Editors Note: Yeah, yeah…..another year end review! Tis the season! So, here are my favorite things that have passed through the Twenty Nine Inches review process during the past year. I want to point out a few parameters that I used for what I chose here.
1. The product had to be in the review process during the time period of December 2007 through to the end of November 2008. Reviews that are currently in process I did not include and will be eligible for my 2009 Top Ten list.
2. They had to be products or bicycles that I personally used during this period. Nothing any of the other Twenty Nine Inches staff reviewed on their own could be considered for my list. This list doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of anyone but me, Guitar Ted.
That said, let’s get on with this……
Number Four: Gary Fisher Bikes HiFi Deluxe/G2 Geometry: In November of 2007, Twenty Nine inches got a HiFi Deluxe with the new G2 Geometry in for a review. We got to know each other quite well all throughout 2008. Currently, the HiFi is serving s a test sled for our Rock Shox Reba Team test.
Why It made The List: The HiFi Deluxe was a new suspension platform for Gary Fisher Bikes in 2008. That alone would have scored it amongst the Top Ten of 2008 with its efficient, XC-ish traits and stiff front triangle. However; Fisher also rolled out this rig with the updated Genesis geometry dubbed “G2″ which included a radically offset Fox F-29 100mm travel fork. The G2 package was available all throughout the Fisher 29″er line up, with the exception of the entry level Cobia. So this change was a big deal in terms of 29″er handling. I felt that the combination of the full suspension bike and the handling package was worthy of a high placing on my Top Ten List for ’08.
My Two Cents: The HiFi Deluxe is a smartly spec’ed full suspension 29″er rig that has a few faults, but is generally a great effort, and easily in the top shelf amongst its peers in terms of mass produced full suspension 29″er bikes. Add to this the G2 geometry, and you have a bicycle that represents a big shift in thinking when it comes to how to design a 29″er. You may not like G2, but there is no question that G2 geometry has influenced the 29″er industry. You may not like the HiFi suspension platform, for various reasons, but there is no denying that it is probably one of the most widely available and ridden rigs in its class. Personally, I happen to think it could stand some improvements, especially to the swingarm, but that said, this bike is a hoot to ride. The G2 Geometry works and does what the Fisher guys say it will do. It is a watershed mark in 29″ers development. That is why the Fisher HiFi Deluxe/G2 Geometry is Number Four on my Top Ten List for ’08.
Only three more to go! Stay tuned………
I have no doubt that the HiFi 29er made the top ten. I own a HiFi plus and the only draw back is that I didn’t have an extra grand to get the Pro. This bike is butter and I’m skinny so the ride is solid and steering precise. I’ve been wanting to build my own full suspension 29er but have a real problem finding a better frame than this. I’d like to see Fisher offer frames on their website. (like Specialized does). Happy trails!
I have almost a year of use on a pro and I have to say, I have no major complaints. The rear end could be stiffer, and I blew a seal on the Fork but Fox took care of me in a hurry.
The Bontrager Rhythm wheelset has held up very well under my 235 (much better than my hand built delgados ever have and the tubeless system works very well.
Though I had trouble with the Fox fork, it is much more plush and tuneable than my Reba (though my Reba has proved to be indestructible)
I know bike snobs (me included) typically search for flaws in mass produced bikes, but I think it would be very difficult to buy a frame, and build a bike close to as good as this for near the out the door price.
I was toying with building a Sultan or RacerX and then bought the modest Hifi Plus 29 in the end of year sales on the basis of your long term test experiences Ted. Probably the lowest spec bike I’ve owned recently and I was worried, but it actually rocks. Little bit flexy in the back and some near ghost shifts (I am only 73 kg), but it climbs and singletracks like a rocket – very happy. Only weak spots so far are front disc rotor (roundagon garbage) and seized X7 jockey (known problem for us UK wet weather guys). Ghetto tubeless completes it. Mental for the money.