I was looking at the gary fisher tassajara... and only because the guy at the LBS reccommended it. I am always rather aprehensive about listening to a guy at a store like that b/c they prob see me coming a mile away as a new guy they can make money on. But I hear on this board that this bike is a good choice for under $1000.
Im 25, havent ridden since I was 14. 6'1 195Lbs trying to get down to 175 ish. I will prob do a lot of XC and prob push myself to do things I prob shouldn't at this level, but thats just how I am.
Im going to test ride the bike on sat. for a few hours and see if I like it. I read on the board to just test ride as many as possible and get the one that feels good... but I think I may have trouble with that. See I've always been the guy who will try the one right out of my price range (whatever item i am testing) and think that it "feels" better... but realistically im just thinking along the lines of "more expensive must be better". I've done that with all my previous hobbies and trying to not let that happen here as it usually gets out of hand and my budget gets blown.

Any advice on what to ride or what to look at would be greatly appreciated.
BTW I tried the search function but couldn't find anything specific to my situation.

Thanks for the help!!

It's a solid bike, While test riding, see if they have a trek 6500 to compare it to. But yes ride as many as you can.

I just bought a Tassajara Disc this month and am mostly satisfied with it. I have only put about 50 miles on it. Like you, I am just getting back into it. I am 24, 6" 195 and haven't ridden since I was 16. Having a lot of fun with the bike and after I got the front disc aligned properly the bike has been working great for me. Like I said, I am just getting back into riding so I can't really recommend other bikes, but this one has been really solid for me.

Yes, GF tass is a very nice bike. especially if you like the Genesis geometry. I like the simple design of the bike, not big gussets or boxy tubing...... good luck.....

Miront, either your really short or your just about average. Ya I know, kind of a gay joke but I couldn't resist.

test ride as many bike as you can in your price range

Ah yes...the 6 inch man. I blame the laptop keyboard.

"will prob do a lot of XC and prob push myself to do things I prob shouldn't at this level, but thats just how I am."


How about finding yourself a very good condition second hand bike lets say a year or two old. If you thoroughly inspect it and all ok then maybe it's a good choice. This way you will be buying a better bike (with better parts on it) and it will probably last longer. If you purchase a new sub-$1,000 bike, at some point you'll want/need to upgrade! You could probably find a two year old $2,000 bike (v.good cond) for that amount.... just another idea....

Really think about how much you'll be riding. Back in 05' I was in the exact same position you're in now. I ended up gettin a Rockhopper & 6 months into it I was totally addicted. I was (and still am) putting in 10 plus miles a day 3 or 4 days a week. Pretty soon I upgraded the wheels. Just last week after I shredded my second bottom bracket I decided to upgrade the cranks to Shimano LX. Well... Turns out the Rockhopper's frame was bent & the LX cranks did not jive at all. So w/ mixed feelings, I accepted Specialized's offer to upgrade me to the Stumpjumper frame for $400. (That's practically what I paid for the Rockhopper in the first place). That's not all... Had to upgrade to a 9sp transmission as well which meant new brake & shifter levers and a new front derailer. So in the end; Rockhopper complete @ 450, upgraded wheels @ 200, upgraded cranks @ 150, Stumpy frame @ 400, shifters @ 35, brake levers @ 30, I've ended up with a Stumpjumper HT w/ nicer wheels & cranks, but I'm stuck w/ the 05' Rockhopper fork (Manitou Axel Comp) for roughly around $1265.00. I probably ...No definitly should have just sprung for the Stumpjumper in the first place. I'd have that nice Fox rp3. Oh well. My ride is MUCH improved so I can't complain too much. I'm just saying, really think about how much you'll be riding.

...Oh yeah, because of mountain biking I went from 210lbs to 175lbs in three months & have pretty much kept it there ever since. Good luck.

I have an '02 Tass, and I never have had a problem with it. I am about 6', 150, and it's pretty comfortable. I know its changed a lot, but I would guess the geo is the same. If you get it, you won't be sorry.