Gary Fisher 2001 Utopia

Price Paid:  $650.00 at ABC Bicycles

Bike Setup:
Mostly stock. Delta rack and Jandd panniers. Serfas seat. Cateye cyclocomputer, headlight, and tail light. Kryptonite u-lock.

Summary:
I bought this bike as a commuter bike. The bike saw over 4200 miles in 6 months, so I got a feel for the bike's ins and outs. For the most part, the bike was impressive. The Rolf Vector rims stayed mostly true through 5 bike accidents. The front shock saved me from a couple of serious endos. Even though the brakes were not great, they were 300% more powerful than my old cantilevers. Shivters worked well with the LX rear and Nexave front deraileurs. Had to replace frame due to t-boning a Mustang (his fault, did not stop at stopsign.)

Strengths:
Frame is pretty stout. Front shock fork works well in the city and not too heavy. Rims are excellent for hybrid. Tires worked well for city and mild off-roading.

Weaknesses:
Oasis seat is miserable. Generic Promax brake levers are not designed well (Too much up and down play.) Promax v-brakes are not great, but function good enough. Nexave chainrings are heavy and welded together (they are totally worn out after 4200 miles). Bottom bracket is of poor quality.

Similar Products Used:
Various department store mountain bikes.

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Bike Gallery

Favorite Ride:
Wherever the cars aren't

Bike Setup:
Stock except for luggage rack and bar ends.

Summary:
My wife and I needed new bikes, and we settled on hybrids as the best balance between road use and comfort in an urban setting. We are casual riders but like good quality. The Utopia seemed to offer the most bang for the buck. I bought a 2001 and got a 2002 model for my wife.

Strengths:
Good components. Able to rack up miles or just putt around.

Weaknesses:
The saddle. It gives me numb nuts instantly. I'll be replacing it with a Koobi Xenon as my next experiment.

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Woodlands

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Light Street Cycle,

Favorite Ride:
Rock Creek Park

Bike Setup:
Stock, except changed shifters to sram (grip), san marco saddle, and bontrager spd pedals.

Summary:
Great Bike for the price. been abusing this bike for about a year, has withstood all i could shell out. Use it at least once a week for 20-50 mile excursions. Much faster than I expected. great wheels.

Strengths:
WHEELS - rolf, very strong, durable - not sure about the bontrager's on the 2002. great buy.

Weaknesses:
upgraded all the weaknesses at time of purchase. recommend changing shifters and saddle.

Similar Products Used:
Giant Cypress

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Tailwind Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Country Roads

Summary:
After riding a Fisher hardtail mountain bike as an all-purpose bike, I wanted something faster on the roads. I test rode a Trek 7500FX. The 7500FX was nice but I bought the Utopia because of the front shocks which respond nicely over sidewalks, curbs and uneven road surfaces. The Utopia is fairly light for a bike with shocks,has fairly thin tires and is pretty quick. It took me a while to accept that I would have to pay over $600 for a decent bike which is versatile, but after riding the bike 10 times or so, I really feel like I got a good value with the Utopia.

Strengths:
Bike is relatively light, nice wheels, quick and versatile.

Weaknesses:
Seat is a bit uncomfortable

Similar Products Used:
2001 Fisher Tassajara

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Village Cyclesport

Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano SPD-M424 pedals, some aluminum bar ends and Trek Invert 2 700x38c tires.

Summary:
Great bike for the value. I loved my old Trek 7900 (which had mostly XT components), but I sold it a few years ago. This is the replacement that I bought. The only thing I don't like is the fact that the fork makes it a bit front-heavy (which I am not used to). I am undecided as to whether or not I think the suspension is worth the weight over an aluminum fork. I like the overall feel of the bike, although they should have stuck the Bontrager seat from the Trek 7600 onto it..I will have to get a more sporty seat as I don't like this one too much. Overall, I'd say its a great bike, especially for the money!

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
'96 Trek 7900