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Submitted by
Damon L
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | SMugglers mine(aspen) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | a buddy | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike off a buddy who got it off a buddy, so i have no idea what year this thing is. its b-b-q flat black frame with white tires(since replaced) on it, rs indy front shock, and shimano rc deraillers. if anybody knows what year it is please drop me a line. other than that i love it. except the rock shox indy sucks so i beefed it up to a 00' z.3 bam. and the shimano brakes suck, you can hear me from around the corners. and the seat post squeaks. but a dope bike over all. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Higgs
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego,Ca
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Noble Canyon, Florida Canyon, Mission Trails | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Frame, Handling, Color, Geometry | | Weaknesses: |
Derailers, Seat Post Noise. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 7000, Speciallzed Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: |
All stock until just now. Replaced the STX-RC rear with XT. Plan to upgrade the entire bike to XT. | | Bottom Line: | I am not really sure which model I ended up with. I thought I bought it in late 97, so maybe I got the 98 model. It is a wierd gray/silver color with STX-RC, and a plain RockShox (No other name). Mavic Rims with Velocrapter tires and the Suginio Crank.
I love the bike, I have done numerous races with it and it handles like a dream. Shock.......? who know's, its my first suspension fork, and it works great for me. Drive train needs a little tweaking though. Although the Gripshift 400 works well, the Stx and grifshift comb just doesnt work well together. Go with the plasma 8 grips with the xt combo and lx brakes and youll have a screamer. If anyone knows which model I have, please email me. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a weekend warrior
from Norman, Ok
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Sense writing my review in september my 98 bigsur developed a small problem. The chane would drag on the front derailer. I know what your going to say, I should expect that in extreme gearing, but the problem occured in all gears. So after my dealer switched to a narrower chain, a narrower BB and reset all adjustments the problem stilll occured. So finally we thaught it was a bad frame. After talking to shimano and GF tech reps we put all the original drive train back on and reset everything to shimano specs and the problem disapeard. If you get the same problem start from square one and go up. Reset the whole thing. But sense then I have had no problems. I very pleased with GF and Shimano for there help. Now if I could just get the bike to clean itself? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karel Kotyk
a weekend warrior
from Nova Paka, Czech Republic
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I had some starting problems with my Big Sur. One of that was a difficult located creak somewhere in seat post area. Here is my resolution of this problem: Try spray some lubricant (I used WD40) inside of the seat tube and then place the bike on the side (this allows the lubricant to get whole inside tube surface). I recommend this simply procedure anyone with this problem. Now, after 1000 off road km on the Big Sur's saddle I can say, that this is the best bike I ever rode and I am very glad that I have one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Richard
a weekend warrior
from West Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '98 Gary Fisher Big Sur last september and it performed supurbly. It is feather light so it makes hard climbs, or witch seem hard with my old Cro-Mo Fuji sundance. With Upgraded components this bike could be the best bike this world has ever seen. It feels kind of neat that it is using the same frame as $4000 bikes like the Procalaber or less but still nice Supercalaber. This bike is a winner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a weekend warrior
from Simi Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The '98 Big Sur climbs very well, but makes too much noise from the bottom bracket, seat post and bars. The front wheel's radial lace is terrible. Nonetheless, when operational, the bike rides really well. On steep rocky climbs, the Big Sur is great. If GF can fix the noise and strengthen the front wheel, this bike will be perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Huntsville
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cromo below is right. If your going to wait for a 99 bike, your going to have to go up to the Paragon to get the double butted aluminum frame. I love my Big Sur (98)! But if your going to spend the money, get a 98 Big Sur or a 99 Paragon. If your not a racer, the Paragon is all the bike you'll ever need, but if you have
limited funds buy a 98 Big Sur now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cromo
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the '98 big sur just in October just when all LBSs started selling the '99 line. This bike totally kicks ass, no question at all. Great handling, perfect for climbing & goes real fast. During a climb, I actually forgot that I was climbing, till I looked back to see my friends struggling. Best of all, I got it during close out & I paid abt US$750+. The only reasons I didn't buy the bike earlier was b'cos of it's price ('Rich' ain't my middle name) & color. Somehow, the black indy xc fork, handle bars & seatposts made the bike looked really cheap to me. (Yeah, you can call me a poser, but what's so wrong choosing the color?) But now I had it all switched to polished silver parts, & the bike looks & rides AWESOME. I finally decided to buy it when I checked out the GF '99 line, & realised that the same dbl butted 6061 Easton frame used on the Big Sur '98 would only be available in the top few models in 1999. The '99 BigSur only comes with a 'plain 6061 Easton frame' according to the catalogue & I bet it's not going to be as light.
