Submitted by
osmarandsara
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverside,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009
Strengths: I wanted a new FS All Mountain bike, but couldn't afford one, so I bought the '09 Ignition frame and then built it up using parts from my old bike.
Weaknesses: none so far.
Bottom Line:
If I had the $$$$ I would have bought a Blur or an Intense.....but I didn't so I bought the Ibex Frame instead. This is a solid frame that will allow a 5 inch travel fork and it has almost 5 inches of travel in the back. The welds look beautiful and the gussets give me the peace of mind that this frame is not gonna crack bombing down my favorite trails. The chain-stays are off-set and that adds stiffness to the rear-triangle. The front triangle has ovalized tubes that also keeps the frame stiff which gives you more control and comfort when blazing down on the rocky trails.
The frame is heavy, but it is marketed as an AM and Light Free ride bike and not as a XC racing bike.
Weaknesses: WTB speedisc rims have proved a bit light-duty for this rider and my favorite trails. Switched to Rhino Lite rims, no futher complaints.
Bottom Line:
Just clocked past 1200 miles in this 1st year of ownership: 300 road miles to work; 900 on the trail: time for an updated review of Ibex Ignition-3, Year One.
The Preamble: I have no affiliation to Ibex, just an average Dad trying to keep on the trails between fishing trips. I’ve been MTB’g for maybe a dozen years now, progressing thru 4 bikes, from fully-rigid Diamondback to a Giant Warp dualie before I invested in this Ignition. Still an intermediate rider at best, I believe I’ve learned enuf about what I want and need in a bike over the years: as a father of two budding MTB’ers, I’m attempting to keep this family of 4 in bikes, plus have other not inexpensive hobbies vying for our family $. That said, in looking for VALUE in a quality-built full-suspension, the Ignition immediately caught my eye. Paying an extra $200-400 per bike at LBS for the same component range simply did not figure into the family budget. Admittedly, I was a bit concerned to internet order sight and fit unseen, even ordered an Alpine to start. When the Alpine did not suit my needs (still had my eye on the Ignition!), I sent it back ($27) and upgraded to the Ignition-3, Ibex charging me the cost difference between the 2 models only.
The Ugly: a few too many ‘timber!s’ as a consequence of the clipless pedal learning curve have resulted in assorted scrapes, scratches. Otherwise it’s still a good looking bike that continues to receive compliments on the trail. Just had another one the other day!
The Bad: I taco’d my front WTB Speedisc rim at 4 weeks descending a rock garden at speed, pinch-flatted back tire at 6 weeks. Both more due to my idiocy than any reflection on the Ignition. At 800 miles I noticed some play introduced into the back wheel, LBS traced this play to back pivot, specifically wearing of the back pivot bushings. LBS flipped the bushings around, advised me to seek replacement bushings from manuf, admonished me in future to keep things clean, tight, serviced, charged me $12 for their work. I contacted Ibex Service dept, had new bushings in hand in 3 days. LBS tuned the bike last Fall, no further complications encountered.
The Good: I simply love this bike, unquestionably the best bike I’ve owned. On past bikes, I’ve broken a frame seat insert, deformed a crankset, had to suffer untraceable, annoying suspension squeaks at 1-2 years. My Ignition has lugged my 200# for a year/1200 miles now, w/ no complaints. It’s still solid, no squeaks, rattles, major repairs, all despite my abuse: when I drop it off my bike rack, all you hear is chain. Still shifts like a champ, what more can you ask! As for the pivot bushings, has not been an issue in terms of performance, as my LBS got me squared away with the bike as tight as new. An issue of longevity? Who knows, but I suspect not, as my Ignition has still proven its durability compared to my previous rides- look for my report next year! To date, I’ve dealt w/ Ibex customer service twice between the initial Alpine return and the Ignition bushings: suffered no appreciable wait in either instance, no hassles/complications. My Ignition at 1200 miles still rises head and shoulders above its predecessors in my garage. Ergo, I’m a happy, satisfied Ibex customer!
Bike Setup: Stock, Spring 2007. Haven't the need nor inclination for upgrades to date.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jeremy Cole
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC - USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Strengths: Cannot beat the price...just can't do it. The frame feels really solid, puts me in a great riding position - overall components are really solid.
Weaknesses: the pedals that came with the bike (Shimano M505) are heavy and haven't gotten great reviews - and I wish that there more color options. Grips are a bit tough...even with brand new gloves.
