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Submitted by
Lyle Mc Leod
a Racer
from Cape Town South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Jonkershoek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$7000.00 | | Purchased At: | Williams Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Components, Sram XO, Fox.....etc | | Weaknesses: | Frame welded off center, top tube scew! | | Similar Products Used: | Felt Virtue Team, Titus Racer X, Trek Fuel EX, Rocky mountain.... plus many more. | | Bike Setup: | Med/ 17.5 inch, set for marathon and multi day stage races! | | Bottom Line: | I have owned my Truth for 2 and a half years, but have been fighting with Ellsworth to get my frame warrenteed, to no avail. The company has made a call based on nothing but photo's and as far as I am concerned, don't give a damn, as I am based in Africa and just an insignificant rider to them! The bike is the most expensive in this country, and you'd expect some quality and service! Hey go ahead and waste your money if you'd like, but there are many bikes out there that out price and out perform this white elephant! The linkage is old school, and you will NOT get service when there is an issue, which there will be! Ride like there is no tar! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill C
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgewood, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything not paved | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cosmic Wheel, Ridgefield Pk, NJ | | Strengths: | Light, stable. | | Weaknesses: | A bit expensive, not as plush as teh Mantra (but more stable). | | Similar Products Used: | Klein - Mantra Comp, Aeon-Isis | | Bike Setup: | X-Vert Air, Avid Mech Disc(F), XTR(F&R), Mavic-CrossRoc with UST Cont. Explorer Pro, Time-Carbon, | | Bottom Line: | This bike climbs like a mountain goat and descends like it’s on rails. It’s great for the rugged terrain in northern NJ / southern NY. I was lucky enough to test ride one (rental) at "Dream Ride" in Moab last year. Once I rode it, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I sold my motorcycle to help fund the Truth and I have never regretted it, not for one second. If you can find the $ you will not be disappointed. The guys at "Cosmic Wheel" helped me to determine a fair balance between cost and performance. I love riding this rig a year later. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ratt
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlsbad
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1695.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Ellsworths name, quality built | | Weaknesses: | Issues using a 11-34 cassette. My medium frame is only a hair under 6 lb. | | Similar Products Used: | My '97 FSR | | Bike Setup: | XTR shifters derailleurs, Raceface BB cranks, chris king headset, Psylo race forks, Dolomite wheelset, Avid arches, | | Bottom Line: | This is not a glowing report like you see below, makes me wonder if this board is edited. First there is a known issue using an 11-34 cassette on several Ellsworth frames the Truth being one of them but none of the posts below mention it. Customer service at Ellsworth acknowledges it and Speedgoat.com sell a rear derailleur hanger for the Truth that is 4mm longer to aleviate the problem (if you have use this product please post your results, i would like to know). there are several ways around the problem but i think they affect the shifting quality of the bike.
Ok about the bike, i just built it and rode only 300 yards on dirt but compared to my FSR the ride is not as plush or neutral. If i pedal hard i feel the rear end extend down like a cantilever bike, definitely a racing Xc bike but i was hoping for more of a trail bike that could do everything well and be as fast downhill as my old bike. I got this bike mainly because i was getting tired of pedalling a 29lb bike up a hill but now i realize that that old bike was not so bad. Give me a month on the Truth and i will probably rave about it like it was my first full suspension bike too but for now its too racing oriented and too tempermental about componentry | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Bell
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary,NC
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Climbing/descending. | | Weaknesses: | finicky setup. | | Similar Products Used: | Tracer, Superlight, | | Bottom Line: | This is an update for a previous review. Just wanted to say that my review is no reflection on Franklin Street Cycles. They are top notch and the best around. The Truth works better with Hope minis and a Romic for the bigger guy. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from pa
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | active suspension design
lifetime warranty
anodized, not painted..get the grey! very cool | | Weaknesses: | this is more nitpick than weakness, but i would rather see a different form of cable routing. cables up front get a little cluttered verses other routing options...not a big deal | | Similar Products Used: | k2 razorback, specialized fsr, fisher sugar and a couple of soft tails | | Bike Setup: | x-vert air, xt/xtr, king, thompson, avid disc, blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | i would agree with most of the reviews posted about this product. it's a great bike for the intended application...trail riding/racing. yes it's expensive, but i believe worth the cost. overall quality and design execution is very good. suspension design really works. i've built two of these frames from scratch and have found all machining and construction to be correct. i've ridden other full suspension bikes, but this is the one i own. i got the cane creek ad-12 with mine and have been very satisfied(you gotta love doing the rebuild at home!). you can adjust the air volume in the shock to fine tune the ride to your preference. all frame pivots and bearings are working like day one, with no creaks. no feedback from the pedals, regardless of the trail situation.
i would strongly suggest this bike to anyone looking to invest long term in a high-end trail bike/racer. the bike is just right. this is my second frame. i destroyed the first one when i put it down hard in a rock garden( downtube was fairly crushed). this brings me to my only warning about this product. if you're hard on equipment (i.e.: abusive), this frame is built with pretty light gauge tubing. you can damage the frame a lot easier than mass produced, mainstream stuff. but i did find that ellsworth was responsive to my service needs. this is important to me, because a lot of what i do for my living entails customer service. in a nut shell, i now know that i can scratch 'frame' off of my things to upgrade list.
some folks might question how you can give a $2000 frame 5 chilis for value, which i think is a valid question. my take on the matter is what's value without performance and satisfaction! after you do your homework, if this is the bike you settle on, you will not be sorry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Moorhouse
a Racer
from Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | direct from Ellsworth Bikes | | Strengths: | durabilty, performance | | Weaknesses: | none whatsoever | | Similar Products Used: | Many other hi end Full Suspension frames (I don't ride hardtails!!!....never have, never will) | | Bottom Line: | I've looked over all of the reviews here on the 2001 Ellsworth Truth. I noticed that there were mixed reviews, with the majority of them being good ones from satisfied owners. I saw a few negative reviews, but I guess you cannot please all of the people all of the time. I felt that I should put in my 2 cents worth here.
