Submitted by
Rick2301
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownsville, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alton Gloor Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Good bike for the money, strong, takes a beating. Good components for the price.
Weaknesses:
Problem with clicking noise in crank, couldnt remove cranks from bottom bracket, local bike shop had to beat the cranks off. Looked like some paint got on the square bracket and the cranks were forced on. Buying from internet, couldnt size bike correctly. Could use a better chain.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
SRAM X5 front and rear derailleurs, Truvativ cranks and bracket, SRAM X5 shifters, Avid mechanical brakes. WTB seat. Kenda Nevegal tires.
Bottom Line:
I really like my bike. Im no expert but I have never enjoyed riding a bike as much as I enjoy my 29er. Its heavy but so am I. At 260lbs it takes a beating. I upgraded the drailleurs to SRAM X9s and the shifters from X5s to X7s. I ride a trail that is hard packed in some areas and loose soil in others. No hills or mountains down hear in south Texas but plenty of dry canals and levees. I am very satisfied with my bike especially for the price. If your into bragging about $ spent then buy the more expensive models. Great starter bike. Its sold as a Windsor on bikesdirect but its made by Fuji.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Schwinng
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Pasadena, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chesebro Canyon - Westlake Village, CA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$649.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
See my first review
Weaknesses:
CHEAP, WEAK SEAT CLAMP. The screw is VERY EASILY stripped when tightened, which made the 2nd half of my 15-mile ride a real pain in the butt. Went to Performance and bought a seat clamp that's 100% better at $5.00. Why couldn't Fugi just equip this bike with a half-decent seat clamp?!
Bottom Line:
After several more rides, I still really like this bike a lot. It definitely rolls differently than a 26" wheeled mtn bike, which has its pros and cons ... not as quick off the line, feels a little sluggish on steep, technical climbs (much less so on less steep, long fireroad climbs ... feels really great on these), but rolls very smoothly over ruts, rocks, and is just plain fun to ride.
Switch out the cheap seat clamp ASAP so you don't get stuck in the middle of a ride without a seat after trying to adjust its height.
Use your clipless pedals, otherwise your shoes will likely rub against the front tire.
Definitely switch out the rear cassette to an 11-34. The stock 11-32 just doesn't cut it on this bike, IMHO.
I like running the tires at about 35 PSI. 40 PSI results in too harsh a ride.
The rebound damper dial/unit at the bottom of the right fork leg can be a great place to lose fork oil/grease. I found an oil spot in my garage just from this -- the heat inside the garage may have facilitated this.
Fork is not bad, could be more plush, even with only 80mm of travel.
I really like the saddle. Perfect am't of padding, great curvature for climbing, descending, riding on flats, etc. Like it even more than my Specialized models with the Minkow Wedge.
There are much lighter weight 29ers out there, for which you'll pay much more money as well. Gotta "weigh" your priorities and preferences. I just wanted a fun 29er bike to ride. I have 2 dualies I can always ride. But, for now, I'm having more fun riding the Fuji Taho 29er Comp. There's beauty in simplicity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Decoy Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Monterey, CA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fort Ord/ Toro area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
It's an excellent 29'er. The components are all-around good for the price of the bike.
Weaknesses:
I've had trouble with the Rock Shox Dart 3. The shock had to be replaced twice, due to oil leakage. I'm still trying out the replacement. I hope it works.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing to compare to yet
Bike Setup:
21.5 XL frame, standard entry level components
Bottom Line:
I really like the bike. It's my first entry level 29er into the mountain biking world. I plan to upgrade certain components as I get more into the sport, but I plan to be riding it for a long while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruin
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Pasadena, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$649.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Sure-footed handling; balanced feel; comfortable cockpit; outstanding descender, singletracker, great on corners, decent fork w/ lock-out, very smooth riding, rolls over rocks like no 26" bike can; Avid mech. disc brakes work very well (good modulation), decent saddle, very good traction on climbs
Weaknesses:
Weight (med. = 31.8 lbs.?), does not feel particularly "quick," should've been equipped with a SRAM cassette with a 34-tooth cog (32 is largest on cassette) which would make this bike feel more alive/responsive on climbs; shifters are decent (SRAM X-5, as are front and rear derailleurs, I believe), Wellgo platform pedals should be replaced with clipless models -- like another poster said, your shoe can rub against the front tire ... I'm guessing with clipless pedals, you shouldn't experience this.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first 29'er and it's a lot of fun - and different - to ride vs. 26" bikes.
