Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakoda Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Used in Breckenridge
Strengths:
The Bike is solid. The frame design really allows for great cross country riding (with style along the way)
Weaknesses:
Since I started riding this bike, I forgot what that word means....
Similar Products Used:
Giant ranier, Gary Fisher tassajara
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC fork, Chris King headset, XT crank and BB, Chris King rear hub, avid mechanical brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a work of art as well as an engineering marvel. I am about 160 lbs and this bike has held up to every 5' drop and 100 miler I have ever tossed at it. The bike has been EVERYWHERE with me and it has been turning heads because of the unusual frame design. I have not had to do anything with the bushings or deraileur hanger and that is the way it should be. I am going to retire the bike frame this year, but I am going to proudly hang it up in my room. I will build it up some day when I get the money to do so (I am in college). It was a pleasure to have this bike as my first full suspension bike. IBIS is back!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakoda Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Used in Breckenridge
Strengths:
The Bike is solid. The frame design really allows for great cross country riding (with style along the way)
Weaknesses:
Since I started riding this bike, I forgot what that word means....
Similar Products Used:
Giant ranier, Gary Fisher tassajara
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC fork, Chris King headset, XT crank and BB, Chris King rear hub, avid mechanical brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a work of art as well as an engineering marvel. I am about 160 lbs and this bike has held up to every 5' drop and 100 miler I have ever tossed at it. The bike has been EVERYWHERE with me and it has been turning heads because of the unusual frame design. I have not had to do anything with the bushings or deraileur hanger and that is the way it should be. I am going to retire the bike frame this year, but I am going to proudly hang it up in my room. I will build it up some day when I get the money to do so (I am in college). It was a pleasure to have this bike as my first full suspension bike. IBIS is back!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakoda Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Used in Breckenridge
Strengths:
The Bike is solid. The frame design really allows for great cross country riding (with style along the way)
Weaknesses:
Since I started riding this bike, I forgot what that word means....
Similar Products Used:
Giant ranier, Gary Fisher tassajara
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC fork, Chris King headset, XT crank and BB, Chris King rear hub, avid mechanical brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a work of art as well as an engineering marvel. I am about 160 lbs and this bike has held up to every 5' drop and 100 miler I have ever tossed at it. The bike has been EVERYWHERE with me and it has been turning heads because of the unusual frame design. I have not had to do anything with the bushings or deraileur hanger and that is the way it should be. I am going to retire the bike frame this year, but I am going to proudly hang it up in my room. I will build it up some day when I get the money to do so (I am in college). It was a pleasure to have this bike as my first full suspension bike. IBIS is back!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakoda Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Used in Breckenridge
Strengths:
The Bike is solid. The frame design really allows for great cross country riding (with style along the way)
Weaknesses:
Since I started riding this bike, I forgot what that word means....
Similar Products Used:
Giant ranier, Gary Fisher tassajara
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC fork, Chris King headset, XT crank and BB, Chris King rear hub, avid mechanical brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a work of art as well as an engineering marvel. I am about 160 lbs and this bike has held up to every 5' drop and 100 miler I have ever tossed at it. The bike has been EVERYWHERE with me and it has been turning heads because of the unusual frame design. I have not had to do anything with the bushings or deraileur hanger and that is the way it should be. I am going to retire the bike frame this year, but I am going to proudly hang it up in my room. I will build it up some day when I get the money to do so (I am in college). It was a pleasure to have this bike as my first full suspension bike. IBIS is back!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakoda Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Used in Breckenridge
Strengths:
The Bike is solid. The frame design really allows for great cross country riding (with style along the way)
Weaknesses:
Since I started riding this bike, I forgot what that word means....
Similar Products Used:
Giant ranier, Gary Fisher tassajara
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC fork, Chris King headset, XT crank and BB, Chris King rear hub, avid mechanical brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a work of art as well as an engineering marvel. I am about 160 lbs and this bike has held up to every 5' drop and 100 miler I have ever tossed at it. The bike has been EVERYWHERE with me and it has been turning heads because of the unusual frame design. I have not had to do anything with the bushings or deraileur hanger and that is the way it should be. I am going to retire the bike frame this year, but I am going to proudly hang it up in my room. I will build it up some day when I get the money to do so (I am in college). It was a pleasure to have this bike as my first full suspension bike. IBIS is back!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakoda Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Used in Breckenridge
Strengths:
The Bike is solid. The frame design really allows for great cross country riding (with style along the way)
Weaknesses:
Since I started riding this bike, I forgot what that word means....
