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Submitted by
Ian Bowles
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, UK
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Love em all! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Chevin Cycles, Otley, UK | | Strengths: | 29ers are great fun. cut thru anthing.Fast and furious. | | Weaknesses: | Headset, Forks, bottom bracket. | | Bottom Line: | A great frame. Wheels make for a lot of fun. However, after one year I've replaced the headset, bottom bracket and those poor entry level manitou forks. They fell to bits! Now have roc shox which set me back £350 due to poor market supply for 29ers.Really disappointed all in all and wish i'd bought something else.when will we be seeing more 29er replacement parts? Difficult just to get inner tubes! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Ocilla, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | County Paved Road | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1030.00 | | Purchased At: | Valdosta Bike Center | | Strengths: | Well I guess the frame is alright, but I have never punished a bicycle to the extreme that the frame might bend and probably never will. I bought the bicycle brand new hoping to get a reliable bike with a reputable brand from a dependable dealer. My first 50 miles of riding were excellent. The bike just goes with what seemed less effort to pedal. I really enjoyed riding it. | | Weaknesses: | Then the problems started. First the front presta valve stem separated from the tube leaving me a flat. I live in a remote area so getting a replacement tube wasn't easy. Anyway I get a replacement tube with a shrader valve and convert the rim to fit it. I just hate presta stems, they're too clumsy for me to deal with. All is well again for a couple of months, then one day I go out and find the rear tire flat. This time the fibers in the tire separated allowing the tube to pop through and explode. The bike is only 2 years old and has only 50 miles on it. I just would have expected the tires to last a lot longer than this. The front and rear tire by the way have lots of minature cracks along the edges. I e-mailed Gary Fisher to address the issue but they insisted the tire failure is not their problem and refused to replace them. So much for the reputable brand. Now I have to buy new tires and a new tube before I can ride again. | | Similar Products Used: | Wal-Mart brand 10- speed Murray. Probably about 15 years old, still have it and the original tires still hold air. | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager rims
IRC Mythos Slick CX 700x42C replaced with Maxxis Overdrive 700x38C
| | Bottom Line: | If you've just bought a late model Gary Fisher Montare with IRC tires, look foward to replacing them and the tubes soon as they will simply just fall apart as mine did. If you were expecting to get great support from Gary Fisher after having paid over a thousand dollars for the Montare you can forget it as they do not back up the products they sell. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Pippin
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Collins, Co
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | the "A-trail" | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | recycled cycles | | Strengths: | Killer frame, great for fat guy | | Weaknesses: | bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: | used to own a Bridgestone MB3 in the day... | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager rims, upgraded avid v-brakes, hard seat, Atom Bomb Z2 fork, aggressive fatty tires, soon-to-be new bottom bracket and a smile :) | | Bottom Line: | Wheels suck. They never stay true, but since I bought this bike used, I don't know if those are the ones that came with it. They are about to be upgraded. This bike had a straight fork when I bought it, so I added the Z2 after bending the fork. The components are crap, but I added Avid V-brakes, and all is well with stopping me now. It is a 14.5" frome. Some would say too small for a 6' tall guy who weighs 250 lbs, but I like the versitility and flexability of the small frame, not to mention it feels a little tougher to me. A new headset, neck, bars, ends, grip shifters helped the size issue, and I am overall very happy. That is until the bottom bracked broke and put my left crank on the ground during a decent. Bottom bracket seems to be an issue with these bikes though... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Boy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wakefield, RI
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Several in Arcadia Mgmt Area | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
One tough frame. | | Weaknesses: |
Origional component group. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Avalanche and Zaskar, Schwinn Homegrown, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp. | | Bike Setup: |
Raceface Cranks, 99 Manitou SX, XTR shifters, Avid Brakes, AC / Mavic wheelset, King headset | | Bottom Line: | This bike is one serious frame. It's one of Fisher's best in my opinion. I threw on AC hubs, solid rims, and slowly scrapped the rest of the components along the way. With a lighter wheelset and components I've dropped it down around 23lbs. I loved the paint at first, but over time (and plenty of NE rocks) it's starting to look like an old nag. It's always had some flex in the bottom bracket, but it's often a nice thing when riding an aluminum hardtail over rock gardens. It's one of the best bikes I've ever climbed with and will have a fitting funeral when I finally retire it next year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hari Astu Anggoro
a Weekend Warrior
from I N D O N E S I A
