Submitted by
Rookie Racer
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Erwin Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
B&B Bicycles
Strengths:
Big wheels roll and ride great.
Weaknesses:
Tubeless setup - Hard time finding Bontrager strips and valves. Finally went with Stan's strips and no issues so far...
Similar Products Used:
Kona Hoss 26" hardtail, Mavic 819's Thomson stem and seatpost, full SRAM X-9 drive line, Race Face Atlas Cranks, Kenda SS8's
Bike Setup:
17.5 Medium - Upgraded to external BB Raceface cranks, Thomson stem and seatpost, Maxxis Crossmarks w/stan's tubeless system, X-9 shifters and Rear D
Bottom Line:
First new complete bike and I feel is was a great deal for what you get. FOX fork was major selling point and the SRAM items worked smooth. Never ran the stock tires as they didn't have much to them. 3 months and close to 300 miles and being that I'm a clydesdale, the bike is in great shape. Used a spoke wrench a few times to check the wheels and only one spoke required more than a 1/4 turn. Added some air to the fork to help out the ride. The 12 degree sweep flat handlebars feel good and I've never used flat bars before.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pynis McDermott
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: September 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dry Lake Hills, Flagstaff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Slippery Pig
Strengths:
Big advantage in the 29" tires, great geometric design, good component package for mid range price. Great transition bike to the 29er world.
Weaknesses:
Chain location/Chain suck - I broke the chain on first ride, and have had some issues since. Chain is located very close to the frame, and it appears as if even the slightest deformation of a ring will cause faulty shifting, and chain suck. This has caused the bare metal to be exposed on the frame, which really pisses me off. The tubless ready system is not a perfect system. The stems are a major leak point. But in AZ, you are crazy if you think you can go with tubes.
Similar Products Used:
First big bike purchase. Previous bike was an early to mid 90's rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
SRAM X7 rear D, SRAM X9 front D, Bontrager Wheels/Tubeless Tires, Upgraded to Race XLite Stem/Bars
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I initially wanted to buy a Hi-Fi F/S, but with the components and the fact that I had always ridden a hardtail, I was sold on the X-Cal. The initial reaction was like I had purchased a skill upgrade. I have put some serious miles on this bike in the past 8 months, and have recently started racing. I am attempting to drop weight in the bars. Before I spend the money on the lighter wheels, I might sell & buy a used Superfly.
This bike has all the advantages and disadvantages of a hardtail. I am faster than F/S on the flats and the climb, but HT's are limited in their downhill ability and when I push it I have to use more brakes or crash, which gives up my lead to similarly skilled riders. The chain problems and the fact that my bike now has exposed bare metal on the frame from the chain suck really disappointed me. The chain is located very close to the frame rails, and this could be re-engineered.
Because I am now racing a bit more, I am looking into 26" competition F/S (maybe the 09' Fisher Roscoe). I think that if one is looking at a hardtail, the 29er is an advantage, and the X-Cal is an awesome package. If you are looking at Full-Suspension, the 26" tires are just a bit faster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vitamin G
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
HPT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
www.smithsbikes.com
Strengths:
(2006 X-Cal) Big wheels roll over everything, fast, carves corners well, easy log crossings, stable, BB7 brakes easily adjustable.
Weaknesses:
(2006 X-cal) tight switchbacks are tough, front wheel will flop over, uphill switchbacks hard to keep weight on the front wheel in order to make the turn. Bonty Superstock wheels are heavy, hard to get up to speed. Grips are bad. No need for riser bar on a 29'er, bars are high enough already.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock, except replaced riser bar with flat bar.
Bottom Line:
The 29er series from Fisher should be your starting point when looking at a 29er hardtail. The improvements to geometry with the G2 series is supposed to address the slow speed handling. I bought the old geo because the price was right... but the new would be better.
the big wheels give you an extra amount of confidence and wiggle room when riding over roots, logs, rocks, sand, etc. It's worth the extra weight to be able to bomb through the rough stuff. On downhills and carving corners the big wheels seem much faster because they roll better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BoomingSooner
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmond, OK, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bluff
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Al's
Strengths:
Great mix of components for the money. I was planning on spending $1000 for a new bike. After looking at the Cobia and Specialized Rockhopper Comp and Cannondale F4, I went with the X-Cal. For $350 more than I was planning on spending, I got a fox fork, SRAM X-7 rear D, SRAM x-9 front D, Sweet Hydro brakes, upgrades across the whole bike that would have cost $900 bucks individually?
