Pros: I love the lockout on the front and rear shocks and the strength of the frame, the brakes, the handling and the looks. I race the 2010 Top Fuel 9.8 carbon which is around 23 pounds so training on the heavy Gary Fisher is the perfect way to get stronger. Train on a heavy bike and race a light bike.

Cons: I wish it had remote lockout. The Fisher is a bit heavy. Mine is around 29 pounds.

Recommendation: Buy it. The price is right and it is fun to ride. Not for racing but it is a fun trail bike.

Dr. Dan Batchelor
Batchelor Chiropractic

Pros: The bike is tight and very nimble. Precise in turns and in sudden climbs. Everything about this bike is pure energy. Upgrade from 03 Sugar 3+.

Cons: Rear tire is not the greatest; but it impossible to pick a tire that will match all 50 states' various terrains. Just switch them out and keep on truckin' Yeah!!

Recommendation: These bikes are truly bullet proof. No need to spend three grand for Specialized bikes made in China.

Pros: Light, sturdy, plush ride.

Cons: None, so far.

Recommendation: I got this bike at the end of the '08 season for @ $1200 and it has served me well since then. Great stump/root climber (pedal clearance a little low) and a nimble turner in tight singletrack (esp. @ higher speeds). Have not done a flush on the brakes yet, but they still work well enough after 300+ miles of trail riding.

Pros: Frame/Geometry, weight, Componentry except brakes

Cons: The brakes do require some maintenance it seems, and despite that, don't seem to stop as well as they did when i got the bike.

Recommendation: This is my first "real" mountain bike and i totally love it. I ride a lot of east coast singletrack (rocks, roots, mud) and it eats it up. It seems to be very fast on the downhills and handles very well. I got a phenomenal deal on an end of season 2007 (paid an amazing $1400), and i can't rave enough about it.

Pros: I have the 29er version and the frame and suspension are the bomb diggity.

Cons: The tires are not tubeless ready.

Recommendation: BUY THIS BIKE!!! it is awesome. I have a 26" fisher tass custom and this bike is better at climbing, descending, handling and it floats of bumps like they are nothing.

Pros: Variable suspension is the shiznit! flip of switch and it climbs like a billy goat. but then it climbs well anyway! Very agile and responsive. The bike is the same frame as the $5,000 pro.

Cons: Hand grips (swapped), Tires (swapped)

Recommendation: Can't wait to upgrade to tubeless. A Can't miss. The most value for your $$. But then I'm partial to this bike because I own it!!

Pros: Great geometry. Quality components. Easy handling. Awesom front and rear suspension.

Cons: I'm not crazy about the Bontrager saddle that came with it, but that's easy to swap out. The Avid Juicy 3 Hydrolic brakes are difficult to maintain yourself, so if you have a problem, it's off the the bike shop you go (and bring money.)

Recommendation: I recently upgraded to the HiFi Plus from a CDale Super-V 700. This is my first Fisher bike, and I love it.