trek gary fisher 29er mamba

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Trek Mamba review

Unusual build

James Huang

The Mamba’s frame is trail worthy, with stable geometry and a suspension fork offers the best control in the test. The 100mm-travel RockShox Tora with lockout, preload adjustment (to cater for different rider weights) and rebound damping was the highlight of the Mamba and turned out to be a favorite within the test. Unfortunately, advantage gained by the frame and fork are quickly offset by the bike’s concessionary spec. The Mamba is one of only two bikes in this test with a 3x8 drivetrain, and the tall 32-tooth cog limits its climbing prowess. Trek picked a strangely bent handlebar that's much more appropriate for a city bike, and has no business being on a mountain bike.

• Standout features: Best suspension fork in the test, a RockShox Tora 29 w/G2 geometry, solid frame (both construction quality and geometry)
• Pros: Best suspension fork; contemporary 29er geometry
• Cons: Too many concessions – eight-speed, cable actuated disc brakes, square taper bottom bracket spindle; worst handlebar in the test; also heaviest of the hardtails in the test
• Weight: 14.5kg/31.96lb. Wheelset: 5.31kg/11.7lb

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• Gary Fisher

The 2011 Trek Gary Fisher Mamba is a mountain bike with an aluminum frame. The frame has a Matte  Dark  Gray finish.

It was released in 2011 and costs $879 brand new. Due to the frame materials and other factors, we estimate that this bike weighs around 35 pounds. The Gary Fisher Mamba has fork suspension with 100mm travel.

The Gary Fisher Mamba comes with Mountain Mix components, including a Bontrager SSR stem, a semi-integrated threadless headset and SRAM X.4 shifters.

The Gary Fisher Mamba has 8 speeds and has a SRAM X.5 derailleur.

It comes with Bontrager 29-2 tires (29in x 2.1in) and Bontrager Ranger rims.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

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I mispell things!

Mountain Biking This Summer – Upgrading 2013 Trek Mamba Gary Fisher Edition

If you searched for Trek Mamba upgrades and are just here for the upgrade list CLICK HERE to go to the list.

During the second Summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, I, and apparently everyone else in the free world, got into the sport of mountain biking. If you doubt that “everyone else” got into mountain biking go to your Local Bike Store (LBS) and try to buy a bike. You will most likely discover that they will gladly sell you a bike that will arrive around June – if you are lucky.

I have actually mountain biked for a few years but it was biking of the “hey I have an entry-level mountain bike and I should use it” variety. This meant around 60ish miles a season (late Spring through Fall). I would go out with a friend every now and then. This season has been significantly different. We aren’t through with the season yet and I am over 425 miles. I am going to my local trail ( Standing Rocks Park ) 4 to 5 times a week.

Of course, I am still on my entry-level mountain bike (a 2013 Trek Mamba Gary Fisher edition) because the bike I finally convinced myself to buy won’t be here till May 2022, at the earliest. Though I have made some pretty significant upgrades to the bike. Many people will say that you shouldn’t do significant upgrades to a bike like the Mamba because your money will be better spent on buying a new bike. They call it “polishing a turd”. This may be true when bikes are not in short supply (it is difficult to almost impossible to find a decent used bike now too), but it isn’t when you are:

• in the middle of a pandemic that is causing manufacturing and distribution problems
• Trying to determine how into MTB you are going to be
• Keeping your old bike as a backup/spare for guests

So I slowly upgraded the Mamba (or FRamba – Fred the Mamba) through the season. Here’s a list of what I have done to the FRamba. I had a heck of a time finding information concerning what upgrades would work well for my 9-year-old bike – mountain biking technology has changed a great deal in the past 5 years. Hopefully, this list will help someone else with their still very fun to ride older Mamba.

