Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Allentown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Jim Thorpe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
online / bikestore (NJ)
Strengths:
Lightweight, Climbs well, quite nimble, cheap, fun project to put it together on a budget.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailuer hanger. XT rear hub (I'll get to this later)
Similar Products Used:
not really similar, but I used to ride a Bianchi Lynx SX Aluminum Mtb.
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-E fork (best deal on the bike 80 bucks from pricepoint) Cheap "Answer" stem. Kore aluminum Handlebar, full XT. Mavic 517 rims, Thompson post, selle italia Flight saddle. Time Atac Pedals
Bottom Line:
First, the Flex. When my brother first tried to ride the bike he thought there was something loose. The bike is just like that. I definitely like it, but some may not feel the same way. Also, on the first ride i went on i went over the handlebars (remember, i shaved off like 7 or 8 pounds of bike from under me, this thing is light) and the bike came down on the derailuer and bent the frame. I was devistated. I brought it back to the bike store where I bought parts of the bike (i made an order to price point for the other parts of the bike and assembled it myself) and told him the story. Since bike stores hate when people put together their own bikes he charged me for the frame straightening and sent me on my way. I've raced the bike 3 times on the collegiate level with little difficulty. One thing that did happen was a problem with the XT hub, it seems to come loose (so that the rear wheel can wobble side to side) quite often. Took it back to another bike shop and had them tighten it up. It's starting to happen again so i think i'll have to bring it back soon. Anyway, getting to the bottom line. If you're willing to spend the money this bike will not disappoint you. If you're looking for a bike that will inspire you to ride more, or just one that's a little nicer than something you have now, i'd suggest this bike. It handles better than any bike i've ever ridden and as a result is fun to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake Thrasher
a Cross Country Rider
from Champaign, IL Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kickapoo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great looking,that is for sure, the look of Ti is just sweet. Does have a better feel than say a cannondale hardtail, more compliant, more responsive.
Weaknesses:
Not quite the dream ride, never felt one with the trail
Similar Products Used:
Demoed many bikes, Trek VRX 400
Bike Setup:
General crosscountry setup about XT level gear
Bottom Line:
This frame is a good one and I would recommend it. The weight is right, the look is right, the compliance is right, but there is something that just did not dial in with me. I never felt totally comfortable on it. I do attribute some of this due to a little movement in the fork, and some component issues. But even when everything was working the bike did not relax me and let me flow like I would feel when I switched bikes with my friends. I recently got a curtlo steel hardtail and feel about twice as confident and comfortable. I would recommend the curtlo twice over before the Corsair, but I do know that everything has to do with bike fit and I think the few sizes available to me did not work right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Latanich
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgewood, NJ USA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Massabesic Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
Lightweight, Cheap, Rapid Delivery, strength
Weaknesses:
None as of yet
Similar Products Used:
Just the frame... i have now gone through almost every type of metal. Ti, Al, Chromoly...
