Submitted by
Ryan Reynolds
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester, PA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
mtbr
Strengths:
lightweight for 21", bought used for cheap, still looks great, love the bare ti finish
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC DS2, nytex sioux carbon, jamis komodo
Bike Setup:
21" luky strike, full xt drivetrain with sioux carbon cranks and race face rings, race face taperlock bb, formula evoluzione discs, Z4 flylight air, xt disc hub on sun ds2 rims, titec/DEAN ti post/bar/stem
Bottom Line:
excellent bike, I already have about 200 miles on it in the few weeks since i built it up from the bare frame. Everythign went together perfectly with no problems caused by the frame itself. The ride is wonderful and feels much faster then my previous bikes. Would deffinatly buy another airborne.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Hughes
a Cross Country Rider
from Verwood, Dorset, UK Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood Forest. Verwood to Stonehenge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Lots of places
Strengths:
Amazing Lucky strike frame, fantastic quality, looks, and neat welding. Bike very stiff, and responsive on all terrain.
Weaknesses:
None I built it exactly as I wanted it. Airborne transfers look a little tatty, I spoke to Airborne they refurbish their frames at a cost, and replace transfers.
Similar Products Used:
Merlin WCS
Bike Setup:
19" Lucky Strike frame. XTR mechs fr/rear,XT mega9 groupset, San Marco SLR saddle, easton MG60/EA50, Renthal sub130g bars,Pace RC36 EVO III forks, Mavic X517 rims
Bottom Line:
You really can't grumble at Airborne frames, £ for £, or I guess $ for $ they're unbeatable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brennan
a Cross Country Rider
from Groton, CT Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
Customer Service Bike Customability Frame strength to weight Complete bike value
Weaknesses:
No SRAM options anymore.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
XT package. Sun Ryno lite rims w. XTR hub, Panaracer tires, V-brakes. Avid brake lever, SRAM shifters, Chris king headset, Raceface bar & stem, RS Duke SL.
Bottom Line:
Great customer service as almost everyone has said before. I am a larger rider, 6'5" 215 lbs, and was skeptical of buying online before riding. I did plenty of research and asked around and finally purchased. The assembly process was the only semi-questionable aspect of the whole purchase. The Airborne seatpost that I originally received could not be tightened enough at the saddle. I called them up and they sent me another one. No questions. New one has worked great and took my abuse. Some of the drivetrain needed to be tuned, but I was replacing the Shifters with SRAM components anyways so it wasn't a big deal.
The ride is great. The thing climbs and descends wonderfully. It doesn't whine when I take the wrong line.
Research what your getting. Know what you actually need, not the flashiest parts. Then go ride and not let it sit in your living room as a coversation piece.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alain
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mt Diablo, Black Diamond Mines
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2085.00
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
Being able to customize the bike was a plus. Good price for a Ti bike. Good quality welding.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 857 K2 4000
Bike Setup:
All XT, fork Duke SL, Kore Lite stem and seat post, Shimano M535(not the lightest but strong for my weight)
Bottom Line:
Within a couple of days my order was followed by a call from Airborne to double-check the size and the components chosen. About 5 working days later the bike was delivered. I was very impressed with the customer service and the speedy delivery. The bike was well assembled and didn't need to be tuned before the ride. The pressure in the fork was set-up for my weight(200 lbs). The first ride(and all the ones after...) was incredible. The bike is a rocket up or down hills. I found myself climbing the same hills with a couple of gears left on the cassette. The steering is precise, a very good climber and also just a beautiful bike to look at. I was nervous about ordering without trying at first, but I had such a good experience that I will recomend Airborne to anyone serious about riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Sulouff
a Cross Country Rider
from Naples,Fl. Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
AIRBORNE DIRECT
Strengths:
Everything,it's more bike than I wished for.Great frame and the XT parts go togeather like a hand & glove.
Weaknesses:
None found
Similar Products Used:
None,for the last 15 years the only bike I rode was a exercise in my bedroom with a air hose giving me 6 Ltrs. of air a min.(emphysema).Iwas very lucky to receive a lung transplant in May of this year.This bike is clearly a lot more fun then my last one
Bike Setup:
19"Lucky Strike frame with all XT parts
Bottom Line:
I'll add to this later, as for now most of my rides are under 10 miles.But as I get stronger I'm sure the bike will be as good in the miles ahead as it is now
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TOM MARROW
a Cross Country Rider
from WIMBERLEY, TX Date Reviewed: November 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
University Cyclery-Austin,Tx
Strengths:
Outstanding value. Being able to customize componets on the website with price & weight info. Quality workmanship in smooth, strong welds. Great comfort and control of Ti ride.
All XT, Easton monkey lite riser bars, Duke SL, Thompson post
Bottom Line:
Customer service at Airborne Direct was friendly and knowledgeable. Anthony at University Cyclery was easy to work with and set up my bike exactly the way I wanted it with no hassle at all. I was allowed 10 days to evaluate the bike at no risk, but knew I would keep it after 10 minutes. I have been able to ride faster and farther with more confidence of control than on any other bike I have ridden.[My other 3 bikes have been gathering cobwebs since I got the Lucky Strike.]
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
charles
a Weekend Warrior
from nyc ny Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
on-line
Strengths:
reasonable price,good selection of components,nice lines on frame,no hassle purchase,
Weaknesses:
unable to take to lbs for adjustment, or problems must be settled on-line or telephone. ordering can be stressful wondering how bike will come and buying w/o seeing. alot of reviews written by others are highly naive, and some don't want to admit an purchase error.
Similar Products Used:
owned litespeed and also gary fisher sugar 1. always hanging out by my pld shop and tried numerous others.
Bike Setup:
all lx except upgrade on crank, handlebar, and seat. added 1.5 inch semi slicks for city and manitou mars c.
Bottom Line:
i like the bike and ride it and commute in nyc daily. it is a pretty bike and when non-riders see it they always complement me on how pretty the bike is. but, today there are excellent dual suspension rides in the same price/weight category, and also with a little research other ti hardtails on sale for the same price. not a bad bike i do like mine, not the best value anymore, and i personally was not happy with the customer service policy. READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR RETURN AND EXCHANGE POLICY. sorry if this review is not as jolly as the others, just being totally honest
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cc wilson III
a Weekend Warrior
from atlanta Date Reviewed: October 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bear creek, Kokopelli
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
airborne.net
Strengths:
Great bike, nice lines, good handling and their customeer service is top-notch.
Weaknesses:
Frame decs (Airborne logo, bombs on top tube and Varga girl near head tube) are wearing off. Other than that, great ride.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Independent, Caloi
Bike Setup:
All XTR and Race Face. Kovachi Rhyno lites w/XTR hubs, Thomson stem and seatpost.
Bottom Line:
For the price and lack of instant gratification by not buying in bike shop, it's the best deal out there. Ordering online was never easier- customer service made it all worthwhile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1993.00
Purchased At:
Airborne Direct
Strengths:
Can't beat the price for a quality Ti frame. (Price shown was for a complete XT/XTR bike.)
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Giant, Bridgestone, Moots
Bike Setup:
XT group with XTR brakes, Icon stem, Kore bar, Z2 Atom Bomb
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for my wife, who is a serious rider. (We did part of the Great Divide Trail last summer.) The Airbourne website made spec'ing & ordering the bike really easy, with a good selection of components to choose from. The bike arrived on time, and the build job was first rate -- I've built a lot of bikes, and they did all the little things that matter to us anal types ;-) My wife is rather petite, and the 14" frame fits her great -- it's nice to see a company that really does adjust geometry to fit rider size. I've definitely seen prettier welds on higher $$ boutique frames, but Airborne has the nicest welds I've seen on a production frame.
My only criticism is that their website seems to be getting overly complicated and slooooooowwwwwww lately. But that doesn't affect the ride ;-)
Also wish I could get some replacement decals, by Airborne tech support says they're not available separately.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Columbus, GA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great ride, point and go. Rides like it is on a rail
Weaknesses:
Could not find any to talk about
Similar Products Used:
Titus cuctum racer
Bottom Line:
Would recommend to friends
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominik
a Cross Country Rider
from Salzburg Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Airborne
Strengths:
bomb proof, uphill perf., nice finish and of course price/value ratio of Ti-frame
Weaknesses:
some decals peel off, but well... a quick release for the seatpost would be a great deal.
