Ibex Bicycles Alpine 650 XC Hardtail

4.82/5 (11 Reviews)


Product Description

  • Manitou Axel Elite Fork
  • 27-Spd - Shimano Deore/LX
  • Tektro Io Disc Brakes
  • WTB SpeedDisc Rims
  • Factory direct price: $499


  • Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

    Reviews 1 - 11 (11 Reviews Total)

    User Reviews

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by D a Weekend Warrior from Lutz, FL, USA

    Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008

    Strengths:    Great Quality for the money.
    Nice components.
    Light for a entry MTB.
    Nice frame


    Weaknesses:    I think that the product is awesome and my girlfriend has the Ibex 450 and it is really nice bike too. One weakness I can think of is not enough images of the bikes on ibex.com and in my opinion there should be more info on sizing.

    Bottom Line:   
    I would buy from Ibex again. Hopefully they will improve on the sizing info on their web site.
    Their customer service is awesome.

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Flatwoods, Tampa

    Duration Product Used:   3 months

    Price Paid:    $660.00

    Purchased At:   ibex.com

    Similar Products Used:   Haro


    Overall Rating:4
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Greg Griffin a Weekend Warrior from Rochester Hills, MI

    Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008

    Strengths:    Excellent bike. Received it in three days. Easy to assemble. Excellent customer service. Top notch componenets for the price. Comparable bikes (bikes with the same components)were $700 to $800 at the local dealerships.

    Weaknesses:    After riding for some time I wish it had a lock out shock. Had to tweek the disk brakes about 6 times to get rid of an annoying squeek, but this is the first bike I've owned with disk brakes, so it could be normal..???

    Bottom Line:   
    I did a lot of research and a lot of looking and sitting on a number of bikes at different bike shops and I couldn't find the same "bang for the buck". It's a great beginner to intermediate bike and I will definately look at Ibex (in the future) for an upgrade, when I'm ready.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   2 Years

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Purchased At:   Ibex.com

    Similar Products Used:   Bikes reviewed before purchase: Trek 6000, Gary Fisher Marlin and Tassajahara.

    Bike Setup:   New gel seat, New adjustable stem, new pedals (Shimano all mountain M424)

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Scott a from Fayetteville, Ar

    Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007

    Strengths:    Great bang for the buck!! Components are not flashy but are very reliable and work extremely well together. I have over 800 miles in the saddle and am just now getting ready for it's first tune up since I got it out of the box. I have had several crashes (can anyone say ER) and it has held up great.

    Weaknesses:    The fork is a little too soft (I weight 210)and the Shimano pedals that came with my bike are the worst that I have ever used. Immediately upgrade these!!!

    Bottom Line:   
    This is my second and I seriously doubt my last Ibex mountain bike. There is not a better value in a new bike out there. I recommend this bike for anyone who wants a quality bike, doesn't want to drop a lot of cash, and doesn't mind being asked "What's an IBEX?"

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Womble, Ouchita Vista

    Duration Product Used:   1 Year

    Price Paid:    $599.00

    Purchased At:   Ibexbikes.com

    Similar Products Used:   Late 90's trek 6500zx, Specialized Rockhopper, Ibex Alpine 450

    Bike Setup:   Stock except for Carbon Riser Bar, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Egg Beaters

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Kelvin a Cross Country Rider from Montgomery, AL, USA

    Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007

    Strengths:    Well put together machine. Hard to find similar components on a bike at the same price. Definitely competitive with our local bike shop.

    Weaknesses:    Kick stand is not essential and is not top quality . . . but hey, IT'S A KICKSTAND

    Bottom Line:   
    The Swayback Trail is one of the best MTB trails in Alabama. As one XCer put it "the Swayback will give you all you want." The Alpine 650 met the challenge. I was particularly pleased with the way it stood up to those 45+ degree slopes laden with lots of jagged rocks . . . the fork stood up great. The disc brakes proved their worth on twisting down hill trails . . . granted we've had a drought here so I can't vouch for wet weather conditions. Yet, I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a decent ride at a decent price. Set up was a easy once it arrived in the mail. I was missing a part of one skewer and the customer service folks had it to my within 7 days. Very good tech support.

