Submitted by
marc weinstein
a Cross Country Rider
from chappaqua, ny. usa
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2007
Strengths: Light, fast, ti
Weaknesses: makes you ride well downhill
Bottom Line:
I'm 55 years old, been riding this bike since 2001, and it just gets better and better. Nice keeping up with the 30-45 y.o. crowd when I'm on. Buy it if you want to ride fast, with body skills to match the bikes design and intent, feel the trail and move.
Bike Setup: fox 100mm fork, avid brakes, cane creek race wheels w/ ti spokes, shimano xtr, monkey lite bar, ti stem, laid back ti seat post, wtb seat, geax sedona in front, geax sturdy in rear, tubes 30 psi or less.
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Submitted by
Best MTB
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2007
Strengths: Amazing beautiful/efficient design, light for a "full suspension". Incrediable hardtail ride feeling but not as hard.
Weaknesses: NO disc mounts.
Bottom Line:
I am definitely a hardtail guy and I just like the precision of a good hardtail ride and simple design. I can say that I am old style guy.However,the Ibis Silk Ti caught my attention. John Castellano and Ibis created the perfect cross country machine.After a lot of searching and patience I found the Ibis Silk Ti of my dreams.I couldn't believe how much faster and easier was my climbing. It also definitely improved my downhill skills.It is precise as a hardtail but not as heavy as a full suspension.It is a perfect mix. Unfortunately, I had it stolen with 2 other bikes last Thanksgiving(Ritchey Plexus and Yeti ARC AS). I couldn't believe that happened to me. I was very upset because I didn't know if I could find another Silk Ti size large since Ibis only makes carbon fiber bikes.After couple months I finally found my new Ibis Silk Ti size large. I was soo happy that I would ride this incrediableeee bike again. Unfortunately Ibis doesn't make them anymore but John Castellano/Steve Potts are making the Silk Ti again at price tag of $3000.It is a lot of money but you are buying the best.If you find a Ibis Silk Ti buy it and I promise that you will be a happy mtb rider but make sure to lock it well in a safe place.If I could I would give 10 out of 10.
Similar Products Used: Fat Chance Ti, WTB Phoenix Ti and Yeti ARC Ti,Independent Fabrication Ti, Ibis TI MOJO, GT Xizang, Bontrager Ti Lite, Ritchey Plexus, Yeti ARC AS and Klein Adroit/Attitude.
Bike Setup: Shimano XTR parts, Mazorcchi Bomber Marathon SL 85mm, Chris King Headset, Race Face Stem, Easton Carbon rise bar, Mavic Crossmax, Thompson seat post, Michelin tire and WTB saddle
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Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004
Strengths: Outstanding cross-country bike, great traction, smooth and quick on the downhills, simple elegant design, and a bike built with passion.
Weaknesses: Unavailable
Bottom Line:
I’ve owned an Ibis SS since the early ‘90s and that frame has seen over 25,000 miles (I am the original owner of a 1985 Cannondale with 45,000 miles, but that is another story). When Ibis came out with the Silk Ti, I wanted one, and I wanted one badly, but the bike was too rich for my wallet. When Ibis went out of business, I suffered lasting regret and I felt as if I had forever missed my opportunity by not acquiring a Silk Ti when I had the chance.
Some time ago I was checking the Internet when I saw a used Ibis Silk Ti in my size – a rare opportunity indeed. Not wanting to miss out again, I bought it.
Now I have over 1,000 trail miles on the bike. Everything that you’ve read about the ride being like a dream is true. Like others have said, the Silk Ti might be the ultimate cross-country bike. On my first ride, when I first took the bike up the Ridge Road and down Scott’s Trail, I thought, “Hmm, not quite as tight and quick as the old Ibis SS.” Then I looked at my Cateye and saw that I was going faster than I do on the old SS. By the end of that ride I had that big smile on my face. Now that I’ve ridden the bike for 1,000 miles, I can say that the subtleties of the frame are even more impressive. The more I ride the frame, the more I appreciate the design and geometry, both on the climbs and on the descents. It rides like a hardtail – only better!
Ibis has a reputation for having the geometry dialed in and the Silk Ti is every bit as tight and quick as the old SS. The bike climbs very well – it is almost like the rear wheel is glued to the trail. There is no bounce and no slip on the climbs. And the bike is fast and responsive through the turns. The bike belongs on single-track trails and the way it corners is amazing. The 1.75-inch range on the rear shock seems more than adequate for my downhill riding. The flat chain-stays are big leaf springs and the seat-stay shock dampens the bumps. I’ve not noticed any pogo or bounce on the uphill – the suspension seems to work for you and keeps the wheel firmly on the trail. I’ve tried other bikes, but no bike has ever fit me as well as the Ibis SS – until now.
