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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Guana Park/Hanna Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Fairly light for Cromoly....takes a good beating. | | Weaknesses: | Hey, it ain't no Tassajara or Big Sur! Weak shock! The crankset comes with stamped chainrings so you can't really change them out! | | Similar Products Used: | GT Talera, Tassajara, Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | XT R Derailleur, LX F Derailler, LX V Brakes, STX Shifters, Alivio Cranks, Rock Shox Quad 5, GEAX Sedona 200 Tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a good price for a beater and commuter. Most of the components were pretty good since the guy that sold them to me added a few upgrades. I take this to the light trails and hit the road making my 11 mi round trip to work - some road and curbs. I also manage to keep up with my friend who has a 98 Big Sur. We are not hard core, but think some trails are a blast!!
The shock is pretty weak as it only gives like an inch or so, but hey, i'm not hitting 5 foot drops either. It's a lot better than a straight fork that I had on my Tassajara before it got stolen.
A good price for a bike. When the cranks give out, I'm moving to something better, and may only go single speed up front. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skwidboy
a Cross Country Rider
from Rocklin, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Copelands Sports | | Strengths: | The price of the product initally drew me into purchasing the Mamba, however, this was going to be my first bike. The fram is awesome for larger riders. Sturdy Steed! | | Weaknesses: | Quality of componentry. I have had nothing but problems with the original components on this bike. But for the price one can always up grade! The seat post is impossible to replace (odd size post), low quality with bizzar bolt location. Seat is firm but for the road not too bad | | Similar Products Used: | First Bike -- Switching over to a Specialized Hardrock Pro-- | | Bike Setup: | Powertools four bolt stem (Azonic Shorty knockoff), Johny Tomac Tenacious D Bars, Race Face Grips (Good vs. Evil), Koski Brake lite Pros (front & rear), IRC Mythos Kevlar tires, Stock Rims. Topo Gel Tour Saddle (Siimilar to Selle Itallia SLR). Topo Clipless pedals (Similar to SPD series)---Switching Components to lx/xt soon.-- | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike if you have the time to ride and invest in upgrades, however, the stock parts served for three months before the upgrades began. i would reccomed this steed to a beginning rider who would like to enter the world of mountain biking with little investments. Great Bike! If your a heavier rider this beefy frame will withstand anything you can throw at it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow,m ID, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeRite | | Strengths: | Indestructible steel frame. Drivetrain does a great job for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap rims. Cantilever breaks. | | Similar Products Used: | Entire Trek line (I work in a shop) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Vuelta breaks, Sun Rims 0deg, WTB velocoraptors, Tioga power-studs bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been my main transportation for the last five years. I've dropped it off cliffs, crashed it in ways that ended me up in the hospital, and taken it on 40 and 50 mile cross country jaunts in the back end of nowhere (in NW Montana). Once I junked the original rims I never had another problem with the bike.
I changed out the stock cantilever breaks for V-breaks, a couple years back, but I'm not sure it was worth the trouble. If you go this route, deffinitely get a booster. I can squeeze the rear break lever and watch the seat stays deflect almost 1/4". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wisen Hiemer
a
from Richmond, Va. USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | PO FARM PAAARK and THE RIVAH | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's | | Strengths: | PRICE | | Weaknesses: | HEAD SET AND RIMS | | Bike Setup: | AS BOUGHT | | Bottom Line: | Not bad for 300 bills. It takes a pretty good ass beating.
The head set really blows, but I was able to get a new one and have the threads cleaned up and installed for $40.00.
