Submitted by
ddstuntjump
a Downhiller
from Issaquah, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
A-Line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Off Craigslist
Strengths:
This is the craziest bike ever. unbelievable suspension, soaks up rock gardens, motocross size whoops, and whatever jump you point it at without blinking an eye. Looks badass to.
Weaknesses:
It weighs as much as an anvil, or a ton of bricks, building, car, you get the idea. ITS A FREAKIN TANK!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like it.
Bike Setup:
Kowa inverted fork, hayes brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike is crazy. It takes whatever drop, jump, rock garden, downhill situation i throw at it, chews it up, spits it out, then looks down the trail for the next victim. The suspension is amazing, it builds tons of confidence and is awesome while hammering through the whoops at mach 1. It is also tons of fun, cause its like riding a lazyboy. The 11inches of travel makes for a really difficult time pedaling though. I raced it at Mnt. Hood last summer, and small section of the course was flat with an uphill ladder, and this probably took at least 10-15 seconds off my time, because this bike isnt meant to go up hill. At all. Under any circumstances. If you race on courses that are super gnarly, bomb the whole way down rock gardens, there isn't a better bike on the planet to ride. Its also a blast on freeride stuff as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erick
a Downhiller
from San Mateo CA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Juggs, 911, Superbowl
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
custom build
Strengths:
Lots of butter smooth travel, tons of adjustments (ride height, headangle, bottom-bracket height), stong as hell
Weaknesses:
no replaceable dropouts, standard rear quick reliese (not 150mm),
Similar Products Used:
to many too list
Bike Setup:
Fox 40RC, DHX 5.0 coil, Saint cranks, Diablos bars and stem, Hayes brakes, D517 rims, Azonic petals, XT, Maxis & Michelin Comp32
Bottom Line:
This is actually my 3rd Army I've owned and I currently have 2. One is set up for full on DH (bashing rockgardens) and Big drops and pretty heavy on the 55 lbs side. The other is set up more DH race style weighing in at a rather light 41 lbs as listed on my bike setup list. The bike handles like a dream and can get through all that it approaches from techy tight stuff to more aggresive DH rockgarden/drop type stuff. It really gave me a lot of confidence to do the BIG stuff that most riders only dream about. To all the Haters out there ripping apart Yon and Karpiel, get over yourself. That said "This Bike Rocks/ Long Live Karpiel"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen
a Downhiller
from San Mateo Ca U.S.A. Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A. line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1625.00
Purchased At:
ebay.com
Strengths:
11" of travel ! eats up ever thing in my way
Weaknesses:
none!
Similar Products Used:
M-3, V-10, But NOT as strong!
Bike Setup:
it is an 04,with A fox vanilla DH, king, 888RC, IN Stem, race face Diabolus crank's, 50/50, mrp, sram xo, odi double wide rim's.
Bottom Line:
The bike is stronger than ever thing I have rode, so if you are looking for A super strong frame, the armageddon is for you!!! Downhill & Freeride only! No light wight here!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Allen
a Downhiller
from Lewiston, Idaho Date Reviewed: August 1, 2006
Stratos s8 (avy on order), avalanche dhs w/ ti spring, deemax rims/king hubs, king headset, mag brakes, xpedo peddals, rf n. shore cranks, kenda bluegroove/nevegal combo tubeless, pro taper 31.8 bars, thomson x.4 stem thomson post, wtb laer v dh ti saddle, x.9 components, etc...
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review from the last one based on more experience. 2 Thumbs way up, handles as a dual purpose bike from DH to FR, Thrashing courses (brundige) to big drops and technical stuff like Tamarack. It is built to take abuse and laugh at it, this is a must buy frame if you are looking to ride and want 1 bike to do it. (as long as it's not x/c.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
codie thomas
a Racer
from canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
psychosis 7
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
demo
Strengths:
crazy totally insane can huck this bike off anything. i would take this bike off jaw drop.to bad i dont have as big of balls as josh bender. but hell one day.
Weaknesses:
little on the heavy side but no worries lighter than my last set up 2003 norco aline with monsters
Similar Products Used:
Norco team dh, santa cruz v10
Bottom Line:
killer deal if you got some muscle to man handle this beast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake Womack
a Downhiller
from Granite Bay, CA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Auburn DJ's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At:
Mtbr.com/Classifieds
Strengths:
Lots of front travel(10)and lots of rear(12)! Frame is industructable! And the bike pedals well for alot of travel!
Weaknesses:
It's 56 pounds!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized P.1
Bike Setup:
Karpiel Armageddon with Risse Jupiter 5 rear shock, stratos superstar s8, Pro Tapar bars, Tiogo factory Dh tires 2.60 with red walls, and gold hubs!
Bottom Line:
This bike will eat any DH or FR course the world can give it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erick
a Downhiller
from San Mateo, CA ,USA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rattlesnake, Dirt Merchant, Auburn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
STRONG AS HELL, Ton of adjustments, 11" of VPP travel
Weaknesses:
No Longer available to the public. Slow uphill (that's why we have shuttle vehicles, RIGHT?)
