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Submitted by
Tyler
a
from Bangor, Maine USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rose's | | Strengths: | Steel frame, Made in the USA, light weight for a steel frame, Unique company, Old school geometry | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips so easily. 2005 frames now have clear coat. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Gary Fisher Paragon 29er, Seven Verve, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Easton Seatpost, Stem and Handlebar. Shimano XT group. LX cranks. Mavic 221 rims with WTB WeirWolf tires. Stan's NoTubes, Rockshox SID SL. | | Bottom Line: | A dedicated race bike. I only race this bike. The paint chipping is a minor problem but it is a mountian bike it isn't suppose to be pretty. Too many people complain about the paint--buy a road bike. Mine weighs in at 25 pounds pretty light for a steel bike. No disc brake mounts, an option untill 2005. Fast geometry, likes bumpy, rooty, and rocky sections of trail. Likes climbing but depends on the mood. I want a stiffer fork like a Fox or Marzocchi. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a Racer
from Midwest
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Too many | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | 853 frame, excellent welds, perfect geometry | | Similar Products Used: | Six other hardtails in the shed. | | Bike Setup: | This is for the Ruffian singlespeed | | Bottom Line: | Simply a great handling frame. Well balanced, comfortable, great climber, great singletracker. I've run it both with rigid and suspension forks and it workd well either way. Looks good too. This frame has never let me down
I can't believe the price i paid for it (new on ebay) but I'm not complaining! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Ithaca/NH/NJ
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | FOMBA trails at Masabesic | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Buchika's | | Strengths: | Steel, Customer Service, Price, Ride is amazing! It's a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Aforementioned paint problems, welds not so hot, seat clamp size just wasn't right. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, fine if you want a twitchy short track bike that wasn't manufactured correctly | | Bike Setup: | XT mostly, Thomson, King, Marzocchi Marathon | | Bottom Line: | This is my second Gunnar (I also have a crosshairs), my first new one. I got a stellar deal on the frame in my size and my color (blue). The bike is simply awesome. It's the most stable mountain bike I've ridden. The geometry is spot on for me. I can ride trails and obstacles I couldn't ride on other bikes.
I like long rides... long, long rides. I can do them on the Rockhound and feel fresh. I never feel the desire for a dual suspension bike nor do I miss my Trek aka "The Wrek."
I rode it for about a month, suffered the usual seatpost slippage, reinjured me knee, and then called Gunnar. They accepted the slippage as a warranty issue, checked out the frame, replaced the collar with a new properly sized Salsa Lip Lock and shipped it back to me in about a week. Dirk is a good guy to talk bikes with, btw.
Since the seat collar has been replaced I haven't had any problems. I've ridden it through two seasons over three years (sat out last summer with a broken foot) and the frame just rocks.
The new Gunnars are clear coated, (to address almost everyone's complaint) and spec'ed with a different seat clamp.
I think Gunnar is making some of the best bikes for the money. That said, the welds aren't as good as say IF. I'm not a frame builder, but I can spot welds that have been plugged.
For about a third of the cost of an IF, Wojick, or other small steel builders I'm not going to be that picky, if the welds crack I know Gunnar will stand behind the frame.
If you want to oggle smooth welds, spend the extra money and get something else; if you want a great riding frame, get a Gunnar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Arrivo
a Racer
from Ann Arbor
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Potowatami (In Michigan anyway) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Cycle Smithy, Chicago | | Strengths: | This review is for the Ruffian (Rouckhound) singlespeed frame.