I need a rim tuning, but all in all great bike for the price. For God sakes it was $300 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dudek Wojtek
a Cross Country Rider
from Warsaw, POLAND
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cross-country trip Warsaw-Augustow (300 km per a day) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | SkiTeam-Warsaw | | Strengths: | Very strong frame and good Acera. Last summer I used Altus C-10, but this one is mooore better! | | Weaknesses: | Weight of complete bike (with baggage) is upfff:) | | Bike Setup: | Frame yellow-black, front-Post Moderne, Acera (21 speeds) | | Bottom Line: | Very strong frame and good Acera. Last summer I used Altus C-10, but this one is mooore better! Weight of complete bike (with baggage) is upfff:) Frame yellow-black, front-Post Moderne, Acera (21 speeds). Next weekend I'll test my new Mamba in Kampinos Herbst Runde (around Kampinos National Park, almost 200 km per a day). Then we'll see, how strong is this product of Gary's Factory!!! :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Dolezalek
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
All-around good value, and should be a good resale bike to get for those in the used bike market | | Weaknesses: |
Brakes are a little soft, bike is a git on the heavy side, the seat's a friggin' rock | | Similar Products Used: |
This was my 1st mountain bike! | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for Bontrager handlebar guards and Speedplay Frog pedal system | | Bottom Line: | All-around great bike at the price. I got mine for a bit over $400, which was cheaper than the going rate at the time. Mike Morissey's review (seee below is pretty much spot-on, not much to add really! Apparently we even have the same pedal system, the Speedplay Frog (see my review of this great system). How's that for eerie? I'm not sure how much more to upgrade it; the Rock Shox bottom-of-the-line shocks are not horribly useful, but by the time you get done buying new Indys or Judys for it you're halfway to buying a new bike! A friend of mine did the Indys along with a new set of V-brakes for his; the Indys are nice but I know I'd kill myself with those Vs by stopping too suddenly! Anyway, the only thing I'd add is that the stock seat really does bite, get a new Trico or Avocet at your earliest convenience if you buy this bike used. Other stock parts are fine, Shimano and WTB pretty much all the way around. Good value! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Morrissey
a cross-country rider
from Central New York State, USofA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 1997 Mamba for a little bit over two years. It's a sweet ride. The steel frame is very nice... and it whips the pants off of any comparable mongoose, trek, giant, etc. I do have a few complaints about it. The brakes are weak. The tires, however have served me well. The Rock Shox Quadra 5 shock is fairly weak as well, though it's better than a hard fork. The cockpit of the bike is really stretched out, and that's good. I think it feels a lot better than being confined into a gt or trek. The graphics on this bike are cool too. The strapping pedals are good for a new biker, something to work with. I have upgraded to Speedplay Frog pedals, which are very nice. I kind of wish this bike was threadless, but when i bought it there weren't many bikes at this price range with threadless forks. Overall, I give it 5 flaming corpses, because it is such a blast to ride around! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Marley
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
It is a very goob bike for yhe price. I own 2 and I really like them very much!! I am considering buyin 2 mmore cause I tink dis bik is soooo good!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodger Coale
a cross-country rider
from Paso Robles, CA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Second winter with my Momba, a lot of problems last year, but I ride hard on a lot of mud. At 6'3'/210 and in good shape I push this bike. Within a month the back rim was bad. chepe spokes broke every ride. 3 months the front hub was gone. Brakes won't stop me on hard down hill after they are wet. Two clips were pure junk. Frame seems heavy and I hesitated to spend any money on upgrades. After two major wipouts, Down hill clipless, I had to put on wheels. Went wth Mavic 521s, new front hubs and good spokes and niples. Helped a lost. Shock is junk and so is brakes and shifters. I am not sure if the frame is woth upgrading anymore or not. Seems too front heavy and end overs are always pending. I may just junk it and stat over. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Cox
a weekend warrior
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is by far the most comfortable mid-priced mountain bike I just got mine for
$459.00 from Mountain Cycle in Redmond Oregon. The reason for it being so cheap was because it was a left over from last year but it is brand new. I love to ride because the Rock Shox on the front keep my back from getting messed up. I highly recomend this bike to whoever reads this. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emre
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The frame is nice. The parts suck. I upgraded to XT rapidfire shiftres/brakelever combo , XT brakes, XT cranks and a XT freewheel( I realy like XT ) . The shoxs suck I upgraded to Manitou FS-TI lmtd. edtn. Stroker, same as th ones that Shaun Palmer uses. After about 100 miles of use the pedals resin body broke, so I went to the shop that I got it at and he took $15 dollars of Icon clipless pedals for its replacement value and they work great. And the got they got the weight, it's realy 28.0 lbs. I gave it 3 stars in its original condition, but after upgrades my bike is now is 6 stars
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gavin Henderson
a cross-country rider
from Valparaiso,IN
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got a Mamba today. It is great!!!!!!! Before I had a lot of trouble keeping up with my friends. They have a Canondale, GT, and a Schwin. Now I am able to keep up with them easily. And they like my bike. The shifting is a lot easier then my old bike, a Mongoose. The mamba is awesome!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rogan Hindmarch
a weekend warrior
from Johannesburg - South Africa
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Mamba 2 yrs ago and have made no mods to it as it doesnt need them.
