The Deluxe is the midrange working class hero of the 5-inch travel HiFi line. Its butted and hydroformed aluminum tube set weighs an outstanding 5.2 pounds, which is a competitive weight on any cross-country start line. It's still designed to take a beating, and the frame touts fully sealed cartridge bearings throughout the linkage. The oversized main pivot is of particular interest; not only because of its size, but for increased stability. Its pivot width is nearly as wide as the 68-millimeter bottom-bracket shell.
Test quote: " We are going to let you in on a little secret. There were a few unnamed riders who didn't even know that the HiFi was a 5-inch bike. It drives light, fast and responsive. That is why many think that the HiFi is a full-suspension cross-country race bike--until they start hitting bumps and flying off drops that is. The Gary Fisher is so much fun that before long, you'll be searching out tougher obstacles.”
Stoked:
Seven-inch front brake rotor
Precise steering input at high and low speeds
Great quick releases levers
Bummed:
Needs a 34-tooth rear cog
Plastic spoke guard failed immediately
Bottom Line: Survey says that most of you are trail riders. That means you should expect nothing less than the performance of the 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe. It's not the lightest or fastest climbing bike, or the fastest, highest-flying bike on descents. Nor is it the bike to choose for a 20-foot drop. But the HiFi is the best bike for 95 percent of us. This is a bike that is meant to carry on with the original thrill of mountain biking.
(Specs below photo)
GARY FISHER HI FI DELUXE
Price...$2419.99
Country of origin...U.S.A.
Weight...27 pounds
Website…www.fisherbikes.com
Full test: October 2008 MBA
Size tested...Medium
Bottom bracket height...13"
Chainstay length...16"
Top tube length...23.5"
Head angle...70°
Seat angle...73°
Standover height...29"
Wheelbase...43"
Suspension travel (front)...5"
Suspension travel (rear)...5"
Frame material...Aluminum
Fork...Fox F120RL
Shock...Fox Float RP2
Rims...Bontrager Race Disc
Tires...Bontrager Jones XR (f) 2.25”/2.2”
Hub...Bontrager
Brakes...Avid Juicy 5
Brake levers...Avid Juicy 5
Crankset...Shimano LX
Shifters...SRAM X.7
Front derailleur...Shimano LX
Rear derailleur...SRAM X.9
Chainrings...Shimano LX (44/32/22)
Cassette...SRAM PG970 (11-32)
Pedals...Shimano M520