The Upgrade List

• Swapped drivertrain from 3x to 1x with Eagle NX derauiler and cassette e and Raceface front sprochet .
• Replaced the Bontrager tires with Maxxis Rekon 29×2.25 (front) and Pace 29×2.10 (back) tires – I could place a wider tire on the back now that it has been converted to 1x but could not do so when the bike was still 3x on its drivetrain.
• All Mountain Style Mudguard
• PNW Pine 27.2 Dropper Post 90mm & Puget MTB Lever 1x
• New Green PNW Loam Bolt-On Grips
• Green OneUp Components Composite Pedals
• OneUp Components EDC Lite Integrated Tool System
• RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, Straight, A3

This “turd” will be thoroughly polished once the new air fork is placed on her in November. She has improved as a ride throughout the season – partially because my skill has improved and partially because she has been improved through the upgrades. The conversion to a 1x drivetrain and the dropper post probably made the greatest difference in her ride. I understand why so many MTB videos and articles sing the praises of 1x conversion and dropper post-installation. Both upgrades made substantial differences in how she rides. In addition, she is around 1,000 grams lighter than she was at the beginning of the season and is another 500 grams lighter from the fork replacement.

I have a new and improved Trek Roscoe 8 on order that hopefully will be here May 2022. Until then the FRamba is a great ride and she will continue to be a wonderful backup/spare bike for when guests are around.

BTW the folks at Point Area Bicycle Service have helped with many of these upgrades. They are wonderful and I would encourage you to go there for your bike services.

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8 replies to “mountain biking this summer – upgrading 2013 trek mamba gary fisher edition”.

can I buy your mamba from you once your new bike gets in? mine was stolen in 2018 when I was diagnosed with lymphoma and couldn’t keep tabs on it like I was able to before. I have relentlessly searched for another mamba since finding out I am in remission to no avail… I truly loved my mamba and just want to enjoy the ride again!

I’m very happy for your remission Lauren. Sorry though my Mamba isn’t for sale.

Hahaha… I understand, but I figured that it couldn’t hurt to ask! Thank you, anyway!

Never hurts to ask. I wish you good luck in finding one. It is a wonderful little bike – all the more so as I upgrade it.

Is the Trek Roscoe 8 you ordered a 2021 or a 2022?

It is a 2022.

What made you choose the 2022 Roscoe 8 versus the Roscoe 7? I am asking this because the Roscoe 8 is $600 more expensive and the Roscoe 7 is a very capable bike.

I agree Mark the 7 is definitely a very capable bike. I placed my order for the 8 for 3 primary reasons: 1) I prefer the SRAM drivetrain to the Shimano on the 7, 2) I wanted the greater braking capability of the 4 piston caliper on the 8, and 3) the Rockshox 35 on the 8 versus the Recon on the 7.

Both bikes are excellent hardtails.

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Should I bother more investing? old Gary Fisher 29er frame (MAMBA)

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Trek/Fisher Marlin or Mamba?

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Hello Everyone, I'm new to biking and mtbr forums and would first like to say that I've already learned a lot from reading your postings. Great stuff! I'm an avid tennis player who recently took up biking and trail riding as a cross-training alternative. I could use a new bike and recently demo'ed two Trek/Fisher models -- the 29er Marlin and Mamba. I was wondering if you believe the cost difference is worth the value (almost 50% more for the Mamba, $880 vs $600 for the Marlin). Also, are bike prices generally negotiable? If so, how much should I pay for these bikes? Thanks in advance!  

I also recently have taken up biking and looked at the same two bikes. Both are nice but I ended up going with the Marlin. Its a very nice bike so far, I'm glad I got it. I don't know if there is a whole lot of difference in the 2 other than the price being the major one, but that was one of major parts of my decison being a beginner. Good luck, I think you will like either of them.  

Thanks Kingpin19 for your feedback. Glad to hear you're enjoying your Marlin! I was just wondering if you can provide any feedback as to a fair price I should pay for this bike. Did you get a lower price than retail ($600)? Thanks again!  

It looks like the main difference between the two bikes is the suspension fork. I would expect the Tora on the Mamba to be smoother and less flexy than the Suntour fork on the Marlin, meaning the Tora should negotiate terrain better and have better performance through turns. So you need to ask yourself whether you want the nicer fork or the cheaper fork. Whichever way you go, you'll be getting a fun bike. :thumbsup:  

No problem. No I paid $600 for mine.  

I paid $550 for my Marlin a couple of months ago. I like the bike but the front fork is crap. The right side of the fork came apart (dust scraper & plastic insert) less than a mile in on the first ride.....I temp fixed it with a stick. This past weekend, the other side came apart. I am going to have the LBS order a fork that is worth a crap as soon as I can make it by there.  

Hi guys, thanks again for this valuable information. I see how helpful it is to join this post and learn before I plunge into a purchase.  

Also the brakes are bb5's instead of tektro novela mech. brakes. Also better hubs, crank rd is x5 instead of x4 on the marlin. Overall its worth the purchase only bc I have marlin wish I gotten the mamba or Scott scale. Plus it took month and a half for suntour to send out the replacement pieces for the shocks as well.  

2 years ago I was in the same situation almost--should I buy the Piranha or Mamba (which was a new 29er).. I looked at the Marlin then read the threads and said it's alot better to go with Piranha for the fork and disk brakes.. Then I did more reading and decided to go with a 29er and build one myself (to get every part I wanted) and GLAD I went with a 29er.. Here is my Paragon, used frame so no warranty, and if it breaks I will have to buy a Niner frame (I guess).-- because I ride some pretty nasty stff!!! But I wish Fisher just sold frames (with a warranty)--- went off topic a little... BUT I was 5'10'' and 250 pounds and am GLAD I went with the 29er.-- I think anyone 5'10 or taller should ride one ...... Here is my finished build, bought nerw parts since my first build--- Biggest improvement I did was the new Reba with a 46mm offset instead of the old one I had that was a 38mm offset.. The new Paragon's us a 51mm offset...  

Just checking in on those who did purchase the Marlin. How is it holding up? Im considering a Marlin after being told to stay away from the Wahoo...  

I bought a 2011 Marlin a few months ago. It's my first mountain bike but has been great to me so far. I take it out on the trails every weekend (6 to 10 miles) and ride around the neighborhood during the week a few times. I haven't had a single issue yet, and all I've done to take care of it was dust it off a few times and I wipe down the struts every time I ride. I don't even know what to do to upgrade it yet! lol (I just can't leave anything alone)  

Shimano Altus I would like to know whyGary Fisher used the Shimano Altus on there Mamba if as the posts state 'it is crap'? I bought a Mamba and it is ok  

My Gary Fisher Mamba is 4 sale at 200.00 call Rick at 310-202-8242 or 424-646-0433  

Any complaints on the Mambas?  

still love my mamba, just wish I undeerstood how to adjust the front forks better, its a 2011:thumbsup: Did you decide yet ?  

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Gary Fisher Bikes Price Guide

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Gary Fisher Company Profile

By Paul Carroll

Gary Fisher the man and Gary Fisher the bike company are hard to separate. The Fisher name has become synonymous with the history and evolution of mountain biking. And for good reason: Gary Fisher was on the ground floor in the early days of the legendary “Repack” race down the hillsides of Marin County, California in the mid-1970s. He modified early Schwinns with drum brakes and multiple gears to give them more control and gearing for the steep ups and downs of the bucolic coastal hills.

Fisher and housemate-partner Charlie Kelley started “Mountain Bikes” in 1979 and built their pioneering off-road bicycles until 1983 when the company dissolved. Fisher went on to start his own company and in 1991 – as mountain biking was taking off worldwide – sold to Taiwanese firm Anlen, staying on as president of his own brand. The Fisher name and brand was then acquired by bike industry behemoth Trek in 1993. With the manufacturing and marketing capacity taken care of, Fisher was able to focus on his innovations and creativity to help the Fisher brand become a key part of the Trek Corporation.

