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Submitted by
Joe Peters
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | jim thorpe area | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | Stiff, stong, crazy good climber for a single pivot bike. | | Weaknesses: | On again, off again availability of 21" frame. Poor paint/powder coat quality (chips and flakes off easily). The anodized finish, I believe, is standard for 2003. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-3 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3 fork, Cane Creek AD-12, full XT | | Bottom Line: | I've previously rated this bike, but I thought I'd write about an experience I've had with Ellsworth's warranty/customer service. I sent my '01 Isis (large, 19") back to Ellsworth because the swingarm had become misaligned at some point. After three weeks and a couple phone calls back and forth, Ellsworth decided to replace my frame. I asked if it was possible to get a 21" frame, since the 19" is too small for me (I'm 6'3"). They said it would be, but only with an anodized finish. I gladly accepted, for a reasonable upcharge. Bottom line: Ellsworth stood behind their product; I will most definitely be a repeat customer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Cresswell
a Cross Country Rider
from Paoli PA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bridle trails in Valley Forge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | SpeedGoat | | Strengths: | (this review posted in the frame section before I realized it belonged here)
Rides like it's on rails, very little biopacing per observation of other riders.
Looks good. This is the first piece of equipment I ever brough home where my wife said "Gee, that looks really nice...".
*Seemed* bullet proof until the shock bracket weld started peeling up in very-mild use.
| | Weaknesses: | A grudging, inconsistant, and expensive warranty policy.
I was in love with this bike until the welds at the rear shock absorber began peeling up and I started down Ellsworth's warranty path.
To me, a businesslike warranty process would be:
1) Customer calls, manufacturer decides it's a warranty.
2) Customer elects to have mfr ding his credit card and ship replacement immediately with a credit to be applied when the defective product is received by mfr.
3) Customer receives replacement, puts defective product in same box, turns the box around back to the manufacturer.
4) The customer pays shipping one way, the manufacturer pays shipping the other way.
To say the very least, my experience with Ellsworth has not gone that way. Bottom line: I'm out of pocket $160+, it's been over a month, and I still don't have the replacement frame. There's more, but you get the idea...and after poking around I conclude that my experience is not unique
| | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale FS700 Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Hope C-2s, Mavic 517's, Rohloff hub, WTB Mutano Raptors, Brooks B-17, Titec "HellBent" seatpost (I'm extremely tall), Haro BMX pedals, 'zocci X-Fly 100.
| | Bottom Line: | A sweet bike marred by a poor warranty process.
Downgraded to two for two reasons:
1) An un-businesslike warranty process
2) The fact that Ellsworth's penny pinching in the warranty process raises a suspicion that failures may be more than just occasional. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nelson White
a Weekend Warrior
from Kamloops BC
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | airbomb | | Strengths: | Do everything bike, tough (takes hits and one dents)Fast and comfortable. I have the SL and the surface doesn't scratch | | Weaknesses: | A buddy with the bike uses V brakes which flex the back end. | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Z1 Freeride, Avid Mechs, Truvativ Cranks | | Bottom Line: | Want a great all around? FOR SURE get disks (atleast on the rear)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micah Wyszynski
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | National Phoenix, Porcupine Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Airbomb.com | | Strengths: | Bullit Proof, Powder coat finish, simlple but effective single pivot design. Does everything well, Descends, climbs.. Great craftmanship for the money. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, Seatpost clamp should be QR. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll, Santa Cruz Heckler, assortment of other production bikes, Giant, Specialized, ect.. | | Bike Setup: | Large Frame, Fox Vanilla Coil over with mountain speed custom coil, Psylo SL with heavy spring and U-turn upgrade. The upgade to the U-Turn keeps impressing me with what this bike can do when the geometery is changed with fork travel changes. I would highly recommend this option if you are going to bee riding different type trails. XT drive train, Ryno-lite rims, Thompson Seat post and Stem, Avid Arch Rival Brakes. ODI lock on Grips, Ritchey Rizer Bar, SDG Saddle, Time pedals, IRC Kujo 2.35 DH tires (got tired of changing flats) 50 rides no flats, makes for a better workout also.. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike, and I have come to love this bike. I ride the national trail 3 times a week and never have a worry about the technial rocky sections with this frame. At 220 6'2" I wanted a bike that would last, and this bike has yet to fail a test in any way. Spring for the powder coat finish, it's more than worth it. I purchased this bike from the guys at Airbomb.com. They are fantastic, especially the owner David. If you are looking to purchase an Ellsworth, give them a call and they will work with you... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
norman
a Weekend Warrior
from tacoma wa usa
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1095.00 | | Purchased At: | dreamride.com | | Strengths: | maintenance free-solid-it works | | Weaknesses: | side mounted cable guides{hit your knees}.doesn't seem as active locking up rear brake w/discs. occassional pedal kick
back. | | Similar Products Used: | none enough to compare | | Bike Setup: | xt,sun O degree xc rims,2.35 kenda's, marz 4 100, avid mech.
fox vanilla r | | Bottom Line: | been riding it since nov. here in puget sound so it went through the mud test & stood up great.bearing is as smooth as new.no maintenance.no noise.as far as the ride goes it is
everthing i wanted it to be.agile & responsive for tight tech. rock & root stuff ,strong & solid for mid 20's mph
downhills.as far as climbing goes, it surprised the hell out
of me.i've read mag. reviews giving it 4 out of 5.it's a 5
in my book. it rides as well as i want it to in every way w/
the possible exception of braking the w/discs.i had xt rim
brakes before the avids & there definately is a differ-
ent feel,less active w/ them.but not enough to ruin the ride
something i didn't anticipate in the feel is how well bal-
anced it feels.riding trials type trails is just easier.when
you get up to speed it seems to become more solid like it's
morphing into a single unit.all around riding, it is a great
bike, i gotta believe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ape Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | Very simple design with great workmanship. I really like the sloped top tube with the solid feel of the ride. The single pivot is very cool as I ride in muddy gunk a lot here in the NW. The bike feels centered between the wheels with great rigidity in the rear end. Descends like a house of fire with the perfect amount of cross county travel: 4". I love this bike | | Weaknesses: | The bike has some pedal induced bobbing when you stand up and crank in the big ring. It doesn't really bother me, but it is indicitve of a single pivot design. However, I have my coil shock set up pretty soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Many four bar bikes: Jamis, Intense, etc. I like single pivot simplicity. | | Bike Setup: | XTR, XT, Fox Vanilla R, King wheelset and headset, XTR brakes, Thomson, etc. All the goodies except I want disc wheels eventually, but that will have to wait until I can shake the money tree at home. | | Bottom Line: | I got a great deal on a bike with a lifetime warranty. I really could not be happier! I smile when I ride this bike. Is is perfect? For me, yes. For you, I don't know? Ride it. It does everything I would want it to do. I wish it was polished, but a guy can't have everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan McLennan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Loftus | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sydney | | Strengths: | easy to pedal. great fun. | | Weaknesses: | Rear swingarm | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti hardtail/Specialised XC | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a good frame..I am a 200lb ..one that would last me a very long time because I won't be able to afford another one. That is why I spent the bit extra. Absolutely devistated when the rear swing arm disintergrated. I am no hero on the dropoffs and the bike has not had any great workout...mostly XC. The famous welds appear to be very badly done on the swingarm. I am still waiting to see what will happen re the warranty. Very dissapionted. Rating would have been 5 flaming Chilis but for that swingarm! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to list | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | the now defunct Lone Cactus Bikes | | Strengths: | Durability
Quality of construction (flawless welds, etc.)
THE RIDE
Handling
| | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mt., Kona, Specialized, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3 long travel fork, Chris King headset, XT drive train, Easton Monkey Lite handle bar, Easton EA 70 stem | | Bottom Line: | Here's an update on my Isis after 2 years and 4,000 miles of abuse. Incredibly, it is still going strong, rides like new, and I have never even touched the pivot! I ride extremely aggressive, and have gone through 3 fork rebuilds, one set of wheels (not to mention about 8 sets of front and rear tires), two saddles, one handle bar, 2 sets of peddles, etc. In fact about the only thing I can truly trust on my bike, besides my Kris King headset, is the frame. It still rides like a dream with a plush ride with no flex or bobbing, and tackles the most technical trails with precision and aplomb. I am now only getting to the point where I am considering taking apart the frame to see what shape the pivot and Fox Vanilla R shock is in. In short, I am extremely satisfied and proud of my Isis. I might add, to mollify the likes of some cynical reviewers like the Big Huckster below, that I have no affiliation whatsoever with Ellsworth. Perhaps the reason why a small boutique builder such as Ellsworth gets such rave review is that they really deserve them. A truly great and unbelievable bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Hucker
a Downhiller
from West Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bogeyman (Currently) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Good overall package - does many things well but nothing great | | Weaknesses: | Odd looking frame
Big decals | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Super 8 (not similar though it is a bike)
Rocky Mountain Thin Air | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Lx with Race Face cranks and rings | | Bottom Line: | Big Hucker has been shuttling his SC Super 8 for a couple of years now. Big Hucker’s wife was complaining about his weight gain and his developing beer gut. To appease his wife, Big Hucker bought a used Isis for spinning with the objective of reclaiming the svelte form he had when he was in his teens. Big Hucker thought he needed an FS bike because of a back problem he sustained following a huge huck gone wrong. Luckily, Big Hucker’s Super 8 was OK although he did have to take the following 3-months off work.
Big Hucker rides his Isis about once a week now, and the nausea from the physical exertion has become less of an issue (Big Hucker is getting into shape). Big Hucker hasn’t had any problems with the bike, although Big Hucker has to reluctantly ride around the big drops. For spinning, Big Hucker gives this bike a thumbs up.
Big Hucker is concerned about this site. As the heading says “Mountain Bike Reviews Written by Mountain Bikers.” However, it appears that this site may have become a marketing tool by manufacturers and their hired agencies. The number of reviews for Aeon’s three products totals 150 –for a boutique type manufacturer like Ellsworth? Come on, Big Hucker didn’t come down the Fraser on a canoe yesterday. Furthermore, Big Hucker has heard about these frames breaking on the occasion, yet hardly a word about it in these reviews. And when it was mentioned in a review, the review was quickly criticised by someone who seems very intimate with both Ellsworth and warranty claims (this person also has an “SL” – why is the post under this category except to object to the findings of a previous reviewer).
Mountain Biking is Big Hucker’s life, and this site has in the past contributed to his purchase decisions.
Big Hucker would like the people to keep it real. Go Big.
Big Hucker
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kung Fool
a Downhiller
from Where ever hypocrisy lurks, North Shore, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any canadian trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | on top | | Strengths: | Its made of metal | | Weaknesses: | quality control on welds | | Similar Products Used: | RM 6, Kona Stinky, Cove G-Spot, Tambochi Molotov Cocktail | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla, Marzocchi Z1 | | Bottom Line: | This bike has some appealing features - like "Dangerous Dan" rides it. Ellsworth sponsors him -so it must be a cool bike. Dan is also a Canuck. Check out his pictures hucking huuuge drops at his flowriders.com on an aeon isis. unfortunately, i know the guy two reviews down and if his experience is anything to learn from, the back ends on these bikes must be breaking like matchsticks with any sort of hucking. mine works ok for now, since I treat it well - but i don't like the tone of the last reviewer. is there some sort of secret aeon brotherhood going on that prohibits someone from speaking about their true experiences and being branded a bad actor? breaks of any kind don't inspire confidence and kung fool does not consider it good of a manufacturer to send new back ends - its the stinking warranty obligation not goodness that causes this behavior! As for going down anything - you US riders weaned on "dangerous" fireroads should come experience what "anything" really looks like by heading north. We'll see how your playthings stand up to actual riding. This bike is smooth and comfortable, but having seen actual breaks results in a lack of confidence. As a signal to the manufacturer not to get too haughty, I'll condescend to give 3 chillis.
kung fool has spoken. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean O'Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | secret creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Airbomb.com | | Strengths: | Price, engineering/design, execution of design, weld quality, finish, climbing super-tech stuff, and descending ANYTHING at high speed. | | Weaknesses: | Weird monocoque main frame triangle is sort of ugly -- but who cares? A major weakness is found not in this frame itself, but the people who blame the frame instead of themselves when it breaks; people who expect frames to stand up to any abuse and not weaken. A few folks have broken Isis and Joker frames at the yoke weld. Many lie or understate what kind of abuse they put them through. For this reason, Ellsworth is concerned about JRA claims -- and rightly so. All frames can break. If the frame break is because of a bad weld/design, Ells has been good about sending new swingarms. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus Switchblade, Specialized FSR Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | SL Medium frame, Fox Vanilla R, Marzocchi Z3QR20 and QR20 disc hub, Avid Mech Discs, Avid Speed Dial Mag levers, SRAM Attack Shifters, Shimano XT derailleurs, Truvativ Sealex DH ISIS bb, Truvativ Stylo Team ISIS crank, SRAM 9.0 cassette, Shimano XT disc rear hub, Wheelsmith 14 ga spokes, Sun Rhyno Lite rims, WTB Moto Raptor 2.4 tires, RaceFace XY seatpost, Azonic ORS stem, Azonic PDW riser bar, ODI Lock-On grips, Sun Ringle ZuZu's Pedals, various saddles. | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike. 31 lbs as built, feels like 25. I weigh 165 and ride hard and fast x-country and freeride. My terrain is rutty, rocky, rooty Northern Rockies singletrack. This bike handles all terrain, all conditions, all speeds with agility and stability. If you break it, fully explain to Ellsworth EVERYTHING you've put it through -- from what I've heard, those whose parts have failed because of defect have received full & fair warranty treatment. Don't let the stories from bad actors ruin your choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Stulken
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Severed Dick | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Airbomb | | Strengths: | The ride | | Weaknesses: | Poor design - Manky Stickers - Color choices | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain; Kona | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 X-fly;Cane Creek AD10 | | Bottom Line: | Sorry to end the love-fest.
I posted a glowing review May 2000. A recent event causes me to re-think my purchase. Net conclusion - stay away from this bike unless you only intend to hop curbs on the way to the corner store. Either the execution or design of this bike is faulty, plus the much vaunted Ellsworth customer service sucks.
I was happily riding three weeks ago, going uphill on a cross-country trail - after clearing an 8" diameter log, the bike buckled under me. The rear-swing arm broke about an inch above the pivot yolk sending me sprawling. This is much the same problem described by an earlier writer. Evidently this problem was suppossed to have been fixed with my vintage of bike. I have generally kept this bike to Cross-country type trails, despite living on the North Shore. I only weigh 165lbs and I keep my shocks at a decent pressure. I have never maxed the shock out. After getting in touch with Ellsworth customer service, they sought to suggest that I was somehow to blame for this break by not keeping enough air in the rear shock. This is hogwash. I was going uphill! After discerning that it was only the rear swing-arm that was broken, they indicated that this is what they would replace - despite the frame's seat tube having the paint gouged. In sum, they agreed to replace what was broken - sticking to the letter of their warranty. No thought is given to paying for the shipping or trying to salvage a tarnished reputation by going the extra mile and replacing the whole frame. Meanwhile I have to endure having to spend time dismantling the frame and re-building. I am extremely disappointed and would not buy an Ellsworth product again. Stick to a well-known brand that has local dealer support. There are a lot more choices for this sort of bike than 2 years ago - shop around carefully! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a
from Montreal, QC canada
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Airbomb | | Strengths: | Quick and nimble yet solid and sure footed while descending,
good climber and reasonablly light weight. Ver stiff frame lifetime warranty , low maintenance rear suspension, high BB for clearence over obstacles, low stand over height. | | Weaknesses: | No real color choices, frame sizes are alittle on the small size but can be rectified by adjusting seat post type and stem legnth etc. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, 6500, Specialised and others | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Isis, Avid Mag V brakes , Shimano Hollow tech cranks and BB, Bonty Mustang Wheels, Conti Vertical pro 2.3 tires or Hutchinson 2.1. Kore elite seatpost and handle bars, XT shifters and Derailleurs, Manitou X-vert Super fork and cane Creek AD-10 rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this bike for about 4 months now and it is great, especially for someone who wants an xc/freeride all around performer, there are bikes that better in in some areas but none that I am aware of at this price that are as versitile. Insipres confidence.
Very nice ride, quick and nimble , good climber and great at speed going downhill. 26 to 28 lbs in weight depending on which tire/wheelset I use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eelpie
a Weekend Warrior
from virginia
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | avalon/patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Hammerheadbikes.com | | Strengths: | Everything--super strong, very stiff, excellent on the downs and the ups, great handling. | | Weaknesses: | Still the cheesy head tube sticker badge. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR-1000, GT i-Drive 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | Large red, Marz Z4 Air, Fox Float R, Azonic WF Riser, King headset, RaceFace Turbine cranks and Taporlock BB, Avid SD7 levers and brakes, SI Max Flite Turbo saddle, Thompson stem and post, TIME pedals, Panaracer FireXC tires, XTR hubs laced to Mustang (rear) and Valiant (front), XTR RD, XT FD, XT shifters, WTB grips | | Bottom Line: | This is a re-visit. The bike is everything I said before and more. My speed and general riding skills have improved dramatically in a short time, especially on long twisty downhills, where the frame really excels. When I switched from an 80mm fork to a 100mm fork, the frame really came alive--best upgrade yet.
Ya just gotta try this baby...you'll be hooked! If you can spring for the extra $$, get the anodized version...very sweet and uncommon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AARON
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | WHERE ELSE, BICYCLE STORE | | Strengths: | THIS BIKE HAS EVERYTHING YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.. STRONG, PERFORMANCE, GREAT CS, FAST, PLUSH, ANYMORE SUGGESTIONS.. | | Weaknesses: | WEAKNESSES DOES NOT EXIST HERE.. | | Similar Products Used: | CANNONDALE | | Bike Setup: | ALL XTR, ZI, CHRIS KING DISK HUBS | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE BEEN BEATING THIS BIKE FOR QUITE SOMETIME NOW AND IT'S STILL IN ONE PIECE. I DID NOT MAKE MISTAKE BUYING IT. IT COST ME A TON OF MONEY ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE A TEENAGER. UNTIL I'M ALIVE, I WILL USE THIS BIKE. THE BEST OF THE BEST. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anne
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Mt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | airbomb | | Strengths: | Fully active, sooo little bob | | Weaknesses: | NO Red ANNO | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bike Setup: | ESP shifting, Truvativ splined stuff - Tim at airbomb "did it up", Z3 QR 20 - super glad I got that. Hope mini disks. I got the Tioga 2.3 tires and they totally change my confidence. | | Bottom Line: | 100% satisfied with purchase, would not change a thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa in Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Great climber and very nimble on the decents.
Frame shape gives "the boys" a bit more margin for error if you come down in front of the seatpost. | | Weaknesses: | ATLAS rear suspension looks heavy- don't know how it actually stacks up- the weight of the bike overall is quite good. | | Similar Products Used: | GT 2.0, Specialized FSR, a bit of older stuff | | Bike Setup: | $1700 was for original components which, were mostly XT. I made the mistake of getting a fox coil rear shock- go with a Cane Creek AD-10 and you'll be much better off. Otherwise, TIME ATAC pedals, MAVIC RIDE rims, and a lot of XT. | | Bottom Line: | I've gone on a full variety of conditions with this bike. Mostly it's cross-country, but I've also taken it out to Moab and downhilling in Tahoe. In all cases, this bike has been better then me. I'm very pleased with it.
The stance of the frame keeps me far enough back that I've stayed behind the handlebars on what might have otherwise been catastrophic mistakes. I have no trouble getting low and stable on downhills, and generally I see no bob on the climbs. What more can you ask for.
The only other bikes I've really riden in this price range are GTs, and I found the AEON to be way more aggresive and nimble.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ineedajockstrap Now
a Weekend Warrior
from Crunch, Nuts, Ow
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ummm...yes. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Riverside Bike Dealer | | Strengths: | The tubing is very strong. I hit my crotch on it--u wouldn't believe the pain....and the bike didnt break!! It was truly amazing. (the suspension is super smooth too) | | Weaknesses: | I'm thinking the tubing might be TOO strong... | | Similar Products Used: | nothing quite this painful | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for new saddle....oh, and padding on the bar.. | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with the bike, i can't say it sucks just because i popped my grapes. It is really smooth...and u can go just about anywhere with it! I usually take it on XC rides, and it's a blast. I'd have to say that this, and the rocky mountain RM6 have got to be THE best bikes i have ever owned...or even had the privelage to ride for that matter. If you're the kind to do alot of different stuff with your bike, i would definitely suggest the Aeon Isis. For the downhiller, get an RM6 or RM7.(***great price too***) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Woody
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike USA | | Strengths: | Bombproof! No flex. American made. Lifetime waranty. | | Weaknesses: | Stickers! Would it cost so much more to put real stickers on the frame and clearcoat over them like everyone else? The ones that come on the bike suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried almost everything. | | Bike Setup: | Zoke Z-1 CR, Fox Float R, XT groupo & Disc brakes, Race Face stem/headset, Thompson seatpost, Mavic 317 wheels, Easton SC70 bars. Panracer Fire XC. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review. I have been on this bike for over seven months. I have had it on almost every type trail in SOCAL, doing things ranging from 30+ mile XC jaunts to Big Bear downhills. In the riding department, it continues to perform admirably. Nothing has broken. I am a 210 lb. motocrosser. I tend to ride through or over obstacles, instead of avoiding them. The Isis climbs very well. Downhill...YeeHaw! The bike is so stiff it reminds me of my Yz400F Yamaha. It eats the rough stuff. Confidence inspiring. The place the bike really shines is on fast twisty downhill trails. It holds the line and sticks in the corners. A slalom monster!
