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Submitted by
racerxti
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | The Trek Store, Bold | | Strengths: | Fox F29 fork; Tubeless ready wheels; EBB chain tensioning; Avid BB7 disc brakes; Frame geometry; and OMG PRICE!. | | Weaknesses: | No locking grips; Seatpost design | | Similar Products Used: | 2007 GF RIG; SPOT Longboard; Surely Krate Monkey | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Gary Fisher RIG (Stock) w/ Thompson seatpost; Specialized BG saddle; Ergon SL-2 grips; Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | Why?
I've done a ton of research on buying a 29er single speed. For the money the 2008 Gary Fisher RIG is a real winner. There have been no problems with either the EBB or Disc rotor alignment. I've changed the rear tire once on the trail with little or no issues.
Ride?
The bike is very fast. I find no trouble railing through twisty single track. Slow speed turning is very stable. No problems on downhill switchbacks. The bike climbs like a goat. When seated I the front end was glued to the trail. I didn't notice the front end lifting up as I climbed. The Fox F29 fork performed great (as expected). 80mm is more than enough travel for cross-country. Most of the time, the fork is locked out for better out-of-seat hammering up climbs. When ready for rocks a quick flip of the lockout and I'm ready to attack. Brakes perform well, but lack the modulation of hydrolics. I have a set of Avid Juicies I may swap onto this bike, but for now the BB7s are getting the job done. Tires are great. I typically run Kenda Navigals or WTB Prowlers, but I'm going to stick with the stock tires. They are siped (small cuts in the tread blocks) which add a ton of traction.
Weaknesses?
Sure every bike has them (unless you build a custom). What are my gripes. Well the grips slipped a bunch on my first ride. I was changing them to Ergons anyway, but hey how hard would it be for trek to OEM locking grips? The other weakness is the seat-post. My gripe with the seatpost is the size of the Seat rail clamp. TOO SMALL. I have my saddle pushed back to get the saddle in the right position. Needed better support from the clamp which is very short. I replaced the seatpost with a Thompson Elite I had lying around. Much better...
Overall?
There are no single speeds in the $1200.00 range with the same quality or components and ride that would come close to Gary Fisher's RIG. I highly recommend you run out tonight and find one before their all gone. Would I buy another Fisher? Another 29er? Short answere... YES! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wetshowers
a Cross Country Rider
from Martinsville
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chimney Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1310.00 | | Purchased At: | High Gear Cyclery | | Strengths: | frame, fork, brakes, wheels, stem | | Weaknesses: | pedals, handlebars, crank, grips | | Similar Products Used: | first SS/29 | | Bike Setup: | salsa bars, animal pedals, ergon grips, rest is temporarily stock | | Bottom Line: | gary fisher makes a great product and the rig fits the mold. this puppy is light, sturdy, and looks hot as hell. the fox fork is perfect for the frame, perfect compliment, and the bontrager components fit pretty well too. i've read of many people having issues with their EBB but i have yet to have any issues with it, if there is a problem with it though, chances are it's because it was a punk kid building it in the shop. the pedals are garbage, throw them out or melt them with a torch. i personally didn't like the handlebars so i slapped some salsas on it but the cranks are garbage too, melt those with the pedals and make some crappy art. the BB7s are awesome, there's not much of a reason for a rider to get the hydraulic juicys. if i could do it over, i'd definitely get the same frame/fork but i'd build the rest myself. the components are good and all but they should be better for the price. i'd definitely recommend it to someone's who's experienced or not experienced in Single Speeds, the stock gearing is perfect but it's still important to find a gearing comfortable to your riding. also as far as 29s go, they're unbeatable, i can't imagine going back to 26s. this bike is really for anyone. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moobsy
a Cross Country Rider
from Sussex, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Emma Carlson/John Muir | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1765.00 | | Purchased At: | Emery's Cycle & Fitn | | Strengths: | Lightweight, affordable, rock solid frame. Fox F29 fork with custom offset is silky smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, seat, and grips should be immediately upgraded. Stock handlebars creek when torqued on. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded brakes to Avid Juicy 7's, seat to Bontrager CRZ+ Race, and contoured grips. I added Crank Brothers Mallet Magnesium pedals. The rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first 29er and I have to admit I am hooked. While my buddies struggle with rough rocky sections of trails (which we have a lot of in Wisconsin), this bike skates over them with ease. Another thing I have noticed is that although physics tells us it is harder to climb on a 29er, what most people forget to mention is how fast they descend! I find myself blowing the spandex off 26 inch riders in the downhill sections with ease. The big wheels make big bumps feel smaller, which is an excellent fit for a hardtail XC bike. I have crashed the bike twice, hard, and except for a scrape near the rear wheel mount it is fine. I broke 1 rib, cracked 2, bruised 4... the bike is stronger than me, lol. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Morris
a Racer
from North Potomac, MD, US
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | SuperPort | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | Fun and simple. I've owned many Gary Fisher's and they stand by their bikes with a fabulous warrantee. | | Bottom Line: | This is a repost from earlier where I stated problems with BB creaking, and I see others have stated the issue as well. Thanks to my bike shop working w/ Fisher tech support, we have a solution, which has held for a couple months so far.
