Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from athens alabama Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
where ever ther is dirt
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
the RIDE.... shot peened finish... build quality of the frame..the ride, the RIDE... did i mention the RIDE
Weaknesses:
if the cheesy stickers count thats it
Similar Products Used:
giant.. diamond back... is anything really simular?
Bike Setup:
ritchey wheels, tires... xtr, magura louis, thompson, chris king,,,,zoke z1,(overkill)... race face, fox shock
Bottom Line:
the more i ride it the more i want ot sleep with it... all day comfort, great handling... glad i dropped the coin, this bike is just wounderful...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony Sandoval
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Quality welds, customer service, anodized finish.
Weaknesses:
no disc brake hose mounts.
Bike Setup:
romic rear shock
Bottom Line:
bad @ss. This bike makes me a better rider! I justify the cost by the lifetime warranty and the customer service. Routing the rear der. cable was tricky untill I used a magnet at the bottom routing hole. Get the Romic upgrade!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Franklin Street Cycles
Strengths:
Solid construction, sealed bearings, big pivot bolts.
Weaknesses:
stickers
Similar Products Used:
rocket 88 stage 2 (they're both full suspension anyway)
Bike Setup:
Rock Shock SID XC 80mm. Thomson stem/seatpost, raceface cranks, xtr front and rear drlr, Romic shock, Tioga factory DH tires.
Bottom Line:
This frame is rock solid. When I do a side by side comparison of the Truth and my old Rocket 88 frame, the Truth has a lot more support material in the highly stressed areas. One quick example is the bottom shock mount (which I broke on the Rocket). I find the ride to be buttery smooth on the descents and very well suited for climbing. My only concerns are completely cosmetic in nature: The powder coat has a small area where it looks like there's small particulate under the surface (I believe there's a term for this flaw). The stickers. They're just stuck on over the paint and are fairly detailed and delicate. In order to keep them from snagging or getting torn up, I went ahead and brushed clearcoat over the edges - problem solved. Fortunately, stickers and paint blemishes aren't going to keep me from riding; broken pivots, worn bushings, and cracks in the frame do and are all issues I experienced with the Rocket 88. These were all factors in choosing the Truth: bigger pivot bolts, bearings instead of bushings, and reinforcements in the frame that seem to make sense (and I don't have to be a structural engineer to see the differences).
I would also like to add that Ellsworth is beta testing a new forum on their web site (which I hope takes off). I've posted there a few times and have had helpful, prompt responses from the staff; Mr. Ellsworth has even taken the time to reply.
Worth every penny.
I'll review again after I put some more miles on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Racer
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Nice build. Nice paint. Bearings are no-fuss. Rear is plush. Plenty of travel.
Weaknesses:
Bobs a little. Terrible stickers (delicate). Not as light as they say.
This is a great bike if it fits your needs. I don't think it is a great race bike, which is really what I wanted. The frame is close to 6 pounds. No matter what you do, it does bob some, though you don't notice if you are seated or on bumpy stuff (the Ad-12 doesn't have a lockout). It climbs great in the sense that traction is good, but it doesn't accelerate like a hardtail. I had no problems at all with the frame and suspension in terms of reliability. Rear derailleur bangs on the suspension which is no biggie, but annoying. My expectations were probably too high. I was hoping for a no-compromise compared to hard-tail bike. It isn't that. Plus, good luck on finding one to demo ride. Not many people stock them.
It has a fair amount of travel, but not really what you would want for a free-ride. Especially since it is designed for an 80mm fork (even then the steering is not particularly fast).
You could pay much less for a Giant or a Specialized. I think they are just as good.
