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Gary Fisher
1999 Joshua F4
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Average Rating
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4.43/5
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# of Reviews
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63
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MSRP
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$ 1099.99
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Weight
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Description:1999 Gary Fisher Joshua F4, mountain bike, front & rear suspension, Mountain Mix components, Rock Shox Judy C, 3.15" travel fork
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Submitted by
Ed Gomez
a Weekend Warrior
from San Gabriel, California
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Great bike considering there are newer models. Strong frame and great looks. Great buy considering I got it with all the upgrades I could think of. Even came with Spin 3-spoke composite wheelset. | | Weaknesses: | So far the only thing I could say would be weight but once you get going its not really that bad. | | Bike Setup: | All Shimano parts, Rock Shox Judy C fork, Bontrager handlebars, Spin 3-spoke wheelset, PanaRacer tires, Specialized seat and computer. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike and with the upgrades I challenge any other bike to compare. Not a bad bike considering its not the most expensive. I do recomend this bike for anyone who is looking to get into the full suspension line. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycles (Norman) | | Strengths: | Very Strong Frame, the rear Lockout is awesome and was very low maintenance. Really took a beating and was my daily rider about 2-3 hrs a day I finally had to retire it until i have the funds to fix it. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock was weak but $15 on new stiffer springs fixed that, the genesis geometry gave it personality but once I got used to it I couldn't imagine a better design for an aggressive rider like myself. I did have to replace the rear derailer, the saddle and the front springs. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 4 | | Bottom Line: | I taco'd both the rims and a titanium aftermarket saddle in one wreck and its been sitting outside for about 3 and half years, here pretty soon I'm planning on rebuilding. It was a great bike if you do't mind the weight(31 lb.), frankly to me that isn't that bad. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
firstcut
a Cross Country Rider
from mi
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | A2 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry, durable, cant beat the price for the bike
| | Weaknesses: | Yes as many has said, chainsuck. But only happens on step hills mashing the pedals and switching gears. I jus learned how to shift it the way it wants to be. But i think most bikes do this under these conditions. Some components can be upgraded, but i will do this when and if the break down. | | Similar Products Used: | deptmart store bikes | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike i bought 2 of them from ebay both for 350$ 1 was completely mint. Its a great xc bike done some light freeriding with it. I wouldnt recomend lots of free riding or dh with this bike with out upgrading some of the compoments. You will love this bike if your new to mountainbiking. Good for beginers-inter. The value cant be beat you wont be sorry buying this bike.
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Submitted by
Jim Hooverado
a Weekend Warrior
from Flatland, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dietrich | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | Just got back from Moab. Highly adaptable. Cast iron frame withstood rocks, sand, and lightning. The weight kept the bike in contact with the ground at all times. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | 1965 Chrysler Newport | | Bike Setup: | My reengineering of the gear ratios (I put a 17 on the front chain ring), saddled two 1/2 bushel bags across the back to hold my cans of soup and fourteen 20 ounce bottles of frozen water. | | Bottom Line: | We rode for four days and my jeans never got caught in the chain once. I did experience a broken link and my friends gave me a "pro-link" from their kit. This earned my affectionate nickname of "fiddy-cent" because of the gold color of the link. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a Cross Country Rider
from Centerville, Ohio
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The wilds, zanesville. Caesar's creek, HArveysburg all ohio | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | Overall the bike was a perfect fit. I am Six foot tall and it works. I have seen my friends go through frame after frame after frame. Mine is five years old and still rocking. | | Weaknesses: | Only weakness was at first on climbs. Front wheel would not stay on the ground for me. Turned the stem over for a negative angle and that went away. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried ten set ups at that time it was the right bike for me. | | Bike Setup: | Nothing is original on it. Disc all around, 5 inch fork new wheels, xt front and rear, Cane creek rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line for me is I can kick most of my friends butts with My heavy bike. At two hundred pounds I have not broken the frame, even when I hit the occasional three foot drops. Down hills no problem. Any one endoing on this bike needs to ride more. This bike is great for any one wanting a durible bike. I would ride it till the parts break before upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty
a Downhiller
from Pacific Grove CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chamberlain Chutes colorado springs, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | garage sale | | Strengths: | Rear lock out, Good Components | | Weaknesses: | needs a larger rear shock, needs disc brakes and rims could be stronger | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back sorrento and lots of bikes that deserved to be burned. | | Bike Setup: | new seat and soon getting better rims, disc brakes and maybe a lareger rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | perfect for beginers who want a xc capable bike and strong enough to take medium hits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian
a
from nelson, new zealand
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | penzance-elaine bay loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | fellow rider | | Strengths: | simple design, low stand over height, easy to carry frame style, relatively light for age. genesis geometry. | | Weaknesses: | bottom bracket mounted derailler! tendancy to endo on steep descents. paint on rear triangle. | | Similar Products Used: | shogun prarie breaker, gary fisher montare, specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | rockshox judy 100mm double crown, amoeba bars, conix dh stem, xt/lx components, maxis helter-skelter tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Treated me well this bike. Keeps up with the hard tail lads welll enough on the climbs (especially rough trail) then shows them what's what on the descent.