I think the '98 big sur is a real good deal, considering you're actually getting a Procaliber frame for so much less. This deal won't happen in 1999, so get yours today & don't miss out. That is, if it's still available. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Williams
a weekend warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After several months of having my Big Sur I still love it. The 99's look sweet! This bike is THE BEST for the money. Mine like others I have heard of developed a popping sound from the seat tube. FYI - it is caused by the shim in the top of the seat tube (you can feel the end of it if you stick your finger down the tube) moving against the seat tube. Now that you know where it's coming from, it is easily fixed. Just pour some lock-tite down around the inside of the shim, it will go past the bottom, then place the bike upside-down (this allows the lock-tite to get between the shim and the tube), all fixed. Hopefully Fisher has fixed this problem on the 99's. Overall great bike!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Roberts
a weekend warrior
from Norman, Ok
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bein a third year college student money is tight. So when I decided to sell off my 95 balance FS-450 I was looking for high quality at the lowest cost, and a Murray just wouldnt do. So I went for the 98 Big Sur. It was exactly what I wanted, genisus geometry, light weight XTcomponets and under 1,000 bucks. After 30 miles of hell bent off road use, I love this bike. I recomend upgrading the front derailer and bottom bracket to XT along with a long travel kit for that extra room up front. I also slaped on a pair of LX 8 speed shifters to complete my new trail monster. Aside from a Fisher ZO this is the best bike for your riding dollar.Have fun get bloody!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carrie
a weekend warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Big Sur bike on MTBR marketplace and it was the first bike I ever bought. Since then, I've been biking everywhere - from gravel paths in the city to mountainous terrain in the country. The bike boasts the impressive Judy XC front fork - an absolute must have to help cushion the tumultuous travel. The bike is naked aluminum, and I'm often classifed as The Speeding Silver Bullet by passerbys who are astounded by how rugged and mean the bike looks. I took my bike on a 25-mile jaunt this past weekend, and the performance and thrill was not to be beat!! It is truly the best purchase that I (oops, I mean my husband!) ever made!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a cross-country rider
from Bowdoinham, ME
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike about 1 month ag and so far I love it. It rides like a dream and is a major upgrade from my scott. It has a pretty light frame but was also pretty pricey. The crank is crap but the rear de. works great. It has a smooth uphill ride and the downhill is not too bumpy. I wish it came with better fork. My seatpost slips down even when I've tightened it all of the way. I think I need a new seatpost that will fit. There is tyhis starnge creak that comes from my crank or someplace around it. I wish I could fix it. I took it to the dealer and they said it was my rear deraleur. They adjusted it... didn't help at all. I love the grips and the colour. It feels like all of my powwer is used to go forward!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Noble
a cross-country rider
from Toronto Canada
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought the coolest bike, the acid yellow big sur 98 it is a climbing machine and keeps you comfortable on the downhills i think it is the genesis geo i have only had it for 2 weeks but i have put it through every type of terrain you could think of. i would recommend this bike to anybody who likes to ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Conan
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 98 Big Sur, and what else can I say but this is a great bike. Climbs that usually kill me, only hurt really bad now. I thought I was fast on downhills before, but this bike gets me down the hills faster than I have ever gone.Great manueverability on the technical decents, though the aluminum frame beats me to hell on the rough stuff (I have been riding cromo for the last 4 yrs) The Indy XC is okay though cant tell much difference from my old Indy S. I am about to upgrade to a Judy XC. The only complaint I have so far is the crappy front derailleur. Shifting from the big ring to the middle ring, I had to go all the way into the little ring and back to the middle ring, and there was an almost constant rubbing of the chain on the derailleur. After the new fork, the front derailleur is the next to go. Other than that, I had no problems. Great overall bike for the money. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. I give it a 4 ( would be a 5 if not for the front derailleur)
Ride safe | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daxs Stadjuhar
a weekend warrior
from Republic of Korea
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the Blue Big Sur and had it shipped from SF to my home in South Korea. Great bike for all the hills here in the Land of the Morning Calm. This is my first Aluminum and overall it rides sweet on singletrack, hardpack, and hardball roads. I have not upgraded anything yet, looking at the pedals so I can ride around in my military boots at work. I have to thank Start to Finish bikes out of SF, my sister and Brother-in-Law for shipping it, and Gary Fisher for making a kick ass bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a weekend warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The strange creaking sound is extremely annoying and occurs in the seatpost area during uphills or when the frame is under stress... i brought it to my dealer cuz i couldn't figure out where or what at first the sound was coming from... it turns out that there is a collar inside the seat tube which is used so a smaller diameter seatpost can be used... anyway this collar may become loose and thats why there is that sound.. at least that is what the dealer told me.. Fisher wouldn't replace my frame but rather they want us to send it to themto be fixed which would take a long time.. for now I've gotten used to this sound especially during the prime riding season... otherwise I luv this bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Moore
a weekend warrior
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My Big Sur recently developed a strange creaking sound in/near the seatpost area. I decided to go online to see if anyone else has experienced this same problem. Looks like I'm not alone. Has anyone figured out what this problem is and how to correct it? E-mail me if you do. Thanks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Raaum
a cross-country rider
from WI
