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Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Melcroft, PA USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Birch Rock extension | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Gary Fisher stands behind their products. Excellent warranty. Bike handles technical sections like no other bike I've ever ridden. Sticks to trail like glue. Handles very well. I got a very good deal. | | Weaknesses: | Paint has a tendency to rub off. But for real, if you ain't scratching and banging up your rig, then you're not mountain biking | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M4, Giant NRS, Trek Liquid 30 | | Bike Setup: | The only stock piece on the bike is the frame and awesome Fox fork. Thomson stem and seat post, Easton Monkey lite bars, Race Face turbine cranks and signature BB. Sun Ringle wheelset with WTB Weirwolfs | | Bottom Line: | Awesome Bike!!! I have read many mixed reviews since purchasing bike 2 years ago. I waited till now to give the bike an honest review eventhough this model is discontinued. Many reviewers had Issues with chainsuck, rear triangle problems and other problems. EVRYTHING MECHANICAL IS GOING TO FAIL NOW AND THEN. DOES YOUR CAR NEVER BREAK DOWN OR NEED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE? I have had 7 cases of chainsuck. I've put a total of 3,000 true offroad miles on this machine on rough East Coast (West Virginia) conditions. Competed in WVMBA series races and 24 hour races. Cracked rear triangle, but I attribute that to my riding style. Fisher replaced triangle within two weeks. Pretty good service in my opinion When it gets muddy, your gonna have some issues no matter what bike you have. Sometimes bikes aren't set up right or can be fixed to fail by any less scrupulous dealer, especially big internet shops that want you to switch to a bike brand they carry. If you need service on a Gary Fisher Bike, take it to an authorized dealer. That is why they are required to take all those training sessions. Full suspension requires more maintenance than hard tail. Read your manual. Fisher says to re locktite rear triangle bolts after 10 hours of use. Some bikes like cars can be lemons. However, everybody that has placed a negative review needs to take into consideration the variables that led up to their bikes mechanical problems. IT IS HUMAN NATURE TO BLAME SOMEONE ELSE. If you can find one of these sweet rides, BUY IT WITHOUT HESITATION. ONE OF FISHERS BEST BIKES EVER MADE!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glen
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | great suspension design & geometry; excellent hayes disc brakes, super climbing machine, very tight & nimble on singletrack | | Weaknesses: | drivetrain, chain suck even after swapping bontrager for 2003 xt cranset. cheap paint job, cheesy looking decals-should have come with optional anodized finish | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock (fox talas r & fox float r) except michelin tires and xt crank & rings | | Bottom Line: | like taking 10 years off my life; exceeds the climbing of my 7 year old hardtail. this is a great all-around trail bike for lighter riders like myself (150 lbs). looking forward to 'launching that mother' down porcupine rim again next year. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gavin Arnott
a Racer
from Squamish, BC, CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Made In The Shade | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Canadian, LBS | | Strengths: | Totally Wicked Components, XT/XTR/Bontrager Race, Fox Suspension | | Weaknesses: | Awful Paint, Peels off and wears off. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3, Specialized Stumpjumper Elite | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The Bike functions great, nothing has broken. The paintjob is totally awful, it is peeling near the rear quick release and top of the seat stays, decals are wearing off, i cant believe it, but gary fisher is taking the bike back on warranty to repaint it, so its all good, ive never ridden such an awesome bike, the rear end stays nearly ridgid on climbs and sprints, and its fully active on downhills, the wheels are amazingly strong along with the suspension, i have done many 3-4 foot drops and the wheels are still perfectly true. I am very impressed with this bike, but i cant give it 5 chilis because the paint sucks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sergio Covacevich
a Cross Country Rider
from Santiago Chile
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | San Carlos de Apoquindo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | This review is for the frame. Very light, climbs like a goat, rear suspension top of the line, no need to use a lock out system, the bike sticks to the ground like glue in the climbs; feels like a hardtail. No need to readjust the rear suspension in descents. Real solid and feels secure on fast and technical descents. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis dakar pro (2001), real good frame. Giant NRS 2 (2002), so so frame; and my old hardtail Trek 9000 (2000) | | Bike Setup: | Bought the frame on e-bay and the rest is my setup. Manitou black on front, Hayes mechanical disc brake on front and rear.Mavic crossroc tubeless wheels, Hutchinson mosquito tubeless tires (top of the line). Time atac pedals. XTR shifters and brake levers. XTR rear derr, XT front derr, shimano XT cranks. And fox float R front suspension | | Bottom Line: | This frame is awesome. Really climbs like a goat and it feels very light. There is no need to readjust the suspension once you tune it up to your riding style. In descents feels very solid and secure on fast and the technicl ones (this are the ones I love). Solid on curves. the rear suspension act very well in this descents and it eats up the rocks and bumps professionally. I love this frame and I'll stick with it. Top of the line. Very good work Gary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Sherwood, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat!!!, Shifts smoothly, Disc Brakes. | | Weaknesses: | none that I've noticed | | Similar Products Used: | First Full-Suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Shimano PD-M540 clipless pedals, Easton EC-70 handelbar, Hutchinson tubeless python(front),tubeless Mosquito(back). | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike!! Much Improved from the hardtail Fisher I had before I got the Sugar 2+. I love riding this bike. I find it difficult to get off this bike after a long ride. I just want to keep on riding.