You can buy dual-suspension bikes that have a greater suspension range if your goal is to go downhill fast, but you’ll still have to lug that frame up the hills. If you want a great cross-country bike that goes uphill as well as downhill, and traditional full suspension bikes are not your fancy, you need to look for an Ibis Silk Ti.
So, if you can find one on the Internet, buy it. If you can’t, then you’ll have to get a Moots YBB or keep an eye on the John Castellano website (www.castellanodesigns.com). My understanding is that John Castellano plans to resurrect the Silk Ti in late 2004. My only regret is that I didn’t have this bike for Leadville in ’95 and ’96 (but no one else did either). The Ibis Silk Ti is just a fun bike to ride.
PS: The Silk Ti ride and technology are so impressive that I purchased an Ibis Ripley on ebay for my wife.
Bike Setup: XTR, Chris King, RaceFace Cranks, Rock Shox SID SL fork
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Submitted by
Scot
a Racer
from Westchester, New York
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Strengths: Excellent functionability and reliability
Weaknesses: NONE
Bottom Line:
Purchased the frameset aproximately 1 1/2 years ago and have found this bike to be everything I have been seeking and more. I have raced this bike XC and several 24 Hour event's and never had any problems. While racing I often hear other's say "Eh, when are you gonna upgrade to a newer bike?" (Since most guys I race with see there bikes having a 2 year shelf life)...the truth is I hope to be burried with this bike, it is the best bike for a XC purpose. Sad thing is that IBIS went under...but don't worry, the designer John Castellano is currently manufacturing the aluminum version under "FANGO Bicycles". Who know's maybe oneday you'll see a Fango Ti and the legend will live on.
Submitted by
Brad Kassenbrock
a Racer
from Fort Collins, Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Strengths: Unbelievable tracking in all conditions. Flat chainstays truely help with lateral rigidity and are the key to the ride quality
Weaknesses: $$$$ and the company bailed on all of us loyal Ibis followers and is now out of business. Good luck finding one.
Bottom Line:
This is the sweatest x-country racing rig out there. Flat chainstays allow for more travel than STP, YBB or any other similar bike. They are also the key to how well this bike tracks in fast single track. almost 2" of travel in the rear is a good amount if you are used to hard tails. If you are on anything w/more than 3.5" this wont fell as plush but will still ride much faster. Bike climbs very well but does require a smooth pedal stroke to keep it from having a small bob. Classic Ibis construction and welds make her very pretty as well.
Favorite Trail: Goldbar Rim to Poison Spider portal
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At: Turin Denver
Similar Products Used: Trek STP, Moots YBB, Serrota pivoted ti mtn bike.
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Mavic Cross Max UST, Kenda tires, marzzochi X-fly, Raceface stem, easton carbon bar and seatpost, Chris King headset, Flite saddle, Shimano 949 pedals, Avid sealed cables
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Submitted by
Tomislav
a Cross Country Rider
from Frisco, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001
Strengths: Simple. Light. Durable. Suspension works great for XC riding. Workmanship is first rate. Looks fabulous. Lifetime warranty. A great example of functional engineering.
Weaknesses: Only the price. People will tell you it's ridiculous to pay more for a softtail than for a true full-suspension rig, but the ride is the thing. I think it's a weakness that Ibis is so criminally underrated- the above-mentioned people will try to steer you to other brands that are often inferior.
Bottom Line:
This is a unique frame. It basically is the perfect all-around XC bike. It rides with the technical precision and efficiency of a good hardtail, but has better traction and much better tracking and comfort. I can't notice any loss of power, though I can see the bike bobs a little when climbing. On downhills, the rear just stays stuck to the ground, allowing me to sit through most rough sections. It is plush on small roughs, but damps big hits. No, it ain't a "freeride" or DH bike, but it is super-efficient and still very comfortable- perfect for just about any mountain ride. Best on singletrack, it also is good for very rocky downhill stuff- just don't expect it to suck up big hits for you. Ibis' geometry is perfectly dialed- quick enough for nasty technical sections, but totally stable. It expands the envelope for me- exactly what I wanted. The only downer is the price- though it's justifiable for what you get. I did get a "Blemish" deal on my frame from the Ibis website- saved $450. I can't tell what made it a blemish, plus got the front triangle painted a beautiful green- it's frickin' beautiful! I can't imagine needing "more" suspension. Plus, just one more bonus- it's hard to build up to weigh more than 23 lbs. And, Ibis (the company) got soul.
Similar Products Used: Bridgestone MB-0. Have only demo'd any other suspension frames.
