Weaknesses: I now wish I had an Ellsworth Truth as well...
Bottom Line:
I got a decent deal on this bike. I bought it as a complete bike from my dealer, thus the price. The bike appears to be a good climber. I have no regrets spending my money on this bike. But be sure to put a better fork on your bike than I did, the frame deserves that.
Similar Products Used: Hard Rocx Cambrium 4 (Norwegian brand), equipped pretty much like my Sub22, but with more Race Face products.
Bike Setup: Rock Shox SID SL, Shimano XT drivetrain, Avid 7.0 brakes and levers, Thompson seatpost and stem, Race Face Turbine LP crankset, Chris King hubs and headset, Selle Italia Nitrox seat, Easton CT2 handlebar, Mavic 517 rims, Schwalbe Black Jack tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Strengths: Light, strong, stiff, mono-tube chain / seat stays (a la Yeti), handbuilt and the finish is tits ass too...Thing climbs like a rabid monkey up a tree...it rules.
Weaknesses: None so far and due to Ellsworth's remarkable customer service I see none in the future either.
Bottom Line:
Although not the scant light weight I was hoping for (mine is 23 flat) it still kicks booty. The long top tube was a little much for me and I had to swap the stem to something shorter (I am 5'10" and I went from 130 to 110mm) but after that it fit me like a glove. Tight, responsive, fast as hell, and it climbs like a rocket. After riding several production frames (Specialized, Avalanche) I would NEVER EVER go back to them...a little pricey but if you shop around you can get a deal...buy one and it will not disappoint.
Favorite Trail: Maxwell to Shoreline to Michaud Lane
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At: MTBR of course...
Similar Products Used: GT Avalanche (Bleech) Specialized Rock Hopper (Double Bleech)
Bike Setup: SID, XTR, King Headset, Selle Italia Flite, Cross Lands (old school but still kickin'), Race Face Cranks and Post, Speedplay Frogs, Thompson Stem, Easton Monkey Lite
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos F
a Cross Country Rider
from La Habra, Ca, Orange County
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Strengths: Incredibly Light, 21.5 lbs for complete bike. Great geometry and Climbs like a goat. I love this bike. I have had a ton of fun on it. It looks cool, I get more compliments from girls on it, which is strange. I had a tracer before and it just wasn't my style. The top tube length on it was to short even though the called it 23 inches so it never fir comfy. The Sub 22 fits like a glove.
Weaknesses: The rider.
Bottom Line:
I recommend the Sub 22 to anybody in need of a super nice hard tail. I think you really get what you pay for because if you look at the dtail of frame alot of work went into it. It rides perfect and has great geometry.
Strengths: Lifetime Warantee Low Weight Laterally Solid Very Responsive Climbs Like a Goat Great Looks
Weaknesses: NONE
Bottom Line:
When I first got this bike two years ago, I ordered the large frame. This was not the greatest decision since at that time, I was 15 yrs old and 5'6". At that time, the bike and I did not "dance" as I wanted. All has changed now. I am 6'1" and love this bike to death. The sub 22 is the best handling bike I have ever ridden. It is completely flickable in tight and twisty trails, yet very stable at high races speeds. If you want a bike that will climb the highest mountains, look into this bike. This is the worlds greatest bike!!! One word to the wise- Make sure to get the corect size or you will be disapointed. I would advise anyone interested in a Sub 22 to get properly fitted by a good shop. If you are detered by the price, consider that this will be the last frame you ever will buy; IT HAS A LIFE TIME WARANTY!!!
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, Trek, Fisher, Giant, Specialized
Bike Setup: King hubs and HS, Sram shifters/R. der., Raceface stem, bars, cromo BB, and 180mm cranks and rings, Tompson post, Sid race, Time pedals, XTR brakes and levers
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Weekend Warrior
from Bountiful, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Strengths: Strenght, Durability, Weight, Quality Construction
Weaknesses: Wiping the drool off. Geometry
Bottom Line:
Poor geometry is attributed to a short travel (63mm) fork. This configuration makes the bike very sensitive to steering inputs. It also lowers the bottom bracket that'll require a 170mm or shorter crank arms.
The bike also has a short chain-stay that had me experimenting with various drivetrain configurations to reduce chainrub on the front derrailer and minimize chain crossover stress (I know, never run a chain from large gear to large gear). I have to resort to an older 8-speed set-up to be able to ride the bike and not have to worry of drivetrain failure. The final setup is Shimano XT rings (22/32/42) and an Ultegra 9-speed cassette (12-27 teeth). I also tried an 11-30 teeth 9-speed setup which worked fairly well. A large 44 teeth + chainring setup up front is too much trouble. I tried both a 44t and 46t RaceFace rings.