Bike Setup:
100% stock.
Bottom Line:
I got a heck of a deal on this bike at Performance Bikes. The next mode up is only about 1.5 lbs. lighter, and the top-of-the-line model (MSRP = $1,900) is only about 2 lbs. lighter than this model (I bought the Comp). So, not much diff between these 3 bikes re weight. If you want to delve into the world of 29" mtn bikes, I think this is one great model/way to do so. I have a feeling that I'll be riding this bike more than my dualies. It's just a different experience riding a 29'er, and you can really push some speed on it because of how smoothly it rides over bumps, rocks, etc. VERY stable, predictable handling, which is ALWAYS a good thing. I recommend highly. But, I suppose if you're into much lighter 29" bikes and don't mind dropping a ton more money for one, you'd be happier with one reflecting these preferences.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: April 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$799.00
Strengths:
Smooth ride, components are great for a 29er in this price range. geometry works great for single track riding, it accelerates well and maintains high speeds with good control. handles tight corners well dispite wheel size. IT TEARS THROUGH MUD. the color is pretty sweet as well (not that it really affects the bike)
Weaknesses:
its a bit heavy. the old school straps arent my thing but that isnt a big issue, just get a clipless set put on. it would be nice to have hydraulic discs but the mechanicals are sufficient.
Similar Products Used:
no 29ers, this is my first, but i would recommend at least trying one, they do make a great fast ride
Bike Setup:
factory stock other then the pedal upgrade to clipless
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for fast controlled riding in technical terrain. the components are great at its price point. it is heavy, but that doesnt seem to be affecting me when i climb only on hopping over roots and rocks (the 29 inch wheels help with that though). the ride is smooth and stable i havent felt shaky on it yet (only been riding it 3 months). if you are looking for a great hardtail at this price point, test ride it, you will like the ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wolfgang Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Mays Landing, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Estelle Manor
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Tuckahoe Bike Shop
Strengths:
Cost, standard equipment
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper 29er, Gary Fisher Cobia, Caliber
Bike Setup:
Everything stock
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for a week, after a month of testing almost everything on wheels. This past weekend I took the bike to Estelle Manor County Park(9 miles and 47 minutes). It has almost every type of terrian in one big place. I made it through soft sand everyone else was getting off their bikes and walking through. I was only going fast enough to stay up but the bike never waivered. Next it was on to roots and and ruts again the bike took them with no problem. Then the Gravel hills about 8 feet up again the bike climbed easily. the finish was a tarmac road with few thousands of little stones embedded in it. The bike was real smooth over these as well. I am a weekend warrior, if the going gets though I took a wrong turn on the trail. I tried 15 different bikes (6 29er's) before settling for the Tahoe Comp 29er. The main factor is that it was a 29er and $200(with lifetime tune ups)less the nearest competitor. I am very happy with the bike it rides great and handles like a dream no matter what I rode it through. Was out today and came to a 4 1/2 inch curb with no ramp and didn't feel a thing as the bike climbed right over it(South Jersey SideWalks). i could go on for ever as the more i write the more memories come great bike at a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernie
a Weekend Warrior
from Southwoods, Philippines Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bolinao, Caliraya and Carmona Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$688.00
Purchased At:
Grantrail
Strengths:
Very nice set up, parts are just enough,strong frame, the fork rock shox dart 3's adjustments works well and a NO NUMBNESS ride handling.
Weaknesses:
There is a tendency that your foot will touch the frontwheel during steering. A little practice will solve the problem. The pedal is an old school strap type but actually not a big issue on me, I dont like clipless anyway.
Wanna try a 29er? Well this is the best bike to begin with ( or to with end with ) if you are experiencing numbness in the arms during long ride, in this bike i never experienced it. The spare parts chosen by Fuji is just enough to handle the bike and the rider, no need really for an upgrade. This is a nice buy bike, you get your money's worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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