Without a doubt this is my favorite bike of all time (Since my original Apple Krate). It knows exactly where I want to go and takes me there. The 853 Steel frame is plenty stiff, but I'm never beaten up by it. The geometry is all about handling, it climbs like a freaky goat on Peet's coffee, comes downhill like a stone. I can move all over this frame and steer with the rear wheel with ease. My average pace went WAY up riding this frame (As told to me by my riding partners - sorry, no cyclometer on a Single Speed!) You hit the gas and this thing leaps forward without any wasted effort. A SS teaches you all about momentum management, and how to properly pedal, spin, climb, and stomp. Ride one of these, then get on a geared bike and you'll be amazed how much a better rider you are. I always liked the Gunnar/Waterford approach - I loved it after visiting the factory and getting a personal tour. They stand behind their product 110%. These are the kind of people we should be buying from and supporting - handmade in the USA, lifetime warranty at a hell of a price. How can you lose? Hint - YOU CAN'T! | | Weaknesses: | The Paint comes off the dropouts on the first install of the rear wheel - but who cares! | | Similar Products Used: | Redline MonoCog (I have had two - a street and a dirt set-up) got me started single speeding. I'll never go back now! I was going to get a Ti SS, but it doesn't sit well with my SS philosophy. Found this one on E-bay for a song. Built this bike COMPLETE for just over $1000 with almost all new parts from E-bay. | | Bike Setup: | Thomson stem (110), Monkeylite XC Carbon low rise bar, Avid SD 7 levers and Brakes, Spot SS hubs on Sun Rhynolite rims (36 hole! = STRENGTH!), Stylo SS Crank (34/16), Time ATAC pedals, Easton Carbon Post, CODA Ti Saddle, SRAM 8 speed chain, Blackspire chainring, Sid Race with lockout or a Kelly Rigid (Racing) - and that is it! 15.5 lbs complete! | | Bottom Line: | I have the following Stable - 1988 FAT CHANCE, Gunnar Street Dog (SS Cross), Merlin Agilis, Redline Cyclocross USA, Clark Kent Ti Hardtail (20.5 lbs! complete!), and a SS city bike (Home built). I ride the Ruffian as often as I can - it is my favorite without question. If you need an upgrade - this bike will make you a better rider. I am never left behind, even when riding with 27 gear, dual suspension folks. I feel MUCH faster on this bike than my geared bike. I just ride - it is SO light and flickable that I always get the line. Get a one size smaller than your normal hardtail - wide *ss bars and freakin hammer! I'm averaging over 15 MPH on the full Poto on this thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony E
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, MI
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Strengths: | Handling and steering are dead on. Magnificent handling. Climbs and descends so well that I'm always in control. The 853 tubing gives a great ride and never beats me up like my Klein. | | Weaknesses: | No clear coat | | Bike Setup: | SID, XT, Pythons | | Bottom Line: | With the Gunnar, handling is what it's all about. During a 28 mi race last week I was always finding a good line and had no problems in transitions from hardpack to sand to hardpack to mud, etc. I could not ask more from the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Franklin,TN
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hamilton Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | MOAB | | Strengths: | Handling, climbing, and quality of build. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post is a bear to raise or lower. | | Similar Products Used: | Independent Fabrications, Kona Explosif, & Rock Lobster | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Pyslo SL, XTR, and Bontrager Race tubeless wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden FS bikes and aluminum hardtails since the mid 90's, but I never stopped missing the feel of steel. The Gunnar bike is for purists who enjoy a great riding bike but are not too caught up in the latest trends and high tech. frame materials. Ride one and you'll agree that few bikes climb better or tackle single track like the Rockhound. Steel isn't for everybody, but, I love it.
I gave it 5 chilis because you can not get a custom frame anywhere else for this price and quality. Try it, buy it, ride it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jody F
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Great ride at a great price. Quality tubes. Very stiff in the bb but forgiving in rough terrain. Fast! | | Weaknesses: | Been said before- the paint. Who cares at this price. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Cronus, Kona Lava Dome, various Ti and duallies | | Bike Setup: | Singlespeed- ti seatpost, v brakes, Marzocchi Z4 Flylight Air, Stronglight cranks. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Rockhound singlespeed frame. Ive been riding for 15 years and have had about every kind of bike you can imagine. I thought I had reached the pinacal of MTB joy when I got my Titus Racer X, but the Gunnar may be even better. Perhaps its just a reaction to all the great technology thats made its way into mtb's, but I just love the simplicity and fun of riding my singlespeed.