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 98 BS a month ago since then I've put on about 300 miles on hardpack trails. I really don't have many complaints. The sugino 350 crank seems cheap. Other than that the compents serve me well for the money. However I've noticed a creak coming from the seatpost area and I've tightened, lubed, and inspected for cracks and nothing. Any one else know anything about the mystery creak? Other than that great bike for the buck, beats the Klien Pulse I outgrew. For those of you who think this bike rides rough ride a Klien hardtail. I give it four fishes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Orr
a cross-country rider
from Redfield, South Dakota
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my '98 Fisher Big Sur for a little over 4 months, and have loved it since the first day I brought it home. It took a while for the color to grow on me, but it is definately an attention getter at the races. The only beef I had about it were the easily notched Velocirpator tires, and the sluggish Indy XC. I replaced the Indy with a '97 Manitou SX and the tires with Panaracer Smoke, and Dart. I also upgraded the rear derailleure to an XTR. It is an awesome all around bike, the Genesis makes it feel stable at high speeds, and make it an insane decender. The Bontrager, Maveric rims are (as far as I'm concerned) the best rims you can get. The Avid Vees I think are nicer than any of the Shimano's I've used. All in all the components pick is superb, and the frame is awesome, it's an excellent ride for $900. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Plett
a weekend warrior
from Broomfield, Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, not to long ago I began looking for a replacement for my old cannondale delta v. While shopping for my wifes bike I noticed the Big Sur, (Who could miss the acid yellow) I couldn't help but noticed what a great mix of components the bike had. The price was nifty, so I took it for a ride, when I got back I put it on layaway. Anyway I have had it for a month, and ridden it about 6 times. Understand I am not into the latest ti gismo and dont give two sh!ts about what my handlebar is made of. As long as the bike performs properly I am satisfied. The Big Sur sails over the trails I normally ride. The Genesis does make more of a difference than one would think particularly on the downhill, it instills confidence at high speed. Everything seems to work well together, the brakes are great, this was my first experience with direct pull and they rock. The indy xc works great, much better than my headshock. I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoys riding, If you don't like the components don't upgrade buy the higher end bike in the beginning youll save a bundle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake Edwards
a weekend warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive had a month to way up the '98 Big Sur and all i can say is nice one Gary. The set up of the bike is just great. Sure it could have some better componants, but hey what can you expect for sub £900. This has got to be the best buy for people who want to get a great frame and upgrade the componants as they go. Anyway im smitten and would definitely recommend the '98 Big Sur to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Calvin
a downhiller
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I must say that I'm not a big fan of hardtails (no offence guys), it's just that I'm so used to the comfort of my K2 Animal. That is, util the Smart Shock blew on me. The GF Big Sur is sorta like a temp, replacement bike until K2 sorts out the shock. First thing I noticed is that the bike is light.Well, at least when compared to a 31 pound Animal. The specs are not superb but is value for $ at this price point. Ride is bit on the rough side (esp on the butt, u get the pic ..) but the bike is surprisingly easy to sprint up trail slopes. I suppose it's due to the new geomertry, whatever.. and descending is on the stable side (though nowhere near the level offered by a 5 inch travel FS )What can I say? What supposed to be a temp replacement turned out to be better than my original bike in many aspects. Kudos to GF for such a sweet bike, five chillies if not for the hyperactive fork.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew D.
a weekend warrior
from San Antonio, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The first time I saw that Acid Yellow Big Sur I knew it was love at first sight (actually it was the Supercaliber but I didnt have that extra $1700). Whats not to love awesome color awesome handling ,light and stiff. I got rid of the stx-rc and the Avids and replaced them with an XT combo also did away with the cheesy handlebars and grips and replaced them with a Bontrager Race Lite and Yeti speed Grips.I switch off between my Maverick/velociraptors and Mavic 221/Continentals the Asyms and straight laced Mavs are definitely better. Also thinking about trashing Mighty 350 and UN-52 for XT and a Un-72 which sould drop a little less than 1/2 a pound also that seatpost and stem has got to go.
I've had my Big Sur for a little over a month and I ride 3 to 4 times a week. It sits in my living room next to my wifes 98 GF Aquila. Nothing in the price range comes close. There is no reason to ride the rest Gary Fisher is the BEST.!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from Orem, Ut, USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the big sur after much deliberation. I looked at several bikes at the LBS; a salsa, a voodoo, and the big sur. Let me just say that the ride is amazing. Ultra responsive geometry, climbs like a mountaingoat, and handles the downhills with agresson.
The stock shock was alright, but I upgraded to a manitou fs.
This bike is great on slickrock, sticks to it's line real well on crazy bumpy fireroads, and oozes through tight lines and singlrtrack like warm butter(the color by the way is awesome). Big Sur+Me=Dream come true. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Roy
a weekend warrior
from Derry NH
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After a month of trial and error, shopping for a good bike for under 1k, I bought the bike that felt solid and quick and most of all, comfortable. The GF Big Sur 98' kicks ass. It felt better than some bikes in the $1500 range. Where can I find a magazine test on it? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander van Deursen
a weekend warrior
from Heeze, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the acid yellow 98 Big sur. Only done 100 km. But i already can tell you this bike rocks! The color is really stunning (i personally don't like the blue version), the bike is easy to handle and drives like hell. For that money, there ain't no better... What's more to say? Go buy one. Fisher rulez! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is incredible! It climbs very well and descends even better. I do not have much to compare it to, ( this is my first aluminum) but I can’t imagine that there’s a better ride out there for the same money. Many of you will be turned off by the hideous yellow color. Keep in mind that there is a blue color option, which I think looks a whole lot better.
