Submitted by
James
a
from Eleele HI Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
it freakin' breaks
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX
Bottom Line:
I've now gone through 3 swingarms in 2 years. This is totally unacceptable. I pound the snot out of my Turner taking it off multiple 10-15 footers on a bi-weekly basis for almost 2 years and not one problem with that frame. My joker is my trailbike never seeing more than 5 footers and it still breaks. The guys at Ellsworth know it's a problem and they just don't care. Their answer to me on how to keep it from happening was to pay $835 and get the newest model. Nice answer after I just paid $1300 to get the stupid thing 2 years ago. After I told them that they told me to just sell it on E-Bay if I didn't like it. They suck and so does the Joker. I've got a friend who goes off on his 4 year old Iron Horse G-Spot and hasn't broken it. Many friends have Bullits with no failures. Don't believe the hype, Ellsworth just buys a bunch of add space which is why they get all the good press. Those who ride do know - buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Eleele HI Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
none on this bike
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Weaknesses:
Sold through Beyond Bikes(those guys suck), 2 broken swingarms.
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX
Bike Setup:
I own a Turner baby;)
Bottom Line:
2, count them 2, broken swingarms in less than a year. I was assured that I was recieving an updated swingarm after my first one broke and almost hurt me(luckily it was only a 4 footer). Turns out they lied and sent me another swingarm from the same batch. Since I don't trust something that has broken once I check my welds regularly and low and behold, not 7 months later the swingarm is cracking in the same place. I return it to Ellsworth and that's when they tell me that they didn't send me the most recently updated swingarm last time but they would this time. Once again, I receive a swingarm with welds that looks exactly like the 2 before it that broke. The newest version has no welds for the reasons I listed in my review below but I guess 2 broken swingarms doesn't warrant special attention and the absolute best they have. This is a bunch of crap. Plus, I've seen better paint jobs on WalMart bikes. It's embarrasing. And before anyone writes this off as some joker who can't ride, I also own a Turner RFX. I ride that bike into the ground and have not had one problem from that frame. A 10 footer to flat killed my Stratos fork and Fox shock but couldn't phase my frame. My Joker is my backup bike, being ridden less than 50 times before the replacement swingarm broke. This is totally unacceptable and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Ellsworth obviously pays for a ton of ad space and must bro out the editors of mags because their product sure is sub-par but they get great press. Turner doesn't buy a bunch of adds, puts out a much better product and yet the mags barely mention them. Things that make you go hmmmmmm. Buy a Turner and don't fall for the hype.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
its a secret
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
shop deal through Ellsworth
Strengths:
Great all-around frame Shot peened finish Customer service Efficient climber / Great descender Simple and versatile
Weaknesses:
I don't have the laser etched graphics Some brake jack / Slight bobbing - Typical single pivot issues
I've had this bike for 2 years now and I really can't say anything bad about it. I have 2 wheelsets and 2 shocks for it according to my mood. I can't even count how many long trail rides it has been on. Same goes for urban stuff. I'm suprised at the swingarm problems people have been having. I weigh 185 and I've done several 6' drops to flat without any problems.
Bottom line, Ellsworth puts out a great product and more importantly they stand behind what they build. I've toiled with selling it a few times because of my love for getting something new. Thankfully those thoughts pass each time I throw a leg over it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Wilson
a Downhiller
from Eleele HI Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Bunny Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Pedals well for a freeride bike
Weaknesses:
Broken swingarm, sold through Beyond Bikes
Similar Products Used:
Stinky's, Turner RFX, Bullit's, etc.
Bike Setup:
'02 Super T, Race face cranks, hayes disc brakes, etc.
Bottom Line:
What can you say about a bike that snaps practically in two off a 4 footer? I spoke to Tony Ellsworth himself at Interbike about the problem and here was his response - "It seems the guys welding our swingarms together would sometimes not reheat their torches to the correct temp after a cigarette break or lunch so 2-3 swingarms in every batch didn't have the same structural integrity as the others." The problem was so bad they redesigned the entire swingarm for '03 so there are no welds. So if you have anything but the '03 Joker it's Russian Roulette as to whether your swingarm is a weak one or not. I've relegated to Joker to backup duties since I also have a Turner RFX(the ultimate freeride frame bar none) but it's sad that Ellsworth can't assure me that my bike won't break. Not good for a "hucking bike". Buy and use at your own risk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything outdoors
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Local shop- frame only
Strengths:
Strong frame, stiff swing arms, no flex frame, good climber. Fox Vanilla RC is plush and responsive.
Weaknesses:
Kinda heavy but I'm a stronger rider now.
Similar Products Used:
ProFlex Beast, Schwinn HT
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1 in front.
Bottom Line:
As promised, this is another update to previous reviews:
After two years of riding, the frame has held up beautifully. The swingarm is still stiff with very little trace of flex, going up or down, the Fox Vanilla RC is still plush and responsive.
With 6" travel, yes, it will bob but it's MUCH less than you'd think. And this bike climbs very well- much better than the ProFlex which has 4" travel. Every capability of the ProFlex has been increased w/ the Joker. It inspires confidence to ride harder and take more chances. Go on, it can handle all you can dish.
I am able to pick some very choice parts to keep it at 30lbs. I've taken it to a couple of downhill races and it has survived Pisgah intact. The frame is certainly worthy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Pekin Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Lifetime Warranty.
Weaknesses:
It breaks.
Similar Products Used:
GTs: LTS's & I-drives (yeah, knowing where I'm from, I bet you can guess where I bought this.
Bike Setup:
XTR, RaceFace NorthShore DH ISIS, King HS & wheels, Hayes Hydros, Jr. T, the works.
Bottom Line:
This is actually my FOURTH REVIEW. However, only my first review is still active. The bike performs like no other. I can not say enough for Ellsworths customer service. I've broke several, as in multiple swing arms. On one ocassion the collapse of the swing arm damaged the front triangle, yes Ellsworth replaced the entire frame. Let me add, that I am severely ground bound. I don't attempt large drops/hucks.
The bad part, things break. Yeah their service is great, but why bother selling through a dealer if you won't warranty a frame site un-seen? When you take your car in for warranty work, do you have to wait for the manufacturer to OK the OBVIOUS break before the work is done? No. The bike industry is no different. This bike cost more than what I currently owe on my car. Being off the bike for weeks at a time b/c of a manufacturing defect stinks. But compared to other companies service and warranties, Ellsworth still is on tops.
Bottom line, I just bought an ISIS for the wife.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CJ
a Downhiller
from BC Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lakeside, Rossland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
AIRBOMB
Strengths:
Simplicy of design, warranty, light weight
Weaknesses:
Stength. Weak rear end, Stratos shocks (blew 4 of them), long wheelbase and top tube for respective sizes. Feels like a 3 inch travel bike.
Similar Products Used:
Lots. Norco VPS, Kona Stinky's, Bullit, Brodie Diablo
Bike Setup:
Stratos FR-4 then Z-1 fork, Stratos DH rear, Hopes,D321's, thompson, race face .....
Bottom Line:
Worst waste of Money on a bike ever. Might be OK for light duty high speed crusing but as a BC Freerider no way. If you have this much $ buy a Four bar link - Norco VPS, Brodie or Intense. They all kick major Joker butt. If you must go single pivot get a Bullit. I sold the Joker. I now ride a VPS fluid and put some JR-T QR20's on it. No comparison, it rocks! It instills confidence and doesn't flinch at 6ft plus airs and was waaaaay less $ for a better spec. The Joker only felt good on fireroads and climbing. Take it tight steep trails and just shake your head in disgust. I riden tougher XC HT's After blowing 3 rear shocks and one front and a broken swingarm I sold it. In my opion Ellsworth is overselling this bike. They do make a great XC bike though if that's what you want.
Peace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Johnson
a Downhiller
from Lewiston, ME US Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ANY!!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power
Strengths:
Solid construction , Quality shock (Vanilla RC), Handling traits , Awesome paint scheme (British Racing Green)
I chose this bike over a Bullit , and the Balfa 2step. It was a great choice . The suspension is terrific for urban abuse , and light dh/freeriding. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quality , solid frame from one of the best names in mountain biking!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Esteban Rappido
a
from Dagojuana Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
La linea
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
YouDontwannaknow.com
Strengths:
After 1300 miles, no breakage or maintenance at all has been needed.
Weaknesses:
Nada.... well maybe the way the oversize frame/swingarm is kinda easy to bounce radar off of.
Also, be careful of who you order from if your'e buying online. Just 'cause MBA takes their ad $ don't mean they are your friends.
Similar Products Used:
I have tried virtually all long travel full boingers .
Bike Setup:
01 joker w/ Fox RC, MCR, easton, thompson, etc............
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike from a great company. As my main trailbike, I can ride just about anything up or down. Quite amazing how a 29 lb. single pivot coil-over can climb so well, but it does. Buy this bike if you, like me, are on the larger and stronger end of the spectrum, and especially if, also like me, you lack finesse or even skill in your riding style.The Joker is a fine Skill Substitute.
And regarding the comments in other reviews about Ellsworth customer service, I must be talking with a whole different set of people. They have been way more helpful with me than any mere bottom-line-only business op would dictate. Ellsworth Customer Service is solid!
Cinco Chingados del Fuego!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
howorth
a Weekend Warrior
from O.C. Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Trabuco going down of course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
IE/Bike Company
Strengths:
Solid Frame, awesome pedal geometry, this bobs less than my 4 " xc Specialized bike and climbs better. Nice finish.With Lifetime warranty I could not pass it up! Good BB height no more bashing pedals.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness is when guys post stuff on here promoting a different brand because supposedly the Joker couldnt handle a 4 footer. I think Manufacturers reps should pee off!
Similar Products Used:
2002 Bullit, 2000 Enduro Pro
Bike Setup:
2002 Joker in Slime Green wi Fox Vanilla RC Hayes,mavics,northshore FR cranks, Manitou Super Xvert (upgrading to Fox 125mm) Titec,Thompson Stem/seat post
Bottom Line:
This is the ultimate rig for what I do and that is pedal to the top and bomb down on any line I want to take. This thing is like a couch, just eats everything up! Even with a cheapo Manitou fork I am carving down hills that just flexed my Specialized. The Bike Company in Lake Forest do a killer job on building your frame and excellent service, go see them if you are upgrading from xc weight weenie land.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
magu
a Weekend Warrior
from vallejo, ca. usa Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
kalomtb
Strengths:
Uphill, downhill, freeride, payride, good multi-purpose vehicle
Weaknesses:
NONE (so long as my swingarm doesn't break like my fellow jokesters) Well actually the decals look too fancy schmancy for a bike that's BAD ASS.
So far so good. Handles the same way my ISIS did (which was very good) but with MORE TRAVEL!!!! I'm still able to ride uphill and I'm finding myself picking different lines because I know that my Joker can handle it. Going downhill is much more satisfying than it use to be. If you're looking for a bike than can do everything than definitely keep this in mind.
PS-if you're in ISIS/JOKER limbo either get the ISIS with the option to install a bigger rear shock or just go with the Joker. I can almost guarantee that if you get the ISIS, you'll be looking for more travel eventually.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Wilson
a Downhiller
from Kapaa HI Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Koke Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Inexpensive, climbs well, light weight
Weaknesses:
Swing arm strengh leaves much to be desired, sometimes when you land the rear feels a little harsh
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX(the ultimate freeride machine), Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:
Z1 up front, Race Face cranks, various odds and ends as this is my back up frame and light freeride bike.
Bottom Line:
This is actually a follow up to a pevious review. I'm here to tell you that the swingarm does break eventually and when it goes it goes big time. I have a 15 foot gap jump and a 6 foot drop to semi-flat set up in my back yard that I hit for giggles daily and my trails boast 8-10 footers so maybe lack of sick air why the gentelman below hasn't broke his yet because I certainly do not "need to learn to ride". The crappy part is this is my back up frame that only sees action when the mood strikes me so it doesn't see daily abuse like my Turner RFX (which hasn't even thought of breaking). The folks at Ellsworth told me that swingarm failures have been a problem and they are currently using a reinforced internal sleeve when welding it together so hopefully the problem will be solved because having your bike break on a mear 4 footer is a little unnerving. Luckily it wasn't on the Devils Diving Board or some other sick drop or I might have been hurt. Just be careful and check the welds for cracks often.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from boulder, co Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
shop purchase
Strengths:
STRENGTH TO WEIGHT RATIO EXCELLENT CLIMBER, BUDGET LIGHT DOWNHILLER VERSITILITY OF BUILD OPTIONS: XC 4", FREERIDE 6", ECT. ELLSWORTH NAME AND SERVICE QUALITY OF FINISH(ALMOST SCRATCH PROOF)
Weaknesses:
BROKE PIVOT BOLT (ALUMINUM)I OVERTIGHTENED IT. ELLSWORTH REPLACED WITH A STAINLESS BOLT. BOTH SHOCK MOUNT BOLT NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED AFTER EVERYRIDE. WHICH YOU SHOULD DO ANYWAY BUT MY ENDED UP BENDING. * SEE BELOW FOR FIX. FLOATING REAR DISK OPTION?
Similar Products Used:
GT THIS, SPECIALIZED THAT AND CANNONDALE WHATEVER.
Bike Setup:
01 JOKER SL, MARZ Z1 QR 20, HOPE DISK, AZONIC RIMS, AZONIC 454 CRANK, AZONIC DW BARS, RACE FACE SYSTEM DH...
Bottom Line:
I RESEARCHED BIKES FOR 5 MONTHS BEFORE DECIDING ON GETTING THE JOKER. BEST DECISION I COULD HAVE MADE. I HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT HAPPY WITH THIS BIKE. I DO A LOT OF NIGHTIME URBAN RIDING DURING THE WEEKDAYS THEN TURN AROUND AND TAKE IT TO THE HILLS FOR LONG XC RIDES. IF I COULD ONLY OWN ONE BIKE (UNTHINKABLE) THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE IT.
FOR THOSE THAT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SWINGARM BREAKING, FORGET ABOUT IT. I DO 6' DROPS TO FLAT ALL THE TIME AND I WEIGHT 190. IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU THEIR SWINGARM BROKE EITHER THEY NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT OR LEARN HOW TO RIDE.
* SHOCK MOUNT BOLT FIX: I NOTICED A LOT OF PLAY IN THE BOLTS AFTER EVERY RIDE. I REPLACED THE ALUMINUM METRIC BOLTS WITH STANDARD 1/4" STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS. NO FRAME MOD REQUIRED, YOU JUST HAVE TO DRILL OUT THE SHOCK MOUNT INSERTS WITH A 1/4" BIT. THE 1/4" BOLTS ARE ONLY SLIGHTY LARGER (APPROX. .5MM DIA). ITS WORKED PERFECT SINCE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a
from bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything fast and tricky
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
JB Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
Just that - strength; the attention to detail and machining on this frame are top notch; incredibly solid. Beautiful anodized finish and laser etching are sweet, the THE chainstay protector is nice looking and very thick.
