Cyclocross - Why Not Gary Fisher?

I've just got into Cyclocross last year, and I really can't get enough it. I started getting Cyclocross Magazine too. I will admit that I am a big gearphile and I do a lot of research on bikes, parts, etc. . One thing that really surprises me is how nobody on the pro circuit races Gary Fisher Presidio's. Now I am sure there are "some", but they and Trek's are not advertised much. CX Mag did a review on the Trek XO1 and XO2, but not the Presidio yet. I am wondering if it is due to the fact the frame is made of steel? I owned one last year and had to trade it in for my Gary Fisher Rig MTB. Wife made me choose then but felt bad and is letting me get another cross bike this spring. I did look at the Presidio's again and now they come with new rear dropouts that enable you to have gears or go single speed, which is very appealing to me. To be honest I don't race, but I love the utilitarian aspect of the bike and I just love how they are kind of a jack of all trades. I loved my Presidio, it rode smooth, and to me it was pretty frickin light. The only thing I would have changed would of been the wheels and possibly switch the crank to match the rest of the Rival drivetrain. My LBS also carries Blue Competition Cycles, and I am having a real tough time keeping my eyes off of their CX6.5. Even the Trek XO1 is somewhat appealing. A big part of me wanted to go custom but I just can't swing it. If I had a grouppo laying around at home then I would but it's just not in the cards right now. I just am surprised that Fisher/Trek doesn't promote their product more at Cyclocross races, mags, and such. They certainly don't have a problem in that dept when it comes to MTB or Road racing. Maybe Lance needs to race CX more? :lol:

Lance races CX as often as he could I am sure. Have to go where the money will eventually be. Think the Trek riders use all Bontrager stuff for the most part now. Good to hear you're allowed back in the CX world ;). You must have passed the test when you gave up your bike earlier.

Make sure the 2010 model pesidio fits before you purchase. They changed the geometry this year for some reason.

You ask a lot of questions in this one little post. First off, pros race what their sponsors give them. Since Trek ownes GF, I'm thinking every Trek sponsored team will race Trek bikes and not GF. The mag probably hasn't gotten around to them yet. Has nothing to do with frame material. There are a lot of bike manufactures out there. Takes time to do them all. Plus, how popular is CX? Most people are more concerned with road and mtb racing rather than cross. Personally, I'm quite happy with where the popularity is currently. If it gets any more crowded, there won't be slots to race in. Unlike road, there are only so many places you'll be able to race cross.

Both JHK and his wife, Heather Irmiger, race cross on Presideo's...seeing as they both race XC for Subaru-Gary Fisher, it sort of makes sense.

Also, Velo News talked about it briefly a couple of months ago when they were reviewing cross bikes. It wasn't one of the top three choices, but it did make the next 10 bikes cut.

Knobster, I like asking questions. Then I can be all knowing to the next person who asks "a lot of questions". I never stated that I think Trek sponsored riders should ride Gary Fisher, so not sure where that came from. And I do agree with you about the sport being at a good spot right now. More fans = more races down the road though. Bitterkitten, I was aware that Heather Irmiger raced a Presidio, but I did not know that JHK also raced CX. That's pretty cool, I surprised I hadn't heard about that till now. I did also see the spot in VeloNews about the Presidio. I just figured with Gary Fisher being all about off road that CX would have been pushed a little more, ie. advertising, sponsoring top racers, etc. . And if my questions bother people let me know. I was only trying to start up some conversation. Sometimes the CX forum gets a little quiet if you know what I mean.

Knobster, I like asking questions. Then I can be all knowing to the next person who asks "a lot of questions". I never stated that I think Trek sponsored riders should ride Gary Fisher, so not sure where that came from. And I do agree with you about the sport being at a good spot right now. More fans = more races down the road though. Bitterkitten, I was aware that Heather Irmiger raced a Presidio, but I did not know that JHK also raced CX. That's pretty cool, I surprised I hadn't heard about that till now. I did also see the spot in VeloNews about the Presidio. I just figured with Gary Fisher being all about off road that CX would have been pushed a little more, ie. advertising, sponsoring top racers, etc. . And if my questions bother people let me know. I was only trying to start up some conversation. Sometimes the CX forum gets a little quiet if you know what I mean.

I didn't mean anything by my statement. What you said you wondered why more pros didn't race GF's. I said, the reason I think this is, is because Pros ride what they are told to ride and since Trek ownes GF, the chances of someone being sponsored by GF are slim since Trek ownes them, the riders will probably be riding Treks instead. But, yeah I'd like to see more GF bikes out there being ridden by the pros. Shame so many great brands like GF and Klein, ok even Lemond were bought out by Trek.

I don't think the Presidio is as much of a race oriented bike as many others out there, and Fisher is mostly focused on trail bikes and 29ers for Trek. That's probably why. If Trek/Fisher wanted some top cross riders, they would probably build a more race oriented frame for them, along the lines of the X0.

I'm not saying it's a bad bike, and it's certainly raceable. In fact I would absolutely love the frameset, it's exactly what I want (sliders, raceable, but good tire clearance).

+1 on Kleins being sweet bikes! I always wanted one. I know what you guys are saying about Trek owning GF and taking the reins all the time, but look at GF and his 29ers. As far as I know Trek doesn't have any 29ers. Maybe a 69er still? Too bad they don't cut the cord a little more with cyclocross bikes! Not that there is anything wrong with the XO series because I am still looking at those too. Those sliding dropouts on the new Presidio's are pretty sweet indeed. Still digging the Blue Competition Cycles CX6.5 though. But my wallet isn't, LOL.

Those GF bikes look pretty nice to me. I love my OX Platinum Lemond, it's the best riding cross bike I've ever had. I had an XO1 before that and the ride was awful harsh. I don't know if steel has anything to do with it but the only steel pro bikes I can think of are the Richard Sachs RGM watch team bikes. Though you do see a lot more steel bikes in the semi pro/1/2 amateur racing compared to the same cats in road racing.