Good value for the money. Good components, nice ride, and weighs in just around 29 pounds with pedals.
Cons:
The bottom bracket height is a major issue for me. I probably would not have bought the bike had I known. In the course of a 9 mile loop at French Creek, PA (renowned for its rocky single track) I must have had about a dozen pedal strikes against rocks. At Fountainhead, VA I probably had the same amount on the trail's numerous tree roots. I'm adapting to it by back pedaling and timing my revolutions but having the bottom bracket so low negates some of the advantages of having a 29er. I've got enough to worry about without worrying about whether my pedals are going to launch me. Also, since I'm racing this bike, instead of pedaling all out now I have to finesse it in the rock gardens.
For comparison, here is the ground to bottom of the pedal clearance for my bikes. My pedals are Shimano XTR M970's.
Cannondale Prophet FS All Mountain 26"- 140mm clearance.
Gary Fisher Paragon hard tail 29"- 120mm clearance.
Gary Fisher Supercaliber FS 29"- 110mm.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from the bike but if you plan on riding in rough XC terrain you will have to pay close attention to your pedal position or risk a nasty crash.
Product rating is lower due to bottom bracket otherwise it would be 4 or maybe 5.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
Rider: 45 y/o. 5'10" 190 lbs. Beginner class XC racer. Endurance racer.
Other bikes: 2006 Cannondale Prophet 1000 and 2006 Gary Fisher Paragon.
I bought an 07 SuperCaliber 29er to race XC on this season. Paid $2200 for it at Race Pace in Columbia, MD. I only have about 65-70 miles on this bike but it has been under race pace conditions on hilly, tight, rooty and rocky singletrack (Fountainhead, VA and French Creek, PA). The bike handles well and is stable on descents. It's very forgiving to a beginning racer. I've already upgraded the rear derailleur and shifters to SRAM X0 from the X9's. Major improvement! Night and day. I'm also running NoTubes. I'm considering a custom wheel set but I have to say that the Bontrager wheels that came with the bike are both light and strong.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by Easy Rider 42 - 11/10/2006 10:49:14 AM
Pros:
Comfort level, speed, safety going over large obstacles
Cons:
Sram shifting smooth but hard to get at the forward shifter.
Time Used:
Less Than A Month
Comments:
For me, there is no comparison between a 26" set of wheels and the 29" wheels on the Fisher models. The 29s offer a much smoother ride and I can generate more speed on straightaways. Being tall with long legs, the larger frame on the 29 helps to make a great fit. I'll never go back to 26 now that I've had a chance to feel the 29. For true mountain bikers who want to race, the reduced maneuverability of the 29s would be a definite drawback. But for those of us who want a smooth ride above all else, these bikes are the best.
Rating:
Recommendation:
Yes I would recommend it to a friend
Submitted by jamie - 10/12/2006 4:10:11 AM
Pros:
Excellent handling, superb traction. The remote shock lock out/release is a great feature.
Cons:
It is heavier than my 26er but the fun factor traction and ability to ride safely over obstacles outweighs the couple of pounds
Time Used:
3 Months
Comments:
I have been riding a 26er for 20 years. It has been great. We have excellent trails with tight technical single track here. I rode the Supercal 29 and realized a completely new comfort and skill riding over logs, roots, rock gardens, loose shale and rocks, and around switchbacks. I quickly learned to take a 29er line. This generally is the outer edge of a switchback. I can actually carry more speed into a turn and accelerate out of the turn better.
The bike forgives my skill deficits. I no longer have to pick my way between protruding rocks, roots, and logs. Just point the thing where you want to go, carry enough momentum and you are there. Riding has been a competely new experience. I will never go back to a 26er. Well worth the wait saving up for this nice bike. I love it when I can ride and nearly forget about the bike. It is more like flowing through the woods and trails. The bike responds to subtle body positional changes exceptionally well. Pure fun. This is what mtn. biking should be!