I fly on this bike and stop on a dime. Love the color.
Weaknesses:
Seat collar can't be tight enough. and needs replacing
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper comp, Cannondale F4
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano pedals
Bottom Line:
Great Great bike for the money. After feeling a bit bad not buying from a buddy of mine at the Specialized store, he finally said, "I don't blame you a bit".
There is no Specialized mid range bike. It is either a grand or a jump to 1800. X-Cal fit that mid range bill.
Too bad for anyone reading this that the price jumped to 1750 for 09 but there is a reason for the jump!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sctrix1
a Weekend Warrior
from albany Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
SMBA, 909, Kingdom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Down tube
Strengths:
This bike is light. The components seem to be very durable for a wet Northeast season and hold up well in all conditions. The bike really handles better than all of my previous 26ers.
Weaknesses:
The seat clamp sucks!!
Similar Products Used:
All 26er fullsuspension from Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I would not steer you wrong on this bike. I weigh 200lbs and this bike takes all of the technical trails that I throw at it. It is just as good as any full suspension I have rode on the same trails. As a matter of fact, it is better. You will not be disappointed with this bike and it looks great!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
agabrielj
a Racer
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: July 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Waverly
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport
Strengths:
I can't think of anything that is a weakness. Overall it's the perfect bike for the money. The Geometry is excellent.
Weaknesses:
Not as light as the Superfly, but hey.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
Stock, except Thomson seatpost-stem. Truvativ Stylo 3.3 crankset, and Chris King headset.
Bottom Line:
This bike (medium) is long and fast. The overall wheelbase is longer than most of the other companies' "large" sized frames. The head angle is a little over 69 degrees compared to the usual 71.5 - 73 degrees other companies use. It tracks like no other and the handling in tight, technical areas is fine indeed.
Great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
knoxvegas
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
Cedar Bluff Cycles
Strengths:
I would like to start off by saying I'm a pretty new rider. The bike fits great (5'10' 175lbs). I was hesitant at first in buying a 29er due to my size, but the G2 geomotry is great. I think for the price and what you get for the componets it's a great buy. Being my first true mt. bike purchase, I didn't want to over spend. I feel with the X-cal I definatley got my money's worth.
Weaknesses:
The fox fork went dead on me within the first 20 miles of riding this bike. Fox is curently taking care of this. Getting used to the Scram shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
As is but it did come with a Scram x.9 front deralier and I put on some crank bro. peddles
Bottom Line:
This is a fun bike to ride. And that's what it's all about, having fun on what you ride. Full supension, hardtail, 29er, whatever just ride and enjoy it. Like I said above I think this bike is a great buy for what you get and I didn't find that with anyother bikes that I looked at(salsa, specialzed). Great bikes but too much cash for my wallet. I would suggest this bike to anyone who might be thinking about getting on a 29er but isn't sure. This bike handles much like a 26 bike (I rode a 26 hardtail for about a year before this purchase). Enjoy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kpmull
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Shane's Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$995.00
Purchased At:
George's Cycles (Downtown Boise)
Strengths:
Big. I prefer a big bike and this bike feels big. "Hope you got a lot of room in your trunk for my bike." This thing floats over sand. I breezed past several more fit and capable riders during a race because they got bogged down in soft sand. My bigger tires floated on top. Check out the race video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2jqhZu3avY
Another Strength: All the guys I ride with are jealous of my big tires. Size matters.
Weaknesses:
It takes uphills well altho on steep sections I have to lean over the front tire to keep it from lifting off during the powerful pedal strokes. Not sure if this is due to more traction in back or different geometry of frame. Tight turns are more difficult on this large bike. I have not had the problems with the front brakes that other bigger guys have written about. BTW you can NOT switch to 8 in. Rotors (for more stopping power) on the stock Rockshok Reba Forks. It voids the warranty on the RockShok forks. You have to upgrade to Fox 29er forks which cost more than than this whole bike. While changing a flat, I noticed the tires have a lot of "play" in them. They have to be seated in the rim EXACTLY right then inflated properly or you risk them coming of the rim. It happened to me. Lesson learned. No injuries to me or the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing Similar. I was riding a 20 year old Trek Singletrack 930 before I made this HUGE leap in technology.
