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4.56/5
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25
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More Products from Gary Fisher
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Description:Frame HiFi Platinum Series 6061 T6 buttet and formed aluminum. Disc specific. G2 Grometry. Asymmetic swingarm with FourBarrel dropout pivots Wheels Bontrager Race Lite Disc. Bontrager Jones XR 26x2.25/2.2 tires Suspension Manitou Minute Super Air w/lockout, 120mm travel. Fox RP23 Camponentry Shimano XTR rear derailleur + LX shofter & front derailleur.
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Submitted by
noot
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, good looks, great geometry | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires, grips | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ Maxxis Crossmark UST | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to replace my stolen 2005 GT Avalanche 0.5. I originally wanted a Commencal Meta 4.2, but they didn't have any left in my size (XL). They had a 2008 Hifi Deluxe in the shop, so I read some reviews. Well, the reviews say it all, this bike is great. Not having ridden much twisty XC/AM stuff for a couple years, this bike has been a great way to get back into it. Somehow, it DOES feel like it wants to climb. The suspension is excellent (be sure to set it up according to your weight), the geometry is perfect. The bike has saved my butt several times, and has given me the confidence to keep pushing. The top tube "curve" is nice... has saved me from a couple close calls :)
I'm 6'6", 210lbs. I haven't done any major jumping, but when I have, the bike takes it no problem. Not sure I would go roof-dropping, but for any XC/AM stuff, I'm far more worried about ME surviving, not my bike :)
I'm far from being a pro rider, but this bike is the best I've ridden. Lighter than my friends hardtails, smoother than my friends full suspension bikes. If you're looking for a perfect all-around bike (other than freeride/etc), this is the one for you. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
drool
a Weekend Warrior
from Carnation Wa
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | St Ed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Single Track Cycles | | Strengths: | Suspension travel. Climbs like a goat. Great on low speed tight single track stuff considering it's a 5 inch travel bike. | | Weaknesses: | Could use a locking rear shock for the price. | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Specialized FSR XC (the bike that was replaced by this one) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Fast Trak Armadillo Elite tires for hard pack, Velociraptors for loose/mud (two sets of wheels) WTB Rocket V saddle, ODI grips, Assorted lizard skin protective stuff, getting a Blackspire big ring protector this week after crashing my chainring really hard. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to upgrade to more suspension travel and an air fork. I was thinking of a Yeti 575 but couldn't find one to test ride. I wanted the SRAM X9 and this bike had it. I test rode it and fell in love. I absolutely love the bike. I have heard stories of this bike ghost shifting but I have never had it happen to me. Maybe it's with a different derailleur setup.
If you're looking at a Specialized Stumpy FS , look at this bike too. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guitarguru13
a Cross Country Rider
from Plattsmouth, NE
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Swanson Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Employee Purchase | | Strengths: | XTR rear, Light weight, love the fox rear suspension and the manitou minute up front, geometry is a plus. i wish mine had a lock out though. | | Weaknesses: | tires, and crank (has some flex, clicks) upgrade to xtr and your gold | | Similar Products Used: | Everything that comes through the shop i ride, so ex8's, 9, 7, a cake 3, a caliber, super caliber, and a fat possum XT to name a few. plus hardtail 29ers...all fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock, waiting on my XTR crank to arive, bar ends, tubeless | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. Unlike everyone else i love the 07 color because it doesn't show scratches very bad. they actually make it look sweeter. the bike sits nice, and the geometry rocks. great everywhere i take it. The rockies...no problem, the Appalacians... no problem, nebraska?...a joke, but hey you got to live somewhere. Climbs better than my hardtail 29er. descends better too, but not a freeride bike like a fat possum. Get this bike and you won't look back, unless your trying to find your buddies out on the trail | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Katie LaRue
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tsali trails, several in The Pisgah area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Youngblood | | Strengths: | Great components, much better control then my last bike, durable, lightweight, all around badass bike! | | Weaknesses: | so far the paint job sucks otherwise I have no complaints | | Similar Products Used: | I had a 1999 Rockhopper A1 fs comp for 9 years | | Bike Setup: | Fox fork and rear suspension, juicy five brakes, shimano xt front and sram rear | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike hard since i bought it. I ride at least 4 times a week for an hour sometimes 2 or 3. I have done one 18 mile race and a 9 mile race today and it has been amazing! I'm faster and have more control then before. Downhills are much easier to ride and i can go faster. I am not "big" jumper but I do get air on occasion and the landing has been great so far! I LOVED my specialized and still do (refuse to part with it) but this bike has improved my riding by a lot. The paint chipped the first day I had it, but honestly, it's a bike who cares? (and I'm a chick, so I should care and I don't) It's the men's version in black size small.