Similar Products Used:
Giant ranier, Gary Fisher tassajara
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC fork, Chris King headset, XT crank and BB, Chris King rear hub, avid mechanical brakes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a work of art as well as an engineering marvel. I am about 160 lbs and this bike has held up to every 5' drop and 100 miler I have ever tossed at it. The bike has been EVERYWHERE with me and it has been turning heads because of the unusual frame design. I have not had to do anything with the bushings or deraileur hanger and that is the way it should be. I am going to retire the bike frame this year, but I am going to proudly hang it up in my room. I will build it up some day when I get the money to do so (I am in college). It was a pleasure to have this bike as my first full suspension bike. IBIS is back!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: January 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Mihn
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist 1995
Strengths:
Durability! Dependable do everything bike. Light weight for its time and being full suspension
Weaknesses:
No longer made.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock XT Rox Shox, Fox 4
Bottom Line:
I have been riding this bike for more than 10 years commuting, downhilling, cross country, everything. Best all around bike ever owned!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Fradale
a Weekend Warrior
from Fukuoka, Japan Date Reviewed: January 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kusenbu
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
McCully Bike, Honolulu, HI
Strengths:
Light, smooth, rugged, unique: I smile every time I get on it.
Weaknesses:
Ibis went under so replacement bits are custom-only; when doing downhill runs the seat can only be lowered a bit.
Bike Setup:
Alps rear, Z1 front, Crossmax XL, Avid mech. disc (had boss welded to swingarm) with Full Metal Jacket lines, XTR drivetrain, Hope Ti BB, Thompson post, Bontrager Crowbar, Raceface stem, Chris King headset, Niterider Blowtorch
Bottom Line:
I got this bike as my first FS after riding Ti hardtails. I bought the frame for $400 and swapped over what I could from my Litespeed, then got the rest of the parts over time. I use it every day to go to work and then hit the trails after work and on the weekends. The guys I ride with run DH rigs which I have tried. Fun downhill but you pay going up. The Szazbo is a feather compared to them. My only gripe is that the seat can not be lowered much, so when on a downhill run I wind up resting my chest on the seat and hanging my butt as far over the rear wheel as I can. Works, but fatigue sets in earlier than if I had a DH barcolounger. Great bike, really stands out, a blast to ride in many conditions. Tough, too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bud mauger
a Cross Country Rider
from west chester, pa usa Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
rim trail, tahoe, ca
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The ride is the Szazbo's greatest feature, makes easy work of rock gardens and log overs, tracks beautifully. Like me: "Just cause it's old does not mean it's ineffective."
Weaknesses:
A bit extra weight, one review said his weighs in a 24.5 lbs. I question that, mine is around 28.5 lbs. The weight of this bike is above normal by today's standards but not a major issue.
Similar Products Used:
I have: 2004 Yeti 575, 2000 Ellsworth Truth, 2000 Ibis Ripley, 1996 Ibis Mojo, 1994 Bontrager Steel, 1996 Bontrager Ti, 2000 Airborne Black Widow and a 2001 Merlin Echo. I took the Ellsworth to CA. but could have easily taken the Szazbo, just did not want to risk doing any damage.
Bike Setup:
Manitou Skareb, Gravey built wheels with Chris King Hubs, Avid Mechanical Discs(I had disc tabs welded to rear triangle)works perfectly, XTR shifters and XT cranks.
Bottom Line:
Szazbos don't come along too often, keep watching on Ebay or MTBR, if someone is foolish enough to sell then take advantage and purchase. I paid $750.00 for entire bike but changed quite a bit and spent another $1,500 on upgrades. I am not disappointed in the least. The frame was in beautiful condition and the Manitou Skareb matched the rear suspension just fine. I cannot say enough about Chris King hubs.
Who should buy? I am 61 years old and have been riding for 12 years. I ride with much younger guys and have no trouble keeping up with "most of them!" If you are looking for comfort and performance and like me love cross country then you "will not be disappointed" with this bike!
Have fun looking, there are several out there collecting dust!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Alguire
a Cross Country Rider
from Lompoc, CA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
too many to name
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
RTR Anchorage,AK
Strengths:
Sweet Spot design is really sweet. Soft ride in the saddle and the bike indestructable.