I ride with a group of rich yuppies on Cannondales and whatevers- There bikes constantly need repairs and special attention.I've found that the harder I push my Mamba the sweeter it gets. I don't think there is anything I could'nt do with my Mamba.
Mambas forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Cooper
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmm - Weekend warrior is a bit extreme for me. :-) I ride around the block before I need to stop for a butt and a brew.I bought my Mamba because my five year old was still on training wheels and I wanted to ride with her. I shopped high and low and looked at everything for less than $400.I actually thought that the Haro V2 was pretty cool, but ran aross this one in a pawn shop. I gave $200 for it, and it's like new. A GREAT bargain for me (I guess). I assume it's never been off road.I came looking on the web to see if I got screwed. Looks like for two bills I did okay....But compared to the other bikes out there in this class, I'd still think this is a good bike...Better than the Haro.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chan
a downhiller
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey, this bike is awsome. See I'm a kid so I don't have a lot of cash, but this bike is awsome, it was the cheapest quality bike I could find with a fron suspension. I got it for 420 casue It's last years model(they jack the pirce up like 150 just cause it's on the new line. The only complaint I have is the shocks, I'm farily light weight (120 lbs ) so I don't get a lot of responce from them. Overall it's a killa bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is not a bad as some people might think. It has a good frame with alright components. With a couple upgrades like V-brakes and risers its not all that bad. My only complaint is those god damn Quadra 5. They are the most pathetic shocks ever. I get more travel from the flex than the action of the fork. They bottom out even when you sit down on the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a cross-country rider
from Marietta, Ga
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 96 Mamaba is not a bad bike for beginners in mountain biking. I started mountain biking back in February of 96. I really enjoyed the bike compared to all those other bikes. The components on the bike will get the rider to wherever he's going. It's not a top of the line mountain bike but it's a nice bike to work with. I know the components on it are not the best, but it does to job to train on. I paid around 450 for the bike and used it pretty hard until recently it got stolen from my garage. It's really sad how people these days will steal about anything. I'm getting a Proflex 856, and hope that it will be what it says to be. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a mamba a few years ago for $450 it was a good bike but
after two years of biking and i got more serious. Soon i was riding
on trails and race courses. The quadras sux i hate them they sux
ROCKSHOX rules but they must have been pretty drunk when the came up
quadras. I love steel steel is real. Its a shame bike companies aren't making
as many steel bikes. With my mamba i bought Judy XC 97 with 98 longtravel kit
i bought some XT parts, Michelan Tires, 636 Pedals, kooka seatpost and kore stem
and handle bar i love this bike
but i mite get a proflex for free ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Brennan
a weekend warrior
from Ann Arbor Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I actually love this bike.. I originally had a Wahoo and decided that with the stumps and rocks in michigan that a front shock would help a ton and it does the Quadra 5 front shock yea does bottom out alot but for the price I really don't want to crack on the bike... It is what it is a great bike for someone who has learned the lines but still need to get into shape and learn how to corner.... After you learn how to do that then hell you should have a better bike .. Gary Fisher rocks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dumb ass
a racer
from San Rafael Ca USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the best. NOT. It's the worst bike i've ever seen in my life. I've seen better huffys. What are Quadra 5's. What is Rock Shox thinking, they don't work. The best things on the bike are the toe clips, and you can probably get them for less then $15. I'd give the bike 1/2 of a star but they don't let. sorry. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
silly
a weekend warrior
from sydney, australia
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my mamba about 6 months ago. Back then the mamba down under was worth $1000 and it was hard to find a store that stocked Gary Fisher. It was priced quite badly compared to other bikes with similar specs, but I bought one anyway.
