| |
Submitted by
Lee Christofferson
a Downhiller
from Tacoma, WA., U.S.
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | urban assalt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Built well, fast. | | Weaknesses: | Rear suspension bob and a little heavy with a chrome rear swingarm. Not made for any big drops. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Pro Series | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Pro X front fork, rock shock delux rear shock, LX hubs with Mavic rims, XT cranks, XT front and rear derailleurs, Sram shorty attack shifters, Shimano v-brakes and also splined bottom barcket and clip in pedals. Set up with single front light, vetta comp., rear light, and rear fender.I'm using semislick tires and this is a 1997 Joshua X1 | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike to commute, xc, and train. I've put over a couple thousand miles on this bike. The rear bob when riding uphill is unusual and funny feeling but it helped my endurance and strength. I think with a better rear shock the problem can be solved. Also the single pivot rear suspension is easy to maintain. This is a good moderate level riders full suspension bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Weekend Warrior
from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Muff, Kodiak Carnage, Ewok Village | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Ascent Cycle | | Strengths: | Good handling. Beefy frame. It is a solid ride. I like the Genisis geometry. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Four Banger, GT LTS | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Joshua F3, Marzocchi Bomber Z3, RaceFace crank, Tioga Factory DH tires, Crowbar riser. | | Bottom Line: | Great freeriding bike. I'm short so the size was perfect. Handles really good on tight downhill single track, and through trees and stuff. Beefy frame. Holds up good to the jumps. This is a good bike for a weekend freerider or urban assult ninja.
It could be used for dual slalom too. It handles so good in the turns. The stock fork was alright, but longer travel is better. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Gregory
a Weekend Warrior
from Old Bridge, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hartshorn park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Tight single trac | | Weaknesses: | The OEM front and rear shocks. | | Bike Setup: | See the bottom line. | | Bottom Line: | I have a 98 X1 and I love the bike. I’ve had it since 98 and I have upgraded much of the bike’s components. The bike now has a Marzocchi Z1 Alloy with a Hayes hydraulic disc, Mavic wheels with XT hubs, White Bros. Ti riser bar, XTR front derailer, XT rear, XTR shift pods, Easton CT2 carbon fiber seat post, WTB clipless peddles, Continental traction pros front and rear and a RCR T1 rear shock. This bike rocks and eats up anything I can throw at it. With the new shock and NOW correct spring it no longer does the pogo thang! The rock shock deluxe that was on there just plain old sucked (plus it was leaking for about a year) so I replaced it with the RCR T1 (coil over) which was recommended to my by the fine folks at the Bicycle Co.
The bike is not the lightest but it’s a stellar all mountain bike. Nuff said!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh A
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Forest Ridge, Austin | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Durable, rear shock lockout, Comfortable | | Weaknesses: |
Took awhile to get seat height right
Seat post tends to slip | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 950 | | Bike Setup: |
Joshua XO
Rock Shox Judy and Deluxe | | Bottom Line: | I am a heavy(200+) rider and this bike has held up well in some very rough and rocky terrain. Good value for the $. I was worried about structural integrity, but two years and plenty of rough riding later, there are no frame problems. The forks are durable. I just completed a 24 hr event, and a teamate on a FSR had major problems. I had none. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mavins
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, N.C.
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Nice cockpit
Comfortable Descents | | Weaknesses: |
Slight bob with Deluxe rear shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Wahoo Hard Tail | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou Pro Front shock
Deluxe Rear | | Bottom Line: | Last week I went for a nice ride with an elavation Change of 1200' over a couple of miles. At first I wished I had brought My Hardtail but after screwing the rear shock down and adjusting my clumsy stride I got My 97 X1 to climb. The down hill is were my butt thanked me I was psyched to actualy use my seat on a downhill. This bike will hold its own if the suspension is utilized. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Bear, DE
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
PRICE | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
no other DS | | Bike Setup: |
SRAM 9.0
Judy 100 Hydracoil
RS Deluxe rear
XT everything else
Few other minor weight saving upgrades | | Bottom Line: | Seems smooth, quick and nimble compared to my Rockhopper FS. Problem with pogo-ing. Can someone tell me how to set-up the suspension for a 180 lb. rider? On offer from a neighbor and if I can sort out the rear suspension, $650 seems a bargain (and 5 flaming hot ones). If I can't sort this out, I won't buy and would rate 3. If anyone has guidance on setting this up, please let me know. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flying Fabe
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great looks, good balance, sexy poise. | | Weaknesses: |
Could use some component upgrades. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Joshua XO, stock componentry. | | Bottom Line: | After much decision making, I chose this bike to take me off the beaten path, and so far, I have had a ball beating new paths. Rides like a Timex (takes a licking, and keeps on ticking). I had some problems with the seatpost binder quick release set-up, but a change to an Allen Key bolt has fixed that bother. The XO rides like a dream, and has probably saved my sorry butt on more than one occassion. I would highly recommend it to others. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Killington, VT #6, #11, & #18 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Looks, Control | | Weaknesses: |
Structural integrity | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Big Sur & Level Betty, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: |
Stock X0, added Marzocchi Z2 Bomber and Shimano 545 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I've love the bike. I feel at one with it on all terrain. Doesn't hurt that it turns a lot of heads also. Last week I developed a crack underneath where the main tube connects to the head tube. I originally bought the bike as a demo from Killington ski resort so I'm SOL as far as a warranty. I'm having the crack welded this week. We'll see what happens... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ozzie
