Submitted by
Joseph R
a Weekend Warrior
from Waco, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006
Strengths: Good, strong lightweight frame and excellent components for the money.
Weaknesses: Front derailer acts up sometimes, though I think the cables haven't fully stetched out yet. Some tinkering before your ride will ensure exact performance until they're fully stretched.
Bottom Line:
So far so good. I've only ridden it a few times since I received it in the mail (2 days after order in Texas). They do most adjustments when they assemble the bike at their shop, but sometimes things shift or stetch in transit - I had to do some adjustments on the front derailer, and still haven't gotten it exactly right. But the rear system and shifters are wonderful. The v-brakes on the 2005 model are very powerful. The frame is very light and study, and the front fork has just the right amount of tension - though it shifts around corners a little more than I had expected.
Overall, no one can beat Ibex's bang for your buck - not even building a bike yourself. The components on their bikes are found on competitor's bikes that often cost hundreds more. Ibex's customer services is exceptional also. I was considering just buying a frame from them and building the rest myself, and they quickly and gladly answered a lot of questions I had.
Similar Products Used: No other mountain bikes, but KHS road bikes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Larry F
a Weekend Warrior
from Baldwin Park, CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Strengths: You can't beat the price. So far I like almost everything. Great costomer service and fast delivery.
Weaknesses: I'm not to fond of the straps on the pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. I checked out the local bike shops in the area and my IBEX is as nice a bike as the Treks, Gt's, Giants and K5's that each shop was trying to push.I came across IBEX right here on MTBr.com and I'm glad I did. I can't believe what a great deal I got. The service is great and the frame is gauranteed for life. Best of all, Its made in AMERICA. So before you go to the local bike shop and pay about 200 to 300 dollars more for a bike that comes with a similar setup and is made in China (and you know who you are....If you don't then look to the bikes I mentioned above), go to IBEX.com and check out what they've got. You won't be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: I have an Old Fuji that I still use. It also had the strap on the pedals, but these were made of leather, so I trashed those. I also had a Mongoose which turned out to be a total waste of money. In 2 weeks I destroyed the pedals and stripped the crank. The best thing about it was I got my money back.
Bike Setup: Stock. For now.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
John Gregory
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003
Strengths: 6061 Aluminum Frame, and well matched components
Weaknesses: Was not crazy about the toe clip pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a STEAL even if I paid $600.00 Other than an upgrade to clipless pedals I've done nothing to this bike and I ride it hard on singletrack cross country trails. My riding crew saddles up on Super V Cannondales and Santa Cruz bullitts and this IBEX is the only one that has not had a trail break down in the last three months. An amazing bicycle at an even more amazing price.
Bike Setup: DEore Rear derailer, double wall ALEXrims, nice set of Kenda coyote 1.95" tires. Tectro V brakes, solid Judy C rock Shock fork, Kalloy bar and seatpost, GOOD stuff
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Hunter Atherton
a Weekend Warrior
from Glenbrook, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Strengths: It's strong, it puts up with all the crap I put it through. It's reliable, very few problems and no unexpected maintnance.
Weaknesses: I broke the smallest sprocket in half, but Ibex sent me a new one free of charge.
Bottom Line:
I bought my 450 after much research, and it payed off. My bike greatly outperforms big names like Trek that come in the same price range. It's lighter, faster, and more reliable then anything else on the market with the same price tag. I use it for racing and rec and it stands up to whatever I give it. Customer service is excellent and putting it together is not difficult. It's a good bike for anyone who plans on taking it off the pavement.
Submitted by
Jeremy Cosby
a Racer
from Little Current ON Canada
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Strengths: Nice strong frame that is also very light. Rugged and can take anything I put it through. Components are dependable and sturdy. Nice crisp shifting powerful brakes and everything needs verylittle attention.
Weaknesses: Bikeshould come with a higher quality of components like: tires, seat and shocks.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the gretest thing to come to my mountain bike career. this bike has been throu some of the toughest mountain bike trails in alberta. I mean like trails designed soley for horses and other than a few chips in the paint it has performed great. I notonlyracei also freeride with my Ibex i loveit and don't thik i'll give it up any time soon.If you are a new rider who is seeking out new opertunities or an experienced rider looking for a new rider looking for a bike that can take what is dished out this is it stop searching.