Weaknesses:
Yes, Ibis went backrupt but John Castellano still love us and is making the parts.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing can compare but I have ridden many GT TREK Cannondale Yeti Rocky Mountain Specialized
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT, Manitou SX-Ti, WTB Laser beam with Momentum hubs, Sachs shifters, the only thing I have replaced is tires, brake pads and cables in 6 years and 8000 miles
Bottom Line:
This is the bike everyone imitated but no one could afford. 10 years after its birth, the frame is still ahead of the rest of the world for simplicity, strength, and comfort. These bikes are a work of art. Watch the classified and garage sales, someone may be selling one because it is not this years cool, new model. I love mine as much now as the day I rode it home.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clyde curry
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas ,texas Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
sale
Strengths:
the alps shock,cross max rims,xtr components, manitou mach 5 shock
Weaknesses:
no longer made,the rear deraileur hanger is irreplaceable for this year model
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz bullit,proflex,klein karma
Bike Setup:
cross max rims,xtr components,thompson post,mach5 shock flite seat with titantium rails,monkey lite riser bars, and the beautiful red caramba crank arms
Bottom Line:
its a piece of kinetic scupture that works well cross country or recreational use.although i ride out the saddle most of the time,i can appreciate the comfort when i am tired of standing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Menlo Park, CA Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Skegg's
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Wheelsmith
Strengths:
Durability, smoothness, long travel, plush ride, sweetspot
Weaknesses:
pivot can wear out causing sway in frame, weight
Bike Setup:
Judy SL long travel, XTR, Mavic Cross Max, frog pedals
Bottom Line:
I have yet to find a bike with the all around durability and grace that this bike has! The sweetspot technology allows you to ride this bike for days...its like a lazyboy recliner! I bought this bike new back in 1995 and haven't had a single problem with it...upgrade the components every couple of years and this bike should last a lifetime!
I ride this bike religiously on the weekends around the bay area and have put this thing through some of the most extreme track you can find and it has never failed me. Handling is like a Ferrari but with the strength of a HUMMER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gaz Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Bielefeld Germany Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
E-BAY
Strengths:
Fast,Strong,Unusual looks, Lightweight for an old bike.
Weaknesses:
No longer available.strange seat tube size.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale, American Eagle, This is my first full bouncer.
Bike Setup:
1997 frame,XT Drivetrain, x517 rims, DT Hugi Hubs, Monkeylite,roox stem and headset,avid arch rivals terry fly saddel stock post.RST XMO front fork.
Bottom Line:
This is the dogs bollox! Have just returned from a trip in the Pyrenees, This bike soaked up every bump without even skipping a beat. The climbs were just as simple as the downhills (thanx to that sweet spot)as I could climb without having to negotiate every little rock. The suspension takes the punishment not the rider . bottom line is, for the money that these can now be found for it is a serious amount of bike. SHAME THEY'VE GONE UNDER!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Amish Country..Lancaster,Pa Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Era Ski &Bike.. Lancaster, Pa
Strengths:
I have had the frame for 6yrs and its still bombproof.. urban assault, big drops, free ride, cross country, a bike that can handle almost all tasks..simple pivot point, 5 inches of travel, fairly light..
Weaknesses:
First year frames did not have replaceable dropouts, had to replace the entire rear triangle when I trashed the derailer hanger.. No more IBIS..no more replacable parts, I would love another replaceable dropout..
