take this bike out and ride it like its your last ride. XC, freeride, dirt-jumping, the bottom line is FUN thats what i get from this bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Mattingly
a Downhiller
from Benicia,CA,Solano Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rockville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
when set up for drops and jumps with a 40mm stem and a 5" travel fork it proforms graet. when trying to climb like this it doesn't do to bad if you jack the seat up. graet slalom bike with this set up. raced downhill and slalom at sea otter this year with the bike and it did fine.
Weaknesses:
bottoms a little much on big hit
Similar Products Used:
V-10 M1
Bike Setup:
startos, fox vanilla fork, salsa rims, wyaless 40mm stem
Bottom Line:
great trail and jumps/freestyle bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Stiff lightish and a single pivot
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Heckler for the last 3 yrs
Bike Setup:
Isis Sl, Fox Vanilla R coil over, Z1 freerides, XTR, Middleburn, Raceface, Hope, Mavic and Tioga
Bottom Line:
Seems better than the Heckler for Stiffness but bobs more on climbs and cable routing is a bit pants.
Also a bit slack with Z1s but thats my fault.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ED-E
a Racer
from Fairfax Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Galyan's in VA
Strengths:
Descends like a cheetah & eats up everything in it's path. Climbs muy excellente. Oh so plush. I was very surprised how this bike climbs for a full suspension, almost 100% solid power transfer while climbing. Handles very well in steep rrrroooty/rocky descents.Very pleased with the single pivot design. It's simple yet oh so effective. Nice clean look/finish. BB is high-good for clearance over obstacles but...
Weaknesses:
High BB makes de bike a little tippy. More travel in the rear would be nice. Longer chain stay protector to frotect from chain slap.
Similar Products Used:
As far as other suspensions with dif designs-Gary Fisher Sugar 3, Schwinn Rocket 88
Bike Setup:
Zoke Z2 Atom 80, Cane Crik AD-12,XTR front rear(long arm) D & shifters, Tru-Vativ cranks, Time Atac, Avid levers & Arch Rivals, Thomson stem/seatpost,Rhyno-Lite rims/XT hubs, Hutch Alligator Golds, monkey bars
Bottom Line:
I've had the bike for about a month now, and everything's going great so far. I will write a follow up as I get more riding time on de bike. It's a great bike, but pretty freakin' pricey. It's worth it if you want a single pivot that can rock out on single track, and will climb like a goat, and you have some extra money and can't afford a freakin' Truth. I however, have no money left, and live in a cardboard box because the price of this bike. You do get what you pay for. Ellsworth customer service was great. They called just to see how it was riding. Awwww. Ellworth en la casa!(Ellsworth in da house!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, Mi Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Poto
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
This bike does it all, it climbs well, descends like a dream and doesn't induce the bobing in the suspension like most other single pivots that I have ridden...this is a dual suspension bike that rides very similarily to a hard-tail...if you are a larger rider (I am 6'3 225lbs) this is the bike for you
Weaknesses:
Yeah right!
Similar Products Used:
Turner Burner XCE, Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
XTR, King, Thompson, Hope Minis, Fox Vanilla RLC 125mm
Bottom Line:
The Bottom line on this bike is simple...I was concerned about making the switch to a dual suspension bike. I thought that most four-bar bikes and the Superlight for that matter were not stiff enough for the kind of riding that I enjoy, all of my doubts of dual-suspension were put to rest the minute I casted my leg over the top of this trusty steed...ride arn...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Traci S
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Otay Lakes Single Track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
Mission Cyclery
Strengths:
A great "fit", comfortable, sweet climbing, plush descending, in-control ride, fabulous warranty, great customer service
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd the Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
17" medium frame (black anodized), SID XC Air fork, Fox Float R rear shock, XTR derailleur, XT Cranks, Magura hydraulic brakes, Mavic wheelset
Bottom Line:
This bike was a real step-up for me. I went from a Trek 6000 into the Isis SL. As a woman, this frame was a great fit. Very comfortable. After 2-1/2 years of beating myself up on a hard-tail I really appreciate the plushness of the Isis. It has helped me ride better, more in control, and has given me the confidence to try some of the more difficult trails. The warranty is outstanding.
I had great results with Ellsworth customer service as well. I was undecided between the Santa Cruz Superlight and the Isis. Jody at Ellsworth was great at promply responding by email and phone calls to my many questions.