Great single track bike. Not so good with triple clamps in tight steering situations. Nasty over the bars stuff on really steep technical tracks if rider weight is not WELL back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty
a Cross Country Rider
from New Bern, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Cheap, Durable and easy to maintain. | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side and a little too much bobbing in the rear but the On the fly damping does help. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback sorrento,2001. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except new lola seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for beginers in the XC style of biking. It is cheap yet durable and can take just about anything you can do to it. I recomend this bike to all people who enjoy mountain biking but don't want to pay three thousand bucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Garrity
a Weekend Warrior
from Havertown PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Marsh Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything, damping on the fly really is great for uphills. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock, not much travel. Brake Levers are crap and the pedals are not grippy enough, i slipped on lots of stuff with the velo tires. Drivetrain needs some upgrades. Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Sugar 1, 2 | | Bike Setup: | Speed V seat, bont crowbar handlebar, LX levers, Psylo Race fork, XTR rear der., Bont Jones tires, DK iron cross pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great lookin bike and great price for a good full suspension. i love it, some upgrades are needed if you are doing some serious trail riding like me. not great for XC since it does have bob while pedaling. FISHER Rocks!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade
a Downhiller
from Billings, MT
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | scheels sporting goods | | Strengths: | great looks, quick shifting, damping on the fly, good fork | | Weaknesses: | weak ass rims and handle bars. | | Similar Products Used: | i-drive | | Bike Setup: | Big mamma mammoths (rims), new handle bars, new seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks butt on the DH and XC. I've taken my bike off some mad cliffs and the bike took them with a smile. Bobbing is kept to as little as possible on the XC trails. I rarly need the damping and when I do use it, it is only for extended uphill trails. There are lighter bikes out there but they cost 2500 bucks, so I'm not to upset about the weight of the F4. For the price you can't find a better dually | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Morrison, CO 80465
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dakota Ridge/White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | A very light bike, especially for the 1999 product release in which the full suspension bikes were just coming into their own. It is very efficient on the climbs and is also very solid on the descents. | | Weaknesses: | Very few. The only thing I can thing of is the frame design forces some modifications to carry this bike on alot of racks. Also, placing the water bottle on the bottom of the down tube is a | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 4000 I-Drive (3 years). Test rode Gary Fisher Sugar 1 and Sugar 2 for both 2001 and 2002. | | Bike Setup: | Relatively stock configuration with the rear derailleur replaced with a Deore XT. Also, the rear wheel was replaced. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for those wishing to switch to a full-suspension bike but not looking to pay $3000 for a decent bike. It performs admirably on the climbs and descends well on some of the toughest trails in the Colorado front-range. Overall it is a very well made bike with terrific value for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaazia
a Downhiller
from Morrison, CO USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Apex - Morrison, CO | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Pedlar | | Strengths: | This was my first mountain bike. I loved it. It has taken alot of beating from me and has held up great. I didn't replace any of the stock parts, except for the pedals and seats. It has been taken on some of the rough trails in CO and UT. | | Weaknesses: | The rear suspension dampening is a little iffy. It was pretty hard to carry this bike on my shoulders when I needed to do some really technical climbs on the trail. I think it's just because of the frame shape. Also, if you like to use a water bottle and not a camel back, be prepared to suck down some dirt. The only location suitable for a bottle cage is at the very bottom of the bike. It gets caked with dirt. | | Similar Products Used: | Compared to my husband's I-drive... this bike rules! | | Bike Setup: | All stock except new Shimano pedals. Night Rider lighting system. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike for the entry level mountain biker who likes to ride on some rough terrain. The bike climbs well and is pretty light weight. Downhill it maintains control and can take some pretty brutal drops. I would definitely suggest this bike to anyone just starting out off-road. Probably wouldn't get another one just because I would like to move to something more suitable for racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wit-Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Portsmouth, Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything with dirt and mud!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Scat Bikes (Churchland, Portsmouth, Va) | | Strengths: | Rear "Lock-Out" is definitely a plus, brakes are good, rear suspension, and just having a FISHER rox!! | | Weaknesses: | "Lock-Out" cable does not want to stay in the housing assembly. ONLY PROBLEM!! Oh, grips, seat post and handlebars that came with it kinda suck | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale - Police basic model | | Bike Setup: | New crowbar 9 degree race handlebars, Selle Royal gel seat, Velociraptor tires(Trails) and Slickasaurus(road) tires, black and red graphics | | Bottom Line: | Have only tested this bike a few times. Although I just put 242 miles on it in 2 days with slicks on it, and locked out!! The good thing about this bike is it can be converted from road to mountain bike very easily. You must replace the seat, handlebars and grips right away. But overall, you can't beat the quality for what you pay. I will start putting some off-road miles on it soon, and I will get back with another review then. The only problems with this bike is the lockout system, the cable gets stuck in the housing, and the tube holding it in strips out. Gary should replace it though with no problems, heard his warranty service is outstanding (we'll see) AWESOME bike, and a definite head turner!! Highly recommend to anyone, beginner to pro!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a Cross Country Rider
from Summerhill Pa
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nut Nurisher | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | tested at Trailside Bikes | | Strengths: | The bike is a strong bike from what i discovered. It has good parts on it. Comfortable also. Looks nice. Also I think it was reasonably priced. | | Weaknesses: | When I rode it around the dealer's yard, it was really bouncy, due to the fact that it is a ful suspension. When you pedal,you bounce. But the bike does have a lock for te rear suspension which will make it a hard tail. So it isn't a bad bike due to the bouncing. | | Similar Products Used: | 94 Schwinn frontier- First mountain bike. good for a beginner looking for a $200.00 bike who isn't really into the sport.
99 Gary Fisher Pure Bender Spin, this was my baby until i sold it. I still see it once in a while when myfriend, who bought it from me rides down to Summerhill. It is a Freestyle bike. Good bike to start out on and to set up better upgrades on. | | Bike Setup: | Instead of buying the F4, i bought a '00 Gary Fisher HOO KOO E KOO. I love the bike. No regrets buying it.But sometimes I wish I had the F4. | | Bottom Line: | The F4 is a good bike. I thik it is alot btter than the Giant Warp DS2, which I almost bought... On Ebay, brand new from a dealer. But from the reviews I read, the bike has an awful frame. I hear it breaks. So if it ever comes down to am F4 or a DS2, get the F4.
The F4 I demo'd was a left over from '99, which is equal to the '00 F3.
In the end,(like I said up in Bike setup,) I bought a Hoo koo e koo, by fisher. No regrets. Good bike. You can read my review on i also. It is a 2000 model.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad McDonnell
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, South Australia,Australia
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt Lofty | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | cash converters | | Strengths: | I love this bike, it holds up to everything that i have thrown at it. | | Weaknesses: | There are no real weaknesses it might be a bit heavy but i dont care that can only make me better. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS1 and many varying hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Delta XL forks, xt derailer, sunn mammoth rims, tioga factory DH 2.30 tires, avid Vee brakes, DH saddle, xt hubs. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for doing jumps and DH. I find it easy to manuver through trees and is also good on the local BMX jumps.
This bike gets better as you upgrade components so upgrade and dont wait for things to break. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Igal
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Dumping on the fly is great. Front suspension is good. Balance on downhill path is great. | | Weaknesses: | Rear suspension is bobing. Bike is too heavy, and balancing on ascent really need an extra effort to keep traction with the rear wheel. | | Bottom Line: | These bikes are good for first timers and recreational cross country, for sure not for racing.
