Gary Fisher Tarpon Review

For those that ride...really ride, and want a bike that will last - check out the Gary Fisher Tarpon mountain bike.  Yes, this bike will cost 2 to 3 times as much as a bike from Wal-Mart.  It will also take 2 to 3 times the abuse and will last a lifetime if taken care of.

Two miracles happened this Christmas.  #1) I re-connected with my son after a long absence.  #2) I found him a great used Gary Fisher Tarpon with a small 13" frame on craigslist.  That's what sets the high end bikes apart from Wal-Mart bikes.  The one I bought has 26" wheels, but a small frame an 11 or 12 year old kid can start on & grow into. 

Why drop $150 on a bike with 24" wheels, just to have your kid out-grow it in a year or two?  Now you go out & drop another $150 or more on another Wal-Mart cheapo with 26" wheels.  With a quality bike for a kid, you bypass the 24" wheels & go directly to the 26" wheels...but with a small frame & a highly adjustable seat post.

This bike comes in frame sizes all the way from an XS 13" size up to an XL 21" size for tall riders.  The Gary Fisher Tarpon also features a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano components, and Tektro alloy linear pull spring brakes.  MSRP is $439.99.  Yes, that's quite a hunk of change.  But, do you want a (Schwinn) bike for $219.00 from Wal-Mart that will need adjustments right from the store and need parts in a year or two - or would you rather spend the $439.99 for a bike with a Lifetime Warranty?

Footnote: I think so much of this bike - I found another used one on craigslist, but in the larger 18" frame size.  It needs some work, but as my son grows...this will be his next bike.  See photo to the right of 2004 (red) model.