Mountain Biking - Please helpm fast... Deciding between Cannondale Terra and Gary Fisher Tassahara

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marxxx
04-07-04, 09:07 PM
I have found a bike shop who has both bikes for the same price. The terra is 2002 (new) with the following specs:
Cannondale headshock
Deore LX front derailleur
Deore rear derailleur
Rapid fire shifter (not sure what brand)
Shimano brakeset with tektro brake levers
weinmann double wall rims
sugino x150 crank
shimano rm 40 hubs
Same frame as the f300
$529 (I really can't go any higher right now).

GF Tassahara
I don't have as many specs on this bike, I wasn't as interested until I read the reviews.
But it has Deore LX front and Rear derailleurs (I think shifter too)
It is listed as having Rock Shox Pilot XC
$529

The rest of the story... I am a total newbie to biking. I did visit several bike shops and fell into the cannondale name as well as biting on the price (same $ as F300, and the terra listed at over $700). Another reputable shop recommended this bike for $70 more. I was happy until I read the review on the tass, Now I fear I might make a mistake.
I have a dep on the c-dale, but I am sure he would sell me the GF for the same $. Please help (before GF sells)!

Marxxx

marxxx
04-07-04, 09:08 PM
Also, I am hoping to ride allot off road. I don't think I will get too crazy, but ya never know!

Thanks again,
Marxxx
trekkie820
04-07-04, 09:42 PM
Ride both, and see which YOU like better!

Maelstrom
04-07-04, 09:44 PM
Ditto. Figure out which one fits best. All bike are slightly different and ride different.
a2psyklnut
04-08-04, 09:16 AM
I agree, ride both and buy whichever is more comfortable.

I worked in a shop that sold both Cannondale's and Gary Fisher's. Both are good bikes from good manufacturer's. Cannondale was better regarding Warranty issues, only because they were quicker to respond and "make it right", whereas GF would take their time in getting replacement frames/parts.

With Cannondale, you're paying more for the frame and fork. The components will be one step lower at each comparable price point. Gary Fisher (owned by Trek) has a lot of buying power and a great sister company for their components - Bontrager.

So it's a trade-off.

The other differences are the geometries. Cannonale takes a more traditional approach to frame geometry, whereas GF uses Genesis Geometry. Personally I DON't like Genesis Geometry, but that's just ME!

BTW, I've owned bikes from each of these companies and I preferred the Cannondale hands down over the Gary Fisher.

L8R