Buy this bike after you've beat yourself up on a hardtail for a while. You'll appreciate it more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gavin A
a Racer
from Squamish, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything fast and fun | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Climbs Well, Shifts Great, Very Fast! NO Chainsuck! | | Weaknesses: | NONE! this bike is soooooo sweet! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Elite | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is as fast as any hardtail ive ever had, it shifts well, there has been no peddle bob, except for when i sprint(it does sprint fast), the XT/XTR/BONTRAGER drivetrain works very good, i am yet to find a plusher fork, or a bike with no peddle bob without any systems. Im fresh off a hardtail and i am already going so much faster, better than the team issue becuase of the disks and adjustable travel front and rear. I have got no chainsuck, but i have the V5 middle ring installed(free upgrade from gary fisher from the V3) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Rocks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Depot | | Strengths: | Fox and Hayes....Need I say more? Climbs and cuts through single track like a champ! XT, XTR combo works great. I have not experienced any chain suck yet and hopefully won't. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and some of the Bontrager components. I shouldn't complain I've had no problems with the set-up. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Comp, Trek Fuel 90, Liquid,, TBL hurricane(Loved that bike but she's out to pasture now) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Panaracer Fire XC rubber. | | Bottom Line: | Can't say enough good things. I'm happy with this ride so far. My LBS has been great with me and my needs. Try one of these beasts out! Awesome value! This bike is great for the XC riders looking to go to the next level and still beat there buddies on the Sunday rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MATT BRANDENBURG
a Cross Country Rider
from HINSDALE IL USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | PALOS, KNOCK KNOLLS | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | AMERICAN CYCLING AND FITNESS | | Strengths: | ALL AROUND THE THE BEST BIKE I HAVE EVER RIDEN. IT WILL BLAZE THROUGH TIGHT SINGLE TRACK. CRUZ ON OPEN FLATS WITH NO PEDAL BOB, ANY THAT I NOTICE. A GREAT BIKE FOR LONG RIDES OR JUST BOMBING AROUND SOME TOUGH TECH TRAILS. | | Weaknesses: | IF IT GETS A LITTLE MUDDY BE READY FOR SOME CHAIN SUCK. KEEP YOUR ASS IN THE SADDLE WHEN CLIMBING OR YOU WILL LOOSE ALL TRACTION. | | Similar Products Used: | TWO TREK FUELS,CANNONDALE F2000,AND A SCHWINN MOAB 1 P.O.S. | | Bike Setup: | XTR THROUGH OUT EXCEPT BRAKES. PAUL BRAKES WITH AVID ULTIMATE LEVERS. CHRIS KING ISO'S & HEADSET, WHITE BROTHERS FORK XC-3 | | Bottom Line: | BEING A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT FOR THE LAST TWO FUELS. I AM GLAD TO FINALLY FIND A BIKE THAT I AM SO COMFORTABLE, AND CONFIDENT ON. MAKES EVERY OBSTICLE SEEM EFFORTLESS ALMOST. A GREAT TRAIL BIKE WORTH LOOKING AT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Ekers
a Cross Country Rider
from White Lake, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Where ever I'm at. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Builer's Bikeand Fitness, Wausau | | Strengths: | The RIDE, Hayes brakes, XT/XTR parts, and the Fox fork and shock.
Oh yeah, did I mention the RIDE?! Four hour rides without pain! This bike climbs and goes downhill much better than I ever will. I can't detect any pedal bob or frame swing arm lateral flex. Made in the USA frame is top shelf! | | Weaknesses: | --Bontrager chain rings and bottom bracket. My chain was catching on the outer ring when I was shifting from the middle ring to granny. The guys at Builer's figured this out after they checked out everything Trek/Fisher asked them to and the chain still was eating my swingarm. The chain would wedge between the swingarm and granny -- this meant breaking the chain or removing the rings to release the chain. Trek/Fisher and Builer's warranty replaced the rear deraileur (damaged from chain), swing arm (damaged from chain)cranks (XT),chain rings (XT), chain (Dura Ace) and bottom bracket (XT) NOTE: A longer 118 BB length was installed...now if I ever get chain suck again there's room for the chain to slip out and be put back on without surgery.
