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Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Tampa, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Stratton Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Greenwich Cycles | | Strengths: | If you ever rode one you know what I am talking about. Day and night you can keep riding and not get too tired and give up. Gets you there and back without any problems! | | Weaknesses: | I can not use the bike as I am now in Florida! No Mountains to summit and bomb down! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale SM 1000 | | Bike Setup: | Joshua Z with XT components and Silver frame, Rock Shox, Avid brakes, Sachs Shifters, Mavic Rims and Panaracer tires, Strata Shock fully adjustable, Night Sun lamps, all bells and whisles Etc... | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike from me and enjoy the ride. All parts including middle shock pump come with the bike. Make and offer. ibeede@tampabay.rr.com or cell phone 813-758-1947
This bike has been to many of the north east mountains and was an awesome 40-50 mph down hiller! I have been clocked by a toyota truck! Excellent technical ride over rocks and through serious mud! Up and down hill, climber and bomber a must. You want your brakes dialed in and Good times still to be had! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Racer
from tulsa, ok usa
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | turkey mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | needs disk brakes | | Similar Products Used: | shcwinn home grown | | Bike Setup: | indy sl front
fox vanilla back
bontager seat, bars
to much to list... | | Bottom Line: | Will sell it for $1300 firm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Looks Great. Very good while it lasted. | | Weaknesses: | Derailleur hanger broke after a few hours and the back wheel bent. The bike was pretty messed up when i got it but it worked fine for the first hour. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback viper as really good bmx which is light and strong. | | Bottom Line: | It is a pretty good bike but alot of stuff broke really fast and now i can't even ride it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Agingguy Oldbike
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Montesano Trail Network (& Tsali, NC) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Used- Bicycles Etc | | Strengths: | Hoshua XO, Yellow: Once Customized, Reliable, Compact compartment (that's what I call it- short and stocky), handles exceptionally well on tight turns at speed or down hill slowly while over the rear wheel behind the seat. Once shocks were changed- always in control. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Parts- stock parts on this bike were not good. But buying it used at $750.00 gave me room to really make it mine (I would consider buying a used one if you need a FS and cant find the bucks to buy one- upgrade parts over time).
Indy SL Long Travel had to go first- it did not go where I pointed it. Upgraded to Manitu SXTi, and am even upgrading it today (because of money priorities) with an '04 Marzocci Marathon S.
Rear Shock- nearly hurt me bad. On landing- unpredictable how the bike would "do". I busted my arse- replaced with Cane Creek Air (6.75 eye to eye was not "standard" for rear shocks- but it is to the Joshua).
Sugino Crank was awful- bent it on rocks and logs the first few rides out. XT Crank is more that adequate-
| | Similar Products Used: | My one and only FS bike- Fisher Hardtail ridden earlier- prior to that Mongoose Rockadile (before the department store days). | | Bike Setup: | 90mm stem- monkey bar type handlebars- XTR "V" Brakes, XT shifters, XT wheelset, XT crank, a quality "lighter" bb, Marzocci Marathon (S)front and Cane Creek Rear Shock | | Bottom Line: | Perhaps I won't come in ahead of the "scapel" or the "fuel" or the "jeckyl". HOWEVER, this was a quality ride a few years ago- nothing has changed. Once the shocks and the crank were replaced- something most people may do over time, it is 100% reliable, predictable and performs excellently. A side note, climbing rocky steep terrain with this type suspension URT, Y, whatever... is great. It does not spin out - I may give out, but it doesn't spin out. My hardtail doesn't bob, but it wont climb like this. I do wish I could lock out the rear- but I accept it as is- plus the terrain here is ROCKY and rough. If you can ride here, you can ride most anywhere.