I am an Ellsworth-sponsored rider. I do 24 hour solo events. Now before you come to a conclusion and assume that this review is some kind of cheap, lame way to promote the brand, its not. I am here only to state the FACTS about my experience with the bike and with the company that made it.
I was introduced to Tony Ellsworth 2 years ago in my search for a bike sponsor. For being the head of a company, I immediately found him to be very down to earth and personable. Not long after that, I signed a rider agreement with the company and have been on their bike since. Yes, I had looked around at a few other hi-end brands prior to this, but felt that the Ellsworth product was one of the best and was also impressed with how receptive Tony was in supporting an unknown rider like myself when most of the other companies wouldn't give me the right time of day. My experience with the entire staff at Ellsworth Bicycles has been exceptional right from the start.
About the bike: I purchased, yes PURCHASED (at a substantial discount) a 2001 Truth frame in August of 2000. I am still on that same frame as I write this. It has succesfully carried me through numerous 24hr solo events across the US and Canada without a SINGLE problem. Ive even done a few 24hr solos in the worst, muddiest conditions possible....conditions that would ruin the pivots on other brands within a few hours. My bike is still on the original pivot bearings and is as solid as the day I got it......110% creak, slop, and flex free. Ive had zero problems with this bike whatsoever (which can't be said for too many other brands)....especially considering what I put it through. I log more mileage (170-200+ offroad) in a single race than a lot of people do in entire season. This bike has successfully carried me through 12 24-hour solo races and 4 12-hour solos, helping me stand on the podium 5 times during that period, and in the top 10 all but about 3 times. I think its pretty safe to say that my bike is a "living" testament to the overall quality and performance of the Ellsworth Truth.
The point is: There is no way that I could acheive this level of success as a rider if the Ellsworth product had inferior perfomance or reliability. Likewise if the company itself didn't care about the people that ride their product.
With that said, you can sort through all of the other reviews on here and make what you want of them. Ive stated my case, pure and simple. I urge you to sort through the nonsense and make an educated decision towards your next purchase of a bike. The Ellsworth product is superior and so is the company.
Sincerely,
John Moorhouse
Team 24 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a
from CNMI
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Light and efficient. Quality materials -except the cheap head tube "sticker". | | Weaknesses: | Some aspects show poor engineering and design.
| | Bike Setup: | Psylo Race, Fox Vanilla, Hayes hydros, King/F519 wheelset, XTR drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet ride despite the backyard engineering. From the grinding required to install the disc mount to the rigging needed to run an XTR derailleur this frame requires way too much patience and intervention on the owners behalf.
If the bike mag editors had to build the bike from a frame then ride it the reviews wouldnt be nearly as good.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stimmer
a Weekend Warrior
from Watertown, MA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | one less traveled | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | beyondbikes.com Overall all a B+, great prices and buildup, they don't listen so well. | | Strengths: | Design/function/looks.....strength/stiffness vs. weight....ride quality and versatility....let's me ride faster and longer than I ever could on my terminally injured steel hardtail (sniff, you never forget your first girl....I loved that bike). | | Weaknesses: | None for ME (I'm basing this whole review on my experiences, thus "my" review) | | Similar Products Used: | Turner/XCE, K. Kikapu, LocoMoto, Tracer, Racer X, Sugar, Mantra.....more.. | | Bike Setup: | Med/Black (I'm 6ft), CK headset, Xfly100, AD-12, CK DiscGotechs/317 (great wheelbuilder at beyondbikes), Avid mech/PD-7 levers, Thomson stem/post, Flite ti, Monkey-lo, Atacs, XT D-Train w/Ring God.... | | Bottom Line: | That I'm finally writing this review sucks, because it means the weather is so crappy today it would be irresponsible trail use. Thus, one man's opinion..
The Truth is a very special bike, truly one of the best of it's kind. The bulk of my riding is long weekend rides in search of technical, rocky/rooty, new england trails and fun: somewhere to lose yourself after 60 hours in the office. For kicks, I enjoy a few races, and I'm also getting hooked on 24-hour madness. This bike fits my riding range perfectly.
I primarily wanted a bike that is fun (which also means fast) to ride, followed closely by comfort. A good ride for me is going up, down, over, through and around every tree, root, rock, obstacle and stunt as humanly possible within 3-4 hours. The truth's underlying strength is the design. Ellsworth delivers on its advertising, they makes a light frame that is super efficient.
