MTBR gets the 2006 Fisher 29" Scoop! (pics inside)

FisherGuy · 08-18-2005

Most of you know the basics of the Fisher 29er lineup for 2006. The Paragon and X-Caliber return, and are already in stores with new parts groups and graphics. The Rig is back in black as a complete bike and a RockShox, this year it will also be available as a frameset with a rigid fork. Also returning for 2006 are the 292 and 293. These bikes remain unchanged for this year and are not shown in the catalog, long story, sorry for the confusion.

New for 2006 is the Cobia, a sub $1000 hardtail with a new RockShox Tora fork. We look for this bike to do really well for us.

A late introduction will be a new full suspension platform. Look for it in stores hopefully by next Spring. The platform is called the Race Day FS and the model will be called the Supercaliber 29. It is a shorter travel single pivot design that will be optimized for 29 inch wheels to have similar handling characteristics of the hardtails. The picture here is of the 26" version.

There are of course two new forks from Bontrager, both Switchblades, one with carbon legs and the other with aluminum. I'll let some of the show visitors post pictures of these. We also have the Jones XR tires in a 1.8", but I think I already told you about those.

As always we have a lot of plans for big wheels. We take as much to market as we can with the resources that we have. We are really happy with the growth of big wheels, we expect sales to double this year.

Thanks to all of you for you help. You are a great asset to big wheels and to Gary Fisher.

TheOldMan · 08-18-2005

I'm a big fan of single pivot designs and particularly like elevated chainstays. The fact that this design has been around so long speaks volumes. IMHO, they are light, efficient, and relatively maintenance free. Pardon mentioning another brand, but I have a Santa Cruz that I bought in 1996, raced for years, trail rode for years, and still use as a "mud bike." I replaced the pivots once in 1000's of miles and never got chain suck with the elevated stays. I think GF will do quite well with this model.

Cloxxki · 08-18-2005

Whoohoo!! Sooner than I would have hoped, thanks a lot Ryan for giving us the world premiere!

2 rigid forks huh, awesome! I hope this will 100% silence the voices for the 29" Pace, which they just refuse to make due to "lack of interest".
Great to hear of a lower entry Cobia, that should really help get the 29" wheels to Average Joe. Will it have a Platinum or Gold series frame? Cool that no longer the sub-$1000 buyer will be restricted to singlespeed. I love the Rig and SS's in general, but there's more to 29" than that.
I love the single pivot Race Day, if that means it'll be a faster bike to be ridden by fast riders, that's a definate step forward for 29" in general. And let's hope it will convince all your Pro rider to make the switch...
Glad to see the Supercaliber29 name back, and in the 29" size.

Double the 29" sales? Right on! I'm sure there's buyers for more Fishers the way you've been spec'ing them them this season.

Can't wait for Eurobike to see it all in real! I know Gary will be there, hope to be able to meet you there as well.

Happy trails,

J

jl · 08-18-2005

FisherGuy,

Do you have more information on the Forks... Weight, Axle-to-Crown height, etc. Some of us are looking to get a monkey (fork) off our back or front or whatever

...

Cloxxki · 08-18-2005

Don't be shy jl, we want to know MSRP's!! :-)
Carbon legs, oh baby...Actually I'm especially interested in offset, I know, too geeky...

mward · 08-18-2005

Hey what about this new tubeless 29er thing I keep hearing about. Any news on that?

Guitar Ted · 08-18-2005

A little sneak peak to whet our appetite. I'm sure there is more, they are going to have to leave something for the dealers to see!

A Rig frame/fork combo? Be prepared to suffer early and often out of stock conditions on that one!

292, and 293 along with an additional Race Day frame platform available in spring? This is bringin' it on! Looks like we are getting our "cake" and eating it too!

I can't wait to see it all up close and personal like at the show! See ya there!

burner · 08-18-2005

any idea when the 06 292/293 will hit the street? and colors they will be?

Cloxxki · 08-18-2005

All this we're bound to hear a few days from know when we get reports from the Trek dealer show...

I overlooked that, good to have the 292 and 293 back once again! They seen to be making a lot of riders very happy, however nice the Race Day is, keeping he Sugars makes all the sence.

Let's count :
1- Rig (also frameset)
2- Cobia (we're going to hear that name more often, bet your money on that)
3- X-Caliber
4- Paragon
5- 293
6- 292
7- Supercaliber 29

Uhuh? Guys, that's one ADULT ENTERTAINMENT line-up! 7 bikes to choose from, holy bikeshed Batman!

