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Average Rating
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4.46/5
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# of Reviews
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37
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MSRP
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$ 1379.99
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Weight
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More Products from Gary Fisher
Submit a Review
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Description:Frame
Platinum Series ZR9000 internally and externally butted aluminum | Disc Specific | Genesis 29" Geometry
Wheels
Bontrager Superstock 29 Disc wheelsystem | Bontrager Jones XR 29x2.25 tires
Suspension
RockShox Reba SL Dual Air 29 fork | External rebound, internal floodgate, external compression and lock-out | Butted aluminum steerer | 80mm travel
Componentry
SRAM X.7 rear derailleur + X.7 Trigger shifters + Shimano M-510 Deore front derailleur | Bontrager Select 44/32/22 crank | Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes w/6" rotor | Shimano M505 ATB clipless pedals
Sizes
SM (15.5") | MD (17.5") | LG (19") | XL (21") | (Sizing)
Color(s)
Pearl Orange
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Submitted by
knoxvegas
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Haw Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | I would like to start off by saying I'm a pretty new rider. The bike fits great (5'10' 175lbs). I was hesitant at first in buying a 29er due to my size, but the G2 geomotry is great. I think for the price and what you get for the componets it's a great buy. Being my first true mt. bike purchase, I didn't want to over spend. I feel with the X-cal I definatley got my money's worth. | | Weaknesses: | The fox fork went dead on me within the first 20 miles of riding this bike. Fox is curently taking care of this. Getting used to the Scram shifters. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | As is but it did come with a Scram x.9 front deralier and I put on some crank bro. peddles | | Bottom Line: | This is a fun bike to ride. And that's what it's all about, having fun on what you ride. Full supension, hardtail, 29er, whatever just ride and enjoy it. Like I said above I think this bike is a great buy for what you get and I didn't find that with anyother bikes that I looked at(salsa, specialzed). Great bikes but too much cash for my wallet. I would suggest this bike to anyone who might be thinking about getting on a 29er but isn't sure. This bike handles much like a 26 bike (I rode a 26 hardtail for about a year before this purchase). Enjoy | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kpmull
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Shane's Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | George's Cycles (Downtown Boise) | | Strengths: | Big. I prefer a big bike and this bike feels big. "Hope you got a lot of room in your trunk for my bike." This thing floats over sand. I breezed past several more fit and capable riders during a race because they got bogged down in soft sand. My bigger tires floated on top. Check out the race video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2jqhZu3avY
Another Strength: All the guys I ride with are jealous of my big tires. Size matters.
| | Weaknesses: | It takes uphills well altho on steep sections I have to lean over the front tire to keep it from lifting off during the powerful pedal strokes. Not sure if this is due to more traction in back or different geometry of frame. Tight turns are more difficult on this large bike. I have not had the problems with the front brakes that other bigger guys have written about. BTW you can NOT switch to 8 in. Rotors (for more stopping power) on the stock Rockshok Reba Forks. It voids the warranty on the RockShok forks. You have to upgrade to Fox 29er forks which cost more than than this whole bike. While changing a flat, I noticed the tires have a lot of "play" in them. They have to be seated in the rim EXACTLY right then inflated properly or you risk them coming of the rim. It happened to me. Lesson learned. No injuries to me or the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing Similar. I was riding a 20 year old Trek Singletrack 930 before I made this HUGE leap in technology. | | Bike Setup: | I got rid of the clip-less pedals that came with the bike. I put on Kore platforms. I may raise the stem on the handlebars a little in the future. I'm 6'1" 220lbs. I was riding a 21" frame but with the larger tires I was able to drop down to a 19" frame but the bike still feels big and comfortable for a bigger rider. | | Bottom Line: | If you are over 6 ft. 200lbs. you NEED to be on a 29er! Riding this bike makes riding more FUN so I WANT to ride more, isn't that what it is all about? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Croydon Cycleworks | | Strengths: | As a preface to this interview I'll just say that I've only ridden a few other 29ers and I can only compare to these and 26" bikes that I've ridden before.
Firstly, this bike is great value. Originally I planned to by it just for the parts and swap out the frame for a dual suspension design, but I like it so much as is that I've stuck with it. The frame is the same as the Paragon and the Cobia, just the parts and colour schemes change between them.