This bike is probably a little much for someone who isn't pretty serious about mountain biking. However, if you love to ride and want to upgrade this is a wonderful option! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris H
a Cross Country Rider
from Negaunee, MI
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Quick Stop Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Tires and seat | | Bike Setup: | E13 Supercharger Bash Ring, Kenda Nevegals 2.35 front and 2.1 rear, Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, and WTB Devo saddle. Next is a Race Face Evolve AM stem to shorten it up a bit more. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review after adding the above parts. The most impressive part of switching these things out are the tires. With the Nevegals this bike tracks on everything from hardpack to wet and muddy rock rides. The Mallets are overkill for xc but for technical rides they offer a stable platform. The Devo is by far better than the Bontrager stock saddle, but is still not perfect. I am slowly but surely pushing the limits of what this bike can handle and it is definitely performing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from West Linn, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | McKenzie River, Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bikes | | Strengths: | Setup is very comfortable, more than any other bike I tested before buying. Very responsive as well. The geometry of the frame makes the bike extremely easy to handle, especially in tight areas. The suspension is very smooth too.
The bike is very lite compared to its equivalents. I was between it and a Fuel EX8 (which was a couple pounds heavier) and a new '07 Cannondale Rush Carbon 3. The Fisher weighed a little less than even the Cannondale, which had the carbon frame and Lefty shock (I really like that shock). My bike in a large frame, stock, was just under 28 pounds. | | Weaknesses: | I do not really see any yet, I am waiting to keep riding and find some--so far I am very pleased. The tires are kind of junky and I am not sure about the saddle; all things to spend more money on. | | Similar Products Used: | Compared to the Rush 3, which is the other bike I was down to, this bike was just a lot more responsive, maneuverable, and very easy to turn. I would compare the Rush to a Cadillac and the HiFi Deluxe to a Corvette. It was just much faster in turns and very responsive to the pedal. | | Bike Setup: | So far, stock. Will eventually be replacing the bars, seatpost, saddle, tires, and maybe the rims. | | Bottom Line: | Everybody has said that test driving a bike is THE must and they are so right. I had a hardtail before this and had to try many things out. The shifters on this bike are fantastic and so are the brakes, they function extremely well. I knew the second I got on that this would be the bike, it just feels very user friendly. It climbs and descends like a champ. The ProPedal on the shock makes climbing much better and it is smooth as silk going down hill.
I ride on the weekends and this was my pricepoint to get into a full suspension. If anybody asked me what bike to get, this would be my first recommendation (and I did a ton or research). In the end, it all comes down to that demo though, I read a lot of great things about a lot of great bikes. I think most all of the reviews were true, companies are making great bikes these days. The HiFi was for me, it fit like a glove.
Go Fisher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nathan powers
a Weekend Warrior
from park city, utah, usa
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | hole in the ground (tahoe, CA), steam donkey (woodside, CA), glenwild loop (park city, ut) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | piece by piece | | Strengths: | wicked handling. light. climbs, floats, and descends like like a ferrari on a triple espresso. elegant refined looks. | | Weaknesses: | huh? | | Similar Products Used: | my late and stolen yeti 575 wishes it handled like this and cost twice as much. not that i did not love my yeti....but,, | | Bike Setup: | recon. crossride wheelset. king headset. xt shadow. raceface evolve crank. fire xc's. easton stem, xc70 post and monkeylite carbons. hayes 10th anniversary carbon discs. | | Bottom Line: | pretty awesome ride. buy it you can but build it if you seek the truth. there is no spoon.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Super Hard
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Australia
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dingo Track Mt Coot-tha | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Plane Cycles | | Strengths: | Great looking bike with amazing turning ability in tight situations, the pro pedal on the rear shock turns this gorgeous machine into a climbing monster. | | Weaknesses: | Keeping it clean around the rear suspension and bottom bracket areas. | | Similar Products Used: | GF Cake, Trek 8500, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | HiFi frame, Hone running gear with XTR front derailleur, Mavic 819 wheelset with crossmark tyres, Fox Vanilla front shock, leopard skin debomb seat, thompson seatpost, fox sp3 rear shock, XT disc brakes with EBC gold pads, lizard skin lockon grips. AY UP MTB light set for night riding. | | Bottom Line: | I get so excited thinking about my ride that I almost can't sleep at nights.