Bike Setup:
I got rid of the clip-less pedals that came with the bike. I put on Kore platforms. I may raise the stem on the handlebars a little in the future. I'm 6'1" 220lbs. I was riding a 21" frame but with the larger tires I was able to drop down to a 19" frame but the bike still feels big and comfortable for a bigger rider.
Bottom Line:
If you are over 6 ft. 200lbs. you NEED to be on a 29er! Riding this bike makes riding more FUN so I WANT to ride more, isn't that what it is all about?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Croydon Cycleworks
Strengths:
As a preface to this interview I'll just say that I've only ridden a few other 29ers and I can only compare to these and 26" bikes that I've ridden before.
Firstly, this bike is great value. Originally I planned to by it just for the parts and swap out the frame for a dual suspension design, but I like it so much as is that I've stuck with it. The frame is the same as the Paragon and the Cobia, just the parts and colour schemes change between them.
The Fox fork is excellent, and can be modified to 100mm travel by removing an internal spacer.
Shifting and breaking is as you would expect. The tires are an excellent all rounder and do well on most surfaces except loose gravel. The wheels seem reasonably light for the size.
Weaknesses:
Chain suck. Has occurred a couple of times and due to limited clearance usually results in the chain becoming jammed against the frame. This happened so severely during a race (2km's from the finish!!) that I had to take apart the chain to free it. I may have to add a chain saver if this keeps happening with the new chain.
The rear bearings cones have become loose occasionally, and there is some creaking- seeming to come from the seat post.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Paragon, Kona Kula 2-9
Bike Setup:
Stock '08 plus barends and new KMC chain. Time ATAC XE pedals.
Bottom Line:
Seems to be the best value of the three similar Fisher bikes (against the Paragon and Cobia).
Doesn't feel like a 'big' bike, handling is great and for some reason the big wheels make it feel like you could trackstand for days.
A very solid, fast, fun bike to ride- with only a couple of niggles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Amey
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
rogeramey@grapevine.com.au
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Bike Culture
Strengths:
Love the bike now that I'm used to it, able to do things I wasn't game to try before
Weaknesses:
Initially the big problem was chain suck which Bike culture has tried to address with a new chain and is now better but not entirely fixed. But now the prblem is the crack that has appeared where the top tube meets the seat tube. I understand another two bikes in our area have had the same problem.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Great bike but trek who sell the bike in Australia do not have any warranty frames and have to send to the US to get more. I will be without a bike for I don't know how long. If Garry Fisher/Trek are going to sell bikes they need to be able to address problems so that their clients can stay on a bike. I'm not happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan McGuire
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, Ca Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
rattlesnake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$132900.00
Purchased At:
jax's
Strengths:
This bike is a great climber compared to the trek 6000 that i had earlier in the year. I love the 29' tires that role right over everything. the Fox f29 air shock that it came with makes it a breeze to adjust on the trial for changing conditions.
Weaknesses:
i have only had a little problem with the brakes not breaking in correctly and the chain slipping once or twice
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock other than i switched to the crank brothers 50/50 pedals
Bottom Line:
this was a great buy and all my friends who i have let ride it love it. They are wanting to get one as well. I love this bike wont be trading it in for a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from acworth, GA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
blanket's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Free Flight Bikes
Strengths:
The Fox shock is far better than the Reba as far as travel, weight, and ease of use. The X9 rear derallier and X7 front area a great combination for any trail surface. Hyd/ brakes have great stopping power for a +215 rider. Frame is light and color is sweet. Wheels and tires are a perfect combo for climbing and going over logs, rocks, etc.
Weaknesses:
No stock pedals but not a big issue.
Similar Products Used:
GF Paragon, Niner, 69er, Specialized Rockhopper or stumpjumper 29er.