This is the sickest Big Drop/DH bike PERIOD. Makes you do things you only thought posible in you wildest wet dreams. It doesn't go uphill real well but goes down real fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Downhiller
from pacifica Date Reviewed: February 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
crack/boyscout
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
double wide monster t raceface azonic
Bottom Line:
this is the sickest bike ever made hand down will huck anything and when you get in shape you can ride anywhere..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Allen
a Downhiller
from Idaho Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Incredible, absolutely hammers out the worst terrain and overcomes alot of rider flaws in it's travel and geometry. A little tricky to set up at first but after that it's all common. Drops big hucks and sticks landings as well as rides the toughest DH courses beatifull. Makes rock gardens seem like pebbles.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
bullit, rm7, bullit, fsr
Bike Setup:
deemax/king, protaper, avalanche dhs, stratos s8 (world cup for dh), hope m4's, etc...
Bottom Line:
This is a do it all bike, I looked for a frame sturdy enough for me to ride urban fr and typical fr as well as huck and race. This design and frame is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk Kaufmann
a Downhiller
from La Crescenta, Ca Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
totally bombproof. and the fact that everyone is jealous of it
Weaknesses:
bearings in one of the pivot points got crushed and fell out.
Similar Products Used:
theres nothing similar
Bike Setup:
stratos S-8 fork, sun double wide rims (24in. rear), hayes 8in, fox r/c vanilla rear shock.
Bottom Line:
buy this bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!!! THIS BIKE IS BOMB PROOF, This bike seems to be un breakable, it pedals almost aswell as my hardtail and feels tight enough to get through the smallest switchbacks on and DH traks but still has the power to do drops well in excess of what ive tried doing on it, The biggest ive done on it is 21 foot and it didnt flinch, i managed a drop of about 10 foot to flat tarmac landing and the travel just soaked it up!
Weaknesses:
NONE,
Similar Products Used:
Karpiel Disco Volante,
Bike Setup:
Shiver DC, 8" hayes rear disc,8" hope front disc, MRP, AZONIC 454, Hope big un on Double wide (f+R), Xt mech, Dx pedals e.t.c
Bottom Line:
This is the greatest frame ever manufactured, The high price tag is nothing when you think about the quality and how many frames this one will out live. This is a Hardcore riders must own bit of kit!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazyfoot
a Downhiller
from London England Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Coney Hill Possie
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$12000.00
Purchased At:
ROXY
Strengths:
rock solid, very plush, handle like a dream, great hucking machine,
Weaknesses:
You must be on drug this bike you can`t fault.
Similar Products Used:
Similar to Karpiel Apocalypse.
Bike Setup:
Fork Avalanche MTN 10, Shock Avalanche DHS,Brakes Hayes HFX, Hubs Hadley DH, Crank Raceface NS isis, B/B Raceface signature, Rims Sun double wide, Saddle SDG Bigboy. Handle bar Azonic DW. Tires Arrow Savage 3.0 Chainguide MRP
Bottom Line:
What can I write about this bike? I had Kona,Specialized.Intense M1,Azonic,Santa cruz each one had be good in one respect, but this is the best taking big huck,rocky terrians,road gaps, urban riding. I could say what you what to read, in order to make your decision but unfortunity there a price to pay. If you what the best then you have to pay the price or if your lucky your sponsors will pay. Ride hard to be successful there are no room for mistake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mtbboyz
a Downhiller
from Boise,ID Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004
This bike flat out destroys anything in its path, yeah it's expensive but if you want the best ever made you have to pay for it. This bike takes ten foot flat drops to concrete like its nothing, goes through boulder fields like a cloud and begs for more at every turn. I can race it in the morning and my 12 year old brother can race it in the afternoon with just a few simple adjustments. This bike is truly unbelievable and i will never ride anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric G
a Downhiller
from Ontario Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
East Side
Strengths:
All the minute adjustments, solid construction, easy to replace cartridge bearings,detailing
Weaknesses:
Shock options. Not all shocks will fit. Some shocks that do limit the adjustments. As far as the ride goes its flawless
Similar Products Used:
Cortina dh8,Foes dhs tube, balfa bb7,devinci big bang
Bottom line is im impressed! I came off a foes dhs tube and i had figured nothing was going to top it. I didnt expect all that i have recieved from this frame. What a surprise. The numerous adjustments are incredible but leave me frustrated as id like to try all the positions. Paid alot of money for this frame but cant say i regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Death
a Downhiller
from SoCal Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sticks & Stones, Northstar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Used
Strengths:
Where do I start? This machine is worlds apart from anything I have ever ridden. Solid?...hell, it's bullet-proof. Adjustable?...from Mini-Me to Shaq & back. Confidence Inspiring?...it makes you do silly, dangerous things.Well Engineered?...Karpiel is a friggin rocket surgeon, or is that brain scientist?