I got the HiFi as a replacement frame after i cracked the frame on the GF Cake four times. Gary Fisher and my LBS have been fantastic with warranty and have become a life long customer to both.
I thought my Cake was an excellent XC/freeride bike until I got on the HiFi. It was dolby stereo surround sound in the forest that very first day. Handling, turning, and climbing are all outstanding. My riding buddies comment that my fitness has improved, but honestly its the bike that has made me a better all round rider.
Apart from some awkward spots on the rear of the bike when it comes to cleaning it down, I haven't got anything but praise for the HiFi. However, after my frame cracking experience with the Cake, I nervous check out the frame after each ride. I'm 95kgs and naturally I am a bit harder on the bike. In defence of the CAKE, my mate Soft Hands also owns a CAKE at 72kgs, he has never had anything break or fall apart on his Cake which he still rides today.
Great bike that would suit many riders who push there riding beyond cross country.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Racer
from Asheville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | All Bent Creek Trails! | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Demoed at Youngblood Bikes | | Strengths: | Bike is sooo light, avids stop you on a dime - the larger front rotor is a nice touch, moderately nice components, GEOMETRY!, this thing can climb hills like you wouldn't imagine!!, fast...fast...fast bike... | | Weaknesses: | Seat, grips & tires. I will immediately replace these as soon as I convince myself I have the $$ for this bike. If you buy this bike, I would also say you should expect to budget for a nice seat, set of grips and tires too. The stock ones suck. Period. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I demoed the 2008 HiFi Deluxe today, and it is one damn sexy machine. First of all, I don't know what they were thinking last year with that weird sea-green color... They got it right this year though, and this bike is some damn fine eye candy - all black with white decals, silver components and the lovely metallic blue of fox suspension.
You can't buy a bike just cause it looks pretty though. So I demoed it, and this bike rides exponentially better than it looks!!! I have never had so much fun on a bike before! Right now I own a 2003 Tassajara disc that I've souped up and raced many times, and the HiFi blows my old bike away! I guess that should go without saying.
It turns on a dime, and yes, the slow speed handling is definitely noticeable and awesome. I'm convinced that this bike climbs better than my old hardtail... and that's saying a lot! This bike climbs like there's somethin pushing it! You can really crank it and you don't really feel the rear shock move at all!
Did I mention it's damn sexy?
This is just my first impression, but it's the best damn first impression I've ever had with a bike. Kinda infatuated.
Oh yea...and this bike hauls ass! Before you know it, you'll be goin so damn fast you might enter shock. And when you're goin that fast, you'll still be able to turn on a dime and maneuver the bike any way you please.
This bike is awesome. As a Fisher fan to begin with, I love the new geometry, and I love how the bike just feels. Now all I have to do is convince myself I can spend a couple grand.... hmmm......
I cannot rave about this bike enough. (except for the lame seat, tires and grips - which are really a non-issue)
This bike is perfect for those who want a super fast, light trail bike that can take some serious hits and moderate drops! Definitely not full downhill or free ride material though.
I'm sad I have to give it back tomorrow. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris H,
a Cross Country Rider
from Negaunee, MI
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gorgeous | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Quick Stop Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Slow speed handling, component spec, weight, stability at speed. | | Weaknesses: | TIRES!!! I hate these tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel EX8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Yep, even the saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome for the type of riding I do...a little bit of everything. It tracks well, climbs well, descends well, and is just fun to ride. I cannot beleive how well it handles in the tightest spots at the lowest speeds. My only complaint is the tires. The Bontragers are pretty much useless when on anything but dry hardpack. I will be replacing the Jones with Nevegal 2.35s or the Excavators ASAP.