Mission Cyclery in Bonita, CA is where I purchased the frame. A fantastic group of people there!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Beautiful fit and finish (shot peen anodized black/silver), lateral stiffness, weight, geometry
Weaknesses:
Maybe price, but you know that going in. However, it's no more expensive than a similarly finished Santa Cruz Superlight.
21" Isis SL frameset, Romic coil-over shock, Fox Forx Vanilla RLC (100mm mode) other standard issue high-end goodies.
Bottom Line:
Only 3 days old, but already having fun. Will provide more detailed review after more significant use. FYI the 21"/XL frame built up with coil/oil front and rear, mech disc brakes, 2.3" tires, and platform peds weighs "only" 28 pounds per the scale at my LBS. Feel free to e-mail with questions. Giving it a 5 for both Value and Overall. Big ups to the fantastic folks at Speedgoat for quality advice and great service.
Comfy, Good Climbing, Design, Reliability, Weight.
Weaknesses:
Its my bike, dosent have any. Neither should yours...;]
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension, but have tested (Santa Cruz Superlight)-(Kona Stab, Stinky)-(Cannondale Jeckyl)-(Specialized FSR) Stinky, and Superlight.
Bike Setup:
Front Half ;] hehehe All XT-Comp Groupo//Race Face-HR//Thompson-Stem//Chris King//Zokie Z1 MCR// Back Half hehehe (MOST IMPORTANT THING ON THE BACK HALF SO ITS MENTIONED ALONE ;]) Rear Shock-Fox, Float RL W/ Lockout Mavic 517 Blk Scheme Black Ano
Bottom Line:
Well for the "bottom line" I would say, this bike makes me ride faster then I normally do, it makes me a lot more comfotable then I would feel on a hardtail, which was my previous bike. On downhills it's clean, negotiates and transitions better. The lockout on the rear shock is especially helpful on uphill riding, but in ruddy uphill situations I prefer to leave the lockout off. The Isis turns well, and glides easily. Plus the warrenty on this bike kicks the rocket into space.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott wallace
a Weekend Warrior
from tacoma,wa Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes
Strengths:
climbs great,flies downhill,no flex at all.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
fsr,klien,santa-cruz,kona
Bike Setup:
Z-1,raceface cranks&bar,xt-xtr drivetrain, hayes stoppers, thompson post,bontrager saddle, mavic wheels.(you get the picture)
Bottom Line:
just read what everybody else is saying about this bike. build it as light as you want or trick it up for more aggresive riding. the frame will go either way. plus what other company is going to call you to see how you like your bike?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
front range
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
hammerheadbikes.com
Strengths:
frame , shock , no flex in swing arm , durability , looks , design .
Weaknesses:
had swing arm warranty , but ellsworth took care of it quick , they sent me a new swing arm free of charge.
Similar Products Used:
titus loco-moto . fisher sugar. racer -x
Bike Setup:
cane creek AD-12 , xt drive train ,richey head set ,x-vert super ,avid brakes , easton cully pedals , bontrager super stock rims ,panaracer fire xc
Bottom Line:
this is the best single pivot bike on the market, it climbs better then my hard tail did and it is great on the down hills. very nimble . i ride over stuff i would never have ridden over on the hard tail. i like it more and more every time i ride it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Akron, OH USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Potawatomi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
SPEEDGOAT
Strengths:
Strength, rigidity, handling, descending and climbing ability, and of course looks
Weaknesses:
chain rub on swingarm, but the frame now ships with a guard, and it only happens when you cross the chain, so it's no big deal.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1 MCR, Raceface cranks, xt drivetrain, mavic 517's laced to xt hubs, time carbons
Bottom Line:
I wanted to build a strong trailbike that would be simple, and could handle anything I could throw at it. That's exactly what I got with the Aeon. This bike is incredibly simple with the single pivot design, but works amazingly well. The suspension is very efficient, and handles pretty much whatever comes its way. It truly floats over the rough stuff and lets you concentrate on just going faster. This bike has definitely made me a better rider. Even with the setup I have with the 5" marzocchi, I can pick my way through climbs better than on my hardtail. And once the trail turns downhill, this bike really performs. It feels light and nimble and goes wherever you tell it to. And feels comfortable at speed too. This bike is the perfect trailbike, and I can't give it anything but 5 flamin chilis.
