The Pioneering Airborne Lucky Strike is our flagship hardtail. Built with our own 3Al/2.5V aerospace-grade, cold-worked, tapered and size-specific titanium. Designed around our Superfortress mono-stay rear triangle, the Lucky Strike continues to set the standard for stiffness and performance. Includes NEW Integrated disc brake mount. (Five sizes available in High Lust Polish: 14, 16, 18, 19.5 and 21")
Submitted by
Rich Waller
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The longer and steeper the better....
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Imported frame into South Africa
Strengths:
1.) Torsional flex characteristics of Ti compared with aluminium. 2.) The Ti finish also stays looking good - never gets tatty. Just buff away the scratches with some wire wool.
Weaknesses:
1.) Weight versus top-end aluminium frames. The weight is noticeable, but not ridiculous, but my old bike (Giant XTC2) is incredibly light. 2.) The long top tube geometry takes some getting used to. 3.) Don't stress about the price versus aluminium - it's worth it. And you'll get over it anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Converted from a 2-year old Giant XTC2 to the Airborne Lucky Strike.
Bike Setup:
1.) I took my whole set-up off the Giant XTC and put it onto the Airborne frame. Mostly XT-level throughout, with a very tired Rock Shox Duke XC that needs upgrading. As funds become available, I will replace with lighter components to drop the weight. 2.) I would recomment to new buyers to go light as possible throughout.
Bottom Line:
1.) At first, I thought I'd made a horrendous mistake becuase of the extra weight. That first week was like a bad date - I really hated the beast. On the weekend however, I went onto bad dirt roads with mean corrugations. It floated through the gnarly stuff and soaked up bumps. It really was amazing. Now that I'm used to it, it's great, and all is forgiven. I train on tar quite a bit unfortunately, where it is slower. But we race on dirt, and that's what counts. I also lent it to a mate who is a bike expert - he was incredibly excited. 2.) The Ti characteristics come into their own off-road and in the bush. Don't test it on tar - stick to your BMW. 3.) At 70 kg, I am a light guy, and mostly do long marathon cross country events. I have never been convinced that dual suspension is necessary unless you are heavy, and are doing serious trail riding. Then I read about Ti, and ended up with a Lucky Strike. Poetry, poetry. For light people, a Ti hardtail is the answer without pushing all that extra weight around. I love climbing, and this baby can climb. All that is written about Ti's climbing capabilities is true. 4.) A word of heed to all prosective buyers: you need to check your size live on a frame. Do not buy unseen via the internet. A 19" Giant is totally different to a 19" Airborne. I should have gone one size down...... 5.) Airborne needs to set up an outlet in South Africa. I must have the only one here! It certainly draws comments and strange looks! 6.) Bottom line: this is a bike for the discerning rider. It is not worth the extra cost unless you can extract all it's unique features and benefits. But having said this, don't be put off - Ti bikes are in a class of their own. They will inevitably attract a different type of rider and customer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Buch
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bull Jake Combo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
Very Strong frame. Rebounds energy back. Stiff without being harsh like Aluminum. Small front triangle with longer Top Tube I ride 16" frame 5'9" 166. Nice welds.
Weaknesses:
If you don't ride Disk brakes the "intelligent routing system" seems like a waste an once of weight. There are five small brackets welded to the frame. I'm thinking about grinding them down. If you ride rear disk you're stoked. The bomb stickers on top tube are a little much considering current war monger climate. acetone takes them off I hear.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo e koo, Specialized S-works, Trek 9000
Bike Setup:
XT shifter/brake XT front XTR rear, 03 Duke Race with lockout (sweet), Mavic Crosslink Front rim/hub, XT/517 rear, 01 Team Stylo Crank, Selle Italia Titanium seat.
Bottom Line:
Because of Airborne's longer top tubes/effective top tube. I dropped down to the 16" frame from my 18" 1998 Gary Fischer Hoo Koo e Koo. The stand over height is about the same. The climbing is awesome and the down hills are absorbed nicely by the characteristics of titanium. Jay at the factory gave me a quote on a scratched frame for way less then retail and it ended up he had already sold it. He gave me the deal he quoted anyway. That's just cooooool. Thanks Jay. I can't wait to get out there and race or do some long sick enduro. I had some guy say there isn't any difference between Aluminum and Ti, its just not as light. This is not true in respect to riding comfort. Aluminum is down right rigid. My buddies S-works Aluminum frame weighs less but is not a fun ride on sick bumpy trails. I love steel and now I love Ti. I can't speak for the larger frames but this thing barely has any lateral bend which would affect steering. I rode the 18" in the shop and it was the same. Great frame design. A guy commented on the shape of he top tube not making sense he said it was an up and down oval... It's actually a tear drop shape so it give strength up and down and side to side. smart. Five Flaming chilly's for initial quality and ride. I'll write back if there is any status change.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Liberty
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington, KY Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sheltowee Trace
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Campus Cyclery, Cin., OH
Strengths:
Light, well balanced, cool chick decal, great ring clearance, turns well, comfortable on long rides.
