Climbs and handles like a champ and is very responsive. The bad seat will destroy your rear end on long hauls and all though the geometry gives the bike great handling, the riding position killed my lower back (Granted it was a 30 mile ride but I've heard similar gripes from others who have ridden this bike). Front and rear derailleurs shift responsively but the one I rode had SRAM shifters which work but I personally have always perferred Shimano. The tires were good new but they didn't last long before they had to be replaced. The grips are a bit uncomfortable but since I ride with gloves this didn't bother me. A handfull of minor drawbacks keep it from being a full-on five out of five but the Tassajara is still a lot of fun to ride and is worth buying.
There's nothing fancy about this bike. It's not super-light and it doesn't have top-of-the line components. But the components it does come with are great for an entry-level bike, and the geometry is incredible.
I plan to keep this bike forever - even if I get a fancier bike. It's tough enough to take more punishment than I can ever give it and it has been extremely reliable.
Pros Solid, reliable, great geometry. Excellent choice for an entry-level bike.
Cons I had to replace the front fork after a few years of abuse.
I am not sure this is the bike I have. I have this one: http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/tassajara
This was a recent purchase and an upgrade of a Specialized Hardrock rigid that is over ten years old.
So far, all I can say The bike feels solid, and the components feel solid. Seems like a great bike for the price point.ProsFeels really nimble, responsive. So far no serious complaints, but...ConsThe seat is pretty uncomfortable, and I don't like the grips at all. I'll probably upgrade the grips first.
If you seriously want to start mountain biking and are looking for a HT then this is a good choice. I have rode one for 4 years now and hev upgraded parts to carbon bars and seat post, XT derail., and XT shifters. I also bought the model with the disc brakes. I love the bike and friends(even ones that ride FS) are always wanting to use it. AND its really not that heavy when comapred to other "entry level" bikes like the Trek 4300 and such...
Pros Great serious entry level platform. Strong parts group, durable, and good habdling/geometry.
Great buy for the first mountain bike. Even when I eventually upgrade to full-sus, i will always keep this one around
Pros Strong frame w/ lifetime warranty. I've owned for ~4 years and have upgraded everything on the bike. Entry level priced mountain bike that you can bash on real trails.
I got my bike in 2002 over in German and put around 150 miles a week on it. Perfect for roads as well as trails. Used mine in three different competitions and it handle the beating perfectly and begged for more. I have a Specialized now but wish I would have gotten another one of these. Once you ride it a while you will fall in love with its speed and how it handles.
Pros Awesome all around mid level bike for the money.
Cons A little heavy but you will get use to it. It'll just make you stronger!
This is my first MTB. I purchased it May of 2006 and have been riding 2 to 3 times a week ever since. I high recommend it to any one buying there first bike.
This bike has been like a brother to me. I think I got it when I was like 16. I am now 25. Almost every component has been upgraded, but the frame is solid.
Pros Strong. Have owned it for like 10 years and ahve dropped some decent cliffs. Still no cracks!
Love it.
Pros
Solid bike
Cons
| ThankMine is too small
Climbs and handles like a champ and is very responsive. The bad seat will destroy your rear end on long hauls and all though the geometry gives the bike great handling, the riding position killed my lower back (Granted it was a 30 mile ride but I've heard similar gripes from others who have ridden this bike). Front and rear derailleurs shift responsively but the one I rode had SRAM shifters which work but I personally have always perferred Shimano. The tires were good new but they didn't last long before they had to be replaced. The grips are a bit uncomfortable but since I ride with gloves this didn't bother me. A handfull of minor drawbacks keep it from being a full-on five out of five but the Tassajara is still a lot of fun to ride and is worth buying.
Pros
GEOMETRY
Cons
| ThankSEAT, TIRES
Solid performing hardtail
Pros
Solid performer for a hardtail. Rode a ten year old tassajara on some gnarly rocky terrain and it still performed well!
Cons
| ThankThe geometry
There's nothing fancy about this bike. It's not super-light and it doesn't have top-of-the line components. But the components it does come with are great for an entry-level bike, and the geometry is incredible.
I plan to keep this bike forever - even if I get a fancier bike. It's tough enough to take more punishment than I can ever give it and it has been extremely reliable.
Pros
Solid, reliable, great geometry. Excellent choice for an entry-level bike.
Cons
| ThankI had to replace the front fork after a few years of abuse.
awesome bike that takes a beating.
Pros
great bike for the price.
Cons
| ThankBought one five years ago for half the price.
Definitely worth buying, but upgrade the tires, grips, and saddle immediately.
Pros
Well-balanced and tough.
Cons
| ThankCrap saddle and crap tires
I am not sure this is the bike I have. I have this one: http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/tassajara
This was a recent purchase and an upgrade of a Specialized Hardrock rigid that is over ten years old.
So far, all I can say The bike feels solid, and the components feel solid. Seems like a great bike for the price point.ProsFeels really nimble, responsive. So far no serious complaints, but...ConsThe seat is pretty uncomfortable, and I don't like the grips at all. I'll probably upgrade the grips first.
| ThankIf you seriously want to start mountain biking and are looking for a HT then this is a good choice. I have rode one for 4 years now and hev upgraded parts to carbon bars and seat post, XT derail., and XT shifters. I also bought the model with the disc brakes. I love the bike and friends(even ones that ride FS) are always wanting to use it. AND its really not that heavy when comapred to other "entry level" bikes like the Trek 4300 and such...
Pros
Great serious entry level platform. Strong parts group, durable, and good habdling/geometry.
Cons
| Thankseat, could have a better fork
If it's your pricepoint, it's for you! Forget it if you are mr. or mrs. moneybags!
Pros
The best beginner mountain bike out there! Strong frame, great geometry, great value.
Cons
| ThankHeavy, weak wheels, sub par fork (Pilot).
Great buy for the first mountain bike. Even when I eventually upgrade to full-sus, i will always keep this one around
Pros
Strong frame w/ lifetime warranty. I've owned for ~4 years and have upgraded everything on the bike. Entry level priced mountain bike that you can bash on real trails.
Cons
| Thankheavy. I'm now contemplating a full-susser
I got my bike in 2002 over in German and put around 150 miles a week on it. Perfect for roads as well as trails. Used mine in three different competitions and it handle the beating perfectly and begged for more. I have a Specialized now but wish I would have gotten another one of these. Once you ride it a while you will fall in love with its speed and how it handles.
Pros
Awesome all around mid level bike for the money.
Cons
| ThankA little heavy but you will get use to it. It'll just make you stronger!
This is my first MTB. I purchased it May of 2006 and have been riding 2 to 3 times a week ever since. I high recommend it to any one buying there first bike.
Pros
Great over all components for the money.
Cons
| ThankHate the seat.
This bike has been like a brother to me. I think I got it when I was like 16. I am now 25. Almost every component has been upgraded, but the frame is solid.
Pros
Strong. Have owned it for like 10 years and ahve dropped some decent cliffs. Still no cracks!
Cons
| ThankHeavy.