The weight wasn't really a problem since I knew I couldn't afford a decent aluminium. The all alivio components + gripshift 400 shifters were better than my last bits (altus). The quadra fives were my first suspension forks. So what did I think of the bike?
The threaded stem was quite shit, the quadras were shitter and those damn toe clips were just plain old shit. I was very happy with the U.S. made butted cro-mo frame and the primal raptor tyres. The weinmans still haven't given me any greif so I suppose they're O.K. despite the cheap reputation and weight. Last but not least are the Alivio's and the gripshift. Personally I love gripshift and won't here a word against SRAM. The Alivio components might be cheap, heavy and clunky but they get the job done. I don't plan to upgrade the drive train for another year.
Speaking of upgrades. I changed to an ahead set and an Azonic stem. Threw away those glorified rigid forks (quadras) and stuck on some Marzocchi Zokes Pro. I also got me some SPDs. Sure I added a bit of weight but I wasn't going to race the bloody thing was I. I just wanted to enjoy the limited time I had to ride. Besides the front end looks damn fancy now.
Bottom line. I love my mamba. Soft, flexy and robust(heavy). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Marseille
a cross-country rider
from Blainville,PQ Canada
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Mamba is the best bike i ever seen of Gary Fisher for QUALITY/PRICE
GO BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!! GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST GARY FISHER IS THE BEST | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Odd One
a weekend warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great biginner bike, it is realtivly light and has pretty good components for its price. since i have bought it I have upgraded to 636 pedals, ibc hydraulic brakes, a manitou fs fork, and lx cranks. i just got the lx cranks because the 636's worked loose and ground the threads off. Other than that I have had very few problems with this bike. my favorite part is the frame which is a very nice triple butted chromoly frame with tight welds. This bike is a great first bike, unfortunatly it has been discontinued for the '98 product year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a cross-country rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey you guy 2 down from me gary fisher rocks and it 5000000 times as good as your k mart precision bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
benny monroe
a weekend warrior
from flin flon, Manitoba
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
What is a mountain bike? well what do you expect Im from flin flon manitoba
My pa is a farmer and pop uses his mamba every day use.He is very rugged on his
equipment and the mamba pulls through. My brother has a black mamba as a pet
and thats why pa got a mamba bike and by the way gary fisher is the best bike brand out there MONGOOSE SUCKS!! signing out from flin flon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant Havekost
a cross-country rider
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For the price, I don't think the Mamba can be beat. I weigh about 125 lbs and the shocks weren't real responsive so I took out one of the elastomers. It really helps although it bottoms out a lot. I was already planning on upgrading when I bought it so it would have been a waste to get the Hoo Koo E Koo. Alivio is a great value, would have liked thread-less steering though. I love taking it out to the local single-track stuff. I love the 'The Fisher Feel'! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris McDowell
a weekend warrior
from Hampden-Sydney College, VA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is horrible. The component group sucks. The only decent part on the bike is the STX rear derailler. The frame is heavy and the Rock Shox Quadra 5 reminds me of something I would see on a Huffy in Wal-mart. What was ole Gary thinking when he put those Acera-X hubs, brakes, and front derailler on that bike. Thisk bike is not worth $600 dollars! For $50 more dollars you can get Specialized Rockhopper with an aluminum frame STX/Alvio drivetrain, V-brakes, and a better shock! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Casey
a downhiller