Stickers aside, I love it!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Mans
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | airbomb | | Strengths: | Do everything bike, great climber, fully active | | Weaknesses: | Not so cool looks - ala Truth | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Hope disk front and rear, Z3air 100 fork, Mix of XT and Truvativ stuff | | Bottom Line: | Can't be happier - bike rides just like everyone said. It came perfectly setup from airbomb in 11days from order date. I wish I spend $100 more and got the anno frame as the paint is already rubbing under cables | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moises Alarcon
a
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch / Mathew Winters | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Hillside Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good supension action, cheep price, corners great | | Weaknesses: | Flex in the swing arm, chain slap, head tub wallowing out | | Similar Products Used: | Pro Flex - K2, Karpiel, | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Marzocie 5" front fork | | Bottom Line: | The Isis is a good bike, but the only thing that I can say nagative about it is the flex in the swin arm, I have scrapes form the crank brushing up agains it when it flexed. The head-tub is another story the fork I have on it has a lot of travel and I do a lot of dirt jumping on it, when it gets worse I will see how Ellswort is about their warranty | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJR
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Capistrano | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | bike co | | Strengths: | This is just a follow up on my first review. SOLID, ALL AROUND BIKE, CROSS COUNTRY, FREERIDE, This bike has a lot to offer . There is a lot of good frames out there, but I'm glad i picked the ellsworth. | | Weaknesses: | chain slaps( no big deal) | | Similar Products Used: | intense,santa cruz, cannondale | | Bike Setup: | xtr,raceface,discbrakes and the works | | Bottom Line: | This will be my last review. If you are in the market on getting one, I would higly recommend this bike to anyone who loves to ride and doing a lot of freeride. I guess my next bike would be intense uzzi sl....$$$$$$$
ELLSWORTH, YOU GET THE HIGHEST GRADE HERE IN MTBR.. I WILL GIVE YOU AN OUSTANDING 5 CHILIS.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from illinois
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dwight's | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Racers Edge, they said it was $3000, i only rented it, but i didnt think it was $3000 | | Strengths: | light, light, light, the x-verts were sweet | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale super v500, cannondale jekyll 500, kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | sweet, light bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sven trials
a Weekend Warrior
from renton,wa
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wa trails lame | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | airbomb.com | | Strengths: | great climber and decender. | | Weaknesses: | a little slow in the turns.Ordered 6/1/01 recieved 6/26/01
i hate to wait. | | Similar Products Used: | ti cycles skookum (sucked), bmc, cannondale, khs. | | Bike Setup: | z3 took the place of rock shock (pleasent suprise), rhino rims lx/xt derailers... | | Bottom Line: | the bike is extremely orgasmic! you will ride so hard it hurts, but it hurts so good. as a 240lb trials rider i can put the hurt to most bikes, NO FLEX. what a rush! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Clarksville, TN
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | 123bikes.com | | Strengths: | Awesome customer service (Thanks Kathy), great reviews, No swing arm flex, life-time warranty, relatively light, built to last. Oh and it looks COOL. | | Weaknesses: | Noisy chain stay, but it can be silenced by a lizard skin. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested the Jekyll 500,GF Sugar-2, Giant XTC DS1 | | Bike Setup: | King headset, Atom 80, Fox Vanilla RC, Avid levers and Mech Discs, All XT, Easton Monkey Lite bar, Thomson stem and seatpost, Sun DS/XC on Hayes Elite hubs. | | Bottom Line: | My first FS and the bike climbs like a violated billy goat, and descends even faster. The Isis instills confidence, I've never ridden any faster (in control) ever. My only complaint is buying it from a mail order shop. If possible go and find a shop or friend that has one, test it first and buy it there. It's easy to get what you need the first time and get it put together right. Mine didn't come with the parts I ordered, and it was assembled by a doofus. I.E. rear wheel not trued, brakes not even close to being adjusted, star nut in sideways, DR cable housings too long, grips split(not the ones I ordered anyway). Get the picture. But I did get a FOX vanilla RC instead of the Cane Creek. Ooops. Thanks Sam for getting my bike set up(LBS Guru). Buy it and you'll love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin sanders
a Weekend Warrior
from england UK
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | to many to list | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | freeborn horsham uk | | Strengths: | Life time warranty,frame design,strength,no flexing in the swing arm,mud clearance, also the downtube does not foul on rocks or logs,most important no rider weight limit. | | Weaknesses: | none at the moment | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler/bullit,trek vrx,cannondale sv,orange mrxc,patriot | | Bike Setup: | deore groupset, Z3M80,thomsom seatpost,317 disc/xt hubs,hope c2 xlite riser bar,azonic stem | | Bottom Line: | I spent about 2 years test riding lots of full suspension bikes,I rang freeborn for a test ride, before I went down to the shop they told me to look at this web site,which I did ,the reviews sounded great.After 6 months of riding different trails,all sorts of conditions,I've got no complaints.There are other bikes out there , but if you ride all day - get an isis, if you love singletrack get an isis,if you go downhill you'll go faster on an isis and if just love biking you love the isis...
One more thing get the hope disc brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Haymarket , VA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Elizabeths Furnace | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | airbomb | | Strengths: | consruction, simplicity ,ride | | Weaknesses: | cable routing for hydraulic brake lines | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 857 | | Bike Setup: | '99 Z1 QR20, Hayes Hydro. Discs,XT f/r Derailluers, Race Face cranks, Cane Creek AD12, sun Rynolyte wheels, Tioga DH 2.3 tires, Bontrager Stem, Koski risor bars | | Bottom Line: | I put this together as an all-around trailbike. I was amazed at the climbing efficiancy...I just had to re-adjust my position and scoot fwd a bit. Technical climbing is no problem....I can hammer through the rock gardens I formally picked my way through. Descending is a whole new world now. This bike inspires confidence. It corners solidly and with the laidback positioning compared to my Proflex, I shift back slightly and launch smoothly off any size dropoff I've encountered (no bigger than 3-4 ft so far) It's been a while since I had to pick the bugs out of my teeth from smiling so much while riding......I've only had it a few days....I'll update after more saddle time. First impression is AWESOME!!
P.S. Luke from airbomb bent over backwards to help me out with this. There were some minor glitches but he made them right immediatly..Cheers Luke. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Vallejo, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | * | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | 1800BikePro | | Strengths: | Predictable, little if any lateral flex, nice design, trail confidence builder. | | Weaknesses: | I shouldv'e purchased the frame that had an extra eyelet for adding a bigger rear shock!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | There is nothing similar to this | | Bike Setup: | XT Components thru and thru, XT Hydraulic Disc Brakes,Cane Creek C2 HeadSet, Judy Race, Stratos XC Pro, Thomson Elite Stem and Post, Sun DS1-XC Rims, Panracer 2.3 Fire DH Tires, Shimano 646 Pedals | | Bottom Line: | Man talk about feeling like a kid again. I started riding because a couple of my buddies been bugging me for years to go mountain biking. I used my 96 RockHopper A1 FS to get back into it last year, but after all my pally wallys started sporting full suspension bikes what else could I do.
After further MTBR Review this was the obvious choice. I never imagined that I would get this addicted to mountain biking and the ISIS is definitely responsible. I've had my ISIS for almost a year and at first I had this bike setup for XC, but after experiencing what it can really do, it is slowly becoming a FR bike (that's why I wish I had the option for a bigger rear shock). Climbing and Descending, read the reviews man!! This bike definitely climbs more comfortably and easier than my Rockhopper and descending...(now I got myself thinking about riding after work). I've taken some major spills in the past year and the most that's happened to the bike is some chipped paint and a dent on the swingarm. As far as Customer Service goes, I've always been able to get a hold of someone whether it's on the phone or through email(Kathy seems to be the person heading the dept). Anyways the bottom line is that this is my first full suspension and if it's not my last, the Joker or the DARE will be. Keep up the good work Ellsworth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Love the color and those tires. | | Weaknesses: | Only 4" clearance on rear?! | | Similar Products Used: | Pro Flex 757 series | | Bottom Line: | I only rode the bike for a day but from what I could tell, This Bike kicks a**! I took it to Pikes peak colorado and did a downhill. I loved almost everything about the product, it shifted smooth, it had great front cushioning and the tires gripped the gravel like they had superglue on them. The only thing I didn't like was that rear shock. Every time I hit a jump I bottomed out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, MA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | sick technical | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Dreamride | | Strengths: | plush, climbs better than my old hardtail even though it is built up for freeride and weighs 32.5 lbs, stiff frame, lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | heavy the way I built it up but thats the way I want it and the frame is pretty light | | Similar Products Used: | specialized(tested) | | Bike Setup: | AEON ISIS w/ coil shock, custom built by myself | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever ridden. I have mine built up for freeride and I couldn't be happier. I weighed it at 32.5 but it climbs better than my old specialized for the technical riding I do. bottom line: BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Stephens
a Cross Country Rider
from Sussex, England
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | That piece of singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeborn, Horsham, Sussex, England | | Strengths: | Strength, Looks, Ride & Handling, Stiff Frame. | | Weaknesses: | Paint job is a bit poor, bottle mounts in a silly place. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float R, SID 100, XT, Hope XC4s, Easton Risers, RaceFace Stem, Thomson Seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. The handling with 100mm forks is supurb, and the rear end is very stiff making the bike beg to be ridden hard.
The tyre clearance is pretty good in UK conditions, although the bottle mounts are just above the BB, which makes them pretty much useless in UK conditions.
The paint job "looks" good, nice and shiney with a deep gloss finish. However the cables rubbed almost to the metal on the first ride and the paint around the rear drop-outs is starting to peel off.
Overall 5 Flammin' Chilis - because it's just a great bike
Value 4 Flammin' Chilis - because the paint on a £899 bike should be better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Single pivot simplicity, stiff and instant pedal response | | Weaknesses: | Sizing on the small side, paint durability. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 857, GT LTS, | | Bike Setup: | SID XC, Cane Creek AD10 | | Bottom Line: | An updated review after living with the bike for the past 8 months
and 'new buyer glee' has worn off. My initial praise has been surpassed, this
bike is one of the fastest FS bikes I have ridden. Sizing is a bit on the stingy
side, at 6 foot I feel that I am on the limit for a large frame, but then this
makes it very chuckable once the saddle is lowered and it's pointing downhill.