Overall, I am happy with the bike. Not as fast as the S-Works but is more forgiving by taking the edge off the trails (frame construction/material) and is more manueverable (shorter wheelbase, same travel fork).
My next purchase is a taller fork. I also own a Truth.. both bikes are sized on the smaller side of the scale. Just a heads-up for potential owners.
Similar Products Used: Kona Muni Mula, Specialized M2 S-Works, Specialized Rockhopper, Supergo Access
Bike Setup: Medium Sub-22, Marzocchi Z-5 Air, Shimano XT/XTR Drivetrain (ders/cass/chain), Syncros Forged Crank with Shimano Rings, Time ATAC, SRaM Attack, Avid 2.0 Levers, Avid AR-50 brakes, Thomson Stem/Post, Answer ProTaper bar, XT-Bontrager Mustang Ceramic, IRC Mythos XC
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
RWB
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001
Strengths: Stiff, light, quick, incredible tracking and responsive.
Weaknesses: Hmm...
Bottom Line:
Ellsworth has to be the best kept secret in mountain biking. I'm not a full-suspension rider, so I cannot speak for their FS bikes. If you dig hardtails, I recommend the Sub22, BIGTIME.
Similar Products Used: Klein Attitude Race (gave to the wife)
Bike Setup: Rock Shox SID Race Forks; Mavic 517 w/King Hubs; Easton Carbon Riser bars and Carbon Seatpost; Chubb friendly Terry Fly-X Ti Seat; Avid Ti Brakes and Levers; XTR derailleurs; XTR 9spd Ti-cassette; Raceface crankset and Ti BB (Yes, I'm a weight geek, but hey, it's only 20lbs 4oz!!!)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin County, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Strengths: Well, I traded in my FSR-XC for this hardtail! Stiff and responsive climber. Very quick in tight single track (no FS bike can match it). Comfortable geometry w/ long top tube. Remarkably supple for an aluminum frame (compared to my M2). Very sexy paint job!
Weaknesses: Some creaking at rear axle interface of skewer and frame. I'm on my third set and still not solved.
Bottom Line:
Pricey, but a stellar performer. This bike will make you just a little faster than a production frame from Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc....
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumpjumper, M2 S-Works & FSR-XC
Bike Setup: Hugi/Mavic Disk brake Wheelset, XT Hydralics, XTR and carbon fiber stuff, Marzocchi Atom Race, 'bout 24 lbs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Strengths: Climbs like you won't believe. Incredibly responsive. The most beautiful bike you'll ever see.
Weaknesses: Uhhh... nope. Sorry.
Bottom Line:
I have to say I only agree half-heartedly with the "get a Trek hardtail - save your money" argument against the Sub 22. True, I loved my 8000 and in a lot of ways it performed similarly to the Ellsworth. The geometry is almost identical. BUT, there is a difference and you can feel it. This is the most solid feeling bike I've ever ridden. I ride a lot of rooty, rocky, wet, nasty singletrack and this bike floats over it. It climbs like a goat, too.
Bottom line is: yes, this frame is more expensive than the Treks and Fishers and Schwinns and Specialized. But hey, if you spend a lot of time on a bike, spend the money. You won't regret it.
Strengths: Light Stiff Tracks well Color (anodized blue) Beautiful craftsmanship
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
You get what you pay for. I christened this bike on one of the most technical, rocky riding areas on the east coast (Gambrill/Catoctin blues trails, MD). I put this frame to the test. Killer rocky down hills, grueling technical climbs, and tight turns. This bike performed above my expectations. It handles well in all conditions. It can climb, descend, and corner extremely well.
Ellsworth has crafted a work of art. This bike is beautiful, if you can say that about a bike. Pure eye candy.
Bike Setup: RaceFace LP cranks, XY seatpost, bottom bracket, low riser bar and stem. Shimano XTR front and rear derailleurs, XTR shifters and brake levers, XT disc hub with Mavic 517CD Rims. Avid Disc brakes. Manitou Ti Lite fork. Panaracer fire XC pro's. Selle Italia Fight Gel saddle. Oury Grips
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000
Strengths: very light, stiff. it tracks extremely well
Weaknesses: stiff, very stiff
Bottom Line:
this bike improved my mountain biking tenfold. it tracks extremely well, is very stable at high speed and is very, very forgiving in hairy situations. The only problem is that it is way too stiff for ultra long rides. At 41, I need a fs for long rides. for racing and shorter rides, it is amazing. I paid 1000 for this bike new (yes, new) so I can't complain.
