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Gary Fisher
Fat Possum XT
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Average Rating
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4.21/5
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# of Reviews
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19
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MSRP
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$ 2640.00
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Weight
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More Products from Gary Fisher
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Description:
- 150mm travel
- 6061 T6 aluminum swingarm
- RockShox Pike 409 Dual Air fork
- Shimano M-580 XT front derailleur
- Bontrager Race Disc wheelsystem
- Shimano M520 ATB clipless pedals
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Submitted by
Tim Sabourin
a Weekend Warrior
from la canada, CA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | sunset ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | pasadena cyclerly | | Strengths: | bombs down Hills. comfortable on rough trails. OK climber. shocks are great and the stand over height makes for fast exits when you need to bail. | | Weaknesses: | Bontagger Crank sucks, makes a lot of noise, doesn't shift good. Bontagger big earl tires where not impressive. Problems with rear rim. | | Similar Products Used: | none this is my 1st MTB | | Bike Setup: | stock except for seat and tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike has potential. I need to change the crank and rear rim before they drive me crazy. the bike looks cool. Thank God my Bike shop has a 1 year service plan, They are working hard on my bike to keep it running. I DO LOVE BOMBING DOWN STEP ROCKY LOOSE SINGLE TRACKS WITH DROPS. THIS BIKE WORKS GREAT FOR THAT. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leifgren
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | Climbs really well, drivetrain is pretty good for the price, suspension work well for me. Geometry just works for me. I love the narrow bars. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks! I put off reviewing this bike for almost a year just to give them a shot. Then I had my left crank fall off on me while riding yesterday. Luckily I carry a tool and was able to put it back on, but it looked a little stripped out. Going to pull my XT cranks off of my hardtail and put em on. Also, the 6" rotors seem a little weak to me. That's an easy fix with the Hayes brackets you can buy though, so no biggie. Brake levers could be less of a "V" shape so they reach closer to the end of the bars. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension, but I've ridden a bunch of friends' bikes, including Nomads and RFXs, and no way is there a couple grand worth of diference. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Throwing on the XT cranks this week, and hopefully getting some bigger rotors soon. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike brand new, sight unseen, solely based on the reviews and Gary Fisher's reputation. I'm so stoked a took the leap of faith. The bike geometry is dialed for me (5'11" 165 lbs., size Medium frame). I've traded bikes with friends during rides (SC Nomads, Hecklers and built Kona Dawgs), and I couldn't wait to trade back. The cranks almost ruined my first ride back at Whiting since the fires, but luckily I had a tool. I got a ridiculous deal on mine, so 5 chilis all around. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pmrider
a Downhiller
from CO
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | It jumps well | | Weaknesses: | Gary Fisher missed the pivot point- w/ the air shock it had to be run very firm for me not to be sitting in the middle of the travel and bottom out all the time- then w/ a firm setting the bike was all over the place- my old 4-banger was way plusher then this bike- lots of flex- felt more like a 80mm XC bike then an all mountain bike | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit, Schwin 4banger, | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike sucked- the only good thing it did was jump- w/ the airshock pumped up hard the bike was compact enough in the cockpit and really jumped well- but other then that it really was not fun to ride- could't handle rough trails- and made my 170mm bullit feel like a dirtbike in comparsion | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kmoo1302
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego ca
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | noble canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | trek san diego | | Strengths: | as I am getting back into the sport after a 5 yr lay off, All I can say is "my things have changed'. float shock is great as is the swinger in back, brakes are also nice once you get used to the touchiness(?). | | Weaknesses: | As for the afore mentioned crank set, I have had no problems so far, check it before and after every ride( I,m 56 yrs old and don't heal like them youngins do). | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS1, GT XCR1ooo | | Bike Setup: | stock except for new seat,longer stem, and crank bros platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | as I stated I'm a little long in the tooth to be doing big drops , but so far this bike is great, no repairs in the first 150-200 miles and my back is still working like it should. for
xc and some down hill this bike is the ticket. And the frame is MADE IN AMERICA!!!!!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC US
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Arizona Retailer | | Strengths: | The Fat Possum XT is great BUT: | | Weaknesses: | Fisher / Trek need to recall the Bontrager Race GXP Crank that comes on this bike. Others (read reviews of the crank) have had their left crank arm loosen, strip or come off. My son had this happen last week almost resulting is a nasty accident. PLEASE REPORT THIS TO THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFELY COUNCIL AT: http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html
Mine is in the shop now - dealer says they have seen 3 in the past 2 weeks and are asking Trek/Fisher to replace the crank. It's time they dealt with this properly before someone is badly hurt. | | Bottom Line: | Bontrager Race GXP Crank is a safety hazard!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Valencia, Ca., USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | I've got a few | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Passadena Cyclery | | Strengths: | I bought this bike for the price.