In my opinion, if anyone posts a bad review for this bike, they either have something against Fisher, or they’re blaming their lack of skill on the bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a weekend warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
...Well.. it has seemed I have made a great choice in the `98 Big Sur over the Trek 7000.. but then again we'll never know.. anyway... I have been very pleased with this bike.. it is my second Fisher... and yes RSM (from below) it is not a new idea, the genesis geometry, but I think it's the first time that it's been fully marketed and developed... I think it is anyway...
About the bike... I've put on quite a few miles of off road and I must say I've tried things which I thought I'd never do... it climbs very well because it is an extremely responsive bike... It may not be as light as some other hardtails but the responsiveness of this bike makes it seem easy for the ascends...i can't really describe it... now, as for the downhills... the g geometry already puts you in a nice position so you don't end up behind your saddle and gripping the bike with your stomach... it is perhaps my favorite forte about this bike.. now for the tight singletracks.. it doesn't seem to corner as well as I like .. it may be the longer wheelbase but you learn to anticipate more and to use your full body.. I've gotten used to the more aggressive cockpit position... I've been finally able to regain the speed and increase the speed that I once would take the singletracks on.. it took a few trees to learn my lesson but it worked!
For the people that complain about the Indy XC.. well I've tweaked it quite a bit .. and the only complaint I have for it is the weight... (plus college tuition and a new Rockshox S.I.D. just don't mix well)..I really don't need that much travel and the rebound is just fine.. I only weigh 170 lbs.. I also don't mind the stiff aluminum frame.. the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.. The velociraptors have held up well but they've been prone to a lot of thorn flats.. could be the trail though... the rear velociraptor is sick..i luv it.. and the front is decent.. definitely meant for loosepack terrain and even mud.. they clear mud really well...
My sachs powergrips have held up to everything..I really recommend them if you like twist shifters.. but my tektro levers are on the verge of breaking...and the lx brakes are starting to show the wear and tear... now for the sugino mighty cranks... I've banged them up quite a bit.. but who can afford cook brothers?! actualy they're not too bad on a stock bike.. will upgrade or replace when they finally give out...the bontrager mavericks don't seem all that sturdy though but the Asym design for the rear definitely has the swerve..
well that is my long term report on the 98 big sur... I couldn't be happier with my purchase...4 well deserved stars.. and oh .. I hate the new option for the blue color on them.. stick with the acid yellow... mom dad.. send money!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RSM
a cross-country rider
from Penang, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got myself a '98 Big Sur about a month ago. I wouldn't use the term sweet ride to describe its trail performance -- honestly, do you really want a mountain bike to ride sweet? -- but it's a light, nimble and incredibly responsive machine. I'm still having problems trying to get the Indy XC to work optimally and find the seat creak unbearable (I've tried everything from tightening to bolts to oiling the rails and seatpost), but everything else seems to be working fine. Changed the tyres to Conti's (Navigator Pro front, Cross Country rear) and the tubes to Panaracer Greenlites. Have put in about 200 offroad miles so far and the drivetrain is as smooth as it can be, even though the front derailleur is a lowly STX and the cranks, barely functional Sugino Mighty 350X. Will probably upgrade the nameless handlebars (does anyone else spec 230gm bars on their bikes anymore?), stem and seatpost as well as the cranks, front derailleur and bottom bracket (UN-52). The pukey yellow needs getting used to, but otherwise, the US-made Easton program 6061-T6 frame oozes quality. The Genesis geometry may not be a new idea but it works -- his self-aggrandizing tendencies aside, you have to commend good old Gary for his reinventive capacity. So, a Big Yes to the Big Sur! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GroundZero
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I find the big sur a great bike .It is light , stiff , and black.
I ride a 96 model , and my fork is givng me big problems man.
If anyone has had problems with their frames giving way , please do drop me a line. I jump alot , and am scared my frame will. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Bartlett
a weekend warrior
from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just picked up my new 98' acid yellow Fisher Big Sur.
Great climber, and about half the weight of my old bike.
The low centre of gravity, and the new frame layout provide for good tracking over loose ground.
The two choices were a 97' souped up Cannondale, and the Fisher. Even though the Cannondale had some work, it still reminded me of a Kmart special.Initial - Five: However, it's still early.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a weekend warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After about four months of searching for the right bike I finaly chose the Big Sur over the GT Avalanche and Specialized Rockhopper. The Genesis geometry was the big plus. And it is great! Climbs like a dream and very responsive. I'm not thrilled with the Rock Sux, but I knew that I was looking at an upgrade when I purchased it, so I won't deduct for that.