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Hardtrail | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
This bike is strong enough in frame, i like it. | | Weaknesses: |
I always have a problem with my bottom bracket. After i bought my Montare in 1994, i really enjoy it, but after six months,the problem came in bottom bracket. The bike is became heavy to ride although i had given maintenance in it. I have changed ball bearings in bottom bracket, but it's still heavy to ride. Now i never use my Montare again in events. | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Cindercone that i bought one year after my montare is more comfort and easy handle | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Montare | | Bottom Line: | What is solution for my bottom bracket, because i really want to ride my Montare again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Judson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Woodbury Heights, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Great frame.Not too heavy.Bead blast finish is the next best thing to brushed titanium. | | Weaknesses: |
Component group a little weak. | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Montaire
XTR group
Avitar Werx Rings
Manitou SX Forks
Mavic 517 CD Rims/XTR Hubs
WTB SST Seat
Velociraptor Tires | | Bottom Line: | Took the frame and dumped everything else. A great bike to build on. One of the best aluminum frames in the biz. The bead blast finish is fantastic and durable. Wish Fisher would have stuck to it for his new funny-lookin' bikes (a little too mod squad for me). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roy
a Weekend Warrior
from Easthampton,Ma
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
any i git to | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Killer frame | | Weaknesses: |
kinda heavy (29.9) back in 86 ish. | | Bike Setup: |
one a the first mt. bikes about. 775 east coast with deore XT everything | | Bottom Line: | till gary sold to trek ( my last) bike, i have stayed forever with the fish, but now, ill take the best deal i can git for the doller. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Howe
a weekend warrior
from Alton Bay N.H.
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 98 Montare last summer. The price wasn't to bad. I have done some crzy stuff so far and dont have many complaints except for the mavric rims.
They warp really easy, ecspecially after the had been trued a couple times. Other than that this has been my best bike yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Clark
a
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a 97 Montare for a great price at the end of the year. The bike is great, never any problems. One compliant, Fisher spec'd some sketchy stuff on the otherwise great frame. Those heavy Trek wheels suck. I snapped the front one and the rear got so bad it couldn't even be trued any more. So I replaced those along with almost everything else on the bike. I'm lucky to work in a bike shop so I can get good stuff for real cheap! I've replaced the entire drivetrain with XT, including cranks and hubs. Needless to say , clipless pedals were the first to be added. Overall, I'm very happy with my bike now. It's essentially only the frame, fork and shifters that are the same but now I have a bike that rocks. And besides, half the fun of having a bike is to be able to upgrade and work on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jtbedard
a
from md
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I still like the bike, but not as much with a couple of twisted links and a couple of teeth snapped clean off the middle ring...guess I don't know my own strength... | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jtbedard
a
from MD
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got a deal I just couldn't pass on, so I picked up a close-out special of around 700.00 for a '97 Montare with the Manitou Pro and standard hardware. This bike handles my size (~220lbs), and tracks beautifully. After riding GT for years, I now know what is like to be able to go uphills too. Remarkably, while not as fast as a GT or similar stretch-frame bike, it still blows by my friend's KHS Comp. I like it more the more I get out on it, but I don't quite love it yet. I think I'd buy it all over again, but me in a bike shop is like a kid in a candy store, so who knows. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a cross-country rider
from Mankato, MN
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 1994 Montare frame (new) last summer and built it up with an XT kit. I am very pleased with the light weight of the bike and am happy with its handling characteristics. The 6061 aluminum is straight gauge and very responsive without feeling excessively stiff. All said and done I'm very content with this bike and plan to ride it until something new and shiny catches my eye. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T-Bone
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I need some help.....I bought a Montare from a buddy for pennies and am not even sure what year it is. 93 or 94. It has the elevated chain stays and brazed on front deraileur hanger. To make a short story long.....It is the most responsive bike I have ridden and am in a dilemna with the upgrading. I put a manitou SX, XT wheels and shifters with great success. My next move is a compact crankset and front deraileur but the braze on hanger is a problem and the seat tube is oval as it gets to the bottom bracket. To me, the bike is worth the upgrades and I would appreciate any suggestions........ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AL Noble