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Swayback Trail, Wetumpka, AL

    Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

    Price Paid:    $599.00

    Purchased At:   IBEX online

    Similar Products Used:   Purchased the IBEX 550 for my son . . . sweet!

    Bike Setup:   Frame: 6061 Aluminum
    Fork: Manitou Slate Super Lockout - 80mm
    Shifters: Shimano Deore Rapidfire
    Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
    Rear Derailleur: Shimano LX
    Crankset: Shimano M442
    Cassette: Shimano HG 50 9-spd (11-32T)
    Chain: Shimano HG53
    Brakes: Avid BB-5 Mechaincal Discs
    Levers: Avid FR-5
    Rims: WTB SpeedDisc Double-Wall Alloy
    Hubs: Formula
    Tires: WTB VelociRaptor - 26" x 2.10
    Headset: Aheadset STS-2K
    Cockpit Set: UNO Alloy
    Saddle: WTB Pure V Race
    Pedals: Shimano M505 Clipless w/ Cleats

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Dennis B a Cross Country Rider from Dallas Tx USA

    Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007

    Strengths:    -Best bang for the buck, anywhere, period.
    -Smart components, work well together.
    -Quality frame.
    -Buying from a company that stands 110% behind their product.


    Weaknesses:    -The frame runs a little small, the Alpine series from Ibex do not seem to subscribe to the longer top tube theory.
    -I am not a big fan of the 80mm fork up front. 100mm seems to be the standard for hardtail trail bikes these days.


    Bottom Line:   
    This was the first bike I purchased from Ibex, it will not be my last.
    The Alpine 650 specs out better then any bike I have ever owned. It's lighter then the Tassajara and it has disk brakes, not only that but it was around $300.00 cheaper.

    The only problem I have with this bike is the combination of a short top tube and the 80mm fork. It can be a bit tippy of descents. I was considering buying a cheap 100mm front fork to replace the stocker, however I think I am simply going to buck up and drop some cash on the Asta X7 Comp. (That bike being the best bike deal anywhere)

    I dont know how they do it, but Ibex makes a better bike for lot less money. And although you cant walk into an Ibex store, the limited contact I have had with the company (It is a good bike after all) was exemplary.
    The owner of the company (Jack) even responded to a thread I created on these very forums regarding a problem I was having with the headset. You cant beat that.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   6 months

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Purchased At:   ibexbikes.com

    Similar Products Used:   The bikes I have owned recently;
    -2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport
    -2005 Specialized Rockhopper
    -2006 Gary Fisher Tassajara
    -2005 Specialized FSRxc


    Bike Setup:   I replaced the PD505 clipless with a pair of PD520's.

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by William Willis a from Hot Springs, Arkansas

    Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006

    Strengths:    The Ibex 650 SE is a total quality package -- frame, components, sales and after sales service.

    Weaknesses:    None!

    Bottom Line:   
    I am a completely novice bike buyer and found Will (service) and Jack (sales) excellent to work with. Will helped me resolve a faulty front fork issue which required replacement that took awhile but he maintained interest and never let me down. He was very patient while addressing my elementary questions and working with my local bike shop. Two of my college age kids want an Ibex for Christmas and they will probably get one....the best endorsement I can offer!

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   3 months

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Purchased At:   Ibex.com

    Similar Products Used:   None. Still have an old Peugeot road bike from 30 years ago which was the last time I rode a bike.

    Bike Setup:   Fine right out of box. Have since had my local bike shop do some very minor adjustments.

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Ron Trentham a Cross Country Rider from Memphis, Tn, USA

    Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006

    Strengths:    Affordibility, Components, Service

    Weaknesses:    You have to asseble it, but that only takes about twenty minutes, and everything including a bike tool is included.

    Bottom Line:   
    You will not find a better bike for the money. I have ridden this bike mercilessly and have never had a proble. I was very leary at first because I couldn't see/ride the bike. Trust me it is everything they say it will be. I ordered it on a Thursday evening and had it the following Monday morning, WOW!

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Stanky Creek

    Duration Product Used:   3 months

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Purchased At:   Ibex.com

    Similar Products Used:   I ride bikes for the police dept. so I have used Raleigh and Cannondale.