The Gunnar fits me like a glove, the tubeset is top notch and rides like a dream. Power transfer is instant, but the ride is also forgiving and smooth over most stuff. It shines in the tight twisties and climbs as well as I can let it. Overall a great bike. If you feel like all your old favorite trails are getting kinda stale, give singlespeeding a try- its a whole new world. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | A sweet steel ride. Very responsive. Geometry stretches you out so a shorter stem is in order. | | Weaknesses: | Tad heavy. Paint chips way too easily. Gotta take care of the frame to prevent rust. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode Klein, Trek, Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT drivetrain mix, Thomson post, Ritchey WCS stem, Kore bar, Nisene saddle, Marzocchi 2001 Z3. | | Bottom Line: | The LBS recommended one size slightly larger than what I should ride for an aggressive mountain bike. Having said that, I use it mostly for street riding now. The long top tube is awesome ... sooo comfortable. Plus, the steel frame eats up the roads but still handles like a dream. Check the geo as their geometry does run longer. And if you extra $$$, get a custom powdercoat paint job. The normal one sucks. If a steel frame is what you're looking for, this one is an exceptional value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$615.00 | | Strengths: | Stood behind warranty | | Bottom Line: | This is my second review of the Rockhound. This is regards to the replacement frame I got. About two years ago I bought a frame that just seemed to be off in all sorts of ways. The paint sucked, the welds looked bad, the brake mounts flexed, the cable mounts were at odd angels. After two years it got a crack at the top tube/head tube weld.
I got my replacement frame about two months ago and the new frame is so much better. Everything seems better, the welds looks better, the cable stops are dead on straight, the paint is holding up much better and the seatpost fits correctly.
The warranty replacement was pretty painless. I had to have my local shop send it in, they looked it over, emailed me with questions and then agreed to replace the frame. I was real happy to get a new one and they even offered to let me get a different color and size if I wanted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Racer
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Handling. Excels in everything from climbing to singletrack. I love the ride so much that I have 2 of them, one is a SS. 853 tubing is the best steel you can get for bikes. | | Weaknesses: | The older ones had seatpost problems and not enough tire clearance. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein, Trek, yada, yada | | Bike Setup: | Changes all the time.
Thomson seatpost/stem, Avid Mags and FSA headset are constant.
The rest changes all the time | | Bottom Line: | Paint is nor powder as someone below claims, it's PPG catalyzed urethane. The ride is truly great. If you're short in the torso area make sure to check the top tube lengths as they may be longer than what you are used to. I'm 5-6 and ride a 16" frame with 90cm stem and a 15" with 110cm stem and they ride great for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K-Man
a Racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bulldog, Noble Cyn., etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Soul Cycles (RIP) | | Strengths: | After 2 years and 6,000 miles my Gunnar is still the best I have owned or ridden. I also have a fine 2002 Specialized Stumpy Pro FSR that is awesome. It is just that the Rock Hound is even awesomer. She climbs like a wired crackhead and carves up the ST with ease. The rocky conditions can really beat up on you here in Diego. The Gunnar soaks up the rubble without flexing too much. It just has the right amount of give to be comfy without the flex. She corners on a dime and can handle big speeds with total confidence. The short rear stays help achieve all of this. The long toptube helps ya' climb for hours on end. Is there a better steel hardtail out there? I don't know for sure but I am not willing to find out. I gotta love it! | | Weaknesses: | Shoulda got a cleatcoat but ahhh! | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpy Pro FSR, Rockhopper CRO-Molly, 99 FSR Enduro FSR, Yeti ARC(Second Favorite) | | Bike Setup: | XT everything, XTR front der.,Thompson stem, Kore Elite post, Ritchey pro-pedals, Litespeed 6061 23' bar-3 degrees sweep, WTB Laserbeam Rims, XT hubs, XTR chain, Marzocchi Z-2 Atom Bombs, Serfas DD Pro Kevlar saddle, Teflon cables, Irc Mythosxc tires, Specialized tubes- still the best! | | Bottom Line: | Wow!...........Yea I know, this is my third write up and not my last. The best steel XC race hardtail on the market, It is sooooo sweet that I can't think of another steel mtb bike to buy. Gunnar Cycles are meant for riding hard without mercy. Go and get one today!!!!!! 5 flamin' donkey pucks again! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaronp
a Cross Country Rider
from Villa Park, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Palos FPD | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, good price for value, 853 and OX Platinum steel frame, this is a performance do-all mtn. bike, not a dedicated racer, so I appreciate the rear braze-ons. | | Weaknesses: | Chainline is correct and in the small cog and big ring my chain rubs the inside of the drive side dropout.