Weaknesses:
Need to put more time on it in the saddle - or, probably not in the saddle, but with my butt hanging over the back end, bombing down some hill - smiling all the way
Similar Products Used:
I owned primarily lightweight XC racers till now - cannondale, sweet carbon fiber fisher, giant. So, i researched heavily since i was finally making the switch to full-sprung. I have ridden the lighter, racier models like Sugars and Fuel - nice bikes, but i want no flex and confidence barreling down hills - therefore, looked at Santa Cruz (like rest of the world) which are very nice, but the Ellsworth was more solid, life-time guarantee, and just looks awesome.
Bike Setup:
Thomson post/stem, hayes hyrdraulics, XT drivetrain, race face cranks, titec bar, SID fork (soon to be marzochi), and Vanilla RC
Bottom Line:
Bottom line - see above, the few rides on this bike so far have been convincing - very solid, confidence inspiring, zero bob (and i'm a solid 195lbs) but very plush feel. I will update once i have really put this to the test and some of the snow clears.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shaums
a
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks pretty nimble, paint is almost scratch proof.
Weaknesses:
lots: big swingarm issues (as in: they break...easily), frame is too light weight for hard core dh-ing.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Scalpel, Trek Fuel
Bike Setup:
'Zoke super t, king HS, mavic 321's, Panaracer fire DH's, Shimano xt hyds.
Bottom Line:
This ride is weak. First of all, paid far too much. Second, the swingarm was hangin by my chain (literally) after a pus*y gap. Climbs ok for a 6" travel bike, although I wasn't absolutely flabergasted like they said I would be (about climbing). My old Bullit climbed better I thought, which I stil have by the way...and still in one piece. You guys save some notes and stick with what works. Go buy a Bullit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S. Rushdieh
a Downhiller
from San Diego CA USA (for now) Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
top secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
top secret
Strengths:
God is Great and so is this bike! A single pivot, like Allah, the One True God, will crush the weakling multipivot designs! Thew Joker rides like the Wind itself.Let the Faithful rejoice! the Joker is the answer to their prayers!
Weaknesses:
HA! the Joker spits on weakness.
Similar Products Used:
There are no products similar to this divine ride. Tony Ellsworth is truly a favored one of Heaven!
Bike Setup:
Set up as my trail bike. ( I am a member of the "cult of So.Cal Technical Trail riders", as MBA puts it. I have papers to prove this).'01 Joker Med. frame, RaceFace cranks/BB, XT drive, Avid Arch rival V-brakes. Conti Verti Pro in front, 2.1 IRC mythos in back. Thompson post/stem/ Easton monkeylite riser. comfy saddle. Z1 MCR. Fox RC. This bike looks as cool and menacing as it rides. Pointy bearded treehuggers and equestrians react to it in a most curious fashion. Buy a Joker only if you are not afraid of what these "special" trail users may think.
Bottom Line:
As set up above bike weighs 28.5 lb.s w/out any DB spokes, aloy nips,etc. on reasonable XT hub wheels. After 666 miles on my computor, I have only had need to true wheels once. (Rear only). Not bad considering that I weigh 200lb.s and ride with a vicious disregard for traits such as skill and finesse. The Joker climbs as well or better than my 4-bar 24lb Xc machine, and flys downhill faster than I should let it . Best of all, perhaps, is the fact that i have not had to do any frame maintenance at all. A major plus for someone like myself who is happy just cleaning the chain after every ride or so. I routinely put in 20 mile Xc rides on the Joker, and don't feel any more fatigue than with much lighter bikes beneath me. And believe me, if you are thinking that perhaps a long travel airsprung bike could be jst as good as a coil based suspension, you are wrong! Maybe other monopivots w/coils have prob.s with bobbing and climbing: not the Joker. It kicks ass on the climbs! And i almost feel guilty about the new level of skill that i seem to have acquired with this bike. But not Quite. The MCR w/ ECC lockout is extremely plush, but I hardly ever need to use the ECC at all. Bike climbs great w/out it. Fork has great rebound damping, as does the Fox RC. In short, the Joker is strong, needs virtually no more maintenance than a hardtail, climbs ridiculously well, and of course it flys downhill like a wild beast. A great all around bike. Looks like the last bike I'll ever own. Selah.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter
a
from Chapel Hill NC USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
Super strong, hadles 5ft drops like it's nothing, awsome slime green paint!
Weaknesses:
little heavy, but not for what it's designed to do.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale jekyll, lots of others
Bike Setup:
JR.T 7in. fork, xt disc, xtr/xt shifters and derailers, xt hubs on ryno lite xl rims, crish kink headset, thompson seatpost, sdg saddle, azonic stem, race face north shore isis cank and bottum bracket, all 2002 stuff!
Bottom Line:
Great bike. I am so glad i went with the joker instead of the bullit. i probably would have liked the bullit but the joker is just plain awsome. I would highely recommend it. it's great for urban freeriding. It handles 5ft drops so easily. I love my new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a Weekend Warrior
from CHICAGO Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cyclone Sports
Strengths:
Solid, stiff, climbs like a hardtail- really! Bombproof.
Weaknesses:
Kinda heavy- but hey, it makes ya stronger.
Similar Products Used:
Proflex Beast
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z-1 in front- perfect match.
Bottom Line:
This is an update after 6 months. The most fun bike I've ever ridden. It climbs like a hardtail and tracks surprisingly well. It is a solid bike with lots of travel and great pedal action. The rear tracks the gnarliest of trails and you can always make your own line. The Fox Vanilla RC doesn't stiffen up in cold weather- score! I can ride this bike all year round.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Downhiller
from slo Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
toad's (slo-town)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lateral stiffness, workmanship
Weaknesses:
Falling rate
Similar Products Used:
san andreas
Bike Setup:
SuperT, blackspire, hayes, truvativ
Bottom Line:
I got my joker for a downhill racer (ya 6 inches, blah, blah). I've found it to be a fun bike. It tracks through rocks like noth'n else (stiff). I just got back from collegiate nationals (plattekill, NY) and felt like saying something good about how the bike works. The bike ain't a full-blown super-squishy, but it can be competative for expert downhilling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atle Kleiven
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bymarka, Kr Sand
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
www.cyklon.no
Strengths:
Great looks, stiff, relatively inexpensive, no bob when pedaling, plush, never bottoms out during big hits, easy to maintain, and so on.........
Weaknesses:
"rattling" bearings for the rear shock
Similar Products Used:
Aeon ISIS, K2 Razorback, Giant XTC Team, KHS ST Pro.....
Bike Setup:
RS Psylo, LX/deore, Avid discbrakes, Schwalbe tires, Fox vanilla RC rear shock, formula hubs, thomson seatpost, azonic riser bar, 75 mm stem....
Bottom Line:
Bike can be setup for XC, freeriding and downhilling. Must the best "universal soldier"- bike out there!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from Encinitas CA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anderson Truck Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Simple and strong, minimal lateral flex, in seat climbing better than most long travel bikes
Weaknesses:
Mono pivot design just can't compete with a well done 4 bar like my new bike the Turner RFX
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stniky, Turner RFX
Bike Setup:
RFX frame, Stratos S7 fork, Hayes Discs w/ 8 inch rotors front and rear, various Race Face, Thompson and other free ride goodies
Bottom Line:
What can you really expect for $1400? It ain't pretty but it gets the job done. I don't like how some hits feel like butter and others feel harsh but that's a 6 inch travel mono pivot bike for you. If your looking for a budget freeride bike I'd recommend this one because it's super strong and will bail you out of some tricky situations, just don't buy it through Beyond Bikes. I learned exactly how not to treat someone who walks into your business with $3700 to spend. 6 months after buying the Joker I have a totally different bike because those guys pidgeon holed me into it. I had to specifically request certain items like Hayes discs and Race Face cranks and they acted like it was a hassle to change their pre-made build page. Then they told me it would take a week to get done. Well 2 weeks later I finally got my bike after they changed the day on me 3 times, each time promising that it would be done and acting like I was a jerk for wanting my bike when promised. These dudes are everything that's wrong with mail order "custom bike" companies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HELLBELLY
a Weekend Warrior
from Hotlanta, GA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Creek, Any of the Pisgah freakfests, Man's Hell Rd, Hag center, Atl urban
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1325.00
Purchased At:
Dreamride
Strengths:
STIFF!, Very good climber considering its beef, Handles awesome in the tight stuff. Properly sprung(see below) it erases any little bumps and turns the big ones into curb drops. Ellsworth's service is awesome.