The Fox fork is excellent, and can be modified to 100mm travel by removing an internal spacer.
Shifting and breaking is as you would expect. The tires are an excellent all rounder and do well on most surfaces except loose gravel. The wheels seem reasonably light for the size. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck. Has occurred a couple of times and due to limited clearance usually results in the chain becoming jammed against the frame. This happened so severely during a race (2km's from the finish!!) that I had to take apart the chain to free it. I may have to add a chain saver if this keeps happening with the new chain.
The rear bearings cones have become loose occasionally, and there is some creaking- seeming to come from the seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon, Kona Kula 2-9 | | Bike Setup: | Stock '08 plus barends and new KMC chain. Time ATAC XE pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Seems to be the best value of the three similar Fisher bikes (against the Paragon and Cobia).
Doesn't feel like a 'big' bike, handling is great and for some reason the big wheels make it feel like you could trackstand for days.
A very solid, fast, fun bike to ride- with only a couple of niggles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Amey
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | rogeramey@grapevine.com.au | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Culture | | Strengths: | Love the bike now that I'm used to it, able to do things I wasn't game to try before | | Weaknesses: | Initially the big problem was chain suck which Bike culture has tried to address with a new chain and is now better but not entirely fixed. But now the prblem is the crack that has appeared where the top tube meets the seat tube. I understand another two bikes in our area have had the same problem. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Great bike but trek who sell the bike in Australia do not have any warranty frames and have to send to the US to get more. I will be without a bike for I don't know how long. If Garry Fisher/Trek are going to sell bikes they need to be able to address problems so that their clients can stay on a bike. I'm not happy. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan McGuire
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | rattlesnake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$132900.00 | | Purchased At: | jax's | | Strengths: | This bike is a great climber compared to the trek 6000 that i had earlier in the year. I love the 29' tires that role right over everything. the Fox f29 air shock that it came with makes it a breeze to adjust on the trial for changing conditions. | | Weaknesses: | i have only had a little problem with the brakes not breaking in correctly and the chain slipping once or twice
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock other than i switched to the crank brothers 50/50 pedals
| | Bottom Line: | this was a great buy and all my friends who i have let ride it love it. They are wanting to get one as well. I love this bike wont be trading it in for a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from acworth, GA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | blanket's | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Free Flight Bikes | | Strengths: | The Fox shock is far better than the Reba as far as travel, weight, and ease of use. The X9 rear derallier and X7 front area a great combination for any trail surface. Hyd/ brakes have great stopping power for a +215 rider. Frame is light and color is sweet. Wheels and tires are a perfect combo for climbing and going over logs, rocks, etc. | | Weaknesses: | No stock pedals but not a big issue. | | Similar Products Used: | GF Paragon, Niner, 69er, Specialized Rockhopper or stumpjumper 29er. | | Bike Setup: | Great for the price..... Sram X7 front and triggers, X9 rear, Deore Hyd. brakes, Rythem rims w/ Jones tires, FOX 33 shock, Oh yeah Bontrager seatpost, seat, stem,etc. etc. | | Bottom Line: | Bike rides smooth and handles anything I have given it. Took a while to get use to the bigger wheels (29er) but after a few rides no comp. vs. a 26er. For the price you get many upgraded components over similar bike models. If you are looking for a bike just under $1500 you cannot go wrong with the X-Caliber. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Yarra - You Yangs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very nicely put together bike. Great colour. Great Fox fork. Good specs for the price. Good quality Bonty parts. | | Weaknesses: | I have had a few flats already. A couple from paunctures through the Bonty Jones tyres and a couple because the rim tape was poorly applied (easily fixed). | | Similar Products Used: | Kona 2-9, Haro Mary XC | | Bike Setup: | Stock but upgraded cranks to LX ones I had lying around | | Bottom Line: | OK, so this review is for the 2008 model with the Fox F29 (G2) fork and Deore hydro brakes. I love this bike. I have been very tempted to buy a full sus 26er for a while as that is what most of my riding buddies ride but decided on the 29er so i could pull a trailer and do some camping trips with the kids. I am really glad I did. I love the way this bike feels. The steering is much more resposive than my cross bike or rigid ss 26er (bordering om twitchy). It did take a while to master the steering on the bike too as I seemed to oversteer corners on my first few rides but I have it sorted now and love the way it feels. Low and high speed stability is great. And the bike just fits well.