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Submitted by
DC
a Weekend Warrior
from Marlboro MA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Killer 290 in Marlboro MA--want directions and a map--send me an email | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Loft in Burlington | | Strengths: | Durability, | | Weaknesses: | weight, rear shock dampening design, Alivio crank | | Similar Products Used: | too many to list | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydraulics, Mavic 317 w/XT hubs, XT crank with L72 BB, XT front/rear derailers, XT cassetteVeloraptor tires--original Judy C fork and Rock Shox Deluxe rear shock | | Bottom Line: | The bike has over 4500 miles on it and I still am running the original fork and rear shock (Judy C and Rock Shox Deluxe). Everything else has been replaced. Both rims were shot! The front had 3 flat spots and the rear was begining to wear through from the V brakes after about 3000 miles (1.5 yrs). I made the decision to go with disk brakes seeing how I had to replace the rims. I chose Hayes hydraulics, mostly because they are the benchmark of disk brakes. I just installed them over the holidays. They feel pretty good after a few packed snow rides and a raod ride or two (I just love MA--damn cold weather and snow). I'm bringing the bike out to Sedona in two weeks for some pounding. I have nothing bad to say about the bike. It has taken everything from rare cleanings to beatings at Killington and Mt Snow . The big complaints I had were with the cheap crank and rear shock dampening design. I had the dampening housing TIG welded because it kept falling out (cost me a 12 pac of Bud). I spent about $700 on the disks with rims&hubs. Well worth it though. I know there are some really good deals on 2000 and even 2001 bike models that come with a decent mix of components and disks. But I decided to stick with the J4. If you do decide to go with disk brakes on the Joshua, the only disk model that fits the rear frame mount (22mm) is the Hayes Hydraulic. Every other maker is designed for the 74mm mounting. I installed the Hayes HMX-1 mechanical disk brakes on a friend's bike recently. Those things are pretty sweet by the way. RIDE ON!!! DC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gus
a Cross Country Rider
from Pullman, WA USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Oval Office | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | B and L Bicycles | | Strengths: | Name it! The Joshua F4 has treated me better than any dog or girlfriend I've ever had and the way it handles the slopes makes it a heck of a lot more fun than a hardtail. I've read alot of reviews about the bobbing but that is what a full suspension does....or use the lock out and it climbs fine. The real strength is the downhill by far though....very tight!!! | | Weaknesses: | weight... | | Similar Products Used: | never had to leave my Joshua | | Bike Setup: | stiffened the front springs...changed the crank and the rear tire...changed the seat | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike....it is the best deal on the market and will last forever. I am a heavier guy, close to 215 and this bike has been jumping stairs, drops, logs and anything else that has gotten between me and the bottom of the Mt.. Frame= a+
Ride = a+
suspension= a+
weight= b-
looks= a+
The grade point average on this thing is still like a 3.85 how can you lose for the $1000?
Great bike for beginners but will stand up to experts!
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | narrow winding ones with rocks, roots, logs, etc. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Wheels | | Strengths: | the frame is durable and demands to be punished
low maintenance | | Weaknesses: | heavy
URT suspension design isn't perfect (but works well enough)
I've been prone to breaking rear shocks, I wonder if it's because of the frame design
Original stock components were weak, but the bike was cheap so what do you expect? | | Similar Products Used: | none, just my steel and aluminum hardtails | | Bike Setup: | X-Vert Super (just slapped it on the other day but haven't ridden it yet), Stratos Helix Pro, XT/LX, Bonty Crow Bar, Thomson post, big fat Titec saddle, Bonty Jones tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fun. I said FUN.
It won't win races, so don't race it.
If you like climbing long fireroads, you won't like the rear suspension, but turn the little knob and you've got a heavy hardtail to make fireroads a little better. You'll think it climbs great on tight, technical singletrack.
The bike likes being abused, 2 or 3 foot wheelie drops are it's favorite kind of abuse. Going downhill is fun. Try to stay seated if you can, drop the saddle if you have to. The suspension decreases by about half when you're standing.
There is some funkiness in the suspension under hard front braking. It's just a little funky. Maybe this happens every now and then, but not often enough to get pissed off and throw the bike off a cliff.
Some people say the bike bobs, and sometimes it does. It depends on if you're spinning the cranks, or mashing them. I haven't found bob to be an issue.
One time I felt as if the rear suspension was packing up on me during a rocky descent. I think I had screwed up the air pressure that time.
It's not perfect, but neither am I, you, or any other bike that anyone else is riding, so there you have it... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robb
a Cross Country Rider
from CLeveland
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | local | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | it turns heads if fun to fly downhills | | Weaknesses: | A heavy mushy bobbing black mass.
everything else. Overpriced (spend the money on a sweet hardtail instead.)