--Bike deserves better pedals! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Time Alium pedals, seat bag, frame pump. Even the tires and seat work for me! | | Bottom Line: | I would have rated it 6 (yep,SIX) Chilis overall if it had come with the drive train set up as it is now. Performance was really improved with the Hollowtech XT cranks and rings! This is a great USA made bike with overall solid componets, Take a close look at the welds on some brand frames...Fisher frames are really high quality.
The drivetrain problem I had was sorted out (after a slow start)and my bike and I treated to upgraded componets that removed the problem I had, and really improved the bike. Gary Fisher customer service turned out to be very good, and Builer's saved the day.
If I ever manage to wear this machine out -- or somehow damage it beyong repair, I will buy another Gary Fisher from Builer's to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Creek, WA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Art's - Mount Vernon | | Strengths: | Excellent components - XT/XTR, Fox shocks and Hayes brakes.
Relatively light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't discovered any major issues with the bike. As time goes on, I will probably replace some of the heavier Bontrager components. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a lot of $2000 bikes before I bought tis one. | | Bike Setup: | On my bike I upgraded the wheels to Mavic 317 and put an XT crank and Shimano HG-93 chain on. Front tire is a WTB Motoraptor and rear is a Vittoria Kudu. | | Bottom Line: | I was a liitle concerned when I bought this bike about the chain suck issues so I made a few upgrades based on previous reviews. So far (after more than 30 rides and more than 300 miles) I've only experienced chain suck once. That was my fault when I tried to mash the shifter to get into the small chain ring.
Initially, the handling of this bike was mediocre, but that was the fault of the tires. The IRC ones that came with the bike are not the best for Pacific NW conditions. When I replaced them, the handling and traction improved a bunch. I also tweaked the suspension settings a little and that helped.
To sum it up this bike has excellent components for the price. It's fairly light (a little under 28 lbs), and it's a good all-around bike for a variety of conditions. It climbs great and the Fox shocks work well on small bumps and big hits. The Genesis geometry works well for me. I have tuned my suspension to be a little more stiff than the recommended settings to enhance the climbing characteristics. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty Quinn
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | southern shenandoah mtn traverse | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | warranty frame, spec'd parts | | Strengths: | Plush travel, lightweight, style | | Weaknesses: | chain line is not so goot on this frame. And the paint does scratch easily (not so goot for resale value) | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Supercaliber, specialized stumphumper, Sugar 2 (for a few rides) | | Bike Setup: | Talas fork, xtr/xt/lx drivetrain with a sram chain, xtr hubs, calipers, and rotors mated to xt hydraulic levers, mavic 519 rims, truvativ riser bar, thomson stem and post, tioga fctory DH 2.3 (f) and IRC trailbear 2.25 (r) and the incredible terry fly saddle. Oury grips. | | Bottom Line: | One problem - that durned chain line. It seems like the frame doesn't let the crank sit close enough to the bottom bracket and it is way off line with the cassette. The chain wants to drop to granny pretty easily. We'll see how it breaks in but it did take extra tinkering to get it set up correctly. Even with it set up correctly it feels like it want to go any day now.
That being said - THIS BIKE IS SCHWEEET. It descends all too quickly and doesn't seem to draw too much power ascending. The 4 inhces out back let me get away with things i wouldn't be on my hardtail. And the Talas RLC is a super smooth, highly adjustable fork that has yet to let me down. Mine weighs in at 30 lbs with a seat pack and some hoss-daddy tires - not so bad for 4 inches in the rear and 5 up front. Highly recommend for riders looking for a comfy rocket ship to take on long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walking for now
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Climbs very well, awesome suspension, agile geometry, and looks. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck from Bontrager cranks. Bontrager wheels. I guess anything Botrager. No cable hose guides and no disk specific frame mounts. Paint chips easily.`No Seat quick release. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Jamis Drakar 2.0, Specialized Epic, Trek Fuel, and my old trusty Jamis hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Eggbeater pedals, Easton EA70 flatbar, IRC mythos with Stan's tubeless solution. Everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | First two rides and I suffer from chainsuck each time. I was aware of the problem and was shifting extremely careful and still does it. Yes, I have the new middle ring and new rear triangle. LBS calls Trek and says that it must be from "improper shifting technique." They acknowledge the problem but say there have only been about 15 bikes in whole model year with this problem, and that all other are customers not knowing how to shift. Funny how it never happened on my Jamis when all variables are the same. LBS will change to XT cranks and see what happens.
