentioned issue with the frame and the quality of the bottom bracket is laughable. I also ended up breaking two teeth off the rear cog.
Bottom Line:
If you are over 200 lbs I wouldn't get this bike; save yourself the time, money, and frustration.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a
from surry, va Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whichever one i'm currently riding
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
East Coast Bikes
Strengths:
geometry and fork
Weaknesses:
stock cog, had chain slip issues almost immediately and wasn't fond of gear ratio/gear inch, i switched to surly 20 tooth. bb creaking/slipping. i've cleaned and thoroughly lubed it, only to have it slip and creak. perhaps it's a weight issue, i'm 5'10 and 225 (no im not fat a$$, i just got big legs from mothers side of the family!) stock grips and bar. i'm a fan of ourys..i have them on all my other bikes. stock bar doesn't have quite enough rise/sweep for me. i am seriously considering switching to the big earl like the one i have on my session 77. its a 710 with a 2" rise (i think) and not sure of the sweep but damn i LOVE that bar. the jury is still out on the tires. i like the size/foot print, but i've not been a fan of bontrager's stock tire fare in the past. the saddle was also a joke, that bent within the first couple of rides, but i'm a sit down rider so the rails take a lot of abuse on any bike i irde.
Similar Products Used:
my first SS was a Klein Rascal with the old school horizontal drop outs
Bike Setup:
bone stock except for the saddle (wtb), use suspension seat post (i run that on any hardtail i ride), and time dh clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
the bike is money, but trek really needs to step up on touch points (saddle/grips/pedals) but i realize its a price point issue so that will most likely never happen. i thought the cornering my be an issue as i ride some tight, technical, swoopy trails, but once you learn to commit to the lean, it actually corners really well. i can't imagine how good its going to be with after market tires and a bigger bar. overall, well worth the money and i dig the stealth, minimalist graphics look.
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Submitted by
Evan
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO USA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Buff Creek CO tr, Maverick white ranch, above Broken thumb
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
preowned but new
Strengths:
The fork! is Great, I love the lockout feature. I feel more grip in the loose stuff and the bike feels very tall, demanding a highly commital lean, like a motocross bike The bike seems to get sucked along flowy trail sections, where my geared 26er friends need to pedal. Eccentric BB makes packing the bike into a hatchback, changing a flat and disc brake alignment a snatch, or a snap (compared with track dropouts and bolt on hubs. Smart full length cable housing to bakes. Handlebars seem to be just
$ 1099.99
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