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Submitted by
Rob Colleye
a Weekend Warrior
from Nieuwegein
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | every silent single track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | the suspension, it is a very comfortable bike, thanks to Marzocchi and Cane Creek. They also add to the excellent grip this bike has. | | Weaknesses: | frame weakness, especially the rear end is too soft. When pushed the pedals hard you feel the rear end bending enand twisting | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Super Sierra (excellent steel frame) and KTM | | Bike Setup: | Magura HS 33 classic hydraulic rimbrake, LX 2005 crankset and XT 2004 rear derailleur | | Bottom Line: | For this price a good deal. Bike made me enthousiast, so i go out there 4 times more in the woods of The Netherland and hills of Belgium than I did in the years before. As i become a stronger biker the bike seems to get weaker, so it is a good starter-bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christpher Kaufmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wissahickon Bike Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Full-suspension, lightweight frame. | | Weaknesses: | Front-derailleur chain suck | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full-suspension bicycle. The chain suck occurs whenever in the small ring, the chain will get stuck in between the frame and actually stays on the crank. The chain clearance is so close in either the 2.8" or 4.1" settings that if you're climbing a technical climb at all, it will get sucked into the frame. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nate
a Racer
from Maine
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | clifford park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle habatat | | Strengths: | fast, no bobing from rear shock on climes and doesnt soke up all the power. rear shock works when its saposed to, | | Weaknesses: | it came stock prety week in components. i road it stock for a month and started to change out parts. | | Similar Products Used: | this is the first full suspention i have riddin with no bob from the rear shock. nothing comes close. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX, XT drive train, XTR brake levers, Avid arch rival v brake bontrager race and race lite parts (wheels race lite)rock shox sid fork | | Bottom Line: | this bike was a little week from the begining, but has an awsome frame. the ZR9000 double butted frame is super lite and strong. i put a pretty big dent in the rear seat stay, and if i had had one with the carbon stay i wouldnt have a bike left. for the cost at $900 the bike was pretty sweet stock. with all of the upgrades i have made this bike is super lite. i would recomend the bike to anyone that wants that custom bike that wants to make the changes themselvs. it is reliable and i can go out for long rides and not worry about my equipment braking down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Dubi
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kiara | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This bike has the fisher hardtail feel but with the comfort of rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Rear tyre clearence, not much for riding in mud, | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Xt shifters, fd and rd, avid brakes, Sid xc | | Bottom Line: | The sugar 4 was hanging at the bike shop for over a year, I got it at a good price. Having used Fisher hard tails for a long time, riding the sugar was like coming home. Initially the cockpit of the M sized suger felt a bit long compared to my s sized X caliber but now that i am used to it feels even better. There was nothing wrong with the Lightspeed, just did not have the fisher feel. I often ride with the clip off especially in tight technical tracks, my foot would hit the tires on the lightspeed, but not the sugar, the gap between the pedal and tires are that much wider. The low top tube of the suger is also usefull when stopping midway on a downhill, and makes starting again easier.
The basic bike felt a bit heavy but after some changes is almost the perfect bike. The rear clearence does not make this bike suitable for muddy riding, frequent stops neccesary to clear the mud. Otherwise this bike make for a comfortable ride for xc riding. For those Fisher hardtailers this is the fs bike for u. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Whiteman
a Racer
from AR
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fossil Flats Trail, Devil's Den State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Estes Park Cycle Shop, Estes Park CO | | Strengths: | This bike is an excellent climber right out of the box. Could be a little lighter from the start, but there is plenty of room for upgrades. I have modified mine with many XT components and could not be happier with performance. Also switched to a 9-speed cassette instead of stock 8-speed. Overall: good climber, smooth on handling and worth the cost for a good full-suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Could be a little lighter, a bit different at first with the geometry of the frame but easy to get used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Good feel and decent stock component selection | | Bottom Line: | Good buy, one hell of a ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville,SC, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pisgah, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$875.