Bottom Line: I'll love it for a few years to come, I've owned it for 6 and it is probably 7 years old. 4 chillis value because It took a little more than I would like to spec it to my tastes and pocketbook. Overall 5, without question- I love Fisher bikes- glad Trek didn't ruin them by killing their creative drive and attitude. Thanks Gary. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Owens
a
from Canada, Ontario, Chalk River
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | execnt frame for any type of riding, light weight bike | | Weaknesses: | very flexable swing arm | | Bike Setup: | older judy DH, rock shock delux, mangura hydralic rim brakes, shimano LX drailers and shifter, older KORE bars and stem, rino light rims, sugine impal crank set | | Bottom Line: | this bike is deadly... i've owned it for a year now and i did XC riding for a bit and i am now doing free ride on it... the frame stands up to what ever i launch it off of... a few minor problems with the rear-end (derailer, casette and, chain)... i blew the old judys last year and got some pieces machined to get them in working condition but i just put on 2002 EXR's and they seem to be holding up good.... the only problem i had was that the swing arm was too flexable and didn't work well with my mangura rim brakes(to much flex that didn't allow for high pressure on the rim).... all in all good reliable bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Park Forest, IL USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Start to Finish Bicycles, CA | | Strengths: | simple design, amazingly light, very upgradeable | | Weaknesses: | suspension bob, the fork was way too stiff for my weight, the color is uglier than homemade sin | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Intense Uzzi SL, Trek Fuel 90, Trek Liquid 20 | | Bike Setup: | Crossmax wheels, XTR crank, bb, Ti cassette (8 spd), specialized seat, MRP speed springs in stock Judy XC fork...everything else is stock...oh, Bontrager Jones tires | | Bottom Line: | The bike is my first REAL mountain bike. with swapping out wheels, crank, and bb, it's 24.5 lbs. That's bloody good for technology of the late 90's. It's now 2003 and the bike still rides like a champ. I've thought about getting a replacement fs rig, but this one still calls my name. I can't bring myself to get rid of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Marblehead, Mass USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Beverly rocks, Attitash, Loon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | I bought it off of a friend..kind of... | | Strengths: | This bike kicks so much ass. It may be a tad old, but it does the trick. It's super light, like 25lbs. It's very rugged and i have done 10 ft. drops and it still is fine, i may need to get my tired trued though. There are great components and good pedals (clipless). But if you like dual suspension, and like light, comfterable bikes, this is the bike of all bikes. Not really, its just really good. | | Weaknesses: | The fork that came with my bike only has about 80mm, but it does the trick. Im lookin at puttin a White Brother's FR3 dual crown on it but if you want to up the front, you need to up the back. This bike could use work w/ new additions, | | Similar Products Used: | Joshua F4, I don't like this one as much, its a monster of a bike, yet i felt that it was too heavy for me. But it was a pretty good steal. | | Bike Setup: | Judy XC, Rock shox rear suspension, deore XT derailer, I cant remember the crank name or the stem (sorry). | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is good for a smaller person, im like 5'6' and its perfect. A good deal. That's about it. It could use upgrades and a bit of a tune up, but that's because I bought it used (it was ridden like 5 times), and the guy I bought it off of was a complete idiot. Oh well, yay for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wharncliff | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Cycles | | Strengths: | None really. Low 2nd hand value? | | Weaknesses: | Just about everything. Especially the Welds and Grade of Alu used. | | Similar Products Used: | Level Betty, Trek Y5, Heckler, San Andreas etc. | | Bike Setup: | RST Hi5, Magura's, XT blah..... | | Bottom Line: | Its pants really, I've snapped mine. The only good thing is the 5 year Frame warrenty which allowed me to get a new Level Betty. (Which I sold straigt away) URT suspension design is Poor at best. May as well get a decent hardtail. Boring to ride, looks lame, don't know why I bought it really. There should be a 0 Flamin Chili option.
Sorry to be so negative, the glass is usually half full. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I weight #225. The paint is durable, the rear pivot is stock and tight, minimal flex at the BB, and it allows me the to vary the sring-rate just by sitting or standing (standing mimics a soft-tail type response), which is more intuative than flipping a lever.
It is simple, one pivot. | | Weaknesses: | The coil-based suspension BOBS. With the rear shock properly adjusted, and if you can spin, there is NO BOB. Cane Creek AD-10 is De' Bomb. WTF-GF? | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Cannondale. Liked the FSR. | | Bike Setup: | ESP 9.0, 217 rims, Avid 2.0, Alps 4, Z-3 100 Air, White Bros. crankset, Bontrager: post, stem, bars. 26.7 lbs.
| | Bottom Line: | 1997 Z0 Medium. Purchased the frameset in '98. Price included Judy (sorry, you need to dampen the REBOUND stroke on a shock, compression is to be controlled by spring rate and oil weight) SL front fork, King headset, Bontrager: bar, stem, post, and the terrible RS 'Super, Deluxe, Coily, Remotely Dampened (at best)rear shock. At the time a great deal.