It's a good do anything bike. I've ridden it in 100+ degree dry weather and in the rain on muddy trails and it handled both really well. I've taken it up/ down fire roads, hit bmx tracks and neighborhood jumps, and ridden to the mall with my wife.
It's a good climber (I usually do winding single track). I'm not sure if you would want to take it on any hard bombing runs but it handles what I put it through like a champ (the highest drops I take are around 4 feet).
I bent the cool 06' General Lee orange frame and Gary Fisher replaced it with the plain 07' gray one. | | Weaknesses: | My first frame bent. But I have to say that Gary Fisher was really good about replacing it.
Some lateral movement from the rear (not too bad though).
I HATE the Bontrager crank set because it keeps coming loose. It really ruins the whole experience for me.
| | Similar Products Used: | Chumba, Yeti | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Like I said before, I bought this bike for the price and I GOT WHAT I PAID FOR(that crank set really sucks).
It's fun and it suits me for now.
It's a great value for the $1600 I dropped.
If you are looking for a bike to have fun on, 4 or 5 times per week, in just about any condition this bike is for you.
If you are a serious rider and want a xc race bike or a hardcore hucking machine, look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Wethersfield
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | West Hartford Res. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | EBay | | Strengths: | Single pivot rear, Fork, Geometry, Color, Components except for the front derailure. | | Weaknesses: | Rear swing arm flexes easily | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 25, Diamondback, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Kenda Nevgals, Easton Bar and low rise stem for better climbing | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the most fun bike I have owned. Bombs downhill, Climbs great with my fat a$$ on it. Great all around bike. If you can only afford one bike this should be the one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Bercaw
a Weekend Warrior
from Rocklin, California, USA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Culvert, to Confluence | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's | | Strengths: | Awsome paint, Perfect suspension set-up for me, XT works well, Fork impressive, Rear suspension works well with very little suspension bob | | Weaknesses: | Lateral rear stiffness is not what i would like it to be, BB HT a little high | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Quad XC | | Bike Setup: | Stock with WTB gel seat | | Bottom Line: | Excellent all around bike takes my crashin' and keeps on bashin' still has excellent paint | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Krazy Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Morton, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Comlara | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | some guy I found who wanted to sell one on craigslist (you should try it) | | Strengths: | light-ish(for what it's intended to do)
works well as a XC bike
looks pretty cool
good travel for XC
comfortable | | Weaknesses: | stock seat is uncomfortable(that's easy to fix though)
Not great for huge drops (bigger than 7 ft) | | Similar Products Used: | tried my uncle's HiFi | | Bike Setup: | all stock except rockshox pike 409 fork and specialized seatpost | | Bottom Line: | Overall it's a great bike for most anything that will come at you in freeride or XC. The 6 in travel is very nice. I LOVE IT!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G N
a Weekend Warrior
from Wellington, Fl. USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park, Sunrise, Fl. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels of Wellington | | Strengths: | The bike is much lighter than it appears. The bike really is a beast on the trails. I ride at Markham Park often, and anyone riding in South Florida knows how technical those trails are. This bike handles well all around. Grips on every climb with ease, and handles like a dream on the way down. The 6" of travel on rear suspension make the difference on the landing, along with the Pike front susp. Easy adjustments on the suspension for your favorite ride. I like the thru-axle on the front quick disconnect. Smooth shifting too. Good choice on the tires as well. Every time I go to the trails and unload my beast, it turns many heads. The bike is a true beauty. The paint job, and color make it a real eye-catcher. The old pic on the Fisher site does not do it justice. It is a must see. | | Weaknesses: | None yet, still beating on the bike. I've read the other reviews reference the cranks. I haven't experienced that yet, and hoepfully I won't. So far, so good. The plastic flats that clicked into the egg-beaters finally came off on the trails, and useless end caps on the grips as well. Put plugs in to cover up the holes. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Iron Horse Warrior, Specialized Stump Jumper, Giant whatever. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Gary Fisher Fat Possum XT | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a superior deal once the new Possums came out. It's like buying a car, just wait for new models to announce release, then get the one left over from the factory. I recommend this bike to any weekend warrior who really wants to enjoy their ride, especially if your approaching middle age; full suspension is key.
This will most likely be the last bike I purchase, as it is all I need. This replaced my Trek 4300 Disk, which I sold to recover a little of the cost.