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Good shocks, Good looks, Good climber for a FS bike. | | Weaknesses: |
Stock component mix (STX/LX/XT Groupo), The smallest size is still too big. | | Bike Setup: |
98' Joshua XO, Rock Shox Judy T2 Front, Rock Shox Deluxe Rear, Bontrager Wheelset w/ Gary Fisher Front Hub and STX Rear Hub, Avid 1.0 Brakes, M747 Clipless Pedals, Shimano STX/LX/XT Groupo, Panaracer Classic Dart Front Smoke Rear. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike. Especially for first-time Full-Suspension riders (like myself). Didn't like the stock components. Gary Fisher needs to stay consistent with one Groupo per bike type. But I bought it coz' it was on sale. Upgraded BB and Crankset to XT. Awesome paint job. Haven't scratched it heavily from crashing except for the XT rear derailleur. But that's because I'm getting used to the Clipless Pedals. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PALADIN
a Weekend Warrior
from RENO, NV
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
sugar pine tahoe trail not mapped | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
I have only sampled the 98 xo and I thought that it was the best bike that i tried out. I am only regretfull that it was sold before i could purchase it. If somebody knows where i can get a great deal on a 98 or later fisher please help. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike although i never had the chance to abuse it but if any riders in nevada can tell me where i could get a 98 or later model i would be greatly appreciative. At this moment my body is being rocked by my no suspension piece of garbage, but hey we work with what we can...... thanks all for your comments... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario A. Javier C.E.T.
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, On
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Hardwood hills | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Price, excellent warranty, excellent dealer. | | Weaknesses: |
Choice of components | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y-11 | | Bike Setup: |
96 RockShox Judy XC
99 RockShox SID rear
Shimano XT, Raceface Crank, Cane Creek C2 | | Bottom Line: | I owned this bike now since summer of 97 and I ride every other day in the summer and on trainer during the winter and rainy days. I changed most of the components that came with the bike. I felt the original components were good at the time, but it would be better with an upgrade. As time passed, things break and wear out, therefore I upgraded it to a new and better parts. The last upgrade I did was the replacement of the rear shock and it made the bike 2x as much better. Folks who owned a similar bike should upgrade to the RS SID. The warranty from GF and RS are superior (probably the reasons why I bought the SID, even though it was costly). I just recommended the Big Sur to my co-worker and she bought the bike and very pleased. So the bottom line is, if you want a hassle free bike, buy Gary Fisher. If you want a hassle free store, go to Cyclepath in Oakville and speak to John. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JBSalinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Arcadia, RI
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light, Rock Shox Super Deluxe rear shock is plush | | Weaknesses: |
Climbs like crap, Slow acceleration, | | Similar Products Used: |
K2 5000, Intense Uzzi SL, Klein Mantra Race | | Bike Setup: |
XO frame with Girvin Chubby with dual stage Speed Springs, Mavic Cross max wheels, ESP 9.0sl, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Climbs like sh*t! when downward pressure is applied to cranks the rear wheel pulls away from the ground. My K2 and Intense are superior rides - it does ride well otherwise and is light and nimble - the Super Deluxe is sweet, and I love the chubby. I will sell this frame and use the components elsewhere | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Schwantes
a weekend warrior
from Oneida WI USA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my fisher xo 800$ it was the best deal at the time.But I have some complants the sugino crank is a peice of crap I bent it within a week so bad that it hit the chain stays when I pedled.Also the diacomp brakes go out of adjustment after evry ride, and the back shock expired quickly.I do admit I mainly freeride and do a lot of dirt and ramp jumping I also cross country race with it it works Ok for that but could use more travel for jumping. Over all it was a good first bike for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stevie Ludlow
a weekend warrior
from High Wycombe, Bucks
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Joshua X1 what can I say, first full suspension bike I've owned and its f***ing brilliant. Dont get pushed into the large size take the medium even if you are reasonably tall as you have better control. Nice countryside around here with lots of mud, possibly swap in the SUGINOs and get XT's throughout. Who cares if
Gary Fisher is owned by TREK if he produces bikes like this!... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smitty
a cross-country rider
from massachussets
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm not going to bash the fisher, but I honestly don't think it was the bike for me. Personally, I think it was a great bike. The frame deshign is light and and the suspension is plush, but not overlly plush. I was dissapointed that the frame was faulty, and now fisher is ripping me off with the change over costs etc, EVEN THOUGH ITS UNDER WARRANTY. Besides my own little problem, and it's lack of good climbing on hills, it is a good bike, so I give it four flaming chilis (if that's what they are) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
secret race man
a
from USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
'98 and '99 -- A Trek by any other name I suppose---after all, it's made in Wisconsin, in Trek's factory, on the same production/assembly line by the same people building Treks---so just say I LOVE MY TREK! The Fisher name is just that now--a name only---and a marketing tool for greater market penetration for Trek for those too stupid to do any research!! What a bunch of chumps!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GREG
a cross-country rider
from Cincinnati,
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 97 XO new. I loved it at first , but then this was my first bike. I rode about 35-50 miles a week. After 4 months the frame cracked just above the rear shock mount. It took Fisher 9 weeks, thats 9 WEEKS, to replace it. When they finally did I got a '98 Z1 (which I am happier with) I also had significant down time with shock problems, both front and rear..