Bottom Line:
I was really impressed with the bike right out of the box - took me just a few minutes to have it ride ready. I have never ridden a FS bike before...so this was a new experience. I took it out for a ride two days after I got it (due to rain). It handled really well in not so great conditions - the front and rear suspension absorbed really well and made a lot of rocks/roots just melt away. The pedal bob was not that bad either, especially once I set the rear shock properly. I was worried that since the bike was a few pounds heavier than my hardtail that I was going to be worn out at the end of my ride, but the bike really kept up its own momentum and I surprisingly had really fresh legs after my ride.
The saddle was great, the rear derailleur seems to shift quite well - but I know the front derailleur is going to take some adjustments (has a tough time getting on the big cog).
I have only taken the bike out three or four times (again due to all the rain we have been getting), so I plan on writing a little more after a weekend trip that is coming up...see how it handles on a 20 mile ride.
I do wish that they had a few more color options, but I will probably just strip it and have it powder coated. But again, you cannot beat this bike (price to components)
Similar Products Used: Trek 4300 (2002) - it has been my only mountain bike...
Bike Setup: stock expect I replaced the pedals with Crank Brothers Acids and I also upgraded my brakes to BB7s.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Alec
a Weekend Warrior
from Placerville, CA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Strengths: Good Value. Purchased for my teenage son.
Weaknesses: Frame was defective in that the seat tube was rough with welds- scratched seat post. Required buffing with emery cloth.
Brakes tricky to adjust, limited assembly instructions.
Tires are paper thin (Plan on new tires if there are thorns or stickers where you ride!)
Paint is pretty fragile too.
Bottom Line:
Customer support was indifferent. Despite the fact that the frame had a defect they would not make 'good' and send a new seat post. They blew it off entirely.
You should be an experienced mechanic, they really have no instructions for use- they ship manuals with the bike "if the vendor sends them to us" (This per Jack). I was very disappointed in their responses, or lack thereof.
Strengths: Great price for the component setup. Frame is very strong. Good customer support.
Weaknesses: No free maintenence. Stock tires are crap. Hubs are not the greatest. Grips hurt your hands after a while.
Bottom Line:
Cant beat this bike for the money. I have the 2006 model, and after about 15 months of riding, I couldnt be happier. They did cut some corners with the minor components, but everything really matters is still running strong, even after several spectacular crashes. On a minor note, the multitool and pedal wrench that come with the bike are total garbage.
Bike Setup: stock except for grips, pedals, and WTB Motoraptors.
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Submitted by
D
a Cross Country Rider
from the news, va
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
Strengths: f/s with high dollar componets for under 1000 can there be a weakness acctually yes
Weaknesses: you dont get free maintnence
Bottom Line:
I started out on a department store f/s bike and things would just break from riding a trail I geuss I shouldn't of ignored that warning label about not going off road. So I wanted to upgrade my whole bike fixing things and adjusting things after every ride gets old quick. So I started doing research and stumbled upon the Ibex site. In the three months I've been riding my Ibex I've tested its limits and it hasn't let me down. I reccomend this bike or any bike from Ibex to anyone. Next time I upgrade my bike again it will be with another Ibex.
Submitted by
Luis Mart
a Weekend Warrior
from Pembroke Pines, FL
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Strengths: This bike rocks! Great value for components, very good suspension, strong brakes, great climber and excellent for drops. Very solid in general
Weaknesses: Grips are are a little uncomfortable and the placement of the rear shock makes it hard to pump it (almost impossible) but other than that is a very solid bike and for the price it doesn't get any better and I did a very extensive research about this.
Bottom Line:
I am so glad I got this bike. I wanted a nice full suspension withouth having to rob a bank and this bike did the trick. The price is very fair for the quality of components that you get. The frame is oustanding! and yes it's made overseas but is comparable to any major (big corporation) bike co. I upgraded from a hardtail and I got exactly what I was looking for, a sweet ride for a few bucks (and some MINOR assembly)!
Strengths: Imagine if one of your friends fixed you up on a blind date with someone that was said to have a "good personality" And Bebe Neuwirth showed up at your door. All sleak and sexy, just dripping sexuality. With those legs that go all the way up to the back of her neck. Well this bike was nothing like that, except paying for something less and getting more. I'll spare you the borring speal and won't yammer on about how I researched dozends of bikes (but I did) and scrounged all around the internet, and went to all the bike shops in my area (but I did) looking for a better deal. I couldn't even find a better deal on left-over models. Great frame, good compents, WELL ASSEMBLED!!! You won't see yourself passing on the trail, I like not fitting in, like having a bike no-one else has. If you're the type of tool that likes having the same bike as the masses (do you wear factory jerzeys with the team sponsors on them?) then you might not like this. I've been riding bikes since I was 12. I'm 33 now. That's ummmmm, carry the two. A lot of years. I've been riding mountain bikes for the last 10 and I can tell you This is a very well desined bike (I'm an mecanical engineer by trade and a certifed welder) This is the best thing I bought this year (followed closely bt my deep frier)
Weaknesses: I wouldn't say the paint is cheap. The cables do wear throught it, but, I have ridden through brush and sticker buses and it hasen't been scratched yet. But if it does it just gives me an excuse to strip it down and paint it flat black and paint flaming skulls and asian pixies with big swords and severed heads on it. This bike is a tank. But anything in this price range will weigh this much (33-ish pounds) So just put on your man-pants and pedal, sissy.
