Submitted by
Delia Bullock
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Strengths: Extremely well crafted with respect to material selection, design, welds, finishing, ride characteristics, paint, decals. Very light, especially for steel.
Bottom Line:
I started riding with a big heavy steel Diamondback Centurion road bike. Smooth ride, like a Cadillac. Upgraded to a smaller Cannondale R800 - very light and stiff but transmitted all the road vibrations. Went back to steel with the IF but am amazed at how rigid this frame is. Absolutely no flex whatsoever. And with an Aegis carbon fork and titanium railed saddle vibrations are not a problem. The fit is great. Bottom line is I can't see giving it up to ride any other frame material. The color of my bike is Sunburst, a yellow to orange to red fade.
Strengths: This bike was bought on EBAY, so I think I got a fair deal for a brand new 53 cm seat tube, and 54cm top tubed Crown Jewel, sparkle silver. The complete bike weighs 18lbs built up with complete Utlegra, except Dura Ace wheels and shifters. The frame absolutely rocks on high speed turns and it is the most comfortable ride I have ridden. I went from a Trek Carbon Postal frame to this, and hands down I will not get another bike. The frame is bullet proof and impervious to the weather because everything is sealed. This frame when bought online came with a warranty card and the original bike box. So someone in a shop broke their contract and sold it on Ebay, to my benefit. The rural roads in maine suck, so this bike makes the most shifty pavement like warm butter. And the bike is stiff, light, and very workmanlike. Thanks for the caviar at hamburger pricing.
Lack Luster
Weaknesses: The only weakness is that someday I will die, but my crown Jewel will go to a family member
Strengths: If you are looking for a product that is solidly rooted in all that is right about frame design minus the cheese of trendy throw away frills, this is the road frame you have been searching for. IFs attention to the important details, like alignment, the prefect blend of the best tubing for each frame size, perfect welds, sealed tubes that are never seen by the average consumer and more. This all adds up to the best road ride I've ever experienced. Do yourself a favor and don't cut corners. By yourself and IF and experience the Crown Jewel of road biking!
Similar Products Used: Trek, Specialized, Klien, Schwinn, etc
Bike Setup: Dura Ace, Mavic Pro, Ageis Carbon Fork (sweetness)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000
Strengths: Build quality, painted to match salsa stem, matching fork geometry to frame size, cool looks
Weaknesses: Not nearly enough people really know how great the bike is.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I was an easy sell because I have an IF Deluxe (mountain frame). The geometry is great. Long and comfortable, but with a relaxed seat tube so you can climb well. Very good for longs rides. Probably not as good as a stiff aluminum bike, like Cannondale, if all of your riding is short sprints. If you want an all around great bike for all kinds of riding, then the IF is for you. I am completely sold on steel's ride and longevity, and IF goes the extra mile with Reynolds 853 and superior quality. More paint choices than you can shake a stick at too.
Strengths: Glossy, lusty paint job Gorgeous welds Stiff but forgiving Reynold 853 tubing is very nice. Many many frame sizes available to accomodate any size body.
Weaknesses: Straight blade fork takes some getting used to as far as looks go.Expensive frameset
IF crown jewel road bike. Reynolds 853 is stiff yet gives a comfortable ride. I love this bike. Compared to the Cannondale I had the ride is a hundred times better. The bike tracks wonderfully on screaming downhills thanks to the perfect alignment and straight fork. Paint job is awesome. Highly recommended!
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