In 2010, Trek announced the “Gary Fisher Collection, a line of Trek bikes that will replace the standalone Gary Fisher brand” according to Trek’s press release. Gone are the days of Fisher’s bikes sporting his iconic name. Now the Trek name and logo is the main logo. But the DNA remains pure Fisher: fun, performing, and designed to inspire the cyclist in all of us.

Mountain Bikes in the Trek Gary Fisher Collection

Trek lists 34 models in the Fisher Collection under its mountain bikes. It makes it hard to tell where the true Gary Fisher bikes end and the Trek ones begin. But given that Trek lists more the 80 models of mountain bikes overall – with strict downhill racers and technical singletrack lines distinct from the Fisher Collection – there is some degree of separation to be made.

The Fisher Collection of mountain bikes begins with the entry-level Wahoo for about $630 new and has the lowest grade components and features that one would expect at this price point. The designs and their features progress steadily up the chain to the top-end Superfly 100 Pro SL at just over $9,000. Suffice to say that with nearly three dozen models to choose from, everyone from the first-time off roader to the most elite racer can find their fit.

Since Trek is known for its racing bikes, there are no Fisher Collection pure road bikes. But there is a menu of ‘cross bikes under the Fisher line. Two complete Ion models and one frameset; and two Cronus bikes and a frameset. Ion represents the lower end of the ‘cross selection, but at $1700 the Ion CX is no cheapie. It features an aluminum frame and Shimano 105 components along with Bontrager wheels and headset.

The upper echelon Cronus models are pricer – the CX Pro is offered at $2,940 and will get you Trek’s patented OCLV carbon frame, Shimano 105 brakes and shifters, FAS cranks and a SRAM 10 speed cassette. Other parts are of the quality one would expect at this price.

The “DS” and “Neko” model lines purport to be versatile and all the bike you need if you can only have one. These designs and set-ups are reminiscent of the “hybrid” bikes from the 1990s when road and mountain bike features were merged to provide some of both. The result often turned out to be the lesser of both worlds; but with new materials and designs, Trek – using the Fisher philosophy of just getting people riding – may have learned from the past.

Trek offers nine models in its Dual Sport line. There are six “DS” models beginning with the DS 8.1 and going up in price and quality from there to the DS 8.6. The entry-level 8.1 retails for $530 and features an aluminum frame, a mix of entry level Shimano components, 700c wheels and V-brakes. The 8.6 is essentially the top of the line with the same frame but substantially upgraded components – a mix of Deore XT drivetrain and shifters and hydraulic disc brakes. Depending on your price point and desires, each model provides a bit more quality for about $200 more per step.

The three models that make up the Neko line range for $560 to about $900 and are basically “women’s versions” of the DS line, but with curved top tubes and different color schemes. All told, the Trek-Fisher “Dual Sport” line has 11 bikes that top out at well under $2,000. Not about performance on the road or on the trails, these are designed to be versatile.

Finally, Trek is meeting the market demand for truly utilitarian bikes with its two Transport models under the Fisher Collection. The Transport, at $1,390, offers an extended rear frame complete with racks, a center kickstand, and features that make cargo carrying and day/night riding safe and convenient. The Transport+ comes in at $2,800 and includes an electric motor rear hub for those times when a little help is needed.

With Trek evolving its product line and altering the Gary Fisher stamp on its products to the current approach of “honoring” his legacy, we may be witnessing the slow vanishing of the purebred Fisher machine. Gone are the days of seeing a Fisher Hoo Kee E Koo or Tassajara cruise along fire roads. The Trek brand is now front and center, with simply a nod to the contribution of Fisher. The imprint the man has made on cycling – particularly mountain biking – is being recognized. Trek will do well by staying true to his passion and innovations.

Published March 14, 2013 by Priceonomics

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2010 Gary Fisher Mako

A 26″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes.

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