DirtWorld - Mountain Bike Guide  
DirtWorld - Mountain Bike Guide Tuesday, June 18th  
     HOME > PRODUCT REVIEWS > BICYCLES/FRAMES > MOUNTAIN BICYCLES


Gary Fisher Tassajara
Number of Reviews:   22
Average Rating:




Submitted by michigan rider - 7/3/2011 6:48:35 AM
Pros: bike can make it through it all
Cons: hardtail and weak front forks
Time Used: More than 2 years
Comments: rode slick rock trail in utah, rode trails in colorado, rode trails in michigan. Never had a problem. If you can make it through slick rock on this bike it can do it all, no need to waste money on other bikes
Rating: 4
Recommendation: No I would not recommend it to a friend

Submitted by rimjob - 1999 or 2000 Tass - 5/14/2008 4:11:32 PM
Pros: I've had this thing for 7 years now and have beaten the schit out of it. It's never let me down. I love the frame geo. It's the most comfortable, natural flowing bike I've been on. I ride the hardest out of all my friends and it's held strong. The replaceable rear derailer hanger has come in handy.
Cons: The front shocks are kinda weak. I'm still rockin it, but I'd like to replace it someday. The stock components are descent, but I'd look at replacing the drive train componants. I went to XTR and it made a huge difference in shifting accuracy. Get a new seat!
Time Used: More than 2 years
Comments: I havent been particularly nice as far as up keep goes. I've never re-packed the hubs, bottom bracket, neck/stem, or anything. Just your ussual chain lube and i might have replaced the cables once and it still works like new! I've gone threw some brake pads and about a million tubes (pinch flats FTL), a few sets of tires, the ussual wear and tear. oh ya..i've broken a few spokes, but have always been able to true the rims back to tolerable! The v-brakes (mine is pre disc era) work flawlessly. I wouldnt consider getting a disc set up. Enjoy and Have fun.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: No I would not recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Austin - 8/2/2007 6:08:21 PM
Pros: Good frame, LX dr, genesis geometry, can be easily upgraded
Cons: While the Genesis geometry is wonderful, the front wheel does want to "push" on tight turns sometimes, a little heavy but not for this price, the Manitou Axel is came with is crap as with most cheap forks.
Time Used: 1 Year
Comments: I use to race back when I was a teen and was looking at getting back into mtb when I got to college. I obviously don't have much money so the Tass was a perfect choice, and this bike has been great to me. I highly recommend upgrading the fork, as I put on a Recon 351 and it completely "woke up" the bike. I have a pretty powerful pedal stroke and do sense flex sometimes, but so far the flex has not translated into less durability or strength. The largest drop I've done on the bike was almost a five footer while in the 130mm setting on the new fork and it handled it very well, albeit with a certain amount of finesse.
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by porkmaster - 7/28/2007 10:15:24 AM
Pros: genesis geometry, good component mix for the $ (paid $600 for a leftover 05 last january), versatility, black paint styling makes me want to hang out in the garage and look at it
Cons: not a fan of the stock bontrager seat, but havent replaced it yet 1 1/2 years later. Deore lx is decent but tough to get dialed in so all gears work quietly
Time Used: 1 Year
Comments: I get a lot out of this bike. I'm 6'3" 200lbs on the 21" frame and find it a pretty good fit. Used for Commuting 12 miles/day weekdays, maybe an after work trail ride, then at least 1 long trail ride on weekends around Boulder. setup: bontrager all over it, deore lx, avid bb7's (these brakes are really good) upgraded pedals to crank bros candy (love them) Probably the biggest thing: I'm happy with it and not looking to upgrade to a better bike
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by muzza - 9/4/2006 8:12:11 PM
Pros: Tazz can grow with your evolving skills.Intelligent Genesis frame geometry works. First rate workmanship. Good selection of components for the price point.
Cons: None really. This hard tail doesn't make inflated claims about what it is. See below about a reccomended brake tweak.
Time Used: 1 Year
Comments: The correct purchase for the real adult who doesn't yet know what they want in a mountain bike. How could you know? Tazz is serious-enough equipment which allows you to upgrade components piece-by-piece as your skills and knowledge base evolves. Not every $650 bike can make that claim. Save money up front and buy the lower cost v-brake version, then buy a quality set of HYDRAULIC disc brakes (not the factory offered Hayes Sole mechanical discs). Serious HYDRAULIC discs (Hayes HFX for me ) did the most to jet my Tazz into a higher plain. New Shimano hydros are now cheaper and better than HFX, IMO.Rode my Tazz and steadily upgraded it for a year. Thinking about and choosing upgrades is part of the fun. My new mtn bike is a dual shock Santa Cruz Superlight. Still love my Fisher hardtail though. Still a blast to ride and it taught me a lot about this sport. IMO Tazz is prettier than the Superlight...sleeker frame lines...less junk in the trunk.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by DefenderBob - 7/16/2006 11:21:43 AM