After the first real ride I replaced the SL guts with Englund Air's (warranty issue resolved by the LBS). The rear shock was replaced by a Fox ALPS 4 . The frame style (URT) and geometry demand that the suspension components use the progressive quality of air to perform respectably. It is a shame Mr. Fisher chose to "Tango" with Rock-Shox when spec'ing this frame.
I rode the frame for over two years (+2,200 miles) with the afforementioned configuration. Then I purchased a 2001 Z-3 Air 100. Crap. This is the best combination EVER on a URT frameset.
I will ride the frame until they no longer build replacement parts for the shocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pigrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Vista,Ca
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Price, component package, FUN factor | | Weaknesses: | superdeluxe rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | trek rigid then this one and now Santa Cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | I had the Joshua Z2 1997 model with the Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I ride a santa cruz superlight now that weighs about 25 lbs with a Marzocchi X-fly Z2. I love this bike but find myself missing my old Joshua Z2 every once in a while. I still wish I had it. Don't let these reviewers tell you how bad the whole unified rear triangle (URT) suspension is. Yes you get some bobbing and no lots of people don't like it. You can read and believe all the dogma that techies spew or you can ride. When it comes to just going out and riding your bike for fun the Joshua is an excellent bike. Its steering is not as precise as the superlight and the suspension is not as stiff either but it rides well and handles pretty good. There is very noticeable bobbing when you are climbing very steep technical hills, but I noticed that the URT actually drives the rear wheel into the ground and you get more traction. The superlight does not do this so it took me a while to get used to shifting my body in a different way. In my mind I think of the Joshua as a Cadillac and the superlight as a Ferrari. If you race the Joshua is not for you but if you ride a lot XC and pretty gnarly downhills this is a damn good bike. If you own a Joshua or have an opportunity to buy a used one you should do it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cuyamaca mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | fairly light for a full suspension bike, awesome handling, rides over everything.
| | Weaknesses: | rear rock shock deluxe sucks! but on the plus side it won't last long, so you can replace with something worthy like a Stratus XC Pro shock. | | Similar Products Used: | GT bikes | | Bike Setup: | 1997 Joshua Z2, stock except for Stratus XC Pro rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I am a cross country rider and I love this bike. I can go anywhere and ride over anything. It goes where you point it.
On the minus side it does pogo a little if you power up a hill, but this is easily fixed by replacing the rear shock with an air shock that has a lock out feature such as the Stratus XC Pro or the Fox Float RC. If your bike comes with a Rock Shock Deluxe, it will need to be replaced anyway, trust me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allister Blanco
a Cross-Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
all of em | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Simple Design. Bullet Proof. When you were out the pivot, there's no guessing which one! | | Weaknesses: |
Weight. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS, Ventana Marble Peak | | Bike Setup: |
Stratos XC Pro Rear, Marzocchi Z.1 BAM Front 4 inches travel front and rear | | Bottom Line: | The addition of the Z.1 BAM turned this into what is now my favorite ride. I have a Ritchey Soft Tail (Excellent as well), but not as much fun. Lock out the rear on the climbs, therefore no bobbing. Let's face it, if you're going to have fun on a heavy FS you're gonna need legs. I don't recommend this ride for out shape folks as the weight penalty will kill them. 4 stars because I'd still rather climb on my lighter softtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LIAPOMOBAU
a Cross-Country Rider
from Troy, NY
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Finger Lakes Trail at Ontario County Park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
All around great bike | | Weaknesses: |
Bobs a little, but easily taken care of with remote damping adjuster. | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo (not similar, but it's a GF)
Trex 830SX (we all have to start somewhere!!) | | Bike Setup: |
Joshua Z2 w/ RS Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I have the 1997 Joshua Z2 model. This is a just plain and simply a really nice XC bike. Has just the right amout of travel on front & rear. The rear has a remote adjustable damping thumb shifter that can almost lockout for climbs & rolling areas. Sure it bobs a little, but it really isn't all that bad with the remote adjuster. I've made several upgrades to my bike since I got it as parts wore out or as I found a really good deal. Now I have a pretty sweet bike. It's sweet to begin with though. I'd recommend this bike to someone who loves XC with the occasional need to just bomb downhill. The only complaint I have it that I had a cable housing that was rubbing against the frame & it actually wore away at the aluminum frame & created a notch in it. Luckily it was at the lower end of the seat tube so it isn't go to weaken to frame. It was easily remedied by putting a plastic hot spot sticker there. This is a great bike though. I love mine & I'll be keeping this baby for years to come. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JC