Anyone looking for a solidly built, fairly light trailbike should definitely check out the isis sl.
I also have to say that I could not have come up with a setup this great without the help of Beth and everyone else I talked to out at Speedgoat. They gave me help with everything I asked about and did a great job building it as well. I will never buy a bike from anywhere else!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Louton
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR USA! Date Reviewed: October 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Larch Mtn., WA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
T&E Cycles
Strengths:
Climbing, descending, carving, flying,etc...
Weaknesses:
Chain slap on chain stay when in the Big Ring at about 40 MPH.
Similar Products Used:
Redline Pro-line hardtail
Bike Setup:
Race Face all over, Fox Vanilla Float R, Manitou Mars Elite. About to update shifting to SRAM 9.0, new wheels and Hope Mini's.
Bottom Line:
Don't delay, get one today! If you already own one, quit grinning and get out and ride! Also, Ellsworth is dumping the 'AEON' name, so after Jan. 1, you can call and order the new stickers shown in the latest catalog. As for the chain slap, either buy a new carbon fibre-lookin' guard from Ellsworth, pry the old one off, and apply the new one, but move it back 2 inches on the chain stay. No worries about the finish getting buggered up now! I just wish the Ellsworth people would smarten up and do this from now on! They claim there is no 'problem'. I often wonder if I shoulda spent a few more hundred $$$ and got a Truth, but now that I have put 900 miles on this baby, I'm glad I got this one! Less pivots to wear out, great handling plus it look damn sharp in silver!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter McCann
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Slickrock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strength (and stiffness) to weight ratio, performace and efficiency.
Weaknesses:
Rear deraillier hanger tension screw stop is too small to work properly with XTR (e-mail me if you'd like to know where to buy an aftermarket hanger).
Similar Products Used:
Super V and Raven II - Both crap!
Bike Setup:
King, RF, Thomson, Zokie, XTR
Bottom Line:
After nearly two years of thrashing this bike in places like Moab and Durango, my riding continues to become faster, more aggressive, and better in technical proficiency due in large part to the confidence that this bike inspires. I am a vet rider (since '82 on fat tires), and am still surprised at what is posssble on this bike. It climbs, turns, stops and goes faster (and with more control) than anything I've ever been on. I have tried both the Stratos and Fox shock options, and the Fox wins hands down due to better damping characteristics (=plushness). When I speced the build of this bike, I wanted an all-round bike that was light enough for the occaisional XC race, yet designed to handle big hits and fast, tecnical descents. Once I dialed it in, the bike completely surpassed my expectations in every area. I will NEVER go back to a hardtail. It seems that a couple of other companies are selling very close copies (imitation is the most sincere form of flattery), but none have matched the build quality AND lifetime warranty of this bike. Dollar for dollar, it's the best bike of its' type (possibly of any single pivot, period). I've had the opportunity to ride with Tony and his crew, and they are great folks both in and out of the office. I'm getting ready to go from a 3" to a 5" Zokie, because this thing loves to go fast ANYWHERE. Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keif Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
light, no paint to get scrached, nice colors to choose from, and this year they put Ellsworth on both sides of the bike in big lettering. Very pretty bike. Congrads to the Ellsworth team.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Isis sl, fox float R, z3 QR20 forks, hope mini disc brakes, ect....
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike on the market. If you can go get one. I have no complaints about the bike so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KYLE AUSTIN
a Cross Country Rider
from SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Canal Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Beyond bikes
Strengths:
Everything! Takes jumps and drops so smooth and still climbs like a raped ape. The anodized finish is virtualy scratch proof.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
GT i-drive, Canondale jekyl. Numerous hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Cane creek AD-12 shock, Manitou x-vert super, monkey light riser bar. Lots of XT and XTR stuff.
Bottom Line:
This bike is unbelievable. Of course the bike descends good, thats why I went with a FS. What amazed me was how well it climbs! Definetly climbs better than my 23 lb hardtail ever did. Stiff and flex free, no mushy suspension bob. A little stiction in the AD-12 for the first couple rides but now pure nirvana, im glad I chose the cane creek.