from California, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike about 4 months ago and I've ridden some real hard ass rides. I recently rode Pine Mountain which put this entry level front suspension bike through it's paces. Last Saturday I wrode Bolinas Ridge trail and crashed & burned off a trail off of Bolinas. The bike took the impact quite well. The usual scrapes and bumps, the bike got a flat tire and slightly bent the front handle-bars, the frame took the the impact. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Brayson
a downhiller
from Portland Oregon
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Purchased a '97 Mamba two months ago. I used to be an avid touring bike rider and with this being my first MTB, I did not know how much off-road (or any riding in general) I would actually do with it, so I kind of set a low budget for my purchase. Since my touring days I have gained a lot of weight (at 325lbs) and purchased the bike for exercise. A MTB was a chosen for the ability to handle my weight. I have found that the Mamba has been a good entry level choice for me. After shopping at the local bike shops, (looked at Trek, GT, Klien a couple others) and reading the manufacturer's propaganda, I came to the conclusion this was the best deal within my $500 or less budget (purchased for $419 at the Bike Gallery). The front shock looked real neat and somewhat unavailable at this price level. Cro-Mo to handle my weight.During the first month and my initial conditioning, I rode mostly on the streets and it proved to be the best bike I have ever owned. Not as fast as a touring bike but the knobbys provide for an added workout. The WTB Primal Raptors held up real good on the asphalt. Shifting, Braking, Handling worked great.Lately I have been doing much off-road at a local nature park (Powell Butte). I ride almost every day. I found that the Fisher handles fantastic for a rigid frame suspension front bicycle. My only comparison basis for off road was from my dirtbike/motocross days, and when I would take my 10 speed or sting-ray off road when I was a kid.My first single track ride made me thankful for the Quad 5 fork. Although it does not have a bunch of travel, I am sure I would have endoed in a downhill rut if I had standard fork. After a few off-road runs I have added bars ends for climbing and removed the straps from the toe clips. I feel the strapless clips are working good for fast emergency exits (allows some amount of up-pull pedalling and I can still wear my hiking boots) but I am taking a hard look at clipless pedals. Fairly satisfied with the cant brakes, but I haven't ever rode V brakes yet. Gripshift 400 and Alivio rear derailer are either out of adjustment, are not a good match, or just can't handle my leg strength because it seems to jump all over the place between sprockets 2 through 5 under power. Currently working with the bike shop to fine tune this. The Cro-Mo frame seems to be holding up well. Rear wheel has one teeny-tiny wobble in it (probably from a rock). Haven't been doing any big jumps but I am pretty fast at the downhills (probably much faster if I had full suspension with more travel).In retrospect, knowing how much I will be using my bike off road, I probably would have:
- Went with more budget, for V-brakes, better shifting, better fork, better wheels. (I could of got the Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo for only $180 more)
- Smaller frame for off-road use. I have large frame with 32 inseam, about 1 clear (which was against bike shop recommendation). Next time I would go medium for clearance only after I check to make sure I can shoulder the bike around my massive rib cage. Generally I am VERY SATISFIED with the Mamba, It was available within my budget an is put up with my weight well. It has fulfilled the purpose to help me get in shape and I am confident that it is a good base to upgrade from if I don't just sell it right away and get a totally better equipped bike. I give it a four+ rating only because I feel that there might be something better in this price range, but I was not going to waste my whole summer trying to find it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a weekend warrior
from Fairport, N.Y.
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just purchased a Mamba and it is the smoothest ride I've had to date. Quality seems to be very good and components are a good value for the money. Owned a Trek and this bike is a much better ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a cross-country rider
from Vernon , B.C.