a Cross-Country Rider
from Upland, Ca
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Expert trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
How the bike fits me | | Weaknesses: |
weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Heckler
Specialized FSR
C'Dale Raven | | Bike Setup: |
Judy Sl Englunds 80mm
Monkey lite Riser
Stratos Helix Pro
Tery Liberator Ti Race
Every thing else stock | | Bottom Line: | I have a 97 Z1. Thinking about getting a new frame, a Four bar linkage, But I keep upgrading my Joshua. Y because I like how the bike rides. The shock upgrades helped the bike. I enjoy the riser bar. Bottom line I'm having too much fun with my Joshua. URT is a simple design and every bike I've test rode bobs. Bike still gets 5 chillies after 2 years. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtndew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Barrington, NH
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The lockout
The Components
The Genesis | | Weaknesses: |
Not an awesome climber | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL, XT/XTR, Rock Shox Delux w/ lockout
Cross Max Wheelset
747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great cross country ride. The lockout is the only way to ride this bike, though. I sometimes forget to tighten it down when going into a hill and it reminds me with the bobbing. BUT it has the lockout which makes everything fine. It could be a little better on the climbing. The Genesis geometry is terrific on steep descents! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carter ziemke
a Weekend Warrior
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
riders palace | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
its a good bike cause its aluminum. i have the aquila and it is just as good as this one i think the aquila is a better bye for your money | | Weaknesses: |
none really | | Similar Products Used: |
my aquila | | Bike Setup: |
i like the rocks on there its great | | Bottom Line: | bottom lin is that this bike is a good bike with not many weaknesses | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Gray
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Cobb
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
12 miles of hell | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
24 inch full supen. | | Weaknesses: |
lowend components | | Similar Products Used: |
giant awsome | | Bike Setup: |
fork & shock are stock
upgraded wheels & drivetrain to lx / xt | | Bottom Line: | great bike for my age. recomend it to any butt sore 11 year olds. if it was lighter could give it 5 stars, but i still gotta pedal it up hills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario A. Javier C.E.T.
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Harwood Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Affordability
Excellent service from store and distributor. | | Weaknesses: |
Selection of components
Too heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Mantra Pro
Specialized FSR elite
Schwinn S-10 | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC, Avid 2.0 | | Bottom Line: | I owned this bike for almost 2 years now and I have done most of the upgrades such as XT rear D and shifter, Raceface crank and ring, Mavic 517 front and rear with XT hubs, Cane Creek headset, Crossbow seat, 96 Judy XC with WB springs and C3 cartridge. When I got the bike 2 years ago the components in it was alright but could be better. The KB seats was uncomfortable and it was the first to be replaced. The stem and handlebar set up was also uncomfortable and it was replaced with a Club Roost hi-rise. The Sugino crank was okay, but seems to flex when I hammer and put my 195lbs weight on it, therefore it was replaced by Raceface. The LX rear D was okay until recently when the shifting starts to fail, the XT is an excellent upgrade (you can now get last year model at reasonable cost because of the 9 speed hype!)
My only concern right now is the RS deluxe, where I think its blown because of too much bobbing even when I have the spring replaced to 700lbs/in and cranked up past the 7 turns recommended by RS. Anyone who has an idea how to solve this, please feel free to e-mail me. Overall I think this bike is worth every penny I spent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Oops, made a mistake, should have been 5 months since my last review. I had the bike for about 9 months now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Bkt Timah MTB Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Couple of points here:
1) The geometry is nice and well laid out. I couldn't actually feel the easier climbing part, but the short stem has certainly sharpened up the bike's response.
2) It's not the lightest bike out there, nor the most efficient, but hey, after 2664km in 5 months in all sorts of weather with routine cleaning and no major over-haul, I'd say components specs as well as the single pivot's durability is top notch. But since the specs I'm running is non OEM, the credit goes to the very durable pivot.