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with bar ends | | Bottom Line: | A fun bike. you wouldnt want it for a race but it is a fun all around bike. It is very cheap and there are some upgrades you can make (fenders, seat, seatpost, fork and riser bars) that can make this bike into a down hill machine. I think that some people buy this bike because they want to look cool or they think this is the hottest thing on the marked which it is not. The bike is fair it is very mushy and the front end stiff as a rock. I had severe dificulty climbing even short hills because the bike bobbed too much. The componenets aren't near top of the line and i would suggest spending the 1000$ on a sweet hardtail instead of a bottom of the line FS biike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Renate Fournier-Sullivan
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland Lake, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec - Canada | | Strengths: | For the price I paid (approx $1,700 Canadian - taxes in) I must say that this bike was definitelly worth it! The ride is very plush and I have had absolutelly no problems with any of the components except for the rear shock which was defective...but immediatelly replaced by the dealer. I am very impressed with the quality and it looks damn nice too! | | Weaknesses: | As I mentioned above, the rear shock...but no sweat, that was replaced immediatelly. Just this year I experienced a little ghost shifting....(time to upgrade I guess!) | | Similar Products Used: | Joshua X-1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, great ride, great frame and have begun planning for some upgrades....but I definitelly can't complain! I recently had back surgery about 2 years ago and purchased this bike for rehabilitation. Because of the smooth, plush ride, I would strongly recommend this bike for anyone who might be just starting off and had similar concerns as I had when making my final decision. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Scurvy
a Weekend Warrior
from westbury Ny US
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Stillwell | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | It is really light.. It is quick, and it has great handleing. The breaks are awesome,( i wish i have breaks like that on my car). The tires are crazy awesome. It is all around a great bike for the price.. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is a little hard, but i got used to it.. | | Similar Products Used: | Raven, FSR | | Bottom Line: | It is great on the trails.. It is light so it is easier to get over the logs that block the way. It shifts "rapidly". The breaks are the best that i have ever had. It is a little hard to use for trials but all full suspension bikes are, and you can get it down. The performance is excellent. Climbing hills are much easier and more fun. I can get a lot of air with it. the Joshua F4 is a really stirdy bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Palos, IL
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | This frame can take a beating...price...smooth over any terrain...looks great...rear lockout...price...and it's a Fisher. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Super V 400, Spec. FSR, GT XCR 4000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, will upgrade as components wear out. | | Bottom Line: | This bike takes everything I can throw at it. Rocks, mud, gravel, sand, singletrack, swithchbacks, drops, stairs, jumps, you name it. It is a good "all around bike" that you can use for DH or XC. Did I mention it climbs great for a dually.
If you are looking for a DH race bike, get a rig specifically made for that-Intense M1. Same goes for XC, if you plan on racing XC get a hard tail.
You really can't complain about this bike for the price. "Weight"...It's lighter than the Super V and the I-drive, if you want a light XC-bike get a hardtail. "Pogo-effect"...Get the spring that corresponds with you body weight, or just upgrade the rear shock. "Components"...It has good components for an entry level bike, the same frame as the F-1. If you do not like the components cough up the extra $1700 for the F-1 or just upgrade the parts when they need replacing, it's just that easy.
The Joshua is for anyone looking for a good all around mountain bike that is worthy of upgrades in the future.
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Submitted by
allen
a Racer
from Pittsgrove, NJ
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | The frame is definitly the strength...feels good under you and tracks well....judy Hydracoil has alot of setup control(springs/oil)...dampening control for rear adjustment and lockout of rear shock nice...great looks, a definite head turner...... | | Weaknesses: | can't complain with the f4, but will replace all worn or broken parts with upgraded parts..... | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | stock....ritchey speedmax HDK tires...slime tubes...raceface crank...mavic rims...time atac pedals.... | | Bottom Line: | i train 4 days a week on the bike...i race xc and downhill on the weekends.....i am an ex-A class enduro racer(41 yrs. old)...i like the fact that i can dial in the judy shocks...yes there is better shocks out there but i am able to dial in the hydrocoils fo either flats, mud, rocks, and whatever terrain i am confronted with by oil or spring adjustment...rear shock is good but my advice is to have the right weight spring for your weight and your riding style...also the dampening adjuster on the bars is great also for adjustment on the fly and for climbing lockout...the frame is definitly upgradeable to what ever need you have...i would just get the aluminum rear triangle as on the f3....componets hold up well as long as proper adjustments are followed....also a good bath after every ride helps keep componets and frame looking nice(more advice is to spray bolt heads, chain, etc. with a fine mist of wd-40 or similar and wipe with a clean rag when done to keep looking new and disperse any hidden water/soap)...i thrash the bike training, xc races, downhill races, and with proper maintenace and adjustments it looks and rides as good as the day i bought it....i also like the cheapo brakes on the bike...after adjusting the front brakes with the play i like, i stop well in dry or rain.....i know this is the bottom of the joshua line but it is a great bike, definitly upgradeable, can be used by weekend warriors to hard core racers....you get what you make from the bike.....i love it and that is what counts.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charlie