The third time I rode the bike the front wheel tacoed. I was riding carefull still since I was going to bring the bike the next day to the dealer for the chainsuck problem. I was rolling thru a rooty wahsed out rut when I got caught between a root and some rocks. The wheel folded; and as it rolled, it got caught in the fork thus sending flying. Once again, LBS says that its not the wheel's fault and that I did something wrong. I know how to ride damn it! I rode with a deathwish in my hardtail with cheap Mavic 139/Deore wheels and never had a problem like this. 1000 miles thru Pisgah, Bent Creek, Lynches Woods, Razorback, Tenessee, Kentucky, etc. Third ride. THIRD RIDE!! Bottomline the wheel is too weak. BTW I am 165 pounds.
I bought this bike because it was fairly light and Jamis was out of 17" Drakar's. I didn't want to wait for next production run so I bought the Sugar. Now I find a Drakar in Chicago for $200 less than my Sugar. I wish I could have waited and flown to Chicago with the $200 and bought that bike instead.
Trek/Fisher let me down. They showed me that my opinion and satisfaction doesn't matter after the sale. Never blame consumers for shoddy designs and components. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Itasca
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Village CycleSport Elk Grove | | Strengths: | fox suspension, XTR/XT drivetrain, Hayes disc brakes, and this is just all around a great bike | | Weaknesses: | ummmm? i dunno can't think of any | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel(s), palomino race, santa cruz superlite(s), Sugar 3 disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except i swapped the 515's for egg beaters
plus some other accessories | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great.
Out of all the other bikes that i tried/ looked at this was the best bike for the money, it has the same setup as the Palomino race disc (only it doesn't have that awesome paint job) XTR rear derailer, XT front/ shifters, hayes mag brake system. you won't find this setup on anything else unless you want to pay for it.
i read the other reviews before i bought it and a lot of people were saying the wheels aren't truely tubeless, honestly i haven't tried but i'm planning on replacing them eventually, not that bontrager is bad (which it isn't i have had no problems at all with any of it) but it's not the best either.
**if you are looking for a mountain bike definitely check this bike out. or any of the sugars you won't be disappointed** | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Liberty Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | All American Bicycles, Damascus, MD | | Strengths: | Very capable bike. Instills a lot of confidence. Good componentry (for the most part). Wide variety of settings for (almost) all rider sizes, weights, styles, and skill levels. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork not terribly stable at speed when downhilling with a large rider (> 270 pounds). Rear derailleur occasionally has a problem selecting gears at the most inopportune times (usually on power strokes). Bikes in general cost too much; I could have bought a (crappy) car for what I paid for this thing. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ Disc, Specialized Epic, Not Necessarily Similar: Raleigh M80, Schwinn Frontier GS | | Bike Setup: | So far, totally stock. | | Bottom Line: | I moved up to this bike from a Raleigh M80 (which I totally disliked, btw). What a difference it has made in my biking experience. I feel so much more confident on the Fisher. Not to mention, the riding position is far superior to that of the M80 (or any other mountain bike I've ever ridden) so I am much more stable on the Fisher.
Once my weight drops sufficiently, I feel that the front fork issue mentioned above will be resolved. Basically, I have the air pressure maxed out and still the travel is too great (at least, according to the manual). It gives a slightly unstable feel when down-hilling at speed. Of course, it's nowhere near as bad as the M80. I couldn't help but think that I was going to torque the front wheel off on the M80. Even with an upgraded front shock (and, beyond that, an upgraded spring for the upgraded shock), it couldn't handle my weight.
As for the rear derailleur, well, I'm sure this is a tuning issue, but the three Fisher Sugars I have ridden all had this problem, so either it's extremely sensitive or Shimano overlooked something when "debugging" this thing.
On the whole, I have to recommend this bicycle for anyone trying to get serious about mountain biking. While it may not be the ultimate bike, it should definitely serve me for several years.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DANNY KELLY
a Racer
from IDAHO FALLS,IDAHO
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | PHILLIPS CANYON,JACKSON HOLE,WY. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1284.00 | | Purchased At: | IDAHO MTN.TRADING | | Strengths: | FOX FORX,HAYES MAG DISC BRAKES | | Weaknesses: | WHERE ARE THE DISC BRAKE CABLE MOUNTS? THE BONTRAGER TUBELESS WHEELSETS SUCK.HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO MOUNT OR DISMOUNT A TIRE? WAY TOO HARD. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 GARY FISHER SUGAR2+,2000 GARY FISHER SUGAR2 | | Bike Setup: | CHANGED TIRES AND TUBES AND LOST A POUND AND A 1/2 | | Bottom Line: | WAY TO GO GARY FISHER FOR CHANGING TO FOX FORX & FOX FEAR SHOCK.I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THE SUGAR DESIGN THIS BEING MY THIRD SUGAR.IT CLIMBS & DECENDS GREAT.WITH THE FOX SET UP THIS IS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST SUGAR BY FAR,IT'S A TOTALLY DIFFERENT FEEL FOR THE BETTER! ANYONE WHO LIKES TO RACE OR GO ON EPIC RIDES THIS IS THE BIKE FOR YOU. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rocky
a Racer
from north vernon,IN ,USA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | dirt ones | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | bike line | | Strengths: | great value , fox fork , hayes brakes | | Weaknesses: | nothing major ,I'm not that sold on the handling but its not a major issue, plus cheap chain and cassette | | Similar Products Used: | have demo'ed most popular full supension bikes | | Bike Setup: | changed tires, saddle and handlebars so far, stem and seatpost are next to go | | Bottom Line: | a great bike for the money if you are looking for a trail bike.