Solution to bb problem is: grease != antiseize. People try to grease the bb to fix creaking, but the physical properties of stainless steel causes galling to occur, which is the source of the creak. This is remedied by using a grease with small amounts of metal particles, aka antiseize. If you dont know what antiseize is, ask your bike shop. Clean your BB and lather the triangle movable portion with antiseize and the problem will go away... for good! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cdog Stem
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dirt ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Private party | | Strengths: | Very good product spec for the price. Fork is pretty good, and the brakes are just awesome- the best cable acters in the business. Wheels flex very little, but predictably. Seat is semi comfy for an OEM- usually not the case for me. Grips are a little small in diameter for me- but they don't break down and are comfy. No rattles from chain area! Swift and Silent. | | Weaknesses: | Tires do not work well for me in dry loose conditions which is all we have here. Others have no issues, so personal preference. Watch the sizing of the frmae and try before you buy online! See below. A little on the heavy side, but the heaviest parts are ones replaced most often by cyclists- so buy light stuff to replace it with. A smart move on Fisher buyers and engineers there- good cost cutting. EBB was a pain to adjust until I read the trick on this review site by Robert. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Ricochet SS conversion. Many Bontrager products on Treks. | | Bike Setup: | Bone Stock. Tires are next to go with some new grips too. | | Bottom Line: | First, if you are buying one of these online- find one somewhere and test for fit. The sizes seem to run small for me and I actually fit a L quite well when all I ever rode was mediums. THe EBB creaked just like everyone elses because I did not know the trick to dismantling it easily (found it here!) after that, dismatle, grease and go. Now creaks were from the bars and seatpost! Dry climate here- creaks will happen. This is my first 29'er and my fears were climbing, handling and acceleration. This bike accelerates like a BMX bike, climbs like a goat (as long as your legs can hold up!) and handles well. It is a little slower than a 26 inch in the turning department, but after two rides I had adapted my turning apex, body positioning and learned the traits of the bike- and it carves.