Who'll be the Fisher dealer that has the complete line-up on the floor?

Hmm, with Rig framesets on the retail price list, will that boost or lower eBay prices on them?

Cloxxki · 08-18-2005

With so much goodness coming our way, the expectation go to the roof...I hope they'll have a thick Bontrager slick for the Dual Sport models, if these do return. 2.35" thick, I mean. It rocks!

DeeZee · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisherGuy

Most of you know the basics of the Fisher 29er lineup for 2006. The Paragon and X-Caliber return, and are already in stores with new parts groups and graphics. The Rig is back in black as a complete bike and a RockShox, this year it will also be available as a frameset with a rigid fork. Also returning for 2006 are the 292 and 293. These bikes remain unchanged for this year and are not shown in the catalog, long story, sorry for the confusion.

New for 2006 is the Cobia, a sub $1000 hardtail with a new RockShox Tora fork. We look for this bike to do really well for us.

A late introduction will be a new full suspension platform. Look for it in stores hopefully by next Spring. The platform is called the Race Day FS and the model will be called the Supercaliber 29. It is a shorter travel single pivot design that will be optimized for 29 inch wheels to have similar handling characteristics of the hardtails. The picture here is of the 26" version.

There are of course two new forks from Bontrager, both Switchblades, one with carbon legs and the other with aluminum. I'll let some of the show visitors post pictures of these. We also have the Jones XR tires in a 1.8", but I think I already told you about those.

As always we have a lot of plans for big wheels. We take as much to market as we can with the resources that we have. We are really happy with the growth of big wheels, we expect sales to double this year.

Thanks to all of you for you help. You are a great asset to big wheels and to Gary Fisher.

Fisher Guy your company rocks!!!!!

I was looking to get an “inexpensive” HT to pull the kids around on the hook-on bike. I think the Cobia will be parked along side of my Rig and 293.

I am predicting a banner year for Fisher!

miles e · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisherGuy

The picture here is of the 26" version.

I managed to miss this line in my excitement, but my hasty pixel:mm conversion confirms this to be true, and as such no reason to start the 29" SID speculation again.

Appendage · 08-18-2005

With all the high-zoot, sophisticated rear suspension designs out there, Fisher goes with a decade old technology- the high mount single pivot- for it's "new" suspension platform. Wonder why? Is it because it's the best choice? Or because they couldn't figure out anything better and didn't want to pay licensing fees for someone else's design?

Discuss.

tl1 · 08-18-2005

A sub $1000, able off roader will surely sell like crazy to people (like me) waiting to try 29"ers. I hope you're making lots of them and 29"ers in general this year!

The Tora seems very interesting for a relatively low budget fork too, at least so far in 26" form.

Tora: http://bikemag.com/features/onlineex...1105_rockshox/

Guitar Ted · 08-18-2005

..........supposedly was drawn up from suggestions from the Fisher Subaru race squad. So, you can blame them for the single pivot design! It makes sense from that viewpoint. Lightweight, reliability, and efficiency are always top considerations for the racing crowd. I think that is why the much ballyhooed demise of the Sugars was premature. Not everyone wants or needs that sort of suspension, so we still have the sugar platform for the trail riders.

Of course, it's entirely possible that because the Race Day 29"er platform will not be available until spring, ( at the earliest...ahem!) the Sugar is here only to "fill the gap", as it were.

Another suspension fork offering from Rock Shox on the Cobia. Will it be available aftermarket? Would anyone want it? That will be another interesting aspect of this new "budget" 29"er. I agree with Clox, this Cobia will be in high demand. There is a huge hole in this market for an inexpensive "gearie" 29 inch wheeled bike. There is a glut of hardtail single speeders! ( Or soon will be!)

AOF · 08-18-2005

Oh Man this is awesome.
I almost bought a SC Superlight, but a 29er version is gonna be super cool.
Having elevated chainstays will get rid of the chain suck problems that first plagued my Cake 2.
Does the Race Day have shorter chain stays than the SC Superlight?
I can't imagine GF going away from the Genesis geometry.

Damn, decisions, decisions!

It could be worse I suppose.

Appendage · 08-18-2005

I wonder if GF had the good sense to do something with that hideous top tube on the 29er Sugars for 2006. Pure aesthetics, I know, but I just can't bring myself to buy something so ugly.

finnlander · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

With all the high-zoot, sophisticated rear suspension designs out there, Fisher goes with a decade old technology- the high mount single pivot- for it's "new" suspension platform. Wonder why? Is it because it's the best choice? Or because they couldn't figure out anything better and didn't want to pay licensing fees for someone else's design?