I looked at a lot of bikes and came down to a S,C blur and the sugar . the blur was going to be about $800 more with similar componets. I think the blur did ride better but I'm not throwing rocks at the sugar.
If you are looking for the best bargin going buy this bike you will not be disapointed . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Niesen
a Racer
from Union Grove, Wi
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Alpine Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Racine cyclery | | Strengths: | Fox Fork is the best, hayes brakes speak for them selves, XT/XTR componets makes the shifting smooth | | Weaknesses: | First race and the tires slid all over on the roots so I replaced them. Tubless rims way to heavy and are not truly tubeless, I plan on changing them as soon as i can afford it. With great components why put a lx cassette,cheap shimano pedals and not that great bontrager components(heavy). | | Similar Products Used: | GT ZASKAR | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike but I think they could of saved a couple of pounds by changing the heavy Bontrager components and done a little better parts spec. They could bring the weight down by a couple of lbs just by getting mavic/easton/mitchelins/mid line shimano pedals and cassette. I think it could be done for the same amount of money.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Brighton, East Sussex, UK
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | South Downs Way & Friston Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain High | | Strengths: | Forks, Geometry, Comes complete with a shock pump. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle's a bit harsh on the arse. Crap hose routing. Tubeless wheel set that arn't tubeless. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 20(rides lighter than it feel's), Specialized Epic and Enduro(not sure about the Epic and the Enduro felt too slow), Rocky Mountain ETS 50(cockpit felt very short after all my time on Genesis geometry). All Demo'd only. | | Bike Setup: | Pedals swapped for M545 platforms, VDO 10+ Computer.Everything else as standard. | | Bottom Line: | After the demo's it was a straight fight between the Liquid and the Sugar2+. The Sugar won coz I've owned an Xcaliber for 4 years and the handling felt very familiar.
The Fox Forks are the dog's! No flex and no air leakage. Handling is fab but the tires seem to let go on loose corners far to easy. No chain suck as yet.Only done about 120 miles so far.
The bike is strong for it's weight, good enough to use on any epic jaunts. I let my mate ride it and then had to beat him with the shock pump until he got off the thing.
So far, everything is hunky dory. I'll write another ramble in a few months.
I haven't given it 5 Chili's. Any bike would have to make the tea and get me a pay rise to get a 5! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Umpqua River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | nice design, good value | | Weaknesses: | I have not found any other than the tubeless tires will not hold air and can't figure out why... so I've been running with tubes. I have been told its the rims fault? | | Similar Products Used: | superlight, klein full springer, rocky mt element | | Bike Setup: | stock with monkey light bars and wtb saddle | | Bottom Line: | I like it better than my old superlight even though its a few pounds more weight. The front fork is the best I've ever ridden and probably makes the bike. 1st time with disk brakes...could not go back to canti's now...
I slapped some fenders on this bike right away. I feel this is the perfect "trail" bike for the type of riding I do these days. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Creek, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anacortes City Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Art's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I liked the stiff frame and relatively light weight of the bike. This bike has great components for the price. The Fox Talas fork is super plush, and the rear suspension while not the most technically advanced works well with 4.2" of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the Bontrager components aren't quite up to speed with the Fox suspension, XT/XTR drive train and the frame of this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried the VT-1 (very nice, but about $700 more), the Liquid 10 (good but heavy for the price) and the Spec Epic Disk (not as plush and more $$). | | Bike Setup: | I could not get a disk version of the Sugar 2+ so I got the V-brake model and added disks and wheels. For just a little more than the regular price I got Hayes Hydraulic disks, XT cranks, XT hubs, upgraded chain and Mavic 317 wheels. My LBS was able to work with me and provide the additional parts at his cost and offer relatively decent buy back prices for the replaced components. | | Bottom Line: | I looked at a lot of bikes in the $2000 price range and I settled on the Sugar2+ Disk because it provided the best overall package. It's not the lightest at just over 28 lbs, doesn't have the best (most travel) suspension, but it has the best overall frame, drivetrain, brakes, suspension package for the money.
