Submitted by
chiefmatesam
a Cross Country Rider
from Poughkeepsie, NY USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2011
Strengths: Bombproof frame
Weaknesses: Crap stock components
Bottom Line:
The frame is completely BOMBPROOF!!! I weigh in at 235 lbs, and I've hucked this thing off 3-4 foot drops often. Unfortunately, I've managed to destroy most of the stock low end components, must to the dismay of my wife. This bike is a bit on the heavier side, but I'd rather have a little beefier frame so I can punish it. I have a feeling I'll have this bike for a long time. I'm going to give the value only 4 chilis because it hasn't taken me long to destroy the stock components, and I've spent so far $700 on replacing stuff.
Bike Setup: Fox F100 terralogic fork, Sram X7 shifters, rear derailleur, Hayes HFX hydraulic brakes, Bontrager Earl wheels, Kenda Slant Six rear tire, Big Betty Front Tire, Shimano m545 clipless pedals
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Submitted by
shuggy
a Weekend Warrior
from Modesto, CA, U.S.
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2010
Strengths: Great bike! has been a trooper as both a commuter and weekend trail rig. It has taken everything i've thrown at it and done it for cheap. I have yet to break a thing on this bike.
Weaknesses: maybe a little heavy, but still not bad.
Bottom Line:
Great bike at a great value. has treated me good over the years.
Similar Products Used: Kona wild fire, specialized p.1.
Bike Setup: stock other than spd pedals
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Submitted by
dan b
a Weekend Warrior
from clinton, nj
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
Strengths: not too heavy, fairly stout for the price, looks cool, climbs good, manuals good, can take a beating. fits me almost perfectly. brakes work better than expected.
Weaknesses: long stem was waaaay too long for me (5'8", 17.5 frame), tires tend to spin on climbs that are muddy/wet, stock for sucked and weighed a ton. stock pedals not very grippy, feet slid off alot
Bottom Line:
just for the record im reviewing the 07 mav 5.0 which i believe is the same exact bike (color and everything) as the 06 team. anyway, for the price the bike is freakin awesome. hasnt let me down once. i do alot of fairly aggressive xc riding, drops about 2-3 feet max, lots of rocky/rooty riding. i have tried my hardest to kill this so i can upgrade to a better bike now that my skills have built up a little but it wont even come close to dying. the dart1 has to go asap as it weighs 5.5lb and rides like junk. the marz xc600 dropped 1.5lb from the front end and really changed the bike alot. it jumps, manuals, climbs and just basically rides so much better. the shifters are alright, sometimes a little finicky but i dont think being filled with mud all the time helps. wheels are still spinning good, tires could be better. i cant really think of any major flaws. this thing has takin a beating and held up great. overall, if your looking to not break the bank but still want a quality ride, the mav 5.0 or team is definately the bike for you.
Weaknesses: frame color choices from hell, bike is no lightweight, mystery hubs.
Bottom Line:
I was very surprised at how well balanced this cheapo bike was. i am very happy with it. Originally purchased so i didnt have to ride my 35 lb Kona coiler to work, i also enjoy the occasional jaunt into the XC trails with this "stiffy". Good climber, nice feel, easy on the wallet. No brainer. And bonus, this year's colors are much more normal...
Strengths: It is not very expensive for the price paid. not too heavy. cool paint job (you can even see it in the dark) can even be used for urban street sessions if you want to. very easy to manual.
Weaknesses: chain comes out alot if you are on a bumpy trail. if you get it in small it is hard to mount on bike racks.
Bottom Line:
overall it is a very good bike. especially if you are not the most agressive rider. (although i have taken it off 4 foot drops and nothing has happened to it) it is also a very good bike for someone who is just getting in the sport. in addition the disc brakes are really good. however when you buy the bike take it to a bike shop to get properly tuned.
Bike Setup: rock shox J1, sram sx4 rear, shimano alivio (front), hayes mechanical disc brakes.
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Submitted by
Dana Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Hanover
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007
Strengths: Solid Frame,sram components,wheel set is good
Weaknesses: none that i have found
Bottom Line:
I am a huge fan of this bike and highly recomend it to anyone looking to get a solid bike for short money. I beat the living crap out of it and it still rides like its new.
Bike Setup: Stock except for FSA Bash Guard and Shimano SPD pedals
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Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from South Portland, ME USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2006
Strengths: Solid sturdy frame. Excellent trail tires. Hayes mechanical brakes work perfectly.
Weaknesses: Stem, Handlebars, Seatpost (too short), Seat, Suspension Fork, Sram X4 Rear Derailleur (not too quick), Shimano front deraileur (not too precise), 8 speed cassette instead of 9 speed one, Frame tubes a little too oversized (looks too bulky to me), Grips (too soft and squishy for my taste) Having said all this, it's not too disappointing considering the price of the bike. I didn't expect top of the line components at this price range.
Bottom Line:
After spending as much on my upgrades as the bike I have come to the conclusion that I bought the wrong bike. I wish I had spend a couple of hundred dollars more upfront to get a better all around bike. However I wouldn't have gained the experience of replacing the components myself, which besides being a worthwhile thing to learn it was fun too!
While this bike isn't the top of the line or even a mid-range bike, it is an excellent entry level hardtail in my opinion. It can really take a beating and I haven't had any trouble with it other than iffy shifting (even after taking it in to be serviced).
Eventually I plan on upgrading to a full suspension bike and will probably put street tires and a rigid fork on the IronHorse and make it my do-anything urban assualt ride. Maybe even convert it to a single-speed. Bottom line is that it's a decent frame that if you are so inclined, you can tinker with it and create several different rides over its lifetime.
Similar Products Used: Trek 850(?) rigid back in the mid 90s.
Bike Setup: I've replaced the suspension fork with a Rock Shox Tora. Replaced the stem, seatpost and handlebars with Race Face Evolve XC, Replaced the grips with Pedros Dice Grips, Replaced the saddle with a WTB Race Pure V. Replaced the platform pedals with Eggbeaters clipless.
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Submitted by
Ethan
a Weekend Warrior
from Morrisville, VT
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006
Strengths: Great price for a solid bike. I did a lot of research on mountain bikes before purchasing this bike- I was thinking of getting something used to save money, but this new bicycle had everything I was looking for. The disc brakes are great.
Weaknesses: Rear deraileur snapped off while going through a puddle. Luckily it was just the mounting bracket that had broken ($15 part). I was told that it is designed to break there rather then bend the deraileur.
Bottom Line:
I'm very happy with my purchase. I was glad to support a local shop rather then buy online. Go to Chucks bikes in Morrisville, Vt...Hank will take care of you.