    Bike Setup:   Stock

    Overall Rating:4
    Value Rating:4
    Submitted by Greg a Cross Country Rider from Richmond, VA

    Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006

    Strengths:    Great bang for the buck. Disc brakes. Comfortable saddle.

    Weaknesses:    Crappy tires. Very entry level front shock.

    Bottom Line:   
    This is an awesome beginner to intermediate bike. Solid frame to build on.

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Poor Farm Park

    Duration Product Used:   3 months

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Purchased At:   Ibex.com

    Bike Setup:   Stock except I upgraded the tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pro's.

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Greg a Weekend Warrior from Rochester Hills, MI

    Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006

    Strengths:    Better quality components for the price.

    Weaknesses:    Little squeek in the disc brakes

    Bottom Line:   
    Intensive research for a couple of weeks before buying and found this bike to have the best "bang for the buck". I would consider myself a beginner to intermiate rider, so I feel this bike was a perfect choice for me. Other bikes I researched at local bike shops; Gary Fisher, Specialized, Trek were all $200-300 more money. I couldn't justify the added expense. Assembly was simple. Bike arrived in two days; "EXCELLENT". Thanks to the other reviewers on MTBR, which helped me in my decision. No regrets..!!

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Similar Products Used:   None comparable.


    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Carlos Perez a Cross Country Rider from Allen, TX, USA

    Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006

    Strengths:    Best overall configuration for the price. Great customer service. Very good geometry and build quality

    Weaknesses:    Can't test it before buying. The saddle is not very comfortable. A couple of pounds heavier than similarly configured bikes I've tested, specially Gary Fisher Tassajara, and Marin Palisades Trail, but those bikes are $200-$300 more expensive!

    Bottom Line:   
    If you're not into racing, then it's the best bike for your money. Great for single track, and city riding (without trying major jumps/drops).The bike I liked the best was the Marin Palisades Trail, followed by the GF Tassajara, which were 2-3 pounds lighter, but are $200-$300 US Dollars more expensive!
    If you're into racing, and want to shed those 3-4 extra pounds, then try their one of their thropy series: they are great bikes at an even better price (inline with the Marin and GF Tassajara, lighter and with better components!).
    I would definitely recommend this bike to anybody!.

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Arbor Hills

    Duration Product Used:   3 months

    Price Paid:    $600.00

    Purchased At:   Ibexbikes.com

    Similar Products Used:   Tested Gary Fisher Tassajara, Marin Palisades Trail, and Hawk Hill, Cannondale, Specialized RockHopper and HardRock, Raleigh M80, Haro V4.

    Bike Setup:   Stock plus bar ends and gel cushion (saddle cover)

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Kevin Doxey a Weekend Warrior from Meridian,MS

    Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006

    Strengths:    Components for the price.
    Other bikes with these components would cost you $200-$300 more. You get allot of bike for your money.

    Great frame. Stiff and quick.
    Breaks are great!
    Smooth shifting right out of the box.


    Weaknesses:    None so far...

    Bottom Line:   
    Best value i could find for $600.

    Customer service is GREAT!!!
    Customer service is GREAT!!!

    I received my bike in 2 days.
    I had one slightly bent chainring...two days later i recieved replacement parts from IBEX.
    I called with a couple of questions and was impressed with how knowledgeable there techs were!!

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Bonita Lakes

    Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

    Price Paid:    $599.00

    Purchased At:   IBEX BIKES

    Similar Products Used:   Schwinn, Trek, Cannondale

    Bike Setup:   Frame: 6061 Aluminum
    Fork: Manitou Axel Elite
    Shifters: Shimano Deore Rapidfire
    Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
    Rear Derailleur: Shimano LX
    Crankset: TruVativ Blaze
    Cassette: Shimano HG50-9
    Chain: Shimano HG53
    Brakes: Avid BB-5 Mechanical Discs
    Levers: Avid FR-5
    Rims: WTB SpeedDisc
    Hubs: Formula Disc
    Tires: Kenda Koyote - 26" x 1.95
    Cockpit Set: UNO Alloy
    Saddle: WTB Pure V Comp
    Pedals: Shimano M505 Clipless

    Reviews 1 - 11 (11 Reviews Total)

    Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

     




    Interbike - Trade Show Booths

     

    Videos



     

    MTBR on Facebook