If you are looking for a lightweight speed machine then this is your steed. Looking for something to handle some light all mountain stuff then this is it...but do yourself a favor and get some different tires! I am a clydesdale at 225 and I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockville, MD
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This is an update to my review from 3/27 - I guess my comment about now component failures was premature. | | Weaknesses: | On an easy cross country ride this morning both chain stays snapped off just aft of the pivot. While I am a big guy (230#) and I do ride aggressively, I am doing the type of riding for which this bike is advertised. I do not hit massive drop offs or little ones for that matter. In fact, if there is ever more than 6" of air between my tires and the ground it was not intentional and will probably end badly. | | Bottom Line: | When the HiFi is not in the shop waiting for warranty parts (assuming that this is a warranty claim - the LBS was not very supportive when I dropped off the bike this afternoon) it is a good handling bike and a pleasure to ride. Unfortunately, this is the third time in 3 years that I have lost my Fisher bike to rear suspension failures (the first two were with a Cake). The first year it took over 4 months to get my bike repaired, the second year I was without a bike for 8-10 weeks and today they just quoted my 6-8 weeks.
While it is nice that (at least so far) GF has stood behind their products with a solid warranty, I would much rather be riding than telling you about their wonderful warranty. When I do get my bike back from the shop it is going up for sale - I need a bike that is durable enough for the type of riding that I do and obviously that will not be a Gary Fisher product.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tribble Mill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2279.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Extremely light, handles well, adjustable rebound, great shifting, stops very well with the avid juicy brakes | | Weaknesses: | Avid Juicy 5 makes slight noise in the front because the pads are not aligned quite right. I have managed to get some of the noise out just by using front brakes more and re-aligning caliper but there is still a slight problem. It does not compare to the noise I was getting out of the regular HiFi which was like blowing a whistle the entire ride. The paint on this bike scratches really quick. The shifters are easy to trip on while climbing. The seat hurts at first. The grips are very thin. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher HiFi | | Bike Setup: | Stock except pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike. I have put it through a lot and even found out it floats in quick streams (I fell while trying to cross on the bike). It handles well, the brakes stop on a dime, and the suspension is responsive and adjustable to any degree required. The grips are really thin so my big hands feel awkward, and the seat was horrible in the beginning. Now I'm used to it. The bike goes uphill and downhill as if it has a motor. I have no problems climbing and love the quick downhills. I don't like the finish being so easy to scratch and the chainring is very easy to mess up. Overall this bike is a pleasure to ride. It is light, agile, and makes me want to go to the trails every day. I would say this bike is overkill for the novice and great for the advanced rider but if you have the money to spend at least try out the bike because it is definitely worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john sharp
a Cross Country Rider
from pacific grove, ca
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Goat Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bro's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Slow speed handling is excellent, fox suspension is more than adequate, drivetrain gets the job done. Climbs well and handles the rough stuff beter than advertised. | | Weaknesses: | Avid's squeaked like crazy despite adjustments.
Seat had to be replaced after one ride ( I'm still sore)
Tires were swapped out before ever riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3 (2003) Would still be rockin it if it had not been stolen. | | Bike Setup: | Stock (except Eggbeaters, Exiwolf 2.1s and old WTB seat) | | Bottom Line: | Sweet Ride. Handled some rocky, technical terrain in both Fruita and Moab easily. I felt like the bike wanted to climb and really did not need to mess with the propedal or lock out the fork on long climbs. Descended very well and the suspension felt plush. The slow speed handling of this ride was 10 times better than my old Sugar and really was noticeable right out of the gate. The Avids did the job but the squealing drove all of us nuts. Gary does need to start spec'ing better seats/tires but overall I am more than satisfied and feel like it performs as well as advertised. Cross country riders and those who like long epic rides should consider buying the HI FI. Will review again after putting more miles on her. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Revolution | | Strengths: | (1) Out of the box the handling was outstanding. This bike replaced a GF Cake that required trying a few different bar/stem combos that I liked.
(2) This bike has proven to be extremely durable. I weigh 240+ when geared up and with a full years of abuse on very rocky trails I have not experienced a single component failure. In two years with my Cake I had numerous frame/suspension issues. | | Weaknesses: | (1) Factory tires are beyond attrocious! Inexcusable.