After about 3 miles on the olympic course in Conyers the rear shifter froze-up. So zero chilies for Shimano's quality control. But five chilies for Bike Center (4000 N. Henry Blvd) who took care of an out-of-towner. At no charge they switched out the shifter for a new one, no problems yet.
This is definately the best bike for the price, especially for you guys (and girls) who need a longer cockpit. Heck it's the same frame as the Supercaliber!
Buy the way, for those of you who don't like the acid yellow, mine it the new blue fade that came out in January. The front is deep blue, very similar to the Fisher Marlin, but the rear triangle fades to the same blue on the rear of the Supercaliber (showing its bloodlines I guess). Big Sur and Fisher Rock!!! Five big burnin Fishies!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hakib Bin Rahmani
a cross-country rider
from Dhubai (middle east)
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Greetins to the world , from the bikers from the middle east.
I have just got myself a new old fisher bigsur 1996 , and am most displeased
about it.My uncle who most kindly sent it via surface mailing services bikes in the USA in which he resides.
After a couple of months of jumping around the area in which i take residence i have noticed what seems to be frame tubing failure.The whole bike is creaking loudly and is most annoying.The bicycle store nearby told me to stop using my bike,the tubing is no longer safe.The rockshocks (shox)
fork which arrived with my bicycle has on numerouse occasions thrown me off my bike.It might be because of the high temperature here in Dhubai, that causes my elastomers to be so springy.Now i have to revert to my Raleigh mountain bike , as my fisher is broken.I have tried writting to Gary Fisher USA but they said that by jumping aroung ( i love SPDS ) i have made void my warranty.
A warning to all you bigsur owners, DO NOT JUMP TO MUCH, YOUR FRAME
CAN NOT TAKE IT!!! Ahmein ! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stratslinger
a cross-country rider
from Georgetown
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had the '98 Big Sur for about a week now. After putting it through the
paces over 100 miles of wildly varied terrain, have to admit that Fisher's
new Genesis geometry does make the bike fast and easy to control. But the
stiff aluminium frame really rattles your bones, and the Indy XC fork helps
only mildly to ease your discomfort. Still, it's a radical rig that
deserves at least four stars for the high-quality US-made frame and the neat
colour. The componentry could be a lot better; one fails understand why the Paragon, which costs only about $100 more, has better parts such as an
Indy SL fork, LX front derailleur, LX Rapidfire shifters, LX rear hub,
Avid 20 brakes and Avid 1.9 levers, Bontrager Valiant/Mustang rims,
Bontrager Comp seatpost etc... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a weekend warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just spent 2 weeks deciding between the 98 Big Sur or a Trek 7000 as my next bike... I just sold my 97 Hoo Koo E Koo which I loved but felt it was time for aluminum and a more aggressive bike... well I chose the Big Sur for the new genesis geometry which I thought was a better climber and just felt really responsive than the 7000... the 7000 just felt a bit sluggish but I thought it was more stable and comfortable compared to the Big Sur...
For the 98 Big Sur I had the LBS put on (all from the Hoo Koo E Koo) my old 535 pedals, sachs powergrips extreme, LX v-brakes & tektro levers, (I didn't like how the avid brakes felt) and old bar ends.. I also had them upgrade the front derailler from stx to xt...
Anyway, I hope I made the right choice... it literally came down to a coin toss...the prices were exactly the same too!
I have just gotten it and will update later on how it performs long term...
but for now i give it a 4 for the new genesis geometry and ugly but lovealbe acid yellow color.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Caleb Hensley
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburg, Ks
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have have had my '97 Big Sur for about two months and I think it is quite choice! I don't think there is anything 'Bunk' on the bike. Possibly you should change the tire color. It is an excellent bike for on the trail. I suggest getting clip in pedals, however. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lexie
a weekend warrior
from Austin(tacious), TX
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fisher has really improved withe the Genesis design on the 98 Big Sur. An excellent value. Only changes I made was put in a women's saddle, ( for those female warriors of course) switched the Icon pedals for the Shimano SX M636's and switched the shifters to Grip Shifter(XD-Ray 8.0's) If you find yourself having to carry this bike (hopefully crossing water and not due to a flat!) you will really appreciate the aluminum frame. Big Sur Rox!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my Big Sur two months ago I LOVE it it RULES!!!
Only prob is crapy brake levers which is nothin to get worried about though!!
Awesome paint job, and looks great!! superlight, climbs hills effortlessly,
go with a Fisher you wont regret it!!