This bike is great for the person who has converted something to SS before and wants to move to the next step. The parts that wear out are heavy, so upgrading them is a joy and the bike will only get better. It is a tough bike and will last a long time. I plan on racing it next season in some XC and endurance races, I might even toss some slicks on and do an Alleycat! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sioux Me
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Forks, ND, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Maah Daah Hey, too -- check it out! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This is a follow-up to my hasty words last week. After riding nasty Red River of the North clay following recent rains, I must take back my criticism of the stock Bontrager ACX rubber. The well-spaced knobs are GREAT in mud and loose soils. Can you say "self-cleaning?" | | Weaknesses: | Okay, the stock seat still sucks and after a couple more "home remedies" for the creaking EBB it STILL creaks. However, except under heavy cranking, the only sound is knobby noise on hardpan and asphalt -- and pure silent bliss in softer soils! | | Similar Products Used: | Forgot the Redline Monocog (in a fixie configuration) the last time around -- another worthy alternative for the steel crowd. | | Bike Setup: | ERGON grips (which are, BTW, very "ergo"). For vastly improved braking, swapped JAGWIRE index derailleur housing for the stock brake housing (JAGWIRE inners too big, esp. for rear). | | Bottom Line: | Still a great bike and component selection -- deserving of the full five flamin' chilis after some reflection and some mudding (nothing destructive, mind you, just instructive!). FYI, I am 6 feet tall riding a 19" with plenty of room after the cockpit upgrade (and I have a long torso and shortish +/- 33-1/2 inch inseam). Tried the 17-1/2 inch X-Caliber, but it was too cramped. The XL was too tall for my liking, however. Did I mention that the Salsa CroMoto Grande swap for the REBA shaved about a pound and one-half from the stock setup? Add a Terry TiRace Liberator saddle for comfort (with little or no weight penalty) and things get comfy indeed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sioux Me
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Forks, ND, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | American Birkebiner | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | The Other Guys | | Strengths: | Great frame and spec's for the price -- even better when you sell the REBA and replace it with a Salsa CroMoto Grande fork! Dialed in frame geometry -- with the exception of the stem and bars. Add some Jones H-bars and some Ergo grips and you're in heaven! | | Weaknesses: | That nasty crank creak finally appeared after 14 months of riding -- still looking for the magic cure (some of the posted remedies I have yet to try). Stock seat sucks, but it only lasted through the test ride and ride home. Stock tires, also weak off-road, are the next to go... | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Rascal, Gary Fisher 29er X-Caliber, Bianchi Project 7 ('700c mountain bike' -- or so said the marketing dept) -- I still miss that baby, but not the lack of frame clearance! | | Bike Setup: | Essentially stock w/Xpedo pedals, Salsa CroMoto Grande [semi-]rigid fork, Titec Jeff Jones H-bars (aluminum 'sellouts,' not the Ti originals), Salsa stem w/ increased rise and reach, Salsa skewers and grips, Ergo grips for main grip area of H-bars and bike trail-friendly 'dinger' HB bell (cheesy, but effective!). | | Bottom Line: | 29ers rule -- and at this price you can dial it in all you want (and still have money to replace the lame-o stock tires, etc.). A ride or two on a RIG or comparable 29er SS will hook you for good -- or you aren't paying attention. The only thing better might be a flip-flop rear to allow for fixie option... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Key West, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This is an update to my last post | | Weaknesses: | Forget the EBB problem - solved.... | | Bottom Line: | Many thanks to you posters out there. When looking to adjust the EBB, both the local bike shop and I thought the EBB had to be dismantled to some degree. The local bike shop said, "This EBB was a down point to Trek products". I quickly forgot that since they could not figure out how to loosed the EBB and were starting to hit my bracket with a hammer. At that point, I called the technician support to a halt.
Again, thanks to a few posters, this is what I found to be the simple fix to adjust the EBB.
1. Leave that donut-like screw in the bracket. It serves as a backstop to apply pressure between the two wedges.
2. Use the hex screw through the donut hole and into the hex nut. There will be a point where the screwing gets difficult. Great! That is point where the wedges are getting ready to be separated. Just a little more turning on the hex and whoosh.... the wedges slip apart like hot butter.
3. Rotate the EBB to the appropriate chain tension, and retighten.
I was thinking this high dollar bike must surely have a complicated EBB adjustment. NOPE.... Gary Fisher did great with this bike!
Sometimes, I love to just walk by the Rig to simple savor the beauty of this bike...
Some have mentioned about the creaking of the cranks. I too have this on occasion, but attribute it to being the ONLY noise the Rig makes, so it is noticeable. If I were on a lesser quality bike, I might hear many other noises on the bike, and not even realize any crank squeaks.
Happy trails....
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Keys
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | out of Key West! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles, etc. Jax | | Strengths: | Sleek, simple, and lightweight - 29's and shocks are great | | Weaknesses: | That darn eccentric bottom bracket (EBB), less-than-comfy stock seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Last single speed (SS) was BMX, last bike was 18 speed Trek 850. Much prefer SS's as they give no issues with gear changes or derailleur hiccups. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock. Added lights, went to Michelin wide road tires (right now commute with bike), changed out both front and back chain rings for greater distance per pedal. | | Bottom Line: | I am 6'2" and wish the handlebars neck was a bit higher. If I were doing a bunch of trails or downhill’s, then it would be no issue. As it is, I am a commuter.