Currently weighs 25 lb as built, but fells lighter. The bottom line is you go faster up and down. I use the brakes much less now. The bike just flies over the rough sections and lets you pedal across rough sections that would have torn me a new A-hole on my old hardtail.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the bike is how much you dont notice it. It just floats underneath and does its thing while the smile on your face just gets bigger as you go faster and faster.
Will update after more time on the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Falcon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Dreamride
Strengths:
Rides great. Climbs better than my hard tail. Very little bob, no creaking.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Santa Cruz Superlight, Titus Locomoto
Bike Setup:
Stratos helix expert, Mazocchi CR, King hubs/headset, Thomas, Monkylight, Advid brakes, FSA Pro Carbon, Raceface BB, Gore cables, rapidfire/xt drive train.
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike. I am very impressed. Ellsworth called me at home to ask how everything was going. I got the frame/fork/head set from Lee at Dreamride(Moab). Lee know's his stuff. I weigh about 208 and Lee suggested a bigger(600 lb)spring on the Stratos. He built the CR up and increased the travel 130mm. I am 5'11" and the medium frame is the right fit. If you are looking for a Aeon call Lee.
I bought all the components and had my freind (Jerry Segal) at a local bike shop (Mountain and Road (Idaho Springs)) build it up. He also knows his bikes. I have two sets of Jerry's wheels. He is a master at wheel building. He spends a lot of time making sure everything is perfect. He does primarily custom bikes and wheels.
Shocks work great. No complaints. I ride all the Front Range trails and haven't found anything that the bike couldn't handle.
Weighs 28.5 lbs. This is 4 pounds more that my hardtail but I never even notice it on the trail. In some other reveiws for the Aeon there are comments about paint chipping and chain slap. Go with the SL and there is no paint to chip and I have noticed no chain slap on mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Matthews
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
local
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bankrupt shop
Strengths:
I climb better than all my buds (never used to). Bobs way less than my mush bucket CDALE and I am really loving the longer wheelbase... This bike flat out climbs anything I can pedal through. BB is nice and high so I am not slapping pedals like my buddy on his new Fuel 90...
Weaknesses:
Heat score. Took 6 Months to get frame and itv wasn't a 2001 as I was promised it would be. Big deal.
Similar Products Used:
SuperV, hardtail, etc.
Bike Setup:
discs, all the best parts, Z1XFLY
Bottom Line:
Waited a long time and built it up myself, paid way too much, don't get to ride it enough due to stringent marrital parametres, but holy crap does it ride well.........
Never go back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerald Curtin
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa (UT)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Cambriabike.com
Strengths:
One of the most downright fanstastic bike made--and how about that price (yes, it's pricey, but...)!! Nothing comes close for performance for the price range!
Weaknesses:
Swing Arm broke at weld--supposedly this problem has been fixed in newer designs.
Bike Setup:
XT, Atom 80, King Hubs, etc.
Bottom Line:
I have owned this bike for 1.5 years and have been continually amazed at how my abilities have grown as a result of the bike. If you read above, I mentioned that the frame broke in half... Let's clarify something here--While in one of my favorite mtn biking locations--Moab, UT--and after a week of "extensive riding" with some friends (on other Aeons) my bike broke above the pivot point while dropping off a 1' ledge. Not mentioning (for accountability reasons :) ) what I had just ridden over the past week, and a few seconds earlier, I can guarantee you that I had the biggest smile on my face when this happened. The geometry on this bike allows you to do amazing stuff--with complete confidence and control.
While I am frustrated that it has taken about 5 weeks now since I sent the bike in, and still no sign of bike, I am still giving the highest rating because of the quality of people at Ellsworth, and the fact that they themselves don't get annoyed when I call them every other day asking about where it is...
A slightly modified Labeling scheme with "Ellsworth" laser-etched on the tube is what I am told is taking so long...
And no, I am not a sales guy for the company!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J. S.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Mateo CA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Waterdog Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
SpeedGoat
Strengths:
Good lateral stiffness. Very precise tracking -- point and shoot. Anodized finish -- no paint to chip or flake. Limited lifetime warranty. Low maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Chain rubs swing-arm in larger rings. Still need a Swing-Arm Lizard Skin to cover all contact area.