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For the money, the '97 montare was a great deal. Compared to all other bikes in the $800 price range, it has the best components, frame, etc. Although it is a great bike, there are only a few drawbracks, it might sound petty, but I much rather have the velociraptors, than the primal raptors. I'm definatly not a big fan of the crank, but it'll do unil I break it. I have so much fun on this bike and can't wait to ride it more. You can't ride too long in 30 degree weather! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Scott
a weekend warrior
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a Schwinn Paramount series 20 PDG for about six years now and found a deal I could'nt pass up. I local shop around here had two 97 Montares left over from last year and wanted to get rid of them. I talked him down to $600.00 and since I already had a Quadra 21R on my Schwinn, He gave the bike to me without the shock for $100.00 less. A killer deal I must admit. Anyway, I've been on the Montare for about 3 months now, some outside but most inside on the trainer, and am looking forward to riding this year. From what I can tell, so far; the bike is as smooth as they come. I have LX components teamed with the GS600 works very well. I will probably upgrade to Shimano XT SL shifters because although the GS600 works very well, I like the shifting system of the Shimano better. Going to try Speed Springs this year also. So far no complaints, the balance the bike is very good, it takes jumps well, shock bottoms out every time. Maybe a Judy XC is in the future also, we'll see how the Speed Springs work. Fisher did a bang up job on the design of the bike, Maybe six more years I'll try another but for now I am very happy with it. DS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Eaton
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Montare is one of the best Gary Fishers I've seen in a long time for so little of a price! I've ridin the bike the bike before and I find it to be a bike you can ride in hell and still you won't get burnt! Thus its almost a perfect bike , the only thing I will complain about is, change it to Shimano XTR's then it would be perfect! Igive it five chilis!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Ly
a racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a hell of a good bike, I just got it about one month ago and I have been riding ever since, it is one of the best bikes I've had, the last bike I had was a Yukon Giant ($600) and had no shocks so the Rock Shox Q21R shocks really smoothed out my ride and made it a lot more comfortable and it has improved my skill in the rough trails I ride. The bike is awesomely light and responsive with it's aluminum frame, (weighing in at about 25 lbs.) so it is easier for doing tricks like bunnyhops, wheelies, etc. It has pretty good parts like the Impel Sugino crank and the Shimano R/C STX brakes but they could of changed the brake lever and shifters to Shimano XTRs then that would of gone together like bread and butter. Even though the Gary Fisher Montare is a little pricy from $1200 to $1400 (I got it for $1200) it was well worth it, and for those beginners with cash to slash this is a, I repeat, hell of a good bike to get!!! I give it 5 chilis!!!P.S. Thanks Gary Fisher for this NARLY and AMAZING bike!!!!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Ly
a racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a hell of a good bike, I just got it about one month ago and I have been riding ever since, it is one of the best bikes I've had, the last bike I had was a Yukon Giant ($600) and had no shocks so the Rock Shox Q21R shocks really smoothed out my ride and made it a lot more comfortable and it has improved my skill in the rough trails I ride. The bike is awesomely light with it's aluminum frame, (weighing in at about 25 lbs.) so it is easier for doing tricks like bunnyhops, wheelies, etc. It has pretty good parts like the Impel Sugino crank and the Shimano R/C STX brakes but they could of changed the brake lever and shifters to Shimano XTRs then that would of gone together like bread and butter. Even though the Gary Fisher Montare is a little pricy from $1200 to $1400 (I got it for $1200) it was well worth it, and for those beginners with cash to slash this is a, I repeat, hell of a good bike!!! I give it 5 chilis!!!P.S. Thanks Gary Fisher for this NARLY and AMAZING bike!!!!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Ly
a racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Gary Fisher Montare | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rocco
a cross-country rider
from philly, PA .U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is nice, light and ridged as hell and on top of it, it has a 1.25 headtube and its a pain in the booty at times to locate certain desirable parts, though it climbs well and is very responsive. I prefer a steel frame myself. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Stodelle
a racer
from Yucaipa, California
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I won this bike at a competition, and to be quite honest, I was a little skeptical. I had a bad experience with a Gary Fisher bike years earlier, and since then, have always felt that they were over-priced piece of craps. Well, I have to say that this bike has definately changed my mind. It is very responsive. It's also unique in the fact that it utilizes a built anti-chainsuck plate in the bottom bracket. I have the Large size frame, and it fits me great. I am 6'00. and the bike measures in at about the 17 and a half mark. I enjoy a slightly smaller frame, rather than fitting it exactly, for racing. It is well balanced, and handles wonderfully. I really enjoy it, BUT......
