Submitted by
Aarre Laakso
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002
Strengths: Strong. Good value for money.
Weaknesses: Heavy; low-end components. I had a terrible chain-suck problem until I replaced the granny ring.
Bottom Line:
This was my first mountainbike. I bought it used, and I have no regrets. It is a great way to start, and I am slowly upgrading components as the need arises & budget allows. Recommend for any first-timer.
Similar Products Used: This is my first mountainbike.
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Submitted by
King Kikapu
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta CANADA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000
Strengths: +cromoly "A" frame +Nice strong paint job +Descent component selection +brand name fork(RST) +Smooth handling and ride feel +PRICE!!!! +Reliability +Quiet
Weaknesses: -nameless parts:stem, bar, seatpost, front derailluer(actually a low line Sun Race derailluer, but act's like a nameless one) -nameless brakes(preform well, but it doesnt give a real nice feel) -pesky gripshift -a little on the heavy side, just barely -tires are a little bit too narrow (1.95) -RST 280's(They are very good for value, but i bent them in a BIG crash. I would bought them again but i got a Judy for my B-Day*woo hoo* )
Bottom Line:
This is one solid hardtail. IronHorses are kind of rare on the trails, but they are getting popular fast. If you are going to buy a bike, look into the Flagstaff(or anyother IronHorse). Quality bursting to the seems, for a rather nice price(around $600 canadian, i got for $399 on sale). The only upgarde you have to make is the front derailleuer. It's descent but i experieced a few mis-shifts. If you like gripshift, keep 'em. but if not then go rapidfire. This is one tough bike to beat for the money and quality. For beginner /intermediate range, EXCELLENT. For those weight weenines and "I have got to get a REAL NAME BARND bike", then i don't suggest it. But i'd rate it 10 flamming chili's for value if I could.
Bike Setup: stock parts left untouched = tires, stem, Rear derailluer, rims, hubs, brakes Parts i have now: -Radical Aluminum 7001 Straight Pipe -alivio deralleuers -STX-RC 8sp Rapid Fire Plus with optic gauges(kickin value for shifters) -tranz-x suspension seatpost -'00 RockShox Judy XC(very good fork for the money) -Tioga XC tires(i'm getting them for chistmas, i think :D )
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Submitted by
eric reed
a Weekend Warrior
from valdosta ga us
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000
Strengths: Frame is very good quality, solid for the price. This is my first bike and has been a solid basis for up grades. Agile for the weight but by no means heavy. 28.5 lbs full bike when bought with upgrades 26.5 lbs and still factory bottom bracket and seat/seatpost post and the RST 181 fork. So their is still room to diet.
Weaknesses: Componets overall, better than your run of the mill bike but like i said it leaves room for upgrades.
Bottom Line:
Im an above average size rider 6ft 1in 220 lbs and this bike has taken me through everything, knee high water, 7 mile down hill in Pa, hard street riding. Ive tried to break this bike and cant. Im very pleased and would recomend it as a first bike to anyone. Plus you wont see very many Ironhorses on the trails.
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Strengths: Nice bike with good components. Strong construction.
Weaknesses: Inline shock. Handlebar plugs fall out easily. I've lost several. Crank initially stiff, but as bike wore in loosened up somewhat. Handle bars could be set higher.
Bottom Line:
Good bike with full chromoly frame. Decent shifters and gears. I bought this as a 1999 clearout in 2000. The original selling price was $639.00 Canadian, although I purchased it for $319.00 Canadian. Bottom line is that it is overpriced for the $639.00 list as there are many more superior bikes in that price range, however for the price I paid I got a decent bike. Good bike for the beginner mountain biker
Submitted by
scott johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from new milford n.j
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Strengths: price,components,durability
Weaknesses: grip shifters, fork
Bottom Line:
great bike for the price. i got it as a 99 leftover for $240. after my upgrades it rocks, i beat the bike hard and no problems yet. hardcore urban stairs and ledges have been no match for the flagstaff
Submitted by
hill climber
a Cross-Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Strengths: For the money you won't find a better chromoly bike. Compared to aluminum bikes in this pice range the components on the flagstaff are much better. I have had no problems yet.
Weaknesses: Be warned the chromoly will flex, this is good though on the real bumpy sections. It is also heavy, but if this is a beginner bike the weight is good as far as training goes.
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike if you only have $300 to spend. If you do light core cross country the chromoly may not be right for you. If you have $450 to spend, get the ars 2.0. Ironhorse is my first bike, but when you compare the components to other manufacturers the deal can't be beat.