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | The suspension design is great for me! I'm 6'2" and 175, and my LBS has this bike set up just right! LX components are a great value and durable for the trailriding I do. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes were not adequate, so I swapped them out for a set of Avids, the old WTB seat killed, so I went for a WTB speed V | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode rockhopper fsrxc | | Bike Setup: | 2000 model with Judy XC, LX derailleurs, icon crankset, Avid SD-7 brakes & levers, bonty superstock wheelset, WTB V-raptors | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Will swap out some parts for better when they break. This bike is great for the trailriding that I do (No 3 ft drops or other need for a freeriding bike). It handles great on tight switchbacks and fast downhills as well as being a great climber. If you want the lightest racing bike, it's not for you! If you want to do huge drops, it's not for you. But if you want a great value in a trailriding bike, this is the one for you! 5 chili's for value, 4 chilis because of some of the part selection. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$840.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The Genesis Geometry really works for. I'm a tad over 6' and have long arms so the streched out top feels great. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the stock components on the Sugar 4 are junk and must be upgraded immediately. First on the list were the Icon crank (dropped chains), cassette (like a brick!), seat post (lead pipe) WTB seat (ouch!), Judy XC fork (bob, bob). After that you've got a nice light fast bike. | | Bike Setup: | '01 Frame (Stock LX derailuers), Superstock Wheels, Marzochi Z2 Atom 80, Thompson Post, Cane Creek AD5, Avid Arch Rival/Speed Dial 7 brakes, Truvativ Stylo Team Crank, Truvativ splined BB, SRAM 9.0 cassette, WTB Velociraptors (2.1 front and rear), Titec flat tracker bar. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as my first real mountain bike. Mine started as a 2000 model. Not knowing much about bikes at the time I quickly found out that the stock components were not top notch. After riding and learning more I've replaced most of the components. I actually broke (a known defect they tell me) my 2000 frame and it was replaced with a USA made 2001 frame which has disc brake mounts which was a nice bonus. The biggest change you can make is with the crank, they stock crank was awful.
The bike rides very nice and is very comfortable for long ride. Make sure you keep the shock pressure about 2/3's to 1/2 your weight, which is not what Cane Creek says in the manual. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, TX
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski Sports | | Bottom Line: | This an update from my review of a few months back. Have ridden a total of about 500 miles+. Since then I've bent the stock chain and the botton bracket is on its last legs. Replaced the chain with another Shimano 8 speed Xt grade unit. Am replacing the stock BB with a Shimano XT. Already replaced the stock Alivio cranks with a Truvativ crankset which are much stiffer. Made a big differenece for the better, especially since the chainrings are so much smoother shifting as they are much higher quality. Just ordered new wheels/hubs, tires, and Avid 7 brakes/levers. Stock equip has been no problem, but the brakes are a bit lacking and the wheels/tires are pretty heavy. More comments when I'm through building. 9 speed upgrade on hold for awhile as I find the stock 8 speed setup adequate. Probably will wait for parts to wear out. Easily recommend this bike to anyone who rides XC and wants a really good dual suspension bike. It climbs well and has enough suspension to work well most everywhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pr
a Weekend Warrior
from santa cruz, ca
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Top of the world | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Trip | | Strengths: | Marzocchi front shock is very good | | Weaknesses: | Terrible rear shock. Hate it on climbs.
Why can't gary fisher put half way decent parts on their bikes? | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Bomber (80mm) on front.
Cane creek rear shock (ad-5)
Deore parts | | Bottom Line: | Ok for a basic mountain biker like me.
But if you want a full fledged mountain bike go some where else.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geno Pozniakoff
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Berryman, Chubb, Castlewood | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Maplewood Cyclery | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry: Makes climbing easier, Desend with confidence.
Marzocchi fork: Simple Quality, Rugged, Ease of use.
Cane Creek AD5: Easy to use, Strong, Light.
This bike set up as it is will instill the rider with much more confidence and allow you to become a better Mtn Biker. | | Weaknesses: | Poor selection of stock componentry. Come on Gary, Step up and put the good stuff on this bike and we will follow you to the ends of the trail.
I changed out all of the Bontrager crap to Shimano XT, especially the crap crank! | | Similar Products Used: | FS: Giant NRS1, Klein Adept Comp, Schwinn Rocket 88.
HT: Trek 4500 with upgrades, Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT BB, Crank, & Rear Derailuer. Sun CR17A Wheels with Shimano Deore hubs. Panaracer Fire X Pro Tires.
Serfas Pro. RX saddle. Deore shifters with XT 9 speed cassette. | | Bottom Line: | I paid $800 bucks just to get the frame and suspension. Changed out the Bontrager crap with a LBS credit towards all the Shimano gear. Total cost $1100.