While the frame was in the hospital I went out and bought a SANTA CRUZ TAZMON. The Joshua does alright now as a back up bike. The bike needs upgrades, but you reallydo get what you pay for. I give Gary 3-4 burners. Customer service is slow | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Milicent
a weekend warrior
from NSW,Australia
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My joshua X1 is nifty. It kicks ass over my friends lts2000, because his bike just wont stop squeaking. The single pivot is so much easier to look after, and it is the best freeriding bike you could have. Have a nice Day! :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Meyers
a weekend warrior
from San Diego Ca
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased a 98 XO for $900.00 which I think is a good deal. The only concerns I have would be related to the frame. It seems the 99 bikes have an extra support on the top tube, is that a weak point and have people had trouble with frames cracking? So far I love the bike but who has the balls to say they made a $1,000 mistake!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Gates
a weekend warrior
from Sydeny Australia
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi I have to say that a mate and I just bought a pair of G/F Joshua X0's. Only trouble is the only way we can tell the difference between them is by the battle scars they seem to get every time we go out!!!
We both looked at anything froma Cannondale to a Trek but the X0 seemd to come up the winner every time for both value for money and actual hardware.
Having a rear end that you can dampen ( Lock ) seems to be an advantage on the hills. All in all a great package and I love riding it! Cant wait till the week end! If this ine evr wears out ( and I am giving it my best shot!) I will certainly be lining up for another! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve MacIver
a weekend warrior
from Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a slightly used 97 Joshua XO, my first full-suspension bike. It took a day or two to get used to, graduating from a no-suspension bike, but I love it. My only complaint is that I should have bought one sooner. What a great piece of engineering. My back loves it too. It is much lighter than my Fuji - a older no-suspension bike. For those who claim the bike makes them tired, well, it doesn't get much easier riding a slightly lighter hard-tail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Look Dinsdale, or whoever you are.
You are giving us engineers a bad name by using all the bad language that you did all over this posting. I am an engineering undergrad and I ride a Joshua. My pal is a CSE Masters and HE rides a Joshua. But the key thing here is not that we're 'educated' or 'engineers' ( I believe you did mentioned something about your education), rather it is the fact that we DO ride and that makes a lot of difference to people who really ride and read these postings.
If you don't like the bike, leave!! We're not asking you to justify what we buy! We're just very satisfied owners sharing the joy of riding one of the nicest bikes around. You sound like you have a problem with that. Worse still, YOU DON'T RIDE!!!! So, no credibility whatsoever to your statements. Next, your language is atrocious, matched only by your lack of manners. Really, you do give engineers a bad name. Go out, get a bike, ride around a little, even if it's not a Joshua. See the things that we enjoy, lose some skin from the shins, feel how it's like being trapped in your SPuDs when you fall, clean a nasty root section, then maybe, just maybe, you can try to communicate with us Joshua-ites in a more cultured manner. And yeah, before I forget, brush up on your language (In case you didn't notice, I'm Chinese). Lastly, five chillies for the Joshua. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guido
a
from DE
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dinsdale
Man, you did a major no-no admitting your an engineer (if you really are at all) with no riding experience. You fit the typical ex-roadie geek profile of the riders I eat for lunch on the trails. You know, the types that have to get a good cardio workout and can't stand it when there are a few obstacles on the trail that may try their riding skills on a new level. Dork, not everything can be quantified on paper. Gary Fisher is considered one of the pioneers of MTB. So what if he's owned by TREK. Trek is a well funded, smart company. They know what they are doing. Personally, I think you're lying. Your grammar is so bad that you cannot be well educated. By the way, your wife didn't die, she's just hidding from you!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from NW Ohio
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First, to the engineer: They are supposed to be perfectionists. Your
grammer/typing is atrocious. It's hard to take you serious with that and the fact you don't ride. Try LA (Liars Anon). I really wasn't going to buy a FS
bike. The Joshua X1 looked OK, and I tried it for shits and giggles. I didn't want to take it back (had to, the shop had my driver's liscence). It FELT
so...perfect. They way it fit, rode, took the parking lot obstacles. I put
$200 down right away. couldn't wait to get it on the trail, and I was not dissapointed. Sometimes it's like riding nothing but air. I haven't UPgraded yet. I figure I'll wear out/abuse the stock stuff first. It rides really good anyway.