Once dialed in, I could not believe I was riding on only 4" of travel. The bike just seems to float over everything, it really does reduce the challenge of many obstacles I encounter during my regular rides. Keeping in mind I'm a 225lb rider, I have noted some minor flex in the rear end (only the Turner was stiffer by smidge, which also flexed when I rode it...the xtra stiff wasn't worth the weight). Overall, set up with 100mm of travel in the front, the ride is neutral, which lends directly to its versatility.
Climbing is just more fun. I just don't feel any type of bobbing, and it just eats up bumps without breaking my stride. The suspension sticks the rear tire to the trail whether I'm sitting or standing. I just don't lose grip/traction compared to other bikes I've ridden. Going down, anything I ride over, big and small, is no problem. The fully-active suspension really is awesome: I can just ride without worrying about lock-out, brake jacking and chatter.
On singletrack, I love this bike more than anything I've ridden in the past. Pedaling hard on the twisties rocks, the Truth is just so dam solid and smooth acting. I go into, and come out of, corners faster and more confidently than I thought was possible for me. Best of all, the ride is comfortable. The best way for me to describe it is to say the suspension is always there when you need it; whether it's holding a line through a sweeper, digging it out over a steep uphill root, or slamming a babyhead on the downhills, the suspension is working for me.
From a quality standpoint, I've got no complaints. The pivots are silky smooth and don't ever make any noise. I do ride hard, and will do an occassional 3ft wheelie drop. My frame feels as solid as the first time I rode it. Considering how light this bike is makes it all the more amazing how stiff and solid the bike rides. For my money, I got what I paid for (that's value).
In the end, this was an exceptional choice for my situation. Do your homework. Know what type of rider you are and how you will ride/abuse a bike before you buy it. More importantly, buy what you like, not what someone thinks you should have, or tells you to have.
Thanks for reading my humble rantings......
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Mutina
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Texas
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Colorado | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1995.00 | | Purchased At: | Dreamrides | | Strengths: | Excellent finish, lite weight, active suspension (Easy on my old back) | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, 98 Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | Chris King Discotechs, Psylo SL, Hope Disk Brakes, Full XTR, Easton carbon seatpost and riser bars, MG60 stem. | | Bottom Line: | Ive read all the reviews on the 2001 Truth and there are alot of bad things said about it. I must say that I am very happy with this bike, heck, its the second Truth Ive purchased the first being a 98. The 2001 is a much better design, thanks for getting rid of the bushings Ellsworth. I received a call from Ellsworth promptly after returning my warranty card just to check and see how things were going. Ive also had alot of coorespondence w/Ellsworth in regard to my old bike and found them to be helpful.
If you are looking for a lite CROSSCOUNTRY bike look no further. If you are heavier than 210#, are looking for a freeride bike or a part time downhiller, look elsewhere.
I am using Hope Mini Disks on this bike and find them to fit perfectly as opposed to some of the fit problems with Hayes. Hope's rock, they are killer looking, strong, cheap modulate well and quite !!! What else do you want?
A little pricey, never thought Id ever spend $2K on a frame, you get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jose luis tula
a Cross Country Rider
from mexico
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ajusco | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | medium good handling , medium good climbing ,good downhill | | Weaknesses: | the frame is a disaster,bad quality, it brokes and it´s a mess to contact ellsworth ( beware if you own one) | | Similar Products Used: | titus racer x , amp b5, intense tracer | | Bike Setup: | full xtr,rock shock,monkey lite, avid v´s,croos max,easton wheels chris king heads | | Bottom Line: | It´s a good handling bike (nothing to write home), but if you want to spend more than 3300 go for the titus or the tracer and don´t waste your money on silly experiments, because the ellsworth is a piece of %&/($·on manufacture quality and it´s by far lower in all capabilities and technology compared to the tracer and it´s years far from titus.
I hope these guys make something or the money they spend in buying editors to have good comments will be overpassed by the truth like the bikes name , and at the end they can not cover the sun with one finger ( so they stop robbing people that believes on their brand ? well is not the brand it´s the publicity and the reviews ), I know a lot of people on the media that know or have heard , that the frame brokes and the quality problems , so If you like the bike please don´t do a mistake, consider other options before you take the risk on giving your money to the ellsworth bandits, in case you insist on the ellsworth , maybe you have luck ,but again for the price ,the bike is like 85% the capable of the amp b5 like 65% of the tracer and like 60% of the titus, so please don´t buy it , listen well because I have waste my money and sincerely at the end you´re only paying the marketing of the brand. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah National Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Design, Paint job, gnarly hill climbing abikity,downhilling ability | | Weaknesses: | Chainline problems.Hayes discs are difficult to incorporate,Hayes rear hub would not fit into drop outs and international standard adapter had to be ground down to fit. Stickers fall off immediately. If runnining air shock, it is very difficult to find a happy medium between too soft and too stiff. That's too many little annoying problems for a $1995.00 frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa cruz Super Light, Intense Tracer. | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9.0, Race Face, Hope minis, X-fly 100, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This bike works well but should not have all of these small quirks for the price. My $1100.00 Santa cruz frame went together without a hitch. It's lighter and very efficient as well as plush. I've talked to others with the same problems plus others. Rides great if you can deal with the problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Racer
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bar H | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes | | Strengths: | Lightweight, pedal efficiency, no noticeable bounce, customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Dents a little easy. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Truth, XT/XTR, RF cranks, Monkey lite bar, XTR shifters/brakes/levers, chris kings w/ valiants, selle italia, thompson post and stem, AD12 shock, White Bros AT4 fork. | | Bottom Line: | I have had my Truth for just under a year and started having drivetrain trouble about 2 months ago, was getting ghost shifting and chain skipping when under under heavy torque. I sent Ellsworth an email describing the problems and explaining that local bike shops were stumped with the cause. Tony Ellsworth replied to my email the same day. He offered that if I would ship the bike to them they would do whatever they could to remedy the problem.
They tore the bike down, built it back up, tested it, identified that they think the rear derailleur cabling was the culprit, replaced the cables and housing then shipped it back to me all at no cost. All the while I was getting updated from Tony along the way. Admittedly I was a bit skeptical about their cutomer service after reading some of the posts here but first hand experience tells me otherwise. The service I was given by Tony and several others at Ellsworth has been excellent. I have ridden the bike several times since and it seems the problem is solved. When you buy a bike this expensive you expect first rate performance, support and service. I have received all three. Still, if you thinking of buying a Truth call or email Ellsworth with any questions and see what kind of support you get before you are a customer, that should be a good indicator of what to expect when you are a customer. A small company like this lives and dies by reputation and word of mouth and the internet makes it easy for the word to spread, good or bad. Seems that Ellsworth knows this, they even mentioned how the few negative reviews on mtbr have really stung, I believe they will do their best to keep these reviews as positive as they can, they have to.
Overall, this bike is an awesome cross country bike for racing and most light trail riding. I am about 185 lbs and wouldn't go hucking it around, its just too expensive and light weight for anything hard core. After a year I can say this bike is about as good of a full suspension design as you will find. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Reasor
a Weekend Warrior
from Buford, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | East West Trail @ Fort Mtn, Ga | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4900.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyans Mall of Ga | | Strengths: | Handles very well, beautiful finish, light, climbs well. | | Weaknesses: | I broke the seat tube in half going thru a deep ditch after approx 4 months of ownership. The folks at Ellsworth said that it might have been caused by the rear shock pressure.(I don't have lockout). I had the tech at Galyans check the pressure and He said that it was correct for my weight. I weigh 216 lbs. Ellsworth replaced my frame and the cust service at Galyans has been great. I have purchased a titus switchblade for trail riding and moderate free riding. In the future I will only use my Ellsworth for xc racing. I think Ellsworth needs to add support to the seat tube to prevent future problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Switchblade | | Bike Setup: | Full xtr, mavic crossmax, kendra tubeless tires, rapid rise, thompson stem and seatpost, monkeylight highrise bars,Marzochi X-fly 100. | | Bottom Line: | I love the way the bike handles but now I am wondering how long it will be before it breaks again. Hopefully never. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Mattingly
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale, Ca
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | SpeedGoat | | Strengths: | Light Wieght, Good geometry, little pogo. | | Weaknesses: | Expensive, frames tend to crack, stickers come off | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back DBR V-8, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | All XTR, excpet Race face next cranks, and bottom bracket, Avid vees, XT front derailler, monkey lites. Bomber Xfly 100 | | Bottom Line: | First let me say that the folks at Speed Goat have the best customer service around. As you'll see they handled my cracked frame with aplomb. Also they build the best damn wheels areound - whatever else you do - get your wheels built at the Goat.
This bike was great for 850 miles, then the frame cracked. I was riding in an area we call the rollers - which are long swooping roller type hills - nothing extrmeme. The frame cracked right above the front derailler on the seat tube. I didn't deal with Ellsworth, because I wanted the experiance of the Goat behind me. So I didn't have any trouble with them. I ended up upgrading to an ID. I did this because the bike is, in my mind, an excellent design for the way I ride( aggressive all mountain style riding). So I'm willing to give them another chance. They charged me another $400.00 for the ID - which was Ok, but really the folks at the Goat made the deal by wrenching all my other parts off and putting the new ones on the Id. They did an excellent job, these folks know what they are doing. I also switch over to a black elite are 120. What a fork, it puts the bomber to shame. I've got about 100 miles on the id now and it's been great. The only thing that kinda ticked me off, was Ellsworth's excuse for why my frame cracked, which they said is due to the Fox lockout shock. Really ?? even so then why did they let me buy a bike with it in there. Personally, and I don't knwo this, but I think it's a basic design flaw with the frame. Perhaps they need extra strenght tubing in that portion of the seat tube to prevent the bearing from cracking the tube. Also the Id wne with the lazer cut for the lettering, which should be done on a frame at this price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vaughn Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Oroville, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Crested Butte 401 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Broken Spoke | | Strengths: | Comfortable riding compartment, more upright head tube angle than pre-2001 Truths make it right quick in twisty singletrack. | | Weaknesses: | Running a rear Fox Float R, wish I had a choice of a 'lightweight' coil-over for plusher downhill runs. | | Similar Products Used: | Chuck CRFS, Titus Loco-Moto, a few of the big brands | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 2000, Fox Float R, Avid mechanicals on hugi 240 hubs, smattering of Thompson, Race Face, King, and Syncros. | | Bottom Line: | A follow up from previous review. I have been quite happy with my ride. Relatively light, longish top tube makes for good climbing even with my 1 1/2 riser bars, responsive in singletrack. Durability has not been an issue yet. The Truth fits my riding style. I enjoy daylong fireroad and singletrack climbs with blazing fast swoopy singletrack with smattering of technical rocks/roots, creek crossings, etc. I would not be taking this bike and mindlessly bombing in through Tahoe rock gardens or airing it off ledges and fallen trees. For one I am not skilled enough to ride like I'm on a north shore video, for another, I can't see beating the snot out of any bike in this price range.
I have not had any further trouble with my swingarm bearings at the rear hub. Blue loc-tite did work. The 2001 setup looks nice, but I think I like the look of the clevis type joint from pre 2001 bikes.
I can't offer a real rebuttal to the previous disgruntled reviewers. But...after over a year of riding this thing, I would still buy this bike. It definitely is over priced, so I can't give it a full score on value rating, but overall with the excellent riding manners I have to give it full score. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe caruso
a Cross Country Rider
from perth amboy nj
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | french creek penn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | action wheels of nj | | Strengths: | good climber and decender looks good behaves well in twisties | | Weaknesses: | bad rear pivot bearings at 300 miles workmanship isnt so great hayes disk brake adaptor has to be modified to fit rear(i think its dangerous and i don't trust it) customer service sux (im talking to George, jodi and Kathy) merchandice like hats are a rip and dont fit unless youre a truckdriver in smokey and the bandit. | | Similar Products Used: | all kinds brands shapes and sizes | | Bike Setup: | xc with a little freeride thrown in for fun | | Bottom Line: | I like the other poor guy before me researched my purchase, and in the end result also got screwed,this is how. at mile 300 the rear pivot bearings, the ones closest to the rear hub, began showing signs of lateral play, upon inspection at the shop i bought it from, Action Wheels, it was suggested to me that Ellsworth replace th bearings, their reply was "put blue locktite in the bearing shell and repress it into the frame" this was by george, when the shop explained that the bearings needed replacement they suggested i buy new bearings for $50. when it was made clear that this was not acceptable George suggested i send the rear half of the bike to Ellsworth for examination which would only take a week....SURPRISE!!!!! THREE weeks later i called Kathey who said they couldnt find my frame transfered me to jodi who very curtly informed me that my frame had been "SITTING IN THE WORKSHOP UNTOUCHED FOR THREE WEEKS BECAUSE THEY HAD A BIG INTERNATIONAL ORDER GOING OUT AND THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME FOR ME" all i wanted was my F@#$ing frame working and in my garage they finally sent it back , George said there was nothing wrong with it but did'nt even look at it I know this because there was still untouched dust cocering the seals on the bearings and as Actionwheels pointed out just before replacing the bearings as a courtesy to a customer, would have rubbed off just from handeling it. to me the other problems with the frame are peanuts...yes even the fact i dont feel safe riding the damn thing because of the poor placement of the disk brake braket and a weld that is in the way, by the way my head tube sticker is crooked and does infact look dumb, to sum up i'll tell you what i tell everyone i meet on the trail who all say WOW AN EllSWORTH!! DONT BUY IT !!! THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF!!! IF YOU LIKE THIS FRAME DESIGN BUY A TURNER XTC, ITS ABOUT THE SAME WEIGHT HANDLING PRICE THE ONLY DIFFERANCE IS THEY STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS AND TREAT PEOPLE WITH RESPECT BUY A TURNER!!! ELLSWORTH SUCKS!!! the bike handles well when it works and isnt sitting in california it does climb very well and decend even better, my feelings probibly wouldnt be so bitter about this whole thing if the customer service hadent been so demeaning. ONE CHILI BECAUSE OF POOR CUSTOMER SERVICI>>>NO_ONE DESERVES THAT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | light, efficient, cool looking, people will know you like to spend money. | | Weaknesses: | Worst customer service in the industry, frames break a lot. Super big ripoff. | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 98, fisher sugar 1, kona stinky dee-lux, giant nrs's, | | Bike Setup: | various different bikes, various different setups. | | Bottom Line: | I have seen 3 broken ellsworth frames in the past two months. None have been from rider error. I called ellsworth today and they offered to warranty one of the frames today, at a price of one thousand dollars!! A Warranty! The bike is a year and a half old! So much for lifetime warranty, huh?
In Ellsworth's words, a "limited lifetimne warranty" means that if they change ANYTHING in their frame design, and they don't ahve older models left, then they do not have to honor the warranty on the frame. wow.
I work in a shop that carries ellsworth, so if you think about it, i'd want you to buy one. Not anymore. i bought a 2002 Trek Fuel 98, and made upgrades to it for the same price that i could buy and ellsworth truth FRAME. crappy deal.
Don't buy an ellsworth. please. If you do after reading this, then you may be out of luck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor Lyne
a Racer
from Richmond, Va.
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rich-Exterra, Poor Farm, Pocahontas | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | MTB Classified | | Strengths: | Light,Travel adjustment | | Weaknesses: | Customer Service | | Similar Products Used: | Titus, Sc Light-speed | | Bike Setup: | DiscoKings on 517's,King Head set, Monkey lite Bars, Thompson Stem and seat post, Sellsa ti seat, Race face next Lp, Scram 9.0 sl Half pipes,Time Ti pedals, White at-4 forks, Ad-12 shock, Pan- Trail blasters | | Bottom Line: | Great Race bike for certain trails. Eats up roots and rocks. Desends like a Rocket and Climbs like a Goat.Lack in excelleration over Hardtail on flat surfaces. Cane Creek And White Brothers (EKO sports)Get 5 gold stars for product and service. Beyond Bikes Gets 3 stars for price but nothing for customer service. Sold me the wrong set up for the AD-12. The top bushing was the wrong size. The top bolt broke on the second ride tweaking the rocker arms. I brought the frame used. If you do the same make sure you get the warrenty card from the orig. owner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | great climber, fast, light, stable.
customer service helpful | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | went from 4 year old cad3 hardtail to this. | | Bike Setup: | complete xtr | | Bottom Line: | very, very happy with purchase.
the way it climbs is unbelievable.
the price is steep, but like anything you usually get
what you pay for.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Crystal Lake, IL.