It is a bit harder to get the 29er wheels rolling (compared to my cross bike anyway) but once they are going nothing seems to stop them.
I recommend this bike if your riding needs are varied but you still want a competant trail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from reading, pa.
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | blue marsh | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | spokes hamburg, pa. | | Strengths: | great climber, alot of speed on any descent. goes thru water, mud, logs with ease. like having a 4x4 mt. bike. you'll never want to go back to a 26" bike. took out my full suss trek when my 29 was in 4 a 6 month tuneup, it was like a tricycle. i love the cockpit of a 29er | | Weaknesses: | would go with hydraulic brakes instead of the bb7 mechanical brakes that come stock. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike. great ride. simply sweet. get a29er. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray W
a Racer
from Puyallup
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Skookum Flats | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycles | | Strengths: | Quality of construciton. Reliable components, Well spec'd for the price. Genisis Geometry | | Weaknesses: | ??? | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first 29'er | | Bike Setup: | Stock, no reason to change anything | | Bottom Line: | It was a big decision to try a 29'er for me. Glad I did. I have not experienced any of the negatives you may read about, (slow accerleration, slow cornering, whatever). This bike climbs. Actually it outclimbs. The longer contact patch from the bigger tires provides noticably better traction in corners and climbing. You can even get away with standing up on climbs in lose dirt without spinning out and foot dabbing. You'll also cruise through deep sand and water while maintaining more momentum. You'll notice a lot more momentum going over / through roots, logs, and rock gardens.
As far as the components go, I've been very pleased. I already have Sram on my other bikes. I haven't been able to cake enough mud on the cassette to keep it from shifting. It shifts everytime. I really like the fork, had a problem with an inner seal a few laps into a 24hr race but the folks at RockShox took very good care of me. The only thing I would consider changing is 7 or 8 inch rotors. The bigger wheels could use the extra stopping power. The wheelset is actually nicer than I expected. The spoke tension is higher than I've seen from other wheelsets (mavic). I did end up tensioning them up after the first few rides. I think this is critical to avoid the problems folks have had with the tire rubbing the frame.
I raced this bike in a 24hr. earlier this year. I was riding 1hr. 12 min laps, blew a seal in the fork and had to switch to my back up bike (with standard 26inch wheels) I ended up riding 1hr. 20min laps on this bike. I ended up doing half my laps on the 29'er the other half on my back up bike. I realize this isn't a scientific test but I think it is indicative of the difference in momentum between the two wheel sizes.
The best part of all though, I always smile when I think about riding this bike, and it's all grins out on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Wakefield, Ma, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Sale | | Strengths: | This bike climbs and descends very well. Much better than I expected. The Reba fork is also a great performer. I had a 100mm 26" version on a previous bike, but the 29" 80mm feels much smoother. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur clearance. Chain suck (Bonty crank). Handling at very slow speeds. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first 29er. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock. I put a WTB Motoraptor 2.1 on the rear and it has eliminated all the tire clearance issues it had. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great value for an avid mountain biker looking to try bigger wheels. Handling at slower speeds isn't exactly quick or sharp, but get these wheels rolling and its a blast. The faster this bike goes the more fun it is. Climbing is decent as well. The big wheels dig in and hold on. This bike puts a smile on my face every time I'm on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Cullen
a Racer
from Grosse Pointe
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | anywhere i can get | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | American Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | 29er, in combination with the Genisis technology | | Weaknesses: | rear tire clearance | | Similar Products Used: | all fisher xc bikes as well a trek xc bikes | | Bike Setup: | X-cal
185mm front disc conversion
xt front derailer
x-9 rear
lx cassette | | Bottom Line: | This bike and I have been through alot. Im extremly tough on bikes (i'm 6'7").