Bike Setup: white bros xc 4 fork, king ti hs, srp carbon crank/race face rings; time carbon pedals, sram 9.0sl shifters, deraileurs, flite ti saddle, use seatpost, cane creek wam wheels, avid ultimate levers, paul motolite brakes, control tech stem, bontrager bar. wieghs in at 22 lbs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Tiffin, OH USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000
Strengths: Light, responsive, strong, and great geometry.
Weaknesses: Need eyes in the back of your head to keep people from stealing it.
Bottom Line:
If I wanted to piss off GOD and worship an idol above him I would have to choose this bike as that idol. It has everything you could look for in a Lord and Savior. It can lead you through tight situations, like a triple uphill switchback. It can provide the strength you need to tackle that winding single track; and it's strong as hell. I usually ride this bike like a wolverine on crack, no drop, jump or set of stairs gets neglected. I can't count the number of hard falls I've had on it without a single problem(many of the falls were complete forward flips and one was on cement, ouch). This bike climbs like nothing else, and it has no trouble with fast technical downhills either. The geometry of the bike is great for the rider who loves to attack trails and not just win the races. This could be the ultimate frame for cross country riders who also like to leave the ground and do jumps as well. I wouldn't take this bike on the north shore(buy a Ellsworth Dare for that) but I would take it to your favorite rythem section and blast through it as quick as I would take it for a 6 hour ride on single track. Bottom line is, buy this frame, buy a Marzocchie shock, and have the time of your life. Don't get this bike and put cheap as parts on it either.
Similar Products Used: Trek 6500 with stupid components; like XT and 2000 Judy Race.
Bike Setup: All 2000 XT components. Marzocchie Z2 Atom 80, mavic 517 rims, Panaracer FireXC tires, race face handlebars, thompson elite seatpost, Kore stem, cane creek headset, bontrager saddle and yeti grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Waszak
a Cross Country Rider
from New Market, Md, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Strengths: Great Climber, Super Responsive, Yearns for speed, Head Turner, Superb Customer Support from the company
Weaknesses: Weakness? Weakness is not in Ellsworth's vocabulary.
Bottom Line:
The rumble of the tires and the buzz of the rear hub is all that is heard as the silver streak screems past a racer. You ease yourself over the crest of an unforgetable ascent and look back to see others panting and struggling to overtake what you have already conquered. You cruise through technical single track that has ended the race for for many a rider. While the others pedal about on their bikes you feel at one with your new appendige. Both you and the bike perform to create the ultimate ride. The feeling is unmatchable as you and your ride work as a team to overcome any obsticle. These experiences are why some choose to buy Ellsworthes and why others don't know what they are missing.
Bike Setup: Xtr, Kooka, Race Face, Syncros, Mavic and many other after market goodies.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000
Strengths: Very light, strong, cool looking finish and quality craftsmanship
Weaknesses: expensive
Bottom Line:
I thought it would be a stiff ride but the wheelset and the plush fork smooth it out nicely. Climbs great even with the long travel fork. Well worth the money I spent.
Bike Setup: Magura Louise(kick ass!), Maugura Quake C, Hayes disc hubs, XTR Cranks, panaracers, sun rims, ti-dye spokes, thomson seatpost, Azonic riser bar n Sachs shifters.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999
Strengths: light, strong, FUN.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
bought this at a swap meet SLIGHTLY Used for $200 cuz my last bike got jacked. put it together with a bunch of parts that i took off my last bike when I was upgrading it. Next upgrade are brakes and shifters/levers and some Speed Springs in the Indy fork. Weighs in at 24.5 lbs. but using some ass heavy stock equipment, but then again I weigh 195 and can lose more weight pissing than anyone can lose in upgrades. Last of all the paint job that i have on mine have caused others to crash on the trail because they were staring at my ride.
Hi All, 1st day and 1st post on Mtbr forums!! I have been desperate to find a SUB22 frame for ages as i wanted something a little bit retro (but not too old) and something complete Read More »
Hey,
*confessionmode on* I try to be a little bit of a weight weenies *confessionmode off*.
As I 'm a social worker my budget doesn't allow me to build a hyperlight bike but I Read More »
Hey all, I have a buddy who is aiming to sell an 05/06? Ellsworth Sub 22, but isn't quite sure what it's actually worth. I spent a lot of time searching trying to find info on the Read More »
I'm considering buying an old Ellsworth 22 to convert to SS as an upgrade from my Voodoo Wanga
Does anyone have any experience of these. as far as I can see from the limited pic Read More »
