Mountain Biking - Gary Fisher Mullet - advice

Hi, I'm in the market to replace my old Trek 850 (after 10 years of riding mostly streets it is being relegated to winter biking) and wanted something that should last me another 10 years. Probably 50% of my biking will be on pavement, 40% XC, and I guess that leave 10% for trails - no major drops or jumps planned. That said, if everything goes as planned, I want something with the capability of taking small drops and jumps as my skills increase. I'd really prefer to spend under $1000 Canadian (c. $800 US) and from my research, it appears that hardtail is definitely the way to go given my riding profile.

I've tried the Trek 4500 which was very comfortable given that it's geometry was very similar to my Trek 850 but its look just didn't grab me (probably because it also looked alot like the 850 and perhaps I want a bit of a different design). I also tried the Norco Storm which just didn't feel right and didn't grab me re: looks. I tried the Specialized Rockhopper Comp which was $1000. It was a nice setup and the components looked good, but it just felt a bit odd when test ridden - likely just a matter of getting used to a new ride, I know, but it was enough to keep me looking. There were numerous reviews all over the web for all of these bikes so I felt I could buy any with confidence.

I then found the Gary Fisher Mullet for $800. It rode very nicely, although thinking back the front shocks (which I did adjust at the time) may have felt a little too plush. Overall, however, this was probably the first bike that I actually liked lookwise and that felt comfortable and really enjoyable to ride. The problem is, there don't seem to be very many reviews on the bike so that is why I'm asking for advice on the component setup listed below (I've been out of the market for 10 years and damn a lot has changed :o )

I will be going back to retest the bike and also try the Specialized Rockhopper Comp (and maybe a Hardrock) again. Another LBS also has the Kona Scrap and the Kona Hoss for $1049 so I will give them a whirl too and I'll be checking out some other lines around town, but any comments on the components or about the Mullet in general would be greatly appreciated.


This link gives the following specs. - http://thebikepros.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=602&Catalog=39&sort=3rdcharacter

Frame Bigg'ns 6061-aluminum
Fork Manitou Splice Comp, 110mm-travel
Rims/Wheels WTB Speed Disc
Hubs Shimano M475 Disc
Spokes 14g stainless-steel
Tires Bontrager Earl, 26 x 2.4
Crankset Shimano MC08
Chainwheel 42/32/22
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-830, 8-speed: 11-32
Shifters Shimano EF29
Handlebars Bontrager Earl
Stem Bontrager Earl
Brake Levers Aluminum
Brakes Hayes Linx-26, mechanical-disc
Pedals Aluminum BMX
Saddle Bontrager Earl
Seat Post Bontrager Sport


The two review sites for the bike that I've found:

http://www.bikereviews.com/_bmxbikes/Gary%20Fisher/
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Freeride_Hardtail/product_124758.shtml

****Edit:

Well, after doing a bit more research into the bike and contacting 2 other GF dealers it appears that the Mullet is more of a jump bike and not what I'm looking for (raises serious questions about the first dealer I went to, hmmm). More in-line with my needs will be a Gary Fisher Tassajara which appear to be pretty popular because they're all sold out . . . except for a 2004 Tass on sale for $699 from $999 Canadian. I'll be checking that out tonight and the reviews on the Tass seem pretty positive. Fingers crossed.

Get the 04 Tass, that is a great entry level bike and you are getting a nice discount. Hopefully it has a nice paintjob.

You don't want the Mullet, the Storm or the Hoss for the types of riding you're doing. Those bike are too heavy and will weigh you down.

Out of those, your best bet would probably be the Rockhopper. You want an XC bike for maximum speedology. Those ones are free ride bikes designed for either heavier riders or jumps/freeriding.

Yep, I tested out the 2004 Gary Fisher Tassajara along with a 2005 Giant Iguana. After comparing those two bikes and all of the others, I carpe diemed and went with the 2004 Tass. The feel of the bike was the nicest of all the bikes I rode (except for the Mullet and after the shop change out the seat . . . the reviews of the seat weren't kidding when they said it was uncomfortable, damn!:eek: ). From everything I read it is a solid bike to build on as I need to and hopefully this bike will get me into more aggressive riding and then I can justify both the Tass and the Mullet :)

Happy trails.

Rockhopper, Hardrock, Tassajara are not jumping bikes. You'll break the frame going off drops on an XC bike.

Thanks for the warning G-Unit. I'm just getting into XC and trails so wouldn't be doing jumps. I took the Mullet down some stairs (riding not jumping) while testing it out and that was about pretty cool and the LBS said the Tass should be fine for that. If not and it turns out that I do want to get into jumping, then hey, I'll just have to get a second jump/drop bike - no complaints there :D

Thanks to swifferman and crashnburn for your advice. :)

. . except for a 2004 Tass on sale for $699 from $999 Canadian. I'll be checking that out tonight and the reviews on the Tass seem pretty positive. Fingers crossed.

My 2000 (?) Tass is a great bike - it did not come with suspension - I ended up putting on slicks as I do most of my riding on country roads. You won't regret buying a gary fisher - especially at that price.

GG