Bike Setup:
Great for the price..... Sram X7 front and triggers, X9 rear, Deore Hyd. brakes, Rythem rims w/ Jones tires, FOX 33 shock, Oh yeah Bontrager seatpost, seat, stem,etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
Bike rides smooth and handles anything I have given it. Took a while to get use to the bigger wheels (29er) but after a few rides no comp. vs. a 26er. For the price you get many upgraded components over similar bike models. If you are looking for a bike just under $1500 you cannot go wrong with the X-Caliber.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Yarra - You Yangs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very nicely put together bike. Great colour. Great Fox fork. Good specs for the price. Good quality Bonty parts.
Weaknesses:
I have had a few flats already. A couple from paunctures through the Bonty Jones tyres and a couple because the rim tape was poorly applied (easily fixed).
Similar Products Used:
Kona 2-9, Haro Mary XC
Bike Setup:
Stock but upgraded cranks to LX ones I had lying around
Bottom Line:
OK, so this review is for the 2008 model with the Fox F29 (G2) fork and Deore hydro brakes. I love this bike. I have been very tempted to buy a full sus 26er for a while as that is what most of my riding buddies ride but decided on the 29er so i could pull a trailer and do some camping trips with the kids. I am really glad I did. I love the way this bike feels. The steering is much more resposive than my cross bike or rigid ss 26er (bordering om twitchy). It did take a while to master the steering on the bike too as I seemed to oversteer corners on my first few rides but I have it sorted now and love the way it feels. Low and high speed stability is great. And the bike just fits well.
It is a bit harder to get the 29er wheels rolling (compared to my cross bike anyway) but once they are going nothing seems to stop them.
I recommend this bike if your riding needs are varied but you still want a competant trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from reading, pa. Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
blue marsh
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
spokes hamburg, pa.
Strengths:
great climber, alot of speed on any descent. goes thru water, mud, logs with ease. like having a 4x4 mt. bike. you'll never want to go back to a 26" bike. took out my full suss trek when my 29 was in 4 a 6 month tuneup, it was like a tricycle. i love the cockpit of a 29er
Weaknesses:
would go with hydraulic brakes instead of the bb7 mechanical brakes that come stock.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i love this bike. great ride. simply sweet. get a29er.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray W
a Racer
from Puyallup Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Skookum Flats
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Rainier Cycles
Strengths:
Quality of construciton. Reliable components, Well spec'd for the price. Genisis Geometry
Weaknesses:
???
Similar Products Used:
this is my first 29'er
Bike Setup:
Stock, no reason to change anything
Bottom Line:
It was a big decision to try a 29'er for me. Glad I did. I have not experienced any of the negatives you may read about, (slow accerleration, slow cornering, whatever). This bike climbs. Actually it outclimbs. The longer contact patch from the bigger tires provides noticably better traction in corners and climbing. You can even get away with standing up on climbs in lose dirt without spinning out and foot dabbing. You'll also cruise through deep sand and water while maintaining more momentum. You'll notice a lot more momentum going over / through roots, logs, and rock gardens. As far as the components go, I've been very pleased. I already have Sram on my other bikes. I haven't been able to cake enough mud on the cassette to keep it from shifting. It shifts everytime. I really like the fork, had a problem with an inner seal a few laps into a 24hr race but the folks at RockShox took very good care of me. The only thing I would consider changing is 7 or 8 inch rotors. The bigger wheels could use the extra stopping power. The wheelset is actually nicer than I expected. The spoke tension is higher than I've seen from other wheelsets (mavic). I did end up tensioning them up after the first few rides. I think this is critical to avoid the problems folks have had with the tire rubbing the frame. I raced this bike in a 24hr. earlier this year. I was riding 1hr. 12 min laps, blew a seal in the fork and had to switch to my back up bike (with standard 26inch wheels) I ended up riding 1hr. 20min laps on this bike. I ended up doing half my laps on the 29'er the other half on my back up bike. I realize this isn't a scientific test but I think it is indicative of the difference in momentum between the two wheel sizes. The best part of all though, I always smile when I think about riding this bike, and it's all grins out on the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Wakefield, Ma, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Private Sale
Strengths:
This bike climbs and descends very well. Much better than I expected. The Reba fork is also a great performer. I had a 100mm 26" version on a previous bike, but the 29" 80mm feels much smoother.