Could I ride a Trek or a new GT (with their different designs)? Maybe.
But my Joshua fits *ME* just fine right now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Collins
a cross-country rider
from Orillia On Canada
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Joshua XO: A great bike trhat is very comfortable to ride. I bought it to get rid of the hardtail sore butt. I got rid of the Sugino crank and installed mainly XTR components along with a Z-1 Bomber front fork. Its a new bike. It still bobs a bit if I don't spin the crank. As for Dinsdale I would have to think that he left sanitary off his official title! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Black King
a cross-country rider
from New York City
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fear not, fellow Joshuites!! There is no need to listen to unintelligible individuals such as the one and only dimwit (or is that dinsdale?). If you love the Joshua, stand up and be counted!! In the '99 preview issue of Mountain Bike Action, the same people who blasted the Joshua's URT design are now praising it!! So much for the anti-URT movement. If there are any questions that anyone would like to have answered concerning the Joshua, post your question on this site. As soon as I see it, I will answer it. I think that we need to get back to posting useful information so people just getting into the sport can benefit from the answers we put up. I'm giving the Joshua five flamers yet again!! On that note, I wish the best to my fellow Joshu-ites, and good riding!! 'Nuff said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
what a dork
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Get a damn life!
I'm trying to catch a couple of bike reviews from someone with something constructive to say, and all I can find are people bashing products that they've never ridden. I'm not at all surprised that you're some lame-ass non-riding Engineer trying to pass off even lamer 'engineering analysis' that obviously isn't worth the time you wasted fabricating the story. Pathetic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flaco
a cross-country rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
In the spring of 97, some friends of mine who were really into biking convinced me to buy a bike. I hadn't owned a bike since I was 15years old(I am now 30). I went to my local bike shop and was talked into a 97 Joshua Z2, which is very much like the 98 XO in components, minus the new geometry. For the entire year of 97, I was very unhappy about the bobbing, especially during climbs. The on the fly lockout lever only added to the problem, shooting me off the seat when I increased the damp. I enjoyed the biking trips anyway, and in the sring of 98, I started looking into other FS bikes that supposedly wouldn't bob. While at the my local Gary Fisher shop looking at a hard tail, I hopped on a 98 XO for a test ride of the new geometry. I was floored. The suspension didn't bob at all yet still soaked up deep potholes in the parking lot. The lockout lever really locked out the suspension almost completely. Since the rear shock on both bikes was the same, I immediately E-mailed Rock Shox and found out that my shock was not performing incorrectly.
I sent my shock back a Rock Shox who stated that it was deffective and sent me a new shock(5 peppers for Rock Shox). I installed the new shock and took the bike down to my bike shop so they could help me adjust the preload for my weight. My bike immediatly lost it's bobbing, and the lockout worked perfectly. This year, The Joshua(URT) performed flawlessly on the trails. If only I would have known about the shock in 97, but I was to busy listening to mumbling idiots about URT's bobbing, and foolishly accepted there bull. Now that I have learned to pedal(spin) correctly, my shock is working properly, and my suspesion is tuned correctly, the Joshua works pefectly. All these so called bike riders who are complaining about Joshua's URT must either have defective shocks, or don't know how to tune or ride a bike yet. If I learned in one season these idiots better pick another hobby. The only downside of the Joshua is the
weight(28 lbs), but the 99 Joshua F1 is under 24 lbs!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Black King
a cross-country rider
from New York City
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Could someone please tell me what all of the commotion is about? I don't see a need to respond to someone who obviously has a biased opinion on the Joshua (i.e. dinsdale or dim bulb or dimwit, whatever!). However, in this instance, I feel that a rebuttal is necessary. I applaud the efforts of Wondertigger, Ric, PhatHead, Ben Henny, Steve and the rest of my fellow Joshu-ites in defending the Joshua. Dinsdale, we know what we like and we know what works for us. I'm sorry that you have such negative feelings about the Joshua. If you bothered to take the time to set up the Joshua's suspension, I'm sure your opinion would be different (How often have I stressed THAT in my previous reviews?). In addition, I think that you, Dinsdale, really need to work on your grammar and punctuation. You remind me of that other hammerhead from Australia who didn't know what he was talking about, either. Before telling everyone else to educate themselves, I strongly suggest that you educate yourself first. Five flamers for the Joshua. 'Nuff said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a cross-country rider
from Va
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
BLah Blah Blah..Bike works quite well..however..anyone ever have a problem with the pivot point??? Where the rear triangle connects to the main frame?? that damn bolt is always comming loose after every ride..20miles.. I have used blue loctite..teflon tape..and over torquing...if I over torque I get a stiffer ride and more wear on the bushings..if I under torque the frame loses laterl stability and can cause frame damage in the long haul..anyone have this problem??.. Bike works well..shock on XO sucks.. I have already replaced one and 2nd is already leaking after 200 miles.. hard to evaluate the frame with bad shocks. Enough with all this whining. genetically challenged people always find problems with things. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from NW Ohio
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Do not listen to the people who say this bike sucks. I tried a lot of bikes in the $1000 Or less range. Trek, 'Dale, Klein to name a few. The Joshua was the best riding bike I tried (No, I couldn't ride ALL of them).