Discuss.

I think the new platform shocks have a lot to do with the return of simple single pivot designs. Its not just fisher, look at the new cannondale Rush "endurance" racing bike. Platform shocks negate the bobbing, etc that were such a problem on the first generation bike of this design. Also I don't think the pivot is very high at all. It looks like its right down by the middle chainring so its fairly aligned with the chainline to further eliminate bobbing. Actually, my old Proflex had a higher pivot than this bike. I liked the extra traction from having the tire pulled down when in the granny gear. Also, fewer pivots mean less weight, less friction in the suspension, and less to break in a race. Seems like a good simple design to me.

atvsmurf · 08-18-2005

that top tube is one of the reasons i like the sugar...
better clearance, plus it looks sweet too...but thats just my opinion

DeeZee · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by atvsmurf

that top tube is one of the reasons i like the sugar...
better clearance, plus it looks sweet too...but thats just my opinion

I will always take function over looks

29erchico · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

I wonder if GF had the good sense to do something with that hideous top tube on the 29er Sugars for 2006. Pure aesthetics, I know, but I just can't bring myself to buy something so ugly.

Just assuming that you are a guy. In that case, if you rode a Sugar 29er, your balls would think that TT is a thing of beauty. Mine do.

29erchico

'04 293
Avid BB7's 7"ft & 6" rear
Gravity Dropper seatpost with 1" & 3" lowered positions: instant control from HB
42,30,20t chainrings
and a few other mods...

Nat · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29erchico

Just assuming that you are a guy. In that case, if you rode a Sugar 29er, your balls would think that TT is a thing of beauty. Mine do.

29erchico

'04 293
Avid BB7's 7"ft & 6" rear
Gravity Dropper seatpost with 1" & 3" lowered positions: instant control from HB
42,30,20t chainrings
and a few other mods...

I'm with Appendage on this one. The top tube ruins it for me. Function is very important to me, but I look at bikes also as art and aesthetics matter. I want a bike I can stare at, contemplating every angle and curve.

the_eleven · 08-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nat

I want a bike I can stare at, contemplating every angle and curve.

Well, that Sugar top tube has angles and curves!

Appendage · 08-18-2005

I agree with the necessity of a curved top tube on a FS bike, especially a 29er. I also agree with function over form. I just think the Sugar's TT could be more artfully bent. Even without hydroforming, if it followed the same curve as the Lenz, for example, it would look way cooler.

Debaser · 08-18-2005

stuff here:

http://www.mtbomaha.blogspot.com/

Rainman · 08-18-2005

Gee...I think Fisher is going to have a BIG season next year..

Well done, Mr Fisher, sir..

R.

Cloxxki · 08-19-2005

Pssst, over on twentyniner.net there's a question topic, q's will be asked to Gary in an agreed internview. Maybe you guys have some nice questions for him? Please, no stuff that you'll be able to get from the specs lists 2 weeks from now after Eurobike :-)

Nat · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_eleven

Well, that Sugar top tube has angles and curves!

They're unappealing to me.

Nat · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debaser

stuff here:

http://www.mtbomaha.blogspot.com/

Switchblade! Now that's about the only rigid fork I could get excited about.

Guitar Ted · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debaser

stuff here:

http://www.mtbomaha.blogspot.com/

There is a bunch of cool pics from the Trek Show. They are low res, like a camera phone! Check out the 700c Fisher Triton townie ss! Steel Fisher hardtail model called "Ferrous", (Where have I seen that name before?

) 26" only though! Rats! If Fisher had a steel hardtail 29"er, that would be sweet! Anyway, don't forget to scroll WAY down!

toddre · 08-19-2005

Show The Race Day !!!!!!!!!

Nat · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitar Ted

There is a bunch of cool pics from the Trek Show. They are low res, like a camera phone! Check out the 700c Fisher Triton townie ss! Steel Fisher hardtail model called "Ferrous", (Where have I seen that name before?

) 26" only though! Rats! If Fisher had a steel hardtail 29"er, that would be sweet! Anyway, don't forget to scroll WAY down!

I want a closeup of that Triton.

toddre · 08-19-2005

About a year or ago or so (I'm too lazy to look) there was a posting about a Haro 29e prototype floating around...Looks alot like that Race Day.
I'll be at the NORBA Nationals next weekend at Mount Snow...I'll keep my eyes and camera peeled around the Fisher tent for more details

Cloxxki · 08-19-2005

Please help us see it? I can only bring up the carbon Switchblade pics...