Rear seat stays flex. | | Similar Products Used: | Other steel frames previously owned Yeti Ultimate, Yeti FRO, Bridgestone MB0 & Ted Wojcik
Previous frame was a Cannondale and beside the Gunnar I own a Santa Cruz Chameleon & Bianchi Bass | | Bike Setup: | 8spd Old School XTR w/ upgraded XTR V-brakes & Levers w/ Shimano Carbon Brake Boosters, Race Face Turbine LP cranks in 110 BCD
Easton Monkey Lite SL bars
Thomson Stem and Seatpost, Flite saddle. King aHeadset and Hubs laced to Mavic 517 w/ DT revs-n-alloy nips.
Zokes Atom Race 80, and Salsa skewers and seatpost clamp. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I'm pretty satisfied with this bike, as it is set up. The XTR V-brakes w/Carbon Brake Boosters probably stop me just as well as most disc set-ups I have tried. So I don't care that it has no rear disc tabs. Plus the rear Booster has pretty much eliminated the flex in the rear seatstays.
I had the seatpost slipping issue but it wasn't as drastic as other posters have experienced, I put on a Salsa Liplock and cranked it tight, switched from greasing the seatpost to putting a lite film of Phil Wood Tenacious Oil, I treated the seat tube with Frame Saver to prevent any oxidation aka rust, and all is well, plus the Liplock rocks. The seatpost no longer budges or rather slips.
As far as the paint job, its powder coat so I figure that is the quality you should expect, helps keep price down. no clear coat over decals, are no big deal I ride with many people who voluntarily remove the decals knowing they will get trashed or because they don't want to advertise for campanies that don't sponser them. Those that have decals clearcoated over have expressed that they wished they had the option to remove their decals so that they could re-apply new ones when the old ones get trashed, so see its all in how you see it as far as the paint quality is concerned.
Me I'm anal and actually waxed my frame with a carnuba wax before I built it up and feel that it has helped prolong the new looking quality.
I experienced the chain rub right away but I disregarded it, I just built the bike up I wasn't about to disassemble it. The way I figure it when I get my FS bike built up I will send in this frame as a warranty issue because in my opinion the issue is not arguable, I will repost if I experience the customer service issues others have experienced.
As compared to my SC Chameleon this thing is treat to ride because of the compliant nature of the steel, I won't get into it because you can read all about the differences on the interent if you do a search.
Yeah and as for anyone looking at this as a potential racer, that's great its more than capable, but trash it because it has braze-on eyelets and you have lost the whole point of this bike.
If you really want a dedicated steel racer then spend almost twice if not more and buy a Sycip, Kelly, IF or even a Salsa, but don't think that this bike should be compared to those.
Oh and if the geometries and dimension they have fit you, for example I ride the 16" frame because of its generous TT length. I run a 410mm Thomson seatpost most of it exposed, 120mm 5deg. stem with four 5mm spacers and this setup fits me like a custom frame-set. I've never wieghed it but I figure 22 - 23lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff armstrong
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Conyers, GA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Great 853 tubing. | | Weaknesses: | SEATPOST SLIPS! Never got this resolved. Gunnar said go back to bikeshop I bought it at. They re-reamed it from 27.0 to 27.2. Still slips. It's not a lampholder. I weigh 180lbs. Very bad taste in my mouth about this. I feel stuck with it (I would feel dishonest selling this bike to someone. It's defective.) | | Bottom Line: | They are famous for this problem. I wish I had known before I bought. It's a great bike other than that, but having your seatpost slip TOTALLY ruins your ride. I Chili for that reason. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Howard
a Racer
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | corte madera | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | cycle smithy | | Strengths: | Frame geometry-excellent climber, responsive in singletrack. It's a beautiful ride. | | Weaknesses: | Paint should be clear coated | | Similar Products Used: | Breezer Lightning | | Bike Setup: | SX-R fork, Avid Mag brakes, Suntour XC Pro crank, ATAC pedals, Thomson stem & post, Flite saddle. weighs 23.25 lb | | Bottom Line: | I have a Rockhound and also the single speed Ruffian from Gunnar. Having ridden mtb's since 1985 in all configurations from rigid to FS, I'm really happy with the Gunnar bikes. I called the factory in Wis. when I had a question about the frame before I built it up and they took care of my question and also invited me up for a tour - about 75 miles from Chicago. (I don't know why the complainer below from Lake Zurich didn't try calling them. He's less than an hour away. )
The bikes handle great and have an excellent ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ernesto
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodland, CA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kettle Moraine, WI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Direct from Gunnar | | Strengths: | My Rock Hound is the best hartail I have ever ridden. I don't think I would go to another manufacturer for a frame. My Gunnar is the best. It's so responsive, fast, and steel is not real, it's badass!