And dont get a Specialized the SUCK HARD I replaced everything but the front der and frame and never rode hard!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Roy
a weekend warrior
from Birmingham AL
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 97 Big Sur for about a year now I've had no prob. with it at all
I'm a very hard rider and it holds up well. The new big sur looks even better
I recomend to anybody BUY A GARY FISHER !!!!!!!!!!!!! you wont regret it
I give the bike 5 fish | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sing n Snore Bert
a weekend warrior
from IllInoIs
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The new big sur is an awesome bike. The '97 big sur was not even half as efficent as the new one. A whole new bike. I was deciding between the new trek 7000 and picked big sur because I have never had a fisher. I have had the big sur for about a month and I made the right choice! The only place I don't like riding it is on the pavement - dirt rocks! After three bad spills, no broken pieces. Flawless frame design. Five Fishes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nephron
a cross-country rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: December 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
1998 Big Sur is a great bike. Much better than the '97 bs. Components are great for my needs, upgrade to race though. New frame design is very comfortable and performs great. Paint job is disgusting yellow - but it grew on me and now I love, even though it is still ugly. Tires have worked well up to this point, am thinking about switching to ritchey's. Shok works well for 200lbs. Great bike, will keep it if it lasts and just upgrade when necessary. 5 all the way. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rabid Rabbit
a cross-country rider
from Hole in Ground
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
1998 Big Sur Freakin Rocks! Nuf Said! Have had Balance, Bridgestone, Myata, Specialized (Have had two specialized-both fell apart-specialized freakin sucks, and Trek bikes - only bike that can compare was Trek-whick owns Fisher-go figure. Components are very decent, Genesis Geometry-way to go, Acid yellow paint job - everyone needs to go acid, it freakin rocks. Very pleased with every aspect of this bike - so far. FREAKIN ROCKS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mikec
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the 98 Big Sur two weeks ago, so I cannot give a very educated estimate of its performance yet. Two weekends of single track riding in New Jersey, however, has been fantastic... this bike is a superb climber and down hiller. I will say that the 98s should have their own listing as it bears literally no resemblance to the 97s -- new frame geometry, construction, and parts...hey that sounds like a completely different bike to me. I have been very pleased with the higher caliber specs on this bike, particularly the flawless XT rear derailleur. I also swapped out (at no cost) Sachs Wavy shifters for those clunky stx lever shifters. Check out MBR magazine (from the UK) November or December issue for a very objective review of this bike. Also this magazine is the best ATB mag I have seen to date. A last note, I'm curious to see how the parts perform in the coming months--I was also looking at the pricier Stumpy M2. What sold me on this bike was the fact that this is the exact same frame as the 2K Supercaliber...not bad for $850. Not a big fan of the paint job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from Coquitlam, BC
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Been riding my Big Sur since June and it's been OK. I expected it to stay in tune a little better than it does (my old Exage components required less maintenance) but it rides fairly well. For the price, it spec'd out better than the Rocky Mtn and Specialized aluminum offerings but I wonder if it would have been worth going cro-mo and getting LX or XT. The front hub keeps coming loose, replaced the Grip Shift 400's with LX rapid fires and got rid of the lousy seat. Seems quite nimble and climbs well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Nelson
a weekend warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike!!!!Awesome performance!!!!Cheezie seat though.....awesome off road performance although shifting could be better. The bike could possibly use XT rapid fires instead of stock Grip-Shift 400 series. Tires are the phenominal although they are only Coyote brand tires by Hutchinson....The bike would even make and experienced XC rider happy. Best bike for the buck!!!Two enthusiastic thumbs up!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boyke
a racer
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
First of all: This bike saved my life, what a supurb handling ! Secondly, originally it looks great, chicks love it......... My only complaint: cheap technical stuff that doesn't work great, my advice: exchange immediately!
Choose MEDIUM size !!! One bonus star because of all new girlfriends I met with this beautiful bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris DiMinno
a cross-country rider
from Westchester, NY
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I have only had this bike about a month now, but I think that it is great. The suspension is good, the gripshift is good, and the STX-RC is good. Overall a great bike for young bike riders like myself (15 years old) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a weekend warrior
from vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a Big Sur for eighteen months now and it's spent as much time in the shop as it has on the trail. When it works I love it, but it's been an on/off relationship: bottom bracket went after 2 months, shifter refused to shift (ride-on gore-tex cables fixed it), one rim wore out, the other tacoe'd, so replaced with mavics. Biggest problem was with Rock Shox Quadra 5's - 'Batman & Robin' had more suspense than these. Most of the time they rode rigid, so got $$ back and bought Manitou SX Mach 5. New LX V brakes made a real difference too. Oh, and the rear cog packed up. Apart from that, its been a blast. Like the frame - nice paint job and aluminum is pretty light. Next time I'll buy Canadian though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt Landsman
a cross-country rider
from N.Y
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The '98 B.S with a xt rear, lx front, Avid brakes and stx rc everything else paired with an indy xc fork make this in my opinion the greatest bike in the whole world, sans the funky yellow paint job.
In my opinion, at around 800 bucks this bike is superb. great for beginers or growing 15 year old kids( me) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fatman
a cross-country rider
from Oak Hill, VA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After riding and fixing and adjusting and repairing and upgrading and taking back and forth to the shop for eight months now I can honestly say that the BS is a lot to pay for good Al frame festooned with crap! -Upgraded rear der, shifters, and levers to XT before leaving shop.
-WHite primal rapters hit that soft winter soil and slipped out like they were on ice - back for new tires (Spec Tm Master/Cntl - luv em!).
-Anti-chainsuck device slipped and sucked - lost paint.