For this price I got the best bike on the planet. Climbs like a bandit and desends like a racer. Set up of the suspension and proper measurment from your LBS are a bonus that you should not miss.
I feel like I got a Sugar 3 with all the upgrades at $400 less. This is the best bike that I have ever owned at a price that makes my buddies weep! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffery Hall
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Sea View | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | Private party | | Strengths: | Excellent frame, smart geometry, subtle yet attractive graphics, Fisher guarantee. Cane Creek shock easy to use and smooth. This is technically a 2000 Sugar 4: silver with red/black graphics. Genesis geometry really feels better. Thanks Gary. | | Weaknesses: | WTB Velociraptors not the best tires, Judy XC fork is mediocre, terrible stock stem and seat, platform pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned Gary Fisher Big Sur ['98], Santa Cruz Heckler X ['00]. | | Bike Setup: | Raceface System stem, Sella Italia MAX saddle, Icon clipless pedals, otherwise is stock. Lizard Skins wraps of course. | | Bottom Line: | For this price, best deal in XC performance. Upgrade as necessary or when stuff brakes. Feels better climbing than Heckler for XC, yet easier on body than Big Sur. Entry-level FS race rig is fun! The smile is back on my face. Sorry Santa Cruz, but I sold my Heckler and bought this for 1/2 the price and am enjoying mountain biking again. My road bike is now gathering dust, which seems like the way it should be. See you at Sea Otter! 5 flamin' chili's for value an 4 for overall b/c some components sucked [WTB saddles SUCK!] But at this price, you can upgrade and still have a phat XC bike at under a grand! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FAB 5 Chromer
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Why tell, I love it because no traffic! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$930.00 | | Purchased At: | Fisher's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very well built, can handle a tall/big/heavy rider; room to upgrade--to be equal/better than Sugar 1 | | Weaknesses: | I'm a novice at parts, etc. so not too reliable of an opinion. No prob's as of now! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel's; Cannondale Jeckyle | | Bike Setup: | Stock--will upgrade as needed. | | Bottom Line: | Hands down the best bike for your buck, here's why.
I'm very conservative when it comes to spending money, so trust me— I've done my research.
I go 6'1" and 225, so my size alone is rough on bikes. I got into biking about 3 years ago, and was riding an old Trek ST120, a.k.a. the tank! So when it came time for a new bike, I wanted something that could handle the wear and tear that I put on bikes. I demo'd the Trek Fuel series and a Cannondale Jeckyll, (I didn't demo a Sugar because I've put about 40 miles on my uncle's 2000 sugar 4). I called Trek retailers and had them tell my why Trek is better than Cannondale, and Sugars, and vise versa with the other dealers. I also called retailers that didn't sell either of the three and asked them the good/bad about the three bikes!
The Sugar 4: I found out that Gary Fisher does in fact design his bikes for a taller/bigger rider. That Genesis geometry is amazing. The control this bike gives you on up or down hill riding is something you won't believe until you ride it for your self. Fisher is a good, quality name that's been around for a while— history has proven his bikes. I do nothing but cross-country riding and on my descents, I hammer front and rear suspension. The suspension on this bike, while mid level, is exactly what I needed. Heck, the front suspension is designed after and made by a company that makes suspension for moto-cross bikes— It'll take whatever you throw at it.
Also, this bike was designed with room to upgrade, as you need it. You can upgrade it to the same components as a Sugar 1 and yet still have spent less money than just buying the Sugar 1.
Some people say that it is a bit on the heavy side— who cares!! Hey, if I was concerned about weight, I'd lose 5 pounds off my @ss! Bottom line: if you wear the same size clothes as your wife, and share her razors, this bike is not for you! Stay out of my way. Ride hard and long live the Chromers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, TX
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Plush suspension
Climbs well
Great XC geometry | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain components not the best (but for the money are good)
Nervous front end at speed on fast downhills
Not 9 speed | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M80, Trek Fuel 80 & 90, GT iDrive 4.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Serfas seat; plan to upgrade shifters/cassette/deraillers/chain in the near future to 9 speed | | Bottom Line: | I demoed the GT and the Trek above. I did not like the way the Trek handled. It was way too nervous for me. Also read the reviews here that talked about frame breakage due to thin tubing. The GT was heavy, had poor suspension, and did not climb that well. I think it's better as a rugged playbike than a real trail machine. The i-Drive wasn't for me and I was afraid of possible warranty issues.
