Gary Fisher HiFi GS

[Aggie_Ama]

Anyone have opinions on this bike? It is spec'd pretty nice and is on sale this month.

Unfortunately the LBS doesn't have one in stock. They are a pretty large volume shop so I am hoping I can order one and if it doesn't fit not be stuck with it.

[MartianDestiny]

Do they have ANY similar (same size, same geometry) Fishers in stock?

They are definitely nice bikes. BUT, they have a more unusual geometry including a longer effective top tube (reach) on average than their competitors' (part of the "Genesis" geometry). This holds even for their WSD "genesisters" bikes.

From what I've gathered it's a "love it or hate it" sort of thing with little middle ground, and they simply won't fit some people right.

Nice bikes, but I personally would be even more hesitant to buy one of these without a test ride than some other brands with more standard geometry (that is to say I wouldn't do it).

Now, if they'll order it without obligation from you, then why not try it out.

[Becky]

I've never ridden one, but I've heard the same things about the geometries that MartianDestiny posted.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for the tips. I test rode the Safire and felt like I was squished on it! So my LBS is ordering the HiFi. We have been going there for several years so they are not making me put down a deposit and said I have a 1 week guarantee and yes, I can take it and get it dirty. The geometry is way different than the Specialized but since I didn't like the Specialized maybe a do need a longer reach? We will see Friday when it should be built up.

[MartianDestiny]

Specialized to Gary Fisher is definitely going from one extreme to the other!

Specialized is the only company that has figured out how to make a bike I feel cramped on, and Gary is known for some of the longest relative top tubes available!

You might find you need something in the middle, but then again the Fisher could fit perfect. Have fun getting it dirty to find out.

(and if it is too long, will your shop order you/stock a Trek Fuel EX?...that should be in between in top tube size and since Trek and Fisher are one and the same your shop should be able to get ahold of one)

[Aggie_Ama]

They have the Fuel EX8 in stock but it is more expensive and the only thing less is WAY less bike (Fuel EX 5.5). There isn't much to look at with Trek which is a disappointment, I realize they have to be playing to the market but they just rolled out on me. Of course I noticed their men's bikes actually are pretty close to their women's so I might look at the mens and do some bar/stem swapping.


Specialized has a bunch of women's options but I felt like I was going to fly over the bars on their bikes. The Safire top tube is way shorter than my current hardtail, to me it felt like my butt might as well be on the bars on the Safire. Completely baffling feeling, I also brusied the *&^% out of myself trying to unclip on more than one occasion by hitting the headset cap because the thing was so freaking cramped.

I could try other shops but the problem is even with a bevy of trails not many stock decent women's bikes (we called, we looked). If I want say a Kona, I have to pay for it before they order it and if it won't fit most charge a restocking fee. Again I understand at $2k 15" bike isn't going to fly off the shelf but I am quite pigeon-holed because of it.

[Aggie_Ama]

For me the Fisher seemed to be a great fit, so I bought it. I loved the feeling from the get-go and cannot wait to take her on the trail. Every part of the bike seemed to be right, I can move around but am relaxed. I don't feel stretched or scrunched, just right. My husband commented he not seen me look right on a mountain bike until I took this one out and he was a real fan of the Specialized until I rode one. I can't wait to get her dirty!

[MartianDestiny]

Awesome! Congrats

[TrekJeni]

Woo Hoo!

Says the owner of a full suspension GF HiFi Pro 29er!

Me and the man both have GF 29ers (his is a hardtail SuperFly) and my plates are up for renewal. I've already checked with the state of OH and the personalized tag of GF29er is available!

Jeni

[Aggie_Ama]

I will have to take a picture, the HiFi Deluxe is metallic black with pink. Just enough pink to look awesome, not enough to make you wish it weren't pink. After test riding the full suspension I am so excited about the upgrade. It is way more bike than I thought I was getting but thanks to Trek's WOW sale I got a smoking deal. Too much bike for this novice, but I deserve it.

[alleyoop]

Take that pupper to the GB and give her a go! You are going to LOVE it!!

Congrats and can't wait to drool over the new ride!

[pinkbikes]

Too much bike for this novice, but I deserve it.

As another with way too much bike for her skill levels, I say ENJOY IT!! It doesn't matter that I didn't buy the legs and coordination to go with my bike - it is just too much fun every time I ride it. I just grin like an idiot!

I wish you the same joy! Ride its wheels off!

[sundial]

Aggie, congrats on your HiFi and please post pics of her in all her muddy glory. Have you named the bike yet?

[Aggie_Ama]

Sundial - I named her Holly Golightly (yes, I am huge Audrey Hepburn fan) and I posted her glamour shots in the main section, that baby rides like a dream. Obviously I like the GF Geometry!!

Alley- I am hoping to get out of work on time tomorrow to really see what she's got on the GB!