Similar Products Used:
IBIS Mojo steel
Bike Setup:
LS 21", XT, Syncros, King Headset, Z2, Syntace and Magura HS33
Bottom Line:
Just returned from a 4-day trip in southern alps between italy and austria with lots of hard downhill and plenty of carrying up the mountains. it responds to each input and makes you confident throughout the downhill. going up the mountain it is smooth and you even won't mind sitting in the saddle for more than 5 hrs. great deal for marathon and touring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Godspeed Burning Wheels
a Weekend Warrior
from Dayton Ohio Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ceasars Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.Airborne.net
Strengths:
Ti at a great price, need I say more! The Lucky Strike is far better than I will ever be. It handles like a Ferrari on a slot car track. I loved working directly with the builder, as their committment to the customer is first rate. Airborne built the bike for me, and it is no less than perfect. I chose all the components I wanted and they slammed them onto the bike for me. Their customer service is what all companies should strive for! The Lucky Strike craftsmanship is flawless. The welds were smooth and uniform. The stiff frame absorbes all the trash. The geometry is awesome and enables this beast to climb over tall building in a single bound.
Weaknesses:
Say What, Ya gotta be kidding? None - Nada - Zero - Zip - Zilch - 0
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sur & Others
Bike Setup:
16" Frame-XTR all the way & every day-Bontrager RaceLite Wheelset-Ritchey WCS Speedmax Tires-Butyl Ultra Lite Tubes-Chris King Headset-Race Face Stem & Handlebar-Airborne's Ti Seatpost & Octagon Joy Styx Long Bar Ends & 6/4 Titanium Skewers-Selle Italia Flite Saddle-2001 Rock Shox SID SL 63/80mm-Speedplay Frog Ti Clipless Pedals-Cuissi Stainless Steel Water Bottle Cages-Oh Yeah Its Xtra Light at 22.3#
Bottom Line:
I had never laid eyes on an Airborne Lucky Strike until I got mine and now I am in love at first sight! The Lucky Strike should be called "Superbike" "It's faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to climb tall buildings in a single bound --- 'Look, up the trail,' 'It's a F-22 Raptor,' 'It's a Top Fuel Funny Car,' 'It's' an Offroad Ferrari,' It's Superbike....' " Why would you want anything else, this bike does it all. The Airborne Company is First Class, The Customer Service is First Class, & The Bike is First Class! "If you want to fly with the Eagles you can’t run with the turkeys, you've got to get Airborne sooner or later!" I am giving it 5 Chilis because I can't give it 10 Chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maxime Marchand
a Weekend Warrior
from La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
web
Strengths:
This is a real great bike!!! The best i've tried since I'm ridin. You can build your own bike on their web site, you choose every components and you buy directly from the dealer, so the price could'nt be better. I was havin' a little trouble with a weel, and it did'nt took time and they did somethin for me... I realy enjoy ride with this bike cause it's as stiff a I want a bike and it's also well build strong , beautifull and comfortable!
Weaknesses:
Only the fact that it takes a little bit of time cause i'm far when I've got a problem with it, but, It almost never appends and they are really there for you!