Except for the commonly noted crackling in the EBB, the bike is impressively quiet. I currently have an issue with the EBB. It is frozen stiff. My local bike shop cannot figure out the issue, nor the store where I bought it (although they were both very helpful with ideas for troubleshooting). My chain needs tightening now, and the EBB just will not budge. After loosening everything, lubricating, and even hammer tapping, there is no movement on the non-riding side of the bracket.
Otherwise, the bike is pretty flashy! I never want the bike out of my site in public. Everything is quick release, and in this city, bike parts are frequently jacked.
I like the position of the fork tension control. It allows me to shift from stiff to cushioned (I am sure I am not using the right terms) while still riding.
I have never spent this amount of money on a bicycle, but I notice a big difference in the ride on this bike from my former $500-ish purchases. I can't wait to leave the islands to actually find a real bike trails! I believe there I will realize my investment.
If any of you wrench guru's have any ideas on the EBB issue, please feel free to shoot me your thoughts at robert.6pence@yahoo.com.
Good day!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joel
a Racer
from Phoenixville, pa
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line, Warminster pa | | Strengths: | Geometry is perfect for me, Reba fork is a great compliment for the bike, Avid bb7 brakes are un-beatable for the money and they came stock. | | Weaknesses: | Eccentric is not the best choice for thes bike. Narrow tire clearance, CHEAP STOCK CRANKS, free hub is not seviceable | | Similar Products Used: | many many others | | Bike Setup: | only changed cranks to xt | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for any level XC rider. The fork fits the bike well, the brakes are as good as they get. I have always loved the bb7's. So the stock componenets may not be very light but they get the job done very well, I have done many races and 40+ mi rides with almost no problems. The ECC needs to be cleaned after EVERY slightly muddy ride. The cranks are absolute crap. I bent them using pure force, not kidding. So replace them. The tires sidewall wares fast but they work well with the bike good allround tire. The freehub needs to be replace after 1200 miles not bad but I would rather it be serviceable not wear and replace. 2.2 tires will rub the frame from time to time. Overall, this is a great bike with a good parts spec for the money that will last for a long time to come with little worry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Me
a Weekend Warrior
from The U S of A.
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | RBM | | Strengths: | One gear, big wheels. Bontrager rims are very under rated. They perform very well. Brakes are decent. | | Weaknesses: | The other Bontrager parts are crap. Seat is Crap. Tires...you guessed it, Crap. EBB creaks and makes all kinds of noises, very high maint. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | Mary Bars, salsa lock-on grips, Thompson stem/seatpost. WTB tires/stock bontrager rims, set-up with Stans tubeless conversion....works GREAT!. WTB Pure V race saddle. Niner 20t cog. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line....well you get what you pay for. And for the $1100 out the door price, I suppose its a decent buy. A bit heavy when compared to the scandium frame bikes like Niner. (My next buy)
This is the perfect first-timer SS and/or 29er. Reliable on the trails, but go tubeless. The stans conversion works just fine on the stock rims. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Morris
a
from North Potomac, MD
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Frederick Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles | | Strengths: | Fork is a nice match for the bike. Just a great ride. | | Weaknesses: | Eccentric Bottom Bracket. Pedals. Bontrager marriage. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumer hardtail converted singlespeed | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I added Time Atac XS pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Overall great value. This bike is a lot of fun and is sturdy enough to ride in the gnarliest of conditions. It takes the little bumps well, and the Reba is so smooth with this 29’er setup. I found steering and handling to be very good. I agree with other reviewers in that this bike will make you a stronger rider. It can take some rides for your body to strengthen and get into a comfortable cadence on your favorite trail, but stick with it and you'll love it.
Part by part:
Handlebar: Some have said the handlebar is too wide. I disagree. My other ss has wider handlebars, which I prefer.
Seat: mediocre
Pedals: toss them. Garbage. Feet come out when climbing hard. Poor mud deflection.
Cranks: Ok, but I much prefer a through-axle crank. Not very light either.
Tires: The Jones tires have reviewed poorly, but I find on the 29’er setup they perform well for me.