(2) The bottom bracked is about 0.700" lower than on the Cake. I now find myself clipping a lot more rocks/branches than on my old bike even after a full year of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | GF Cake | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 180MM XT Crankset (which also contributes to my ground clearance issues) | | Bottom Line: | After 2 years of frame/suspension issues with my Cake and some very slow warranty service from the factory I was pretty much done with GF. I called the factory and when a rep went through my warranty record as saw the number of problems that I had experienced they replaced my Cake with a brand new HiFi Deluxe. I was impressed that they took that action but still not won over yet because if the HiFi had performed like my Cake, it would have spent as much time in the shop as in my garage. I can now say that after a year of hard riding on the HiFi that not only does GF stand behind their product, they can also build a great handling FS ride that is well built and durable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Shabat
a Cross Country Rider
from Toccoa, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Frady Branch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworks Inc. | | Strengths: | Update from November 2007 - This bike only gets better as time goes by! Singletrack, forest service roads, and rock gardens are no match for the Hifi deluxe. The crank is solid, the shock and fork turned out even better than I expected. I can do anything I want to with this bike! You can't ask for more than that. | | Weaknesses: | Let's see, I am a short guy at 5'7" so I bought a small - and a 24 oz. water bottle doesn't easily fit into the bottle cage on the inside of the frame triangle. That's about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel EX8 | | Bike Setup: | As it was from the start, stock except for the pedals. Let me tell ya, thank goodness I got away from SPD years ago cause it's just too darn hard to deal with in sub-prime conditions. | | Bottom Line: | If you are not taking your bike off cliffs (or if you are and don't care what happens to you or your bike) this bike can do anything. You won't be left unsatisfied. The ride is so plush that I'd replace my living room couch with it, if my wife wouldn't kill me over it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frazier
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro,NC USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Angler's Ridge & Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Paceline | | Strengths: | Great Bike, Very good on single tracks. No problems with any of the components so far(over 1200 miles). Most of the folks I ride with have tried out my bike and love it(one has a GT I Drive the other a Fuel EX9). | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel EX8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike!!! I highly recomend this bike if you like to ride single tracks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Shabat
a Cross Country Rider
from Toccoa, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Frady Branch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworks, Duluth, GA | | Strengths: | Lightweight frame and components, Interesting Geometry, Long Travel Fork (for what I do), Highly Adjustable Shock (you don't HAVE TO make it use all 5" of travel) | | Weaknesses: | I'd have preferred a straight handlebar, so the acclimitization to the change in geometry wouldn't also include compensating for a riser bar. The tires leave a lot to be desired (even 2 different bike shops had big trouble helping me go tubeless - and I wonder if I'll ever be able to repair a flat on the trail without a high-volume air compressor like we have at the bike shop). | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Full suspension. I worked my way up. I still don't have a "racing" bike, but if I can do anything my courage will let me do, my strength and speed will follow. I believe this bike will not hold me back at all. | | Bike Setup: | stock except pedals, Eggbeater Candy - yellow- to match the decals (ain't that cute). | | Bottom Line: | Buy one. They got even better with a Fox front end for 2008. When I turn on the propedal to full - I can, and do, climb trails that have everyone I saw in my last adventure race - hike-a-biking. I don't think it's just skill, cause I remember carrying my old Novarra hardtail up those hills I was riding on my HiFi. If you don't buy this bike, consider the new Trek Fuel models (with the new rear suspension setup). I have had Novarra (REI) and Cannondale - but Gary's team really got something right with this HiFi. I don't know what it is, but my confidence is stronger. My riding is more aggressive. I don't give up until my body's beat - and that's before the bike wants to quit. I can't ask for more than that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Botten
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tokai or Sedgefield | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bowmans | | Strengths: | Light, great handling after you get used to the direct steering, stable. | | Weaknesses: | I had ghost shifting but sorted it out by shortening the cable casing,2mm, that links the swingarm and frame and not attching the cable in the last attachment point on the frame. Paint chips and scratches easily. Jiucy 5s need constant adjustments. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Titus motolite and Trek fuel8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, shock pumped 110psi and forks about the same, I weigh 90kg. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is amazing, climbes brilliantly, handles the singletrack with ease and is stable on fast downhills. I am going to try metal back disk pads as in winter the standard ones only last me a month. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Genjutsushi
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds, UK
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dalby Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Chevin Cycles, Otley, UK | | Strengths: | This bike is Lightweight. By far the lightest full susser that ive come across and consequently nails every climb. It doesnt feel unsubstantial on descents, but agile and controllable (as soon as you adjust to the handling).