Some posts say things like try it and see or try it, and if you don't like it, don't buy it! These are worthy of notice. The bike gives me so much confidence in the some crazy situations. I can also pass *ALOT* of hardtails. Again to paraphase some post-er: Your technique is more important than the bike. The Joshua X is one with you no matter what you do. It's a cross bike, get it? If you get a chance, ride this bike. It's a dream. 10 peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leigh
a cross-country rider
from EVERYWHERE
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I suppose this is the last time I will find myself submitting a review for this page - and it's only to say that if you're going to trash a URT, use a fact-based opinion, don't jump on the wagon and just agree with everyone, have a mind and search somewhere in that feeble mind to find something else to say besides it sucks. Ever heard of education? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phat head
a weekend warrior
from ca
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
why do all the downhillers come to this page just to bag on a bike that isn't built for them anyway. hey guess what hardtails aren't very comfy for downhill either why don't you go to the hardtail pages and tell how bad they are for downhill. anyhow, let's just ride folks. not all people are alike and not all people ride alike. the urt definitely works for alot of people so why don't you all just go out and ride whatever you have. by the way, santa cruz is making a killing off their urt and so is klein. why? because they make sense for some people. the only people who are morons are the ones who are ignorant enough to make generalizations. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Henny
a cross-country rider
from Sacramento, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Let’s talk about gravity. If you ride this bike, and you run into a dip, gravity brings your bike and body down. The suspension slows the acceleration of your body downward, and you get a buoyant ride. Similarly, if you jump on the pedals (as happens when some people pedal), the suspension slows the acceleration of your body into the pedal. It’s the same principle under different circumstances. Even hardtails bob when you stomp on the pedals. People who claim that their full suspension bike doesn’t bob when they pedal either are lying, or they have their suspension twisted so tight that it isn’t suspended. People who think the Joshua X1 suspension design is too soft (i.e., bobs when pedaling) don’t have the suspension set up properly, or they don’t know how to ride smoothly. To get the best acceleration climbing or otherwise, a smooth, even pedal is best. If you use your toe clips for more than keeping your feet on the pedals, you know that you can pull up at the same time you push down, which provides a strong, even pedal stroke, and even the softest suspension bike becomes stable.The X1 frame is the same frame used for higher-end Fishers and Treks. Since they are the same bike (they actually come from the same factory and use the same user manual—ask me how I know), you want to look for components and price. I found my X1 for $699 USD—a price that I could not pass up. I test rode several other bikes in the same price range ($1000), Cannondale Super V 400, Rocky Mountain (?), Giant 970, and they all were competent bikes. I found the X1 to have better components. And I couldn’t ignore the price—did I mention it was $699 USD? While it’s not a racing bike, since it weighs 28 lbs., it certainly could be with some upgrades. The rear triangle is chromoly which gives it some character. Upper-end Fishers are all aluminum. This is likely the main difference and is where the extra weight comes in. As for pedal bob, sure it has some—it has more when I adjust it softer, less when I tighten it down. I can virtually eliminate the bob through adjustment, if I were so inclined.I just got through looking at all the '99 bikes in all the mags. Most of them use the Unified Rear Triangle, except for the $4000 Fred bikes, which use some fourteen pivot, off-center, anti-gravity design created by midget engineers in Roswell, New Mexico. And honestly, I couldn't buy one of those GTs with the 4 pivot design, simply because it's UGLY! Anything designed well also should be aesthetically pleasing. In an attempt to preclude semi-literate half-wits from retaliating with the you git what you pay for argument, let me say that I could whop all yer asses on a five-dollar, forty-pound, single-speed, Huffy with a flat tire! After a certain dollar amount, say, most anything over $500, you're not gonna go wrong, provided you do your homework. For all you Freds, homework is that stuff that other people did to graduate from grammar school.In all, I got a full-pogo for (did I mention it was $699 USD?)--that's as good as a $1200 one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