Bottom Line:
I won't say this bike will rock your face off, but it will come close. You do have to put some of the bike together. But if you can tie your shoe-laces and talk at the same time, it shouldn't be a problem. I had no problems with my derailers, spoke tension, brake setup, or any of the other things you need to deal with when you buy a bike. Even when you buy a bike from a shop they need to do this (this is the extra $$ you are paying for from the shop) So don't be scared with buying online. The people at Ibex will move space and time to make you happy. So if you want a great, well designed play bike. This is it, if you are looking for a racing bike this may weight a few pounds too much. Two thumbs and a big toe up, with a snap in a circle.
Favorite Trail: The power lines to Archibold pothole, Dunmore PA
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$723.00
Purchased At: ibexbikes.com
Similar Products Used: Treak VRX 300
Bike Setup: I want to make it clear the components I changed on this bike were all personal prefrence items. If I weren't so anal I could have just hopped on this bike and rode it stock. I put on a set of more smoosher grips (save the old ones you may need to grate cheese, or file pool balls into dust) The brake handles, the old ones were fine I just have a set I've had for years, and they just have the perfect bend. The clipin pedals were replaced with a set of platforms (you can put them on ebay. But mine were beat with a hammer and thrown into the closest recycling bin. I refuse to endorse the use of these stupid things. Like Dave Mattews CD's)
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Submitted by
Heath McDaniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2007
Strengths: Strong frame, suspension is outstanding, the brakes are very responsive, Shimano M505 clipless pedals, easy to tune and superb customer service.
Weaknesses: Rock Shox BAR 2.1 rear shock and placement of the rear airshock for the 16.5 frame.
Bottom Line:
I am 130 lbs and 5'8, so I went with the 16.5 frame. The Rock Shox 2.1 rear shock leaked air out of the box. So, Ibex sent me the Manitou Radium to replace it. Due to the confines of the 16.5 frame, the shock can only be position one way so that the service valve and rebound knob will not hit anythink. The down side to that is that you must remove the rear shock bolt and swing it out of the way to service the shock with air. This is the only negitive thing I have to say about the bike. After doing research on FS bikes for many months, this is the best bike you are going to find on the planet for under $1000. I would recommend this bike to anyone wanting to get into a great quality FS bike without braking the bank. I wouldn't be worried about local bike shop support because Ibex has exceptional customer service. Thanks Will C. & Jack.
Similar Products Used: Variety of FS Mongoose products and compared the Jamis Dakar XC.
Bike Setup: Stock with the Manitou Radium plateform plus rear shock w/out lock out.
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Submitted by
Mike Heitman
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Strengths: Rugged frame, 4" travel fore & aft easily adjustable, excellent climber for a dual suspension bike. Sweet Avid disc brakes. Excellent components for pricepoint, superb customer service!
Weaknesses: Haven't discovered any as yet for the mix of XC and light AM trails I typically ride. Some minor assembly required outta the box, but no special skills req'd.
Bottom Line:
This bike is super sweet! My Ignition 3 will take much more than it's regularly asked to give this Weekend Warrior (35, 195#, 25-40 miles of sigletrack/week). It proved easy to dial-in for my riding style in the very first ride. The stable frame, smooth shifting, adjustable suspension make for more confident riding regardless of the trail's technical difficulty. I highly recommend this bike as a sane investment in intermediate full-suspension!
Similar Products Used: Giant Warp DS2 last 2 years.
Bike Setup: Stock Spring 2007
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Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2006
Strengths: Great value, functions well right out of the box, upgradeable, great customer support and service
Weaknesses: Some components (e.g. Vector Coil-over rear shock) are cheap and will probably have to be replaced--a small compromise for such a great price
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'3 and 210 lbs, 42 years old, with a history of taking up hobbies and then abandoning them. Therefore, I was hesitant to spend a ton of money if the product would be gathering dust a month later. However, I didn't want junk either. After much research, and comparing the components offered on the Igniton 3 with similarly equipped bikes, I was convinced the IBEX was simply a great deal. The 2007 models appear to have even better components (they dumped the Vector Axis, upgraded the brakes and fork). Costs a little more than my clearance priced '05, but honestly think it creates a bettte value even if it costs more.
