Gary Fisher bike owners! or people that've rode one

projectsome

As my Gary fisher is pretty much the only mtb I've owned I'm curious as to what people think about this G2 geometry handling etc compared to normal mtb bikes in the same class.


Is there much difference in handling etc?

What's your general view?

Although I've not ridden any other mtb before I feel as though my fisher can oversteer quite alot sometimes (perhaps I'd probably oversteer on most bikes)

.blitz

projectsome wrote:

As my Gary fisher is pretty much the only mtb I've owned I'm curious as to what people think about this G2 geometry handling etc compared to normal mtb bikes in the same class.

Personally, I don't think it works very well on the FS Fishers. I had a quick spin on a HiFi last year and at very low speeds, it felt like a BMX with a 80 degree head angle. Although it was OK when it was rolling, there was always this feeling that the front end was going to fold under.

Earlier this year, mrs.blitz bought a Hookooekoo and it feels very different. It is nimble and quick-steering on slow technical terrain, hands-off stable on fireroads and very composed on DH. There's still something slightly odd about the geometry at walking speeds but if it's your only bike I don't think it would be noticeable and anyway who rides around at walking speeds?

projectsome

.blitz wrote:

projectsome wrote:

As my Gary fisher is pretty much the only mtb I've owned I'm curious as to what people think about this G2 geometry handling etc compared to normal mtb bikes in the same class.

Personally, I don't think it works very well on the FS Fishers. I had a quick spin on a HiFi last year and at very low speeds, it felt like a BMX with a 80 degree head angle. Although it was OK when it was rolling, there was always this feeling that the front end was going to fold under.

Earlier this year, mrs.blitz bought a Hookooekoo and it feels very different. It is nimble and quick-steering on slow technical terrain, hands-off stable on fireroads and very composed on DH. There's still something slightly odd about the geometry at walking speeds but if it's your only bike I don't think it would be noticeable and anyway who rides around at walking speeds?

I ride at walking speeds. 90% of my falls are because I/the bike turns quickly and unexpectedly!

It's like the bike goes "OMFG a corner!" and gets excited.

It's true what the reviews say. concentrate or you're a goner!!!!!

.blitz

projectsome wrote:

It's like the bike goes "OMFG a corner!" and gets excited.

Yes that pretty much sums it up

Justinjured

Have had my hookooekoo for 3 years now (have upgraded everything apart from the fork!) and am also curious to what the g2 geometry is like.

Bought mine because of the lively ride feel. Even though it is a cracking ride most of the time, because of the laid back saddle position, it can be a really chore doing technical climbs with your weight towards the back. As mentioned this also plays a part when you need a bit of weight on the front tyre. I find i'm not careful when doing tight hairpin bends up hill the front will unexpectedly just come up off the ground and try and dump me on the floor. Most of the time though I really enjoy the quick light feel to the steering

If i bought another bike would consider the big sur, as the equipment levels on the hkek at the mo are pretty poor.(i suppose thats because the frame is the main selling point.)

.blitz

Justinjured wrote:

If i bought another bike would consider the big sur, as the equipment levels on the hkek at the mo are pretty poor

It probably is compared to a three-year old HKEK but it's not that bad

Recon 335 coil fork, white juicy 3s, non-series Shimano cranks/hubs, SRAM X7 shifters with a X9 mech, Bonty rims and tyres and it has the same frame as the Big Sur. A much better spec than a Trek or Giant for the same price.

mrs.blitz has fitted (read: I fitted) a flat bar and bar-ends which allegedly help on the climbs. The OE bar was a weird flat-but-swept-back thing which never really looked right but otherwise the HKEK is a fine machine.

nathanst170

hi there projectsome am i right in thinking that you have had your frame replaced under warrenty ?
also was your old forks G2 geometry?
because i have had my 2006 frame replaced for the second time and the new frame is a 2009 and i have just normal forks(manatou R7s) on it and it seems fine.

projectsome

nathanst170 wrote:

hi there projectsome am i right in thinking that you have had your frame replaced under warrenty ?
also was your old forks G2 geometry?
because i have had my 2006 frame replaced for the second time and the new frame is a 2009 and i have just normal forks(manatou R7s) on it and it seems fine.

nope, original 08 frame still going strong. G1 I think. Think G2 is 09.

The Big Cheese

I had (albeit briefly) a GF Rig 29er, and I must admit I really liked the geo on it, just sold it in the end as it was not getting used (wish I hadn't now!!)

timthetinyhorse

im running a 1998 supercaliber with marz x2-fly forks, crossmax wheels, thomson layback post and full xtr chainset and Vs and its a demon, climbs like its flat and ist too bad coming down if not a tad "lively"

its the best hardtail iv ridden in ages and well worth the £320 i paid for it (and it had SIDs on uintill i killed them)

on the strength of mine 2 other riding friends also have fishers

club gary fisher all the way

rob

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Hifi Pro for me, though can't really compare it to anything as it's my first bike Preferred it to the Trek Ex8 and the Scott Spark 35 as it felt better in the saddle, to me. The reviews on the geometry sum it up well as it does feel like it is going to tuck the front wheel under, until you get used to it. Once you are there it really is great on the corners and turns very well.

I changed the stem for the 105mm that is standard to a 70mm and it has made it even more responsive. I love it

timthetinyhorse

once on a fisher, always on a fisher................they just work :-)