miss chick
a cross-country rider
from UTAHUTAHUTAHUTAHUTAH
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have already submitted a review for this bike but I have found it necessary to express my opinions once again. As the manager of the internet business at my bike shop, I am constantly talking to customers about URT and non-URT full suspension designs. Most of what I hear is Well, this guy told me that the URTs don't work when you're out of the saddle, or Well the techie says that non-URTS are the only way to go. My advice? GET OUT AND TRY IT FOR YOURSELF BEFORE YOU LISTEN TO ANYONE ELSE!!! FORM YOUR OWN OPINION!!! If the bike does not suit your riding style or desires, then don't buy it!! Personally, I love the URT design, it is the best design to free the rider from any bio-pacing. (The JAMIS Diablo design is the only one to top the usual URT in my opinion.) Any other full-suspension models (and believe me, I've ridden plenty) will absorb so much of your pedaling stroke you'll be busting your ass too hard to wonder why you're not going anywhere. As for the suspension not working when you are out of the saddle . . . personally, if I am 5 inches above my saddle, I certainly don't want my body being bobbed up and down and being bounced out of control. As for being behind the saddle on the downhills . . . the suspension still works, and anyone who tells you differently does not have their ride tuned properly. But the bottom line is, DON'T BASE YOUR ACTIONS ON SOMEONE ELSE'S OPINIONS. DO YOUR RESEARCH AND FIND SOMETHING THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS. BUY A URT, BUY A JOSHUA, TRY THEM THEY ARE WICKED. And if you are going to post a negative review, you might want to back your statements up with a little more facts and experience, and a little less This bike sucks and that is all I am smart enough to say. FIVE FIERY FLAMING PEPPERS always in my book!!! Fisher knows what he is doing. GO RIDE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ashly
a cross-country rider
from Utah/Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my first bike in March of 98, after seeing all of my friends bomb around on Jamis and Rocky Mountain bikes. It looked like so much fun, I sold my car just so I could get myself a bike. I test rode an FSR Extreme first, and though I'll admit I knew nothing about bikes, the FSR just didn't feel right to me. I test rode the Joshua XO next, and after pushing it up a long hill and flying back down, (almost killing myself in the process being a novice), I bought it right away. I didn't know anything about full suspension, clipless pedals, frame material, or brakes - I only knew what my riding friends had told me. But the bike just felt right. Well now it's 5 months later, and working at a bike shop, I know so much more about bikes. The only thing I've changed about my bike is to put a rising RaceFace stem on it (I'm 5'11 and had that problem with the seat sitting way higher than the handlebars) and I also put the Shimano downhill/bmx pedals on it . . . This bike is quite the bang for the buck, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
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Submitted by
steve
a weekend warrior
from NW Ohio
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After months of agonizing over a new bike (1st one a scwin badlands-cheap)
I narrowed down to a trek 8000, or a klein pulse, basically the same bike in the $900 range. I also checked out the 'dale f900 and fisher pargon. Notice these are all hardtails. The dealer talked me into a test ride (for comparison) of the Joshua X. I rode it 10 minutes longer than the other ones and put promptly put 200$ down (I think it's a 97, black, esp rear, manitou spyder front, rear?).
Although I only tested it in the parking lot, it rode SSSOOOO sweet. I went down new concrete stairs (~10 steps) like it was water. I went over a new parking block with a high curb right after it and didn't even know it was there, besides a slight scrape on the bottom of the pedal. Since I enjoy tight challenging singletrack, I'm hoping this is my dream bike. Thanks to the postings here, i will inquire on the rear shock spring (proper tension)The dealer gave me a few extra bucks off, i'm spending a little more than i wanted (980 tax inc.), but I believe it's such a good bike, i couldn't pass it up.
For now, i rate it 4 only because i haven't ridden a trail with it yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a racer
from U.S.A racer, usually beat myself......