For a hard tail bike, it descends well. Steel. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager Race mtb | | Bike Setup: | XTR everything. Manitou Black fork, Hutchinson mosquito tires, Easton monkey bars, Easton seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | It's all good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Zurich, IL, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | Chicago-area shop | | Strengths: | Reynolds 853 main tubes --> sweet steel ride at an optimized weight; cool silver charcoal color-of-the month; reasonably straight
Smaller frame sizes are well proportioned; however, larger sizes are designed for people with short legs/long torsos | | Weaknesses: | YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...A DEAL IS ONLY A DEAL IF IT WORKS
HUGE PROBLEM: Frame geometry of 19" Rock Hound is significantly different than the published specs. The head tube is 3 7/8" tall vs. a published height of 4 15/16". Also, the stand-over height is 1 inch smaller in actuality than what is reported on Gunnar's website. As a result of these errors, I needed to use over 2" in spacers between my stem and headset and have to special order a seatpost. The Thompson post can't be extended far enough to compensate for the low frame.
MODERATE PROBLEM: Based upon Gunnar's failure to respond to e-mails and inability to address technical issues over the phone, one is lead to believe the compnay is understaffed and in financial trouble (heh-heh...the Schwinn boys have a problem keeping their companies open). There may be problems making a warranty claim if the company goes bankrupt.
SMALLER ISSUES: Poor quality paint finish and no clear coat(i.e. it will look like crap after a few single track rides); welds are a little sloppy; have to pay extra to have rack bosses removed from frame and rear drop-outs; disc brake mounting bracket option is major bucks (approximately $250.00) (i.e. if you want to run dics, buy a Jericho...it will run about the same money as an upgraded Gunnar and is a much higher quality frame.
As a result of these issues, I returned the frame (and all of the other parts that were spec'c for this custom build) the day after I picked it up. I'm going to start from scratch and look for a more reliable frame builder. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpy M2 and M4 hard tails, Litespeed Pisgah | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.2 Atom Race with ECC; full XTR drivetrain and V-brakes, King headset, Thompson stem and seatpost, Race Face Lo-Riser bars, Mavic 517's, and Egg Beaters | | Bottom Line: | The Gunnar could be an excellent value when compared to a similar Jericho or IF frame. After all, you get great materials, decent workmanship, and a great price. However, if you want disc mounts or custom paint, the Gunnar deal vaporizes. The price quickly increases and the Gunnar product will never be as good as an IF or Jericho frame. In short, only buy a Gunnar if the base, stock frame is what you are looking for.
BE WARNED (PART I)!!! The Gunnar specs. on the website and in their dealer literature is significantly different than the actual product. Don't be fooled. Only buy this bike if you are confident you are actually going to get what you ordered. SINCE GUNNAR IS TOO CHEAP TO GIVE THEIR DEALERS UPDATED SALES LIERATURE, THEREBY FORCING THEM TO RELY ON THEIR WEBSITE, IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT THE WEBSITE INFO IS BOGUS.
BE WARNED (PART II)!!! The Gunnar specs. contradict themselves within the same spec chart. Gunnar reports most of the critical frame dimensions in inches and millimeters. If you convert the metric dimensions to inches, not all of the dimensions are consistent with the reported English (inch) dimensions. Some dimensions are differ by as much as 1 1/4". This may cause you huge problems if you desire a bike that fits.
BOTTOM LINE: Mr. Schwinn, brother to the man that ran Schwinn bikes into the ground and owner of Waterford/Gunnar, could have a wonderful product. Unforunately, his company appears to be out of control. I don't think the Gunnar product line will be around much longer. I guess you can be sure that none of your friends will ever have a bike like yours...unforunately, it's for the wrong reasons... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Marshall
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Canada
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gerrard St. East | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Ideal Bike | | Strengths: | Climbs well, light, responsive good geometry... excellent price. | | Weaknesses: | PAINT....they say in the owners "manual" that the paint may take three months to cure...sure, fine, whatever. They don't mention that is as fragile as all hell until it does cure. I'll have a buddy clearcoat it in the fall if there is anything left worth protecting.