It did take a while getting used to, as it is a very different feel from my Trek. I'm sure as much as I am riding, wear and tear will take it's toll. Overall I am extremely pleased with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Myron MacNeil
a Cross Country Rider
from Poway, CA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | TREK San Diego | | Strengths: | This is an update to my previous review on the Possum. We took a trip out to Gallup New Mexico to ride their new trails. Awesome experience, great trails! The town could use some upgrades. Bike was bullet proof. I rode my Possum with a Giant NRS C2, an NRS 2, a brand new Titus and a Cannondale. I was the only one not adjusting brakes or suspension. Ha! | | Weaknesses: | Compared to the bikes above the Fat Possum is a heavyweight. Is what it is, Fat. I also noticed an issue with the Genesis geometry (is that the phrase ?). On tight switchbacks there's quite a bit of bike sticking out in front. Makes tight turns a challenge. Not a show stopper, just a technique adjustment. OK, with some of the ridgeline trails it's a challenge, but fun! | | Similar Products Used: | First All Mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | X.0 rear, XT front, X-9 shifters, egg beater pedals, dirt. | | Bottom Line: | I'm no lightweight, 6'1, 220. The Possum rides smooth, the suspension took every rock, tree and mud challenge I in-expertly crashed into. The bike made my trip a GREAT experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington,SC,USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbison State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | adventure cycles AZ | | Strengths: | The gary fisher Fat Possum is a great bike. the pike 409 fork is good for a 4-5 foot drop with 6in. of travle. The manito Slit is a good felling ride with 6in. of travle too.Fisher has done a great paint job. The xt is a really good bike for kids to adults who have racing skills pretty much down. i recomend this bike to everyone that is in its range. | | Weaknesses: | The bontrager crank stinks you always have too keep tightend
Watch out for it!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua F4, Gary fisher Sugar 1, Gary fisher race, | | Bike Setup: | Year 2006
Frame Platinum Series ZR9000 Externally Butted aluminum | Genesis All Mountain Geometry
Rear Shock Manitou Split RPA | Externally adjustable Platform Plus Damping | External rebound
Fork RockShox Pike 409 Dual Air w/Maxle thru-axle | 150mm travel
Headset Aheadset | Semi-cartridge | Sealed
Chainset Bontrager Race GXP 44/32/22
Front Mech Shimano M-580 XT
Rear Mech Shimano M-571 XT
Shifters Shimano M-570 LX
Rims Bontrager Race Disc wheelsystem w/20mm thru-axle
Hubs Bontrager Race Disc wheelsystem
Cassette SRAM PG970 | 11-34 | 9spd
Tyres Bontrager Big Earl 26x2.35 Folding
Brakes Hayes HFX-9 hydraulic disc | 6" rotor
Brake LeversHayes HFX-9 hydraulic disc | 6" rotor
Handle Bar Bontrager Race OS Riser
Stem Bontrager Race OS | 7d rise
Saddle Bontrager Select
Seat Pin Bontrager Select
Pedals
Weight 32.7 lbs.
| | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is the Fat Possum is a lightweight adventure bike with 6” of travel that offers a fun and efficient ride with no boundaries.it is a nice bike for the money and you cant garentee you can go off any drop or downhill | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kris
a Downhiller
from sc
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | legent park, nc | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | adventure cycles,az | | Strengths: | amazing paint, good fork(rock shox pike 409) good rear shox (manitue split air) nice powerful breaks( hayes 9) rims are light(bontrager race disc tubeless) xr rear der*, | | Weaknesses: | for a 3000$ bike u think they could put a little nicer crank, and front der* and it is a little heavey 32.7 lbs other than that it a nice bike allaround | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher sugar 1 full xtr | | Bike Setup: | all the stuff above | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is that it is a nice bike for the money could be up graded a little but. the bike fells solid, give u a lot of confedence, this bike will take any jump, drop of downhill.
just a little heavy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | "Do anything" bike. Not particularly fantastic at any one thing but will handle almost anything. Climbs well. Descends well. Handles well. RockShox Pike is real nice.
A true "all mountain" bike. If you only have enough money to own one bike, I recommend this one or the Santa Cruz Heckler. | | Weaknesses: | Ugh!The stock Bontrager crank set is F-ing worthless. The left arm fell off during mid ride and took all the threads with it. I had only put about 75 miles or so on the bike and never abused or hucked.
See reviews for Bontrager Race GXP. Apparently I'm not the only one who has had problems with the Bontager cranks.
