Submitted by
cwade
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, Alabama
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2008
Strengths: Good components, Great price, Great customer support
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I just got into riding and I wanted a bike that would last several years. I researched for months online and at my local dealers, until I came across the Alpine 450. I could not find another bike with the same components for even close to the same price. I did not need anything exotic, just something that I could ride on the weekends that would not fall apart after a month. I ordered the bike on a Friday and received it Monday.(I am only 4 or 5 hours away from where it was shipped.) I called and talked to someone before I purchased the bike and they informed me on the proper size. Assembly was simple, any guy should be able to do in about 30 minutes. So far the bike has held up wonderfully and still looks great. When the time comes and I want to get a better bike, I am definetly going back to Ibex. Visit there site ibexbikes.com.
Strengths: Price, construction, customer service, durability. And did I mention price?
Weaknesses: Little heavy, no bling at this price range, forks for that year (Judy TT) not useful for tubby folks
Bottom Line:
Ok, call me a long-term tester. I bought the Ibex Alpine 450 back in 2002, if memory serves me, when the company was first kicking off their direct sales business. At that time, I was a 240 pound, pasty-faced, pack-a-day wheezer coming off a 5-year stretch of complete sedentary living. I just wanted to start riding around town, and figured that a mtn bike would be the best choice so as not to crumble under my bulk. Ordered the bike, put it together in 10 min, and headed out for a few blocks. First thought-this bike is nice! Second thought-I think I'm going to puke...yeah, I was that out of shape. But the Ibex got me off my arse and on the streets. The Deore/Alivio gruppo worked well and was of a high enough quality to stay in adjustment. The wheels (Alex rims with Shimano hubs that year) stayed true. And I started riding farther. There were some nit picks...namely the Judy TT forks, which had no rebound damping to speak of, and the Tektro brakes, which worked fine but tended to corrode quidkly.
Fast forward four years. I'm now 50 pounds or so lighter, and a heckuva lot stronger, thanks in part to the ol' faithful IBEX. I fitted it with a rigid fork and rode it through three winters as a town hack. Explored country roads on a set of 1.5 slicks. Basically rode the crap out of it, and it kept coming back for more, month after month.These days, I have a road mike that sees most of my saddle time, during my 32 miles commute to work. The poor old IBEX looked lonely in the basement. So, last week, I fitted a set of fatty 2.5 tires and took the bike out on what it was designed for...singletrack. No surprise, it handled everything I could throw at it, from two foot drops to wet rooty ascents.
Bottom line, $350 bucks changed my life. This bike will help beginners dive into the cycling world and keep working for em as their skills grow. Buy it, use it, love it.
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Titusville, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006
Strengths: Great product that would cost much more at a local bike shop. The components used are of good quality, and the bike is very well put together. I mean they even throw in a multi-tool that covers everything the bike could require.
Weaknesses: Online ordering might make some nervous regarding sizing and what not. The website was very informative about frame sizing though.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a great setup at a reasonable price check out Ibex. Granted I am a newbie at mountain biking, but it seems the quality of this bike is very high considering others in it's price range. It arrived a mere five days after I ordered it on a Sunday, and it was ready to ride in under an hour. Thanks to Ibex for making a mountain bike that cuts to the chase and delivers a great bike we can all consider attainable! Five chilis this company gets!
Similar Products Used: Trek Hybrid (if you can call that "similar")
Bike Setup: Stock Alpine 450
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Gennaro
a Weekend Warrior
from Richardson, Tx, USA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2006
Strengths: Shocks seem much better than the other bikes ive tried out. Everything was tuned perfectly right out of the box, gear shifting is fast and smooth compared to all of my friend's bikes. The seat is very comfortable.
Weaknesses: The petals are somewhat difficult to get used to for a beginner like me, regardless- I like them better than normal flat petals.
Bottom Line:
I love my Ibex. All of the components are better than a price equivalent bike you'd get from a bike store. Shipment was fast, assembly was simple.