Weaknesses:
The CNC'ed swingarm mast cracked, however I now think that this maybe from the fact that I had the bike undersprung for my weight(225lbs). The bike was bottoming out regularly even on small stuff. I am now running a much heavy spring and have not had any trouble or bottoming since. The only other complaint I have is the use of the cheapo mounting bolts for the shock. I bent two sets then went to grade 8 from a specialty hardware store, so problem solved.
Similar Products Used:
See previous review
Bike Setup:
Same as below except now I have an 8" front Hayes rotor, Mammoth rims, and Ringle platforms
Bottom Line:
This is just an update to my previous review. I still agree with all my statements from before. I remain optimistic about this ride because when it works it is smokin'. I do however pay very close attention to the aforementioned questionable areas. The problems I encountered hopefully were due simply to poor setup(I would have thought that those sending it to me could have forseen this sort of thing though)and not poor design. I have to keep in mind that very few bikes or parts are built to withstand the stress that a rider my size and riding style inflicts on them. HOO-HAA!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wentz
a Weekend Warrior
from north van Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
On Top
Strengths:
stiff, strong
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
super t, hayes, everything else is bomber
Bottom Line:
battled between a bulit and the joker, tried the joker, liked it, bought it. I'm glad I did, the bike works well, eats up the hits and drops. I can squeak up technical stuff that I couldn't make on a hard tail. I was looking for a bike that does it all, and I got it. If you want to ride up as well as down buy this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin
a Downhiller
from Pemberton, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Cosmetically it's lacking. I missed the new finish they've added to the line-up.
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
00 L Joker (Stratos DH Pro), 01' DH3, 8 F & R Hayes, Kooka, Raceface, D321, Intense, ...
Bottom Line:
First all, the frame's geometry is set up for a big fork, no single crowns. I had a Z1 QR20 but recently purchased a DH3 and the bike and it's suspension sits beautifully. I'm 5'11 and the frame is LARGE! The wheelbase is large, and most bikes sitting beside it look like your kids bike so don't complain when you buy a large and can't handle it. Secondly, obviously the frame is a freeride set-up (light or heavy depending on what fork and components). If you're not free-riding, don't buy it. Third, I've read alot about the rear triangle breaking. I've never had a problem, though i probably have the new one. 7-10 footers every day are not an issue for this frame.
That's about it, it's a bomber frame, the best single pivot 6-inch frame going. Get a WB DH3 for your setup, you won't regret it. 5 chillies for being the best value for money, 4 for overall rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Freerider
a Weekend Warrior
from The North Shore Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything Gnarly
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Strengths:
Everything so far. The anodized finish is almost scrach proof, The forks and rear shock work great, great components.
Weaknesses:
Nothing, this bike kicks ass!
Similar Products Used:
Rocky mountain RM6, RM7, Pipeline, Kona Stab, stinky, Santa Cruz Bullit.
Bike Setup:
2001 15" frame Stratos S7, ROOX Bar and Stem, Race Face North Shore XS cranks, Sun Double Wide Rims, Gazzoldi 2.6" tires, SRAM 9.0 derailer and trigger shifter, Black Spire DS Chainguide, Hayes Disc Brakes 8" Front Rotor.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a kick ass freeride/downhill bike, if you have the money go buy one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Beyound Bikes
Strengths:
Stiff climbs like being pulled by a wench. Light for how I built it "freeride" 32.5 lbs Scrath proof I have the hard black ano. finish. killer looks the talk of the trail where ever I ride. Factory warrenty life time. I serached for 1 year looking at several different bikes & always came back to the "joker"
Weaknesses:
Poor cable routing no hydro mounts a bike of this ride purpose, freeride should be standred
Similar Products Used:
Marin B-17 {fair} Kona {MANOMANO} I don`t like 4 bar
Bike Setup:
01 JOKER mavic crosslink disk hayes disk tioga 2.3 d.h. tires all xt shifter ft & rear derailers 11.34 cassette Truvativ stylo splined cranks & b. bracket Easton CT2 carbon bars & post raceday seat raceface stem 545 pedels. Now for the meat what makes this bike work for me, stratos S5 fork XC pro rear shock with handel bar lock out. 5" front 6" rear
Bottom Line:
Other than owning the bikes I listed above I have ridden many other FS bikes, nothing comes close to this!! Up hill, Down hill, XC nothing compares to this. I find myself going faster than I ever thought posible on a mountian bike. Just eatup everything you throw at it. You want a 6' drop just hit it, and did I tell you I am 190 pounds and 45 years old. I only get the time to ride once a week and never new bikeing could be so fun. Built myself have been riding this bike sence November, no creaks no noises the best bike ever Thanks, TONY See you in Moab. BUY if you can aford I highly recomend very top qualty and yes I looked at the Bulit, JOKER beats hands down BAR NUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Chumola
a Weekend Warrior
from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Stream N' Wood
Strengths:
stiff, relatively light(33.5 pounds built), climbs well and looks great
Weaknesses:
haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
various bikes at the shop(being a bike mechanic has its perks)
Bike Setup:
2000 jr.t, Race Face turbine crank and rings, system stem, alloy air low rise bar, xy seatpost and good n evil grips. Hayes dh brakes, Mavic crosslink wheels with Tioga factory xc tires, shimano xt shifters, derailleurs and cogset and dx pedals and THE fenders.
Bottom Line:
this bikes kicks ass. the first full suspension bike I've owned and I would definetly buy one again. this is a great trail riding bike not just for freeriding. great value and performance and they have sweet shop deals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Very strong frame, noticabley stiffer and better climbing then ProFlex Beast. Lively frame for big-hit dualie. Ridden twice now and will be posting updates.
If you can get to them, Clyclone Sports in Chicago is an awesome shop. They'll make sure you get what makes you a happy rider!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ridehard
a Weekend Warrior
from co Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
strong,stiff,efficient,light,warranty,looks, and on and on
this bike is great.its great for ppl who love to frreeride but lik do dh every once in a while. if u are one of the hundreds who go"bullit or joker" go for the joker.trust me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boone, NC Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
yep
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Lightning Cycles
Strengths:
This one is stronger than my last 2 Jokers. My posts keep getting deleted, but I stand for truth. I really like this bike. Tony Ellsworth is really cool. Great warranty.
Weaknesses:
Last one broke on my vacation in Moab. I don't ride hard, Dangerous Dan is my hero.
Similar Products Used:
yep
Bike Setup:
blue joker, 2001 Jr. T (kicks butt), Profile cranks, Azonic Shorty stem and Butcher rims, XTR, XT disc, Pro taper, Syncros, Race Face, good tires.
Bottom Line:
Plenty. Don't need any more bike than this for East Coast. Triple chainring, stiff, great feel downhill and easy uphill pedaller. Go fast, go big! The Hick Hucksters are now starting a webpage!!! Lots to come so check back often. http://users.boone.net/jbwalton
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from watsonville,CA,USA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Mr.E's
Strengths:
everthing, no problems, great all around bike. handles like a real downhill bike.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
built, rocky, FSR, DBR, and anything else like it.
