Fisher Sizing Help

[ThreeSixT]

First of all, HI!

Big guy here looking for some help on Fisher sizing. My Stats: 6'4", 35" inseam, 250 lbs. Have narrowed my new bike selections between two Genesis Hardtails (Big Sur/Hoo Koo) and two G2 29ers (Paragon / X Caliber), all Fisher.

My main question is, with my stats, would I be better off on a XL (21") Genesis or a XL (21") G2 29er? One of my only reasons for still considering a standard 26er is due to the better handling factors, but word on the street is the G2 geometry narrows the handling margin between 26ers and 29ers to almost nothing.

From there, its just deciding whether or not I really need all the Paragon / Big Sur has to offer, or if I will be more than happy with the Hoo Koo / X-Caliber.
Your advice/insight is appreciated.

[kdog4130]

Originally Posted by ThreeSixT

First of all, HI!

Big guy here looking for some help on Fisher sizing. My Stats: 6'4", 35" inseam, 250 lbs.
Have narrowed my new bike selections between two Genesis Hardtails (Big Sur/Hoo Koo) and two G2 29ers (Paragon / X Caliber), all Fisher.

My main question is, with my stats, would I be better off on a XL (21") Genesis or a XL (21") G2 29er? One of my only reasons for still considering a standard 26er is due to the better handling factors, but word on the street is the G2 geometry narrows the handling margin between 26ers and 29ers to almost nothing.

From there, its just deciding whether or not I really need all the Paragon / Big Sur has to offer, or if I will be more than happy with the Hoo Koo / X-Caliber.
Your advice/insight is appreciated.

Well, your'e off to a great start!(deciding on Fisher!) I would strongly recomend going with a 29er instead of a 26 inch wheel bike. 29ers just fit tall people much better than 26 inch bikes, in most cases. Plus, as you said, the new G2 geometry is the sh#t, and virtually erases all proir issues in reference to tight spots in the trail. Hope this helps!

[ThreeSixT]

Thanks!....any other info out there?

[BrewMaster]

I am 6'0", 220 lbs and I am much more comfortable on a large size 29er. I demo'd the Paragon in size large and it fit pretty well.

Go with an XL 29er and you will never look back.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by kdog4130

Well, your'e off to a great start!(deciding on Fisher!) I would strongly recomend going with a 29er instead of a 26 inch wheel bike. 29ers just fit tall people much better than 26 inch bikes, in most cases. Plus, as you said, the new G2 geometry is the sh#t, and virtually erases all proir issues in reference to tight spots in the trail. Hope this helps!

get a 29'er for sure big fellaI had two XL Fishers but they felt too long for me (I am 6'2"). At 6'4" it maybe just right.

As far as handling the 29'er will perform (for you) better than any 26" wheeled bike.

Good luck

[lmnop]

I'm 6'3" with a 34"-35" inch inseam and weight about 180. I have an 07 XL Paragon and so far (fingers crossed) it has been a great bike. Fishers have a longer top tube, no doubt, but I like it. I also have a pair of long monkey arms. Overall, the bike is a great climber, but it does okay on the descents as well. Remember, you can also adjust stem length and height. The 29er definitely feels like I ride within the bike, rather than on top of it!

Fishers have a reputation for some spotty frames. I've heard that the 08's went a long way towards taking care of the problem on the Paragon, which was centered on the top tupe/seat tube intersection. Buy it new, you may need to use the lifetime warranty!

[kdog4130]

Originally Posted by lmnop

I'm 6'3" with a 34"-35" inch inseam and weight about 180. I have an 07 XL Paragon and so far (fingers crossed) it has been a great bike. Fishers have a longer top tube, no doubt, but I like it. I also have a pair of long monkey arms. Overall, the bike is a great climber, but it does okay on the descents as well. Remember, you can also adjust stem length and height. The 29er definitely feels like I ride within the bike, rather than on top of it!

Fishers have a reputation for some spotty frames. I've heard that the 08's went a long way towards taking care of the problem on the Paragon, which was centered on the top tupe/seat tube intersection. Buy it new, you may need to use the lifetime warranty!

Sorry, but not true! Fishers are quite reliable. I see far more Trek's come back, than Fishers. Sorry, off topic, but I had to clarify.

[Kid A]

hit up Johnny dirt as he is prob close to your size and has a older fisher with gen geo in his stable and he can tell u wat size his bike is

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by kdog4130

Sorry, but not true! Fishers are quite reliable. I see far more Trek's come back, than Fishers. Sorry, off topic, but I had to clarify.

I think the rep comes from the huge amount of bikes they sell. I had two Fishers that were fine under my 225lbs

All frames break..........ALL FRAMES

[mtnbikej]

Go with the GF 29er......

For those that complain that the steering is slow.....have obviously not spent enough time on a 29er. Yeah, it seems that way at first, but once you get used to it, it will handle just like any 26" hardtail.

That being said......I love the way my '08 Paragon rides. Stretch the travel on the Fox fork to 100mm and it just eats the trail up.

At your size, the 29er is going to feel so much more proportioned than the 26" bike

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by mtnbikej

Go with the GF 29er......

For those that complain that the steering is slow.....have obviously not spent enough time on a 29er. Yeah, it seems that way at first, but once you get used to it, it will handle just like any 26" hardtail.

That being said......I love the way my '08 Paragon rides. Stretch the travel on the Fox fork to 100mm and it just eats the trail up.

At your size, the 29er is going to feel so much more proportioned than the 26" bike

jordan has the GF 29'er and that things i very nicely equipped for the price.

[lmnop]

Originally Posted by kdog4130

Sorry, but not true! Fishers are quite reliable. I see far more Trek's come back, than Fishers. Sorry, off topic, but I had to clarify.

Between me and the guy I ride with, we've broken Fisher frames a total of five times. My current frame (07 Paragon) I bought used from the same friend after he cracked it and got it replaced under the Fisher (i.e. Trek - same company) lifetime warranty.

So, why did I buy it with my past experiences with Fisher? Well, it was cheap and he agreed that he would take it back to the dealer if it cracked under my weight (warranty is restricted to the original owner). And, I really like the way Fishers fit me.

Look, there are compromises with any purchase. I don't have a ton of money to throw at a boutique 29er, the Paragon was an attractive solution. I've got another bike in my stable, so I'm okay with the two to three weeks it would take to get the frame replaced if it were ever an issue.

Am I imagining all this? Do a search or two on MTBR...

[ThreeSixT]

Thanks everyone....

[ThreeSixT]

Originally Posted by lmnop

I'm 6'3" with a 34"-35" inch inseam and weight about 180. I have an 07 XL Paragon and so far (fingers crossed) it has been a great bike. Fishers have a longer top tube, no doubt, but I like it. I also have a pair of long monkey arms. Overall, the bike is a great climber, but it does okay on the descents as well. Remember, you can also adjust stem length and height. The 29er definitely feels like I ride within the bike, rather than on top of it!!

29er it is! I have long monkey arms too!

Now to decide if I really need what the Paragon has (hate the color) and be happy as is, or "settle" for the X-Cal and do upgrades as I get better