-What are those mid and small rings made of?? A couple misshifts with that fine STX fr der and lost parts of most teeth off mid and small rings - replaced with Real/Avitar.
-Ginzu fr hub was loose and required NON-STANDARD 17mm cone wrenches (2) to adjust - works fine now.
-Rr Bontrager cheep-o rim took a light hit and has resulted in a pile of toasted spokes (which came as 15 guage, too light for my 190 lbs) and ruined rr tire (rubbed on brake pad till it split) - new rim, spokes, and tire.
-While on rims, breaking surface is already concave from brake pad wear.
-Indy C works OK once you get the right spring and spring rate adjuster for your weight (another $30). Future upgrade.
-What's that rust colored goop running down the back of the fork crown? Oh just the oxidized particles that used to be headset bearings thanks to worthless plastic top cap and crown race seal which were both missing chunks - the Chris King is in the mail.
-Meanwhile that chipping paint turned to flaking paint and soon I had a silver- finished BS. Big kudos to that freak from northern cal (no offense, GF) for response on this one. Not a fan of flat black I asked them to paint it the Supercal colors (yellow/red) and they even put on all the supercal decals - looks sweeeeeet!!!!After all the hassle with the parts the bike rides GREAT! My ability on the bike has improved with the light, sure handling, great power transfer, and very reliable feel. To air on the fish is truly devine, I'm now jumping everything I can and a lot of things I can't.Overall 4 chilies for the frame, 3 for GF's second paint job, -4 for parts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.F.P.
a cross-country rider
from the great state of Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Last October I bought a 96 Big Sur for 600 bucks, it was on sale because
the store I bought it at was making room for the 97's. So far its been
a great bike, it handles well, its light, and it climbs like a mountain
goat. My only complain are the semi-crappy components. My deraiulers
are already starting to wear out and even though I replaced the grip
shifters with XT rapidfire I still have heck of a time getting the front
to shift well. This is partly the fault of the sugino crank/chainrings,
they aren't very compatible with the STX derauler and shimano chain. If
you want to buy a Sur or any bike for that matter wait until the last
few months of the year and they should drop their prices about 100 bucksWhats up James and Brent? Hopfully this will work. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.F.P.
a cross-country rider
from the great state of Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Last October I bought a 96 Big Sur for 600 bucks, it was on sale because
the store I bought it at was making room for the 97's. So far its been
a great bike, it handles well, its light, and it climbs like a mountain
goat. My only complain are the semi-crappy components. My deraiulers
are already starting to wear out and even though I replaced the grip
shifters with XT rapidfire I still have heck of a time getting the front
to shift well. This is partly the fault of the sugino crank/chainrings,
they aren't very compatible with the STX derauler and shimano chain. If
you want to buy a Sur or any bike for that matter wait until the last
few months of the year and they should drop their prices about 100 bucksWhats up James and Brent? Hopfully this will work. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chucko
a weekend warrior
from Silicon Valley, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Here's an addendum to my review yesterday. I went over the bike with a fine tooth comb last night and found that the LBS (Pacific Bicycles, Mt. View CA) that sold me the bike hadn't bothered to set up the derailleurs at all! Not only that, but a bunch of other adjustments and such were either badly done, or not at all, and the screw hole that held the reflector onto the Indy C shock was stripped! Needless to say I don't recommend this shop, and I'll be giving them a nasty phone call today.I also discovered that the GripShift was the cause of some shifting problems on the front derailleur. It seems the GripShift doesn't have enough range to cover the whole range of chainwheel/cog combinations. In addition, the GripShift is impossible to downshift while braking. These and the cheesy, sloppy Tektro brake levers are the worst parts of the bike.While riding around at lunch, I also confirmed my suspicion that this bike needs more top end. The 42T big chainwheel isn't big enough for my tastes.The basic frame and many of the components are fine, but the levers and shifters have to go. I'm revising my rating downward as a result. I'm still quite happy with the overall bike.-- Chuck | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chucko
a weekend warrior
from Silicon Valley, USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just picked up a Big Sur yesterday. I like it a lot, so far. Big improvement
over my generic Taiwanese MTB. Pros: light weight, decent shock, low-low gearing for those big hills. Cons: Frame size (medium) makes mounting U-lock awkward, cheaper components (STX-RC) than other $700 bikes, bike shop failed to set up derailleurs correctly. I'll probably want a bigger big chainring, and some other tweaks, but at least now I have a decent foundation. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G. Berish
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Very nice bike for the money. Nicely assembled, beautiful finish on the frame. Upgraded the brake levers, tires and seat at purchase time. (The levers had to go!) Smooth shifting and responsive. No regrets! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leon Ocin
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I was in a dilemna between Cannondale's F900 and GF's Big Sur. Finally opted for Sur for its great frame geometry and overall value for $. Design is not to quickish but still responsive. Specs are not great but will do for now. Only changed the Tecktos levers to Shimano's LX. Great move. Next will probably upgrade Indy C to something with more damping. Any suggestions?The matte black paint job looks superb but that's about it. Difficult to clean, external protective coating forms air bubbles, whitish treaks. Defeats the purpose of cleaning. Looks like permanent mud stains!Had to true the rear wheel after a month of moderate road and little trail riding. Hopes is stays true. Let me run it in for a few more months to get acquainted. I'll probable be able to provide a better review then. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C RINEHART
a cross-country rider
from MARIETTA, GA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I HOPE THAT THE 97 BIG SUR IS BETTER THAN THE 96,
FOR THE FIRST 2 MO IT HELD UP PRETTY WELL, AND WITHIN 4 MO HAD
REPLACED/REPAIRED EVERY COMPONENT EXCEPT FRONT DERAILER.