There are a couple of things that I do not like, such as:
1. The Sugino cranks work good, but they do flex quite a bit. It is slight, and novice riders may not notice it, but racers will.
2. The frame actually has a lot of flex in it. This works 2 ways, as it can take the edge off of some bumps, but when riding technical sections, you can notice it, escpecially near the bottom bracket area. It's not bad, and I think that the flex in the cranks may accentuate the noticeability, but for me, it is a nuisance.
3. Why does this bike come with the smallest rings made for the cranks?
4. I know it's petty, but change the grips!I'm not slamming the bike at all! Don't get me wrong. It is a great bike, but these are things that need to be listed, so that someone doesn't buy something without knowing all the facts.
Like I said, it's a great bike, but for the minor problems I listed, I can only give it 4 chilis. If you were to change the cranks and rings out, I would definately say 5 chilis!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a cross-country rider
from Oklahoma City
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just had to repost a quick review. I posted one about 2 months ago, and I think it's a couple reviews below. I ride this Montare everyday. I've had a few problems with the crank, and have never seemed to get the shock adjusted just right yet, but let me tell you it's still very awesome. I rode a HardRock for awhile and at my weight (200lbs.) I was never very fast. But since I bought this bike, my times on the local trail have dropped tremendously, and I owe it all to the bike. I think my physical ability has improved a little, but this bike makes you feel so confident that I have actually blown through technical sections that alot local racers even hesitate on. This bike has given me the confidence to start racing. I ride with guys that have been riding for years and all of them comment on how good I ride, especially since I've only been doing this for a relatively short time. Again I owe it all to the bike for it's ability in making me feel comfortable to go balistic. I've ridden and test rode a lot of bikes in a short time, and none in this price range come close to this baby. Gary Fisher Montare all the way!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a cross-country rider
from Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, it took 3 months of debating and research (mostly on this site) before I finally threw down the $800 (not a bad price for closeout) for the '97 Montare. The bike rocks. Extremely responsive at speed, and just a little sluggish at a slower pace. The XT & LX combination was extactly what I was looking for and for the price I paid I could have done a lot worse. The bike is a pretty good climber and is sooooo predictable that I feel like I've been riding it for years. The Manitou Pro is 10 times better than any other shock that comes stock on a bike in this price range. The only bad thing (not to really critisize it because it's somewhat minor) is the crank..... Let's just say the Sugino crank that comes on it flexes like a frisbee. You can't feel it, you just hear the chain rub the front der if you stand up and crank hard. This bike despite the crank is an excellent value and I would recommend the bike too anybody. I was hesitant about the negative reviews on this page but came to realize that there probably isn't a frame made to date that hasn't broken on somebody, somewhere at sometime. If it does brake it is also most likely under warranty. It gets a thumbs up from me and 4.8 chilles (if you could actually rate it that way) .... -.2 for the crank.P.S. Thanks to all the previous posters....you are one of the biggest reasons I bought the bike.....and I love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerhard
a cross-country rider
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my Montare two weeks ago. It's the best bike i've ever owned. It was a bit expensive in SA but an excellent buy. Light and fast as hell. Living in SA i'm not accustomed to a mountain goat on a caffeien buzz (like the other reviews), but i can surely compare my Montare to a Cheeta hunting a impala in the veld (just as fast).