Cloxxki · 08-19-2005

Toddre, I *think* next weekend all proto's will be on shipment to Eurobike. Hope I'm wrong, for you...

AshKa · 08-19-2005

short travel/simple design FS: the race day looks a lot like what I wish. I'm a caveman when it comes to FS bikes, in fact my full rigid KM is the only mtb I have owned so far but I've been told that the new smart rear shock now can solve the problems (boobing, etc..) that once made the multi link/pivot FS appear.
I hope we will see the bike in Europe.
I hope it will come with a middle-of-the-road equipment 'cause I ain't rich.
I hope it will come in ANOTHER COLOR THAN THIS UGLY BLUE/WHITE

MTBNate · 08-19-2005

So, does ANYONE know how long it will take for me to order a 2006 21" 292 for chrsitsakes????

Cloxxki · 08-19-2005

Chill Nate, this news is even before the fishers dealers get to hear a single word on anything. Every self respecting US-based Fisher dealer should be in it's way to Waterloo for the actual Trek dealer show right now. If your LBS looks after you at all, it will be there first question they asked there.
If you're sitting on a bunch of cash, look out for any used 2005's. They should be nicely priced and of similar spec to the 2006's. Many have gone on sale in the classifieds on here, as well as on the bay, also XL. Act now and ride your 292 for up to half a season before the the 2006 arrives.

toddre · 08-19-2005

Wonder how much travel the race day has...sounds like the exact bike I've been looking for..Damn, I wish I still worked at the bike shop !!!!

MTBNate · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloxxki

Chill Nate, this news is even before the fishers dealers get to hear a single word on anything. Every self respecting US-based Fisher dealer should be in it's way to Waterloo for the actual Trek dealer show right now. If your LBS looks after you at all, it will be there first question they asked there.
If you're sitting on a bunch of cash, look out for any used 2005's. They should be nicely priced and of similar spec to the 2006's. Many have gone on sale in the classifieds on here, as well as on the bay, also XL. Act now and ride your 292 for up to half a season before the the 2006 arrives.

LOL! True, true.... was just caught up in the moment...!!!

The 2005's look great especailly considering there is NO CHANGE for this model year and the prices should be awesome!

donkey · 08-19-2005

The Triton is rather appealing, especially if it doesn't have an EBB.

The switchblade forks look awesome...that may be just what my Moots has been asking for.

B

toddre · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloxxki

Toddre, I *think* next weekend all proto's will be on shipment to Eurobike. Hope I'm wrong, for you...

Usually last race of the series has a bike or two there..they haqdthe new paragon last year

Cloxxki · 08-19-2005

Well, some new Fishers are already in stores now :-)

That Ferrous seems to have a really thin downtube, it's almost like a Slingshot?

ZenRider · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by tl1

A sub $1000, able off roader will surely sell like crazy to people (like me) waiting to try 29"ers. I hope you're making lots of them and 29"ers in general this year!

The Tora seems very interesting for a relatively low budget fork too, at least so far in 26" form.

Tora: http://bikemag.com/features/onlineex...1105_rockshox/

According to the bikemag article the Tora will replace the Pilot line of forks. I have a Pilot SL on my 26er and am pleased with the performance vs cost (I got the Pilot SL with remote Pop-lock for just under $200 dollars US).

The Tora sounds pretty good with Burly 32-millimeter stanchions it should make a good entry to low-mid level fork.

Zen

SpinWheelz · 08-19-2005

My God, with this coming range of models, Fisher have really turned into a one-stop shop brand. I want it all - everything from the Rig to the Switchblade fork to the Triton cruiser. Wow. Just wow.

sirkrameroy · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBNate

LOL! True, true.... was just caught up in the moment...!!!

The 2005's look great especailly considering there is NO CHANGE for this model year and the prices should be awesome!

I just picked up a new 05 this week for $1300! I was a bit hessitant at first, especially since I knew that the new products were being announced this week. But now that I know there is no change in the Sugar for 06, I'm stoked I picked mine up for 2/3 of new price. Plus, above all, it rides great!

Quasi · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisherGuy

A late introduction will be a new full suspension platform. Look for it in stores hopefully by next Spring. The platform is called the Race Day FS and the model will be called the Supercaliber 29. It is a shorter travel single pivot design that will be optimized for 29 inch wheels to have similar handling characteristics of the hardtails. The picture here is of the 26" version.