3)The lock-out for the rear shock may seem as a cover up for some people but I hardly find the need to use it. Though when I do need to use it, I can really pile on the power without bobbing. | | Weaknesses: |
Currently, I'd say it's a bit porky at 26.5 lbs. maybe I'm just picky but I just know it'll be great if it's around 24 lbs. Another point is the suspension. We all know that the URT is not the most efficient design around, nor is it the plushest, but when the shock is properly tuned to your weight and riding style, you can get a lot out of this bike. The OEM parts that came with the bike is not very impressive, check out the specs, many of the parts can be better, especially considering the price tag. Then again, exclusivity doesn't come cheap. Oh yeah, the Sugino cranks sucks, change it ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: |
I've owned a 1)KRIT FS bike w RST Hi 5. 2) 1998 K2 Animal with Smart Shock and full XT kit.Both are seriously overweight and non too enjoyable on the climbs. | | Bike Setup: |
98 Joshua Z1 frame, 98 Manitou SX Ti, 99 XT shifters + FD + RD + crankset + bb + 98 hubs. 99 XTR brake + lever + cassette. SUN 0 degree Lite front rim, Bontrager Mustang ASYM rear rim. Bontranger stem, handlebar + seatpost. Flite Ti saddle. RS couple deluxe Rear shock w lockout. Specialize Team Dirt Control/Master Tire. | | Bottom Line: | Frankly, after 5 months and 2664 km of riding this bike, I'm very pleased with it. It handles very well in technical climbs and descents. Maybe because the Genesis geometry fits but I simple would not have it any other way. The next upgrade I'm planning would be a lightweight wheelset just to bring down the weight and inprove handling. This is not a bike for everyone, some like it's feel, some don't. My advise is: Try the bike, ride around a bit if possible, then make a decision. For me, I'd continue to upgrade it because the bike fits me. Enough talk, we should ride more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Head
a weekend warrior
from Pa
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a Diamondback joker. I like it but im having problems with tricks.
Ive started trying tricks a little while now. I just cant seem to pull a bunnyhop. It probably sounds rediculous but im only 13. I was wondering if anyone could help me. Email Address:limpy@hotmail.com
, Head
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a weekend warrior
from Central Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Gary Fisher Joshua XO in December of 1998. I have been generally satisfied with the bike. The rear suspension works great! I don't know why everyone is whining about unified rear triangles (URT's). Maybe they aren't using the shock lock-out lever. With the shock locked out, the bike is as solid as a hard tail, with no bobbing. I use the bike for all-around riding, both uphill and downhill woods and trails. It has been almost one year and I have logged almost 3,000 miles.
I have to keep cleaning the shock lock-out switch on the shock, because it picks up mud from the rear tire. Generally the component parts have held up well.
My only complaint is with the rear shock pivot. After 2,500 miles the pivot started getting sloppy and wobbly. I took the bike back to my local dealer and Gary Fisher sent a new pivot bushing for free. Then the pivot at the rear of the rear shock wore out, and Rock Shox sent a relpacement part for free as part of the warranty. My one year warranty is almost up and the rear pivot bushings are wearing again. I hope it doesn't become a re-occuring problem. Overall I have been greatly satisfied with the bike and the service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Allen
a cross-country rider
from Waterloo,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just a follow-up to my previous review posted in the spring. I am now on my fourth set of Xverts. These are holding up apart from some bushing slop.
After two RS deluxes blew apart (literally) the Fisher distributors here(OGC)
took pity on me and shipped the best shock in the world! It is a Stratos Pro
Air/coil unit with remote lockout and full adjustability.This unit has transformed the Joshua! The travel on both ends is progressive and plush
giving an unsurpassed level of control on the the most gnarly surfaces
up and downhill.
I have experienced no need to lock out the rear end and in fact have been able to climb previously impossible(for me) ascents. From perusing past reviews I have come to the conclusion that a faultyRockShox unit is more likely the main
culprit due to the failure of the internal damping.This causes massive amounts of bobbing. My previous bike was a Diamondback Vlink(with 4 bar linkage) and the Z1 surpasses it in all respects.
Now I have my Joshua setup the way I like it I will keep it for another year.