a
from nyc
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | frank's bike shop | | Strengths: | price, looks, ok components | | Weaknesses: | weight, pogo effect, (did i mention weight) | | Similar Products Used: | gt, raleigh, | | Bike Setup: | completely stock, except street slick tires | | Bottom Line: | ok bike, held up well, no shock problems etc. But, way to heavy if you want an all around bike you can use in the streets as well as the trails. also, if lockout was'nt engaged there was alot of up and down pogo effect when stomping down on pedals, making the rear shock kinda like an extra weight to drag around since it wasnt efficient. all in all a good inexpensive dh bike, but definitely not a good commuter/trail/ bike. was glad to sell it and get something lighter making use of more efficient pedaling | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Zdriluk
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Waterdown-Dundas | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Built super strong the Timex of bikes. Good on the road excellant on the trails. Great value for your dollar. Will buy another when I wear this one out | | Weaknesses: | Had both shocks replaced broke the springs in the front and the seal was leaking in the rear. The paint is starting to peal off the bottom crank and rear brackets. | | Bike Setup: | Changed to Panaracers on both front and rear slight over size on the front. Added Hayes disc brake ( Cable) on the front for better control. Looking at Easton Ea70 Monkey bars but have not made my mind up yet, Stayed with clips. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike, no more back pain after long rides, a dream when doing road work ( with semi slicks) and excellant on the trails. The shift on the FLY control for the rear shock is absoultley the greastest thing and you should check it out if you ride something other than a Gary Fisher. I am suprised that other have not built this into there systems.
Would I but another? DAM RIGHT I WOULD, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keli
a Downhiller
from east longmeadow, ma
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | mt snow downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | all around bike, durable, multi purpose, good for beginner everything. | | Weaknesses: | comes with all LX components, needs upgrades, Rock Shock Judy C = not a lot of travel!!! This bike is too heavy for regular XC riding, and not built up enough for DH'ing | | Bike Setup: | judy C hydrocoil front fork, rock shox deluxe rear susp., shimano cranks,rear and front derailleurs, sachs chain, WTB saddle, Mavic rims, and velociraptor wheels...v brakes, rapid fire shifting, upgraded to race face DH stem and head set. (came with Ahead set, and bottom of the barrel generic stem). Also comes with on the fly rear shock lock out. | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike for my downhill racing, even though it isn't really a full fledged DH bike, it serves it's purpose. I put tioga factory 66 2.3 DH tires on it, a chain tensioner, a race face DH stem, and I am good to go until I am good enough to upgrade to an intense M1!!!!!! This bike was inexpensive and has been thru a lot with me and it has held up really well. It is great for a first time full suspension buyer....good for XC riding, don't buy it if you want a real DH bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice Ninaud
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Emma Long and Muleshoe Bend | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great Handling, Good suspension, Nothing has broken, Comfortable, low maintenance, and very good-looking! | | Weaknesses: | A tad heavy, hard seat, flimsy lockout cable attachment, and rear suspension tends to pogo up and down as you accelerate. | | Similar Products Used: | None – this is my first mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | New Seat. | | Bottom Line: | I ride about twice a week and favor single track, and rocky down hills. This bike keeps performing better and better as my skills increase. It loves tight single track and handles very well, especially when you get aggressive. The low bars really help to get some body weight over the front tire for more control at speed. Climbing is really good when the “lock-out” is applied. I just put a new chain on and changed the fork oil, after 8 months, and it works like new! The rear shock weeps a bit of oil, but the bike is good enough to warrant a Cane Creek A-10 upgrade. I got a good deal at $825, its too bad that Gary Fisher downgraded the 2000 F4. I recommend passing up the 2000 F4 and get the better F2 for the shock with a lockout, better forks and wheels. If you are looking for an entry-level FS bike that is worthy of upgrades this is it! If you can find a discounted 1999 F4 – BUY IT!! Thanks for all the great reviews; I come to MTBR before making any purchase!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Morrissey
a Cross Country Rider
from Townsend Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Leomister statae forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Hefty hefty hefty! Built like an F-350. You can beat this pig like a red headed stepchild and it keep coming back for more. I have had the older and LIGHTER X-1 for two years.
Im 250 lbs and have beat the Fecal matter out of it. | | Weaknesses: | Other than being heavy there are no weaknesses with the bike.
Just the company Tech support is lacking to say the least. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky,Spec. FSR, | | Bike Setup: | Magura hs-33,judy xl sun mammoth rims,XT drive, michelin
Hot-s tires,Titec seat post saddle stem and bars
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