Similar Products Used:
1998 Specialized FSR Pro
Bike Setup:
Isis-SL med. frame blk, Marzocchi 2001 Atom Race, Fox Float-RC, King headset, RaceFace NextLP ISIS cranks + 22/32/44 rings, RaceFace 5/120mm stem, TruVativ ISIS Sealex BB, Thompson Seatpost, XTR shifters, 11-32 XT cassette, XT front derailleur, Rohloff chain, King hubs laced to Mavic 517CD's, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Avid Ultimate-L levers, 2001 Arch-Rivals rear, SD-ti's front
Bottom Line:
Good all-around bike. Climbs a lot easier than my old FSR due to reduced bob and weight, but is slightly stiffer on the rear. Decends very well, and its excellent tracking lets me fly down rut-infested paths without fear. The monocoque design is very rugged -- overkill for XC purposes, but I wanted something that can take more than a few drops.
The chain-rub against the swing-arm is a minor annoyance, but this only happens when I cross the chain.
Other than that, the bike delivers as promised: Low maintenance, good performance, good tracking, etc...
PS: I received excellent advice from Speedgoat during the information gathering phase of my purchase. Their attention to detail and professionalism sold me a while back. I'll be doing business again with them in the near future...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Happy Camper
a
from Hintonburg Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The one I ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Workmanship is far superior to all the japanese bikes I've owned. Suspension is confidence inspiring. Bike looks darn sweet! Lighter than most and extremely unique amongst throngs of Taiwanese wheels. Black frame with Air RC is perfect.
Weaknesses:
Took 6 Months to acquire and decals were crooked!
Similar Products Used:
Super V, hardtails, many others that don't compete with the new ride
Buy it used if you can and enjoy an incredibly fast pedalling XC/freeride frame. Bob is a non issue when rear shock is set up and it's no funky flex links to worry about. One more thing... don't spend too much time on the gear, just get a good bike you're comfy on and go grab some ride time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
I love all my trails equally
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid, Solid, Solid, Did I mention it's Solid? Great Climber, Very Agile, Awesome Downhill Bomber
Weaknesses:
Chain slap on the swingarm, but that can be quickly remedied with a lizard skin.
Similar Products Used:
Many used but none compare to this
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z3 fork, Sun Rino Lite Rims, Sram Halfpipes, Avid Arch Rival Brakes
Bottom Line:
I actually got a call from Cathy at Ellsworth asking me how I liked my bike! She welcomed me to the Ellsworth family and wanted to let me know that if I ever needed anything to just ask. How many other bike companies do that?
This is a follow up to a review I posted 2 months ago. The more I ride this bike the more I fall in love. I just came back from an epic 5 hour ride and I can't seem to wipe the grin off my face. This bike handles like no other. It's very responsive and agile, all day I was picking the sickest lines and the ISIS SL performed flawlessly. I successfully rode up treacherous, twisting, rock and root covered trails with ease. The guys I ride with all were jealous of my new and improved climbing abilities, I told them it's my riding technique, but we all know it comes down to the bike.
The downhill capabilities of the ISIS SL are fantastic! I was bombing trails faster than I ever have before. The bike was very stable and didn't get skittish like other bikes I've owned. All in all this is one solid design. Great Bike Tony!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BRAD
a Racer
from OMAHA NE Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
PORCUPINE RIM
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
THE BIKE WAY
Strengths:
STRENGTH TO WIEGHT RATIO....MY BIKE WIEGHS 24.7lbs.
MED.AEON SL (silver anodized), 01 ROCKSHOX SID 100, MAVIC CROSSMAX, THOMPSON POST AND STEM, MONKEYLITE BARS, TRUVATIVE TEAM SL CRANKS w/ISIS SL B.B., FROG PEDALS, XTR FRT AND RR DERAILLEURS, XTR 8spd CASSETTE, NEW SUNTOUR XC EXPERT THUMB SHIFTERS(they work great), HUTCHINSON AIRLIGHTS, SELLE ITALIA TI SEAT, AVID ULTIMATE LEVERS, AVID MAG BRAKES.
Bottom Line:
I COULD GO INTO SUCH DETAIL, BUT I'M GOING TO MAKE IT SHORT. JUST RETURNED FROM A WEEK STAY AT MOAB. THIS BIKE PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY. LAST YEAR, I WAS IN MOAB WITH A HARDTAIL. WHAT A DIFFERENCE THIS BIKE MADE. THE CLIMBING ABILITY OF THIS BIKE IS SUPERB. THEN THERE IS THE DOWN HILL. ONCE AGAIN I'LL MAKE IT SHORT. I HAD A BLAST. TOTAL COST OF THIS BIKE WAS A LITTLE OVER $2500.00
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallkill Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
http://www.jbmountainbikes.com
Strengths:
Solid design, Anodized finish, Solid climber, even more solid downhill bomber.