It is very unfortunate that such a good bike has been severely compromised by substandard suspension parts.One chillie willie to Rockshox/Answer for terrible quality control and four to Gary for helping out.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a weekend warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Joshua Z2 since January '97. I purchased it in LA as I couldn't get them in NZ at the time! Apart from my rear Coupe Deluxe shock blowing apart after 6 months riding I haven't had any problems until yesterday!!The Frame started to creak a little after a couple of small jumps (1-2 ft) and I checked the frame and guess what? It has cracked on bothe sides where the seating tube is welded to the main downtube and also on both lower shock mounts!Definately ruined my primo holiday weekend out of town!Have taken the bike into the LBS - Great crowd at Hedgehog Bikes, Takapuna! Will let you all know how the warranty claim goes - I feel like I've lost a best friend already!!! (Hopefully only a couple of weeks maximum downtime!?)At this stage still a 5 chilly bike!! Awesome... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After reading about all the whinning I decided to do some myself . I sent my joshua zo [4th one] back to fisher 6WEEKS! ago and still haven't got a straight answer from fisher as to when I'm getting my bike back.This really Sucks,But I still really like the bike and I hope that the new design for 99 solves the shock mount problems. {al l4 of mine have cracked there]SO LOOK CLOSELY AT YOURS TAKE SOME STEEL WOOL TO THE WELDS IF IT LOOKS SUSPICIOUS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary fisher dealer
a weekend warrior
from pa
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would like to reply to John ( San Gabriel , Ca. )
Some one at your dealership doesn't like you or is very forgetful.
To get an RA # ONLY TAKES ABOUT 10 MIN.! I WOULD ASK WHY NOTHING
IS BEING DONE AND IF YOU DON'T GET AN ANSWER, GO TO ANOTHER DEALER
OR CALL FISHER YOURSELF. I hope this will help you,YOU SHOULD BE ON YOUR BIKE!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chinese Guy
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi,
Bought a Joshua Z1 98 about 4 months back and have never looked back since. I was originally riding a K2 Animal ( You know the one with the Tiger Motif?). Anyway, the Animal was way overweight and the Smart Shock failed. I had to wait 3 months for a replacement, after I sent the bloody shock back to the States. During this time, the bike shop that I normally hang out at loaned me a 98 Big Sur to ride for the time being. I loved the new geomertry but felt that the bike could use some bounce. So here I am, sold the Animal and got my self a Z1.
I made a few modifications thought. Changed for an XTR cassette, Manitou SX Ti fork, front XT hub with Sun 0` Lite rims, Magura HS-22 (from the Animal) and Specialized Dirt Control/Master Team tires or Panaracer Fires depending on conditions. That's lightened the bike a bit compared to the stock bike and it rides sweet. So here's my two cents worth; when you buy a bike, read a few reviews to get a general impression, then ask for a test ride. Next if you don't like this bike, say it objectively, not come here and insult everyone for being a moron just because we bought a Joshua. Finally, five chillies for the Joshua. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a downhiller
from derby
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a joshua X0 I bought it beceause it was a bargain and it seemed very large to ride,I cannot ridesmall bikes as I am 6,5. However I cannot get the back shock to move, it's either too hard or too soft the rest of the bike is A1 eg xtr,Great bike,crap shock, or geometry cannot afford a new shock | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flaco
a cross-country rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
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Submitted by
john
a weekend warrior
from san gabriel, ca
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this is an update to my previous praises about my wonderful bike. the bike i still give a good rating because when it is working it rides very well. just pray that it doesn't break because gary fisher will screw you out of a bike for a long time. joshua's have a known problem of the welds coming apart around the shock mount area and the welds between the 2 main tubes. my frame has been sitting at the bike shop waiting for the slugs at fisher to give them a return # so it can be sent back. well, it's been 2 weeks and they have not been able to do that yet. how can they possibly take this long to make up a return # for me?