Submitted by
Paul Yang
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Singletrack Factory
Strengths:
Smooth...pedaling on small chain ring barely activates the suspension...and I'm a pedal masher. The chainstays, BB, are all raised so that none of the bike will come in contact with rock, roots, etc. Although the center of gravity still seems low...I got a dual crown for..my recommendation is if you are riding some steep a$$ $#iT break out the allen wrenches and lower it some.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS3 was my last fs...it got jacked two years ago...
Bike Setup:
ProTaper handle bars, C. King headset, Marzocchi JrT., LX cranks, XT deraillers, XT disk brakes (squeled for a day, also took a day to break in.)XT disk hubs on RhynoLite rims, XT shifters, Oury grips (for that old school BMX feel) COntroltech seat post, Selle Italia Flite, FoX Vanilla RC, TIme ATAC pedals
Bottom Line:
Today is monday. I've had this frame sitting in my closet for the last Six months cuz the cash wasn't flowing. Finally built it up last wednesday and rode it around the block once. Thursday noon time...drove to Moab and put this bike through a trial by fire that can only be matched by the trails in the North Shore. So here is a play by play for those willing to read on. Friday morning my friends and I do Porcupine rim, its the one at the end of the dirt road that passes Slick ROck. The uphills were alright...I was bouncing too much and thought it was the bike, never had a shock like the FOX RC so i found out later that I had dialed in the rebound too much, I had it on 6, about half way, and dialed it down to 3 for a slower rebound. After that the bike performed wonderfully. About a quarter of the way down the downhill part there was a 4 foot sloped drop off. I couldn't get the front end up cuz of the slope and so I bunny hopped it, with one foot cliped in, my right time pedal was giving me problems the whole weekend. I probably got an extra foot and a half to the jump and when I landed it was super cush. I could have probably landed it with one hand as well as one foot on the bike. At the end of the trail we had to ride about 5 miles on the road to get back to Moab, pushin the big chain ring after a ride like that is HARD. Second ride that day was Gemini Bridegs, we where lazy...shuttled to the top. But this was the first LONG down hill where I could check out the capabilities of the bike. Despite the EXTREMELY ROCKY fire road at the beginning the bike tracked extremely well..althought my hands were numb after the first 3 miles. On Saturday we did Slick Rock. That is one bad ass trail. I'm not much for ups and downs. I usually like one big ass uphill in the beginning and a long down hill at the end. But for slick rock I'll make an acception. At first I had a lot of trouble on the steeper climbs, so we adjusted the crown of the JrT. a little lower..that helped out gobs. I was climbing the steepest S#IT they had cuz my friends decided to take the "hard" route, counter clockwise, VERY Little bob on the climbs, and for anyone who has been on Slick Rock will tell you...them are some STEEP A$$ climbs. If You want absolutely NO BOB... Find a stick and jam it in between the coils..but s#it you not this bike will climb. It was my own lack of balance and energy that made me stall in a climb, not the bike. On Sunday, right before we left, we did Amassa Back. The view from the top is unbelievable, the climbs weren't as hard as SLick Rock but longer. This trail was a true DH test for the Joker. Relatively steep with a S#it load of basketball sized rocks strewn all over the length of the trail. I was bombing down some parts where my buddies had to Hike! And one of them just bought Trek Fuel. Watch out for the stream at the beginning/end of the trail...if yer pulling up the rear, and you've got some friends yer not too sure about, you will be soaked and eating silt from the bottom of the stream...and what do you know...the JOKER is water proof too!!! Last words, Moab dope...Joker THE S#!T!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Naperville, Illinois Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
addison cycle
Strengths:
made by ellsworth, nuff said....ok pretty light and bullitproof for a 6 " rear travel full suspension ride
Weaknesses:
aeon sticker.....but it pulls off easily....cable hangers could be re-aligned a little on top tube...but no big deal
Similar Products Used:
truths,intense tracer, hardtails and softails, tried S. cruz...etc
Bike Setup:
ryno lights, monkey lite bars, avid mechanicals/ultimate levers, xtr shifters and railers(xt front), marzocchi z.1 mcr(strongly recommend !!) thomson elite post, race face (next) with tooth fairy, ritchey fat bone 60 mm stem,
Bottom Line:
I HATE ELLSWORTH !!!!!! i own two truths and now they collect dust in my basement because of the joker. (anyone looking for a 2001 blue small truth frame never built up ??) e mail me ..........This bike is a blast . take it over anything !!!...tight single track, jumps, drops, ANYTHING...even ride great on flat boring stuff...this bike is SICK !! NOW I HAVE A BIGGER PROBLEM....ellsworth e mailed me with a contest for a new bike to fit in between the dare and truth.......TONY IS GOING TO MAKE ME GO BROKE !!! oh well it will be fun anyhow...if you need a serious play bike which again, can be used for anything, once again this is it....and you can buy two of them for the price you may pay for the competition's one...Hey Tony, im spreading the love but i'm running out of $$$$ and room for your bikes ....no new models please :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin S
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nelson,Fernie, Kananaskis etc
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Active Cycle, Ft MacMurray
Strengths:
Climbs amazingly well, descends even better, killer british racing green paintjob that looks black unless you are in sunlight, torsionally solid, reasonable weight, excellent construction, Fox RC shock, lifetime warranty yada yada. Allround awesome machine!!
Weaknesses:
Not weaknesses but areas that could be fine tuned in the future; an extra water bottle mount behind the seatpost (like Specialized) wouldn't hurt, having the cable guides hydraulic ready with inserts available if regular cables required (like Kona), and a quick release seatpost clamp would be cool. Like I said, just minor suggestions.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinkys and Stabs, RM6, RM6 DH, RM Slayer, Bullit, Super8, Heckler
Bike Setup:
Z1 QR 20, disposable Deore derailleurs with XT thumbies, Race Face cranks with grind ring, Rhino Lights and the Arch Supremes off my Ti bike (Discs planned for this summer).
Bottom Line:
A very sweet machine, super solid under my 6'3" 190lb body, feels like a 6" travel Heckler without any flex. I've been surprised by how well it climbs and the lack of feedback/pogoing from the rear end when you stand up and stomp on the pedals. I've already got a couple of friends seriously considering this as their next bike. Can't wait to take it to Nelson and really test it out!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Weekend Warrior
from London/Peebles Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any in Peebles area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
The best bike I've ever ridden in 12 years of mtbing.(XC racing, DH racing, freeriding - the lot) Stealth black SL version well tooled up with DH discs & wheels and still weighs under 30lb I reckon - weird, feels even lighter to ride. Is as sweet as a nut going up hills and as for the downs - for me, it reinvents mtn biking, I have arrived at the next level. Awesome build quality and attention to detail
Weaknesses:
Does not have a cloaking device so that I can ride around the blockades on all UK trails and not get arrested. fecking foot and mouth disease is spoiling my life, I've only managed to ride the thing off road twice and tarmac sucks. As for bike weaknesses - NONE.
Similar Products Used:
Orange Patriot - not bad, too heavy, look at the design compared to the Joker - you just know the Joker hits the spot, the Patriot and the Built are ugly muthers
Bike Setup:
Psylo SL Tullio, Hope E4 discs & Bulbs, Mavic 521, Thompson, Azonic (ALL IN BLACK - oh baby)
Bottom Line:
I am going fecking mad cause I need to ride this bike more and I can't in this disease ridden country. Anyhow, as long as you are not some wussy, roadie wannabe XC rider this bike is the BEST. Bring on the downhill racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HELLBELLY
a
from Hotlanta, GA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1325.00
Purchased At:
Dreamride
Strengths:
Super stiff(much more than my Heckler was), Plush 6" o' travel; YEE-HAA!, cool British Racing green/black paint job, built like a brick house, handles the tight stuff as good as any ride I have been on, dominates the burly downhills and stunt riding, flys great, climbs as good as my SC did if not better as I am running a new Z1 MCR up front; just lower the nose and grind on up! Great customer service w/ Ellsworth.