Wheels: I’ve had several Gary Fisher bikes with Bontrager rims and my experience has been that they are very high quality rims. I’ve yet to significantly damage a bontrager rim. I think the wheels are the best bontrager part on the bike
Eccentric Bottom Bracket: Old simple technology desperately in need of innovation. The eccentric is a very bulky heavy part. I’ve had significant problems with popping and creaking sounds. Cleaning around the edges, loosening, globbing grease on the metal sliders, and retightening hard temporarily tames the issue. However I’m afraid of purchasing other cogs because I feel that once I have the bb not creaking, I don’t want to touch it again.
Avid Mechanical Brakes: These are really good brakes. Other than that they require more frequent adjustment than hydraulics, they perform similarly.
Docked a chili for weight and EBB. If the bike were more expensive, I'd dock it another for component choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbhound
a Cross Country Rider
from Cortez
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Phil's World | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Kokopelli Bike & Board | | Strengths: | Simple Singlespeed w/ not a lot of hassles. I also like the concentric bottom bracket for ease in chain adjustment and not having to worry about rear tire alignment. | | Weaknesses: | Stock components are junk. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS - Solo One | | Bike Setup: | Salsa Handlebar, Thomson Seat Post & Stem, Chris King Headset, Raceface Evolve Crank, MTB Laser V Ti Rail Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Fun bike to ride. I used to ride my multispeend at least 5 to 1 over my singlespeed, but it's now the other way around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hall, Golden Gate, West Mag | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | This bike has improved my cycling by 10 fold! Climbs like a champ and descends like its got 5 inches of travel. I feel like I'm riding a horse but still agile in the tight rocky sections. Avid mechanical discs take some time to break in but once they do they are precise and responsive. Reba Shock takes the small bumps and big bumps with ease and the lock out is great for riding to your favorite trail on the road. Was skeptical about the aluminum frame but it is solid but not too stiff. Eccentric BB works well also, no need for a 15 mm wrench! | | Weaknesses: | Seat clamp is poor. Seat falls at least a half inch during the ride. Front hub skewer loosens a bit too easily and wheel can become dislodged (dangerous!). Really need to crank it down. All parts that can be replaced, though | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Unit | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! If you are new to SS or 29ers, this is a great option. If you're an old coot and want something new and affordable this is also a great option. Not many mass manufactured 29er SS come with the reba shock. Great bike for the price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clydesdale Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Allamuchy | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classified | | Strengths: | Single speed - no gears, no problems | | Weaknesses: | non | | Similar Products Used: | GF 292 29" full suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I never get on my full suspension or hardtail anymore. This bike is that good. It's simple, and the avid mech disc brakes are comparable to hydraulic. I'm 6'3", 215lb, and the size LG fits me well. I've had no problems with anything, frame or components. I was previously hooked on 29" wheels from my GF 292 so there was no getting used to them on this. (see my GF 292 review for comparisons)
Bottom line: This bike has made me stronger. It's a serious workout riding just 90minutes in one gear.
If you've mentally committed to the SS lifestyle, and you like the 29" wheel idea, buy it. Then love, love, love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim B
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Eau Claire Firecracker | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$930.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | The geometry is very forgiving and balanced. The larger wheels also give it a more stable feel. | | Weaknesses: | The parts, but then it is a price point bike. If the Rig really gets used it'll need a new bottom bracket and headset pretty early. Also, if the EBB isn't properly torqued to 11Nm it will rotate and you'll drop chains. 27lbs stock? it should have been named the "Pig" | | Similar Products Used: | No other 29er in the house, just a cyclocross bike and a 26" wheeled C-dale. | | Bike Setup: | Changed a lot over the first year. EggBeaters, American Classic post, King HS, On One Mary bar, Ritchy WCS stem, Hugi front hub, King rear hub, Mavic rims, Truvativ Carbon cranks and a variety of narrower tires. | | Bottom Line: | It's a solid bike that will finish rides as well as races. If you're willing to haul around the extra mass in its stock form and nickle and dime yourself getting it lighter... then it's a good value. If you'd rather just spec a 29er the way you want it and be done with it, then I suggest you look at competitively priced bikes like what Niner offers, and there are other brands...