Finish was not great ... I had to face the BB and the head-tube when building (for excess paint not steel as it turned out), and the seat tube looks like it never saw a reamer.
Customer service... Well I'll be on the phone next, they ignore e-mail (though they solicit it) I want to know where to get touch up paint. and the promised 3 day delivery took two weeks ... they blame customes but tracking numbers don't agree.
| | Similar Products Used: | Kestrel CSX, F.C.C. Slim Chance, Mountain Goat and a ship load of others | | Bike Setup: | XT/LX (the good stuff stays on the Kestrel) | | Bottom Line: | I came back to the bike market to replace the Mountain Goat I sold 8 years ago. Most of my riding is on busy city streets and I wanted soemthing light and nimble, this was recomended to me. I remembered the quality that Waterford produced and thought how could I go wrong... And I didn't, the ride /feel /price are all more than I was expecting .. Unfortunately the fiddly little things have sucked some of the "new toy joy" out of the purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Vass, NC USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Governor's Creek (Sanford, NC) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | I was riding an older GT Avalanche and thought it was a good ride...until...I bought the Gunnar frame and had it built to my needs and wants. This has got to be the best $1600 I have spent in my life. It is the Cadillac of mtn. bikes in my opinion. It rides smooth and the 853 steel frame is one of the most forgiving frames I have riden. Much smoother than my previous aluminum frame. Isn't aluminum for soda cans anyway?!? LOL | | Weaknesses: | I tried to email tech support at Gunnar about repainting and decaling my frame and never heard anything back. I know 2 or 3 people that have had this same problem. This is my only thing with Gunnar. | | Similar Products Used: | My old GT Avalanche and a Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | All XT, Easton carbon bar, Thompson stem & post, Salsa skewers, Marzochhi Z4 shock, Mavic rims, Python tires (tubeless), Speedlite pedals and a kickstand!! (just kidding about the kickstand!) | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this : I baby this bike probably too much!! I wish I didn't have it so I could buy another one!! I like it that much that I just want to keep buying them!! It is definitely got me sold. The bike definitely is up to just about anything I am willing to put it through. It's a smooth comfortable ride and I think everyone should atleast try it once in their life! Happy riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K-Man
a Racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cowle's Mt., Bulldog | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Soul Cycles | | Strengths: | What a climber man, better than an M-4 and on par with 3D Racing Rover. Also, the single track downhills are diced and chewed up by the hound. This bike is a racer but also fills in as a xc all-around pounder. Steel in the right hands can make a mean machine. The long top tube and short stays make for a top handling bike. oh yeah, my seatpost doesn't slip! | | Weaknesses: | Paint could use a clear coat, but I didn't buy it for the paint. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized bikes | | Bike Setup: | XT everything, Z2 Atom bombs, wtb laser rims, light and bad.24.6 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This is my review a year later. Wow, what a bike. I race on it. 24 hour races don't beat me to death cause of the nature of 853 steel. All around trail riding can be done all day without your body being abused. I'm a real happy camper folks. Oh, also a rad bike on the road. IT JUST FLIES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brandon smith
a Racer
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | reno, flag, bear, deadman | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | good geometry, flexy (smoothens out small impacts), cheap | | Weaknesses: | piece of crap, if you cant get your seatpost from slipping how is the bike supposed to ride well. i try to race this bike but 15miles 1/2 way into the race the post slips 2-3 inches and the leg extension is terrible,
paint sucks (don't really care)
customer service is the worst around (Dirk is a liar)
way flexy on the 20.5 (try riding this bike down a road with no hands) the frame slopes around like a fish out of water
| | Similar Products Used: | cannondale, specialized fsr, titus locomoto, other stuff | | Bike Setup: | disc brake, xtr, raceface, ti wheels with american classic ultralight disc hubs, spent way too much on such a horrible frame | | Bottom Line: | here it goes. the customer service is horrible. the customer service (Dirk) is a decietful liar. i was told to send my bike in b/c of the seatpost slipping and they would fix it for free and throw in a thomson 27.4 post. i requested a free post b/c i already spent $70 on a 27.2 post like what is spec'd for the frame. anyways over the summer i had a Willit's (a ti custom frame builder) weld on a rear disc mount. i told Dirk that this was done and he told me to send in the frame anyways because the seatpost slipping has nothing to do with the rear disc mount. so i sent the frame back and paid $25 shipping and handling. i then followed up over a month calling Dirk at Gunnar to see what progress was being done on my frame. first he tried to tell me that there was no slippage on the post. B.S. i have marked the post and it looses 2-3 inchens within an hour of riding. unacceptable. so then he believed me. and said he would look at it again and call me back tomorrow. so i waited another week with no call back. so i called and he would give me the run around b/c they still hadn't done anything.