I'm disappointed in the paint finish however and have noticed the paint flaking
from the BB shell and around the seat collar, not what I would expect from a £825
frame. Still, the quality of the ride is what is important and I can't find fault
in that.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, ME,USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1095.00 | | Strengths: | Zero frame maintenance. Rear shock lockout very easy to reach. Very rigid. Cable guides are on top tube, out of mud. Very low standover. Uninterrupted seat tube. The people at Ellsworth are very supportive and willing to help with any questions or problem. | | Weaknesses: | Chain rubs on swingarm when on the big rings front and rear (but you shouldn't be using those anyway.) Chain slaps the rear swingarm in some other gears but a Lizard Skin swingarm protector takes care of that nicely. The headbadge came off on the second ride. No loss. If you like water bottles, forget this frame. There is one bottle mount that would take a contortionist to reach. This is definitely a Camelbak bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I have owned a Proflex full suspension, a GT2000 full suspension, and a Cannondale F1000 hardtail. I have ridden every full suspension bike made in the last two years. | | Bike Setup: | ISIS L with Fox Air Vanilla RC. SID 100. XT everything else except for the Speed Dream wheels using Real disc hubs and Velocity rims. Monkey Lite riser bar, ODI lock-on grips, Time ATACs, Gore Ride-On cables, XT disc brakes, Jagwire hydraulic lines, Salsa flip-offs, Hutchinson Pythons (or Tioga XC Extremes), Torelli tubes, CODA 900M saddle (my butt's favorite),Thompson seatpost and stem. My trusty feed scale reads 20 lbs. when I put 2 10-lb bags of sugar in it, and 30 lbs. when I put 3 10-lb bags in. It says my ISIS setup weighs 24 lbs with the Python tires. | | Bottom Line: | I liked the bike with the original Cane Creek AD-10 rear shock but when I switched to the Fox Air Vanilla RC the bike went from good to great. Much smoother ride, lockout for smooth hills and road work. The bike needs so little maintenance compared to other bikes I've ridden. It's light enough to throw around easily and the low standover makes it much more maneuverable. I can ride this bike over and through things I could never do on my other bikes. For the money I feel this is the best frame available. The only frame I like better is the Ellsworth Truth, but it wasn't worth it to me to spend $900 more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neal Peters
a Cross Country Rider
from Lindon, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridge Trail, American Fork ut | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | In Utah | | Strengths: | This bike feels solid. The rear end has no lateral flex at all. I rode a FSR four bar link in the past, it was efficent, but too much lateral flex. Even though this bike is a single pivot swing arm, it climbs better than my fsr. feels plush if on the downhill, the fox vanilla r feels soo much better than an air shock, you'd be crazy to go with an air shock these days. | | Weaknesses: | None, this bike is dope | | Similar Products Used: | FSR xc, FSR enduro, Ellsworth Truth, GT i-drive, Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks,shifters,f.derailer,r.derailer,magural louise disk brakes, chris king headset, Azonic world force handle bar, yeti grips, rithey ocr rims with z-pro hubs, tioga tires, kore platform pedals, marzocchi z1 mcr fork, vanilla r shock, specialized bg seat, thompson seat post and stem | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, this the perfect all around bike, climbs like a goat, decends very well, feels solid (some times my old fsr felt a little weak) this bike is worth every penny.
I am going to race on this bike this summer, yeah I know it's not a 23 lb hard tail, but I can go a lot faster on this bike than my old hard tail, that is for sure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Agoura Hills
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere ( Palo comado) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike co. | | Strengths: | This is one hell of a bike. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Rubs the swing arm ( lizard solved my problem) | | Similar Products Used: | Tracer , Santa Cruz SL | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Z1 mcr, RF, Chris King Disc hubs. Bike insured for $5,000 State Farm | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. It climbs very good and down hill is a blast. Best FS out there for the price and backed up by a lifetime warranty. Best in the market.. Good job Tony.. The new Dare looks like Aeon Isis on Crack. Killer Look..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clayton
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | None yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria World Outfitters | | Strengths: | Design, price, features. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | All Shimano XT, Judy XC (will upgrade to SID when necessary), Tioga, Ritchey, Avid and Onza. | | Bottom Line: | I just ordered the bike! As a first time rider (BMX'er as a kid) I did not want to spend so much, but after reading your reviews, I knew there was only one choice to make. I have not received it yet, but will post another review once my cheeks hit the seat. Just letting you all know you have another brother. Yeah I know I sound mushy, but thats the feeling you get when you order a brand new Aeon Isis!
PS: Cambria has the best deal for the components you get to pick from. Thats for all you deciding where to buy, not what : ) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eelpie
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | gambrill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | hammerheadbikes | | Strengths: | Stiff-stiff-stiff, this thing must have a 24-7 IV drip of Viagra! No sloppage, climbs like Ron Kauk on meth, makes trail obstacles its b!tch, no bob suspension, beautiful!! | | Weaknesses: | Maybe the cheezee head tube badge sticker. Limited color choice. Chain rub in large-large gear pairing (no big deal). | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDrive XCR-1000, but really no similarity! | | Bike Setup: | Large, Thomson stem&post, Raceface Turbine cranks,BB&HS, Azonic WF riser, SI Trans Am Turbo saddle, XT fd, XTR rd, Bonty mustangs w/ XT hubs, Panaracer fire xc pros, Avid AR 50s w/ 2.0 levers, Fox Float R, SID XC, Time Aliums, WTB grips | | Bottom Line: | Buy it! Now! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Woody
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca.
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeUSA, La Mesa | | Strengths: | The frame is super strong, rigid, and guaranteed for life. The bike climbs very well, with no noticable bob. Downhill it's a confidence inspiring. Very responsive. No gimicks, just performance. Although some people call it plain, I had a guy on the trail say it was beautiful. I agree. MADE IN USA! | | Weaknesses: | Chain drags big cog front to big cogs rear.(So don't cross chain stupid!) There is also some chain slap over rough terrain. A Lizardskin swingarm wrap took 85% of the noise away. | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 2000
ATC Air
Tracer | | Bike Setup: | Marrzochi Z-1 CR,XT groupo including HollowTec cranks,Fox Float air, Shimano 565 combo pedals, XT Discs, Mavic 317 wheels, Race Face headset and stem, Easton SC70 bars, Thompson seatpost, Specialized BG Comp seat (sorry guys, it works for me), Panracer FireXC tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great trailbike. I would not recommend it as an XC racer due to the weight. Mine is built a little heavy, tipping the scales at 30 lbs. I did this because weigh 215lbs and I race MX also. I wanted a sturdy bike that would take some punishment. I also really wanted disc brakes. I don't regret putting them on! Still, I am an XC rider. By that I mean,I ride uphill to get to the downhill. I am going to try to drop a pound or two from somewhere. You probably get the Isis down to 26 lbs. with no discs, carbon, and XTR.
I considered a Tracer, but it was $500 more and did not have the lifetime guarantee. Why pay more for less?
I bought the bike due to MTBR reviews and the Ellsworth reputation. Customer service at Ellsworth is great, particullarly Greg. They are excited about mountainbiking and their product. They don't get tired of stupid questions.
If you put Shimano discs on the bike, the hose lengths are 800mm front and 1400mm rear. Also get some Quality Bike Parts "Problem Solvers" for the hose routing.
Dare to be different! You won't be disappointed.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C Raven
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore, Urban assualtPretty much anything downhill, whether technical or fast, or both | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | airbomb.com (thanks guys) | | Strengths: | LIFETIME warranty. Tony Ellsworth design, climbs very well for a dully. Looks great. You don't see many around, Dangerous Dan rides one (he could get ANYONE to sponser him) very good handling, not as heavy as a full on DH bike. The whole ATLAS thing seems to work | | Weaknesses: | Put it this way, if the bike could preform sexual favors, it would be my mistress. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR big hit, demo'ed a Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | small frame (15") xtr rear der, the rest is a xt lx combo, sun ryno lite rims, magura louise disc brakes, 4" fox vanilla rear coil shock, 5" Bomber Jr. T's up front. | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike so far. It is perfect for mountain bikers you enjoy the downhill/freeriding but also spend some time doing the XC stuff. I think the only way you would need more in a bike is if you are repeated drops over the 12 foot range. If you are, maybe get the Aeon Joker or the Brodie 8 ball. If you are not, get the ISIS!
5 flaming chili's | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Vazquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas, CA , USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | La Costa, Soapstone Middle Peak | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | www.vortexcycles.com | | Strengths: | Super reliable, plush, sweet! I love it!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Maybe a tad on the heavy side. Mine's 26 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR S-Works, GT XCR 1000 | | Bike Setup: | Complete XT gruppo, Titec bar, stem, seatpost, Grip Shift Plasma shifters, Tomac Bar Ends, Serfas willie saver seat | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for about a year now, and the more I ride it, the more I love it. It's so stiff--never any slop in the rear end--climbs unbelievably well, and descends with the best of 'em. It's made me a better rider, so what else can I say. Even after a year, I haven't discovered anything that I don't like about this bike. Five chilis--only 'cause you can't pick 10! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Hoopes
a Weekend Warrior
from Marin County, CA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | B-17 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Tahoe Bike Pro | | Strengths: | Stiff rear end, low-maintenance, good pivot placement. Nice machine work on swingarm assembly. Shock placement doesn't constrain seatpost position. Rare in Marin, garners many positive comments from onlookers. | | Weaknesses: | Chain rubs swingarm when in the large front chainring and the largest four rear chainrings. Some chain slap in some other gears on rocky terrain. No big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Ground Control | | Bike Setup: | Aeon Isis M, XTR brakes & hubs, Mavic 317 wheels, Fire XC Pro 2.1 tires, Raceface airAlloy low riser bar & RealSeal headset, Thomson post and (5x100x25.4 SM-E101) stem, 2001 SID 100 fork, Stratos AR-1 shock, SRAM 9.0 shifters, XT splined BB and Hollowtech crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful frame construction. Nice machined details on the swingarm pivot tower; it definitely spent some quality time on the CNC station. Splendid compromise between XC lightness and "freeride" beefiness, with many well-thought-out construction features.
Looks are debatable; there's a lot of "form-follows function" in this design, which, for an engineer such as myself, has its own beauty. The "stealth grey" paint is somewhat bland, like shiny primer. I added some blue-sidewall Panaracers to jazz it up a bit. This bike elicits comments from people only on close inspection, where the intricate construction details never fail to impress.
Pedaling efficiency seems to be a bit better than my old 4-bar FSR, without all of the wobbliness and flex of that configuration. With my setup of 4" air-oil travel front and rear, the suspension is well-balanced and progressive. The frame geometry (paired with a 5º/100mm stem and 1" riser bar) really seems to strike a nice balance for both climbing and descending. You can forget about the bike and concentrate on technique.
The only frameset maintenance I've had to perform so far was a quick tightening of the front triangle shock pivot and the main swingarm pivot. The Stratos AR-1 shock had to be sent back for warranty repair- the rebound damping was overall too light and made a funny, "squishy" noise.
Luckily, the chain rub only occurs on some gear combinations that aren't used much. The chain slap is somewhat bothersome, but there's supposed to be a custom THE swingarm protector available from Ellsworth this month.
The real bottom line: this is a fun trail bike. It accommodates all of the various types of riding that I do with quiet aplomb and infrequent tweaking.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Mahoney
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | I don't know anymore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | www.Airbomb.com | | Strengths: | As light as my old one, but with 3 inches more in front and 2 more in the rear...plus adjustability.
Great deal from airbomb.com.