Awesome!

ncj01 · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirkrameroy

I just picked up a new 05 this week for $1300! I was a bit hessitant at first, especially since I knew that the new products were being announced this week. But now that I know there is no change in the Sugar for 06, I'm stoked I picked mine up for 2/3 of new price. Plus, above all, it rides great!

Very good.

I really like it that they are not discontinuing the Sugar's for 2006...good support for current owners, will also help keep the re-sale value from dropping out too badly on used ones.

MTBNate · 08-19-2005

So what are the changes on the 2006 292's vs the 2005 models?

Are there some componet revisions and upgrades?

toddre · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncj01

He said unchanged, but usually there is at least a color change. Only thing that reeeally glares to me are those old-style Hayes disc's on the 292...make those Avid Juicy's, call it a day...

just my un-informed guess.

I've had my juicy's for about a month and a half...not impressed

DWF · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

With all the high-zoot, sophisticated rear suspension designs out there, Fisher goes with a decade old technology- the high mount single pivot- for it's "new" suspension platform. Wonder why? Is it because it's the best choice? Or because they couldn't figure out anything better and didn't want to pay licensing fees for someone else's design?

Discuss.

It's easy.

Single Pivot: For people who like to ride bikes.
Multi Pivot: For people who like to work on bikes.

ncj01 · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBNate

So what are the changes on the 2006 292's vs the 2005 models?

Are there some componet revisions and upgrades?

He said unchanged, but usually there is at least a color change. Only thing that reeeally glares to me are those old-style Hayes disc's on the 292...make those Avid Juicy's, call it a day...

just my un-informed guess.

jl · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloxxki

2- Cobia (we're going to hear that name more often, bet your money on that)

I hope ibex will let them keep the name

...

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/COB-24-Details.html

DeeZee · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisherGuy

Most of you know the basics of the Fisher 29er lineup for 2006. The Paragon and X-Caliber return, and are already in stores with new parts groups and graphics. The Rig is back in black as a complete bike and a RockShox, this year it will also be available as a frameset with a rigid fork. Also returning for 2006 are the 292 and 293. These bikes remain unchanged for this year and are not shown in the catalog, long story, sorry for the confusion.

New for 2006 is the Cobia, a sub $1000 hardtail with a new RockShox Tora fork. We look for this bike to do really well for us.

A late introduction will be a new full suspension platform. Look for it in stores hopefully by next Spring. The platform is called the Race Day FS and the model will be called the Supercaliber 29. It is a shorter travel single pivot design that will be optimized for 29 inch wheels to have similar handling characteristics of the hardtails. The picture here is of the 26" version.

There are of course two new forks from Bontrager, both Switchblades, one with carbon legs and the other with aluminum. I'll let some of the show visitors post pictures of these. We also have the Jones XR tires in a 1.8", but I think I already told you about those.

As always we have a lot of plans for big wheels. We take as much to market as we can with the resources that we have. We are really happy with the growth of big wheels, we expect sales to double this year.

Thanks to all of you for you help. You are a great asset to big wheels and to Gary Fisher.

I wish the 5x5 trail bike with the Maverick fork rumor was true............................

BruceBrown · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshKa

...but I've been told that the new smart rear shock now can solve the problems (boobing, etc..)...

I don't ever want any solution to come along that interferes with my love of "boobing"!!

BB

Appendage · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddre

About a year or ago or so (I'm too lazy to look) there was a posting about a Haro 29e prototype floating around...Looks alot like that Race Day.

That's exactly what I thought when I saw that picture of the Race Day- it's looks like a Haro, which looks like a copy of the SC Superlight. I'm not knocking it- it's just ironic that the "new" FS platform happens to be the oldest one around.

Clyde60 · 08-19-2005

Where did you pick up an 05 292 for $1300? Do they have any XL's hanging around? Thats an awsome price even if I had to pay shipping cost.

El Caballo · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

With all the high-zoot, sophisticated rear suspension designs out there, Fisher goes with a decade old technology- the high mount single pivot- for it's "new" suspension platform. Wonder why? Is it because it's the best choice? Or because they couldn't figure out anything better and didn't want to pay licensing fees for someone else's design?

Discuss.

1) If you're only getting 3.5" of travel (my guesstimate for a "Race Day" bike), the difference between axle paths will be so minor as to not make any difference to anyone but Internet flamers. It's only about an 11 degree arc.

2) If you're racing you want it to pedal a little stiff anyway. The pivot is still well below a Heckler, though it's a higher than a linkage design like a Kona or Ventana. Also, the shock location is much less of a falling rate than a Heckler.