So, if you don't race too much (or none) and mostly ride XC but not big drops and rocky stuff, it is a great, but expensive bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominic Paisley
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Nowhere near as light as claimed. Stickers peel off easily. Only room for 1 water bottle.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Manitou X-Vert Super, Avid Mag, Cane Creek AD12, XTR/XT, Be Bop's, Spinergy SPOX, Geax Arrojo
Bottom Line:
Great suspension design - active all the time but still efficient. This frame works really well with a 4" fork for "all mountain" use. I have used it on everything from tight single track to super steep, rocky descents and it works well everywhere. Downsides: Ellsworth claim super light weight but my small 2001 Truth SE weighs 5.6 lbs - 3/4 lb more than claimed. Also, my logos are peeling off despite their "lazer etched" claims. Worth the money if you want a great suspension design and a well made frame but don't believe the hype about light weight or indestructible frame finish.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary, canada Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
nose hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
calgary cycle
Strengths:
This is one of the lightest FS frames I've had the pleasure to ride. It is comfortable and the suspension will not bob whilst you stand or pedal hard. The bike craves to be ridden hard, especially on steep technical ascents. In fact, there are lot of areas I can now climb which I previously couldn't on a light hardtail. The bike requires no special technique on tricky climbs. Rather than adapting to the bike, it adapts to you. The Truth seems to find its own traction, leaving you to worry only about pedaling.
The sealed bearings are a bonus, especially in wet or muddy conditions. They are smooth, silent, and virtually require no maintenance. It's amazing that this frame weighs less than the '99 model with bushings.
I like the silver shot peened finish, which adds an element of toughness to the frame. Like most Ti frames, I won't have to worry about scratching. I think other manufacturers should adopt this finishing style, unless it's been patented by Ellsworth.
Also, I want to thank all the folks at Ellsworth...Tony, Cathy, Ab, Sherpa....You gave me all the information and advice I needed and you were all prompt in replying to my questions. You all made sure I got such a rare bike. Also, I like your humble, down to earth approach.
Weaknesses:
Huh? Yeah right. Well, if I gotta do this, then here are some....
The frame's expensive, but well worth its weight in gold. It cost more than the standard Truth, but it's one of a kind. This bike is an investment in fun, so start saving your lunch money!
The stickers are attractive, but peel off easily. Luckily, Ellsworth will replace them... I like the gothic "Truth" logo, and I wish Ellsworth had not done away with it.
For any new Ellsworth owners, you won't have to worry about decals. The logos are laser etched for 2001. Muy bien!
Similar Products Used:
FSR (I heard about durability issues) Super V Raven (bobs quite a bit), Rocky Mountain Element T.O. (great bike actually) Giant NRS (similar design, but heavier)
Bike Setup:
2000 Truth SE, Rock Shox Sid SL, XT disc brakes f/r, Race face Next ISIS, Mavic Crossmax UST, Easton CT2 bar, seatpost and MG60 stem, XTR drivetrain, King headset.
Bottom Line:
"If I ever lose this heaven/I'll never be the same.." -Philosopher Kings
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from Temecula, CA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek 24 Hr. Course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
I.E. Bikes (www.iebikes.com)
Strengths:
Everything. The bike is stiff, strong and durable. This is the real thing, which is being copied by many of the major companies.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer, Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized FSR XC, Intense Uzzi SL.
Bike Setup:
SID SL, Race Face cranks, Hadley/x517 wheels, Avid SD TI brakes, Bebop pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike known to man. It is the lightest full suspension bike out there with 4 inches of travel. It climbs better than a hardtail or any other full suspension bikes out there. Living in So Cal, the Intense is quite popular. The Ellsworth blows it out of the water. My friend has a Tracer and it is “built light” and it weighs 26.3 lbs. My Truth is built for XC racing and tips the scale at 23 even. My Truth also gets a full 4 inches of travel. The Intense says 4 on paper, but it is more like 3. When I bought my Truth, I got it with the Fox Float R (the one without the lockout) simply because a lockout is unnecessary. The Truth pedals so neutrally. Don’t be fooled by the Intense Tracer, get the Specialized FSR (it is basically the same thing, just with more travel and a lot less money). If you are looking to get a super sexy XC machine that will be the envy of all your friends, the Truth is the only way to go.
P.S. The people up at Ellsworth are super cool and helpful. You are not just buying a bike but a whole new way of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Jankowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston, NY Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
It was difficult to spend close to $2000 on a frame and shock. However, after talking to Lee and Miki at Dreamride [and reading MTBR reviews], I was assured that I would not regret it. They were absolutely right. The bike is worth every penny! On the trail the ride is phenomenal. Both climbing and descending were given new meaning. Honestly, I make the short steep climbs that I had never made in the past. I do not believe there is any loss of power, only increases in handling and traction.