Lifetime Warranty. | | Weaknesses: | Umm..just the stuff that got loosened during shipment.
And I can possibly see breaking something in the back. (The known defect), but that's no problem with the warranty. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega DS900 ($700) I'm still laughing. | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace TurbineLP cranks and rings. SRAM 7.0 (switching to 9.0sl in a few days) shifters, rear derailleur, and brake levers. Avid SD 3.0 brakes. XT front derailleur and cassette. Marzocchi Z1 CR. Fox Vanilla. Thompson seatpost and stem. Interloc 1" riserbar. Mavic 517 rims. Shimano 545's. | | Bottom Line: | Yeah. I thought about this bike way back when there weren't any posts. Eventually I got enough money for it. I'm not sure why anyone would pass it up if they had the money. This is assuming they are going the whole route of a sturdy XC, possibly FR bike. For the more extreme stuff, you'd be better off with a Joker (6+ inches in the rear).
I don't think you can go wrong...unless you suck at riding and have way too much money to spend, and you don't/won't use it to its potential. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRYAN
a Racer
from northshore of the east
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | ride quality, design and looks. | | Weaknesses: | rear swingarm cracked above pivot yoke. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Aeon Isis 19" red w/ black swingarm,Hayes hydraulic,Z3 flylite,Chris King headset,Easton Monkeylite,Salsa Moto Ace stem,Hayes Disc Hubs,Mavic 317,Thompson Post,RaceFace cranks and BB,XT Rapidfire pods,XT front abd XTR RR rear der, Fox Vanilla-R coilover. | | Bottom Line: | After riding this bike for 5 months I encountered the unexpected. We had just finished riding 4 hours of rocky,technical singletrack and were on a smooth fireroad back to the vehicles when it happened. I stood up on the pedals and felt the bike drop from under me and the pedals hit the ground. Upon inspection I found that the swingarm had broken just above the pivot yoke. Surprised, to say the least, I was not too concerned because of the lifetime warranty but felt damn lucky that it did not happen on the singletrack!!
I called Ellsworth and spoke to Tony and he told me that this was a known production defect and it had been corrected and he regained my confidence in the product.
The problem arose when I decided to upgrade to the Joker SL.I was told that this would be another $650!!!++shipping and "would you like a shirt or socks with this order?" ??? Not exactly customer satisfaction for a customer that could have been seriously injured on a product with his name on it!! I was surprised at this response since there are so many positive comments about Ellsworth's customer service.
It left me with the feeling that he cares more about the money than the safety or satisfaction of his customers. Nuf' said!!
Anyway, I got excellent customer support from Mike and ordered an Isis SL. I have this bike setup to freeride and downhill and the bike excells at both. It is a great climber and descender and just eats up drops. It is also major eye-candy as I get lots of comments and questions about the bike. I plan on racing some downhill events with it next season. A top quality bike for the money so I will give it 5 for value, a 4 overall due to defective swingarm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJR
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mattis | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Company | | Strengths: | DURABILITY!!! LOOKS!! REPUTATION!! | | Weaknesses: | ME | | Similar Products Used: | lots of good bikes in the market like INTENSE!! SCSL!! FOES!!! THESE BIKES ABSOLUTELY GETS 5 CHILIS! | | Bike Setup: | XTR, JUDY RACE MODIFIED INTERNAL PARTS, THE BEST PARTS IN THE MARKET. | | Bottom Line: | Update from my last review.. This bike is pure solid. Never had any problem in the last 12 months. All i can say is i became a very good rider because of this bike. Honest.. I am still in love with this bike. I highly recommend this to every bikers out there who are looking for a bike that will last FOREVER!!! PERIOD. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WEBBMAN
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dark Hollow -Brianhead Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes | | Strengths: | Stiff Frame, Climbs awesome, Looks great, It can Handle everything you throw at it | | Weaknesses: | Chain Slap in top gear. But what bike dont you get that on. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR , Truth, Superlight, | | Bike Setup: | 5" White Bros up front, All XTR, Hayes, Race Face, Sun Rhino Lite XL rims , Panaracer DH 2.3 tires | | Bottom Line: | This is just an update from my last review 5-6 months ago. I have turned this into a freeride dream. I have been downhilling on it all summer and it has held up like a champ. All of my friends are riding 7-8" travel bikes and This bike keeps up well with them. It wont beat a DH bike but it can hang with just about anything you can throw at it. This is such an awesome bike. For all you Heavier riders 200+, this bike will be perfect for you. Add some Rhino Lite XL wheels and your set . You will not have any Problems with this Bike. Also for anybody looking for a place to ride in the summer. You must check out Brianhead Mountain. It is the most epic and beautiful riding around.
Ride from 11,500' down t 6,000' on 15 miles of all single track.
To anybody on the fence about buying a Bike Look no further than the AEON.
E-mail me for pictures
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amos Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa City IA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugarbottom Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Airbomb.com | | Strengths: | Great Design
Terrific climber
Looks
Smooth on the decents
Cost | | Weaknesses: | Some may think it is a but heavy but I don't think so. Mine weighs in a 29lbs which is just fine for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Trex VRX 300, Schwinn S-30
| | Bike Setup: | XT, Truvative Cranks, Hope Hydraulic, Panaracers | | Bottom Line: | This bike lives up to everything I heard it would. I bought it bacause of all the good reviews here on mtbr and those people were not lying. This bike has zero bob on the climbs and is soooo smooth on the desents. Buy one and you will not be dissappointed. Five hotties all around!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DogBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Epping Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Freeborn, Horsham, UK | | Strengths: | Looks & feels nice & solid. Handling spot on. Rear swing arm works perfectly - No bobbing or movement in the wrong directions. | | Weaknesses: | Could do with being a little lighter but It's so much fun that I can't really complain about that to much. | | Similar Products Used: | Spesialized Stumpjumper FSR (Lighter but no where near as solid). | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3 forks, Fox Vanilla coil-over rear shock, Shimano LX gears/brakes/Crank, World Force stem & riser bars, Mavic rims with Tioga Factory XC tryes. | | Bottom Line: | (Updated from 1/8/00)
Nice 1 to the guys at Freeborn for sorting me out with such a excellent package. The most fun I've had on two wheels for 1500 quid.
3 Months on & this bike just gets better & better. No problems whatsoever. Very easy bike to maintain. A small adjustment of the brakes is about the only thing I've had to do since day 1.
I'm riding a lot better & faster since I've had this bike due to the confidence that it gives you especially when your really hammering it. When I'm out & about I'm always looking for the roughest tracks & biggest, Bumpiest hills just to see if they give me any problems. No problems so far, It just ploughs on through pretty much anything you throw at it & leaves you thinking it could of handled much more & with a grin right across your face.
To top things off it climbs really well also. The rear end just digs in under hard pedalling & up you go up like a rocket.
Did I mention I liked this bike? Well I was wrong. I F***ing love it to bits. Can't get enough of it. It's an absolutely suberb bike & definately good value for your money.
I reckon this is your best bet if you just want a good, Solid, reasonably priced & superb handling bike thats s**t loads of fun whatever sort of riding your up for. Love it to bits :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Irving, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore - Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Tahoe Bike Pro | | Strengths: | Build your own. No lateral flex. | | Weaknesses: | none...... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Comp | | Bike Setup: | Vanilla, XVert Super, XT, RaceFace, Panaracer | | Bottom Line: | Great ride. Much better than the FSR in terms of over all ride and control. This bike can get through things that I didn't attempt with the FSR. It's nice also because it's quiet - you see on the FSR with the Pivots in the chainstays, anytime you are in the smaller cogs and hit some good bumps, the rear derailleur bangs the chainstay at the pivot. Should have bought this bike first. Ellsworth staff very helpful to answer questions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Burma Peak | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Reasonably light, comfortable geometry, tracks well, soaks up bumps, the list goes on... | | Weaknesses: | Couldn't find a one. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega DS950(own), Santa Cruz Heckler (ridden), Many others tested(look for the reviews) | | Bike Setup: | Deluxe factory build kit | | Bottom Line: | What can I say that hasnt been said? This bike is fantastic, and when the price is compared it rates up to phenomenal. There's no bob under power (I tried), it held any given line perfectly, and the componentry is matched to the performance of the frame. The only gripe I had was that the tires were poorly matched for the terrain at the Interbike demo grounds (very few bikes had appropriate tires for that unforgiving terrain). This is a perfect bike for anyone who likes to get out and tear it up without any really big hits...that goes to the big brother Joker. It could be competitive for X-C racing, but there is probably a better bike for the dedicated racer. This is just a kickass fun bike. 5 chilis for overall, but give it 6 for value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Matzel
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga Springs NY USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track - more hills the better | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | BikePRO | | Strengths: | still going strong ... like the Energizer bunny
takes a beating and smiles ... wanting more
| | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Specialized, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | fox coil, Judy race, XT, Hayes disc, Race Face, Thomson, King | | Bottom Line: | this is a great ride .... still no problems after seven months of hard riding .... my riding partners keep getting banged up and seem to end up seeking first aid every ride (they try to follow me through rock gardens, up/down technical sections, over logs ect.).... the ISIS handles just about anything you could think up ... and asks for more....
best bike I ever owned.
TONY is a GOD !!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean O'Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | secret creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Airbomb.com | | Strengths: | smooth travel, crisp handling, nice finish, great design, Ellsworth and Ventana engineering | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any | | Similar Products Used: | this is the only dual squishy I've used | | Bike Setup: | Aeon ISIS SL (medium), Marzocchi Z3 QR20, Fox Vanilla, XT rear der/BB/rear hub, Deore front der, Avid mechanical discs, Avid SD 2.0L levers, Gore-Tex RideOn cables, Ritchey Logic pedals, Sun RhynoLite rims, WTB MotoRaptor 2.4 tires, WTB Speed V saddle, Koski 4-bolt stem, IRD riser bar, Cane Creek headset, Truvativ Stylo Team crankset | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good 5.5 or 6 pounds heavier than my hardtail (Airborne Lucky Strike) but you'd never know it from the handling. Sweet, intuitive steering bike that corners like it's on auto-pilot with John Tomac at the controls. I"m a little confused by the review just below that complains about the steering. While I agree that K2/ProFlex bikes are VERY slow-steering, I find that the Aeon Isis steers very well -- as crisply and nimbly as my Lucky Strike. I think there's a good reason all but one of the prior reviews give this bike 5 of 5 chilies -- it's amazing! I'll review it further after putting it through the paces on the techie trails of Fernie BC this weekend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, strong, simple maintenance. Cables and pivot are high, out of the mud. Low standover. | | Weaknesses: | Chain rubs on rear swingarm when large chainring in front is running the the 3 largest chainrings in the rear. Not a problem if you pay attention. | | Similar Products Used: | Have owned a K2 Proflex 1000 and a 2000 GT2000. Have ridden almost every full suspension currently made. | | Bike Setup: | Isis SL, Cane Creek AD-10 rear shock, Rock Shox SID 100, Monkey Lite handlebar, XT shifters, derailleurs, XT disc rear hub, Real disc front hub, XT hydraulic discs or Avid mechanicals (Depending on the week. I haven't made up my mind yet!)Ride On Goretex cables, Hutchinson Python Lites, Time ATAC pedals, CODA 900M saddle, XT splined cranks. Weighs 26.8 lbs. with XT discs, 27 lbs. with Avids. | | Bottom Line: | Smooth, fast, and strong. No squeaks, creaks, or rattles. Very stiff laterally. Best frame I've seen for the money. Looks great with the red front/black rear and a black SID 100 on front. The Cane Creek is adjustable for both compression and rebound, and hasn't lost any air. Almost no maintenance. Climbs very well and has fabulous traction (especially with the Hutchinsons.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johhny Rocket
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR USA!!!!