3) If you're endurance racing, which is where you're most likely to want a FS race bike, reliability is more important than marketing blah.

Quasi · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirkrameroy

I just picked up a new 05 this week for $1300! I was a bit hessitant at first, especially since I knew that the new products were being announced this week. But now that I know there is no change in the Sugar for 06, I'm stoked I picked mine up for 2/3 of new price. Plus, above all, it rides great!

Check you personal messages.

Chief Bulging Calves · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeZee

I wish the 5x5 trail bike with the Maverick fork rumor was true............................

I would bet it is. Knowing Fisher the new design was going to be a late debut so they decided to keep the sugar one more year and release the new bike next year. With all the availability issues this year they want to deliver on time. It would also not be a good move to release two new designs in one year. Let the race day have its day and ride the wave next year.

Anybody know if the Rig will be made in the US this year?

kbell · 08-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeZee

I wish the 5x5 trail bike with the Maverick fork rumor was true............................

Or that of a carbon front triangle FS 29er.........Maybe Trek will though???

mtnbikej · 08-19-2005

My LBS just got in a new '06 GF Paragon 29er.

Color: Yellow
Drivetrain: SRAM x.9 trigger with XT fd
Fork: RS Reba Race
Brakes: Avid Juicy 7
Cranks: Bontrager External BB
Wheels: Bontrager Race Disc

Looks really nice. The new graphics are kind of subtle on the fork and frame.

mtnbikej

Cloxxki · 08-20-2005

Hmmm, wonder what the rumor was all about, that Trek would be offering a 29"er as well.Maybe they're just not doing it to not wake up the other big brands?

Fastskiguy · 08-20-2005

I wonder how long that fork will be? It looks cool, gonna have to really consider adding some bling to the SS next year...

vichercules · 10-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

With all the high-zoot, sophisticated rear suspension designs out there, Fisher goes with a decade old technology- the high mount single pivot- for it's "new" suspension platform. Wonder why? Is it because it's the best choice? Or because they couldn't figure out anything better and didn't want to pay licensing fees for someone else's design?

Discuss.

Platform shocks have made many if not all of the problems with single pivots go away, so why not go with the simple, light, low maintenance setup that offers less lateral play in the rearend than 4 bar?

There is a picture of the new fisher on http://twentynineinches.com/ looks perfect.

Appendage · 10-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by vichercules

Platform shocks have made many if not all of the problems with single pivots go away, so why not go with the simple, light, low maintenance setup that offers less lateral play in the rearend than 4 bar?

There is a picture of the new fisher on http://twentynineinches.com/ looks perfect.

I thought platform shocks addressed biopacing (pedal-induced bobbing). Do they also solve brake jack and chain-related pedal feedback?

mward · 10-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

I thought platform shocks addressed biopacing (pedal-induced bobbing). Do they also solve brake jack and chain-related pedal feedback?

Yeah, they make you more attractive to the opposite sex and more likely to win at powerball too.

El Caballo · 10-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appendage

I thought platform shocks addressed biopacing (pedal-induced bobbing). Do they also solve brake jack and chain-related pedal feedback?

Pedal feedback is a pivot location issue, not a linkage type issue. A Kona Dawg (monopivot, 100mm travel) has less pedal feedback than a Stumpjumper (Horst, 100mm travel).

As far as "brake jack", well, monopivots extend less under braking than almost any 4-bar (except the Yeti ASR). They do generally behave differently under braking, but I can't see any reasonable way to call that "jacking". Again, it's a pivot location issue, not a linkage type issue.

kustomz · 10-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by FisherGuy

There are of course two new forks from Bontrager, both Switchblades, one with carbon legs and the other with aluminum. I'll let some of the show visitors post pictures of these.

Are there any specs available yet? Can we walk in to a dealer and get one now or...... I think there are way too many riders like myself that are ready to dump the KM in favor of something more compliant.

BruceBrown · 10-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by kustomz

Are there any specs available yet? Can we walk in to a dealer and get one now or...... I think there are way too many riders like myself that are ready to dump the KM in favor of something more compliant.

In case you have not done so yet, you might want to read the thread on this board entitled "Gary Fisher notes" which addresses some issues.

No reason for me to dump the KM due to any "compliance" issues. But then again, I've got a Sugar 293 as well...

BB

kustomz · 10-07-2005

I did not see anything in that post that would keep me from buying a carbon fork. They stand behind their products, so that's all good for me as a low impact 140lb rider. Bontrager or Pace, somebody with a carbon fork will get my money.