Weaknesses:
Front derailleur clearance. Chain suck (Bonty crank). Handling at very slow speeds.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first 29er.
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock. I put a WTB Motoraptor 2.1 on the rear and it has eliminated all the tire clearance issues it had.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great value for an avid mountain biker looking to try bigger wheels. Handling at slower speeds isn't exactly quick or sharp, but get these wheels rolling and its a blast. The faster this bike goes the more fun it is. Climbing is decent as well. The big wheels dig in and hold on. This bike puts a smile on my face every time I'm on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Cullen
a Racer
from Grosse Pointe Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere i can get
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
American Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
29er, in combination with the Genisis technology
Weaknesses:
rear tire clearance
Similar Products Used:
all fisher xc bikes as well a trek xc bikes
Bike Setup:
X-cal 185mm front disc conversion xt front derailer x-9 rear lx cassette
Bottom Line:
This bike and I have been through alot. Im extremly tough on bikes (i'm 6'7").
I stretched my chain the first day I rode the bike. It was SRAM if that means anything. I switched it out for a Shimano, then the next day the rear derailer went, turns out the SRAM cassette in the rear had plastic spacers, and the were toasted after the initial construction of the bike. I went LX because the guys at the bike shop got me it for free. Next thing to go was the front derailer, it had to be bent in order to shift. After that I rode and raced it a little, and managed to over torque my middle chain ring and bend the hell out of it. I got fed up and spent my next pay check on a few up grades. Nothing ever was wrong with the brakes I just wanted the big rotor look and stoping power up front. So with the purchase of the new toys, X-9, XT new rings... my bike turned out pretty well.
The thing is an absolute beast I have been over boulders and logs that would have eaten up and beginner rider like myself on a 26 inch bike. Water is also no object. It crosses 3 ft of water like its riding hard pack.
As for the geometry... The inch longer top tube and shorter chain stays tuck the rear tire well underneath the seat and create a ton of traction. No longer do I slip on every little incline or sand/gravel patch I hit. The 29er specific geometry change is the drop in bottom braket placment. The big wheels allow for the drop and it lowers the center of gravity. It feels more comfortable balance wise then a 26".
The bike is perfect. Everything works now. And you cannot beat big tires, and Genisis geometry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wesley Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR, USA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kessler's
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Fayetteville Bicycle Company
Strengths:
The greatest strength of this bike is the fact that it's a 29er. Climbs, descents, and pedaling are made so much easier with a bigger wheelbase. After riding the 29er, it's highly unlikely you'll ever go back to a standard Mt. Bike. When I first starting riding the X-Caliber, I felt like I was on an actual Mt. Bike, something that was made for trails. On my old KHS, I've had several problems with clearing logs, rocks and roots. Stuff I had never been able to clear is now made easy with my new bike. It's very plush and the fact that it's a hardtail doesn't really matter. I've ridden full-suspension bikes, and the X-Caliber feels every bit as plush as anything I've ever ridden for a hardtail.
Weaknesses:
I've only had this bike for a month and am already wanting to switch out the pedals. I'm not too hot on the shifters, either. I've ridden about nine times and am already have problems with the front derailleurs.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Caffeine 29er
Bike Setup:
2003 KHS ALITE 500, 2007 Gary Fisher X-Caliber
Bottom Line:
I would definitely buy this bike again. 29er is the only way to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from scituate,ma.usa Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
cohassett cycle sports
Strengths:
Fast,Cool looking,Good fit for a tall guy,Great value. Its a 29er!
Weaknesses:
not alot of rear-tire clearance. speced tire rubbed sometimes and didnt get enough traction in the conditions i ride. replaced tires and pedals right away. paint has chipped a little too easily.
Similar Products Used:
none...my first mountain bike
Bike Setup:
mostly stock except tires, better Shimano pedals, new Race-Face Deus 180mm crankset(I have long legs).