Weaknesses:
None found yet
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
All XT except for Sram 9.0 rear derailuer, Half pipes, Sun Rino Lite rims, Marzocchi Z3 Fork, Avid Arch Rivals
Bottom Line:
I've only had the bike a few days and I'm already impressed with. It feels very solid and has hardly any pedal induced bob. The climbing abilities are great, I easily made it up very STEEP trails that were covered in melting snow, ice and mud. This AEON just dug in and pushed me foward. As far as downhilling is concerned, It pretty much plowes thru anything it rolls over. I succesuflly traversed some nasty terrain without even thinking about it. This bike is beefy and feels pretty unbreakable. We will see if it can sustain the intense riding conditions I subject it to. I've broken several bikes in the past searching for a bomb-proof ride and I think I finally found it. Time will tell. . .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darius
a Cross Country Rider
from Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bushy Aeta Bonecrusher, Subic
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
second hand - thanks Eric!
Strengths:
Rigid as hell, beautifully welds, forges and machining, awesome climber, total confidence builder.
Weaknesses:
None found yet, unless you care that cable routings rub off the anodization.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Sugar 2
Bike Setup:
Now: Judy XC, XT brakes ders and levers, Easton carbon post and riser, WTB Ti saddle, Bontrager shorty stem, Mavic 517, Stratos AR-1 Planned: Marzocchi Z1 X-fly, Bontrager Race Disc wheelset, Avid mechanical disc
Bottom Line:
I ride a mixture of XC and downhill, which around here is usually rocky, washed out gullies. My Suger is an awesome lightweight XC bike, but simply not rigid enough for the nasty stuff, especially since I weigh 240 lbs. With 4 inches front and back, and total stability, the Isis has transformed my riding. I am running the same downhill stretches 30% faster than on my Sugar, without any noticeable penalty on the climbs. The AR-1 is a perfect climbing shock, and combined with Isis' geometry you are a happy camper on those rocky slippery ascents. The back end remains totally active, isolating the cranks and BB from all the abuse of the trail - this means the drive train stays smooth and you can concentrate entirely on pdeal rhythm and power. In the past two weeks I've done four steep descents of 10+ km, all in wet conditions, on trails full of rocks, roots and piles of fallen bamboo. I'm learning that even when I pick a bad line or miss my target, the Isis just plows through and provides an incredibly stable forgiving ride. Once I put on the new Marzocchi and disc brakes, this will be the perfect dual purpose XC/DH ride. I got this frame used for a decent price, but if you are going to buy new, you should seriously consider the Joker because you can change the suspension setup to get an extra two inches of travel in the back, at only 1.5 lbs additional wight including a different shock. Speaking of shocks, the AR-1 makes a hissing sound on the rebound if you get airborne, but this fades away after a bit, and there is no sign of air leakage yet. The action is smoother than the Cane Creek AD-10 I am running on my Sugar. All in all I am pleased as hell and I can't imagine buying another frame inthe forseeable future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Weisbrod
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gravity Fed Lillooet BC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Airbomb.com
Strengths:
great build quality & suspension action. very quiet and extremely stable platform to build a bike from. construction and welding is top notch. Like I told a friend, vs the Ellsworth Truth, the Isis SL gives you 90% of the bike for 60% of the cost. A very worthwhile trade off.
Weaknesses:
Get some color options..(wah wah wah) there are no weaknesses on the frame.
Similar Products Used:
ol'd ramming Norco Bomber fully....beat up but fun. Previous bikes all hardtails!
Bike Setup:
Z1 xfly, roox bars & stem, raceface cranks, BB, post, Hope bulb hubs and Pro C2 disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my earlier review. I have been riding the bike for over 6 mos now and it keeps getting better and better. I would not change a thing about the design or build style now. I have even come around to liking the cable routings. The suspension action is smooth, balanced, no-chatter and very predictable. It doesn't bug up under braking, laterally is stiff for single pivot. I prefer and have recommended the Cane Creek for the rear, adjustible and does not leak, very quiet action.