I would highly recommend this bike if you are new to mountain biking and want a great bike but don't want to spend $600+.
If I ever decide to get another bike, it will be an Ibex.
Similar Products Used: This is my first bike. I've test ridden most of the bikes in a bike shop around the same price.
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Strengths: This is a well put together bike, I have put a solid 3 months of riding on it (probably average 40 miles per week) and it has held up wonderfully. After the initial break in period I adjusted everything and it has been shifting and running great ever since. It has been subjected to pretty much only dorm-room maintenance, meaning I've been able to scrub the chain with a toothbrush from time to time, lube the chain before every run, and adjust the cables, but not much else.
Weaknesses: Only problems I have had have been loose screws and one loose spoke. I tightened those up and havn't had a problem since.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. I have had no issues with it to speak of and have really enjoyed riding it. The tech support at Ibex was very helpful in resolving the issues that I did have. I'm sure there are better bikes out there, but for someone who is just getting into this sport and doesn't have a whole lot of money, this is a great buy. The sizing guide on the Ibex website was also helpful, as this bike fits my 6'1" frame just fine. When I got it I quickly found out that the foot straps on the pedals were too small for my size 14 shoes, so they came off.
Similar Products Used: Mid-90's Diamondback Outlook - I don't even compare the two since bikes have changed so much since it was built.
Bike Setup: All original plus dust.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorktown, VA 23693
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2005
Strengths: Great quality for the price. High end components without the high end price. Fast and extremely solid and well built.
Weaknesses: Front derailer. Chain rubs a little against the derailer but adjust it too much and the chain won't switch to highest gear. Find a happy medium and it will be fine.
Bottom Line:
This bike is even more than I could have asked for. I looked at bike after bike, from the Giants to the treks. This bike beats any of those that I have looked at or ridden, hands down. I'm not a hard core rider but have spent quite a bit of time researching the different brands. I can't say enough about this bike. I had a little problem with the front derailer rubbing on the chain. After about 6 hours of being stubborn, I decided swallow my pride and write the company (IBEX) an E-Mail to ask for help. This was on a Sunday night and within 20 minutes, I checked my E-Mail and had a response. Not only is there product great, but, so was there customer service. I, like almost everyone else that have written reviews about this bike am VERY glad that I ran accross the IBEX site. One thing I would recommend, if you don't have extensive experience with these kinds of bikes, I would suggest you take it (after you get it in the mail) to a bike shop and have everything adjusted. If not, you will be pulling your hair out like I did. Bottom line, BUY this bike and you won't be dissapointed in the least bit.
Submitted by
Jasmin
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004
Strengths: This is really amazing bike. Like most people, I was sceptical about online ordering, but bike came very nicely packaged and it took me less than 20 minutes to get it working. It has high quality components and getting similar bike could cost you at least $500 in the local store. I had a problem adjusting cable and called Ibex (thanks Jack!) on the phone and got it resolved in 10 minutes. Here is my impression: bike is little bit lighter than similar bikes I tried (Trek, Giant, Motobecane). It is probably in range of 13-14 kg (28-29 lbs). Riding is really smooth, thanks to amazing fork (Marzocchi). The bike looks so good in red/silver, everybody is curious. Now you have to keep your garage door closed.
Weaknesses: Probably not the fastest bike on the dirt road, but it is due to Kenda tires that are excellent off road. Also, the front derailleur could be better, but I can't complain much considering the cost.
Bottom Line:
Excellent price/performance, good looking. It is definitely the best value under $350.
Bike Setup: Stock, only added Cateye Enduro8 computer.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
T.J. Plunkett
a Weekend Warrior
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Strengths: The bike is well built. The frame welds are great. The bike has many little features that pros know about and want but many consumer bikes don't use to save a buck. For example the rear derailer mounts to the frame on a seperate steel plate. Many bikes of similar price mount to the frame so if you lay it over and bend it you have to have the frame fixed instead of replacing this little add on. The best value you will find anywhere. All name brand components at mid level features (at bottom level price). Very easy to assembly from the box, only took minutes and I was riding. Well packaged and delivered quickly.