i have been bikeless for 2 weeks and it hasn't even left the shop so how much longer is it going to take for fisher to issue the # then they are going to let it sit at their warehouse for who knows how long. while the fisher rides fairly well, what the hell difference does it make if you don't have it because it broke? this is absolutely the worst customer service. anyone considering buying a fisher should consider buying something else. don't wast your money on a bike that will inevitably break. Gary Fisher blows!!!!!! a thousand negative chili's for the company!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Lando
a weekend warrior
from Madison,Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Joshua xo(98)in may, AT first a great deal for a grand. First time out broke rear remote lockout. I had many more problems with lockout cable braking or twisting. After many hours of down time for repairs,a cane creek AD-10 was called for. I started looking for ways to improve is bike. Judy2 is a junk, so it was replaced with Manitou sxti(sweet). Next rims & tires ;cane creek crono wam's with Panaracer mach sk & ss tires. I bent the crank after a minor crash( sugino impel 300a). I Replaced it with a shimano xtr crank & bottom. I wanted better shifting so xtr front& rear derailleurs was the ticket! xt brakes & shifters was called for. Now this bike is 5 stars!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron the Bomb Barr
a racer
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These bikes are a complete joke! The URT design bobs like crazy sitting or standing. The URT design also locks out during braking, just what you need going down a rocky downhill. The very nature of the design is actully two bike frames connected at one flexy pivot. The result is a bike that stinkbugs,(raises the rear end under braking and steepening the head angle. Scary. I've never understood why owners defend these bikes so much. Do yourself a favor before you buy and ride a four bar linkage bike, you won't be sorry. If the Y-frame is so great Y doesn't it win anything. Like the last review mentioned, that is why Trek is coming out with a linkage bike. Its also true that Huffy offers Y bike URT's I saw one in Fred Meyer the other day! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg MacRae
a cross-country rider
from Saint John, New Brunswick
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Joshua (ben Yawaha?) Z1 performs just as the name suggests, a savior, I'm sure James (aka. Babaras) would be quite jealous. This bike has saved my sorry ass in more than one situation. Imagine if you will, a provence in Canada with raw trails, slick rootie decents, rocky ascents, insane scenery and to top it all off in the maritimes 70% of the days its raining(very slick and dodgy routes?). I have been a religous hardtailer throughout this hype and have finally caved, I have road the Z1 and shall never look back. After the XVert was repaired(what the F***, Answer, I expect perfection out of the Box) My fear has left and my confidence(or insanity)has returned, is this not what we spend our hard earned dollars to experience. The RS Deluxe is there when you need it, and who the hell is Bob anyways, if you know how to climb, Bob can go suck my brothers noisy linkage. (Ha Ha Ha) The SRAM's are smooth and percise after a Gore upgrade to the cables the Avids work well even in NB's extremly muddy conditions(thanks Gary for the disc mounts) The front end (wheel & fork) have only flexed once to cause brake scrape and this was during an out of control landing, which I was abel to recover thanks to the tight and percicise steering control of genisis geometry. Gen(isis) is a reality not just a sales gimmic, and cheers to Bontranger for some solid rims. I tend to be hard on rims and these give no noticible flex when you get some corner bite or hit that log at 45. This bike will speak to you, but you must listen carefully, and most of all you must not hold back while upon it. Otherwise that split second of hesitation will cost you your freedom.(who gives a s*** what anyone else thinks) Joshua will be there when you need it, Love life, respect the trail(on and off of it) but most of all have fun and strive to become a FisherMan in the Maritimes of the greatest place in the world to Ride, Canada. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DALIBOR CVITAN
a weekend warrior
from BREZICE, SLOVENIA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my joshua X1- hell of a bike! The shape, colour, performance it is heavenly. But, GAAAARY! why did you put that front suspension which broke after few kilometers. looks OK, but my bike and i are stil waiting for that fork to be replaced. I want to RIDE A BIKE - with a good fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from western NJ
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well it's been 3 months from the puchase date of my Z1 - here's my experiences.