Weaknesses:
Stock headset/handlebar set up is a bit goofy, tapered bar not easy to put on lights. A bit creaky and tingy sounding (I like quiet rides). Chain bangs chainstay a bit, needs a guard (only to reduce sound). Would have liked to tried one out before purchasing (highly recommended if you can).
Similar Products Used:
Old school Raleigh M60 (10 years).
Bike Setup:
2003 model, full XT, Avid discs, Judy XC Air-assist shock (not that great), Time ATAC pedals (also not that great). This is the basic XT package offered by Airborne, except for the fork. Weight is about 24lbs. including accessories.
Bottom Line:
Bought this during a "clearance" from Airborne. I could not have asked for a better bike! This bike is definitely better than me, and I now have many years of awesome riding in my future. At 6-feet tall, 185 lbs, , I'm not sure if a 19.5" was the best choice since the headset has 5 spacers and the seat is all the way back; maybe just some tweaking needed. But right now the bike does fit me, and I do like the stretch. If you're looking for a XC hardtail, and don't want to spend $3000, I recommend the Lucky Strike any day. I haven't raced with it yet, and there are lighter bikes out there, but I'm not a big racer so this bike works for me. If you're thinking about it, visit their website, find a dealer and call to see if there's a bike in store that you could test ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Cross Country Rider
from argonne, WI USA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek- Crested Butte
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Airborne Direct
Strengths:
Price, handling, looks. Ability to pick and choose every part of the complete bike
Weaknesses:
Inability of potential suitors to be able to test ride
Bike Setup:
SRAM 9.0 shifting, Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb, XT brakes, Bontrager wheels, CK headset
Bottom Line:
Sweet ride. I've ridden Lucinda (my bike's name) for five seasons. It has held up well, as I've only needed to replace a few components as regular maintenance and upkeep. It accelerates quickly, handles well. The weight is in the middle of the pack, but I attribute a lot of the weight to my heavy fork. The hand brushed finish keeps it looking new. I have friends that bought painted AL bikes at the same time. Their bikes show the nicks and scratches of some hard singletrack. Mine is still a pretty ride. If you like singletrack and technical trails, this is an excellent buy for the money and overall.
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Submitted by
Alek
a Weekend Warrior
from Fayetteville (Ft. Bragg), NC Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
CCT in NOVA (very convienient)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Airborne
Strengths:
Frame is extrememly durable. Welds are bomb proof. Design of bike stands up well to my size (200lbs +) and handles any situation thrown at it. I'm more than confident taking this bike on an cross country, downhill, or freeride course.
Weaknesses:
$, but considering what you get it's worth it.
Bike Setup:
XTR with replacement XT crank and bottom bracket (XTR broke on me), RockShox Duke XC (best fork ever used), RockShox suspension seatpost, Airborne Ti skewers, Airborne kevlar saddle, Mavic ceramic rims with Panaracer Fire XC tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike will handle anything you can dish out. I've had it for 4 years and it still outperforms any other bike I've tried. As a very aggressive, tough rider, I'd recommend this to anyone with a similar riding style.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Williams
a Racer
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail Summit County
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
for frame only from website
Strengths:
The welds are beautiful. And the angle back end creates wonderful climbing stiffness. Descends like a rocket. Double butted tubing adds great strength.
Weaknesses:
As expected some lateral flex due to material make-up.
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Tanasi
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Mavic 517 ceramics, Chris King headset, SID Race, Thompson Elite post and stem all =22.4 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Best ride ever...It brings fun back into riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harold
a Weekend Warrior
from Edwardsville Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Airborne
Strengths:
This bike takes downhills at speed and feels very stable and climbs even better. Makes you want to get to the trails.
Weaknesses:
Not a knock against the bike itself but a remote lockout for the front shock would make the bike perfect.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT 2003; Bontrager Super Stock DISC wheels; Rock Shox Pilot XC; Airborne TI seat post and stem and FSA headset; disc brakes weight appr. 24.9 lbs
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, a little pricey, but well worth it...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ernst p. baakker
a Cross Country Rider
from netherlands Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
$ 999.00
Overall Rating:
