2003 Fisher Sugar 293

[Billleigh]

What is the scoop on the Fisher Sugar 293? I was duped into the 29" Duel Sport 229 which is a glorified HYBRID! The tires that came with it are slicks, so I bought a set on W|TB with tail treads! The rims are questionable; I would say it should have 36 spokes 15-14 ga with brass nipples 3 cross lacing. So that will cost me around $250.
The Front suspension is not made for the Clydesdales so my options are limited so thats another $350-$600… I have stronger/stiffer springs ordered for the OEM forks, but I’m Leary. So I guess the moral of my story is should I have to spend another $600-800 to make it a true duel sport? And I paid $780 for the bike. I know upgrading always happens but to spend that kind of money to make trail worthy is B*&*%^%^&… So Will the Fisher Sugar 293 fix my problems? Or at least help!

Im 6'-2" -265# in case that needs to be known!

[Cloxxki]

I'm affraid that for a guy your weight, not many full-XC trail ready bikes will have sufficiently strong wheels or springs to begin with. Nothing to the lesser glory of the Dual Sports this instance IMO.
Till some 200lb, the Dual Sport should be okay for mild XC, but over that would be pushing it. New wheels can be had as cheap as $100 (just read about Mavic T519/Deore wheel for $99 at Nashbar, see MTBR.com forums).
I'd give the forks a shot with the heavier springs. The alternative sure is costly, first choice being the discounted White Brothers CX-1, second the Marzocchi MX Comp.

Good luck!

J

[T-bone]

About the 293, I've been nothing but pleased with mine. I am 6'1 and weigh in at 235 lbs and ride the sugar HARD every weekend and haven't had a problem yet. Mine even has the marathon sl which, to my knowlege, is a bit on the lighter duty side than the MX Pro or MX comp and it has performed flawlessly. Its taken numerous 3-4 foot drops and has come back for more.

I run the float R shock and the Marzocchi above the recommended psi and they take it (so far).

I bought the large frame and it is actually a bit long feeling for me so I put a 80mm stem which put the weight in a better spot and quickened up the sluggish steering.

I've seen some on sale for as low as $1299 on the web so the bargains are out there. The dealer I bougt mine from got it on sale from the factory due to it having scratches on it (1250$!).

Good luck

Cloxxi, its a bummer that other website wanted to start charging for our forum eh? I was a relatively new subscriber when my trial time was over.

[T-bone]

Check these out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3633538165


http://bicyclesplustx.com/293-liquid.html

[Cloxxki]

Sorry, totally off topic :

Originally posted by T-bone
Cloxxi, its a bummer that other website wanted to start charging for our forum eh? I was a relatively new subscriber when my trial time was over.
Absolutely. That website is actually still attracting subscribers, although I haven't een there in years, but I do still get the system emails about new subscribers. If the website had been better, I might have put down the cash, but it wasn't.
I'm still in talks with people about setting up the definate 29" website that will cover all assets of our sport, and feature a huge FAQ, Forum, etc. It's no small step to take, so the project doesn't come as quickly as I'd loved it to be.
Since I know nothing about building websites, I would only be able to take care of the content. If I could just pay $1000 for a website like dirtragmag or singletrackworld including easy tools to shape it to my liking, I would.
Imagine how it would be to have a true home for our sport, with ALL the news, all manufacturers submitting their's, as the website it THE place to lauch and try new stuff. Always the first with reviews of new products, from a crew you know from the forums already.
Perhaps even a deals section where vendors can advertise their deals on 29" stuff, to keep the entry level as low as possible.
Such a website with thousands of daily hits, would have a significant voice towards manufacturers. If we hold a poll for who wants to buy for instnace a Fisher Cake 29", and with which specs, Trek might listen and take notes.
To me it's all or nothing, making the ultimate definate 29" website, or none at all. I'd rather see all 29" web presence directed in one plac where we stand strong together, and where every newbie can visit to suck up the knowledge, reviews and tips, to make more people join us, and keep the 29" world growing at a pace that even makes Specialized raise it's brows...

[Billleigh]

Well I bought a large framed Sugar 293 yesterday..2003 closeout for $1200 at a local shop. So today I will take the virgin ride!

I had the heavier springs put in my duel sport 229 yesterday and the rating is still only for 225# max! I just wish that these bike shops would be honest before they sell you something. I did research 29” bikes, but I don’t have the resources and knowledge like this dealer should have had!

I will chalk this up to a learning experience and sell the duel sport 229 for $500 and take my loss and get on with my new Sugar 29", that seems to be a better starting point!

I would agree a 29" website would be a great forum. Chris at speed goat is a niner freak and has some great info on their site for component upgrades. Thanks for the info and keep those card and letters coming! I will report back after I hit the trail today! and gine my 2 cents on my new niner!


Cheers
Bill


PS TBONE I called the shop in Texas and they couldnt sell me the bike beacuse I was out of state....They didnt want to step on any local fisher dealers toes! What a bunch of crap! I found one cheaper anyway a 2003 closeout!

[seveneye7]

Sorry to hear about the trouble you had Bill. This problem exists across the whole bicycle industry, not just with 29ers, or Fisher bikes in particular. Seems that if your in the "Clydesdale class", or sometimes, if you weigh over 180lbs., your beyond the limits of what the bicycle industry says is "safe",or "standard". For instance, your problems with the suspension fork are, unfortunately, all too common within the industry. It seems that in the quest to bring the masses the latest in lightweight cycling componentry, one of the compromises made was to limit the weight of the intended rider for the proposed design. Obviously, with many of these parts geared towards the "racer", or "fitness" crowds, the design intent only focuses on what the companies feel is an "average weight" rider. If you fall outside this parameter, (read females, and most males above six foot tall) and your out of luck, for the most part. I work in a bike shop, and I run into this alot!
Cloxxi, the web idea is awesome. I agree that it could be a usefull and influential tool for us "29 inch wheeled" freaks! I hope you pull it off!

[T-bone]

Congrats Billliegh!

Hopefully its the bike for you. Just FYI, I installed some XT 6" hyd. discs to mine and it stops much better than the Avids (I hated those.) Definitely a worthwhile upgrade but I think 8" discs would be the ultimate for wicked fast trail riding if yu don't mind the weight penalty. If you go disc, remember that you have to buy the Fisher/Trek rear caliper adaptor but the front will bolt right up.

How does the MX pro fork feel to you? I wonder if the springs are heavy enough - but if I remember right there's an air adjustment too?


Cloxxi,

DITTOS on the website.