Bike Setup: Deore drive terrain with an alivio front derailuer tektro v brakes juno handle bars and stem Rock Shox Judy TT (should be something better)alexrims (double walled) 2.1 Tioga Factory rear 2.1 WTB Raptor front SRAM 7.0 cassette Shimano IG rings Shimano IG Super Narrow chain
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
John L.
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Strengths: Great newcomers bike. Email them and they respond to any need with information or advice quickly. I looked around a lot and felt the bike was a good deal. So far, I haven't been surprised.
Weaknesses: So far I haven't found any weeknesses on the bikes part. I have hit a couple of the intermediate trails and the bike outperformed me by a long shot. As I am improving, the bike keeps surprising me as to what it can take.
Bottom Line:
If you are new to trail riding, this is a great bike for what you pay. My first ride I passed a lot of Cannondales and Treks which cost more, but frankly onle perform as good as the rider. I didn't see a need to spend big money until I have the big skills. And until my Alpine runs up short, I won't be replacing it.
Similar Products Used: None of the other ones are worth mentioning.
Bike Setup: Stock as ordered from Ibexbikes.com
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Submitted by
Duncan Sharrits
a Weekend Warrior
from Hendersonville
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Strengths: Great components for the price, saves $100's compared to other bikes.
Weaknesses: The seat is hard, will need to buy and other one soon
Bottom Line:
This is a great mountain bike for a person who wants to get into mountain biking and have all you need for a long time. The bike rides well and shifting is a breeze. I have really enjoyed the bike and plan to ride it more and more.
Submitted by
L.B. MacFurfer
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002
Strengths: Great value for entry/mid-level bicycle! Nice aluminum frame, decent components.
Weaknesses: This bike may be a bit heavy for some weight conscious riders (29-33lb). The online store offers very limited color and size selections. When I was purchasing the bike, there were no small frame sizes. (17" is the smallest frame) Red and gray were the only available colors. (This may be a problem for petite riders who like pews.)
Bottom Line:
Before purchasing, I did a lot of research with the local area bike shops. I could not find a comparable bike that can come close to the price. The closest was a Trek 4900 Alpha @ $580.
I received the bike within 3 days of ordering. Assembly was simple with common (and included) tools. The ride is very smooth, shifting is easy and accurate. Squeaky rear breaks was eliminated with minor adjustments.
I highly recommended this bike to daily riders who enjoy an occasional spin on the trail.
Submitted by
Carlo Cordova
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlsbad, NM US
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002
Strengths: Climbing, Drivetrain, Suspension, Wheels, Great Frame!!!
Weaknesses: I dislike the stock tires of this bike (Kenda taiwanese crap). I am now searching for more aggressive, higher quality tires.
Bottom Line:
This is an exceptional mountain bike for a weekend warrior or a beginning competitor. The value of this bike setup is astonishing. I failed to find another new bike comparable components for under $500. With Deore drivetrain, Rock Shox Judy TT, Alex double-walls, triple-butted frame, etc. for $349; Trek, Fisher, Diamondback, Specialized, & Cannondale marketers should begin to worry.
I compared this bike's components (down to the little things) to the components of Treks, Fishers, Diamondbacks, and Specialized bikes of the same price. Most of the IBEX components were a significant "step-up," if not equal those of its competitors. I learned that the bikes typically in local shops contain cheap parts in places where consumers are unlikely to notice, and the IBEX is packed with quality parts throughout its structure.
This machine quickly muscles through hardpack, along with loose and muddy terrain. It is a very tight and quiet bike, and the Judy fork eases bumps with precision and grace. It has a rather light composition (if you're not one of those weight freaks), and is tremendously solid. I am happy to be riding on this piece of superb engineering!
If you want a decent mountain bike, but do not want to empty your savings account; stay away from the Wal-Mart crap that looks cute and just get an IBEX!
I am trying to decide which bike to buy for a beginner. currently I am trying to decide between the Trek 4300 which is $429 for the one with disc brakes and the IBEX 450 is $469. I Read More »
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Ok, been lurking for about 4 months and have decided on Ibex and specifically the alpine. I am upgrading from a 96 rigid trek 830 so Read More »
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