Bike Setup: 2005 IBEX Ignition 3 (See the archive portion of the IBEX web site for components). Replaced Vector rear shock w/Manitou Metel
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Submitted by
Noel Kerns
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
Strengths: Frame Design, Sturdiness.
Weaknesses: Not much, but it seems like the factory assembly might have been a little hasty.
Bottom Line:
Bike has been excellent thus far, save for one slight problem. I think the factory didn't adequately tighten down the left side crank arm, as after riding it for a couple days, it began to rub against the frame. I tightened it down, and it came loose again about an hour later. This pattern continued until it I took it my local bike shop, where upon examination they discovered part of the threads were stripped out on the bolt. They replaced the bolt, and with a dose of Blue Lock-Tite, it's been secure ever since. Other than that, this bike has been everything they say...more bike for the money than anything else out there...I highly recommend it! I'm 230 lbs and it's stood up to several solid crashes so far, including a couple of nice endos. Replace the tires with Panaracers...Cinder 2.25 in the rear and the Dart in the front...it's like riding on rails.
Bike Setup: Standard Ignition 3 setup, with the upgrade to the Rock Shox Ario Air Shock w/lockout (add $99).
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Submitted by
Cody Brice
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT. USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Strengths: Great Quality frame,top notch welds, good groupo for the money, fantastic customer service-friendly and knowledgeable.
Weaknesses: bike ships crated so you have to have some bike knowledge to put together, but most mt. bikers that are worth their weight easily can do all this.
Bottom Line:
I ordered the bike site unseen because of all the reviews that I had read about the bike on similar sites to this one. I received my bike in 5 business days via fedex. Upon opening the box the bike was packaged well, but the derailuer hanger was bent and the top star nut in the fork tube was stripped. I called Ibex they took care of both issues, sending me a new hanger and since I had already paid for a new star nut they sent me a pump for my new shock! (good customer service) I was very suprised to notice the quality of frame construction. This bike is built like a tank, its not so beefy that is heavy just a good built frame. The bike handles very well once you've adjusted the suspension I setup mine for 15mm sag in the fork and 10% sag in the rear. I ride Utah trails which typically are rocky and rough until you get to the upper mt. meadow areas and the bike is a dream climbing the rough stuff I notice no "pedal bob". The bike is a good decender as well stopping power is supplied by the Avid BB5 discs which once broken in after about 4 rides are handling very well. I can highly recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get a $1200.00 1500.00 bike value for significantly less then that. As with any other bike after the first few rides I would reccommend going over all the bolts to make sure they are tight. Also they included a multi tool for maintenance and owners manuals for all added components.
Similar Products Used: tested, Giant Reign, Giant Trance, and Specialized Stump Jumper FSR
Bike Setup: All stock setup except for tubeless tires
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Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Hillsborough, NH
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2006
Strengths: Very good price!!! More than reasonable components for the price. Frame is solid. Has been taking a beating regularly for the last 2 months. The brakes are easy to adjust. Very nice pedal set. I was expecting plastic and they're very beefy metal peices. I've used the virtual lock out several times and it's very helpful riding on stretches of road. The tires look very meaty and work well, though I've yet to try other brands.
Weaknesses: Paint rubs off easily, though I expect soon it will see real damage from trail riding to cover it up. The shock was very stiff when I first received it, though it's smoothed out and works great now. The derailers needed to be adjusted sooner than expected. I don't know if this is simply cable stretch or it not being fully set up in the factory. Either way, not a big deal as I do the work myself.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, especially for a beginner. I'm sure I'll stick with the MT biking, but I wanted something full suspension and reasonably priced to start with and this is it. I figure any weak components will break and be replaced with better ones, but the frame should last quite a while. My friend with a Specialized Enduro is impressed with it. You will too!!!
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Strengths: Awesome Marzocchi EXR shock. Good components, disc brakes are a big plus. Having the "virtual lockout" on the rear shock is really nice as well. Good customer service and fast shipping. Good company. BEST BIKE FOR THE MONEY!!!
Weaknesses: The frame is a bit heavy, but you can't expect better for something less than a $1000. The wires rub on the frame and so some of the paint comes off, but that doesn't matter to me. Seat is a little hard, gets uncomfortable after about 8 or 9 miles. Also, the handle bars curve in towards the rider a bit to much which puts strain on the outside of my palms. Don't take most of this to heart, I'm only nitpicking. It is a great bike.
Bottom Line:
You can't find a better full suspension bike for the money. You should know a bit about bikes before you buy this because you have to do your own tuning (or pay someone $60 to do it). I can't say enough good things about this bike. I love it.