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Southern Kettle | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | SpeedGoat | | Strengths: | Work of Art! Light, strong, smooth. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see. Maybe price. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y bikes, GT LTS, Specialized FSR, GF Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Black 2001 Truth Frame (Med.), Manitou XVert air, XT/XTR, Thompson stem/seatpost,Easton Monkey-Lite h-bar, Mavic 517 w/XTR hubs, IRC Mythos tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is unbelievable! I loved my old LTS1. It fit me like a glove. When it was stolen, I wasn't sure I would find a bike that would feel as good. I went out an tested a fair share of bikes. Being stuck in the Midwest, we don't always have access to all of the bike manufacturers (especially the smaller custom shops) so I rode whatever I could get my hands on. No spark! After reading many reviews on the Truth, I decided to take a leap of faith. After extensive discussions with Ellsworth (they were great to work with)and SpeedGoat (ditto), I had a beautiful new truth sitting on my door step. Nine months later I can't say enough about this bike.
-LIGHT! Set-up for trail riding with a 4" fork, the bike only weighs 25lbs. With some minor mods, I can get this baby below 24lbs.
-HANDLES LIKE A DREAM! I was very concerned about the short headtube length but had no reason to be. This bike handles so well, "telepathic" comes to mind.
-BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP! The quality of construction has no peers. My welds should be in a text book under the perfect weld.
-CUSTOMER SERVICE has been great. There is always a knowledgable voice on the other end of the line.
If it sounds like I am gushing, it's because I am. The price of admission is steep but if you can swing it, YOU WON'T BE SORRY!!! BUY ELLSWORTH! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Golic
a Cross Country Rider
from North Bend
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything around Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ellsworth | | Strengths: | Plush and effecient. Light for 4" front and rear travel. Anodized frame. Excellent manufacturing quality. Stiff - very little lateral flex (I weigh 200 lbs.) | | Weaknesses: | One bottle cage. Could include better documentaion on setup, care, etc. | | Similar Products Used: | Canondale Raven, K2 Evo 4.0. Schwinn Homegrown Factory hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | 18" frame size. XTR & XT. Avid disc brakes. Manitou Black 100mm travel. Cane Creek Rear Shock. Mavic tubless setup with Michelen tires. King Headset. Race Face Bar. Thompson Stem. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! Very balanced feel. Lifted confidence and speed immediately (not always a good thing). Feels effecient pedaling/climbing and plush descending. Still playing with the shock settings to get totally dialed in. The folks at Ellsworth are great. Any serious trail rider and even the occasional racer will enjoy this bike greatly. I was concerned the 18" frame would be small for my 6'1" 200lb frame, but with the long top tube it fits great. Love the standover height to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 123 bikes | | Strengths: | The Truth is a very efficient climber that allows very controlled descents, soaks up small to medium sized roots and rocks like they aren't even there, and handles tight twisty single-track as if it were on autopilot. The shot-peened finish is virtually scratch-proof. Welds and CNC machined areas on rear triangle and BB area are flawless. Sealed bearings offer very plush suspension. Minimal flex noted from the rear end. | | Weaknesses: | None that I've discovered thus far! | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension, but have ridden 'dales (Delta V), Sugars, Superlights, and Y-bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Black Truth ICT with a Z1 X-Fly 100mm, King Headset, Monkey light, Thompson, XTR drivetrain T/O, and XTR hubs with Mavic 517 CD rims. | | Bottom Line: | This is one amazing bike. It has definately made me a more confident and aggressive rider. I bought this after riding a F1000 hardtail and man the difference was like night and day. I'll probably never own a hardtail again. I ride mostly tight twisty single track and this thing just soaks up everything that is throw at it. I bought this bike solely from it's great reviews and Ellsworth's excellent reputation. I have to admit I was a little anxious about throwing down that kind of cash for a bike without ever riding one. Those fears were laid to rest from the first time I hit the trail. I keep saying to myself "I don't know how a bike could get any better." I plan on riding this frame for a long time. I couldn't believe that this thing had a Lifetime Warranty, so I asked the guy at 123 Bikes about it. He said quite simply that if anything breaks on the frame while I'm riding it, Ellsworth will take care of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fritz
a Cross Country Rider
from Carrboro, NC
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chapel Hill High | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Franklin St. Cycles | | Strengths: | Beatiful Red paint, very aggresive handling with 80mm fork , still very pedal efficient despite being more active, cartridge bearings, pretty stiff and smooth, disc cable mounts, has stickers that can be replaced, warranty policy | | Weaknesses: | Somewhat expensive, not really a freeride bike at all but still strong(the Ellsworth people claim it kind of is) for a trail bike, a little heavier than advertised(almost 6lbs), stickers can come off easy | | Similar Products Used: | '02 Large Joker, '00 & '99 Large Ellsworth Truth, '00 Large Specialized FSR S-works, '98 Mountain Cycle Moho CXS | | Bike Setup: | Med Red Truth SE, Cane Creek AD-12, Marzocchi Atom 80, Shimano XT Disc, Onyx hubs, Mustang rims, Profile Design carbon Riser bar and stem, XT shifter, XTR derailler, King hdst | | Bottom Line: | This is a great race bike, can turn very sharply unlike my previous truths, but it is also less stable. The suspension is also much, much smoother than previous truths. I never liked the bushings, they needed more maintenance and replacement than I thought was necesary. I think a 100 mm travel fork may work better with this bike, may slow the steering down a little. I really love these bikes, if you ride a hardtail, these quality full suspension bikes make you a better rider. It is like buying some skill, you will notice a difference in how much faster you ride when you ride with your friends, but the weird thing is you don't feel like you are going that much faster even though you are. That is because you're not getting bumped around as much and you are in better control of the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond Bikes | | Strengths: | Bombproof construction & beautiful craftsmanship.