I stretched my chain the first day I rode the bike. It was SRAM if that means anything. I switched it out for a Shimano, then the next day the rear derailer went, turns out the SRAM cassette in the rear had plastic spacers, and the were toasted after the initial construction of the bike. I went LX because the guys at the bike shop got me it for free. Next thing to go was the front derailer, it had to be bent in order to shift. After that I rode and raced it a little, and managed to over torque my middle chain ring and bend the hell out of it. I got fed up and spent my next pay check on a few up grades. Nothing ever was wrong with the brakes I just wanted the big rotor look and stoping power up front. So with the purchase of the new toys, X-9, XT new rings... my bike turned out pretty well.
The thing is an absolute beast I have been over boulders and logs that would have eaten up and beginner rider like myself on a 26 inch bike. Water is also no object. It crosses 3 ft of water like its riding hard pack.
As for the geometry...
The inch longer top tube and shorter chain stays tuck the rear tire well underneath the seat and create a ton of traction. No longer do I slip on every little incline or sand/gravel patch I hit. The 29er specific geometry change is the drop in bottom braket placment. The big wheels allow for the drop and it lowers the center of gravity. It feels more comfortable balance wise then a 26".
The bike is perfect. Everything works now. And you cannot beat big tires, and Genisis geometry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wesley Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kessler's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Fayetteville Bicycle Company | | Strengths: | The greatest strength of this bike is the fact that it's a 29er. Climbs, descents, and pedaling are made so much easier with a bigger wheelbase. After riding the 29er, it's highly unlikely you'll ever go back to a standard Mt. Bike. When I first starting riding the X-Caliber, I felt like I was on an actual Mt. Bike, something that was made for trails. On my old KHS, I've had several problems with clearing logs, rocks and roots. Stuff I had never been able to clear is now made easy with my new bike. It's very plush and the fact that it's a hardtail doesn't really matter. I've ridden full-suspension bikes, and the X-Caliber feels every bit as plush as anything I've ever ridden for a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | I've only had this bike for a month and am already wanting to switch out the pedals. I'm not too hot on the shifters, either. I've ridden about nine times and am already have problems with the front derailleurs. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Caffeine 29er | | Bike Setup: | 2003 KHS ALITE 500, 2007 Gary Fisher X-Caliber | | Bottom Line: | I would definitely buy this bike again. 29er is the only way to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from scituate,ma.usa
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | cohassett cycle sports | | Strengths: | Fast,Cool looking,Good fit for a tall guy,Great value.
Its a 29er! | | Weaknesses: | not alot of rear-tire clearance. speced tire rubbed sometimes and didnt get enough traction in the conditions i ride. replaced tires and pedals right away. paint has chipped a little too easily. | | Similar Products Used: | none...my first mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock except tires, better Shimano pedals, new Race-Face Deus 180mm crankset(I have long legs). | | Bottom Line: | I am new to mountain biking. After monthes of test rides and reviewing, this is the bike I chose as my first. I am 6'2" 195lbs. The 26" bikes I tried felt like kid's bikes to me,perhaps being used to road riding. I decided a 29er was the way to go for me. Mostly looking to trail ride for fitness,and wanting a versitile ride,I decided to go hardtail.
The X-cal fit into my budget and the large size I test rode fit me nice.
I don't have alot of experience and my riding isnt very technical. But I have been riding hard and fast 4 times per week for the last year...sun,rain, and snow.
This bike has yet to fail me once.
Slippage issues went away with a tire upgrade and I am planning on a few more upgrades to lighten 'er up a bit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from West Bend, WI
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ice Age | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Moraine | | Strengths: | Excellent climber. Stock set up will easily keep you on the trail. Front suspension handles rocks and roots even for a heavier rider. | | Weaknesses: | Rear wheel not centered in frame and rubbed paint off frame. Returning to shop for diagnostics, possible new frame needed. A problem with some 29er's is the flex that will cause the wheel to rub, even if it is centered, on hard climbs. One of GF/Trek fixes is to change the tire size from a 2.25 to a 2.1.
Grips are slippery when wet.
Electrical cable ties holding down cables to fork and frame, very hillbilly. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except replaced grips with Ergons. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden a FS for eight years and was contemplating a new FS but fell in love with 29er. I love being back on a hard tail and the climbing capabilites of the bike is awesome. This bike has really increased my confidence on trails and hills.