Overall, the design & handling of the bike has been outstanding for the $1300 I paid for it. However, there were some issues that had to be addressed. 1. The Manitou XVert broke 1 hour into my first ride (man was I pissed). Apparently the engineers elected to use a shortened piece of PVC pipe (the violet markings you see on the plumbing in your house were still there !) to guide the elastomer stack. This tube slid down the stanchion tube & proceded to catch on the plastic elastomer spacers - producing an awfull clunking sound. Also, Manitou's firm ride elastomer kit completely sucks for anyone wieghing over 190lbs. I had to use a 5 inch extra-heavy speadspring & elastomer combination w/ 8 wieght oil to make the fork useful. I am still waiting for Mountainspeed to release the correct spring kit for this fork (hopefully in early September). One more Manitou gripe - their adjustment knobs are cheap garbage. 2. Rockshock - Amazingly this component has performed well for me (contrary to many reviews). I changed the 1.5 550lb spring to a 2.0 650lb (I wiegh 200lbs) - the results were outstanding. All other components on the bike have performed well under the stress of many rocky eastern technical rides (Round Valley, Allamuchy, Bridgewater, Blackwater, Coopers Rock) A great FS bike for heavy riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Son of Skid
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Finally replaced my 600 lb spring for a stiffer 650 lb spring because I found myself overcranking the preload just to make it stiff enough (read my previous review below). I've also carefully setup the shock with 25% sag as recommended. Preload on my shock is now less than 6 full turns also as recommended. The good news: my bike now rides so much better I could kick myself for not getting the setup right earlier (I've had the bike since 96). Thanks to all the people who gave me ideas with their reviews. Now my rear shock is so good when I run over any bump I feel it harsh on my front shock while the rear just glides through. Now I'm thinking I have to upgrade my front shock. As far as bob goes, yes it's there but I have to look at my shock or ask a riding buddy to watch, to actually know i'm bobbing on the climbs. And in any case they say it's only a little. Hey, show me a dualie that doesn't bob and I'll show you a too stiff, badly setup bike. And I don't notice any difference in my climbing ability anyhow; I've spent enough time on full-suspension to learn the best way to power up a climb is to spin rather than stomp. Descending, of course, is just pure pleasure especially with the preload just right on my new stiffer spring. For reference I weigh 155lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a cross-country rider
from Hollis, NH
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My '96 Joshua Y (now with a '97 ZO frame, thanks to Fisher's outstanding
customer service department after I broke the old one at the shock-
mount welds; apparently a common problem) has just been outstanding.
I'm 6'1, 190 lbs, and found that an offset seat post and a shorter stem
solved all my handling problems. Bike has seen hellacious technical
trials-like terrain and has been great. A word to the wise: if you do
any jumping or rock hopping, cough up the money and replace your
swingarm pivot regularly. Mine bent, and had to be HEATED AND PRESSED
to get it out of the frame ( a nightmare ). Four chiles; it's great
but not perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well here's a story about Gary Fisher and how they treat the customer I
bought a 97 Joushua X-O last summer, really liked the bike until....This
while I was replace the lame rear shock with Stratos strata pro I noticed
the frame had began to crack at the upper rear shock mount(check around the reviews on this site and you'll se it's fairly common). So I take the bike
to the lbs and they sayride it untill the rep can look at it and we'll
send it in. So a month latter still no rep so I have the lbs get a return
number and I TAKE THE BIKE APART,BOX IT,AND SHIP IT. Well to make a long
story shorter THREE WEEKS pass before I get my bike back and then it looks
like SHIT they put 98 Joshua X-O decals on it which are white and are barely
visible against the yellow back ground.Other reviews I've seen here people
have always gotten the Z-O frame or at least what they sent in. Bottom line
I feel like I got screwed.Yeah sure they sent me a new frame but it's not
what I had and it took three weeks and on top of that I did all the work.If
you want to ride a Fisher be prepared to deal with a broken frame and
horseshit customer service. Other than that I like the bike but I'll NEVER
buy another Fisher.One star for the service and 4 stars for the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is an update on my ZO. I love this bike. Yesterday, I took it on a 3 mile ride with 2000 ft of climbing. It was great on the way up, but even better on the way down. I was able to clear every drop off without any worries of losing control. This bike takes a beating, but continues to perform flawlessly. My only complaint is the bar ends that came stock on the bike. They are too wide, I replaced mine with some narrower and lighter bar ends. This bike rocks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trail Monkey
a cross-country rider
from The Birthplace of Mountian Biking
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Joshua Z1 for a year and half and this bike rules the trails, especially after I replaced the lame rear rock shock with the stunningly awesome stratus pro air oil shock with it's unequaled degree of adjustability including full lock out for those steeeeep and slippppery ascents. On this bike, steep gnarly climbs are totally inspiring and steep gnarly descents are the stuff of legends.If you are going to get one, spend the money on the high end; get a Z1 or a Z0 and get the stratus rear air-oil shock - you will be a very happy hammerhead.To all those gumbies that gave this bike a less than perfect rating: EAT MY DUST!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Steed
a racer
from Pocatello ID USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Gary Fisher makes the best overall bikes there are I love them my rating is two thumbs up five stars I enjoy the level betty it is a very nice bike highly recomended I love anything with the name Gary Fisher on it. If you have the Money I recomend that you buy a Gary fisher Dual Suspension don't settle for some huffy wannabe P.O.S go for a Fisher | | Overall R |
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$ 3000.00