I'll keep it as a spare bike but I'll buy something lighter for next season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Longview
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Growlers/Stella | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | River City | | Strengths: | Nice mix of components for the price. Well rounded bike. | | Weaknesses: | Seat and pedals. I prefer time pedals.Maybe a little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Titanium mongoose pro converted to single speed. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far,well be switching to a 20 cog rear sprocket. As much as I would like all the neat cool stuff, I usually just ride my bikes the way they come and only replace parts as I wear them out. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an exceptional value. So far the switch over to a 29er has been seamless. This bike does fine in tight single track. The ride is a little smoother than a 26" wheel set, especially noticeable in rockier sections. I just think it is a great bike and would recomend it to anyone wanting a single speed or wanting to try out a 29er. I also think the frame and fork combination are worthy of up grading to a better wheel set if you wanted to lighten the bike up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Ott
a Cross Country Rider
from Arnhem, the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | posbank | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | 12gotraiding.nl | | Strengths: | Value for money with the REBA vork.
29er with all it`s advantages, ss with ebb.
Looks: Externally butted and purple
Easy to use BB7 brakes | | Weaknesses: | The "reach" feels a little long (even for a genisis)
To save money you get bontrager select parts and heavy wheels
| | Similar Products Used: | firts real SS and 29er | | Bike Setup: | Compromised the reach:
Roox s4 seatpost and flite saddle
9cm straight stem with riser bar with a lot fo backsweep
And for the ultimate experience a Suley karate monkey fork for the rigid ride | | Bottom Line: | This bike is all I hoped it would be.
SS by ebb an d a 29er for a fist full of dollars
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from West Chester, PA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | French Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line of Newark | | Strengths: | If you are looking to give SS a try this is your chance. The Rig comes with solid, dependable components for a great price. The 29 inch wheels and high air volume tires will roll over and decend with great stability. I am thinking about getting rid of my full suspention -- its that good. I highly recomend this bike and I cannont stress how stable this bike feels. Run the tires around 30-35 psi. Don't forget about Reba. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing much.. there is not much too the bike. Low maintenace. | | Similar Products Used: | First Single. | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock 2006 version | | Bottom Line: | Great deal and you are going to have a lot of fun riding. Just an FYI the stock bike weighs in at 26 lbs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damon
a Cross Country Rider
from Ladera Ranch
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Old Camp, Santiago Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock n Road Cyclery | | Strengths: | Durable, easy to maintain, simple brakes | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Surley 1x1 | | Bike Setup: | stock frame & fork... Phil Wood hubs, thompson seat & post, monkey light bars, race face dues 180 mm cranks, 22t white industries rear sproket | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have done both short rides and 24hr events on this thing. This bike is simple and solid. If you find yourself struggling with the 29er wheels, try 180 mm cranks, you will be amazed at the torque you get out of them. The larger cranks are the best performance improvement made! Also, swallow your pride and try a bigger rear cassette for those long steep rides.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JV
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1099.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Bicycle Superstore | | Strengths: | Great price! The Reba fork is awesome! Avid BB disc brakes are great! | | Weaknesses: | Noisey bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Reba fork, Avid BB disc brakes, Bontrager Race 29" wheelset, Bontrager Jones tires, Bontrager Crowbar Select handlebar, Bontrager Select seatpost/seat, Oury grips, Bontrager Race Light crank (32T) & 18T cassette. | | Bottom Line: | At around $1,000, this is a great buy out of the box! The Reba fork is incredible. The lock-out feature is great for commuting. The bottom bracket makes some noise when a load is put on it (charging up hills). The Avid BB disc brakes can be tough to adjust, but once they're set, they provide awesome stopping power. I highly recommended this product for anyone looking to go single speed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich McCoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Northwest Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good combination of components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The Eccentric Bottom Bracket (EBB) can drive you nuts with popping, groaning, and creaking noises until you get it properly lubricated. Straight from the factory, the noise is a huge buzzkill. A liberal dose of Phil Wood grease on every surface of the EBB finally solved the problem. The stock Bontrager seat is awful. Chuck it and replace it with just about anything else. | | Similar Products Used: | Niner Bikes SIR 9 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new seat and WTB Exiwolf tire on front. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike now but it has taken time to get happy with it. First, the noise with the bottom bracket and then a catastrophic failure of the the front rim (failure of weld) resulting in trashed elbow (I endo'ed big time). The guys at Northwest sorted out the EBB after a couple of attempts and the defective Bontrager SuperStock rim was promptly replaced by Northwest Cyclery and Bontrager/Trek.