The same is true when descending. The Cane Creek AD-12 coupled with the sealed bearings on the Truth make for four inches of super plush travel. I'm still getting use to the feeling of the four inches of rear travel. I've actually stopped on a few occasions to check the pressure in the rear wheel. The frame gives me an uncanny feeling that the tire pressure is way low. I'm sure I'll become accustomed to it soon enough.
The frame has a lifetime guarantee. I questioned Ellsworth [Cathy] about the bearings and replacement. She told me that the [oversized] sealed bearings in the frame were designed to last the life of the bike and if I did have any problems, Ellsworth Bicycles would replace them as part of the lifetime guarantee. What great customer Service.
Lee and Miki at Dreamride were wonderful to deal with. They returned e-mail inquires within 24 hours and both were very helpful with both the purchase and during bike set-up. They have the best pricing on frames and components.
Cathy from Ellsworth called a couple of weeks later. She had received my registration card and was calling to make everything was OK. She was very helpful: I had a couple of questions regarding the frame. We talked for about 15-20 minutes and I am very happy about the customer service aspect of Ellsworth.
Overall, the frame is well worth it. It seems like a lot of money to spend but if you're passionate about mountain biking, why wouldn't you go with the best. I figured I could have bought other frames at half the price, but I would probably have to replace it in 4-5 years. The quality is impeccable: you'll see it when you purchase one. I went with the 2001 Truth SE. I wanted the red metallic powdercoat with the black rear end. E-mail me if you'd like to see it or if you have any questions. Good luck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a
from boyertown, pa Date Reviewed: March 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anytrail in Sq*****h, B.C.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
J.B.'s Bike Shop, PA
Strengths:
light, fast, strong, unparalled climbing ability, tons of confidence descending,
Weaknesses:
get real
Similar Products Used:
specialized fsr, moots
Bike Setup:
marzocchi z-1 100, avid mechanical, kujo 2.65 dh, burly enough to handle most north shore abuse
Bottom Line:
yeah it is pretty pricey, but hot damn it's worth every penny. It is just plain fast on the cross country courses, and still tough enough to survive the north shore's abuse. It is the perfect ride for just about anyone, who doesn't consistently require 5+ inches of travel.
The guys at ellsworth are super friendly, and helpful. you will see what i mean if you buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawn
a Racer
from spartanburg Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Exellent design, good looks, top notch craftsmanship
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
everything
Bike Setup:
xtr, race lite wheels, arch supremes, titaniun bar/stem, frog ti pedals, sid sl long travel
Bottom Line:
I've ridden everything out there. Even the new full suspension 'racers' from the big names. This is the real thing, plain and simple. Great climbing ability and screams downhill. It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny. If you think I'm full of it, you need to ride one. I have two friends who bought one after riding mine only a few miles down the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Modena NY USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Thorpe, Stewart, Ringwood, Hartshorne
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Briarcliff Bike Works
Strengths:
Light, does everything very well, excellent balance, climbs and decends equally well
Weaknesses:
um.... $??
Similar Products Used:
Specialized (broke it) santa cruz (rim tours rental) ellsworth truth (broke it twice)
Bike Setup:
raceface cranks, rings, post, stem... Crossmax ceramic... panaracer fire xc pros... easton carbon monkey bar... avid brakes, xt and gripshift...
Bottom Line:
the best bike out there... the santa cruz was close but the ellsworth rides the technical slow nasties the best... and climbs better than any other bike, while decending like a downhiller... the "mmmmm... ellsworth" factor does have an effect too.... plus Ellsworth will take care of you... As will Lou at briarcliff... he's a real decent guy...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Winooski VT Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sterling Valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Any frame from this company rules! Cool nekkid aluminum finish, machine work, welds, and the lack of weight
Weaknesses:
dont bother trying to find any
Similar Products Used:
Truth, Dare,
Bike Setup:
Very very light
Bottom Line:
If you have to have a lightweight xc bike with sealed cartridge bearings, this is the only one to have unless you are a fan of single pivot bikes(get an Isis SL). The original work of art just got better, but you better get one quick!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 2395.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