Bike Setup: Mars Super, XT/XTR/SRAM drivetrain, Avid Mags, King hdset, Control Tech Ultra post, etc.
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Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from kuching, sarawak, malaysia
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001
Strengths: bombproof, strong, stiff, light, no pivots, quick but stable handling (kinda like a sweet wine with a dry finish)absolute marvel of machining and manufacture, really silky
Weaknesses: price
Bottom Line:
i have it set up perfect for equatorial rooty wet trails up and down lungbusting hills, and its bombproof. handles roots well, is quick in the steering dept but not twitchy for those slow speed switchbacks, great traction, suspension really works and makes a difference (never felt either end bottom dispite smacking some big sharp cut logs), quiet (compared to almost any linkage bike) simply no fuss maintenance, absolutely beautiful machining and finish, engineering wonder, silky on all the right places and stiff in all the others - could write a thesis on how bl**dy good it is. should be standard issue for cross country riders. perfect for technical cross counrty trail riders (any speed), but downhillers need not apply. now if the engine could only loose a few pounds.....
Bike Setup: XTR, Z2 ATOM 80, LASER BEAMS, race face risers, ibis ti stem, time alium pedals, velociraptors, king headset,sdg 2000ti saddle - 26lbs. i am 186lbs
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Submitted by
Craig T
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001
Strengths: Smooth, light, tracks well. Fast. Great on climbs and decents. You can feel the rear suspension working-aids in comfort and control. Best suited for singletrack. Great compromise between a hard tail and a heavier, bouncier full suspension frame. No lateral flex or pedal bob.
Weaknesses: Can't think of any. Frame is expensive, though. I paid $2200.
Bottom Line:
Great ride. Fast and efficient. Can't think of a better XC performer. Just about perfect for its intended use: fast XC riding/racing on tight singletrack. Match the rear suspension with a set of tubeless wheels and you can't beat the ride.
Favorite Trail: trails around Chesboro and Pt Mugu
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: Dreamride.com
Similar Products Used: First full suspension. Previous bike was a Stumpjumper M2. I briefly rode a Canonndale Scalpel in a parking lot-the other frame I was considering-but was is noticably heavier.
Bike Setup: Mavic Cross Max UST wheelset, '02 SID SL fork, True Vativ ISIS Team cranks, Race Face BB, King HS, XTR drive train, Selle Italia Flight saddle, Thompson Elite seat post, Speed Play Frog pedals.
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Submitted by
Mike Cushing
a Racer
from Loudonville, NY USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Strengths: First ride report. This bike is unreal. Took it out for a ride yesterday and ended up doing twice as much as I planned because it was so unbelieveable. It climbs, corners, descends. The rear end eats up just enough to give you a second to get out of the saddle before getting slammed. It is smooth as the name implies.
Weaknesses: Can't imagine ever finding any.
Bottom Line:
If you are thinking about it, buy this bike! It is so much fun to ride my wife will probably try to hide it from me to keep me home!
Bike Setup: 2002 Manitou Black Elite Air 80, King Headset and hubs. Mavic 517 Ceramic rims/dt double butted spokes, IRC Mythos XC tires, Avid Single Digit Ti brakes, Avid Speed Dial Ti levers. XTR shifters & derailleurs, XT 11-34 cassette, TruVativ Stylo Team ISIS cranks, TruVativ ISIS bb, Thomson seatpost and stem, Easton CT-2 bar, Lock-On grips
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Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahoe City, CA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Strengths: Dezine, materials and craftmansship are simply as good as it gets with today's technology!
Weaknesses: Ahhhhh.........
Bottom Line:
This bike is pure nectar! It does just about everything extremely well. Climbs like a dream, carves up the single track, agile as trials bike, goes slow and fast with precision and confidence, super light and quiet as they get. Other reviewers are raving about the handling w/80mm or 100+mm forks, well... they're ALL right! The 80-125mm Psylo SL makes this great all around bike even more versatile with a turn of a knob, @ 80mm the bike climbs, slices, and dices as dezined, quick and agile slow or fast. Crank the U-turn knob to 100+mm and the head angle slacks, handling slows up a touch and the front end just gobbles up the terrain. The rear suspension? It gets the best compliment of them all, it's like it's not even there! You don't feel it, hear it, adjust it, or think about it. It's just glued to the dirt and rocks doing it's thing. If your reading this review wondering if you would be happy with it... There is no dought about it, you'll love it! I liked it so much I just finished building one up for my Girlfriend. THIS BIKE ROCKS!