I took the ultimate ride test journey in late july with two friends up to Lillooet BC for a helicopter xc/dh run, over 7000ft drop in 3 hrs. I had doubts how the bike would work there...I have never riden a bike better than that day, the Aeon was second nature under me, you lean it turned, pull the brakes and the back settled down under you. It was almost instinctive in high speed compression rise turns. From there we went to Kamloops and rode a lot of XC long in the saddle day rides. I was amazed that only my legs went to jello from riding, the suspension was so plush yet no bobbing that my back didn't hurt a bit. I can always get the full four inches of travel and never bottom out.
More than ever I believe, the Aeon is the best all-around all mtn bike you can build, put a four inch travel fork to match the rear and it will be very balanced. I am so impressed with the Isis that I am planning on building up a Joker for a little more travel.
If you want a great all around bike, hand built, excellent fit finish and quality, good looks, and excellent performance please consider this frame to start with, you won't regret the ride.
Craig
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocky Simmerman
a Cross Country Rider
from Hood River, OR, USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
post canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
Handling Workmanship Durability Support
Weaknesses:
Color
Similar Products Used:
Many hardtails
Bike Setup:
XTR XflyZ1 Hayes CaneCreek
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike-it lacks the trade-offs most other duals present; the climbing is outstanding, will make you forget the weight and descents will bring nothing but smiles.I had minor problems with drivetrain setup and service has been superb. Get one,you'll go for rides just to make sure its as good as it seemed on your last ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eki
a Racer
from Agua Dulce, CA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with lots of ugly climbing and a solid/technical singletrack return
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up after a couple months on the Isis SL. I've now put in a few races on the bike and several hundred miles of training rides in. It's an ultimate "rad-person" bike, with amazing forgiveness, super-plush ride(Stratos AR-1 shock/Manitou front end) I've tried some things I thought were a bit silly to descend, as I was pretty sure I'd be killed, but I commited and rode through as if I was on a fire road . . . The bike is too small for me. It all depends on torsos, arms, and preferences for ride style, but for my 6'3" frame I'm too cramped on the Large/19" model. My wife on the other hand has been winning her races on a Medium frame(then again she's 5'7"!) but she's thinking about stealing my 19" frame. We'll see. Either way, one of the frames/bikes will be going up for sale in the near future. I'll let you know what/when. Probably $1k for the frame and relatively more for equipped XT/XTR bikes. Bottom line: Tall people like myself can be very aggressive extreme/freeriders on these bikes, but I think they are just too much travel for a XC race machine. (and I'm only running an 80mm front end; frankly, the bike works so well with it I don't see why you'd need more than 80mm unless you're jumping schoolbuses) My chilis are 4 on overall because I was led to believe that the Large Isis SL would be a good race machine until the Truth SE's are released, but I feel that they are not a XC race bike design; they are _killer_ for everything else though!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eki
a Racer
from Agua Dulce, CA USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sea
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Superior engineering, mechanically rock solid. Shot-peened/anodized finish is Ellsworth-y. Travel characteristics widely variable with air-pressure settings, ridiculous major travel for a free/XC ride. All this and a bike that can climb without biopace/pogo and a single-pivot design. No bushings to worry about wearing out. Swap-able front triangle. Majorly tough. Massively tough. Able to psycho-kinetically communicate between the shock/rear-triangle and rear wheel to save you rim and endure the most savage conditions.
Weaknesses:
Frame sizing a bit small for taller/longer torso people to exploit the geometry; need one more step up to, say, a 21" for 6'2"+ folks. Steep head-tube angle puts the controls out over the front hub with longer stems. set-back seatpost will activate shock earlier due to leverage on shock. Any shorter and you're golden. Downtube water-bottle mounts on bottom side? hope you don't ride in mud . . . Use a seatpost mount bottle cage/hydration-pack
Similar Products Used:
Tested out M4 frame: Fits well but the ride is not as solid; too many parts to break/wear out. Torsionally floppy in comparison.