I swapped it out for a shimano XT and never looked back. Still waiting for Bontrager to replace under warranty. Not because I want the crank, but as a punitive measure.
Also wish the rear shock had a lock out feature for hill climbing, but there's very little peddle bob, so whatever. I'll deal with it. | | Similar Products Used: | Foes, Giant, Specialized, Kona | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Gary Fisher Fat Possum XT stock with Shimano XT crank set. | | Bottom Line: | See strengths above.
I would give this bike an over all 5 chili rating if it weren't for the crappy crank set. When will Trek and Fisher realize they need to nix the POS Bontrager cranks?
The reviews for the Bontrager cranks speak for themselves.
Still a damn good value for a damn good bike if you are willing to swap out the crank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Myron MacNeil
a Cross Country Rider
from Poway, CA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | TREK Store San Diego | | Strengths: | Pick one. geometry! Stability! This thing feels like it doesn't want to fall over. | | Weaknesses: | I'm used to a wider handlebar, but I'm getting used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse Hollow Point Expert | | Bike Setup: | Stock XT rear-LX front. Hayes 9 brakes, Rock Shock Pike front shock | | Bottom Line: | I rode my Iron Horse for 3 years. When it was time for a new bike I remembered the LACK of customer service I recieved on the Warrior that I bought my son and went looking for service AND performance. TREK gave me a great deal and the bike rides like a champ. My second ride on it was an up and down at Nobel Canyon. The bike kept me upright even though I wasn't familiar with the trail OR the bike. Impressive. I'll be upgrading the drive train to SRAM X.O. off my Iron Horse soon. The air adjustable front shock is great. The frame is the same as last years and the same as the MUCH more expensive Fat Possum XO. This bike ROCKS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric
a Downhiller
from manitou springs, co usa
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anyone that has my friends on it | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | pro cycling in colorado springs | | Strengths: | deck out with sweet specs, the pike front shock is simple to adjust, bike rides lighter then it looks and actually weighs. | | Weaknesses: | none that i have found | | Similar Products Used: | test road a few; cannondale prophet, giant reign, specialized enduro, ellsworth truth (was not going to buy it, just wanted ride it, and it rode like a champ) trek remedy | | Bike Setup: | stock except switch the pedal to shimano PD-M647 Pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awesome, the color is sooooo purrrrty, climbs better them my gt zaskar and rides better too, can handle 6 foot drops and 35 mile epics a true all mountain bike. i might marry the bike if she will except me, and her dad gary will give me permission. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey
a Downhiller
from leesburg
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | bicyle outfitters | | Strengths: | Awesome bike overall. Light, and strong rear triangle. Tires are huge. Shifters are very nice. color is sweet. Pike front fork kicks a**. | | Weaknesses: | pedels | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Reign 3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, nothing needs to be changed | | Bottom Line: | Ive tanking this think off 5 foot drop to cement (loading docks) many of times and the bike is holding up very well. Recommend for anyone looking to get a full suspension bike. the only thing i would change is to add a rear lock out. The front only had a lockout. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Giustino
a Weekend Warrior
from Wappinger falls, new york, U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | mount beacon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel and heel | | Strengths: | this bike has an amazing ride i work at a shop so i rode it alot before i bought it. It rides lighter than it is, i weighed it at 32. 8 lbs. components are worth the money and climbing with the bike is really good overall an amazing bike. I was going to get the Trek remedy 66 but the gary fisher rides and feels soo different and unique, plus the frame is different than anyone elses offerings. | | Weaknesses: | only weakness is that it does not come with an XT fron derailuer like it says online. Everythign else os perfect | | Similar Products Used: | trek remedy 66 | | Bike Setup: | stock so far | | Bottom Line: | amazing all mountain bike high price is worth it for hand made in the U.S.A. with great components. Great for every sort of condition imaginable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a
from Chico, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | The North Rim Adventure Store | | Strengths: | Amazing bike. Used it for a 20 mile X-country race, with 3k feet of climbing, then went downhilling the next day with 6' drops! Bike does eveything well and it really light for how beefy it is. The pike shock is awsome in the front and completly adjustable. Feels like your looking down at a dirtbike on this one. Brakes are the strongest ive ever felt. | | Weaknesses: | Rear wheal has a little bit of lateral movement, but i guess thats all part of having a full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Adjust it as needed. Super easy to change it from a XC race set up to a downhill bomber. | | Bottom Line: | Top of the line Fisher. Top end components that are well worth the price. Super solid bike, stears great and climbs like no other! Never been diapointed at any time ive been on the bike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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