The forks perform brilliantly, as does the ProPedal on the rear shock which eliminates bob on hard climbs
The G2 geometry is also fantastic for slow, considered, winding technical track. | | Weaknesses: | The clearance on the bottom bracket is sometimes a little tight for the type of riding i do, and ive found myself catching on rocks that my old trek used to clear without too much hassle.
The paint work is getting very quickly damaged as well and could have been more robust.
Big problem for UK riders - there is no way (that i have yet found) to attach a crud catcher on the main frame, so ive come home from every ride plastered in mud.
Stock tyres are appalling. Change em quick. Similarly the handlebar grips are worth changing at the earliest possible juncture to someting larger and easier to hold on to. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full squish. Old bike was a Trek 4700 hardtail with horrendous forks. | | Bike Setup: | As stock but with Panaracer XC Fire Pro tyres, Yeti grips, rear crud catcher, CatEye wireless Computer. | | Bottom Line: | The major factor that stopped me from looking at Full Sussers before was my perception that the weight was much greater, and the flex in the frame would reduce the amount of power in each stroke of the pedals. This bike has totally changed my mind. It is perfect for cross country riding i prefer, and for more substantial mountain exploits.
The forks supplied with this range are bespoke to accomodate the G2 geometry, but that is a great advantage as if you do not want or like the G2, then swapping to another fork would move the geometry back to 'regular' Gary Fisher / Trek territory.
The accessories on this bike leave a little to be desired however. As stated above in the weaknesses, ive found the contact points on the bike frame a little cheap (tyres, grips, saddle).
I'd definately reccommend this bike for anyone looking for a lightweight full susser for cross country and technical rides. I dont do freeriding, or big downhills, and i think this bike wouldnt really be suited to that sort of rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Ball
a Cross Country Rider
from Kennesaw, GA, Cobb
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tanasi | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Offset fork provides turning on a dime and superb control at slower speeds. Weight and "G2" Geometry of bike makes it an awesome climber. New 07 Shimano LX shifters are nice - option to fingershift or thumbshift! Avid Juicy 5's are awesome, after coming off of a Trek 4500. | | Weaknesses: | Offset fork makes me feel as though I'm about to go over the handlebars at faster speeds when braking and doing switchbacks (I'm 6'0" 200lb - maybe i could have swapped the 90mm stem for a 100mm to solve this???) Geometry of bike is ok on downhills, but unable to lift up front end at will if need to ride the rear wheel over obstacles or if need to suddenly hop off a skinny log (i found out the hard way several times). Bontrager crankset seemed to be defective - I rode the bike on singletrack 10 times and 9 times the chain fell off when downshifting from middle chainring to low gear and climbing a hill (not at the same time, for those of you who think it may have been pilot error). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel EX8, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Atlanta cycling has been very patient and cooperative with me and was willing to swap out the defective crankset with a Shimano Deore LX; but weighing all the factors - constant chain slippage, feeling as though i was going to be thrown over the handlebars, unable to lift the front end at will...I decided to trade the HiFi DLX for the Trek Fuel EX8. I am much happier now. Maybe the HiFi DLX just wasn't made for my style of riding. I actually preferred my $500 Trek 4500 over the HiFi DLX - believe it or not! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | South Mountain - Phoenix | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light Weight, Tubeless, XTR Rear, Wheels, Seat | | Weaknesses: | No Handlebar mount for Propedal lockout, have to reach down to turn it on/off. GHOSTSHIFTING. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Iron Horse Warrior Elite, Haro, Proflex 454, Trek Y, GF Cake | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ Tubeless | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! I've used this in a beginner level Race, training and several fun-rides over the last month. Its a blast to ride, and the new fork rake is a non issue - works great for me. Unfortunately, after 100 miles, I've got a loose link somewhere within the rear linkage. I'm sure the shop will fix that up though. Did I mention Ghost shifting? I thought I'd get away from Ghost shifting with this linkage system, but I guess not. It must be something inherent with all Full Bounce bikes. I've owned a lot of them over the years and they all had shifting issues. This bike gets only 4 chilis because of the loose linkage and the ghosting, other than that it is a great ride with tons of travel for such a light rig. It really does feel like a lightweight speedster when you want it to the most. I can't wait to get back on the trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flyin HiFi