This is a top quality, premium product of superior engineering and design(with a premium price tag too, but read on . . .) You get all and more for your money, and, other than a Truth or Truth SE, will have a VERY difficult time finding a worthy competitor. We just bought two of these dirt monsters, and use them for training/racing XC. Very respectable bikes. They literally EAT water pocked and rutted runs while you _sit down and pedal_, no bouncing, just forward propulsion. We're still tweaking our new machines, but after a few rides can definitely say that our DH times are _markedly_ faster, and far more in control than when on our hardtails. We are running the Stratos AR-1's which afford a wide range of compression/rebound controls and silly-fun travel. Since most of our riding is racing/training for XC we set the shocks up very stiffly, but when we hit the nasty stuff it just gets _completely_ smoothed out! It's too easy! Ours are currently weighing in @25lbs, but you could knock a _pound_ off with some lighter components and wheelsets. If you are a serious XC racer and have no budgetary constraints, I'd go with the Truth line, if just because they're lighter/stiffer/ and have a better transfer to the wheels. Unofficial: Transfer of energy(efficiency) to rear wheel Isis/SL @ 88% 5.25lb frame Truth @ 89/90% 5lb frame Truth SE @ 95% 4.?lb frame If you're a free-rider/explorer looking for a versatile ride, you just found it(though the slightly heavier Isis has the ability to accept a shock with even _more_ travel(?)) Isis SL is _hundreds_ of dollars less than a Truth . . .
You get what you pay for. Ellsworth produces a small quantity of very special bikes, ride one and you'll see. Their customer service was quite satisfactory, with them giving us some fairly special attention, and handling a ton of inquisitive e-mails from us as we investigated the bikes as racers. Also, the black color choice releases you from worrying about color matching, and allows focus on what an enjoyable ride you're having! Isn't that something . . .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Weisbrod
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA USA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
inspiration
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very nice construction and build quality. Interesting measurements for front end vs rear end. Very balanced feel and nominal pogo for a single pivot.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't have the curb-side good looks with other fullies, other co's offer a few color options.. As Ellsworth said, any color you want as long as it is black.
Similar Products Used:
First Full suspension
Bike Setup:
Chris King hubs/mavic wheels, Race face cranks, bb, headset, syncros post, xtr full driveline w/ti cogs etc. Roox bars & stem, marzocchi z1 x-fly 4 inch forks
Bottom Line:
I have had the bike built up for only one week give or take, but the initial feeling is WOW, very nice ride, very plush, smooth in transitions, and is the first bike I have ever owned that makes it easy and fun to ride up long staircases-yes up them!! I chose the Cane Creek AD-10 shock, set it with 200psi, I weigh 175. Big thanks goes to Mike Mulder at ellsworth for his patience answering my questions, and to Tony Ellsworth, we still don't see eye to eye on the cable routing (i think its poor) but he proved himself a gentleman in his email to me. I appreciated his time. Tony made it easier to let go of my Deep Cove Hummer!! I do believe that this is a great all-arounder!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
THE WIZ
a Cross Country Rider
from S. BURL VT Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cool finish, builds up light, climbs like a banshee and handles everything I can throw at it with ease. Anyone wanting a simple design with space age construction should run to their local dealer and buy 2!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Race Face cranks, Easton Monkey Lite Carbon bars and stem, Sram 9.0SL, Cane Creek wheels, Tompson post, SDG saddle, Manitou fork
Bottom Line:
This is a sweet trail bike, capable of long long rides, with efficient pedaling and climbing characteristics. I dont know about that last guy, but I've never had any customer service problems with those guys at all. They have always been on the ball. All in all, this bike rocks. The only thing better is an Ellsworth Truth SE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Cloudcroft, NM Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any trail in Cloudcroft
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike does it all. It is an excellent climber and smooth downhiller. The shot peened finish is impossible to scratch and there is no paint to chip. This bike lives up to the Ellsworth name at a fraction of the cost and the stealth black finish looks tough.
Weaknesses:
Aeon customer service sucks big time. They gave me the runaround for over three months before I received the frame, told my dealer the wrong bottom bracket size and forgot to send the t-shirt they promised me.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Mount Vision
Bike Setup:
Race Face cranks and bars, XTR drivetrain, Avid 50's w/ mag levers, Cane Creek AD-10 shock, Marzocchi Z1-CR fork, King Headset, Kore post and stem
Bottom Line:
Super sweet frame if you have the patience to deal with bad customer service. I use it for long grueling climbs as well as super fast singletrack downhills and get awesome performance on both.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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