Bottom Line:
I am new to mountain biking. After monthes of test rides and reviewing, this is the bike I chose as my first. I am 6'2" 195lbs. The 26" bikes I tried felt like kid's bikes to me,perhaps being used to road riding. I decided a 29er was the way to go for me. Mostly looking to trail ride for fitness,and wanting a versitile ride,I decided to go hardtail. The X-cal fit into my budget and the large size I test rode fit me nice. I don't have alot of experience and my riding isnt very technical. But I have been riding hard and fast 4 times per week for the last year...sun,rain, and snow. This bike has yet to fail me once. Slippage issues went away with a tire upgrade and I am planning on a few more upgrades to lighten 'er up a bit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from West Bend, WI Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ice Age
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Moraine
Strengths:
Excellent climber. Stock set up will easily keep you on the trail. Front suspension handles rocks and roots even for a heavier rider.
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel not centered in frame and rubbed paint off frame. Returning to shop for diagnostics, possible new frame needed. A problem with some 29er's is the flex that will cause the wheel to rub, even if it is centered, on hard climbs. One of GF/Trek fixes is to change the tire size from a 2.25 to a 2.1. Grips are slippery when wet. Electrical cable ties holding down cables to fork and frame, very hillbilly.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except replaced grips with Ergons.
Bottom Line:
I've ridden a FS for eight years and was contemplating a new FS but fell in love with 29er. I love being back on a hard tail and the climbing capabilites of the bike is awesome. This bike has really increased my confidence on trails and hills. The frame problem is definitely a bummer and hope my shop/GF will get it fixed quickly but I love the 29er and so will you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from rhode island Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
lincoln woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
goodales bike shop, nashua NH
Strengths:
A good bike for climbing, especially in loose conditions.
Weaknesses:
Of all the mountain bikes I have owned (listed here), this is by far the most unstable. It performed well on the flats and on mild terrain. However, it did not handle well at all on the tight, twisty, rocky, and steep terrain that I ride. Moreover, keeping the rear wheel aligned was a real problem. The rear tire (which came with the bike)would rub against the frame and eat away at it. In terms of design, there is very little space between the rear wheel and the frame. The bike shop I bought it at also recognized that other x-calibers had had difficulty in maintaining the rear wheel aligned.
A good climbing bike for mild trails (in part due to the 29er wheels), but an inadequate one for agressive technical riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a
from Milwaukee, WI, USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
World Cycle, Boise
Strengths:
29" does have its advantages, especially for us over 6'. The weight is decent for this price point, and the componentry has been suitable as well. I have had a bit of rear derailluer (sp) missing, but that ought to be easily fixed. The X-Cal is the bargain of the bunch when it comes to 29ers. I compared this to the Paragon and really didn't see the advantage of $300 more cost. The shop I bought from was also very helpful. I highly recommend World Cycle out of Boise. VERY knowledgeable and passionate about biking.
Weaknesses:
None Yet.
Bottom Line:
Best bang for the buck I could find. Highly recommended. World Cycle, too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Temecula, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
cychopath bike shop-Temecula, CA
Weaknesses:
*updated* Seems that the front derailleur is "NOT UPGRADABLE". GF/Trek would not take an XT front derailleur from stock for the Paragon and sell it as a replacement for a Deore that i wrecked. I cant blame them for that actually, especially since apparently there are NO MORE LEFT. According to the bike shop i purchased this bike from, not only can you not upgrade the front derailleur on this bike (because shimano/sram no longer manufactures one that fits), the Paragon will now be issued w/ a Deore front derailleur as well,instead of the XT that they advertise. ....WOW, is this bad design/planning on the part of GF/Trek.
Also: The cassette on this bike is junk. It failed and was replaced after one month of heavy use.
Bike Setup:
.......well, guess what kind of front derailleur i'm using (insert heavy rolling of the eyes here).
Bottom Line:
As i said in my previous review, its a great frame. I really like the genesis geometry, but Ive gotta admit, Im pretty disappointed in the fact that im stuck w/ a Deore front derailleur for the life of the bike, or at least until a manufacturer designs/re-issues a better one that will fit this bike.
Ive tried to contact GF about this several time through their online site and got no response. I guess they feel that if they cant offer an optomistic answer, the question isnt worth answering at all.
$ 1379.99
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating: