|
|
Average Rating
|
4.79/5
|
|
# of Reviews
|
34
|
|
MSRP
|
$ 2295.00
|
|
Weight
|
|
|
More Products from Ellsworth
Submit a Review
|
|
|
Description:Rear Travel: 6 in / 5 in.
Shock Options: Air: Fox AVA R Pro Pedal 5.25", 5th Element 5.25"
Coil: Fox Vanilla RC ProPedal 6", Romic D 6'
Fork Travel: Recommended 125-150mm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buy and Sell the Id from our Classifieds.
|
Shop for Similar Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
fagundes79
a Racer
from Madison, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine Connector | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Rbikes | | Strengths: | Amazing craftsmanship, BOMB proof finish, classy look, and TREMENDOUS warranty support that recently replaced a rear triangle NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!! | | Weaknesses: | My gutters never get cleaned, my lawn is a mess, and my wife is sans husband during the summer. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Spider, Titus Motolite, Scott Spark | | Bike Setup: | Bomber, 717's w/ Cking ISO's, Marta SL's, & lots o' carbon. | | Bottom Line: | Ellsworth owners never buy anything else. There's a reason you don't see many of these for sale used. This is a no-bs-point-and-shoot all mountain wonder! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | IEBIKES | | Strengths: | rides great, climbs well and is very stable at speed and well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | No real weaknesses, however, some will perceive the high bottom bracket as a minus, although I like it. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive Team | | Bike Setup: | Reba fork (85-115mm, Xtr brake levers and rear deralliuer, A-cross wheels, FSA cranks, carbon handlebars | | Bottom Line: | Great bike if you can find one in good condition, or a blowout like I did. This bike is great for anything up to real free riding. Although I am only 145lbs, so that helps. It climbs well, but my I-drive was better, although I think if I had some better (lighter) wheels this would help. Downhill the Id is great, with the Reba fork this bike works great for all but the biggest obstacles. The rear end is perfect, and "BOB" free. All in all this is a great bike, not to mention with the custom flame paint job it looks awesome also. However, because of the price it is only really an option for more serious riders... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Gatos, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lightweight, Predictable Handling, BOMB Proof, Plush Ride | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding me??? I guess you could say it makes riding anything else a total disappointment! | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse Sunday, Giant Reign, SC Heckler/Superlight
1997 Ibis Mojo Hardtail (w/handjob cable guide) | | Bike Setup: | Full XT/XTR, Hope hydraulics, Vanilla 125 RLC / DHX 5.0, King hubs on Mavic 717's | | Bottom Line: | I've been bombing stuff on this bike for the last 3 years and it still looks & rides basically brand new. I think some paint rubbed off from a cable housing, but that's it. The ID is practically indestructible and as light/lighter than any 6" bike you'll find. ICT tracking inspires confidence in high speed decents through Nor Cal singletrack. I recently upgraded to a Fox DHX and it's so Cadillac. High BB you say, whine a little more. This bike is not a hardtail dart, but it handles anything from Northstar to long fire road climbs & descents. The ID is one of the best climbing all mtn bikes I have ever ridden - smokes the Heckler & rivals the Superlight (1/2 the travel). Since this bike was realeased 4 years ago, I haven't seen anything that can rival it on both the up & down hill.
Hats off to Tony Ellsworth and kicka$$ bikes made in the USA. I'm predicting the ID will be a new classic - similar to my beloved Mojo, one of the best hardtails ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LOS
a Racer
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs trails/Pacifica...so many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Light!!! I got mine down to 26.5 lbs. Fast!!! good feel on the descents. Best trail bike I've ever had. Tried some other trail bikes (Blur LT, Truth, Nomad) but none have compared. This bike has great handling and wouldn't trade it for anything. | | Weaknesses: | Probably tire clearance...But I don't really wanna run big ones on it anyway so... | | Similar Products Used: | Truth, Nomad, Blur XC, Blur LT, FSR, Intense 5.5 | | Bike Setup: | TALAS RLC (weak), 819/king wheels, XTR all over, HOPE brakes (nothing likem) | | Bottom Line: | Since the epiphany and the moment have come out you can find this bike cheap. Get it, upgrade the rear shock, and enjoy. This bike is crazy and you won't find a better trailbike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AP
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | High BB, climbing ability, stability, active susoension. | | Weaknesses: | Poor tire clearance, mud/rocks/sticks/leaves jam up forming a big ball of debris between tire and chainstay. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale and Gary Fisher FS bikes, but not even close to similar. | | Bike Setup: | AM1,RP3,SRAM | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review to my previous post. After many hours of riding time on this bike I can say that the ID is one fine machine. I have adjusted to the tall fork, high BB and extra weight and I am finally blasting through climbs and descents. I am rolling over most anything in my way and with the help of the high BB, my previous hesitation is no more when confronting tall log piles and boulders. This bike can climb!!! With the flick of the ETA knob on the AM1 I am good to go as the fork is compressed with 30mm to spare - all I need for even the most technical climbs. I also flick the platform knob to + on the RP3. I am suprised to clear technical, steep climbs with greater ease and control, the bike tracks well and maintains grip even on those climbs littered with loose rocks. Going downhill is also a pleasure on this bike as it eats up everything with minimal flex. Maintaining control during high speed cornering can be difficult unless I reduce the fork's travel which isn't much of a problem with the TAS function - only drawback is that you have to let out all of the air before turning TAS knob. I am not having many stability issues with the high BB as I can almost fully compensate by compressing the fork through ETA or TAS functions on the fork. Im my experience the advantages of the high BB far outweigh any disadvantages as I ride mostly techical xc terrain with many tall boulders, rocks and high logs. The bottom line is that I love this bike as it has made mtbiking more fun for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Peters
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiara, Kuala Lumpur | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | KSH bikes, Kuala Lumpur | | Strengths: | Frame construction, in particular the sealed bearings on the rockers and rear triangle. I'm also impressed with the Pike and the axle hub on the Crossmax XL. | | Weaknesses: | The thick rear drop-outs are nice but they don't work well with even the strongest skewer. I've opted for an old Tranz-X 5-sided allen bolt to keep the wheel from going off whack. My other issue is the rear triangle itself. A comfortable minimum fit is a 2.25" tyre, no larger. A brand such as this ought to have a metal bolt-on or a cnc-cut badge. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro MX3 (1998), Trek Liquid 55, Klien Mantra Race (1999) | | Bike Setup: | Pike Team, Romic, Mavic Crossmax XL, IRC Kujo DH (front) Notos (rear), Easton Monkey, Odi Ruffian, Thomson 50mm stem, Thomson seatpost, Gobi, Blackbox, Avid Juicy 7, | | Bottom Line: | With the exception of my Dean Duke Softail (23 lbs) the ID is the best climber I've got. It doesn't feel heavy (32 lbs) on climbs and it's stiff even without SPV. I'm sold on ICT and the simplicity of 'tracking the chain line' but I'm wondering how pivot positions could form a basis of intellectual property, but that's another issue. The ID may not popular over here but looks the business. I'm pushing 50 but I wish I'd purchased when launched 5 years ago during which period I purchased a lemon or two. It should be the 1st frame for anyone to hang on his wall. What sold me was the brand itself, ICT, the shot-peened frame, those lovely exposed bearings and Ellsworth's neck on the line. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Woods
a Weekend Warrior
from Wetumpka, AL USA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Swayback Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1895.00 | | Purchased At: | BeyondBikes | | Strengths: | Incredible quality and attention to detail. Ano frame is almost impossible to scratch or ding. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, GT I-drive Santa Cruz Heckler. | | Bike Setup: | Talas fork, Crossmax wheels, Avid Juicy7, XO/XTR/RaceFace drivetrain, Thomson stem and seatpost,WTB saddle, WTB tires & Easton MonkeyLite bars. | | Bottom Line: | I have found that this bike is an absolute dream to ride. I have begun riding technical terrain that I never dared to do before. This being said the bike still climbs quite well. I do find myself winding down the travel on the Talas for extended climbs. Ellsworth has done a nice job building this frame and the quality of workmanship is top notch. The high bottom took some getting used to but now I roll over downed trees and logs with ease. My only complaint is the lack of mud clearance for the rear tire. However I have probably caused this situation by running 2.4 WTB tires. I would recommend this bike to all XC or AM riders looking for a quality do it all rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.P.
a Cross Country Rider
from PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | QUALITY OF FRAME, EFFICIENCY, PAINT JOB (CUSTOM EDITION), LOOKS, IT CLIMBS AS WELL AS IT DESCENDS, HIGH BB ENABLES ME TO FLY OVER EVERYTING. | | Weaknesses: | NONE AT THIS TIME. | | Similar Products Used: | SCHWINN AND DIAMONDBACK HARDTAILS, K2, GF SUGAR, CANNONDALE JEKYLL. | | Bike Setup: | AM1, RP3, THIS AND THAT. | | Bottom Line: | SO I CHOSE THE ID OVER THE 5-SPOT AND INTENSE EVP. I DECIDED TO GO WITH A HORST LINK FRAME AND TURNER DID NOT HAVE ANY 2005'S LEFT IN MY SIZE. SINCE THE WHOLE TNT THING IS SORT OF NEW, I DECIDED TO HOLD OFF ON THE TNT FIVE SPOT UNTIL IT IS RIDER/TIME TESTED. THIS BIKE IS MUCH HEAVIER THAN MY PREVIOUS FS SO IT IS TAKING ME SOME TIME TO GET USED TO THE EXTRA WEIGHT (APPROX. 30LBS). HIGH BB AND MY CHOICE OF THE 150MM AM1 IS ALSO TAKING ME SOME TIME TO GET USED TO (BUT THE TAS AND ETA HELP MAKE IT EASIER TO ADJUST TO THIS BIKE). ALTHOUGH I AM CLIMBING SLOWER(NO FAULT OF THE BIKE), THIS BIKE ENABLES ME TO CLEAR STEEP/TECHNICAL CLIMBS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER BIKE THAT I HAVE RIDDEN. ONCE I GET USED TO THE HIGH BB, AM1 AND WEIGHT I AM SURE THAT I WILL HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH CLEARING STEEP AND TECHNICAL CLIMBS. THIS BIKE DESCENDS EQUALLY WELL, IT IS STABLE AND YOU HAVE 100% CONTROL OF THE RIG. I SWAPPED THE ROMIC COIL FOR THE FOX RP3 TO SHAVE SOME WEIGHT OFF, BIG IMPROVEMENT FOR MY STYLE OF RIDING (XC) AND BODY WEIGHT (SUB 150LBS), OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE ROMIC. THE COMBINATION OF THE RP3 AND AM1 MAKE RIDING TECHNICAL TERRAIN A LOT MORE FUN. I AM STILL MESSING AROUND WITH SUSPENSION SET UPS, BUT YOU CAN IMMEDIATELY FEEL THE PLUSHNESS AND STABILITY OF THE AM1 AND THE FOX TAKES ANYTHING IN THE REAR (I AM TALKING ABOUT THE RP3, NOT THE RIDER :) I HAVE MANY HOURS OF RIDING AHEAD OF ME SO I WILL UPDATE THIS REVIEW DOWN THE LINE. SO FAR I LOVE THIS BIKE, 5 CHILLIES FOR VALUE TOO AS I GOT A GREAT DEAL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan Capistrano
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail & Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | mtbr | | Strengths: | I waited and waited to find the right parts for this frame. I took about 3 months. I think I founds the correct parts and it rides like a dream. It's still light and climbs like a Truth, but it decends like a Moment. | | Weaknesses: | The standover height is just a little to high with my 30 inch inseam, but it sags into the perfect riding position (I prefer riding and not standing over my bike so it's not really a weakness). I could go down to a 7.5 eye to eye rear shock to lower the bottom bracket, but my 7.875" Cane Creek Cloud Nine feels so good on both the climbs and downhill and I like the high bottom bracket for better clearance when doing log or large rut or log hopping. This bike is so ballanced and there is no pedal bob at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawgs and Bears (The Ellsworth Id climbs so much better than Konas because it's lighter and the rear is so solid and stable). | | Bike Setup: | Large black ano Ellsworth Id, 04 Marzocchi Z1 FR SL air fork, 7.875 Cane Creek Cloud Nine rear air shock, King headset, Thompson stem and seatpost (get the 410mm length), Terry Liberator Ti Race saddle, XTR front, XTR rear and XTR shifters, SRAM cassette, Avid disc brakes and Avid Ti levers, Easton carbon riser bars, Oury grips, Sun Singletrack rims and Panaracer tires. | | Bottom Line: | Buy one if you can still find any out there. You will be happy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Isaac Silverman
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, California, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Resurrection Pass Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | private party | | Strengths: | efficient and active rear suspension, stiffness of rear triangle | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | demoed turner 5 spot (only bike that compared) | | Bike Setup: | sram x0 rear and shifters, paul front, minute 3, spinergy xyclone disc, magura marta sl, thomson stem/post, race face deus X crankset 26.5 lbs | | Bottom Line: | I exclusively rode XC hardtails (schwinn homegrown) before the Id. The full suspension XC bikes I tried (giant, trek, specialized) were not active enough and did not offer enough travel for me to be willing to sacrifice weight and pedaling efficiency. Basically they allowed me to ride the same trails at similar speeds, going a little faster on the downhill and a little slower on the uphill. The Id has changed both what and how I ride. The 5" of plush travel in the front and back and high bottom bracket allows me to fly down descents I used to have to pick my way down on my hardtail. For climbing I dial my front fork down to 4" and have found that technical climbing is MUCH easier. For trails that are up and down on moderate to technical singletrack I am significantly faster on my Id than on my 22.5 lb homegrown. I don't huck anything on my Id but I have done 5 1/2' drops and caught some reasonable air off jumps and the Id has handled them admirably. The only real tradeoff I see is that I am slightly slower on fireroads. If you ride trails and do the occasional drop and jump, it just doesn't get any better. Value rating is a 4 cause I got an excellent deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Wyomissing, Pa. USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Marsh/French Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Richards Bicycles.com | | Strengths: | The Id is an amazing all-round bike for all types of mtbing. | | Weaknesses: | n/a | | Similar Products Used: | Blur | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XTR dual shifter/brakes fox float talas and rlc. | | Bottom Line: | Mike at Richard's is a standup guy who helped me by building a first class bike. This was my first new bike in 12 years so I wanted it to be sweet and he delivered. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | CLIMBING, super plush ride, and awesome for tight switchbacks. Some of this could be the short fork I'm using. | | Weaknesses: | $$$, but not really different than any of the other high end frames, needs a long enough fork to balance the high BB. Needs 4" of seatpost insertion! | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR-1000, Rocky Mountain ETSX, 2004 S-Works Enduro, FSR 120, several hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Medium frame, Romic 7.875x2" w/400#, Marz Marathon SL 105, FSA Orbit X-pro, XT drivetrain, XTR discs, Thomson post & stem, Monkeylite XC Hi-rise bars, XT/XC717disc Wheels, Salsa Saddle, Crank Brothers Candy SL's, Panaracer XC Pro2.1, dino bell, & Polar 720i stuff, 29lbs 5oz | | Bottom Line: | I'm 5'10", 150# w/o riding gear, and like fast and aggressive trail riding.
This is just an initial review. I'll update later in the season or after I change the fork.
The Marathon 105 is just a bit too short for seriously fast downhill trails. I'm going to start looking for something in the 130 range once I have more money.
That being said, this bike climbs better than ANY bike I have ever ridden and that is with no lockout or even a platform fork. When I get out of the saddle, it just grips even better. I climbed the steepest most loose trail I have ever climbed in my life, and then turned around to see my friend, who usually can slowly climb anything on his hardtail, get off 30 ft below me. On smooth hard surfaces, I'm sure the 5-7 lb lighter hardtails would kill me, but most trails here have loose 7 rocky climbs.
The other place I really like this bike is in very tight spots, the high BB makes it so I'm never worried about pedal strikes.
Conversely, the high BB and ~1" shorter fork puts the HT angle a bit steep for very fast decents. Maybe I will adapt. The back end is much more precise than my old GT and that helps the confidence some. When I lean sidewise on the two saddles, the rear triange of the GT flexes quite a bit, while the ID has no noticable deflection.
Still not sure if the 400# spring is right for me, but it sure is plush. Maybe I'll go to 450-500# | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Riverhead in summer | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bikesmith | | Strengths: | Frame finish and quality, strength, lightweight, looks, not too many around | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT, Truth, various others | | Bike Setup: | Black frame,Fox float w/Pro Pedal, Talas RLC, XTR cranks w/ 959 spd, Thompson stem & post, King hubs & Hset, Bontrager rims, No Tubes, Nokian tires 2.1/2.3, Sram XO & triggers w/ Nokons, WTB saddle, FSA carbon bar, Magura Louise FR w/ braided cables.
Bikesmith in Albany did a top job putting the bike together and have provided great follow up support and advice. | | Bottom Line: | This thing is fantastic, climbs like a mountain goat, quick steering,high BB is a bonus, the power goes straight to the back wheel with no lose thru the suspension, on downhills the bike inspires confidence. Quality of frame and components is superb, I would not change a thing. Sram rear mech has been trashed twice, rebuilt and is still going strong...unbelievable strength and quality. If you are looking for an all round trail bike, only doing low level jumps then this is the bike for you.
This is by no means an inexpensive bike, but you do get what you pay for.
Chuck out the rest this is the best.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Stephenson
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Int'l Horsepark, Conyers | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes | | Strengths: | Wow! What a rig! this is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. The Frame is a work of art. I don't know why it is listed under free ride, because it climbs as well as any cross country bike I have ridden, and smokes them all on the desent. | | Weaknesses: | Color Selection, and how long it takes to get them, and cost (but you get what you pay for) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Jamis XLT 2.0, Litespeed Notia | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas Fork, Romic rear, king headset and hubs, mavic 819's, all 05 xt, kenda 2.3's. | | Bottom Line: | if you save up long enough get it. As soon as I sat on this bike it was like I was home. super comfortable and wicked fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from Camas, WA USA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Post Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | Climbing, ICT tech/4 bar linkage; able to accomadate 150mm travel up front; 6" option for the rear; warranty and customer service (Ellsworth called me shortly after my purchase to se how I was enjoying the bike). | | Weaknesses: | Color selection. You pay this kind of money and have a choice of three, what's with that? | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike, Rocky Mountain Element Race. | | Bike Setup: | Black frame size medium; 2005 Marzocchi Z1 FR 150mm; Romic 6'; Single Track rims; Hadley hubs; Hayes hydrolic w/8inch rotor up front; Thompson 70mm Stem and seatpost; XT derailer up front and SRAM X0 in rear; X9 trigger shifters; XT cassette; Nokian NBX tires 2.5 front and 2.3 rear; RaceFace DH crank and BB; Blackspire C4 bashguard; WTB seat. | | Bottom Line: | No regrets for the $$$! This bike allows me to get that XC ride on Saturday and not miss a beat with the climbs. Going from a XC race bike to this I feel that I have not lost one bit in climbing. The ICT works like a charm! On Sunday, I can shuttle with the boys and take some 3/4' drops (I prefer to ride and beat them to the top). Built up right, it can be the do all bike that climbs like a machine and allows for a drop here and there! (The boys at Universal Cycles can help build a sweet machine) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry pascua
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut creek,california
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | give me rocks please | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr ad | | Strengths: | lightweight compared to other bikes with around the same travel,geometry,anodized,comfort | | Weaknesses: | none whatsoever,i have to say that again, none | | Similar Products Used: | intense 5.5 , santa cruz blur | | Bike Setup: | all shimano XT 04,manitou nixon platinum,spv 4 way coil rear,chris king headset,thomson seatpost,answer pro taper ,oversized carbon bar,answer stem,candy sl's,selle italia ti flite saddle,maxxis tires front,intense rear,black anodized 03 medium frame | | Bottom Line: | best performing bike in its class, i had a 2000 and a 2002 truth but the first time i start climbing with this set up, i did not have any problems at all (this rig climbs like the truth,if not a little better)and the fun begins going down rough terrain. this bike just eats everything in sight,im really amazed on how solid it handles and very pleased with the purchase, this baby stays with me....i highly recommend this for an aggresive cross country type rider,i gotta give it perfect rating | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Redondo Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Suicide | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1895.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes.com | | Strengths: | This is the best application of the 4-bar linkage. It is plush and climbs like crazy. I like the high BB. | | Weaknesses: | Limited sizing options, so you're telling me that a $2000 frame only comes in 3 sizes?!? The same head-tube length on all three sizes. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, C'dale Super V, C'dale Gemini, Azonic Propulsion | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR shifters and derailuers, Talas fork, AC cranks, American Classic hubs on Mavic rims, Magura Marta brakes, Thomson Seat post and stem, and King headset. | | Bottom Line: | Talk about buyer remorse. I hate when manufacturers give "hypothetical" top-tube lengths. Ellsworth claims a 24.25" top tube. It is actually 23.5". This is where my head-tube complaint comes in. With the 4" head tube on this bike, I have to put 55 mm of spacers under the stem to get the bar up to where I need it. The problem with this is that, since the head angle is shallower than the seat angle, the more spacers you put in the shorter the top tube gets. So the taller you are the worse this frame fits. I'm 6'2", I can't imagine that 6'4" guy on this bike. I do like the way this bike rides. It climbs well and has a plush suspension feel. I can't imagine how much better it would feel if they made my size. It is rediculous the amount of money they charge for this frame and don't offer 5 sizes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Puzas
a Cross Country Rider
from Bowie, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco State Park, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5200.00 | | Purchased At: | College Park Bikes | | Strengths: | Combination of light weight and long travel is excellent. Workmanship is outstanding. Shines on very steep extremely bumpy climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Tends to squeek a lot at the shock mounts. Haven't been able to solve this issue yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V with 4" travel Carbon Lefty fork | | Bike Setup: | Mavic CrossMax SL wheels, Fox Talas R 5" travel fork, Easton Monkeylite bars, Thompson seatpost and stem, FSA Carbon Cranks, Selle Italia Seat, XTR front derailure, SRAM XO rear derailure, SRAM PC99 chain, XTR cassette, Time ATAC Ti pedals, Romic Steel Coil Shock, Continental Explorer 2.1 tubeless tires, Hope Mini Brakes with 185mm rotor in front and 145mm in rear, King Headset Weight is 28.5lbs | | Bottom Line: | God forbid, if this awesome machine got run over by a tractor trailer I would replace it with the exact same thing - no buyer's remorse. I am 6'4" 210lbs with a 35" inseam and ride very hard mostly cross country but some free ride stuff. Admittedly, I am pressing and probably surpassed the intended size for the design. I was able to make it work with a long seat post and using all of the steerer tube with about 3 inches of spacers. If you exceed my size I would not buy this bike. I am pressing the limit. Today, to impress the boys, I jumped off of a 4ft wall onto a flat landing and the Id sucked it up no problem. On fast rocky downhills the bike has no equal in the group with which I ride that includes Blurs, Truths, Cannondale Super Vs. The guys are reconsidering the need for more travel. Bottom bracket height is an outstanding feature as I rarely bang the chain ring over some pretty nasty logs. The Mavic Wheels are bullet proof. Be sure to get an adjustable travel fork as it improves the climbing ability dramatically. In full travel mode I can't steer on steep uphills, but crank it down and slide foward on the seat and one can climb like the proverbial mountain goat. The rear suspension's ability to track (not loose traction) over nasty roots and rocks on steep anaerobic climbs is amazing. The instant center tracking seems to really work as advertised. With the large rotor up front I can stand the bike on its nose with one finger. The rear has more than enough stopping power with the 145mm rotor. If they made a smaller rotor for the rear I would get it. The accuracy of the fork is nowhere near as good as the Carbon Lefty but the extra travel is worth it. I notice it most on very fast downhills where I am aiming for a particular spot on the upcoming berm. I can never quite hit the spot for which I am aiming like I can on the lefty. Don't know if this is due to the head angle, torsional rigidity, or what, but it does not match the lefty as far as steering accuracy. If you want to save some weight get an airshock. The Romic with the steel spring is really heavy but it works really well. I am going to get a Ti spring which is good for about 0.375 lbs for $200. I did have to return the Romic for service as they forgot to put a shim in on the rebound side - they covered the return very professionally although I was disappointed that Ellsworth did not take care of it. They sent me to Romic. The Continentals climb very well but do not corner with confidence. Went to Specialized Roll-X and cornering is much better but climbing is not as good. Lots of flats and leaking at the rim with the Continentals. I went to the Specialized Roll-X and Stan's No Tube and seem to be having good luck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Ney