a Downhiller
from athens ohio USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Big Bear lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Athens Bicycle | | Strengths: | light, stiff, strong, climbing, decending, value, new xtr rear derailer, tubeless from the get go, and a whole lot more. | | Weaknesses: | doesent have a beer tap on the handlebar and built in brewary | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, trek fuel, gary fisher x-caliber, trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | just converted it to tubeless, everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike for the price, everything about it is amazing and when i say amazing its an understatement. the bike comes with tubeless tires and rims but ultralight tubes, within 10mins it was tubeless and ready to go. after riding this bike i can tell im so much faster in every aspect of my riding. i race cross country in west virgina and now my weeks feel ten times longer just cuz i cant wait till the next race so i can smoke some little weight weenies on my all mountian bike. it accelerates like a 20lb hardtail and has the ride of a kona stinky(i know cuz i have one). so if you only want one bike in your stable then this is the one to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Pine Plains, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | fairy lake 500 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight, great climber and very nimble on the downhills | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any ye | | Similar Products Used: | fisher cake, sugar, Schwinn homegrown xt | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the geometry. I was a bit hesitant about the new rake and trail set up at first, but the bike really rips. The riding here is all rollie pollie hills with lots of mud, shale and roots. How the bike would handle the west I can not say. But Ive ridden enough in CO and MT to feel that It would be great there as well | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nir Tzuk
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | All Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Calnoa | | Strengths: | Light weight , Stable in turns and descending , goog climbing , very fast , very comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Didn't find | | Similar Products Used: | SUGAR 3+ | | Bottom Line: | nice bike , it can do everything and do it very well , climbing , racing and descending , I realy would recomended it to every XC\All mountain biker who wants a versatile bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, TN USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | the one I'm rolling down | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Scotts Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Pedals like really smooth Trek Fuel, Its not a race bike though. | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket height | | Bike Setup: | Intended market: All Mountain trail riders, Basically a do everything bike.
Frame geometry is based upon the all new Genesis 2.0 geometry. The frame itself is a mix of Carbon fiber and Alminum. Carbon fiber seatstays paired with asymetrical aluminum chainstays.
Bontrager Race Cranks
Shimano LX front deraileur and shifters
Shimano XTR rear deraileur
Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic brakes
Manitou Minute Comp Air- 120 mm travel G2.0 Bontrager edition
Fox RP3 rear shock
Bontrager Race Disc wheelset
Test loop: 25.3 miles
Avg Speed: 9.82 MPH | | Bottom Line: | Wow, fun ride. I cannot get over how this 5" travel full suspension bike rode so well. I've been strongly against 5" travel designs in the SE TN region just because our terrain does not truly warrant the need, so when I was asked to review this bike, it did not exactly go on my priority list. As time would have it though, this bike became my second test bike.
An interesting thing about this bike is the way it rides. The bike felt like I was riding a 3" travel XC race bike due to how stiff it is. Theres no overt plushness or bounce in this suspension design. There was actually less suspension movement while pedaling than that of my 4" travel FuelEX. Climbing was likened to that of a hardtail when the ProPedal setting was turned up the highest on the rear shock.
Genesis 2.0- This is some good stuff. This geometry makes the bike steer completely different from any bike I've ever ridden. Extremely responsive when going slow through technical terrrain like the old geometry of XC hardtails, but then when going downhill at 19 or 20 mph, its very stable like that of a downhill bikes geometry. I'm guessing this principle will only apply to long travel suspension design.
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Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Great all mountain bike. Handles Great in all conditions. Love the new G2 geometry with the new fork angle. Cant beat the fell of the 4 inch travel in front and back. extreamly light for alluminum full suspension. def. recomend | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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