I moved from a heavy Raleigh M80 CroMo hardtail to this light dually. It works perfectly for me. Lots easier on my 40+ year old body. Wish I made the switch sooner. Anyone wanting a dually but is used to a hardtail will like this bike alot. Not for freeriders or DH. I'm faster in the rough stuff and am less tired at the end of the day than on the hardtail.
In spite of the inexpensive Deore/Alivio/SRAM drivetrain, the shifting is actually much better than I expected. I very much like the handling on tight trails. The Cane Creek shock and Zoke Z5 fork work extremely well. Tires are marginal but I'll get rid of them soon. Got a great deal on the bike and don't regret it. Value for the buck is top notch. I'd rather have the Sugar 1 of course, but for the money this bike is an excellent buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Montara, CA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | The one I'm on at any given time | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | I won this bike through my company | | Strengths: | The geometry is amazing. Solid but fluid control on downhills, very little bob when mashing on an uphill. I understand now why every new bike for 2002 looks like a Sugar. | | Weaknesses: | Initial gear. Day one, I took the seat from my hardtail, and bought new brake levers, shifters, and pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Judy XC, XT/LX/Avid components, nothing overly fancy but better than what comes stock | | Bottom Line: | Wow. I'd been looking to buy a new bike, and thought I'd narrowed it down to either a Santa Cruz, Sugar, or wait to try the Fuel when I won the Sugar from my company. I knew that the components would be inadequate, but for less than $120 I had everything I needed in place. I've been abusing the bike ever since, going on long, hard rides all over the area from Montara mountain down to Santa Cruz. This bike handles every type of riding, and the geometry ensures that you're in control at all times. Whether it's jamming on an uphill or controlled slides downhill or heavy roots and pits on the ground, this bike gives you courage. Unless you intend to ride on the NORBA circuit, this bike will take you where you want to go. Buy a Sugar, put the right parts on it, and you'll never feel bike envy again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgefield, CT 06877
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | ct / ny open spaces | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bethel Cycles | | Strengths: | Rear suspension not active while climbing, but works well when needed. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is hard and uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Time pedals. Nashbar wireless cyclometer. Replaced seat with one from my 8 year old trek. | | Bottom Line: | After 8 years on my trusty Trek 830, I decided to get a bike with full suspension. Looking on the Gary Fisher web site, I was impressed by all the features on the Sugar 4 for the price. I've been quite satisfied with the bike, especially control on downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Macomb MI USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pontiac lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | The Gary fisher design and the weight of the bike
How the turning is so easy and it goes where you want it to | | Weaknesses: | Gears and Brakes
The strap in pedals
Chain always jumps like hell downhill | | Similar Products Used: | Gaint XTC | | Bike Setup: | New pedals,Lizard skin,Stem,Bars
| | Bottom Line: | The bike that you can take any where and ride hard on.
Good for people who want a f/s bike but don't want to spend a S**t load on it. May take some time to find it right for you but it is the best in it's price range. A bike for someone who will give it a hard life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Haynes
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, MI
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bloomers | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Metro Bikes | | Strengths: | All Around a great beginner bike if you can spend the money. | | Weaknesses: | crank and handle bars to wide | | Similar Products Used: | fisher x1, mongoose d-5Or, and haro. I tested about 5 brands before i bought my sugar. | | Bike Setup: | stock W/lizard skins, Winter is for add-ons summer you should be riding | | Bottom Line: | great bike, i tested quite a few( thanks to the guys a metrobikes for letting me be in there store for weeks untill i decided). I liked the way it feels like a hard tail until you need the travel. If you like hardtails and want something that rides like one but doesn't punish you, BUY A SUGAR | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Haddonfield
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wissahickon Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$840.00 | | Purchased At: | Erlton | | Strengths: | (2000 model)
Good parts. Light. Seems like it has little bob. I like how you can cover the front brakes down steep hills, and the back stays planted. Good traction up climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Judy XC a little stiff (but then again I only weigh 110). The cranks/pedals seem to scrap on more stuff than my old hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | First fs | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ bontrager raceday seat | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike for XC with a little cusion in the back, then this is a good bike. But if you want to do downhill, or your on of those people that spends 200 dollars just to save 100 grams, then this is probably the wrong bike. Personally, don't see how people buy stuff like bottom brackets and hubs, because you probably can't tell the diff unless your a pro, and they don't make you any better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry Watson
a Weekend Warrior
from Ruff Creek, Pa
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Pathfinder | | Strengths: | If you are looking for full suspension this is the real Mcoy | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer, low end coponents, saddles sucks, I got a sore ass | | Bike Setup: | great starter bike, just got to start upgradeing | | Bottom Line: | This is my first so to speak higher end bike. It's worth every penny I saved to buy it. Great for climbing and desending, travels over roots, rocks ect. nice. A lot of people I ride with take it for a ride and say they see why it's called the sugar series, because the sugar is sweet, Thanks Gary Fisher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach, VA.