a Cross Country Rider
from Holladay
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wrench Science | | Strengths: | BEST quality workmanship I have ever seen on a mountain bike -- Lightweight for a medium travel bike -- Strong like an ox -- Smooth | | Weaknesses: | Needing to explain to your wife why you need to buy the $4,800 Ellsworth over the $3,200 Gary Fisher. All of your cronies will be jealous and will want to ride it. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Cake, Gary Fisher Sugar, Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz Blur. | | Bike Setup: | Black Large ID, Romic Ti shock w/700lb spring, Manitou Minute Three, XTR Disk with integrated hydraulic shifters, XTR 960 180mm crank, XTR F&R derailleur, XTR 11-34 cassette, XTR Chain, Eggbeater 2-Ti, King NoThreadSet +30 stack, ProMtn 80mm-6 degree stem, Easton EA70 1.5x27 riser bar, Yeti grips, Thompson post, Selle Itallia saddle, Continental Vertical Pro UST 2.3s, XTR Disk hubs with Mavic 819 wheels, XTR skewers, MOTO SYLE BRAKES. | | Bottom Line: | I am not a small man, but have been using my ID to steadily decrease my waistline. I bought the ID because I wanted an XC bike that could handle a 270lb beefcake, but be light enough that once I reach my 190lb goal I would still be happy (I’m more than ½ way there!). My bike weighs 27.8lbs with the big fat 2.3” tires and heavy-ish romic spring shock. With a diet of lighter tires and a 5th element air shock this bike will be sub-26lbs. This bike is as confidence inspiring as they get. It is so smooth that you often don’t realize how fast you are going until you have to stop and wait for your friends to catch up. But not only is it smooth on the down, I often forget that it is a full suspension bike on the up. I love the adjustable Minute 3 fork…100 on the way up…130 on the way down. Since I got this bike I changed from a weekend warrior into a daily grinder (I think my wife is jealous). The only negative I have had is that when you break XTR components it gets expensive to fix in a hurry. A small oops on a big rock cost me $300+ for a new cassette and rear derailleur. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Backshis
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2999.00 | | Purchased At: | rbikes.com | | Strengths: | This is a great bike. Its lightweight, handles superbly, pedals well uphill without pedal bob. The 2-5" of adjustable travel on the Psylo SL is awesome for both road & x-country riding. The anno finish is super durable and the black looks really fresh. On top of handing great, the shifting on this bike is ultra smooth. All of the components work great with the drivetrain's shifting. The rear Romic racing shock makes traveling through x-country type terrain very comfortable. It soaks up all of the bumps, while still proving efficient in pedaling.
The Hayes Hydraulic brakes are very responsive. Braking has never felt more controlled, as the bike stops on a dime!
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX 400, other... | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Anno black lg, Rockshox Psylo SL w/ 2-5" travel adjust w/ firm kit, SRAM X0 Shifters, Shimano XT Front Derailleur, SRAM X0 Rearear Derailleur, Rritchey Pro Grinder w/ sealed bearing hubs, Romic shock, Ritchey Pro Vader 2.1, CrankBrothers Candy SL, TruVativ Stylo SL, TruVativ Giga Pipe Team SL bottom bracket, Hayes Hydraulic R&R Brakes, Cane Creek S2 headset. Ritchey Pro bar, stem & seatpole. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I've never been more satisfied with a product of this magnitude. I've ridden a few other full suspension bikes in the past, and none seem to handle the way this one does.
All of the componentry seems to work perfect with the design of the ID frame. It is lightweight, yet doesn’t feel as if the weight affects the quality of the ride. The X.0 shifts much smoother than any previous Shimano products I’ve used. The Romic coil shock w/ the 600 lb spring has been working very well. This is the first shock that has held me up and pedals very well due to my large size. I find that the Romic, for a large guy like me, is the best shock that I've ever had.
