$5500
24.5 pounds
3.5 inches of rear wheel travel
Full test: June 2008 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: Perhaps the most important aspect of the new Procaliber's design is its G2 frame geometry. The basis of Fisher's concept is to use a slightly longer top tube, in conjunction with a shorter stem, which gives the bike an edge while cornering and in technical situations. To sharpen the focus of the Procaliber's steering at singletrack speeds, the fork offset has been increased with a special crown. This reduces the amount of "trail," which causes the steering to feel lighter and more sensitive.

Best quote: “Efficient pedaling is job one for a cross-country machine, and the Procaliber delivers it, both uphill and on the flats. That said, the Fisher gets it done with a smooth feel under acceleration. It rarely exhibits the instantaneous pulsing-forward-with-each-push-on-the-pedals feeling that some competitors worship.”

Bottom line: Good work from the folks at Gary Fisher Bikes. Out of the box, the Procaliber can be raced successfully in the amateur classes (except that it doesn't come with pedals), and it will make an awesome cross-country trailbike--especially for epic rides. The newest member of the legendary Procaliber family blends the traditional cross-country racer with truly modern dual-suspension design and frame geometry.