Weaknesses: Really none. The bike I bought would jump a particular gear on shifting but it just needs adjustment which I will hold off until it has some more riding to let the cables stretch in. The seat is a little hard and not as comfortable as a Fuji but still a very good seat.
Bottom Line:
I was like many a little skeptical for buying a bike online due to wanting to make sure of proper sizing. I am really glad I wondered across Ibexbikes.com. I ordered on Tuesday evening, it shipped Weds and received on Friday in VA. The amount of bike you get for the buck far surpasses anything you will find in a bike shop. I had two biking enthusists at my work inspect the bike upon arrival. They both were very impressed with it and couldn't believe how much I pad for it. I bought this bike for my wife and it should last her for years. Thanks Mike for the help and I hope to pick one up for myself soon.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher, Diamondback, Fuji
Bike Setup: This bike is factory stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
thomas p
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas NV USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2004
Strengths: Price + Quality !!! Customer Service!!! A very easy no hassel no gimmicks online buy and the shipping was a day early. The 450 was a easy fit for me(17in frame/I'm 5'8) and suprisingly verly light. Other than the easy assembly ...I adjusted the brake levers and shifters for the right angle . Definetly more bike than i thought it would be. The componet setup works great. I think they threw in bigger tires other than what they indicated on the specs.
Weaknesses: Supposedly lower brand name parts compared to other bikes that have bling components.
Bottom Line:
I've taken this bike out to cottonwood loop here in Vegas for its break-in ... rode it agressively and it performed great. On the last outing it rained the night before so the conditions were nicely set with all the the loose rocks and wet sand. The mz comp fork works pretty well on the all the technicals with various rocks and gravel. Tires and V braking was on the mark going up climbs and downhill action. Shifting is accurate and on time. I was very skeptical with the price and buying this bike online but everything from the start has been stress free. Great buy for novices or intermediate riders who want a straight out of the box performance beater. Overall Ibex is the top brand for the performance to price ratio...
Similar Products Used: Other hardtails that cost XXX amounts more.
Bike Setup: Stock except shimano m520 clipless pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Hattiesburg, MS
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Strengths: Frame seems to be of great quality and lighter than I thought it would be.
Weaknesses: Alivio front derailleur and shifters
Bottom Line:
I used to ride BMX bikes and this is my first serious MTB. It is a great bike for anyone that is just starting out in the sport. I will probably sell this bike to my brother and buy an Ibex Trophy Pro Disc.
For the price, this bike can not be beat. It sucks that it is not sold in bike shops, but Ibex lets you test the bike out for 30 days and send it back if it doesn't fit or it is not to your liking. I takin it on about 30 miles of medium technical single track and it has performed great.
It's a very sturdy bike and I can't wait to start upgrading components.
Similar Products Used: Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Marlin, Giant Iguana
Bike Setup: Stock for now
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004
Strengths: Price, frame, build quality, customer service
Weaknesses: Some cheap components but at this price point it's not an issue.
Bottom Line:
You cannot beat this for the price. I travelled to the local Jax, Supergo and Jones bike shops and could not find anything like this. Unless one of those stores had a Super Special but that's rare these days. My comment on cheaper components needs to be tempered with the fact that this bike was only $370 (special plus shipping.
If you're worried about buying from a non 'bricks-and-mortar' store don't be. The customer service I received (thanks in particular to Jack A.) was excellent - the bike I received had a misaligned cassette/hub and they are shipping a replacement wheel to me.
Overall I am very impressed so far. The franme is great, really nice geometry and paintwork. I'll update this after a few rides but I'll be using it for nothing super strenuous, mostly trails and a little downhill. Only improvement I may make is swap out the front shock for a Bomber or something like that...
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