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Browns Camp | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | GET A GRIP CYCLES!!!!!:) | | Strengths: | This bike kicks ass!!! I was looking for a good all around cross country bike and this beat out fisher, klein, cannondale and all the other ones I tested...by far | | Weaknesses: | nota | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Instinct | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this from GET a GRIP cycles in North Portland. Check em out on the Ellsworth web site, they can hook you up!!!! I hadn't heard much about this company until I stopped by their shop. What an amazing difference in overall riding quality. I was soo glad to finally find a bike that didn't have all that wibbly wobbly lateral instability that many xc bikes have.
Bad arce ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Simple, flex free design, hard tail like acceleration | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 857, GT LTS1 | | Bike Setup: | SID XC, AD10 | | Bottom Line: | In the short time I have had this bike Iam very impressed, more rigid than the Proflex and more nimble than the LTS, Fast acceleration and climbing combined with plush downhills make this a very quick and fun bike to ride. I have noticed some bob when seated in the big ring, although this may be due to shock setup so I'll need to fiddle a bit. For general trail riding air shocks are the way to go, infinite ajustability with light weight, just hope the seals stand up to the foul Scottish weather | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donna Richardson
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Alamos, NM
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail that's not burned | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1845.00 | | Purchased At: | Airbomb | | Strengths: | Smooth climbing, instills confidence on the downhill, fantastic handling, and looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Chain creates a good bit of slapping noise against the swing arm | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Rocky Mountain Element | | Bike Setup: | Judy Race, Cane Creek AD-10, mix of XTR, XT, and LX | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden my Isis on several trails now (Monarch Crest and some local single track). This is a GREAT full suspension bike for an affordable price (got mine from Airbomb and have NO complaints)! I should have bought one sooner. Ellsworth's design provides smooth climbing, incredible control, and great downhill capability. I can even keep up w/ my husband now and don't feel like I've been beat up at the end of a ride. The folks at Ellsworth seem to be customer focused and genuinely care about their product. Buy this bike. It's a great deal plus it looks hotter than most other fullies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DogBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame Looks Fantastic & Very strong, responsive handling on all surfaces, Ride position feels perfect, Climbs well despite weight. | | Weaknesses: | could do with loosing a few extra pounds. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3 forks, Fox Vanilla coil over rear shock, Shimano LX gearset/brakes, World Force stem & Bars, Mavic rims with Tioga Factory XC tryes. | | Bottom Line: | After just returning from my first big weekend out riding this bike I can honestly say that I'm well chuffed with it. We tackled plenty of big climbs followed by long, Fast & bumpy descents on various surfaces & the whole experience left me with a big grin on my face all day. The bike handles very well & the ride position was perfect for moving your weight around for the more dodgy bits. The whole thing just felt superb.
The swingarm works very well with virtualy no bobbing when your pedalling hard (the one thing that concerned me most about full suspension). The rest of the setup that came with my bike worked well & I did not get any problems with it at all. Still, the main thing is that the bike rides so well & you could upgrade at a later date if you feel the need. At the moment I feel the need to get back out for another go but it's dark & I don't have any lights. F**k it I think I'll just strap a mag light to my head & get straight back out there.
In short I Fu***ng love this bike. The most fun £1500 I've ever spent. I would recommend it to anybody looking for a good all round bike that just wants to have s**t loads of fun & a grin from ear to ear. Love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | SUPERB HANDLING, BEST HANDLING BIKE EVER IN MY 25 YEARS OF RACING. | | Weaknesses: | COLORS | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed | | Bike Setup: | XTR,Propel,RS Sid, AD10 | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the best all around bike in the market right now. It's cheap compared to the Intense XC. Just look at the reviews before this and you will be amazed what these people are saying about the ISIS. Enough said... JUST RIDE IT!! Happy Trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Murai
a Cross Country Rider
from Pinole Ca
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great for climbing, climbs like a mountain goat.
Great control downhill, inspires confidence to push it
Very efficient frame, overall a winner!!!!!
Good looking bike, nice lines, very appealing design
| | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale, santa cruz, klein, specialized, gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-vert fork, Fox rear shock, full XT, Nuke Proof stem, Renthal bars, Bontrager Wheels, Specialized pedals, Avid Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great bike that can perform with the best of them. Very sure footed and responsive under all situations. Excellent all around performer that is a lot of fun to ride. I would recommend this bike to anyone that is searching for a cross country platform that wants a great quality bike that won't break the bank totally. It's cost is a lot less that several other custom frames, but is every bit as good or better. Great looking and performing bike that will turn a lot of heads on the trail as you go by!!!! The bike is very addictive, the more you ride it the faster you go. This bike is confidence inspiring, it will let you cut up the hardest trails with ease and will scream for more. A great product designed by Ellsworth. Way to go Tony E !!!!The bike is like "Eye-Candy". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henderson King
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham WA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Little or no power loss, super bomber construction | | Weaknesses: | Weak color choices | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, Element TO | | Bike Setup: | ESP 9.0/Truvativ, Airbomb/Hope wheels, Hope disks, QR20
| | Bottom Line: | I've ridden 'bout every style of bike over the last 12 years
and this is the first time I was totally satisfied with
a bike. The boys at airbomb talked me out, well really taught me, why I didn't want a Heckler - and set the package
up so very nice. Let me plug the 2.4 WTB motoraptor tires too. Talk to Bevan at airbomb - he won't budge on the frame
only price but offers a total build price that is outstanding. Ellsworth are great to talk too as well.
I got a ISIS in 6" mode - they have some of these dual
postion bikes that are adjustable (with a shock change) to
4" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cedric Revest
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The Isis, is very stiff laterally, plush, active | | Weaknesses: | ....?? Weight ?? | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight | | Bike Setup: | XT, Bomber Z1 XFly, Crosslinks, Avid Arch Rival | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very very nice. I wanted a do it all bike and I am very happy with my choice....
It will handle jumps beautifully, climbs really well with little to no bob and descends really fast.
Get it, you will not be sorry :)
Cedric | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Carbiener
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ECdM | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lateral stiffness,climbing, fit and feel. Incredibly smooth welds and design. | | Weaknesses: | Janky stickers (of course these came off easy enough) | | Similar Products Used: | Ventana Marble Peak, Santa Cruz Heckler, Cannondale v something or other, and myold piece of sh*t Proflex 857 | | Bike Setup: | I'm just a poor guy so I have a Maitou sx-r fork, xt components and various parts I have pirated from my old bike. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up report on my first review. I still feel confident that this bike is the best bike in the world for under 2,000. I have never had a bike that fit me so well, and it does just about everything perfectly. I'm no engineer, so I dont understand the details behind A.T.L.A.S. technology and all of that, but I do know what works for me. And the Aeon works for me like a prostitute during a convention of congressmen. Without the slop.
I've always liked to jump, but with the Aeon, I can fly. It is so well balanced that I can launch and just float without worrying about dropping the front or keeping it up. The pivot is placed just perfectly to give you the ultimate flex on liftoff, then it sucks up the landing so you keep your speed up on landing.
Technical trialsy type riding is wonderful as well on the Aeon. The balance, short length and curved toptube (with low standover height) make this bike perfect for log hopping, steep drops and quick sharp turns.
Climbing on the Aeon is a dream. I have riser bars on my Aeon and can fly up hills without feeling hunched over or popping wheelies. I enjoy clmbing for the first time in my life.
Downhill, do I even have to menion it? Ok, I guess I do. Its like a freaking Cadillac. Even with my low end fork, it handles the bumps like a charm.
This bike is awesome. The Aeon is the first bike that I have truly loved. To compare it to a couple of other bikes and suspension types:
---Santa Cruz: The suspension design is similar, however the rear triangle on the S.C. is thinner and taller, making the S.C. less stiff laterally than the Aeon. On the S.C., in sharp turns or jumps it felt like I was washing out. The Aeon is nothing but total control.
---Cannondale: They always felt incredibly tall for me. Even a small Cannondale was tall. And you cant deny the goofy factor.
---Four bar linkage design: The Aeon is a single pivot design which makes it a little less active than four bar linkage bikes. However, with the exception of foreign made mass produced bikes, they are a lot more expensive. And in a year of riding, I have no slop in my bushings, pivots or anywhere. As a matter of fact, I havent even heard a squeak from my bike.
So to make a long story just a tad shorter, buy this bike. You will not regret it. And if the folks at Aeon are reading this: Thank you for making a bike that I can afford that performs up to my expectations. I was tired of riding and destroying crappy bikes(see Proflex reviews) that I could afford and admiring my friends' $3000 machines). Not only does this bike perform like a dream, it is virtually indestructable. Believe me, I've tried. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Owen
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Quality of design and fabrication; Customer support; Product performance | | Weaknesses: | Number of finish options (minor concern) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtail w/ headshock | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain/brakes/hubs, Gripshift, WTB tires, 0-degree Crossmax front wheel, Rhinolyte rear, Easton post & bars, tytek riser stem, WTB headset, White Bros. Shock | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to have a bike that would be adept at all types of riding - resort downhills, regional cross-country, climbs, drops, rocks, mud and so on. I researched and tested just about everything out there. I had it narrowed down to a couple of bikes, and e-mailed Ellsworth with a few questions. Tony Ellsworth himself responded and answered all of my questions & concerns, which sold the bike. After three months of riding the stuff mentioned above, I not only no have no complaints, but I am still falling in love with the bike. It's a tad heavy at just about 28 lbs, but some of that is due to my requirement that the bike be virtually indestructible. Also, my Cannondale was about the same weight, and now I have 4" give front & rear. I may swap the shock eventually, but for now, I continue to improve and the thrill of being on this bike gets stronger. My shop liked it so much, they ordered another one for their showroom floor! I've also gotten follow-up calls from Ellsworth to ensure my satisfaction, which is really a cool thing. I almost want to keep the bike a secret so they don't get too huge to provide this level of personal attention.
Thank you Ellsworth!
