[larider]

My local bike shop just got in a Fisher Paragon in my size and was wondering what
everyone thinks about this bike compared to others out there. This is my first strp
into the 29'er bike. Lokking for some input. Most trails here in Louisiana are single track.
I've looked at niner and others but don't know enough about them to make a decision.
Thanks

 

[JoelM]

I have an '05. It's my first relatively high end mtb. I love it. I've raced and won on it and I would definitely recommend it.

 

[ERoman]

yup

what more can you want for the money...and they sell like crazy so watch out if you wait too long...love mine!
E

My local bike shop just got in a Fisher Paragon in my size and was wondering what
everyone thinks about this bike compared to others out there. This is my first strp
into the 29'er bike. Lokking for some input. Most trails here in Louisiana are single track.
I've looked at niner and others but don't know enough about them to make a decision.
Thanks

 

[Cloxxki]

Hey larider, welcome to the forums! You're blessed with those trails. Your Paragon will eat them up.
It's generally a highly appreciated bike, very good bang for the buck, especially with that light frame and good Reba fork.
As on most complete bikes at that pricepoint some parts not exactly weightweenie material, but the bike has a very solid base. Doesn't mean it's a pig, once you're used to the 29" wheels you won't feel anything negative anymore. If you're like 200lb or over you may want to look at those 28-spoke wheels. but for most riders they're just fine.

Will the LBS let you demo it? Just a parking lot test won't tell you much more than fit, such bikes need good trails to get them to show their real face.

Good luck!

J

 

[MOMBIOUSHIBACHI]

Wanted a KM, got a Paragon instead.

After putting in some serious time lurking on this board I decided to go 29er. I wanted a Karate Monkey but they were out of stock. Instead of waiting, I went with a 2006 Paragon and have no regrets. I had been riding a couple Specialized s-works hardtails for the last 5 years and after my first ride on the Paragon I was blown away. Got it just before Thanksgiving and have been riding as much as possible ever since. This bike fits me like a glove (6' 2" 210 on a 19") and it handles great. I have much better traction on steep climbs. It smooths out the trail, which is really noticable at speed. The bike weighs in at 26.4 lbs stock, which is only 2 lbs more than my s-works. I LOVE THIS BIKE, MAN! I say get one ASAP.

 

[larider]

Looks like the decision has been made. I am heading to pick it up.
Thanks for all the imput. Any ideas on what if any could be changed
out???

 

[goneskiian]

Fork travel?

What are the Paragon (X-Caliber and Cobia) owners out there running for fork travel? I know they come set at 80mm but does 100mm change up the handling that much? If you left it at 80, why? If you changed it to 100 do you like it better or would you go back to 80 (or have you gone back)? Thanks.

Good choice larider! Go get that bike! I've got my order in for an X-Cal as I love that orange.

Cheers!
-Ian

 

[threesixeight]

Availability

Have you heard as to when your X-Cal will be available? I like the orange too.

What are the Paragon (X-Caliber and Cobia) owners out there running for fork travel? I know they come set at 80mm but does 100mm change up the handling that much? If you left it at 80, why? If you changed it to 100 do you like it better or would you go back to 80 (or have you gone back)? Thanks.

Good choice larider! Go get that bike! I've got my order in for an X-Cal as I love that orange.

Cheers!
-Ian

 

[goneskiian]

Have you heard as to when your X-Cal will be available? I like the orange too.

Beginning of January (whatever that means).

 

[JoelM]

Looks like the decision has been made. I am heading to pick it up.
Thanks for all the imput. Any ideas on what if any could be changed
out???

Thudbust it.

 

[bikeanddrum]

Not sure what size you are getting. I ride a medium 17.5 and it is an 06 model. I just changed out the handlebars/seatpost/stem and saddle, I also put my lock on skewers on the bike as well. It weighed 26.8lbs stock. With my minor carbon changes it is now 25lbs. It is a fantastic bike. I ride on the East Coast, very tight rooty/rocky singletrack and it handles everythings great. I also do some jumping/drops etc. and it takes everything just fine!! Love it. Later bud, let us know how it goes.

 

[larider]

It is a 21". What manufacturer item did you use. Is the saddle comfortable?
On a different subject, what type shoes do you use?

 

[(Tom)]

This is what I ended up swapping out:

-Cranks: Bontrager Crank and Truvative BB to XT Cranks and Shimno BB
Had some nice XT cranks from a Karate Monkey build and as a result the bb had to go too.

-Bar: Bontrager riser to Salsa Pro-moto
Bars already pretty high - didn't need a riser, like the extra sweep.

-Stem: Bontrager 90mm to Ritchey 80mm
Wanted/needed a shorter stem.

-Pedals: Shimano to Time ATAC
Personal preference

-Saddle: Bontrager saddle to Flite
Personal preference

-Seat post: Bontrager to Thomson
Stock post wouldn't allow correct tilt adjustment of Flite saddle.

-Grips: Bontrager to ODI lock on.

Outta the box the bike is well equipped so all the changes were made for personal preference or I happened to have the parts sitting around. Enjoy your new bike.

 

[JoelM]

Man, I wish mine still looked that purdy... and I've gotta figure out what I've been feeding my bike that has caused it to GAIN 2 pounds since stock!

 

[bikeanddrum]

here is an OK pic of my Paragon for ya LaRider

I just used the Nashbar brand saddle/handlebar, I used an Icon Graphite stem and the seatpost was a Accent Carbon. I believe the handlebar was about 175 grams uncut. Saddle was the Nashbar Race saddle(exactly like an SLR and very comfy) 180 grams, Seatpost was around 230 grams. I also installed a Stans kit and Kenda Karma for the winter. I went on a wim and used the 26" Stans rim strips I had already and they worked like a charm. I am sure others will say NO NO! But no problems so far and I didn't have any on any on my Rig when I did that also and rode 100's of miles. So last night on the bathroom scale it was just under 25lbs and I am very happy it was like 24.6 lbs. Here is a pic. Good Day and you will love the ride.

 

[Nat]

How long have you had that?

 

[larider]

Thanks for all the imput. Great looking bikes!

 

[(Tom)]

How long have you had that?

Nat: I picked it up in August just in time to get a few rides on it before the SM100. It replaced a Karate Monkey I had for a breif period of time - in the end there wasn't much love between me & that bike.

It would've been a fun bike to ride out there in Bend - but everyone else was dragging the big bikes around so I figured I'd fit in and bring mine too - least I hear a lot more complaining about "the climbs"

 

[Missle]

**** my paragon is fun, but i can't wait for my WILY!!! (they have stock frames too!)

 

[MTBNate]

It is a 21". What manufacturer item did you use. Is the saddle comfortable?
On a different subject, what type shoes do you use?

I swear by a Terry Fly Ti for a saddle which I have on my Asylum 29er.

There is no better in my opinion.

Shoes... I use Specialized with Crank Bro's EggBeaters.

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