Bike Setup: I'm 5'10", 160 lbs., md. frame, 02 Psylo SL 80-125mm, King headset, Mavic Crossmax 2bliss w/Michelin Wildgripper 2.1, Easton MG60 mag stem 90mm 0°rise, Eston Monkeylite lowrise 24", Moots Ti post, WTB Laser V Ti, XTR drivetrain w/24,34,46 & 12-34, Speedplay Frogs Cro-mo, XTR V-brakes, all fastners switched to SRP Ti and aluminum fastners. As is with the "beefy" forks and tires this bike tips the scales at exactly 24lbs.
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Submitted by
Steve Ellul
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Strengths: Very light, beautifully finished, the attention to detail is superb. Classic looks and virtually maintainense free.Very smooth quiet ride, no more sore lower back.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I'd been riding my trusty Bontrager OR for the last ten years and although I love that bike I decided it was time to think about a new ride. I did a lot of reserch but kept coming back to the Ibis, being more of a cross-county rider I wanted something of a all rounder with a bit of suspension, low maintainence and that would last. Also at 35 and being a bit old skooler I didn't want sone complicated contraption. I would of never imagined spending this kind of money on a bike and I had to save like crazy for four months which meant less time down the pub and I don't regrt it at all. This bike is everything and more, it's so light, climbing and decending is pure pleasure and all the cashes I've had(there's been a few) have been due to me admiring the bike and not looking where I've been going. I don't think I'll need another bike for at least another ten years. The only thing that drives me crazy about this bike is that I have to sit in the office for another five days before I can get out on it again!
Bike Setup: mavic cross ride wheels, xtr drive train, Thompson stem and seat post, answer monkey lite bars, michelin wildgripper tyres, SID SL forks, selle italia max flight tran-am saddle
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Submitted by
Harvey
a Cross Country Rider
from Pepperell, MA USA
Weaknesses: Non-Ti hardware on a $2450 (list price) frame??
Bottom Line:
The Ibis Silk Ti is perfect for 99% of the riding I do (once in a while on a fast, rocky or rooty downhill, I wish for 5 inches of rear travel, but realize that NO bike can provide that along with all the benefits of the Silk Ti). This bike handles so quickly and effortlessly that it gets me through most obstacle fields by allowing me to manuever through them, but could get me in trouble on something easy if I lose concentration. If I can't make a climb, it's because of my technique, tires or legs, not my bike. With no pivot bushings or bearings to wear out, maintenance is virtually the same as a hardtail. I no longer have to worry about scratching or nicking the paint on this beautiful Ti steed. Every serious cyclist has to own a Ti bike sometime in their life, and the Silk Ti has to be the best Ti mountain bike there is.
Bike Setup: XTR drive train, Mavic rims, Velociraptor tires, Hayes front disc & hub, XTR rear hub, Manitou Mars CL fork, Thomson post, Bontrager Ti saddle, Chris King headset, Ringle stem, Ibis Ti bar, Pedros grips, LP bar ends
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Submitted by
Sled
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001
Strengths: Smooth, adjustable, quiet, laterally stiff, and virtually maintenance free. Just shoot a little lube in the elastomer stack every once in a while and you're good to go. Point and shoot, it goes where you want. Climbs great.
Weaknesses: Only one that I've found. The super huge and stiff vertical droupouts can be hard to get a quick release on the drivetrain side when using a quick release with a large skewer nut (cook bros. in my instance). No rear disc brake mount if you would like to go that route.
Bottom Line:
The sweetest softtail around. No pivots to maintain. It doesn't soak up the largest bumps, but it also doesn't lose power climbing. My complete bike is a 20 inch and 24.5 lbs. Great ride.
Similar Products Used: My wife has a Moots YBB which is really nice, too. My other 2 bikes are hardtails.
Bike Setup: XTR drivetrain, time pedals, king headset, race face, crossmax tubeless.
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Submitted by
Troy
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, CO
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Strengths: Stiff, lively frame, very smooth suspension, ride is SILENT.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
The only word I can find to describe this bike is PERFECT. The Silk Ti is everything I wanted in a bike. It climbs and handles like my old Fat Chance Yo Eddy, AND provides 1.75" of perfectly smooth rear travel. The frame is laterally stiff, and a true point-and-shoot performer in the tightest of trails. In addition to being very smooth, the ride is very, very quiet. No matter how rocky the trail, the Silk Ti is a silent ride. I can't see ever buying another frame, as this bike is truly perfect! Thanks IBIS.
Purchased At: Frame from IBIS, parts from Speedgoat
Similar Products Used: This is my first softail
Bike Setup: Race Face ISIS BB and cranks, new SRAM 8-speed with trigger-shifters, XTR V-brakes, Moots stem, bars, and post, Marzocchi X-fly 80, Crossmax tubless wheels.