PS: Anyone interested in a Cannondale hardtail? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WEBBMAN
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail with a hot lady on it | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Frame design, Can be set a number of different ways. Climbs like a hardtail, esp. in the granny gear it gets super stiff. Also takes drops real well | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing for rear brake rubs the paint off, but im reaching here!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | I tried out the Fisher Sugar-1, Giant XTC, FSR , And even the Ellsworth truth ( couldnt afford that) | | Bike Setup: | X-vert AL 100mm, SPOX M-1 wheels, XTR brakes and Deraillers, Race face BB and Cranks, Middleburn Rings, Thompson Post, Short stem and Raceface DH bars. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this is the best XC/Freeride bike i have ridden. It climbs awesome and descends great even on the rocky hills of Hodges and all you SD riders know how rocky those are. You could set this bike up for under $2000 and have a bike better than 99% of any FS /XC bikes out there.
I have mine set up at 27.5 lbs. but could easily knock off 2 pounds with my pedals and fork and rear shock. But I weigh 220 lbs and like to have a little meat to ride on, so 27.5 is just right for me.
If you are on the fence about buying a bike look no further than than the AEON.
]Good Luck and thanks to all the Guys at ELLSWORTH for the Help and assistance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Batman
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Choia | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Whoa!! This bike is excellent on any terrain. A lot of bikers will get jealous because this bike is getting the best review ever recorded in mtbr. Guys, just ride one and you will find out. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Truth nothing but the truth | | Bike Setup: | Race face and XTR groupo with crossmax set. | | Bottom Line: | I set it up to be more cross country mode instead of freeride. This frame is not light. It weighs about 6.8 lbs on the bike shop scale, but i was able to tranfer all my parts from my truth and it weighs now 24.6 lbs. Well, anyway this is the best all around bike that I've ever tried. No wonder it gets rave reviews. Ellsworth hit a grandslam again. Take note I've heard they have one of the best customer service in the biking business out there. We'll find out when batman calls them. But for now I'm going to the bat cave and play with my new AEON.
GO GET ONE GUYS. I'M NOT KIDDING. I've been riding all my life and this one is a getter. Sound like i work for huh.. not.....
WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SuperDave
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Climbs like a machine! I'm working my way back into shape after a back injury, and I'm smoking riding buddies on hardtails UPHILL! Smooth ride and extremely stable tracking on rocky, rutted downhills. Supermodel looks, I think this is the sleekest looking FS bike going. Most look like motocross wanna-bees. This thing just looks clean and simple. If you look at the layout and see how the ATLAS suspension functions, you'll realize this bike is definitely the result of some modern engineering and CAD design. Truly built for function, but the form is handsome too! | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Bike Setup: | SRAM 9.0, Shimano XTR, Avid brakes, Cane Creek wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Home Run! This bike is a sleeper! I thought you had to pay big bucks to get really top notch performance, but the AEON Isis proved me wrong. This is a great surprise, and from someone who's always looking for better and better gear than I have, I'm finally on a bike that I'll stick with for a while. Now I just have to train hard so I can see what it's like to ride at the upper limits of this bike! So far, I haven't even scratched the surface. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from CA. Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Man this is a fun bike it doesn't bob much even with the old coil shock. | | Weaknesses: | color | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Demo for bike shop:Old Fox Coil, old judy race | | Bottom Line: | This bike came in the shop i work at today as a Demo, so i took it out for a ride man was it fun i almost missed my lunch riding the bike. The bike didn't bob much even with a old fox coil shock with missed up damping. I think this is my next bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Vazquez
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | La Costa | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Stiff, stiff, stiff!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Colors--but who cares! | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC, GT XCR series | | Bike Setup: | Full XT components, Mavic x517 rims, Titec post/bar, Avid 2.0 levers, SID XC/long travel, Stratos AR-1 rear | | Bottom Line: | OK. I wanted to get back after riding the bike for a while. My opinion? Hasn't changed a bit. After riding for more than six months, I am still highly impressed with this ride. It climbs better than my old softail, eats up bumps like crazy, and is very nimble. My only complaint is with the SID, which, like other air forks, works well on the big stuff, but tends to chatter on the stutter bumps.
Ellesworth customer service has gotten in touch with me personally several times. They're great about following up, and I feel really positive about the entire Aeon experience.
If you're looking for a supreme trailbike, this is it. Forget about those mass produced bikes, get an AEON! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ramoncito
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Amadillo Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Durability, Lifetime warranty, Climbs good, my first bike | | Weaknesses: | nada | | Similar Products Used: | my first bike | | Bike Setup: | bomber, race face and xtr and crossmax | | Bottom Line: | After winning $300,000.00 dollars lottery, I was able to afford to buy one of the best bike out there based on the reviews I saw in mtbr .com. I'm very happy with this bike I hope that I got the best parts that the sales man told me to buy. I can't believed I spent $3500 for a bike. I guess dinero is no problem for now. Gracias to ellsworth. It's good so buy one if money is not a problema. 5 jalapeno
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bomber
a Weekend Warrior
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | DESIGN, DURABILITY, SINGLE PIVOT, CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUILT TO LAST. | | Weaknesses: | COLOR, WEIGHT, CABLE ROUTING | | Similar Products Used: | SANTA CRUZ HECKLER X | | Bike Setup: | HUGI 517 WHEELS, RACE FACE CRANKS, XTR GROUPO, BOMBER Z1 | | Bottom Line: | I SET THIS BIKE NOT TO RACE BUT TO ENJOY IT FOR A LONG TIME. THIS BIKE IS TRULY THE BEST I HAVE RIDDEN. I HAVE BEEN MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR 15 YEARS NOW AND THERE IS NO BIKE THAT I KNOW WHO WILL COME CLOSE TO THIS ONE BUT SANTA CRUZ SL. MY WIFE IS BIT PISSED OFF BECAUSE I PUT MY ATTENTION TO THIS BIKE SINCE I'VE PURCHASED IT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GOOD BIKE, TRY THIS ONE AND THIS WOULD BE YOUR LAST BIKE.
I TRULY BELIEVED WHAT OTHERS SAID BEFORE ME. JUST READ EM... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Matzel
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga Springs,NY,USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This frame is rock solid,built to last,perfect welds .... I love it, it sucks up bumps big and small and asks for more .... LIFETIME warranty | | Weaknesses: | color choices ... I would have liked a polished frame so the paint wouldn't chip ---- cable guides(top tube) could allow for hydraulic brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized,Cannondale --- too heavy,complicated linkage,just plain strange ($1000 frame with half A__ parts) , ... take you pick any model | | Bike Setup: | Gray Isis w/black swing arm/Judy Race/Fox Vannilla R with coil/King/Race Face (crank,rings,stem & bar)/XT FR & Rear/ Hayes Discs & hubs/Sun DS1 rims/Michelin/Thompson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I have no regrets ... everything I read hear is true ... this bike kicks A__ !!! There is more expensive stuff out there (without a LIFETIME warranty), but who cares .... My buddy crashed and snapped his frame last week ... he's ok, but now he needs a new ride ... you must know what I suggested as a replacement .... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Stulken
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Neds Atomic Dustbin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The frame seems to be very well built and is torsionally rigid. It seems like good value compared to Santa Cruz Hecklers. Coming from a hard-tail it appears to offer an all-around riding solution. It climbs really well and based on my three-week experience it descends like a fiend. | | Weaknesses: | Color choices, although the Alarm red is very fetching. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jeckyl 900 SX, and who-the-hell can tell from a 5 minute test ride in a parking lot | | Bike Setup: | I went for the cross-country mode with a target of 26lbs. Marzocchi Z1-Xfly (strongly recommended) and a Cane Creek AD 10 rear shock. XTR Brakes, WTB laserbeam rims and tires, XT Hubs, XT shifters etc. | | Bottom Line: | I had a week of buyer remorse after having a rockshox judy put on as a loaner until my Marzocchi came in. After riding on a Specialized Stumpjumper FS with the Specialized Front Shock for 5 years, I couldn't tell much difference. The bike came into its own after the addition of the Marzocchi. It feels much more balanced with the front and rear airshocks. Despite a number of "Northshore" pundits admonishing me to stay away from airshocks due to the northshore conditions, I am extremely satisfied. This bike eats bumps and drop-offs like crazy, and it has increased my speed going downhill. On the uphill, there is an improvement due to the lighter weight, but the improvement is not as noticeable as the downhill. My interest was in reducing the number of spinouts in technical uphills. The Cannondale seemed slightly more adept at this, but it may be a function of the tires and the shock adjustment. Overall, coming from a hardtail, I am very impressed by the lack of bobbing on the rear. I test drove a Joker with the coil over oil shock, and it was boberama. I listened to the advice of the experts and the air shock performs admirably. Overall I really like my bike especially for more technical cross-country/downhill applications. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Hartt
a
from East Coast
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | *Up, down, over, across -- the Isis does everything well.
*Four-bar ride quality with single-pivot simplicity.
*Design and apparent construction quality promise a very high level of durability, perhaps unsurpassed in the FS trailbike category.
*Lifetime warranty backed by Tony Ellsworth, a guy known for not being a sleaze.
*Good stand-over clearance without sacrificing BB clearance.
*A much higher cool factor than all those ubiquitous Cannnondales, Specializeds, Fishers, GTs, etc.
| | Weaknesses: | *Actual frame weights may be a lot higher than you expect (about 6.3 lbs. for my Medium Isis L with Fox Air Float R. I don't know how another reviewer can claim 5.75 lbs. Maybe he should get a real scale).
*Cable routing wasn't well thought out.
*The hype over "Atlas Technology." After all, this basic design has been around for many years. Maybe I’m missing something, but it seems to me that this is just a nicely rigid example of a well-proven design. (It does accelerate much more like a hardtail than you'd expect from a 4" travel FS bike. You don't get that "wallowing" feeling).
*Looks?
| | Similar Products Used: | FSR-XC, Heckler, C'Dale | | Bike Setup: | Zoke Z-4 Air, Mavic 221, Conti Cross Country, XT, LX, Thomson, King etc. | | Bottom Line: | If you share my priorities when it comes to choosing an FS trailbike, you might not be able to do better than the Isis. I know that I rather have an Isis than any other FS trailbike I can think of, with the POSSIBLE exception of the Tracer.
An FSR-Enduro? Great ride, but a flexy rear end and too many pivots to worry about. A Heckler? Goofy looking swingarm, too-little stand-over clearance and questionable durability (plus a very limited warranty). A Marin? Too derivative, plus questionable rigidity. (The new Wildcat Trail may be great, but it's a shameless knock-off of the Isis. Marin owes Tony an apology). A K2? Ugly and boring. A Jekyll? Stupid curved tubes to allow shock placement, no standover clearance, rearward pivot point. Other C’Dales? Ugly, short top tubes, pivot placement. I could go on and on.
Here’s the point: If you want to buy a FS trailbike with heaps of FUN, TOUGHNESS and COOLNESS, and a LOW-MAINTENANCE DO-IT-ALL DESIGN, the Isis should be at the top of your shopping list.
It’s not perfect, of course, but look at the alternatives. Compared with them, the Isis earns an enthusiastic 5 stars. Check out the other reviews here – 19 five-star ratings before mine. That may be a first on Mtbr.com.