The frame problem is definitely a bummer and hope my shop/GF will get it fixed quickly but I love the 29er and so will you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from rhode island
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | lincoln woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | goodales bike shop, nashua NH | | Strengths: | A good bike for climbing, especially in loose conditions. | | Weaknesses: | Of all the mountain bikes I have owned (listed here), this is by far the most unstable. It performed well on the flats and on mild terrain. However, it did not handle well at all on the tight, twisty, rocky, and steep terrain that I ride. Moreover, keeping the rear wheel aligned was a real problem. The rear tire (which came with the bike)would rub against the frame and eat away at it. In terms of design, there is very little space between the rear wheel and the frame. The bike shop I bought it at also recognized that other x-calibers had had difficulty in maintaining the rear wheel aligned. | | Similar Products Used: | marin bolinas ridge, trek fuel ex7, specialized stumpjumper HT | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A good climbing bike for mild trails (in part due to the 29er wheels), but an inadequate one for agressive technical riding. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a
from Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | World Cycle, Boise | | Strengths: | 29" does have its advantages, especially for us over 6'. The weight is decent for this price point, and the componentry has been suitable as well. I have had a bit of rear derailluer (sp) missing, but that ought to be easily fixed.
The X-Cal is the bargain of the bunch when it comes to 29ers. I compared this to the Paragon and really didn't see the advantage of $300 more cost.
The shop I bought from was also very helpful. I highly recommend World Cycle out of Boise. VERY knowledgeable and passionate about biking. | | Weaknesses: | None Yet. | | Bottom Line: | Best bang for the buck I could find. Highly recommended. World Cycle, too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Temecula, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | cychopath bike shop-Temecula, CA | | Weaknesses: | *updated*
Seems that the front derailleur is "NOT UPGRADABLE". GF/Trek would not take an XT front derailleur from stock for the Paragon and sell it as a replacement for a Deore that i wrecked. I cant blame them for that actually, especially since apparently there are NO MORE LEFT. According to the bike shop i purchased this bike from, not only can you not upgrade the front derailleur on this bike (because shimano/sram no longer manufactures one that fits), the Paragon will now be issued w/ a Deore front derailleur as well,instead of the XT that they advertise.
....WOW, is this bad design/planning on the part of GF/Trek.
Also: The cassette on this bike is junk. It failed and was replaced after one month of heavy use. | | Bike Setup: | .......well, guess what kind of front derailleur i'm using (insert heavy rolling of the eyes here). | | Bottom Line: | As i said in my previous review, its a great frame. I really like the genesis geometry, but Ive gotta admit, Im pretty disappointed in the fact that im stuck w/ a Deore front derailleur for the life of the bike, or at least until a manufacturer designs/re-issues a better one that will fit this bike.
Ive tried to contact GF about this several time through their online site and got no response. I guess they feel that if they cant offer an optomistic answer, the question isnt worth answering at all.
...Would i buy this bike again? No, i would not. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Temecula, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | cychopath bike shop | | Strengths: | A great feeling 29'er. Im 6'7" tall, and was looking for a big bike that handled like a small one. This fit the bill. It has a great frame, love the geometry. Great fork. Ive had no problems w/ the brakes, or the seatpost, as described in other reviews. Overall, a great mid-range bike w/ lots of potential given improvements in componentry. | | Weaknesses: | ...my first upgrade was a front derallieur that i wrecked. Turns out upgrading to the xt wasnt possible because the model that fits the small rear wheel space (space between the seat tube and rear tire) is no longer being made. ...even though its the stock item on the paragon. Fortunately for me, the shop i purchased the bike from convinced trek/gf to take one off of the paragon assembly line (which is the only place they exist) and send it to me. ..GFisher says they are in the process of an agreement for a sram upgrade that will fit, but not until next year. ...whatever. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, questionable upgradabilty in spots where 29'ers are known for being difficult. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA, usa
