Bike Setup: Stratos S8, Hope DH4 disks and hub, 24" Intense mag30 rear rim, Roox Spinning Max kranks, XTR, SRAM Plasma D.I.R.T, etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Downhiller
from San Diego , CA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Strengths: The Dare kicks butt. The Ellsworth Dare is plush, stable, and rock solid. If you want a bike that allows you to pass by your cross-country buddies like their standing still on the down hills buy this bike. If you want to sprint up hills on your bike, don’t buy this bike. It will climb up pretty much anything you throw at it, but you won’t win any speed races up hill. Who cares about sprinting up-hill anyways? The fun begins when you point the Dare downhill. I can ride down faster and steeper trails than I thought possible on a bike. This bike does not flex one damn bit. Faster you ride the more stable the Dare becomes. This frame is strong. The guys from Beyond Bikes were very helpful, knowledgeable, and patient helping me put this bike together. The Ellsworth Dare is a bit expensive, but once you ride this bike you will forget how much you paid. Some people say that weight is an issue with this bike, but I feel the bike is fairly light for what it is and very maneuverable. Oh yeah, don’t buy the Dare if you don't want to answer a ton of questions out on the trail. Everyone and their sister wants to ask questions about this bike.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that looks great, rides great, and will smoke everything else out there buy this bike. It won't let you down.
Similar Products Used: GT Zaskar, Santa Cruz Bullit, other full suspension bikes etc.
Bike Setup: New version of the Ellsworth Dare,Marzocchi Shiver,Hayes eight inch rotors f/r, Razor Rock hubs & levers, XTR components,Race Face cranks, Chris King head-set,Maxxis tires,Rhino Lite XL rims etc...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Harvey Epstein
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,Co,usa
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Strengths: Strength everywhere. Super stiff rear end. Great pedalling. Great standover. Chopperlike rake angle loves speed. Durable frame and finish.
Weaknesses: Linear spring rate.
Bottom Line:
I have been getting used to this bike for a month and love it. With so much travel I am doing drops I thought I could never do. The bike feels awesome and tracks beautifully on the thinnest singletrack. It feels much lighter than it is and is as good a ride as anything around. The finish and graphics are indestructible. The bike has done somersaults down rocky faces with no dents or scratches. The new geometry is even more confidence inspiring. My boy parts love all the standover clearance. Ive let some girls ride a run on it ,and they love the clearance too. The new frame is unique and turns heads even at DH races. I am no racer but I feel very good about my riding lately. This fork makes it HARD to ride wheelies but not impossible and handling the bike just keeps getting easier. It is an expensive toy for a weekend warrior but I can deal with the guilt of having spent too much on my bike.
I am looking around for a [COLOR=Red][B]single ring chainguide [/B] [/COLOR] for my 2001 Dare. I am wondering what chainguides I should steer away from. Especially the ones you a Read More »
Hi all,
I have 2001 Dare and ID frames I'm considering selling and wanted to get an idea of what's a fair price. Both frames are lightly used, some cable rub and chain scrub, no Read More »