I looked at Fermin's review and decided to upgrade the cranks and chain based on his experience. No chain suck so far.
I put about 50 miles on it so far (variety of conditions) and found that it handles well on both technical tracks and the pavement (no problem with bob on hard surfaces). The suspension and brakes work superfine and the frame is stiff.
I've been through a number of bikes in my 10+ years of riding and this is a quantum leap over anything I've ridden before.
I'm going to do another review after I've had a chance to really thrash it though some long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NASalata
a Cross Country Rider
from North Berwick, ME
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | The backside of Third Hill...those switchbacks rule | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Breton's Bike Shop, Well, ME | | Strengths: | -- The freakin' fork ! Fox Forx are my new rave. If youre pissed off with plastic adjusters that never work, buy a Fox fork. Every component of this fork is percise and smooth. The overall quality is superb. Fox has solved many of the woes of a long-travel air-sprung fork. The stroke feels consitent without any detectable ramping. Oversized legs and arch make it super stiff and worthy even of some moderate freeriding. The TALAS feature is brilliant; although, I find myself rarely altering the travel. I keep it at the full 125mm (a little shy of 5") setting which is a perfect for the super-technical riding I love. There is quite a bit of front end bob when hammering out of the saddle, but considering the plushness and travel, its certainly reasonable. Climing with such a tall fork is seen as a chore by some, but I've found a simple compensation of keeping your shoulders a bit lower than normal is a quick remedy. You'll be hearing a lot more about this fork from your buddies and the mags. Fox forevah.
-- The brakes; my god, the brakes. Hey man, they're Hayes Mags; what more needs to be said. These discs are the tried and true and are a must in the springtime slop. Power and touch on demand. One finger braking is a reality.
-- The drivetrain. XT and XTR perennial favs. The Bontrager crank is a worthy shortcut.
-- The frame. Considerably stiffer than previous Sugars, its an American-built beauty (for a large maker).The adjustable travel is convenient, but I have epic intentions with my Sugar. I keep it at the 4.1" notch. Genesis specs were made with tall( im 6'3"), clumsy guys like me in mind. I like the stabilty of a longer wheel base and the climbing prowess of short stays. I have no worries about the bike's handling even in the tightest of spots (don't believe those winy mags;).
-- The price. We have come so far in our little mountain bike world. Four years ago a bike with this spec would have run you $500-800 more. | | Weaknesses: | -- The saddle. Looks cool; feels bad. Switch it out.
-- The almost-tubeless wheels. Bontrager claims these wheels are tubeless ready. My front wheel was missing the tubeless rim strip when it came out of the box. I guess they just forgot. I haven't tried to make the tubeless conversion yet, so I can't attest to how well they hold etc. But run as standard tubed wheels, they are marginal. I'm not a heavy fellow by any means (165lbs.) yet, I've succeeded in giving them a bit of a twang on a couple of occasions. Nothing too bad. The spoke count seems kinda low for a bike aimed at "all-mountain" performance (read: these wheels are not at all intented for freeriding). That said, the freewheel is solid and smooth. This is my first ride with disc-specefic wheels, and I can't really sense any advantages besides aesthetics. If I had the money, I'd prolly swtich them out. | | Similar Products Used: | I've ridden lots of bikes. This is my second Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Like I said, I have epic intentions for this bike. I run the fork pressure at 75 psi and rebound six clicks in from fully slow. I run the shock at a little more than 125psi and the rebound five clicks in from fully slow. Of course this is dialed-in for me, so I don't no why its any benefit to you. Other mods: My love affair with Time ATAC Carbons continues. Oury blue grips...the look and feel sweeeet. Hutchinson Misquito rubbers. fizik saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This is the part that everyone skips to, so I'll try to make it good. This bike is an excellent all-arounder with the potential for an occasional expert-level xc race (you'll see me out there this year;). I ordered this bike in August and I got it in November of 2002; one of the first off the line I'm told. The first three weeks, I couldnt get off it. Its a true pleasure to ride. Fisher has stepped it up a notch with this years Sugar 2+ Disc. The Cane Creek shock travesty has passed, and with Fox on board, its is a serious contender in the higher-ups. With this msrp at $2400 this bike is also a great value. I mean I paid almost this much for my 1999 Schwinn Homegrown Pro.