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | @thehub bikes, athens | | Strengths: | Great frame and fit (for me); nice fork; price; mostly good mid-range components; zero snob appeal | | Weaknesses: | pedals are awful; wheels are form over substance with no weight savings | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, except switched out pedals for Shimano 520's, replaced wheels with "normal" 32 spoke wheels, selle italia flite saddle, old easton carbon seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It's the '07 model, which I think is about the same a 06 except for color. After riding hardtails since 1990, I was looking to drop alot more money on my first full suspension bike, but didn't find one that fit me in any of the local shops. For the hell of it, I tried out the 19" X-Caliber and it fit me perfectly, so I bought it. It feels just as nimble as my 26" cannondales - none of the sluggishness that I have heard 29ers have. I had thought that the supposed benefits of 29ers was just hype, but it's true - the bike climbs better and deals with roots and logs much more easily. It's no magic bullet, but it's definitely an improvement over my past hardtails. The only major problem with the bike is the pedals (shim. 505's I think) - these are no good for off-road riding and are throw-backs to the days of the original SPDs with no mud clearance which locked you feet in when there is just a little mud built up on the pedals. The bontrager superstock wheels also did not excite me. These are clearly designed to just look racy. I have never had many problems with wheels, but I didn't want to take my chances with 28 spoke wheels, so I replaced these right away with sturdier 32 spoke XT/Salsa Delgado wheels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey Schlaegle
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh pa USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bavington | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek of Pittsburgh | | Strengths: | Great frame, Great climbing bike, Solid fork with lockout, great wheelset, overall great bike | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | paragon | | Bike Setup: | XTR shifters, X-lite carbon bars, XT rear der, XTR hydraulic brakes, x-lite stem, race lite cranks, m-520 pedals, odi lock on grips | | Bottom Line: | great bike, i am not a fan of sram shifters (personal prefrence) go out and buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hatfield
a Cross Country Rider
from Manassas, VA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | one i can ride | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane, Burke, VA | | Strengths: | I am an average rider at best but log a lot of miles and on various trails. this bike makes me a better rider and it effortlessly rolls over stuff and climbs like a maniac. | | Weaknesses: | rear derailleur? I was riding today and twig got caught up in the rear wheel somehow and before I could stop the derailleur snapped off and the chain was wrapped around my foot. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, trek 7500 (ha!) cannondale rush, santa cruz blur, | | Bike Setup: | right off the shelf | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden most of the trails around here in NoVA and effortly roll over terrain I was a little scared of to be honest. Just got back from a weeks worth of riding i the poconos which is nothing but freaking rocks everywhere. (I never knew rocks came in so many angles) I have a little trouble in tight turns or switchbacks but i think that is my inexperience as a rider more than the bike. bottom line i would reccomend this bike to all entry and intermediate riders. I did just break my rear derailleur but I walked into the bike Lane and they fixed it on the spot as well as giving it a quick once over for me. GREAT shop!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from New Gloucester, Maine
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | CAPE ABLE KENNEBUNKPORT MAINE | | Strengths: | first 29er and bike fits and handles extremely well, nice frame weight and finish quality (handmade in USA) Reba fork performs flawlessly at 85mm (adjustable to 115mm)and 150lbs pressure- soaks up stutter and big hits equally well, bb7 brakes, nice tyres (Bonty Jones) | | Weaknesses: | rear bonty housebrand hub tough to dial in- it's not centerlock, crankarms are scary close to the chainstays, stock seatpost nothing special. I should mention the plastic headbadge is weinerish and was quickly replaced with my LBS logo sticker- Cape Able! | | Similar Products Used: | Klein- similar frame in 26" | | Bike Setup: | 2007 stock except: Bonty 118 ti bar, race stem, and foam grips, thompson post with race lite ti seat or USE ti xc suspension post with litespeed saddle, replaced rings with FSA 32-22and custom bashguard-(a machined down racelite 42t) srp bolt kit, 540 pedals, sram hollow plate chain, xt cassette. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent trailbike or xc racer (with a few small changes), Smart design. Superior handling and performance- really nice frame, mix of some nice and some generic parts- awesome fork- no regrets. This bike is as capable as an aluminum hardtail gets. The service at the Fisher dealer (Cape Able), represents and backs the product very well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Humber Thumper
a Cross Country Rider
from North East Lincolnshire
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | River Humber South Bank | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Berkshire Cycles | | Strengths: | The frame and fork are fantastic! Capable of far more than I am, but still make me feel confident and competent. I ride 20 to 30 miles every day in all weathers, I feel part of the bike rather than 'riding on it'.
