$1759.99
26.6 pounds
Hardtail
Fisher, (800) 858-4887
Maxi test: June 2006

Highlights: The Paragon 29er has a beautiful, externally butted 6000 series aluminum frame that is built in Waterloo, Wisconsin. The cool thing about external butting is that it relies on tube diameter and not tubing wall thickness to increase tube rigidity. Fisher uses external butting on both ends of the downtube and at the front of the top tube. The remainder of the tubes are tapered and custom butted for less weight and better performance.
 
Best quote: "Whenever you are coasting aboard the 29er, it feels like it increases speed. It's the sensation of the wheels rolling smoother over the bumps that makes the bike feel like it's traveling so much faster."

Bottom line: A rider feels almost invincible over the bumps on bigger, 29-inch wheels. The 29er simply walks all over a 26er at speed. Mix in soft terrain (like desert riding or even riding on snow) and the 29er flows with a stability a 26er rider can only dream of. Riders over six feet tall should find the 29er a more comfortable fit. Riders who refuse to ride dual-suspension bikes because of their cost and complexity will find the 29er an excellent choice.