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Mamba handles great in rough terrain, it has pretty good components.Its
an all round good bike for off road.So far no mechanical problems in the
last 2 months since I got it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris carroll
a weekend warrior
from ripon, wi
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Not worth $600.00, I've seen it for 415.00, and still I wouldn't get it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig swanton
a cross-country rider
from mankato mn usa
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
just got one rides great for a lighter person | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a weekend warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I looked and I found this bike to be the best in its class. Fisher puts the rest to shame. From meadows to Air this thing can take it and more. I keep waiting for components to fail (those who paid much more for theirs say they will) but it just keeps on going. Total fun and fisher is respected on the trails, if that matters to you. Main thing to remember is the frame and this is a good one....everything else can be bolted on! Ride hard and ride safe. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STEVIE
a weekend warrior
from NORTHERN IRELAND
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS IS MY FIRST F/S BIKE AND I AM TOTALLY DELIGHTED WITH IT .
THE QUADRA 5 MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE .
THE FISHER IS AN EXCELLENT MACHINE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought one for my girlfriend, changed the saddle and added bar ends. This is an excellent entry level bike that does everything well. The only negative is the rear rim is already bent (mildly) after one month of use. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CA and Susan Pickens
a weekend warrior
from Castro Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
We bought a pair of Mambas from our local bike shop and we love them (got that, Svenne!). Though I'm moving up to a modified Judy XC on my bike and an Answer Body Shock for the wife, we feel these are ideal bikes for those who want to go out and enjoy the ride without going into debt.
Modifications are easy and the frames are first rate, these should last a lifetime. Don't buy the name or the lastest bleeding edge technology just to impress the next guy on the trail, just get what feels good to you.
Remember, It's not the bike... It's the rider that counts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Svenne
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
-Have you heard about the buy who actually liked his mamba?
-No
-Niether have I!!!Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
March 12,1997The Mamba was my first real mt. bike. It is an excellent entry level bike
and I was and still am impressed with it. The ride is great. I ride a lot
of very rocky jeep trails and singletrack and the Mamba has held up
really well. No problems with the frame or the Quadra 5 fork. If you are
a hard rider you will probably outgrow the components, namely the soft
rims and the fork, the canti brakes are okay until you try V-brakes.
Regardless, I have ridden other bikes, but I still like the Mamba's feel-
stable and comfortable on any trail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I like my Mamba. It is a lot better than the Fisher Wahoo that I owned before.
(I bent the front fork on the Wahoo) I would recommand the Mamba for anyone
who likes to cruise the trails. It has sufficient front suspension to absorb the
roots and stumps we have in Florida. The components are a step above
entry level an do the job. My only recommandation is to get a better seat. It's
an excellent bike for enjoying the trail....but if you race...get a Joshua!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gene Bromberg
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a great deal on my Mamba, and I haven't regretted my thrifty choice. I ride with two buddies who have pricey Cannondales, and after trying out their bikes I wouldn't trade. There have been a few glitches, the shifters aren't as smooth and reliable as I'd like, but all in all I'm very pleased with my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin holmes
a cross-country rider
from Russellville, ar usa
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The bike handles great! Really like the front shocks. Sure Beats a Huffy!@!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a downhiller
from tulsa,ok
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is a good bike and also has a rock shox
quad 5, and a cro moly frame which is really
light and strong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Dorn
a cross-country rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The saga goes on... Today (day 2) I tested five bikes in the $450-$650 range.
Same strenuous conditions as yesterday- short cliffs, gravel, sand, steep climbs.
Results:
The mamba was going pretty cheap- perhaps being clearanced to make room for
this year's aquila. But even at list price, it was the least expensive bike
in the store with front suspension. I'm not too big a fan of the quadra 5,
(you can read my review of that), but if you're mostly sticking to trails
and don't expect big drops, it should be alright. The components weren't bad,
essentially the same mix of low to mid shimano stuff (stx rear derailleur,
acera x front) as the cannondale M400, which has a rigid stem and sells
for $100 more.
The frame isn't quite as great as the one on the aquila and the hoo koo e koo,
but I found it satisfactory, and fairly nimble. I wouldn't buy this for
serious offroad stuff (I'd go with the hookoo for that) or racing, but if you
do lighter riding and like the feel of front suspension, you just can't beat
the price combination of this bike. Four stars.
| | Overall Rating: |
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