Some concluding remarks...I have grown up riding and am now in my eleventh year with the sport. I hope you can use my review with some confidence as you plan your bike purchase. Thus far, my Sugar and I have made it through long miles in the snowy New England winter in fine shape and are looking forward to a summer of endless rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fermín Báez
a Cross Country Rider
from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, US
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Susua's Forest, Guanica's Dry Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ciclomundo, Mayaguez PR | | Strengths: | Now that the honeymoon is over I think appropriate to write a follow-up review. These are the strenghts of the Sugar 2+ with disc brakes:
- AGGRESSIVE GEOMETRY: Genesis geometry really rocks! I was skeptical when I read about it for the first time, althought it sounded like a good theory. In practice the bikes geometry gives a sense of comfort and control I never felt before with my previous bikes. Basically Gary Fisher has pulled the rear wheel closer to the seat tube to locate most of the rider's weight on the rear tire for improve traction. Also, he has added extra length between the seat tube and the head tube, to make the bike less prone to sending the rider over the handlebar while going down hill. In summary, I'm 5'9", I got a 17" frame, and the bike feels like custom made for me. Ample cockpit, fast, agile, added traction while going up hill, and feels very safe and under control while going down the hill.
- CLIMBS LIKE A GOAT: I enjoy riding in very dry trails filled with rocks of all sizes and loose gravel. Climbs tend to be pretty technical as you must maneuver over loose rocks and very uneven surfaces. None of my previous bikes handled like the Sugar by a long shot. I guess is the geometry, the fact is that this bike feels extremely light and accurate during technical climbs. It's pretty noticeable from my standpoint.
- VERY GOOD GOING DOWN HILL: The Fox Talas fork is one of the best parts of this bike. Five inches of plush travel suck the big bumps with such efficiency it really gives you a lot of confidence. Truly the best fork I've used. Now about the Sugar's rear suspension it might be a matter of taste really. Seems mostly designed to get into action with medium to big bumps. Little bumps you can still feel a bit, but that's just fine with me. I like bunny hopping and wheelie hopping over obstacles whenever possible, and one of the things I like the most about hardtails is that they are very efficient for such maneuvers. I was worried I would find myself deprived of such fun with a full suspension bike. But the Sugar 2+, even though it has 4.1" inches of rear travel, feels almost like a hardtail, but without the annoying vibration from the rear and with a lot of control while going down over rocks and bumpy situations. Really what I was looking for!
- NO BOBBING: Gary Fisher delivers on it's promise that this bike has no pedal induce suspension activation. I've rode the flats hard, at times exaggerating my pedaling to see how far the suspension goes. Well, it does move, but so little it's virtually unnoticeable. You'll feel like riding a hardtail no matter how hard you pedal. Of course it depends on setting the rear shock just right for your weight and riding style. But once you do, forget about bobbing! This bike feels great! Suspension will work with bumps and rocks and not with your pedaling motion. | | Weaknesses: | - DARN CHAINSUCK: Allow me to share this experience with you. In my third day out, I got a nasty chainsuck. Had to take my chain tool out to break the chain, get it out, and then connect the link again. It was that bad! Got a couple more chainsucks when I decided something had to be done. With the help of a friend which is a mechanic in nearby bike shop we analized the problem very carefully. Actually, like many other people had noticed, you just tried to switch from the middle chainring to the little one and quite often you'll get your chain sucked pretty nasty. After close observation we noticed that all the problem was that when the front derailleur pushes the chain towards the inner ring, the chain bends towards the large ring and rubs against it for an instant. The outer ring has sharp edges along the oval holes that make up it's design. Quite frequently when the chain touched the outer ring, the edge of one of the pins that hold the chain links would get stuck in the sharp edges of one of the holes in the outer ring. The chain would then get pulled upward, between the crankset and the frame and WHAM! Nasty chainsuck. I wondered if the chain could be the problem. The Sugar indeed came with a chain that was a little too long. I took out a few links, but the chainsuck continued. The bike came with a Shimano HG-73 chain. Just out of curiosity I checked in Supergo for a 9-speed compatible chain and found the Shimano HG-93. Interesting isn't it? I bought the HG-93, replaced the HG-73, and guess what? No more chainsuck!!! Now when I shift from the middle ring to the little one the chain bends much less towards the outer ring in such a way it doesn't come in contact with the outer ring anymore. Thus, the chain doesn't get caught as a result. I'm amazed!!! How could it be that Gary Fisher used the wrong chain in it's drivetrain? I'm glad I solved the problem as I was about to request my rear triangle be replaced under guarantee.
-HEADSET SUCKS: After a couple months out hitting the trails hard I noticed a vibration coming from my front end. First I thought it was the wheels, but the axle and hub was ok. Then it ocurred to me it could be the fork, but that is one serious piece of equipment and it is still rock solid. Then I found the problem, a very cheap headset that rolls on ball bearings and is totally unsealed unsealed. I ride dusty trails and I wash my bike after each ride. You wouldn't believe the amount of dirt my original headset had inside. I could feel the scratchy noises when I turned the handlebar and after a while it was nearly impossible to adjust so that you wouldn't feel a vibration while riding. It was making me nervous specially while going downhill. Well, I bought a Cane Creen S-Pro with sealed bearings ($50.00 at Supergo). Installed it a couple of weeks back. That was it, problem solved. No more vibration. But again, such a simple detail and was overseen by Gary Fisher? A +$2,000 must come with a decent headset for crying out loud!!!