Thank you, Tony. Just find a way to make it lighter without compromising any of its good qualities. Shaving 250-300 grams from this baby would be awesome! Also, it would be nice to see the Isis come ready for full-length cable housing.
Will update review after six months.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Excellent craftmanship built to last long. Great customer service. absolutely no bobbing for a single pivot on long uphill. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing but it's ok | | Similar Products Used: | Klein mantra | | Bike Setup: | XTR all the way and white brothers front and ad-10 rear. Bike weighs at 23.8 lbs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great all around. Great on long uphill as well as the DH. It handles very very good. I will update this review on the 6 month. But so far I LOVE THIS BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | frame,light,Ellsworth name, Climbs like my dog and decends like my cat that means VERY GOOD. I think I'm in love with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | HHMMM I don't know yet. TBA | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz SL , Titanium Seven | | Bike Setup: | White Brothers, AD-10, Maxxis, 517 Mavic XTR, XTR Groupo | | Bottom Line: | Looking at the reviews before me, I'm pleased to see these people saying excellent things about the bike and all 5 stars. It really took me a long time to decide if I should get the Santa Cruz SL, but I've heard a report that the SL frame is not as strong as the Isis. I guess the SL is more for XC Racing. I really like the Santa Cruz SL, but I know I bought a very good and strong frame. This is my second bike. I had a hard tail and definitely I will never buy a hard tail bike again due to heavy pounding on rough terrain. But I love my titanium Seven. The Isis really made me a good rider and still learning some new tricks from my buddies here in the windy city. I will write again after few more months to see if this bike is really good. For now, I am very pleased of the bike I purchased. I will say what the other guys is saying also " hats off to ellsworth " Thank you for this amazing design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Atlas
Frame
Climbs excellent
Handles excellent on a fast decend | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Titus
Uzzi (Intence)
M4 Specialized | | Bike Setup: | XTR, 100 Judy Race, Race Face, Crossmax, Maxxis Tires, Cane Creek AD10, Easton. Total Lbs 23.9 | | Bottom Line: | You guys said it all. This is the best bike I have ever had. I can't believe how this bike performs uphill or downhill. Customer service is excellent. Before you guys buy an Intence or Titus, M4 or any FS bike, consider buying the Isis i'm sure you'll be happy. IT'S WORTH IT!!!
5 STARS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJR
a Cross Country Rider
from Aliso Viejo
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mattis | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame ( work of art )
Single Pivot
Atlas Suspension | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Titus
Moots
XCR 1000
Intense | | Bike Setup: | XTR, RACE FACE, THOMSON | | Bottom Line: | CLIMBS EXCELLENT.
DECENDS EXCELLENT.
HANDLES REALLY WELL.
THE BEST FRAME I HAVE EVER SEEN (WORK OF ART).
THIS BIKE IS FAST.
BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE.
I AM AMAZED HOW THIS BIKE PERFORMS ( DOWNHILL, UPHILL, MUD, LOSE GRAVEL, ETC..
THIS IS THE RANGE ROVER AND THE FERRARI AND LEXUS OF MOUNTAIN BIKE.
AND MOST OF ALL > HATS OFF TO MR. ELLSWORTH.....
GREAT JOB ONCE AGAIN.. 5 STARS
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike The Bike Guy...
a Cross Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything XC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | pretty light, great on the climbs, unreal DH action (Super plush), smart cable routing, NO mud shelf at ALL (red/blk = sweet paint job) | | Weaknesses: | too soon to tell, but I can't think of anything worth mentioning. | | Similar Products Used: | been through 5 in the past 3 years... this one's a keeper.
| | Bike Setup: | Cane Creek AD10 / Hanebrink G5, mixed bag of XT, Avid, Race Face, Titec, Thompson, Bontrager... | | Bottom Line: | Over the past few years, I've been tellng myself "this bike is a keeper", well, for a while at least. 4, 5, 6 months into a new frame, I'm on to another one for one particular reason or another. For the first time in a long time. Over the period of one ride, I was able to sell that this bik eis it... This bike rocks!!! We're talking PERFECTION!!! Climbs better than any other FS I've had, and I've had plenty. Hit's the DH with like butter and just eats corners for lunch. This time I really mean it. This bike is a "keeper" specially with Ellsworth's "life time" on the frame. You don't see that in too many FS's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Vazquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | La Costa, Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Extremely stiff, zero bob, climbs like a monkey, descends like a demon. | | Weaknesses: | Colors, but with the new black swingarm, it's better. A tad heavy (26.1 lbs) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR XC Pro, GT XCR 1000 | | Bike Setup: | XT brakes, front/rear derailleur, cranks, hubs. Mavic 517 rims, Aheadset, Stratos AR-1 rear, Sid XC long travel fork. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to wait until I'd ridden the bike a few times. Overall, I'm highly impressed. This bike is amazing. Frankly, it's scary what I can do. My descents have increased by about 10-15 mph, my climbs have gotten faster, and best of all, due to the plush travel, all of my back problems are gone.
For the money, this bike is a much better deal than the FSR and XCR 1000. You get a custom frame, excellent parts, Ellesworth reliability, and a hot ride for about the same as an FSR. Unreal!
This bike is for anyone who loves to ride. It's probably too heavy for racing, but for a guy/gal who just wants to kick it on the trail, it's the bike for you. Trailbike supreme! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Owens
a Racer
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ehhh hah trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This bike is the best EVER!!! I had a Tracer Intense which I sold to my friend for an AEON.. | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding me! No way! | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi, M4 Specialized | | Bike Setup: | The best that you can buy out there.. XTR, Race Face, TI parts - I mean, the best in the market ( 25.2 lbs ) | | Bottom Line: | What can I say > this bike is the best bike I've ever had in my 20 years of Pro Racing. I give Mr. Elsworth an A+ on this amazing bike created ever.. Guys, I must say to you all that you should test drive one and you will find out for yourself. There is really nothing else to say but to buy one!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Craftmanship, the ride, & everything about it | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper XC Pro and Enduro Pro, Rocky Mountain Escape, and Gary Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z3 LT fork; Chris King Headset; Titec Hellbent XC bar; Easton E-60 stem; Shimano XT brakes, crankset, and drivetrain; Control Tech seatpost; etc. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an incredible piece of machinery! It is exceptionally well balanced, responsive, and agile. But most important, this is the most FUN bike that I've ever ridden - and I've ridden a lot. Technical riding and climbing are its forte, not to mention jumping and trick riding. Technical climbs that I used to do in the small chainring and lowest cog on my hardtail I can now do in the middle chain ring and higher geared cogs. I now ride the same trails at least 25% faster than I did with hardtail.
I demoed many other full-suspension bikes before I bought this one. Other bikes included Specialized Stumpjumper XC and Enduro, Rocky Mountain Escape, and the Gary Fisher Sugar bikes. None of them were in the same performance league. As soon as I rode the Isis, I could tell that this was an exceptional bike from how incredibly agile and responsive it was - not to mention the plush suspension. Although the suspension is plush, it is absolutely predictable throughout its travel. It is a burly single pivot suspension design, but it feels and behaves like a multiple linkage suspension - absolutely no bobbing! So far I have thoroughly thrashed this bike without any problems. It is light and bombproof and seems as if it will last an extremely long time withstanding aggressive riding (lifetime warranty compared to the 5 year warranty on Specialized and Rocky Mountain). Although it's probably not the best XC racing platform, it's the ultimate as an all around, FUN trail bike. As you can tell, I love this bike. It kicks so much butt that it's scary. Hats off to Aeon, Ellsworth and Ventana bikes for making a great custom bike at a somewhat affordable price. This is a serious bike for a serious rider.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Norfolk, MA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gilbert State Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Absolutely no pedal bob. Very efficient design. Super plush ride. | | Weaknesses: |
The color choices are lame. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR S-Works. | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Z-2 X-Fly. SRAM 9.0SL rear derailer, shifters and levers, XTR front derailer, XTR brakes, Race Face crank and BB, and Sun RPM wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | It's the ultimate trail bike...but it's probably the wrong platform if you want to build a xc racer. I love the plush ride. The Marzocchi X-Fly fork performed to perfection right out of the box. I upgraded the rear shock to a Helix Stratos XC Pro to gain better performance. The overall design doesn't rob you of power. The frame is super efficient. And to top it off, the frame is backed by Elsworth (for life). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dale
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Very efficient (zero bob)Stiff & balanced.
Super confident ride. Great price from airbomb.com | | Weaknesses: |
grey paint | | Similar Products Used: |
Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: |
sorta free ride, put an
rcr shock for 6 travel
Xfly Z1 and Airbomb wtb wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I gave up my Truth for this bike - happily | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Super strong, bomber design, climbs excellent | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
santa cruz bullit | | Bike Setup: |
qr20 Mr.T, Bonzs Cranks, heavy duty everything | | Bottom Line: | I actually have the Aeon Joker (the main difference is the amount of travel) and I can't believe how thething handles and how it has lasted. Most frames, after what i have put it through, would have broken in a few pieces by now. It is by far the best all round bike, or free ride bike I have ever had. It does everything well. There is some serious engineering going on here and I think that it is definitely worth checking out! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANG
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton,Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any technical trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This bike is very responsive, solid feeling with no lateral movement. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR, AMP B3,Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Z1 Bomber, RCR T1 Shock, Magura HS33 brakes,XTR Drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden various bikes that friends have and I can honestly say this is one of the most responsive bikes going. Mr. Ellsworth et. al. have hit the nail right on the head with this one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george wisell
a Cross-Country Rider
from winooski VT
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Blair Witch Loop | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Bike really trackes well, the low foreward pivot seems to really lock out any pedal bob unless you really horse the bike around. It is real active feeling especially on braking stutter bumps- you dont get jacked around. Always handles the same no matter how far you get into the travel, and I have yet to bottom it out. NO lateral flex AT ALL! Weighs in at 26.5! | | Weaknesses: |
It could be lighter, but the weight is not in the frame, I have it over built because I'm really abusive of my stuff | | Similar Products Used: |
Santa Cruz Heckler-junk
GT XCR-1000- too floaty K2 stinger, rides like a lumber truck. | | Bike Setup: |
Aeon Isis, White Bros SC90, Sram 9.0 components, Sun SUV wheelset, IRC Kujo tires w/DH tubes(I like low tire pressure)Race Face cranks, Azonic bars blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | solid bike for short money, will handle hardcore descents and climb like a rabid monkey. built lite, this bike could scare some people on the north east xc circuit for sure. built the way it is now, it scares the poop out of me as to what it can do! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tucson, Az
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
50 yr trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Solid frame. Godd pivot design | | Weaknesses: |
None found as of yet. | | Similar Products Used: |
Haro Extreme DX2 | | Bike Setup: |
Zoke Z1 Dropoff, XT components. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Good frame design with a great rear suspension. | | Overall Rating: |
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