Similar Products Used:
old Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
King Headset, Control Tech Stem & Post, Avocet O2 Kevlar ti saddle,Fox Float R rear shock, Rock Shox Psylo Race 100mm, Easton Monkelylite SL bars, XTR V-brakes, Grip Shift ESP 9.0SL with XTR ti Cassette, Onza ti Clipless, Mavic Crossmax.. about 24lbs
Bottom Line:
I love this bike.. after all the years the frame has held up to some big drops and many miles, sure I have replaced and upgraded just about everything on the bike except the frame, but the frame is still showing no signs of wear.. I love my current set up.. 4 up front and 5 in the rear at about 24lbs..Yes the unified rear triangle is old suspension techology but its simple and it works great Its sad the Ibis went under along with many other Independant shops.. I will buy another new bike before I replace the frame..besides its a collector item now..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wallace
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Crazy Cat Cycles, El Paso, TX
Strengths:
Outstandind frame detail with no shortage of quality. Beautiful paint application...hard as nails! No shortage of tube sizes, shapes, gradients, etc. truly a stiff rear end only m-i-n-i-m-a-l, if any, perceptable lateral flex. 5" of sweet travle.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness is the premis behind a unified rear triangle design. The bike, itself, is not questionable. Untunable shock.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Excellent made in El Paso Endurance Grips(Defunct?),Race Face Riser bar, Syncros hinged stem,Chris King Headset, Thompson post & Flite saddle, XTR Groupo, SpeedPlay Frog Peddales, some Rockshox shock
Bottom Line:
If you enjoy riding in the saddle and don't mind the trade off between an active suspension only in saddle (while out of the saddle is a more stiffened sense of the travle) then this is an excellent choice. A Good, dialable rear shock would make every bit of difference. It is worth the money and does exceptionally well in most venues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction, CO Date Reviewed: April 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pollock Bench
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Top of the World Cyclery, Moab
Strengths:
Lord, this is a sexy bike!! It doesn't rob power on climbs. Rear suspension is great, I have literally doubled the amount of time I can spend in the saddle.
Weaknesses:
Suspension is basically zero out of the saddle. Also, how am I supposed to portage this thing?
Similar Products Used:
There are no similar products to this one!! Sure, there are a couple other "sweet spot" URTs, but none with the style of the Szasbo.
Bike Setup:
XTR brakes, rear hub, XT derailleurs, shifters, levers, Ritchey cranks, Chris King headset, Judy SL C3 80 mm fromt, Fox Alps 5 rear, Control Tech post, stem
Bottom Line:
I have been looking for this bike for years. If you are a cross-country rider, this is a softail that will not take your energy and put it into the suspension. SMOOOOOTH ride, the rough stuff (and we have got rough stuff here)feels like powder. Great technical manners, and the boys really like the ultra-standover height.
My old yellow Stumpjumper has been demoted to commuter status. You can have my Szasbo when you unclip it from my cold, dead feet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mauro
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Como, Italy Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Italian-Swiss alps
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bicimania,Italy
Strengths:
It's simple, indestructible, wonderful handling, great craftmanship. It's plush and can pass over anything. Portaging is even better than traditional diamond frames (if you don't install the second bottlecage)
Weaknesses:
The "subframe" is little too wide:the stays can interfere with ankle bones when coasting downhill. For the same reason I had to bend the V-brake alluminium cable housing from 90° to 110° to avoid the cable staying outboard. A 5 inches travel rear suspender should be designed to accept 5 inches fork: I installed a White Bros AT-3 fork but it result being a little too tall and the bike tends to wander on the very steep climbs. URT behaviour on the drop offs: the rear unhinges, the fork dives: better reduce the use of front brake to the minimum.
Similar Products Used:
/
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR/White Bros fork/Mavic/IRC tyres. 26.6 pounds, not bad at all.
Bottom Line:
It'a a great trail bike, as long as you have legs to spin the pedals no obstacle can stop. Downhill is really precise. Plus it's an energy saver, you can pedal for hours only caring about having fun, you never get tired. Maintenance routine corresponds to a hardtail bike. Knowing it has been discontinued, I got a derailler hanger for spare. The Fox Alp 4 shock works fine. Should it fail I'd replace it with a coil over shock to even enhance the "total reliability" of the bike. This year (2000) I totalized 102 outings with the bike and it's perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Scarth
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rivette Lake, Lake Louise
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds!
Strengths:
Beautiful, Solid, Efficient, Lighter than many of my friends hardtails at around 25 pounds.
Weaknesses:
Now way buddy!
Similar Products Used:
Proflex, Santa Cruz Heckler, GT LTS, Klein
Bike Setup:
How the heck did I find this bike for 750?? Fate? : Speedgoat Mod 2 fork (83 mm Englun air fork sub 3 lbs!!), Fox Alps 4 (better than the reviews say), XTR Crankset,bb, XTR/217 wheels, cassette, Full XT Drivetrain and V brakes, Syncros Post, Raceday Saddle, Syncros post, Raceface Stem+Handlebar.