I bought the Rig to try out Single Speed riding without spending a lot of money (oddly enough, single speed bikes often cost more than geared, full suspension bikes...go figure). The result is that I am hooked on riding single speed. I have a full squishy, geared bike as well, but I almost always reach for the Rig when I want to go for a ride just about anywhere.
As a postscript, I would like to add that the folks at Northwest Cyclery have been accomodating, courteous, and patient thoughout all of my early "issues" with the Rig. My hat is off to them. Mail order is cheap, but don't forget to support your LBS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg Soster
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Roth Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great stock bike, solid frame, nice fork | | Weaknesses: | Avid BB mech brakes 160mm rotors, heavy wheels. Small frame can not use tire wider than 2.1. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Juicy 5, Bontrager Carbon Handlebar and Seatpost, egg beater pedals, foam grips | | Bottom Line: | Bought a small frame, had serious concerns about the OEM 2.2 tire rubbing rear left stay, voiced concerns to dealer and GF. Both assured not an issue. Put 3M protective tape over concerned area "just in case". First ride OEM tire burned through tape and paint to bare metal. Basically the Rig is not a good 29er in a small frame size. Rear triangle has engineering issues. Bike is a great value in larger sizes. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt Larsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Flume | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | College Cyclery Reno, NV | | Strengths: | Great frame and geometry. Stock components are OK if you want to try out single speeding and see if you like it.
Climbs like a mountain goat when you get out of the seat. | | Weaknesses: | Stock BB (Truvativ Gigapipe SLLT) and cranks suck. Major creaking after only a couple rides. I replaced drivetrain with Phil Woods BB and White Industries cranks. Replacing cheap components with each paycheck. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg Deelux 2005
| | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock. Slowly upgrading as I go.
Egg Beater SL pedals
Phil Woods BB
White Industries cranks
Easton Carbon seatpost
Bontrager Carbon handlebars
WTB Devo Saddle
(Headset is next on my list) | | Bottom Line: | Stock: Great bike to test out Single Speeding. Now I'm hooked. I'm upgrading this rig and leaving my FS Kona Dawg Deelux in the garage to collect cobwebs.
Needs some serious attention in the BB and crankset if you want to seriously pursue the SS thing. That flimsy BB really bites. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Walker
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rock-it at Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock and Road | | Strengths: | Good package for the $. Solid frame, good fork (Rock Shox Reba SL Dual Air 80mm), solid brakes (Avid BB7 mecanical disc), good tires (Bontrager Jones AcK 29" X 2.2"). Momentum!!! Once you get them moving the 29" wheels roll over loose rocky terrain with little effort. Cornering and climbing traction are excellent due to the additional rubber on the ground. Large wheels also reduce shock of aluminum hardtail (feels similiar to my old steel frame hardtail). | | Weaknesses: | Heavy wheelset (Bontrager Mustang Disc), cheap Bottom bracket, rear cog, seat, handlebar, stem. Hey, they had to save money somewhere to hit the price, but they did it right where it counts (frame, fork, brakes) The 29" wheels are cumbersome in tight cornering (switchbacks) and do not accelerate as quickly as 26" wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | First 29er. Had a Gunnar Ruffian 26" SS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Thompson stem, 26" Carbon ACT CTR handlebar, WTB Rocket V Gel seat, 20T Surly rear cog | | Bottom Line: | Was hesitant about going to a 29er due to my height of 5'8", but I have been very happy with the bike. Have ridden the bike in very techical terrain (Joplin) and have done some long climbs (Maple Springs to Joplin). In both cases the bike performed very well. The bike is very solid in slow technical downhill or fast downhill. Cornering is excellent! Being in good condition is a must, I would not recommend this bike for beginners or riders who are not in good shape. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Ludden
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | South Yuba | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | This bi |
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$ 1099.00
