Submitted by
Stu
a Cross Country Rider
from Antrim
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Strengths: The frame is incrdedibly strong, you could let an atom bomb off below it and it wouldnt even crack the paint. The bike is the lightest thing i have ever seen at the price, 24lb for the full thing. The frame inspires confidence and quickly allows a rider to improve. Excellent value for money.
Weaknesses: The groupset which came as standard was all SRAM stuff, which has since been upgraded to XT, the wheels have also been upgraded to Mavic X517s.
Bottom Line:
The frame is excellent, well gusseted below the down tube, and is exceptionaly light, but yet has amazing strength. This provides a good base on which to upgrade and has the potential to make an even better bike, I got mine weighing under 22lbs.
Favorite Trail: Any this bike handles them all... with ease
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Similar Products Used: Merlin WRS sometrhing or other (crap)
Bike Setup: XT groupset, Mavic X517 wheels, Manitou Spyder Fork
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Bojan Trabonjaca
a Cross Country Rider
from MElbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Strengths: Rock solid, confidence inspiring and great value bike
Weaknesses: The front derailleur doesn't shift perfectly and the wheels on my thing are just hangin on for dear life (soon to be replaced). Considering its price and that bike was second hand Im not fussed about those.
Bottom Line:
This bike marks my initiation into the world of modern MTB and as such a sensitive task it has performed it absolutely great so far. The front shifter needs double push on the lever to change up, but it still changes so I dont care. Rear shifter needs a bit of adjusting tension every once in a while, but even at worst is very reliable. My wheels have also pretty much had it, and I'll be getting some Mavic x517 soon. Considering that this is an entry level second hand bike those few faults are understandable.
On the good side the bike is very light and so easy to ride. The frame appears beefy, which is good because it gives solid appearance, as if you could throw it off of a cliff and ride it home, yet it is exceptionally light. I have had my first XC race on it few weeks ago as well as all the riding I do and it has held up with flying colors and even asked for more. Pretty soon some clipless pedals are going on, and as soon as new wheels arrive I'll be all set. All this given that it was really cheap, I really dont see how I could describe it as anything less then ecceptional value for money bike. I've also had a look at the current Iron Horse range and their site, and I think that unless there is a sudden change in the build quality I'll be hard pressed not to get another Iron Horse when the upgrade time comes around. Thats how impressed I am with my thing.
Bike Setup: Manitou Spyder front, Alivio rear derailleur with rapidfire shifters, UFO racing seat and a riser bar.
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Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Strengths: looks, a-frame, love the color and price
Weaknesses: Seat,hard as hell, pedals, wheels and front derailer.
Bottom Line:
Good bike and price for beginers or the casual rider. If you are wanting a bike for anything more than that look elsewere or a better model like the 9.0
Bike Setup: all standard except for seat and pedal upgrade
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Submitted by
N D
a Weekend Warrior
from VANCOUVER, CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Strengths: ALL AROUND GOOD BIKE, GOOD FOR DOWNHILLS, HANDLES FINE, AND I HAVE TO SAY IT CLIMBS BETTER THAN I EXPECTED, EVEN WITH THE 30T COG.
Weaknesses: WEAK FRAME(SLIGHT TWIST IN REAR TRI JUMPING 2'), GRIPSHIFT, WEAK CHAIN(SHIMANO IG)
Bottom Line:
THE BIKE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF:YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. IF YOU WANT A DECENT RIDE, THAT HAS AVERAGE EVERYTHING(EXCEPT CLIMBING ABILITY), THIS IS THE BIKE. I HAVE TO ADMIT I HAVE TRASHED THIS BIKE, AND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REAR TRI, THE BIKE HAS HELD TOGETHER FAIRLY WELL. A GOOD BEGINNER FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING TO RIDE.
Bike Setup: stock w/ shimano pedals and answer pro taper handlebar
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999
Strengths: The bike is solid every where! I have bailed hard about 3 -4 times and no machanical problems.
Weaknesses: The saddle is like riding on a block of wood and the rattle trap pedals have to go.
Bottom Line:
For the money this bike is rock solid the 2 weaknesses I mentioned are both fixed easily after you buy the bike. The bike climbs well and seems to float down decents. It is very stable even when you are not. It even looks prety cool with the A frame design. Overall this is the best bike I tested for the money and it seems to be nuke proof.