Bike Setup:
All Shimano XT and XTR, Rock Shox Sid XC, Race face headset, Time ATAC Carbon Clipless, Mavic Crossmax UST front and rear
Bottom Line:
Very nice frame. the guys at the bike shops will be hesitant to reccomend it largely because of the fact that for $600 they cant match it. you might hear complaints about the welds or their methods but these qualms are irrelevant, the welds are great and the frame is amazing. a very good investment!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
see below
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1710.00
Purchased At:
Woody's Bicycles
Strengths:
Where can I start, great frame, light weight, beautiful decals and the luxury of choosing my parts
OOOOOOOOHHHH man, this is a nice bike, this is an update of my earlier post, and it definately deserves five chilis. Have ridden it a good bit, and I love this bike, once dialed in, I love it, I wish that I had gotten a bike like this earlier, come on, where else do you get a beautiful Ti bike for under $2000, I think that Airborne is about to bust out, 'cause they are the shiz-nit, go out and test ride one now, buy one and you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$1696.00
Purchased At:
Woody's Bicycles
Strengths:
Price, Lust factor, ability to custom pick your components, weight, warranty, fit
Weaknesses:
You can't get manitou Blacks, or race face or tru vativ cranks
Similar Products Used:
GT Karakoram, Schwinn Homegrown Suspension
Bike Setup:
Just ordered a LX kit, upgraded the cranks to XT, got the XT/517 wheels, Duke SL, riser bar, everything else basically stock LX kit
Bottom Line:
I rode this bike at the shop, and immediately fell in love with it. Ordered my new bike on the spot, and can't wait for it to come. My freind has an old Lucky Strike, and he loves his, and now I will soon be able to join him on my own Ti steed. I am sad my old ride was ganked, but....I do get this as a replacement. right now 5 chilis for value, and fit of the bike as well as custom component factor
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Submitted by
Mel Chan
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell, CA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Ridge Tr., Santa Teresa County Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
www.airborne.net
Strengths:
Excellent titanium frame bike. Can order the bike with a custom-selected set of components. Can be set up as a lightweight XC bike, or a more modest titanium trail bike. Ordered bike and then received it via DHL overnight about a week later. Customer service is generally responsive when contacted. 10-day money-back return policy and 60-day fit warranty. Lifetime warranty can be tranferred to a new owner (by frame warranty recertification program) if bike is sold.
Weaknesses:
Some popular components may be out of stock, and this delays delivery of the bike, or bike is built with substitute components. Hard to determine fit without seeing the bike, so have to go with best guess. Airborne has no local dealers in Santa Clara valley area (northern California, San Jose area), at least those bike shops I tried to contact.
Bike Setup:
Airborne Corsair 18" titanium frame, full Shimano XT componentry with V-brakes, Duke XC shock, King headset, Race Face stem and handlebar, Airborne titanium long bar ends, Thompson seat post, Terry Fly saddle. Weight listed from website as a little less than 25 pounds.
Bottom Line:
Although I've had the bike for less than two months, I really like the Airborne Corsair bike I put together with components I selected. A titanium bike definitely has a better, less stiff ride than an aluminum bike. The bike is lightweight, so I can climb hills more easier, and I can accelerate more quickly. Also, it is easier to maneuver around obstacles on a trail. By the way, for new owners out there, it takes a little time to adjust the saddle for comfort (e.g., forward-back and tilt adjustments), allow the bike to break in (i.e., adjust for cable stretch, adjust the front and real deraillers, adjust the brakes), and generally get used to the bike. Overall, the bike is simply a joy to ride, and I do so whenever I have the chance.
Anyone looking for a titanium hardtail bike should definitely consider the Airborne Corsair. I was concerned about build quality before seeing the bike, but the welds, frame finish, and frame alignment seem fine to me. Although Airborne gives customers a $25 credit toward service, which can be used to pay for someone else to put the bike together, the happiest customers would probably be those who can do their own basic service on their bike. The bike does get delivered almost fully assembled--just put on the handle bar, the front wheel, pedals, and seat post. Also, it's important to do some research on what components to build the bike with since these can change the character of the bike completely. Airborne's customer service can help with component selection, but really the only person knows the type of riding a customer does, is the customer.
Those new to mountain biking probably shouldn't buy this bike. New mountain bikers should try biking on a less expensize bike and learn what type of bike would work best for them. When they are ready to upgrade, they should look at Airborne.
For the money I spent, I don't think there is a better bike (even if on sale) at any bike shop in my area. The only competitive titanium bike would have been a Litespeed Pisgah, which lists at $2800.
Airborne's Corsair is great mountain bike and I recommend it to anyone looking for a hardtail. It's a terrific value. Happy riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Schenectady, NY Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
This bike rocks. Beautiful finish and welds. Rear triangle is a thing of beauty. Climbs like a raped ape.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Soul
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-R, Mavic 517's, XTR hubs, Full XTR (except XT f. der, b.b.) LX cranks, Chris King headset, Thomson stem, Panaracer Fire XC.