- WEAK PAINT JOB: One of the things I love about this bike eversince I saw it for the first time is the designs and different color combinations. Nevertheless, it seems the paint is very weak and thin. I got two nasty scratches on my frame made by rocks that flew while riding hard. Ok, I understand my MTB will get scratch sooner or later if I'm really using it but please. Is a flying pebble supposed to scratch the paint job down to the bare metal? Good thing was on the black part of the frame so I could fixed it pretty good. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my second full suspension bike. The previous one fell short of my expectations and sold it after merely 6 months of use. It was a 1997 Trek Y-22. After that I stuck to hardtails until now. My previous bike was a 1997 Litespeed Obed. | | Bike Setup: | Right off the bat I changed the Bontrager crankset with a Shimano XT and replaced the original 11-32 cassette with a 11-34. Recently I changed the HG-73 chain with a Shimano HG-93 to eliminate the chainsuck. Also installed ODI Lock Jaw Grips (awesome addition!) and a Bullet Bros chain tensioner for less chain slap while going down hill. | | Bottom Line: | After the chainsuck and headset saga I must say I'm still very pleased with my Sugar 2+. Very very pleased. However, I'm a little bit dissapointed with Gary Fisher in terms that even though this bike is an awesome XC machine, seems like little effort was given to minor but extremely basic details like HAVING THE RIGHT CHAIN FOR THE DRIVETRAIN and INSTALLING A DECENT HEADSET!!! The bike is a little bit pricey also, but all in all, after you get the bugs out, it's still an extremely capable XC full suspension bike. So far it's been the best ride I've had. Unfortunately I cannot give 5 chilis for value, as I had to spend quite some effort debugging problems that Gary Fisher could have very well fixed rather easily. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Kendall
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | red bull coed y brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | What can I say - fantastic all rounder
Far stiffer in the back triangle than the old sugar 3 making the bike feel alive
The forks are a marvel as plush as you like with out effecting the bikes dynamic nimbleness.
All signs of chainsuck encountered on the sugar 3 are non-existant now.
loads of rear clearance even with huge, as supplied tyres fitted. Mud, what mud!
Brakes are fantastic with feel and power whether cycling in mud or down rivers of water.
| | Weaknesses: | Tubless rims are a pain and a real gimmic- stick to tubed.
standard tubed tyres are huge!
not sure about the riser handle bar.
Total package is still pretty heavy all the benefits of material changes on the frame are out weighed by the discs and the beefing up of the seat stays etc.
I would like to see bearings rather than bushes in the suspension pivots however as new the bike is certainly stiff enough and the ride isn't noticably harsher than bearinged full suss bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher sugar 3 2000
Klien Attitude Comp | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Bit pricey but ride it and you'll buy it!
Good for any one who likes to change their type of terain on a day to day basis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fermín Báez
a Cross Country Rider
from Mayaguez, PR
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2299.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclomundo | | Strengths: | This is my first time with the Genesis geometry. I'm really impressed. I felt very comfortable since the very first time sat on the bike. Ample cockpit space and very maneuverable. Something that was very noticeable was this bike ability to climb. As soon as I started climbing up some of my favorite steep hills I could inmediately noticed the rear tire was firmly planted on the ground, never loosing traction not even over sections where the soil is loosest (my Litespeed used to loose traction at certain points of the uphill climbs and I had to shift my weight over the bike to compensate). During my first ride, I went up a nearly 2 mile continous climb faster than I ever did before with my prior bikes. I'm very satisfied with this bike's climbing abilities. Genesis geometry really works.
The rear suspension system is better than I thought after reading lots about it. My biggest concern was feeling the anoying bobing motion during sprints and hard pedaling. Nevertheless, the pedaling induced rear suspension activation is so small with this bike that it is practically unnoticeable. I set it up for 4.1" of rear travel and after finding the correct air pressure for my weight I'm able to ride hard, sprinting as hard as I can and the only motion I feel is forward, not up and down. Having said that I now have to turn at how the bike feels over rough terrain. Well, I feel nothing. I go over rocks and roots with a genuine ignorance of what I am riding over. It feels great! The Fox TALAS fork and the Fox Float rear shock are a great combination! Disk brakes add a lot of confidence as well. I feel more in control than ever before and going downhill had never been this fun with any other bike I had! The 2003 Sugar 2+ does it all, great climber, excellent for going downhill fast, very good for sprinting without unwanted pogo motion and extremely maneuverable during technical conditions. | | Weaknesses: |
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$ 2419.99