Pedaling efficiency is as advertised.
Confident over the rough stuff.
Customer Service is excellent. That is very important when dropping that kind of cash. | | Weaknesses: | Price, but what do you expect for this kind of quality? | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Psylo Race, Easton Carbon cockpit | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to try a Tracer when I was searching for the Ultimate Trailbike but I ended up on the Ellsworth because of my size (6'5" - 210) and I couldn't be happier. I was prepared for a big dropoff in climbing performance compared to my hardtail but I don't notice any at all. It is effortless on the ascent and exhilaratingly confident on the descent. It has definitely improved my techical skills (I just wish it came with an extra set of lungs). It took a couple of rides to get the suspension dialed in, but now it's money. If you're serious about your riding you owe it to yourself to give the Ellsworth a try. You won't regret it. It's the Ultimate Trailbike bar none! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Grass Valley
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Active four bar linkage suspension and lateral stiffness combine to make this an incredibly effective climbing bike on technical terrain. Extremely strong build and finish make the bike resistant to dings, scratches or worse. Light weight compared to other comparable high end 4 inch travel bikes, such as the El Salemontes, Tracer or Switchblade. Non-interrupted seat post, so the seat can go down as far as you want. | | Weaknesses: | Price. Not a downhill/freeride/dropoff sled, but it does not have the weight either :-) | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Litespeed HT, Ventana, etc. | | Bike Setup: | All XTR except Chris King hubs/headset, Shimano XT disk brakes, Race Face Turbine cranks, Tompson seatpost, RaceFace stem, Mavic 517 rims, yadayadada... | | Bottom Line: | Since I've started mountain biking in 1994, I've owned five seven bikes and ridden many others. None compare to the durability, travel and overall build quality of this bike. Like him or not, Tony Ellsworth has created the state-of-the-art lightweight four inch travel bike with this model. Its suspension grabs hold of loose, rocky terrain and gives you all the traction you need to clean any nasty section. The price is steep, but if you can swing it, you get exactly what you pay for with this frame. I owned a Santa Cruz Superlight before this, which cracked, broke and wore down every which way in the fifteen months I owned it. The local bike shop makes fun me with how often I break bikes. No such problems on the Truth; this frame is stiff and strong. The four inches of travel are so active on the rough stuff that it feel much more than 4 inches. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Albans,WV
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Does Not Matter | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Similar Products Used: | I have worked in a bike shop for 7 years and have ridden all sorts of FS bikes,, I have yet to find one as smooth as the Truth | | Bike Setup: | Duke SL, Romic Rear, Chris King Hubs, all SRAM parts with a XT Crank and BB | | Bottom Line: | I have been a hard core supporter of hard tails and after riding the Truth I am sad that I have never went for FS before. This bike is clean... in terms of the frame and prep work form the factory... the Headtube was clean and I did no have to chase the threads in the BB shell. the welds are awsome and the CNC'd parts are cool and light. The bike's suspinsion sokes up big hits as well as small ones. On the downhill this machine smokes it tracks well and acts like an extension of my body. On single track the rear end stays on the ground like it is glued. all in all this is an awsome bike a little pricy but if you want something that not everyone has and is a great ride, this is for you... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete-NJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Rutgers NJ
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood, Chimney Rock, Cannonball | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | FAST! Great climber...seems to really dig in on the short steep climbs. Plush ( WHen modified....see below) Great handling on turns and tight singletrack. | | Weaknesses: | COSTLY....Very expensive bike. Felt nervous on fast rocky technical descents with the Air shock. Had a problem with the derailer hanger being crooked and not allowing the rear wheel to mount correctly. Easily fixed! | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 1000, Cannondale Jekyll, Titus LocoMoto etc etc | | Bike Setup: | 01 Marzocchi Z3 Coil (100mm) Thanks Ventanarama!