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$875.00 | | Purchased At: | The Wheel House | | Strengths: | Price. Frame and the genesis geometry can't beat the comfort of your weight distribution over the center of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Low end equipment and shifting. Once you adjust it to your liking it is fine. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Original. Upgrades: Bontrager Race cranks, Shimamo clipless and a bottom bracket | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike. I have been wanting one for years and have kept an eye on the Sugars since I started looking. I didn't have much money to spend and wasn't sure if I was going to even buy, but after the initial test ride I had to have it. I've been riding three times since for approximately 7 or 8 miles each time and I am completely satisfied. My legs aren't what they used to be since I haven't ridden in a few years, but this is an awesome bike that can easily be upgraded. For those not wanting to spend a lot of money and wanting lifetime use this is the bike for them. With just a few upgrades for cheaper than $500 you can have a bike better than the Sugar 3 an with a little more better than Sugar 2. I am glad I got it and can't wait to hit more trails. I agree with a few of the others that you need clipless. If you haven't used them before you will have some learning pains, but it is worth it. Enjoy your ride!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Enriquez
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bonita Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery | | Strengths: |
This is actually for the better spec'd 2000 Model, which had 9-speed, and LX front & rear derails, and Deore shifters. For $799 sale price, it was an excellent value for the parts spec. The $1000 for the 2001 model, with 8-speed and cheaper Shimano is questionable. But both should have the hardtail like climbing ability.
| | Weaknesses: | The rear end seems a little flexy some times. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Changed over to time clipless, LX crank, Avid brakes at time of purchase | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike, very good short travel suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Razorback | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | The Great Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Bomber Fork, Genisis Geometry, Light Weight, Reasonable Price...... | | Weaknesses: | Weak shifting, only 1-2 inches of rear travel, hard cheap saddle......... | | Similar Products Used: | ProFlex 855.......TREK Fuel 80.......Specialized Enduro | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike for the price, but if I were you I'd wait and save up the extra $500 and get the Sugar 3. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrin
a Cross Country Rider
from South East Michigsn
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Highland Rec A-B-C-D | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Antoon's | | Strengths: | Dualie minus the pogo
Nice step over clearance (manhood saver...)
Decent set-up at reasonable price | | Weaknesses: | Kinda heavy but hey, its a dualie!
Rock Shox Judy XC bottoms out... often (I'm about 190#er)
Broke the frame at the weld above the bottom bracket after less than 300 miles of XC stuff
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-11 | | Bike Setup: | This is a 2000 Sugar 4 with a Sugar 1 seat
Rockwerks clipless pedals, LX frt & rr der's, no brand brakes (stock), Bontrager SuperStock Wheel System
Rock Shox Judy XC
(I mentioned these because the changed from 00' to 01') | | Bottom Line: | Loved the bike, til it broke.... Here's the good news, I only lost 18 days of riding. Antoon's and Fisher Bike's did a great job strippin', shippin', REPLACIN', rebuildin', and gettin' me back out there. Thanks and Congrats to them both. I was even able to find out the status of my new frame via e-mail (Thanks! Chuck M.) directly from Fisher.
Enough of the ego strokin' though.