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Nice buy at $1199.99. Rides great! especially the on-fly adjustable rear suspension. No pogoing on my bike, if it is too heavy either upgrade or take off your skirt, or you could spend $3000.00 + more and get a neato bike and join the racing circuit and still have the same problems,(for 1,your body is still the same). There are no real problems with this bike, components, easy to upgrade and will cost you. You get what you pay for and then some. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Jordan
a cross-country rider
from Powell, TN
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my '98 XO. The ride is nothing less than sweet. The Genesis technology makes for a perfect fit for smaller riders like myself (5ft 5 in tall). The Avid breaks aren't the best but I have no real problems with them. I may upgrade to my Shimano XT's. If anyone is thinking of moving into the world of full suspesion I would strongly recomend the xo. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cobra
a cross-country rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a '98 Joshua X1 and I love this bike. The only problem I have had, which is probably personal is the Rock Shok. I don't like rock shoks bercause they top out when jumping. I have a Gary Fisher hard tail with a Answer Manitou. My opinion is that all manitou shocks are superior to rock shok. I will replace the rock shok this week with a manitou. As for all you australian guys crabbing about joshua bikes-come to Texas where the heat is bad and the terrain is a mofo. You guys must have a shrimp up your ass. So shut up and ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
euro wanna-be
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got done reading the International MTB Magazine's review of the Orange X1 daul suspension bike (a few months old). In the first few paragraphs it mentioned that the bike is a URT design bcause it's considered the best for Cross Country since the suspension is isolated from pedaling forces. Hmm, aren't the Europeans considered the most victorious and knowledgable about bikes? Unlike the US, the Europeans aren't so swayed by marketing. Non-URT bikes are easy to set up stiff, hence bowing to the ex-roadie geeks who want to pedal efficiently. Other non-URT bikes have a plethora of problems: suspension activated by the pulling of the chain on the rear end, ghost shifting or derailment of the chain due to the front sprocket or derailer not moving in tandem with the rear, and some others. So shut up everybody !!! There are always two sides of the coin, no one is right or wrong. Like @$$holes, everybody has an opinion and some smell worse than the others. Go RIDE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a weekend warrior
from DE
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Mark, Cane Creek is semi-correct. I use it on a l998 Joshua XO. I ordered it from the SpeedGoat web site. You HAVE to order it with the airvalve sticking out sideways. I e-mailed Chris (the owner)and gave him the full scoop on how I worked it. The usual airvalve placement is that when it's mounted, it's facing into the frame. Mine sticks out sideways from the bike so if I'm sitting on the bike, the air valve is poking out to the left. I DO NOT have to remove it to put air into it!!! In the typical fashion, it would be pointing to the front tire and blocked by the down tube of the frame. If your not sure what I mean, go to the SpeedGoat site and look at the picture they have in comparison to the one on the Cane Creek site. You'll see the diference. I absolutely love the shock !!!! You will have to play around with the aluminum bushings/spacers that come with the Cane Creek. I think I had to use the front ones for the back (URT side) and use the ones from my rock shock (ALOT thinner) for the front along with the internal plastic bushing from the rock shock as a spacer for the bolt. All I know is that I couldn't use the front bushings that came with the AD10, they were too wide to fit into the frames (the Y side) mounting area. You have to knock it out with a wooden dowel or an allen key. You may have to play around with it. It took me close to an hour just to figure out how to mount it!! I don't know if the spacer kit came with it or not. But it works fine now. Good luck and let me know how it works out. I'll try e-mailing you the instructions I had sent to Chris at Speedgoat (if your e-mail address is listed). Later | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark swiencicki
a cross-country rider
from ct
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
To Mario from DE. How much trouble is your AD-10 with your Joushua. I wanted to get the AD10 for my Joshua 96 X but the people at Cane Creek said I'd have to remove 1 side of the shock every time I went riding to re-fill it. Have you encountered this problem? What are they talking about? Also, is your Joshua an 98 or an earlier model? Would appreciate your advice since I'd love to get this shock but got scared off by the Cane Creek people? 4.5 stars cause the bike rules but the rock shock suc*s. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a weekend warrior
from DE
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good advice from Black King to Dennis:
Another idea - go for an air shock. You'll reduce the weight by more than 1/2 lb and will have infinite adjustability. I run a Cane Creek AD10 in back and Englund Airs for the front shock. I LOVE this set up!!!! You can set it up for a lazy boy (nice and pillow plush) or fast and responsive. If your weight fluctuates (like mine-sometimes 10 lbs +/-), no big deal. Just adjust the air pressure. Definately make sure the bike is set up for your weight. Good job to all the intelligent responses from the riders. Have you all noticed the negative reviews are all immature ranting and raving with no real backup of their claims? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Black King
a cross-country rider
from New York City
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