Bottom Line:
Titanium rocks. This is the sweetest bike I have owned by far. Unbelievable climbing power. Handles like a dream.
This bike is ideal for th XC rider who likes to climb alot and descend fast, with total control.
I built this bike up little by little however Airborne's site makes it possible to customize your bike to your own specs. Airborne is great to work with. Any technical questions I had were answered the same day. Truly great service. I would definately go back to Airborne but I don't think I'll need to. The Corsair is so sweet that I think I'll break before it does.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Uri
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise ID Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1875.00
Purchased At:
airborne.net
Strengths:
The Titanium frame is excellent at absorbing stutter bump vibrations, yet has a stiff rear triangle that allows you to hammer.
Airborne.net was an exceptional customer experience. Customize your bike completely and if you need to adjust something or have a bad part and they'll send you replacements to swab out. Send the old ones back and your in business, no questions asked. WOW!
Weaknesses:
These came from some of the components I selected and can't be attributed to the frame or the company.
The Minori(?) water bottles failed quickly. A weld in the wrong spot that wore out.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back Full Suspension Race, Specialized, & Ionic front suspension
Great frame, you pick the parts, great customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Jay
a Racer
from Columbus, OH Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
It's ti! Light, good-looking, not a lot of flex, and it's Ti!
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Full XT, Cane Creek HS, Rock Shox SID SL
Bottom Line:
I'm very happy with my Corsair. It is a great all-around performer, tracks well, and is stiff enough to really hammer. Time will tell whether it holds up long term, but so far this bike has exceeded my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Cooper
a Cross Country Rider
from Tupelo, MS Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Elvis Presley Lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
An unbelievable value! Coming off of an Aluminum frame hard tail, I was most surprized with the plush ride. The Ti frame absorbs most of the irritating vibrations that used to bother my wrists. It is really an amazing bike that looks awesome too. I'm constantly getting compliments from other riders including Merlin and Ibis Bow-Ti owners/riders. You can't go wrong with the Airborne Corsair.
Weaknesses:
Not disc brake compatible; but if that was an issue I would have ordered the Lucky Strike
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki AL hardtail Schwinn Chro-Moly High Plains hardtail
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR components, Manitou Mars Elite fork, Rock Shock susp. seat post, Easton carbon-fiber handlebars, XT/Mavic 517 wheel set, Airborne seat w/ Ti rails
Bottom Line:
Whether your a weekend warrior, or a racer, this bike can meet your needs. If you want the most bang for your buck, then try the Airborne Corsair. The on-line ordering process is hassle free and lets you choose exactly what components you want on your bike. One basically gets a custom made Ti framed bike for about half the cost of a Merlin or Lightspeed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Brake
a Weekend Warrior
from Hopkinsville, KY USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Canal Loop LBL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Bikes and Moore
Strengths:
Light weight and excellent climbing abilitity. Sweet ride from ti frame.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes it feels a little unsettled when pushed hard on techncal descents. This could be from the Judy XC fork that came with the bike.
Bike Setup:
Full Deore drivetrain with XT rear deraileur. Rock Shox Judy XC fork. Bontrager everything. Rolf Satelite wheels
Bottom Line:
Good bike, though I feel that a Trek 8500 would have been a better purchase because of all the better components and lighter weight. Still a very good entry race bike that is worth upgrading.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon haase
a Cross Country Rider
from castle rock, colorado Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
buffalo creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
airbourne
Strengths:
qualitiy of craftsmenship,light weight,great geometry
xt/xtr,easton handle bars and seat post,manitou mars elite,mavic wheels
Bottom Line:
i bought the frame and built the bike up myself,and dealing with the airbourne staff was a dream.the bike is an awsome climber and very sweet descender,it weights in under 23lbs. and with a bigger bugdet it could weight less. this bike will hold its own at any level of racing.very well constucted,excellent welds,lifetime gaurentee,and not to mention good looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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