Bottom Line:
Are there a lot of bikes that let you accelerate accross a field of loose football sized boulders? I didn't think so. I was thinking about buying a car, then I saw this lovely avocado green Ibis In the MTBR classified for 800 bucks! So the dude sent me the bike (knocked off even 50 more bucks for a small flaw in one of the rims) Let me try it out and decide if I wanted to buy it. I initially thought about parting it out or selling it because I got it so incredibly cheap, but when I took it out of the UPS box... I fell in love. I think I've found the cure for depression because I've been grinning like a fool every since I first laid eyes on it. But that's strictly aesthetics, this thing is also by far the funnest bike I've ever ridden. It does the name Ibis justice in the way that it sorta soars across the ground like a long necked bird. With a little over 4 inches of Englund Air/Fox Air front and back and a huge wheelbase on this large bike, It has the feel of a magic carpet. It absolutely soars over anything and all you can hear is the hum of the XTR hub. The setup on this bike is all anyone should ever need, there is no problem at all with an XT drivetrain, and I can't justify several hundred to upgrade and probably not even notice any improvement. My advice to anyone looking for a Full Suspension: find a Used Szazbo! I got mine for 750 bucks for god's sake, and this is the same frame that retailed for 1,650 the paint even looks brand new. These things are only 1 pound heavier than the 4000 dollar bow ti frames and practically identical. If you can find one for even 1500, buy it! There's something to be said for a bike that makes you want to do nothing but ride all day long. Peace. 5 million flaming dumps on Mr Wilson'd front porch!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Cowlumbus Ohio Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Sucks up bumps, ruts, roots, landings like nothing ever happened. Not too heavy. Climbs very well for full susp. Looks sweeeeet.
Weaknesses:
Hehehe....none.
Similar Products Used:
I've test ridden lots of FS bikes. Previous bike was a rigid Spec. Rockhopper.
I got lucky when I found this bike. I was looking to buy a nice hardtail this summer, but a friend of a friend was selling this Szazbo after he built it up a year ago and NEVER rode it. So I picked it up at one hell of a price. This is one of the nicest FS bikes I've ever thrown a leg over. It doesn't bob on climbs, sucks up everything, and once I learned to keep the suspension activated on downhills it does pretty damn well. It's very stiff laterally, fairly lightweight, and looks cool as hell. Anybody looking for a go everywhere do anything FS bike should consider trying to get their hands on one of these to try it out. Ibis doesn't make them anymore, and sorry, but mine will NEVER be for sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
This bike is old faithful. Very solid ride, great plush suspension for any terrain.
Weaknesses:
I don't know yet.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz, Yeti
Bike Setup:
XTR deraileures, shifters and brakes; Marzoochi Z1 Bombers, Race Face Cranks, Mavic Crossland wheels, Synchos stem and bars, Fox Shock
Bottom Line:
4 inches in the front, 5 inches in the back and can still climbs well. Great all around bike. I've done a lot of East Coast riding and now I'm doing a lot of Colorado. It eats up any terrain. The bike truly makes the rider look good by allowing him the confidence to be a better rider. Hangs XC & can hang DH if necessary. It'll take a beating. Ibis and Marzoochi is the best combination I've come across.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from wisconsin Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bike Setup:
Due to the foreward location of the pivot point the rear suspension does some of the work for the front. I am running softer springs in my fork on the Szaz than on my other bikes (medium vs firm or ex-firm). Due to the softer fork setting, the fork bobs a little more noticeably while out on the bar ends climbing the reallly steep stuff.
Bottom Line:
Oh yea, to quote Dan Turner of MTB magazine (Dec 95', in a review of the SC Tazmon).... "My theory is that a good dual-suspension bike should be like a good anti-depressant: You don't feel any different, it's just that things don't seem so bad."
Using that guideline, compared to My Yeti the Szazbo scores very well, except for climbing steep stuff where it's less exceptional, but still quite good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
McKenzie River in Oregon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A solid product, reliable, good handling, different looking (could be good or bad), range of people it can fit... I can make it fit a lot of my friends who want to try it. Holds a line well, and doesn't wander on climbs. Was that a rut?... Oh, nope, just my friend I ran over. Only one, very solid pivot. It's noticably more rigid laterally than either of my hardtail frames.