01 Stratos Helix Expert
Icon Mountain Stem
Easton Monkeylite Carbon Riser
XT Shifter/Brake levers
XT Crankset
Kooka Rock Ring
LX Front Derailer
LX Rear Derailer
Fizik Nisense Saddle
K2 Seatpost
Avid Mechanical Discs
Sun DS-1 laces to XT Disc hubs
WTB Velociraptor Tires 2.1
| | Bottom Line: | Well...first of all. Unless you ride relatively smooth hardpacked trails I would suggest vouching for the Coil shock instead of the air. It is MUCH more responsive and PLUSHER than the air can! Same goes with the Fork choice. Coil all the way! At first the ride seemed a bit harsh and sketchy at high speeds on rocky terrain. But once I switched to 4" Coil all around this bike handles like a dream. Awesome climber and fierce descender! What more can you ask! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Nevada City ,California
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail, Anything in Sedona | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Kalo | | Strengths: | Great technical CLimber as well as decender. This bike has a sweet spot, when you get your weight just right the rear tire digs into the dirt and you climb just about anything. Landing after catching air always puts a smile on my face. The suspension wworks great. Much better then my old Specialized. | | Weaknesses: | Price and the purchase process. I made a BIG mistake and bought my bike from Kalo Mountain Bikes. I could write on and on about how horrible this experience was, e-mail if you want the details. Lots of drive train noise on decents, I'm working on fixing this no one else I know has this problem. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 SPecialized Fsr s works | | Bike Setup: | Rox Shock Sid 100,cane creek ad-12 rear, Shimano XT disc Brakes,race face cranks and BB, Thompson post and stem,XTR rear & XT front, Hugi 240 hubs on mavic 517 rims, Easton Monkey lite bars, Panaracer fire xc tires. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome all around cross country bike. Very expensive but you get what you pay for. If you decide to get the Ellsworth do not get it from Kalo, you will be sorry if you do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Buford, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$5200.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyan's | | Strengths: | Stiff enough for excellant control yet forgiving. Works really well with rapid rise rear derailer. light and nimble, handles very well on tight single track. Climbs very well. Looks great. The suspension saved my butt on unexpected gnarly downhill the 1st time I road it. | | Weaknesses: | Had trouble with the xtr rear derailer wanting to jump gears until I went with the rapid rise. | | Similar Products Used: | I have a GT Zastar Race which I have been racing and riding for fun. I have not ridden a full susp. bike previously but I did research on full suspension bikes before buying comparing th switchblade, kona, and others. | | Bike Setup: | Full xtr,Mavic crossmax tubeless wheels & Karisma tubeless tires., Hayes hydr xc brakes,thompson seat post & stem, Monkeylite handlebars, Marzocchi x-fly 100, fox rear air shox. Rapidrise rear derailer. King headset. | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful, well finished bike which performs as advertised. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | 123Bikes | | Strengths: | Only ridden less than 10 hours. Its quickness and responsivness really impressed me, and it's quick as hell.
| | Weaknesses: | It's not light compared to my Raven 4000SX, or Titus Loco Moto with same setup. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9800 OCLV, '98 Cannondale V700, '00 Raven 4000SX,
'01 Titus Loco Moto (also a great bike and more travel). | | Bike Setup: | Small Truth Frame, Full XT setup, Manitou SX-R, Easton MonkeyLite Riser, Thompson Stem & Seatpost, XT V-brakes, Mavic X517, and Hutchison tires. | | Bottom Line: | I sort of hesitated first when I was thinking if I should keep my Loco Moto or part with it for the Truth. Loco has more travel it rides great and no complaint at all. Then I decided to order the Truth to see if this was the ulimate XC bike. It's my fourth full-suspension bike that I've ever owned. And yes ! it did generate a lot of fun when riding it. It sucks up small or big bumps while descending, and it tracks well. The responsiveness already impressed me soon I dashed out for the first ride. But the climb (on pavement) was not as impressive as my Raven 4000SX. I will time myself on both bikes next time when I get a lockout fork. Will follow up after done with more riding on different terrains. By far, i'm impressed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lis Warren
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco. CA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho in CA, Porupine Rim in UT, Fruita | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat cycles -- Beth & Chris =rock=. | | Strengths: | Incredible agility, lightness, great at climbing, bombs descents. Very efficient bike. Bought it "because I'm worth it" *grin*, and damned if that bike doesn't bring a smile each and every ride. A real beauty. | | Weaknesses: | Price, but you do get what you pay for. No substantive weaknesses at all. Well, I have the powder coat, and the stickers are all coming off (but Ellsworth replaced them). | | Similar Products Used: | None. Have demo'd other monkey-motion bikes, but only for short time. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Chris King headset, easton monkey lite bar, Marzocchi Z1-XFly, fox float rc rear, thomson seatpost, chris king hubs built 28/32 to mavic 517 rims, motoraptor tires, speed she saddle. | | Bottom Line: | BUY IT. It's the ultimate in a sexy fun-hog bike. Well worth saving your pennies.
I recommend from speedgoat, how else would I have known that the 12/34 XTR cassette wouldn't run as well as an 11/32 XT? Those guys rock, build great wheels too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Kuiper
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Company in Lake Forest | | Strengths: | Light weight, great climber. Very efficient suspension. For the steeper climbs I can lock out the rear Fox RC and the Psylo up front. Great geometry for uphill and steep downhill with the 5" travel up front. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Santa Cruz, GT | | Bike Setup: | Avid disks, Spinergy M2 wheels, Psylo front fork, Fox RC rear, Ritchey speed max tires. | | Bottom Line: | I should have saved my money for this bike in the first place. It kicks ass!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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