Sugar 4 handled great in the Allegany's in New York, and great on the relative flatlands here in MI. Tight single trax, ascents, descents, big roots and rocks (Finger Lakes trail in NY) logs and drop offs. NO PROBLEMS. I was ridin' NY with a Sugar 1 rider and had fewer problems (weak tire traction on his tires, but not MINE and for $2000 less!!! HA!) Can't wait to put lots more miles on this puppy. A definite contender if you're looking to spend the grand. This definitely ain't your daddy's Huffy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Renault
a Racer
from Lowell MA USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | pick one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Belmont Wheelworks | | Strengths: | SUGAR IS SWEEEET!!!!! this bike is the ultimate full susp. XC racer that i have tried. not the plushest as rear suspension goes, but that isnt what its intended for. it really helps to soak up small bumps, roots, ect. when it counts, like on climbs.....The Z-5 marzocchi front air shock is surprisingly plush for a low end fork, feels fairly light....Cane Creek AD-5 rear shock sticks a little, bit is easy to adjust....frame is worthy of being upgraded, or else id buy a sugar 3($$$ more!)....Cool color! | | Weaknesses: | The components are fairly crappy, but they do get the job done...at 900$ though, what do you expect? Worst is the saddle...if you can, swap it out at the store. After only about 5 minutes or so of climbing, the pressure becomes almost unbearable...only one water bottle mount...Z-5 has been kinda noisy. why? i do not know. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed GT i drive 4.0 and 3.0, specialized fsr-xc, cannondale jeckel | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now(low on funds)....BUT im gonna buy the shimano xtr 9 speed upgrade kit, XT hollowtech crank and BB, thomson stem and post, king headset, selle san marco saddle, avid speed dial ti brakes, sid race rear shock, manitou mars(or black) fork, race face bars, mavic cross-roc ust wheels....it will be a while before i get these toys... | | Bottom Line: | This bikes is so sweet...once you dial in the rear shock, its a blast to ride. i live on a hill, and this bike is great for everything......climbing, descending, flats...i love it. Ive even done some downhill stuff with her, and even though its a little unerving with so little travel, i felt very confident, even going through ruts and such. im gonna start racing soon, and this is the dually to get for racing. i was gonna buy the idrive 3.0, and it is a nice bike too, just not for my style. sugar is great for racing, xc and even a little enduro or freeriding...some components could be better for the MSRP, but aw well, ill get the good stuff enventually....5 Chilis Gary! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Gburg, MD
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | gambrill - yellow | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | 1) Genesis geometry -not afraid of going over handlebars down very steep hills. Wheels stick to ground going up steep hills. 2) No bobbing. | | Weaknesses: | 1) Front shifting. Hesitated when shifting onto largest ring from day 1. Now rarely makes it there. Store adjusted shifting with little effect. 2) Seat too hard. | | Bike Setup: | As sold except for new seat. | | Bottom Line: | Great to have rear shock absorption when needed without bouncing up and down when pedaling like other full suspension bikes I tried. Its not a lot of shock travel but good enough for me.
I'll work on the front derailer myself and then give the store another try. Reviews of Sugar 3 also say front derailing is a problem but don't offer a solution. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Sumter, South Carolina, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fantasy Island, Tucson | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle, Tucson | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry! I'm a tall guy and this bike gives me the confidence to do try just about anything. I love the Marzocci and Cane creek shocks. This bike handles really well. No flex that I've felt so far. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first F/S bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for M545 pedals and the 9-speed casette I had installed about 3 months ago. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. Its a good start for someone who doesn't have unlimited funds and wants a quality bike that can be upgraded later on. I was hooked on MTB even when I was riding my POS hardtail...then I rode this bike and fell in love. It climbs like a monster and decends solidly. Genesis Geometry is for real. Thanks Mr. Fisher!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tobin
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Id
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Trail 4/6 From 8th Street | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | World Cycle Boise | | Strengths: | Genesis, Air Shocks all the way around, Genesis. The bike descends and climbs like a mountain goat, no flexing that I can tell. Crisp handling bike all the way around | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur, Seat. The seat is hard as a rock. The front Derailleur seems not to like the top gear, I usually have to shift then press a little to get it to hookup, if you need to get it there under power, forget it. This sounds typical though for this component. I have had it adjusted by my LSB, but that really didn't help. I am going to XTR's on the front and rear this off season. (I have had no issues with the rear as of yet, but if I am doing the front might as well do the back) | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 4.0, GT Aggressor, K2 Razor Back | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now.. | | Bottom Line: | If you’re looking for a mid level FS XC bike, I think that the sugar is a really good pick. The bike is solid all the way around and the genesis geometry is a very impressive. Some people think it's just a marketing ploy, as I did. Take it for one ride and it will change your mind forever about the way a good XC mountain bike should fit. I give the sugar 4 5 flaming turds… | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Allentown, PA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | American Standard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1009.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycledrome | | Strengths: | |
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$ 1099.00