Weaknesses:
It seems like every full suspension bike suffers from some bad habit. The Szazbo's is that the saddle pushes you up under hard front braking. Other things are the width of the swingarm directly behind the pivot. I have 21 inch calves (at the end of a good ride), and very short legs. They rub the swingarm a lot (To be fair, I have a 107mm BB, and am going to try a longer spindle, but I shouldn't have to). Wheelbase changes with travel, but it doesn't have 56 pivots to wear out.
Similar Products Used:
I have been a hardtail holdout. My other bikes are a Litespeed Obed and a Yeti ARC. I have ridden a number of 'mac strut' bikes, and the Santa Cruz's and GT LTS's. I bought the Szazbo because I thought it would have better long term reliability.
Bike Setup:
80mm Judy SL w/ speedsprings, XTR with XT derailleures. Specialized 2.0" and 2.1" team control/master. It's a couple ounces over 25 pounds.
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame and fork used (it's a 97', butted tubes and replaceable rear hanger). Over the last couple weeks, I have ridden the same trail every day (mostly because all the others in the area were closed due to wet conditions), and I have alternated day to day with the Szazbo and my Yeti ARC. On the road, It's not very inspiring, and even a bit sluggish (which has a lot to do with the tires I have on it though). In the dirt, the Szazbo has excellent manners. It holds a line with little correction, whether rolling along, in a turn, or on a loose climb. On rough or steep downhills (in the cross country sense of the term) it is a grin factory, and feels very secure. Keeping the saddle weighted, even if with the insides of my legs as I move back keeps the suspension working (I rarely ever fully stand up when I ride). MUCH more confidence inspiring than my other bikes. It is a good climber. Not excellent, but not bad either. My Yeti is an exceptional climber, and the difference is pretty noticable. 'Wedgeing' the tip of the saddle, getting on the bar ends and keeping a smooth spin, it does get up even very loose, steep climbs, but it takes a lot more out of me than my hardtail on the same hills.
Overall, on the days I rode the Szazbo, while my times were noticeably longer for each lap of the trail, I found myself doing more laps and not wanting to go home. Thats it's real appeal. I considered 4 bikes when looking for a duallie. The others had more sophisticated (more active) designs that worked slightly better, but the Szazbo's simple, reliable design (and super plush ~5" travel) won out. If I had to keep only one trail bike, I would probably pass it up (for ME), but I am really glad to have it around for those less serious days where fun is the order of buisiness over speed. If your looking for a fun dual suspension trail bike (as opposed to a race bike) that will be reliable for the long haul, BUY ONE !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Frendel
a Cross Country Rider
from mahwah, nj Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ramapo mountains
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
super durable frame. I,ve beat it up for 5 years. No one rides as hard as me!
Weaknesses:
suspension is not active when you stand up. I have to sit all the time to activate the rear. the front suspension really stiffens up when the rear takes a hit.
Similar Products Used:
Kleins, marin, amp
Bike Setup:
full xtr, all lightweight goodies money can buy. bike weighs 25.5 pounds. can't go lighter without sacrificing durability.
Bottom Line:
there are definitely better suspension bikes out there. cant go with disc brakes on this frame. ibis doesn't make this frame anymore.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Hunt
a Cross-Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Got it cheap!! deal at ibis. oh and hte frame owns
Weaknesses:
er its not a bow ti?
Similar Products Used:
-
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is i paid a coupel hundred bucks for this, and it is a great frame. ROcks the downhills, not the best for uphills but hey- cant have evdrything for 600 dollars. Get one if you can!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bw
a Cross-Country Rider
from Park City, UT Date Reviewed: November 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Boyscout camp in Fairfax, CA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
downhill handling, looks, rolling stuff
Weaknesses:
steep uphills.