Pros: Great riding geomerty. Riding has always trashed my back. Been out several times on this and have never ended feeling like crap. Not the lightest bike I tested, but still VERY managable. Have not had any components break or issues at all. Great value at $550 for a MSRP of $720 on the 06.
Cons: That seat after the first few miles. No other big beefs.
Time Used: Less Than A Month
Comments: Would definatly recommend this bike. Definatly test it out prior though. I am very happy with my purchase and advise anyone looking for a hardtrail bike to consider the Tassajara. For the price, IMO, it can't be beat. Looked at comparable Giant's, Specialized, Trek, and other Fisher's.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Devin - 3/19/2006 10:43:53 AM
Pros: Geometry, light weight, good componentry, quality, hey...it's a Fisher
Cons: seat very uncomfortable, have had problems with the hydraulic disc brakes needing adjustments too often
Time Used: 1 Year
Comments: For a hardtail bike beytween $700-$1000 this one is hard to beat. I have logged over 100 miles including 3 races and 1 adventure race. I did have to change the seat and I was given an upgrade to a Manitou Skareb Super fork by GF. I also own an '06 trek 4300. I prefer the Tass. If I buy another bike it will defintely be a Fisher.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by ian - 2/7/2006 9:38:31 PM
Pros: Absolutely wonderful geometry. I could track stand for however long i wanted to. Great balance point
Cons: it got a little painful on washboard pounding down single track
Time Used: 1 Year
Comments: what a wonderful bike for a hardtail
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Mike - 9/23/2005 11:47:43 PM
Pros: Geometry, value, somewhat stiffer frame, Gary Fisher brand, good to beat up, Frame made in USA
Cons: Heavy with cheap components, poor saddle ergonomics, bontrager seatpost diameter size not common 29.2 hard to upgrade.Weak Tires.
Time Used: More than 2 years
Comments: GF Tassajara 2002 red/Silver.I upgraded almost all my components, tires, etc except the frame after 3 years. I love the bike at first when it came with stock but have to upgrade the components, etc to make it lighter and faster, from 31 lb now Im down to 24.6 lb what a difference it makes. I have XTR drivetrain, hubs, brakes, Mavic Rims, Thompson seatpost with shim, carbon fiber handlebar, panaracer fireXC pro tires, specialized Rival SL saddle... and off I go, hope the frame will last long the way I ride. I recommended the stock bike to a beginner friend.He loved it too.
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by dschiltz76 - 9/9/2005 3:38:09 PM
Pros: Everything has been great stock
Cons: My model came with Tektro brakes and they do not work well, yet!
Time Used: Less Than A Month
Comments: I am nearing 30 and 250 lbs and this bike has really been great. I had a Trek 930 with a Judy XC a while back with almost all xt upgrades. The Tass 2005 stock is far better and less than I paid for the Trek. It is solid, no creeks, no chatter or noise. I have 30+ miles on and I want to go more. I was 30 lbs less on the Trek and I could not ride as well or aggressive as I can now with the Tass 05. It rocks and I pd less than $500 at the end of year blowout at the LBS. If you buy it you will ride more and better than ever have.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by dirtygirl - 7/28/2005 12:52:02 PM
Pros: Bike seems to be OK, now that all problems are resolved.
Cons: We had problems with the front shock (it spontaneously locked out during the FIRST RIDE and refused to release - it's being replaced under warranty) also chain suck/chain pop-off/broken chain, apparently caused by bent gear up front, also replaced under warranty and now seems to be fixed, though the chain chewed up the paint before the problem was fixed, now we have a brand new $600 bike with chewed up paint.
Time Used: Less Than A Month
Comments: I bought a Trek 4500 because it was less $$ than the Fisher Tassajara that I wanted, now I'm SO GLAD!!! Bought the Tass later for hubby and had major problems!! Our bike shop has been awesome and the Tass now seems to be fixed (still riding loaner front shock), but after our experience, I can't recommend this bike. (I love my trek 4500)
Rating: 2
Recommendation: No I would not recommend it to a friend