WHEELS: COULDNT KEEP TRUE, SPOKES CONSTANTLY BREAKING, ONE COULD HEAR
SPOKES SLIPPING THREADS. THIS PROBLEM LED TO WHEEL CATCHING ON REAR
DERAILER AND RIPPING IT OFF BIKE.
IF I HAD TO DO IT OVER I WOULD HAVE JUST BUILT THE BIKE UP AT THE
BEGINNING AS THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED ANYWAY.BOTTOM BRACKET: SEIZED UP AT 2 MONTHS, TOOK BACK TO STORE, IT WAS
EITHER REPLACED WITH ANOTHER PIECEOF, OR WAS REPAIRED, BECAUSE IT
HAPPENED AGIAN 1 MONTH LATTER.
(BIKE ABOUT BIKES IN MARIETTA IS NOT A REPUTABLE STORE-STAY AWAY)
FORKS: I RELIZE THEY'RE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL ROCK SHOX, BUT
I HAD THE RETAINING CAPS BREAK LOOSE AND TWO ELASTOMERS ROCKET INTO
MY HEAD AND CHEST. COULD BE DANGEROUS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANWAR THOMPSON
a weekend warrior
from ARLINGTON VA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the same problems with the brakes rubbing but that went away after my second ride. I have taken it to the shop twice for chain noise though. I love the look and feel of the bike. I get complements every time I ride. I won't pass total judgement until I have broken the bike in fully. As of right now I am pleased with my BIG SUR. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GREG ROY
a weekend warrior
from B'ham AL
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think the ....BIG SUR ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is the best bike i ever owned.
Get rid of GripShift (it sucks)
Tough as nails,solid ride,well tuned,BITCHEN RIDE
WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR !!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know how Gary tests his bikes, but the litmus test for me is an Ottawa winter. I picked up my Sur last fall and have had the opportunity to test it in a variety of conditions...so far it's been a solid performer! I've bashed it in the hills, slunked through mud, dropped it off ledges, blasted through sand and rock, crested snowy peaks and squished through at least seven different types of slush. If the trials of mother earth weren't enough, me and my Sur were bumped and raked through ditches and intersections by careless autos on numerous occasions; yet,everything remained true.With semi-regular maintenance (I'd rather be hibernating) all I've suffered with my ride is a snapped cable, a broken pedal and cracked crank (likely caused by frequent -40 degree temps, salt, sand, and stupidity) that's still under warranty. I can't blame Gary for that. Admittedly, a few specs' are a little sketchy (is there a perfect off the rack bike?) but are easily upgraded. For the cash, I got a super-sound alu. frame with a decent groupo that makes for a great year-round ride. Old chestnut: Try it, and if YOU don't like it, don't buy it!In Spirit...One-NDN-Rider | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Wilkinson
a cross-country rider
from Salinas, CA.
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Greetings1
I'd just like to say a few kind words on behalf of the G.Fisher Big Sur. This bike is spec'd well at the $750ish price point, and although it does have a few quirks, the bike works quite nicely. In response to an earlier review hear concerning the chain jumping to the small ring...try using a narrower bottom bracket, I did, and it worked fine. Put on some more aggressive tires(and something besides white)and enjoy the Sur. Thanks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Conger
a weekend warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Great looking bike--that sucks!!! Though I only ride on weekends and holidays and I don't go for broke and rocket down mountains with no brakes, when I'm out in the woods, I put my bikes to the test every ride--and the Big Sur can't cut it. Even when the derailleurs are adjusted correctly, the gears don't work right. Sure, they'll do okay in the shop, but get the bike out on the trail, put some serious strain on the cranks, and bike sounds like it's trying to shift into a different gear and no amount of trailside maintenance with barrel adjusters will do the trick. To make matters worse, with the chain on the middle chain ring and 1st gear in the back, the bike--out of the blue--will shift itself onto the smallest chainring. No rubbing derailleurs, no lack of lubrication, not even any stress put on the system--just riding nice and slow over a flat trail. And lastly, because the rear wheel goes out of true if you run over a quarter, the brake pads rub against the rim !
and the whole aluminum frame acts like a tuning fork; magnifying the sound so people in neighboring counties can hear you coming. Adjust the V brakes to give more space between the pad and the rim and within a matter of minutes, the bike is singing again. Fortunately, I'm within my first 30 days of ownership and I take immaculate care of the bike, so it's going back to the shop where I'm going to trade it in on something GOOD!
| | Overall Rating: |
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