The geometry is very forgiving, the whole 29er thing is all about stabilty and speed - it just eats up stuff that I struggle with on a 'normal' bike. | | Weaknesses: | The bike is quite long. I had to adjust the reach with a short stem and raised bars. This is probably more to do with me than the bike.
There are few dealers in the UK making test rides and fitting all but impossible.
These bikes are expensive in the UK. £900.00! | | Similar Products Used: | Claude Butler Hybrid, much loved, much modded, much stollen! | | Bike Setup: | Shorter elevated Bontrager Race Stem, raised Bontrager Race bars, Specialised BG Sport saddle Big Apple tyres for fast dry weather rides. Specialised BG Grips. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you look good and annoy the b'jesus out of 26" purists. Buy one for that reason alone.
Frame is great, fork is the dog's.
Componentry is good without being exotic.
'Ave it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Beaverdam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1249.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Bikes of Raleigh | | Strengths: | This bike comes with a great set of components, especially for the price. For a BIG bike, it is prety light and rolls over anything. The increased contact patch of the 29" tires makes for better traction, especailly while climbing. The performance of the Reba front fork is also fantastic. Buying from Trek of Raleigh was great too, good staff. | | Weaknesses: | The new geometry and bigger wheels take some getting used to, but worth the time investment. Throw away the stock grips, they are slippery when wet! | | Similar Products Used: | No other 29" bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a 8" front disk. | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike. It is a lot for the money straight from the factory. I am not a stellar rider but the capabilities of this bike have allowed me to greatly improve my riding, and it's a blast to run over everything without slowing down! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville MN USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheel | | Strengths: | The sram x7 drivetrain and the avid bb7 brakes perform flawlessly. The Reba fork is fantastic. The 29" wheels roll over everything. | | Weaknesses: | The gel seat has mushy feeling and the hubs seem to have a bit a resistance, although they are not noticeable on the trail. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first 29" wheeled bike although I have owned and ridden many hardtail and full suspension 26" wheeled bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Bike is set as it came from the factory with the exception of a Rockshox suspension seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | If you have never ridden a 29" wheeled bike it takes a few turns to get the feel of it (as in any time you change to a new bike). But once you get used to it the bike is fast smooth and an outstandidng performer. The 29" wheels really do make a difference in smoothing out the rough trail and climbing is a snap because of the larger contact patch, slipping on loose climbs is a thing of the past.
If you have not ridden a 29" wheeled bike you are missing out. While it may not be for everyone's riding style sprinters specificlly, for the majority of the riders it will make a huge difference in your speed and control.
I have raced this bike a few times and my lap times have come down while feeling less fatigued at the end of the race.
I am converted.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew G.
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Improved Genesis Geometry is fantastic. 29ers are awesome. The increased contact area and wheel diameter make for greater momentum, improved climbing, and the ability to rol over just about anything. 29ers are as advertised. Not to mention, very comfortable compared to my 26" hardtail. A great compromise if you don't want to spend the money and have the hassle of maintaining a full suspension bike, while getting the benefits of a more comfortable ride. Not to mention, you get the climbing efficiency of a hardtail. The Avid Mech. Discs are awesome and low maintenance. The Reba SL is a dream so far.
| | Weaknesses: | None really other than it's a bit on the heavy side, even after swapping out some parts. The bontrager superstock 29" wheels are most likely the culprit. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st and only 29er I've ever ridden, so I can't compare to some of the others. | | Bike Setup: | XT RD, SRAM X-Gen FD, FSA V-Drive Cranks w/ ISIS gigapipe BB, Eggbeater pedals, Avid BB7 Discs, Reba SL (80mm), SRAM X-7 Shifter (front), LX shifter (rear), Cane Creek S-2 headset, WTB Laser V saddle. everything else is stock (Bontrager wheels, hubs, riser bars, stem, seat post, etc.). | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line this is a great bike. I actually have the '05, which is black metallic, but I got a sweet deal. The stock bike ran me $1000, and I put on parts from my old bike and some new stuff from ebay, put me just over $1300. The performance of this bike was so fantastic, I just have such a blast riding it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike America | | Strengths: | Fisher frame with good components (Reba fork is amazing), 29 inch wheels and at the right price | | Weaknesses: | ISIS BB | | Similar Products Used: | Paragon | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you're looking for a great value in the 29er market | |
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