so eventually he told me that i had voided warranty by having an uncertified welder touch the frame. i know this i told him and he told me that it didn't matter b/c it was on the seat stay not the freakin seat tube. he then proceeded to tell me that he never said that it would be fixed. why in the hell would i strip my whole bike down, pay to ship it, and wait over a month if i wasn't promised to have it fixed?
so how i see it they won't take responsibility for bad craftsmanship. they found an excuse to not fix my bike after the fact that i was told it would be fixed. Screw you man! i got ripped off and i hope you get what you deserve.
i might as well buy a scwinn b/c atleast the seatpost won't slip.
do NOT support this company. they are liars and don't care about their customers. the 4 years that i have been in the bike industry i was always taught to make the customer happy. apparently at Waterford/Gunnar this isn't there policy.
so if anybody want's a 20.5 gunnar rockhound with a custom disc mount that won't hold a seatpost in place let me know. we can trade a shift cable for the frame and call it good. For a handmade bike they sure are crap! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Tx
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Area 51 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classifieds | | Strengths: | Waterford workmanship ... enough said. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti ARC, Cannondale Caad3 | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT/LX component mix w/ Zoke Z2 Atom Race, King headset, Hugi hubs on 517 wheels. | | Bottom Line: | My frame is the 20.5" size.
The bike cuts up singletrack with precision and smoothness that is not found on most frames. The frame requires concentration and rewards smart riding. I like this. If your mind wanders, the gunnar will remind you that there is business at hand. The bike really gives great feedback. I thought I'd never prefer any other hardtail over my Yeti ARC, but I was wrong. This is a solid ride with the incredible feel of high end steel.
As for cosmetics: I bought the frame used and the paint was not in good shape. Additionally, it had been in FLorida and had a little bit of rust on some of the scratches. I had the frame blasted and powdercoated xtr grey. I chose not to put decals on it and it looks outstanding. The smaller diameter tubes give a "means business" look and instills confidence. The stickerless Zoke and the nicest headset going (King) made for a gorgeous ride.
Additionally, this bike rides great on the pavement on the way to the trail. A bonus if, like me, you ride to your local trails. No power lost to a rear suspension when pedaling on pavement or hardpan.
If you want a hardtail and want to do it right, but ... you do not have a $1200 frame budget - this is your frame. Actually, even if you have a $1200 frame budget, this is your frame. Spend the extra money you will have on solid components that will do the frame justice. (certainly don't save the money ;-)
Lastly, I know you are wondering what the XL sized frame with a Zoke weighs in at. Well, I have not weighed it on a scale but my guess (and that of my riding buddies) is sub 24 pounds ... mid 23 pound range. Nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a
from Austin
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheelin Cycles | | Strengths: | -roomy top tube
-cheap
-steel works really well | | Weaknesses: | -sloppy build-up
-seat post fit
-mud clearance | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, MB-2, M-2 | | Bike Setup: | SID, XT/XTR, Hugi | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike for the long top tube and the frame material (not to mention the price). I love the comfort on this bike. Problems arose with build-up. My Hugi, oddly enough, was too big. The chain rubbed the brake stay in my 11 ring. What a bummer. The local shop didn't have much of a solution, the chain line was proper, all they could do was file the drop out junction. I don't notice it now, but there is always that lingering doubt if they filed too much. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wally
a Cross Country Rider
from Manhattan, KS
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fancy Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | The Pathfinder | | Strengths: | the 853/OX Platnium is unbeatable for the price, ride is smooth and predictable, weight is extremely reasonable, large diameter seat/chain stays = no flexure problems, nice paint/decals. Steel is real. | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar, Old School Bridgstone | | Bike Setup: | '97 Judy SL w/ Speed Springs, King/Mavic 517, Thomson | | Bottom Line: | I first learned about this bike from a Dirt Rag article and it sounded like just what I wanted. A fairly light weight steel frame from a highly respected company (Waterford is the maker of this frame) that was not overpriced. I have ridden more expensive frames and have not noticed any drawbacks with this one. Compared to the Independent Fabrications that I have ridden, I would have to say that, short of name recognition, this frame has it beat. The rear stays don't have nearly as much flex in them due to larger diameter tubing. The ride is just as supple, but the lack of rear end side-to-side flex during sprints/out of saddle climbs adds up to a better ride in my book. Plus the lower bottom bracket helps carve fast corners better. This may not be a boutique bike, but my motto is "function over fashion"...the Gunnar wins.
