Originally Posted by DustyD

Hey guys! New to the forums and looking into buying my first bike in about 15 years! I have been considering either the FX or DS models, Im really leaning towards a DS because for one I think the FX colors are terrible and the DS looks a lot nicer! Not a huge deal since its just cosmetic i understand lol but still for spending around $1000 on a bike I would prefer to like the looks of it!

So i guess my questions are how do you guys all like your DS's? I will be riding paved trail 80% of the time and super rough cracked sidewalks lol plus the occasional gravel/dirt trails here and there! My main goal is to get back in shape and honestly just have a nice hobby I enjoy to do by myself for some nice personal time! There is a 15-20 mile bike trail close to my house that goes to the next town over that I hope to be able to ride the entire way there and back! Will the DS be ok for this or should I look into the FX that is more like a road bike, then the DS?? Also too, I know they changed the name structure of the DS this year but my LBS still has 2014 Gary Fisher 8.5DS leftovers that they have marked WAY down for closeout price! This is very tempting to me because I absolutely LOVE the looks of the ones they have left in my size! I have read around and see that some people have reported the problems with the Isozone, is that something I should avoid due to the problems some people have had or would I be ok? I can get the 8.5DS for $800 plus tax! Im kind of confused with the new models being the DS4 is closer to the 8.6 and I cant find anything on a new DS3 which is what I would assume is the new 8.5? Correct? .....Sorry for the long post but just trying to get some information from people with experience with the bike and would love to hear everyones opinion! Thanks!