Also, the guys at www.rbikes.com were very helpful. They have great phone support, and their head guy Mike Richards knows what he’s talking about. I've called around at a bunch of different shops, and talked to many people, and Mike really seemed dead on with any questions I had to ask. On top of this, the guys at Richards gave me an excellent price that nobody else could come close to beating! I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to get into a high end mountain bike. Thanks guys!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lashua
a Cross Country Rider
from Gardner, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes | | Strengths: | Machining, weld, and finish quality. The Plushness of the ride without pedal bob. | | Weaknesses: | May need a few more frame sizes to satify all | | Similar Products Used: | Old bike was Schwinn Homegrown Full Suspension. Stiff standing and somewhat plush sitting. | | Bike Setup: | 05' Fox Talas RLC fork, 05' Fox Float R, Hope Minis, XT all around. | | Bottom Line: | The bike rides as good as it looks. I was a little worried how I would like it because of all I have read about the bottom bracket height and the frame not fitting people, etc. The 17" fits me perfect (I'm 5'11" 185lbs) and I haven't noticed the BB height except maybe I don't hit my chain rings and pedals on roots and rocks as much as my friends do. It is quick in the switchbacks, climbs as well as my homegrown did, and down hill it is point and shoot. I am running the standard setup(not Cali) and I set my talas at 100mm. This is nice for XC, I will run 120-130 when I do trail riding. This bike is perfect for New England riding, but the size of the frame is for a limited size of people. With the 17", I think it will fit 5'10" to 6" tops.
Bottomline, this bike is the perfect bike for me, my height, and what I plan to ride with it. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy riding the ID. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Shashou
a Racer
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Platekill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | Richards Bicycles | | Strengths: | Everything, this bike rocks!
| | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Turner, Santa Cruz, others. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset, Monkey Light EC90 bars, Sherman Firefly fork, Romic Racing Shock, Juicy Seven Hydraulic brakes,ODI Lockon grips, Thomson Elite post, Mavic 321 rims, Crank Brothers Pedals, WTB Rocket Laser Saddle, Panaracer Fire tires, bunch of other XTR components. | | Bottom Line: | Richards Bicycles rocks! Speak to Mike Richards, he will treat you right. Mike is a very honest man with a lot of experience. Pricing is very competitive. The Ellsworth ID is on the pricy side, however you get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a Cross Country Rider
from Redlands
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Broken Arrow/Chicken Point- Sedona | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2195.00 | | Purchased At: | IE Bikes | | Strengths: | Great build quality, beautiful welds, one piece machined bottom bracket/shock mount/chain stay pivot, light weight 6" frame | | Weaknesses: | None yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 disc, Sugar 3, Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | 17" black frame, Romic w/Ti spring, Psylo SL, Thomson stem 100mm, Thomson seatpost, Chris King headset, XT cranks, derailers & shifters, 6" Hayes, Mavic XM 819 w/Chris King hubs, Salsa Ti skewers, Kenda Blue Groove 2.35 front & rear, WTB Laser V Ti rails | | Bottom Line: | This is my dream bike. There is nothing on the market that I would consider replacing my Id. I have ridden this bike 200+ days the last 18 months & love it. Granted it was pricey, but you get what you pay for!
I am only 5'8" and have a 30-31" inseam, I have not had any problem with stand over. The top tube is mighty close while standing flat footed, but no problems to date.
The high bottom bracket did take me a while to get use to, but is a much greater advantage than disadvantage. During our most recent trip to Sedona, I found myself cleaning technical climbs that I would hike on my Fuel. The front end does get light on steep climbs, but nothing sliding onto the nose of the seat won't fix. I rarely ever adjust the travel on my fork either, just have gotten use to climbing with a more slack geometry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The ones with dirt. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountaineer Cycles, Morgantown WV | | Strengths: | Very well made. Great trail bike. Does it all. Great bearings no real maintenance. The price just came down. | | Weaknesses: | Rear tire clearance could be better. No real mud worries in Southern California. | | Similar Products Used: | Turner XCE, Giant NRS, Cannondale V, Santa Cruz Heckler and Superlight. Hardtails before that. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla 125 RLC, everything else is just good stuff. | | Bottom Line: | A truly great bike. It climbs very well. Descends like a demon. The 6" of Romic coil shock really does the job. I am 6' 195 lbs. I have no top tube concerns. I have the 17' frame. The bottom bracket is on the high side, but that is good for me. I can roll over anything up hill, and keep pedaling. I used to stall when I hit my cranks on a log or rock if I couldn't ratchet my cranks in time. Now I just roll over stuff up and down hill. This is a point and shoot bike. It is not a confusing design to me. It is an all-mountain hard-riding trail bike. You get to ride all day and come home in one piece. My Turner XCE was the standard before my id. I haven't ridden my Turner in over a year. My girlfriend and kids ride that now. Of course I still have to service the bushings...If you want a rugged all mountain bike check this bike out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
|
|