Regardless if you are on a budget or not, I suggest checking out this frame if you are in the market for a quality steel frame. They are still "new" enough that you can be the only "kid on the block" with one, but have some change left over. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Yellow Jersey in Madison, WI | | Strengths: | Value
Comfy
Unique (for now)
Made in USA
Rack mounts
| | Weaknesses: | Mud clearance
Superflexy seat stays
Headtube not faced at factory as claimed
No disk brake mounts
| | Similar Products Used: | Super Go Access Alu | | Bike Setup: | 8 Speed XT and 2000 SX-R | | Bottom Line: | Overall I this frame and will use it as my main MTB hardtail for a decade. However if I had it to do over again I would spend the extra cash and have gotten an IF frame. Why?
First I almost sent it back after building it up because of the seatstay flex with hard braking. They did not just flex, but also rotated causing brake dive. I ended up buying a Salsa brake booster and it is fine now.
Second I was having all sorts of headset problems. I got my local shop to face the head tube and that cured all the problems. Now should Gunnar or the dealer that sold it to me be blamed? I think they both should get some of the blame. Gunnar claims the frames do not need facing which is obviously wrong and Yellow Jersey should have noticed before they shipped it to me.
Now that the one problem is fixed and the other masked, the bike is a dream. I love the way it handles, rides and looks. It climbs and handles so much better than my Alu ever did with all sorts of stem, bar and seat position modifications. The mud clearance is not great but due to environmental concerns I try not to ride off road when it is wet so I do not care that much.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jethro tull
a Racer
from sdsdfsdf
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | river bottoms | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | cheap......fun.......cool looking.......cheap...... | | Weaknesses: | cheap.........no mud clearence............tires rub frame while sprinting.......shyitty stickers (though cool looking in yellow snow).... (take the y out of shyit, its sensored) | | Similar Products Used: | ritchey.....gaikowski, croll, salsa, mikes mom | | Bike Setup: | race lite wheels, xtr, sid (shyit)... plus other shyituff | | Bottom Line: | ok if your on a budget and don't mind being bet over and raped by a drunk panda on a saturday night in mid july... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan Delgado
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading,Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | antietam lake trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | Technocyle bikes | | Strengths: | Very strong frame. Just got new frame 2001 sweet decals and wider seat and chainstays.853&ox platinum rock together. | | Weaknesses: | paint chips easy.Seat post slippage | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Explosive 853steel | | Bike Setup: | 2001 gunnar rockhound.Lx cranks XTbb Xtr rear derailer 517rims xtr hubs.thomson stem&post SDG saddle Chris King headset white bros SC90 fork.XTR brakes&shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Steel is real if you don,t know it,s got mass appeal.This bike by far is the stiffest steel rig i rode.I dig it man!this thing xcellerates like a beer can bike.I dig it man!The steel feel is there when you need it.I love the long top tube.and short stays. Wip her in a corner and she carves like an electric meat carver.I dig it man!I'm 190lbs and this bike doesn,t flex.Very well made frame Waterford knows what there doing.If ya got the dough buy one bro.You won,t be dissapointed.I dig the Snow Yellow . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 575.00