Weaknesses:
Cheap decals, but I don't like labels anyway so this may be a strength as they came off easily. Frame echoes stuff b/c of its extrusion design, but this are minor annoyances.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra, SC Heckler, Turner XCE, SC Bullit, Kona Stinky Dee-Luxe
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth/Aeon Joker, medium w/ Fox Vanilla RC, Bomber Z1 MCR QR20, Raceface splined cranks/bb/bars, XT/XTR, Azonic Shorty stem, ODI lock-on grips, Titec Berserkr saddle, Thomson post, Salsa QR, Rhynolite/Hayes hubs, Tioga DH tires, Rubber Devil horn, Various pin-up girl decals
Bottom Line:
This is a fun, house-rockin' ride! Freerider, funrider, call it what you want, it is a blast. I have never been a fast climber, so the weight ain't no big deal, but when it comes time to go down...SEE YA! Taking this bike on a routine XC course is like taking a bazooka to go deer hunting. Makes drops 4-5' feel like curbs. Come-an-git-it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph(Atlas)Annechino
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester,NY Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rob & Bills excellent adventure
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff, very little bob, stength and just damn fun
Weaknesses:
Had a tough time dialing in the Stratos Helix DH shock. very hard to change coil spring.
Similar Products Used:
Aeon Isis, Ellsworth truth, trek y-22, Ellsworth Dare, GT lts, cannondale super v, Amp research b-3
Bike Setup:
Medium frame, Hanebrink Z-6 fork, gripshift 9.0 sl, Race face northshore cranks, wtb disk wheels, grimeca system 8 brakes, nuts 2.3 dh tires, azonic riser bar, titec berzerker seat, Sun/Ringle zuzu pedals
Bottom Line:
After finally finding the right combination of coil spring strength and air pressure for the rear shock, the bike is great. As long as I don't worry about keeping up with my friends on climbs(built the bike heavy for stength)this bike is the most fun to ride out of any bike I have ever owned. The list of similar bikes are all of the other FS bikes I have had( still have the truth)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Harte
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
mine(Harte Attack)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2790.00
Purchased At:
KaLo Bicycles
Strengths:
This bike F*cking Rules!! It handles as if it were on rails. It climbs fast up the hill and you will be able to keep up w/ your buddies on the DH race bikes. Also a great jumping bike
Weaknesses:
More travel would never hurt, but for what it is, its the strongest of its kind.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit
Bike Setup:
Mr T fork, Gremica discbrakes, mrp chainguidm, sram shifter
Bottom Line:
If your looking for somthing that isnt that expensive and is an awsome all around bike to have, then look no further. The Aeon Joker is the bike for you!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from boone, nc Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Brown #9
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
L.B.S.
Strengths:
Stiff, lots of travel, allows me to be stupid, lifetime warranty, it climbs too!
Weaknesses:
none on this one so far
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth, other Jokers
Bike Setup:
Joker, Z1CR (need more travel), XT disc, AC, XTR, Syncros, Race Face, DT Hayes/ Rhynos, Pro Taper, Oury, good tires
Bottom Line:
It is a nice bicycle that flies really well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimbo
a Downhiller
from Sussex, England Date Reviewed: December 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Can't decide, all of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
Looks good, very strong, no flex, climbs very well, lifetime garantee, brilliant all round bike.
Weaknesses:
None yet, apart from not having enough time to ride it....
Similar Products Used:
Rm6, stab, patriot, bullit etc
Bike Setup:
Super T bolt thru, Chris King, Azonic, Thompson, DMR, Hope/D521, XT and other bits
Bottom Line:
I wanted a bike you can do anything on and this is definately the one, go up, go down, drop off, whatever you like. It's not heavy, the build quality and efficiency put many others to shame, the owner service is great and the lifetime garantee gives you all the confidence you need to go and try anything you can. I can't think of anything to moan about so far, even the price is good. If you are looking for a Full-susser 4-6" travel, definately look at Aeon. I tried the Isis and the Joker, they were both superb, I like dropping, jumping, and DH mainly, so the Joker was the winner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Keydick Esquire
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Oregon Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Blue Jay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Jon's Bike Station
Strengths:
This Bike is BURLY ( SL Version) The frame is constructed flawlessly, it goes through rutted out corners, turning with ne feedback from the rear suspension, the bike is very easy to controll in mid air,and is plusher that a lazy boy love seat
Weaknesses:
This bike makes my fatorite trail look boring, so now I am getting yelled at by the night watchmen at the buildings in down town portland, because I am looking for bigger drops to hit
Similar Products Used:
similar? none similar, they all sucked compaired to my Joker, but I have tested the Rocky Mountain Slayer ( felt cheep) Canyonsnail jeckyl hahahahaha intense tracer, nice but not as nice, and I rode the s h i t out of a univega ds 900
Bike Setup:
hummm med sl frame, black anno, sram hubs, gremeca system 8 disc , xt xtr, raceface, controll tec, and I run Mythos 2.1 rubber, titec Berzerker dh saddle, vuelta disc weelset, and a rubber horn
Bottom Line:
This bike is woth every penny, it is flawless, it climbs like a Santacruz Heckler, can be dialed in very easily, and is built with solid parts, and weighs in at 30 pounds, I weigh 205 ish so it is perfect. This bike is almost better to ride that my girlfirend. It has a spacious top tube, the rear suspension works independantly of the front suspension, you dont have to throw it through a corner, and it is very effecient. I am running the same 46-20 top end with a 34 11 back end I had on my univega. I could over spin the 46 easy on that bike, but the Joker cant be spun out without flying down something very steep and long. The black anno finish is beautiful (but watch the stickers) Over all I encourage all of you to ride this bike, it climbs very well, and descends like a downhill sled, when the rides are over I am smiling, because I truly love this bike! Ill review this bike again after I put about 500 more miles on it and really break her in
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
King
a Downhiller
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
www.airbomb.com
Strengths:
The bike sucks up everything I can dish at it. Great design Good Shock Strong Light Tracks well with speed. Feels good in the air
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Stinky Dee Lux, Giant AC1
Bike Setup:
00 Joker (fox rc) 00 Boxxer Hope DHO2's 8"ft. 6"rr. Race Face Cranks, riser, headset Shimano XT 9spd group Mammoths on Hope Bulb hubs Maxxis High Rollers Axiom Stem and post Yetti ODI's
Bottom Line:
This is one kick ass bike! I am so stoked to ride it every chance I get. I do a lot of shore riding and find that the bike takes anything that I have done and makes it feel like a curb.
This bike excels at high speed technical trails.
Later, King
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Yang
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,CO Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Walker Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Singletrack Factory
Strengths:
Everyone before me has already summed up the strengths of this bike. It is perfect...just got it in today and I'm probably gonna sleep with it tonight. If your thinking about which one to buy, go with the Forest Green. Aesthetically speaking, this is one of the most beautiful bikes I've ever seen. My roommate who isn't into bikes hasn't ridden a bike since he was 10 said it was the coolest thing he's seen on two wheels.
Weaknesses:
No real weakness. Will post if I find one...actually one of the nobs, either the compression or rebound, won't turn...I'll have to sort that out soon. I'm almost afraid to take it out and get it scratched up.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS3, Ellsworth Sub22
Bottom Line:
The Ellsworth customer service is THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY. I even got to talk to Tony Ellsworth cuz I had my doubts about which size to get. The warranty on the bike is also probably the best in the industry..."what the life time warranty means is that if you are on your bike when it brakes, we will replace it." (Customer Service Rep at Ellsworth)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sir nosedvoidofunk
a Downhiller
from Anytown, mid-state, New Holland Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
valley of the hidden shadows
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
a bike shop
Strengths:
strong, lightish-for a DH bus, pedals really nice, tracks, soaks, well made, handles superbly and it smells nice.