Gary Fisher thank you! 5 Chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My friend bought this bike last summer. We were riding at Avalon
yesterday and his frame broke at the weld between a chainstay and the bottom bracket. He was lucky that the other chainstay didn't go or he might have broken his neck. I think this frame has some sketchy craftsmanship considering that this is not the only report of a frame breaking. Hey Gary Fisher, I have some advice:
Invest in yourself! No flamin'hot potatoes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Coward
a racer
from Ansley Park
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I rated this bike about six months ago and when i bought it was Kick ass, but ever since my frame broke in half i feel like shoving the tup tube up gary fishers ass. thats all i have to say. GF sucks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hammy
a cross-country rider
from Victoria,BC
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
So far so good,bought a `96 for $900 cdn.Real responsive especially when climbing,and it fells real comfortable and right at home on the sigle track
Only problems I`ve had was that I had to add a brake booster on the Q21R
because the brakes dragged when I was climbing hard($15 fix)and had to change
the tires,the Tioga Psycho crap that came on it woulndn`t hold a turn put on
my old dart/smoke and was happy.Bessides them to quick cheap fixes I like the bike for that money.Can`t wait to trick it out with better components when I have the money.Later.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leif Kukost
a cross-country rider
from sweden
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Lightweight, smooth, fast as hell...what more can I say. It mainly kicks other bikes asses. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.Baker
a cross-country rider
from Kentucky
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got a 96 Montare for a nice price since it is so late in 97. I'm on a limited budget too...guess I got lucky. I've always wanted a Montare since test riding one in late 95. Solid bike, I'm a happy guy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kathy Schonenberg
a weekend warrior
from New England
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Montare is a great bike for the money. The components on my 8 spd. '96 are a mix of STX-RC and LX, with an Impel crank. It may not be flashy, but it performs right out of the box. My only changes so far has been to replace the LX cartridge pads which disappeared in 4 muddy rides, add my favorite clipless pedals, and to put softer elastomers in the Q21R fork to adjust for my light weight. The bike handles great and is practically telepathic on tight single track. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teddy Cauley
a cross-country rider
from Beverly, Ma, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I Have a 1996 Montare with the front supension. I am pleased with it, for the money it is a great bike. I have upgraded the stx cant. to m600 vee brakes, also got shimono 747 clipless pedals, and a xt front derailer. hoping to make it into a eight speed shortly and upgrade the rest of the components to xt or xtr when I turn it to an eight speed. Love the bike and except for new tires and a little work on the rear wheel and spokes it's the only repair in over two years. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
flip
a cross-country rider
from South Carolina
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am really pleased with this bike. After the first 500 miles of hard riding, including my trademark flip-crashes, frame and components are hanging tough. The STX shifters have given no trouble. The Manitou Pro fork handles everything I ride over except big roots on the uphills where the lack of dampening shows up. One trip to Tsali consumed the Shimano pads on the V-brakes. I put on Kool-Stop which are quieter and last. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michal Witkowski
a cross-country rider
from WROCLAW
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Dla mnie jest to wspanialy rower, za ta cene oferuje wspanialy osprzet.
Mozna bylo zmienic teleskop Rock Shox Quadra 21R,jak na ten rower to slaby
teleskop.
KUPUJE TEN BIKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a racer
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a brand new Montare and I love it!! It is the best bike I have ever owned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vu Truong
a cross-country rider
from Alexandria Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike for its price. A little drawback is weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ronnie D. Yapo
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have no probs at all with this bike. When I went searching for a new Bike
I wanted something simular to my old Trek 820's. Well the Montare topped it
and I never regretted it. Gears change smoothly up and down hills, it handles
curbs smoothly. You can't ask for more out of this bike, unless your looking
for a full suspension. Take it for a spin, check it out yourself, but then
again, make sure you buy it from a good bike shop where they will service it
properly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Burns
a cross-country rider
from NYC, NY
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
A very good bike for the price. Light and responsive, excellent shocks, and handles very well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Dorn
a cross-country rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
After the theft of my beloved '87 stumpjumper, I am testriding every bike
in my price range under the most strenuous conditions I can find- a
construction site complete with 3 foot cliffs, deep sand, 8' piles of
gravel, 30' stretches of thick mud. Unlike the other reviews, all these
bikes will have been tested within a couple of days of each other, so you
can see what one person thought of a whole bunch of bikes.
I should shoot myself for testing out this bike, because I can't afford it.
And I absolutely love it. Generally, I like the feel of cromoly better,
but this bike's geometry more than made up for the aluminum. The handling
was quite responsive- prehaps 96% that of the hoo koo e koo (Cf. my
review on that bike), but the power... When I started off, I was in the
middle gear on the bike. I cranked down... and the front tire came up!
Shocked, I had to adjust to the fact that I was able to put more torque into
that machine than any other bike I tried. Riding it was bliss- the bike
felt like it had 200hp of it's own and an excited outlook on life. No other
bike I rode today felt even close to that. I rode it longer than any of the
others, and could only feel a sad whimper inside when I returned it to the
rack and the salesman replaced the $895 price tag. Sigh.... Five stars.
The only five stars I can give after testing seven bikes today. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is definitely one of the best buys in offroad bikes around
$1000.00 US. Good component mix, but more LX would have been
nice. Only complaint is that the brake pads and rims seem to screech
quite a lot, despite cleaning, truing, etc..
| | Overall Rating: |
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