Similar Products Used:
--
Bike Setup:
judy 100mm, 99 xt/xtr, spox, ibis
Bottom Line:
Built this about 4 mos. ago and am very happy with it. I got the frame from the Ibis moving sale for under 700 bucks. It had been built up once. sweet deal. I wasn't sure about it at first, but being used to an aluminum hardtail, it took a little getting used to. The downhill handling is absolutely outstanding. I've found that I prefer riding it to my lighter, quicker alum. hardtail. The downhills are so much better on it, I don't mind riding it uphill. You've really got to keep an even cadence to contain the biopacing, though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ernest
a Cross-Country Rider
from York, Maine Date Reviewed: November 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mount Aggie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Like my wife, this bike will never win a race or a beauty contest. But I keep it where I can see it because I glow with gratitude when I think of the special moments we’ve shared. I bought my szazbo “used” but well maintained from a guy an inch taller, 30 pounds heavier, and ten times more inclincd to compete than me. I’d punished myself on my share of hardtails, and was relieved and astounded to learn that the szazbo’s rear Alps 4 shock allows me to stretch my lanky 6’2”, 165# body over the length of the bike, and keep enough of my bony rearend planted to prevent the wheelspin I was accustomed to in climbing the steep, eroded, stony trails where I live in Maine. I traded the 70 mm Z-BAM front fork that came with the bike for a 105 mm alloy fork. For the type of riding I do, the extra inch of travel provides a perfect balance. Stay in the seat, spin your brains out, and this bike climbs stuff that’s tough walking. With 2.25 IRC knobbies, me and my szazbo aren’t setting any speed records. But, damn, this thing is indestructible. My dumbest mistakes haven’t cost more than a little chipped paint and scraped shins. Three months of hard riding has proven the bike able to handle terrain that I don’t yet have the skills to take on. At trail’s end, I hose off the usual paste of mud, leaves, pine needles and grass, wipe it down, lubricate chain, deraillure and shocks, and rack it up. Simple, easy, and not too time or money consuming. For all-day comfort, safety and durability I’ve never ridden anything that compares. It’s built for a long term relationship. How do you put a price on that?
Weaknesses:
A heavy 28 pounds, but with a grateful heft when you hit the hard drop-offs or slip over your own speed limit.
Similar Products Used:
Giant and Diamond Back Hardtails. GT and Cannondale full suspension.
Bike Setup:
Marzoochi alloy 105 mm.
Bottom Line:
Comfort, safety, durability and a rugged bike that not too many other people on the NE trails have ever even seen. Beats anything that still has a show-room gleam left on it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Byron
a Cross-Country Rider
from N. Vancouver, B.C. Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pipeline
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiffens to feel like a Hardtail over technical stuff pretty light for a FS bike Can easily handle my clydesdale proportions
Similar Products Used:
Never found a FS bike to fit before
Bike Setup:
All xt-xtr, Z-2 Bomber,
Bottom Line:
Sweet ride that makes you go faster, with more confidence and comfort, and cudos for Ibis making a bike that fits a 6'9 250 pounder. This bike feels like coming home!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, B.C. Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere my bike takes me
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
cool eggplant color relatively light for FS very plush ride
Weaknesses:
price odd seatpost size 28.6
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y-11, cannondale super v-900 freeride, raven, specialized fsr-xc
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-Ti fork all XTR, Chris King headset, Easton CT-2 riser bar, Thomson post Spinergy Rok-XE wheels
Bottom Line:
this bike is a dream come true. i've tested all the cannondale FS bikes, specialized, and trek, and man, the szazbo is the one for me. i'm afraid of trying the ibis bow-ti, unless my wife forces me to give her my szazbo! this bike is smooth on the road; no pogo effect and feels very responsive. on the trail, it is controllable and secure. if you're thinking of building your dream bike, this one has to be at the top of your list.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: February 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome! Take one to the hills and you'll see. These guys really know what they're doing and they answer their email. Doesn't sound like much until you read the horror stories from other companies. The only bad thing is my Yeti hardtail is now gathering dust in the corner.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RF
a cross-country rider
from Fresno Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I built mine with a z-1 bam up front instead of the judy xc. The bike is phat!! Very plush ride and reasonably light for a freeride style bike at 28 lbs. Climbs and descends real smooth. Haven't had any stink-bugging, possibly because of the longer travel fork I installed or the setting I have on the shock. Oh well I love it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny
a cross-country rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
Climbs like a mountian goat. Feels like a Barkalounger. ........Better be careful on dropoffs though, might just throw ya over the bars on to yer ol noggin. Ya ride it, Ya love it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a cross-country rider
from Barrington,NH Date Reviewed: November 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have now owned my Szasbo for one month, XT-XTR Judy SL- approximately 25 1/2 pounds. Previously I owned a long list of hardtails, not one made me feel like going back out after four hours in the woods. On the Saszbo I find my self late for everything not wanting to get off the bike. I would recomend this bike to anyone who has a lot of bike riding time on his hands. It climbs great, it handles great on downhills and singletrack, damn thing must be some sort of mountain bike!
Overall Rating:
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