Weaknesses:
RCR shock: I didn't like it very much.
Similar Products Used:
other bikes
Bike Setup:
7" boxxers, mrp wc #1, hope pro, 321 easton stuff and drop bars- only for looks.
Bottom Line:
buy one and chase up a fox 195mm e-e x 2.3 stroke vanilla rx or rc shock. this will give you 7" of nice travel. however you will need to file a little bit of the frame away- put shock in bike, witout the spring on it, with piggy back end mounted to swingarm with piggy back on top (this is the only way this shock will fit in w/out hitting frame on the big hits) push the frame through its travel slowly and watch as the swingarm bottoms out on the frame (down tube) (this is because this shock when fully compressed is shorter than the rcr shock that came as standard. File only the required amount of material away- pretty easy stuff can leave swingarm on bike but use a rag to catch any filings. Might sound a bit sketchy but I've had not a problem and did this ages ago and the bike cops the usual hiding the bike was designed for. you can just hit the big and rough stuff harder with the extra 1 inch of travel. An often overlooked option for DH especially as it can easily be modified to 7" travel. This bike is very fast, stong, light(compared other DH bikes) and not too much $$$$.
Have funky.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Burma Peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Ellsworth reps at Interbike
Strengths:
Quality, service, climbs like a mother and leaves the mothers behind going back down, tracks extremely straight.
Weaknesses:
Put some clearcoat over the stickers if you don't want them coming off (but they just add weight anyway.) Other than that, ABSOLUTELY NO flaws.
Similar Products Used:
3 years on a Univega DS950, test rode just about everything else in every price range.
Bike Setup:
1998 Judy XL, Trans-X bar, Avid brakes, LX drive with megarange cassette (you REALLY need a chain tensioner with one of these.)
Bottom Line:
This bike is phenomenal. Everybody else has already said most of what I can tell you, but I'll say it again anyway. The Joker delivers the same performance as bikes $1000 more, and laughs in the face of danger. Little bumps disappear, and big bumps get a lot smaller without sacrificing jumping ability. This bike is truly airworthy whether it's a drop or a dirt jump, and the landings are cake. As far as climbing is concerned, you don't need to be. Since my usual ride has an 8 mile climb to the trailhead, I was concerned about bob, and the 2001 models come equipped with a non-lockable Fox Vanilla RC, so I expressed my concern. The response was more or less "don't worry about it," and they were right. As long as your butt's on the seat, you won't get a single bit of bob. The one guy who said it does must have been standing up and pedaling in the granny ring, because otherwise it just doesn't happen. The bike is incredible, and the customer service is just as good. The guys at Ellsworth know that you can take your money elsewhere (even if you will get a lower quality bike) and they will bend over backwards to keep you happy. A lifetime warranty on a great bike backed by the nicest people in the business: you can't possibly beat it. If you can't afford an Ellsworth Dare, buy the Joker, and just quit looking at everything else because it's a waste of time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ando
a Downhiller
from Northwich, England Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything that looks like it could kill you
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn in Sussex
Strengths:
Lifetime warranty, they must be confident and the importer assures me that they have not had ant warranty claims yet !!, this bike is 100% Ellsworth as Ventana pulled out shortly after the launch, and an Ellsworth bike at these prices is a dream come true, super quality welding, light, no pedal induced bob ( this really is true,anyone who says that there is,is not telling the truth). It handles well, and accelerates really fast. It is plush whilst at the same time is resistant to bottoming out, a total freeride and DH monsterette ( 'cos its light an' all).
Weaknesses:
When I first got the bike it was specced with a stratos dh shock,with a piggy back. However, when the bike took a big hit the piggy back hit the frame a bit. Not really a clang it just scraped a bit of paint off. I sent it back to the importer ( freeborn) who replaced the shock with a helix pro, and gave me a load of freebies for the messing about caused, they could not have been more helpful. Apart from this minor niggle no worries.
Similar Products Used:
GT Lts 2,Marin team dh, Kona stab, Orange patriot, rotwild rdh02 and so on.
Bike Setup:
Marz MrT with betd custom brace,24" rear wheel(sun double wide + 2.6 nokian with mavic 321 + kujochain ( crazy exit acceleration from corners and good for short run in's to big drops),big'uns F+R, pro levers on 2 pots, middleburn cranks, Azonic bars, shimano xt 8sp,cane creek ahead,chain cat + dog.
Bottom Line:
This bike is cool. It rides really well, it is light and flickable and doesn't bob. It works really well with the stratos shock ( better than my KONA with a Fox shock) just make sure that you get the shock dialled in properly with a decent air shock pump( the stratos is a spring+coil+oil configuration + is well smooth and plush) and you will love it. This bike loves hard terratory and is beutifully balanced and controllable even in the wet. The only bike I will be changing this for is the ellsworth dare and that will be next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atlas
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester,New York,USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tryon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Strong, works like it is intended, fun as fun can be.
Weaknesses:
Me, I need to ride more to get stronger legs.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale super V, Mongoose Amp II, GT lts 1000, Ellsworth Truth(my cross county baby), Ellsworth Dare, Aeon Isis, Trek y-22, and a lot of hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Aeon Joker med. blue, Hanebrink Z-6, Race Face northshore cranks w/22-34-ring guard, gripshift 9.0sl and xtr f-der.,gremica disk brakes on Chris King/Mavic 317 all black wheels, motoraptor 2.4's
Bottom Line:
It is not the lightest by any means but it is a blast to ride. My favorite play bike ever. I have not been out riding enough this year, so I am definitly the week link. I have been riding some technical downhills, dropoffs (6 ft or less), and urban stuff. Everytime I get done with a ride I have a smile on my face. Fun factor is pegged!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elf
a Racer
from mars Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
walk in the clouds
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
AIRBOMB.COM
Strengths:
the frame is very durable for the weekend warrior. Also handels space travel well.
Weaknesses:
some of them have bad welds but they will replace it for free.
Similar Products Used:
dare, good to costly. kona uhhu (crap),PROFLEX TO SWEET.UFO, TRAVELS AT LITE SPEED
Bike Setup:
SPACE AGE TECHNOLOGY
Bottom Line:
It's good, but the cats can hear me coming!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Belt
a Downhiller
from Spokane, WA, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
everything down
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
There are many strengths to this bike. First of all it gets 6 inches travel. Six inches will just about devour any bump or rock you put in front of it. The frame design is awesome, I love the huge ball-bearing swingarm pivots, they get the job done with ease. Whether it's a smooth fire road or it's an incredibly tough, downhill, rocky single track, this bike corners like a dream!
Weaknesses:
Have not detected one yet!
Similar Products Used:
Kona, Marin, GT, Specialized, Mountain Cycle, Hairy Gary, Trek, just about anyone who makes a downhill bike.
Bike Setup:
Stratos Helix Pro DH, '00 Marzocchi JR-T, Magura Gustav disc, Kooka Cranks, Redline Chainguide, Doublewide rims, XT disc hubs (that's the jist of it)
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome! I still have not found a weakness and I have been riding it hard downhill for three months! This bike is for anyone who wants to have a blast while riding, I highly recomend it! I won't be needing another frame for quite a while. (Unless I upgrade to a new Dare!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ang C
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Solid bike, no lateral play whatsoever, extremely nimble on singletrack, very stable on downhilling.
