Gary Fisher Big Sur Hardtail

Bike Details

This bike has been molded into a solid yet light race bike. The bike started its existance as an 97 Gary Fisher Montare, which was the upper middle of the trimline back in its day. Orginally it was used primarily on the road with hopes that someday it would see it true calling. That happened when I joined the "Ward" research group in graduate school and hooked up with Steve Martin who loved to ride. It wasn't until the first true torture test (The 24 Hours of Afton) that it became apparent that the bike was in need of a few upgrades.

The first upgrade was to replace the front fork with an 2001 Marzocchi Z3 (air) and install V-brakes. These changes alone transformed the bike from scary to solid. Soon after I replaced the stock wheels with a set of Spinergy Xyclones, which were much lighter and more durable. The bike was used extensively over the next couple of years until I purchased a used Gary Fisher Sugar 4 (full suspension). During the 2003 24 Hours of Afton, however, the bike meet its match. During the race Steve's bike started to have some mechanical problems and my Fisher was used by both of us. During the race a noticable creaking developed that only got worse as the race went on. A couple weeks later a hairline crack was discovered across seat tube in line with the top of the top tube and the seat stay. I originally though about having someone weld the section to fix it, but I was reminded that Gary Fisher frames have a lifetime warrenty. I had County Cycles contact the local Fisher rep and about a month later recieve a shinny new silver 2004 Fisher Big Sur frame.

I recieved the frame at the end of the 2005 race season and decided to by a few new components to build up the new race rig. A new drivetrain was in order: Truvative Stylo GXP, SRAM X-7 shifters and R deraileur, XT Front Deraileur and PC-69 Chain. I also purchased a FSA XC-140 stem and a Answer Hyperlight carbon bar. I got a good deal on a 2001 Marzocchi Atom Race and it was painted to match. Below is a pictur of how the bike looked before the 2006 race season.

Frame: 2004 Gary Fisher Big Sur (Special Silver only point)
Fork: 2004 Rock Shox SID Team
Headset: Cane Creek S-2
Stem: Syntace F99
Bar: Easton EC90 (flat), 22"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips (foam)
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 31.6mm x 400mm
Saddle: Bontrager Race Lux
Brakes: Avid SD 7
Levers: Avid SD 7
Shifters: SRAM X-7 trigger
Rear Deraileur: SRAM X-7
Front Deraileur: Shimano XT 34.6mm
Cassette: XT CS-M760 11-32
Chain: SRAM PC971
Wheels: Spinergy Xyclone "Rim"
Seat Post Clamp: Aluminum non quick release
Skewers: Spinergy
Bottom bracket: Truvative GXP
Cranks: Truvativ Stylo Team GXP
Crank bolts: Truvativ Steel
Pedals: Time XE ATAC
Rear Tyre: Conti Twister pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Front Tyre: Conti Explorer pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Cables: Shimano (small diameter & Avid noodles)

Bike as it looks ready for the 2007 Race Season

Upgrades (May 21st, 2007)

Disk Brakes (Avid Juicy 5)

Frame: 2004 Gary Fisher Big Sur (Special Silver only point)
Fork: 2004 Rock Shox SID Team
Headset: Cane Creek S-2
Stem: Syntace F99
Bar: Easton EC90 (flat), 22"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips (foam)
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 31.6mm x 400mm
Saddle: Bontrager Race Lux
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5
Levers: Avid Juicy 5
Shifters: SRAM X-7 trigger
Rear Deraileur: SRAM X-7
Front Deraileur: Shimano XT 34.6mm
Cassette: XT CS-M760 11-32
Chain: SRAM PC971 (new 5/21/07)
Wheels: Spinergy Xyclone "Disk"
Seat Post Clamp: Aluminum non quick release
Skewers: Spinergy
Bottom bracket: Truvative GXP
Cranks: Truvativ Stylo Team GXP
Crank bolts: Truvativ Steel
Pedals: Time XE ATAC
Rear Tyre: Conti Twister pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Front Tyre: Conti Explorer pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Cables: Shimano (small diameter & Avid noodles)