Weaknesses:
Jan, I must say that some of the welds are a bit sloppy...of course I am comparing this to an Ellsworth frame which has, arguably, the best welds to ever grace an aluminum frame...on this planet.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Dare,Intense M1,KHS Dominatrix, Norco Team DH, Dirtworks Piranha, Specialized Big Hit and a Rocky Mountain RM9
Bike Setup:
Monster-T, Race Face, Answer, Hayes, Intense Mag 30/Hadley, Mr Dirt, Shinburgers and oh yes... the Stratos El Jefe...and to think I used to a ride 5th element.
Bottom Line:
*PLEASE READ* If you like to push the limits (gravity, pain, sanity...you choose) and you have the means (like 2 Big-Hits)...look no further (i.e. sell the cheap,limp-wristed, cracked frame on a 10-footer, 8" of sandy travel XC trike you are currently riding and buy an Armaggedon).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael wilson
a Downhiller
from arbroath,scotland Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
dont have one yet
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
not found any weaknesses
Weaknesses:
like i said
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz super8 and v10,intense m1,karpiel apocalypse,foes fly,giant atx1
Bike Setup:
shivers,hope,mrp,halo,intense,raceface,24/7
Bottom Line:
i love this bike the best out of every thing ive been on great for freeride stuff but i sold it and got a v10 gezz im stupid
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Aponik
a Downhiller
from Chalan Pago Guam Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003
this bike is the best, wont trade it for anything else, wont ride anything else, strong, confidence builder, just simply the best bike ever built....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve garrod
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
local DH (Slag heap)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4375.00
Purchased At:
Framework
Strengths:
robust super p[lush and adjustable rear end
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
nothing compares
Bike Setup:
shivers Dee max XT cranks MRP XTR mech shifter and block tioga bar and stem eastern seatpost twenty four seven seat
Bottom Line:
one seriously harcore frame a tip for all riders buy one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FRANCO MURRAY
a Downhiller
from camp verde AZ USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Reaper
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride
Strengths:
Durability is the topic of this bike , nothing can phase the strenght of it and yes its relativly light 10.5 lbs the awsome amounts of ajustability go a long way with the frame and the type of riding that you do, i have no trouble pedaling the bike around so if you own one dont be b*t$#ing once you get the bike set up nothing will stop you
Weaknesses:
3:1 leverage ratio
Similar Products Used:
nothing even comes close
Bike Setup:
stratoes S8, purple hayes mavic D321's,thompson,easton bar,kingISO hubs Race Face Northshore, king steelset, nokian Jr.,XTR,atomlab feet holders
all together 43 lbs
Bottom Line:
if your a biger guy and you like adjustability and a lifelong investment(because this is an indestructable beast) this is the bike for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn M
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride
Strengths:
Awesome workmanship, very adjustable, extemely strong, lighter than most(beleive it or not).
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Turner, Orange
Bike Setup:
Armaggedon w/shivers, Romic, trailpimps, race face.....the works
Bottom Line:
Weighing in at 10.5 lbs for the frame it is one of the lighter DH frames out there, yet it is still indestructable. It is very easy to adjust and set up for alomost any course, although really tight courses can be a bit challenging due to it's high BB. It pedals alot better than I thought it would too, which makes puttin the power down a bit easier. The only real drawback is how thin my wallet is now! If you have the means get this bike....you will NOT be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james
a Downhiller
from fullerton Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sick!amore drop trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
karpiel
Strengths:
every thing about this bike is perfect. theres to manny strengths to list. thanks karpiel for making a perfect bike.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
intense m1 2001.
Bike Setup:
karpiel apocalypse, marzocchi super monster fork,5th element shock .I also had a marzocchi shiver on the armageddon worked great.
Bottom Line:
this is a review for the armageddon and the apocalypse both perfect rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J-Day
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Central Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Beyond adjustable, suspension feel
Weaknesses:
forget about pedaling up unless you have momentum, price, but for all the thing you break on a regular bike, and for what you won't break on this, the price makes up for it.
Similar Products Used:
fsr dh, super 8, bullit, brodie devo, turner dh, iron horse sgs dh, disco volante, marin dh, etc.....
I have been on this bike for a week, I was doing 15-20 foot drops on my specialized fsr, it snapped, I gigures it was time to move on up to a big league ride for my riding, this thing has given me more confidence to hit more technical line than what I was hitting before, it is incrediably adjustable and rides better than any other bike I have ever ridden. This bike will make you better than you have ever been, it gives you tons of confidence, get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC. Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Go-Ride vis Scott Crabill
Strengths:
Tough and strong design.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
I really can't compare this rig with any other I have rode in the past. This rig stand alone.
I'm broke! XC riding is out of the question with this rig, unless you don't mind pushing it up every hill you approach. Rear suspension is very active and work great, once dialed to your riding style. Plenty of adjustments to tweak to your preference. Still having to adjust my riding techniques to ride this near 50 lb. monster. This rig is for pure DH. Even urban riding can be a test to your physical abilities. With almost 11" travel, it would be nice to retrofit this rig with a floating rear disc. If anyone know who makes one for Karpiel, e-mail me! Overall, if you can afford it, get it. And if you can't charge it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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