The Aeon bike is such a confidence builder on technical trails and downhills that it's scarry to look back and see what the bike just carried you through. The bike rocks, enough said!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Mago
a Downhiller
from NJ Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Warranty, easy to maintain, plush as hell, can take a beating and just keeps on going,too many more to list my fingers get tired quickly
Weaknesses:
Only one, the Stratos Dh shock was hitting the frame on big hits, but they warranty it no problem
I wanted to get into DH racing but couldn't afford the Dare at the time so I chose the Joker.Anyone looking to build a DH bike that doesn't cost 10 grand but rides like it does this is it. I can't tell you how it climbs but I've heard it rips as a freeride bike as well.You can't beat the lifetime warranty and the customer service is a step above any one else in the business. Every one I've talked to at Ellsworth is extremely helpful.You can even talk to Tony Ellsworth himself if you want and he won't hesitate to bend over backwards to satisfy a customer.Good job Ellsworth!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JON CONGO
a Weekend Warrior
from VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
B&A
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
If Looks could kill. . . . Climbs excellent, Descends even better. It does'nt seem like your on a 6" bike, It feels like the trail is just really tame. Affordable for a handmade in USA frameset No Bob, fast, can be built to 30 pounds with a Z1, and HOPES
Weaknesses:
(laughing)
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit(****), Aeon ISIS (*****), Ellsworth Dare (*****), RM6 (***), KONA STINKY 5(****)
You wanna keep up to your hardtail riding friends on the technical climb, and then blow them away on the downside? . . .
You wanna huck that drop youv been thinking about all year. . .
Look no further!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JON CONGO
a Weekend Warrior
from VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
B&A
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
If Looks could kill. . . . Climbs excellent, Descends even better. It does'nt seem like your on a 6" bike, It feels like the trail is just really tame. Affordable for a handmade in USA frameset No Bob, fast, can be built to 30 pounds with a Z1, and HOPES
Weaknesses:
(laughing)
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit(****), Aeon ISIS (*****), Ellsworth Dare (*****), RM6 (***), KONA STINKY 5(****)
You wanna keep up to your hardtail riding friends on the technical climb, and then blow them away on the downside? . . .
You wanna huck that drop youv been thinking about all year. . .
Look no further!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Powell
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse, NY Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
trails that the man took away
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
extremely plush rear suspention, unlimited suspention setup adjustability, pure asthetics
Weaknesses:
sticker kit is lame, except the headbadge
Similar Products Used:
bullit, proflex
Bike Setup:
basic lightweight crosscountry mismatch stolen from my longtime hardtail, cool ass THE fenders, wtb 2.4 moto raptors
Bottom Line:
this thing is amazing, its not even a bicycle.its a living, breathing extention of what i want to do on a bike.it begs to be bashed and slammed and ridden hard..when you are done it looks up, smiles a devilish smile, and says " is that all you got " it climbs effortlessly, descends like a bat out of hell then looks behind itself and says " hey, where are your buddies now " hammer it through the stuff you fear and come out laughing... do i like it? YEAH BABY BRING IT ON
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Simon
a Downhiller
from Castlegar Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000
Should have come with a quick release ..... : 7 } hahaha too early to tell, will report again after summer...... Doubtfull at this time.
Similar Products Used:
GT rigid, Rocky hardtail, Specialized FSR elite
Bike Setup:
Stratos DH, Stratos MX6(SWEETNESS), Hayes Disc's XT der., Lx fr.d.
Bottom Line:
Other than my shifting setup being weak, the bike is dope!! I have only had it for less than a week but have done Several nice drops, and plumited down a couple decents. The stratos dh is sweet. it is so plush, and the lock out makes riding up F.S.Roads like riding a hardtail, sweet!!, the mechanisim for the lockout is simple and smooth. As for the front shock it Rocks!! I can turn the front tire 90 degrees with eaze a pleasure for such a large fork, and full seat post adjustment is the only way to go. Stoked, 1:27 am, and just got home from a midnight street/yard ride :o) This bike will hold up well in the Kootenay's!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Pekin Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yellow Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Incredible strength--will not flex an inch! Plush, balanced, quick, and completely controllable.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found one, maybe kryptonite...
Similar Products Used:
'96 GT LTS (2), '97 GT LTS (1), '98 GT LTS (2)
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Judy XL, Race Face, & XTR
Bottom Line:
If you can build it, I can break it. My riding weight tips 250 (5'11")--I'm the runt in the faminly. I regularly explode shimano XTR freewheel bodies every few months. The remnants of 2 of 5 LTS (less than satis..) litter my garage. Nothing that I can throw at this bike even causes it to hesitate. It climbs and descends better than any other bike. I am pretty much ground bound, but on the rare occasion that I leave the earth its nice not to lose a filling on re-entry. Most guys will brag about huge jumps and air--on this bike I can climb more technical trails than ever! Give this bike a dozen chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bevan
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything on the North Shore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Dan can't break one. Nuff Said !!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Rear end a bit flexy.
Similar Products Used:
99 VPS-1,Rocky DH-TO,KHS-DH,Pro-Flex.
Bike Setup:
QR 20,Hope,Sun,Maxxis etc
Bottom Line:
The bike does all, it can go as big as any full on DH bike but you can still ride it on the way up.[see Dan in the latest mountain bike mag].The bike is not as plush as a 4 bar link but when you have a big hit it just sucks it up.In the tight stuff it tracks like a XC bike and on the downhills it plain rips.As far as Im concerned it's underated
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Spokane Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Beacon DH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Strong, good manufacturing, suspension works very VERY well, sharp handler.
Weaknesses:
Have'nt had it long enough to know.
Similar Products Used:
Lots and lots of bikes
Bike Setup:
zzyzx, stratos pro dh, race face, avid, shimano, velocity.
Bottom Line:
Kicks butt, bu one pronto.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris M.
a Downhiller
from Aptos,CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000
THIS BIKE IS BAD ASS!!! I can now do all the crazy stuff I did before with ease and with much more speed. I can air it out and not worry about a bad landing. Rolls over anything and climbs just as good as my Truth did!!! Downhills are lightning fast on this bike. I have it set up with 5" up front and 6" in the rear, and if I want, I can change the fork springs and rear shock for 4"and 4" (don't know why I'd want to though). 31 lbs for a freeride/ DH bike, and that's with 5 lbs. of tire!!! Ultimate Trail Machine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Taocalli Ridge CB Colorado
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I have never ridden a single pivot design that worked like a 4 bar link bike. This bike works as well as my linkage bike. Stiff back end. Cool extruded front triangle. Groovy graphics. This frame has great standover 28" on a 19" frame.
Weaknesses:
weakness????? haven't found any!
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth, GT LTS DH, Mantis ProFloater
Bike Setup:
Chris king, Shimano XT, Manitou Xvert Super, Mavic
Bottom Line:
This bike can do it all...Climb, decend, big drops, even a road spin is no hassle, since the bike does not bob while you pedal. I have a new favorite bike. Thanks, Tony
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob miller
a Racer
from chester town Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
yo mother
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
hey larry you there? if you made it this far yo are smarter than I thought. I gona have my mom write my history thing to night.
Weaknesses:
math is dumb
Similar Products Used:
mrs mara is a meny she gave me a progress report
Bike Setup:
jfh
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is mrs mara is not cool
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ross garrett
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego California Date Reviewed: January 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Weaknesses:
haven't found one yet.
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT kit and White bros. forks.
Bottom Line:
I only get to ride 5 to 6 tims a month, but this bike goes real well. Overall it's just a light weight, high performance, sweet bicycle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Cowan
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super bomber
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
heavy duty everything
Bottom Line:
Awsome bike. Never had a better ride. Climbs like a hard tail and descends like it had multiple linkage. The best all round free ride machine that exists. Simple and sweet-I haven't had a problem yet and I have bashed the S**t out of it.
Overall Rating:
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