In response to Dennis from NY, I weigh 225 lbs. and I run a 750 lb. spring on my Joshua X1. I think you may need a 450 lb. or 500 lb. spring. When tuning spring rates, you should go up in 50 lb. increments. Getting the Joshua's suspension dialed in is easy, but critical for a slammin' ride. My Josh came with a 650 lb. stock spring (which felt TOO plush). Once I slapped the 750 lb. spring on, OOOOOOH BABY!! 50 lbs. (or, in my case, 100 lbs.) can make all the difference. I hope the advice comes in handy. Peace, fellow Joshu-ite, and good riding (I'm still giving the Joshua five flamers)!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi guys. I want to know what would be the ideal spring rate for my weight. I'm 155 lbs. Overall I'm happy with my Joshua but all these talk about falling rate/rising rate is making me wonder if I just don't know what I'm missing. Be glad if someone could post the answer to my question. Thanks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Black King
a cross-country rider
from New York City
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is actually more of a response to one Terry Berret (see reviews for June 26, 1998) in Australia. Mr. Berret, I'm sure that you read my previous review concerning the Joshua X1 (see reviews for April 18, 1998). Did you properly tune the suspension to your body weight? What kind of bike do YOU ride? if you are a pro-level racer, Allow me to drop some knowledge on you. I have a friend who rides a Klein Mantra Comp. The Mantra is what many consider to be the best climbing dual-suspension bike around. Even when climbing the steepest hills, the Mantra exhibits a little suspension bob (not as much as other dualies). Do you like the Mantra? Did you know that it is also a URT bike (albeit a high-pivot URT)? All dual-suspension bikes bob (i.e. when the rider sits on the bike, DUH!!). The X1 is no exception. If you would have swapped the stock spring for a stiffer spring, you might not have experienced the problems you claim to have had (you're a pro level racer, I'm sure you knew that already). Also, another reason for the suspension bob you claim to have could be that you might not have a smooth spin when pedaling (I'm sure you knew that also). I enjoy riding the pice of crap X1 (that's piece, not pice) and I'm sure other riders do also. I would also like to commend you on your mastery of spelling, punctuation and grammar (Mister Pro-Level Racer had better get off that bike and start hitting the books, BABY!!!!). The X1 still gets five smoking chili peppers in my book!!!P.S. - Do not judge a rider by his ride. I've seen riders on high-zoot bikes get dropped by riders on Huffys!! All mountain bikes have their pros and cons. My advice: Shut up and ride!!
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Submitted by
Lev
a weekend warrior
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a ’98 Joshua several months ago. I understand the pros and cons of the URT technology. It seams to work well for me, as it provides a comfortable ride when seated and stiffens when the lock-out feature is used. I also get plenty of bounce when standing-up on a downhill - despite the criticism of URT lock-out.
The bike is a lot of fun and is a good value at roughly $1,200 (on sale). The STX front derailleur will occasionally miss; probably due to poor adjusting on my part. The bike weighs a bit, but at 6’2” and 205 pounds so do I.I like the web-site. Several of the critiques below are well written and insightful. Unfortunately, others are immature and juvenile.
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Submitted by
Tom Brown
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike sucks bigtime I rode my friends and it feels like a pogostick. (correction a pogostick moves more sothly than this) not to mention the extreamly bad top out sensation in the rear shock. As if you would pay $1900 australian for this when you could get the Avanti Moto-comp for cheaper. And it has a Moquet frame with variable 4-6 in travel. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wondertigger
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My 98 Joshua X0 suspension doesn't bob at all with the use of the handlebar mounted rear dampening adjuster. Even with it on full open, though, it bobs very little when the rider 1) properly sets up the rear shock, and 2) uses proper pedaling technique, and not that inefficient push-push crap.I rode a number of different designs before I bought the X0, and, to this rider, nothing was as constant and plush either coming down from air or gutting down bombed-out trails.My complete review is in the other Joshua site. Four chilis (considering the great price) because nothing is perfect - for example, no Kevlar saddle sides, and the T2 had to go.Different spokes for different folks, I guess. Now, shut up and ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Me Too
a weekend warrior
from MD
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was just reading through an old copy of MTB Action. You know, the guys who always rag on the Y clones because they bob so much. It's the October 1996 edition. In their review of the Turner Burner (which they orgasm over) they state There was always a slight amount of suspension bob under power, but this is a characteristic of all good full-suspension bikes (P.118) and they also quote the Turner Burners linkage begins as a straight rate, then subtley changes into a falling-rate towards the end of it's stroke. This is not an accident. WHAT !!!! I thought MTBA hated falling rate, bobbing suspension designs. What's the point of this? To each his own. The Josh was the best bike I've ridden. Everthing else was too stiff including the FSR which I thought was a piece of crap. I think all Joshua lovers should go to all the other bike review sites and rag on the other bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dollar Bill Edwards
a cross-country rider
from cleve, ohio
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What's the deal with the suspension on this bike? I went from an FSR to this and I feel like i should change my name to Bobby. That's all this bike does is bounce around like i'm in some sort of a circus act. Uphill climbs are pathetic. The crank torque transfers directly into the suspension and i feel like Gary is trying to buck me off. Other than that, the Judy T2 fork performs reasonabley well through the rock gardens.
The valve caps seem to be working fine keeping dirt out of the valve and the dozen or so No Fear stickers have spiced up the frame a bit. The rubber bulb for the horn is starting to weather and rot, but it still works. Also, the playing card i put in the front spokes is a nice add-on component that really attracts the chics. I recommend this bike to all juniors who can't tell the difference between a good suspension design and a bad suspension design. Sorry Gary. It's time to make some much needed changes.
Dollar Bill tellin like it is. | | Overall Rating: |
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