Submitted by RoguePA - 3/29/2005 2:32:23 PM
Pros: I am not looking at it right now so I can't list out the components I like. Shifts smooth, rides nice, makes me want to go out and pedal.
Cons: I agree with all the comments about the seat...it is remarkably uncomfortable. That is about it.
Time Used: 1 Year
Comments: 2004 model...love to ride it.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by dirtdobber - 2/18/2005 12:19:16 PM
Pros: Genesis geometry rocks. Xcellent bike for the$$.Great for ascents and holds well to the trail.
Cons: Seat is terrible.Not real thrilled with the pilot shock,I had to pump it alot last season, and I am a female lightweight rider.My paint chipped pretty bad as well.
Time Used: More than 2 years
Comments: There is no comparison in this price range and the Genesis Geometry. Dont expect to keep up with your buddies w/$3000.00 bikes though.It is definitely a good choice for the money!
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by skiz - 11/28/2004 1:55:23 PM
Pros: light gooogd handelling can loosen grip in the rocks and worry
Cons: seats little hard upgrade to a wtb speed v seat upgrade to panaracer xc fire tires good deal
Time Used: More than 2 years
Comments: I keep my stuff stock i changed the brakes to avid single digit 3 runs great but i would by a more trail ready shock the chain slips but not to much shift early on the up hill or youll regret it
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by zinc - 8/23/2004 12:48:32 PM
Pros: frame geometry,deore fittings
Cons: paint quality
Time Used: 3 Months
Comments: the bike is fine, far lighter and faster than my old GT, but the quality of the paint is truely aweful, the brake cables have worn the head paint down to bare metal in less than 100 miles, ( 1 week from new)not good enought for the cost of the bike
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Violet - 2/18/2004 11:39:20 PM
Pros: Great Price for what you get. Front fork awesome. Great Style. Grips soft and comfortable.
Cons: The stock seat, too hard. Chain slips a bit when shifting from 2nd to 3rd (the front sprocket).
Time Used: Less Than A Month
Comments: Tested a bunch of bikes before this purchase. The ride feels graceful and flows, especially on the downhill. Changed out the seat at the dealer for the Marlin stock seat which has more cushion. The bike feels light for it's price range. Liked the advantage of future upgrade options. Style and Paint job remind me of a Ducati. I have the 03 red w/warm metal silver.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by FisherTass - 2/10/2004 8:42:36 PM
Pros: Genesis Geometry, decent components.
Cons: Seat, didn't last a day. Pedals are crap, IMHO. No pedal pressure on the front D when shifting or the chain slips. Gloves a must, grips are slick!
Time Used: 3 Months
Comments: Outstanding budget bike. Lose the seat, don't even leave the shop with the stock seat! Genesis geometry rocks (hardly ever leave the saddle for hills)! I've got the 04' and you can pick it up (switch out the seat) and hit the trailhead. No major customization required.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Craig - 8/30/2003 2:25:31 AM
Pros: Good Fork, Tires, Deore Components
Cons: Cheap seat (not much else)
Time Used: 3 Months
Comments: 03 Bike purchased for little over $500. I immediately upgraded to clipless pedals and glad I bought some padded bike shorts because of the seat. Did alot of research before purchasing and this is a great first Mtn bike. Been riding every weekend. Highly recommend.
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by okie_calvin - 6/4/2003 10:47:57 AM
Pros: good parts set, solid frame, great geometry
Cons: seats a little iffy
Time Used: 3 Months
Comments: got an '02 w/disk new for $549- a steal, great bike, my first serious mtn. bike, i've been riding 2-3 times weekly for 2-3 hour rides and just love it
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Raz - 4/6/2003 7:32:17 PM
Pros: awsome bike, 1st real mt. bike. no problems.
Cons: platform pedals
Time Used: Less Than A Month
Comments: 1st real bike, did alot of research. Best bike for price. First ride, had much more confidence on this bike!
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by Matt - 11/3/2002 2:13:43 PM
Pros: Great bike, really like the Pilot XC fork, light and durable frame, nice tires, decent brakes
Cons: CHAIN SUCK, and my crank bent, i also suggest upgrading the brakes to XTR V's
Time Used: 3 Months
Comments: Overall , great bike for the price
Rating: 4
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend

Submitted by chris - 8/29/2002 9:14:10 AM
Pros: I have put about 200 miles on this bike and nothing has gone wrong. the bike is awesome. I really like the air shocks that they put on the front for 2003.
Cons: There is no problems with the bike. it took a couple of days to get used to the seat, and I want to get clipless pedals
Time Used: 3 Months
Comments: I have the 2003 Tassajara disc and the bike is the best for the price. The geometry that gary fisher has to offer is the best that I have ridden. I would recommend this bike to anyone who likes hardtails and does not want to spend tons of money on a bike. I have ridden with people who have 2000 dollar bikes and the only difference that I could feel riding the other bikes is the weight. You can upgrade the tassajara with different components to make it lighter. I also recommend getting the disc brakes if you have the money. I spent alot of time test riding of brands and comparing prices and the gary fisher was the best ride for the price.
Rating: 5
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend it to a friend



 



GEAR REVIEWS | TRAIL GUIDES | RACES & EVENTS | RESOURCES | MESSAGE BOARDS | HOME

©Copyright 1996-2013, Katabak, Inc. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any from. DirtWorld.com Privacy Policy.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service | Advertising | About DirtWorld.com | Contact Us.