Similar Products Used:
No one, nothing can be compared to this beast.XT FC-M751 Crankset, 22-32-44T, 175mm Bottom Bracket Chain 2001 Shimano XT CN-HG92 9spd Chain Rear Derailleur 2001 Shimano XTR RD-M952 Rear Derailleur (Conventional Spring) Front Derailleur 2001 Shimano Deore LX FD-M570 Front Derailleur Integrated & Separate Shift Levers 2001 Shimano Deore XT ST-M750 9spd Rapid-Fire Integrated Shift Levers Separate Brake Levers Brake Lever MTB None Brakes 2001 Avid Mechanical Disc Brake System, INCLUDES Avid SD 5 Levers Cable Sets: Brake & Derailleur Airborne MTB Flyte Line, Teflon Cable & Housing System Cassette 2001 Shimano XT CS-M750-9 (11,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32) Wheel Set Ritchey Pro DISC OCR Wheelset, 32/32 907g/1120g Black Front Tire WTB Nanoraptor, Kevlar, Black Sidewall, Black Tread, 2.10", 52/47 Rear Tire WTB Nanoraptor, Kevlar, Black Sidewall, Black Tread, 2.10", 52/47 Tubes Butyl Standard, 26 x 1.95-2.10" Presta Valve Headset WTB Momentum Grease Guard, Threadless Alloy Headset, Black Headset Spacers Alloy Headset Spacer 25.0mm, Black Stem 2001 Kore Lite 3, Alloy, Removable Face, 105mm Extension, 10° Rise, Black Handle Bar Bontrager Super Stock 6061 Alloy Handlebar, 580mm Length, 5° Bend, Black Bar Ends Airborne Octagon Joy Styx, Long Titanium Bar Ends Handle Bar Grips WTB Trail Grip, Dual Compound, Black base with Clear Contact, 125mm Seat Post Kore Lite 2, Cold Forged Alloy Seat Post, 380mm Length, Bead Blast Black Saddle WTB, Speed V Saddle, Cromoly Rails, with Love Channel Fork 2002 Rock Shox JUDY XC, 80mm All Travel, Hydra Coil-Air Assist, Cro-Moly, Silver
Bike Setup:
Frame Set 2001 Lucky Strike 3AL / 2.5V Titanium MTB Frame, 18" Cranks Set 2001 Shimano Deore
Bottom Line:
TTTTTTHe ONE and only you can own!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G Fox
a Racer
from Cheshire, CT, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Whakkarewarewa Forest, New Zealand
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Airborne Direct
Strengths:
Excellent Price to Value ratio. Quick, yet stable handling, light weight without compromising durability.
Weaknesses:
I have long legs so the seat tube is actually a bit short so I need to have a lot of seatpost exposed which has a bit of flex.
Bike Setup:
All XTR, Flite saddle, Thomson Elite seatpost, Easton Carbon handlebar, Manitou Carbon fork, Sram shifters, Mavic 517's with IRC Mythos
Bottom Line:
The bike handles perfectly for my type of New England racing with lots of tight single-track, rocks, roots, and mud. Climbs well, and with it's light weight (22.5 lbs)can accelerate very quickly. The only complaint I've got is that the seat tube seems a bit short for me. The next larger frame size was too big. Not a big deal at all. Overall, the bike has served me well for over 2 years and I've traveled extensively with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Thilmany
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, Illinois, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
DesPlaines River Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Airborne Direct
Strengths:
Titanium frame with cold worked tubes.
Weaknesses:
Slight creaking from the bottom bracket area.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Paragon
Bike Setup:
Spin composite wheels, Shimano XTR cranks, brakes, Sram 9.0esp sl shifters, Ibis ti handlebar, syncros stem, USE seatpost, Marzocchi B2 Bam Fork, Hutchinson Python Gold Tires, Time ATAC Carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
I have owned the bike for 2 3/4 years. I have used for off road riding and trail riding, as well as my commuter bike. The finish of the frame is a good satin finish which hides slight scratches, but looks good. The only noticable things that I have noticed about the bike is a slight craking from the bottom bracket area under hard acceleration. I am 6'-2" and weigh 185 lbs. I feel that riding it daily to work and on weekend rides helps me build up my leg strength and endurance. I have pannier bags and a middle bag with rack attached to the bike and the extra weight has not affected the frame in any way. Airborne has produced a very good product that for the money is very hard to beat. The finish and welds might not be the same a Litespeed (my road bike) but it performs about as well. For the almost three years that I have been riding it it has been great and my friends still say it is one of the better looking bikes that they see. If you are looking for a titanium framed bicycle you should look at an Airborne. It is a hard bargain to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yvette Respicio
a Weekend Warrior
from El Sobrante Ca, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
China Camp, Marin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Online Direct
Strengths:
Lightwieght and Smooth. Great costomer service. Arrived on time. Quick and easy setup.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Lightspeed Obed, GT Zaskar, Specialized
Bike Setup:
LX, Rockshock seat post.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a dream. Finally a bike that helps me and lets me enjoy the ride. My husband has a Lightspeed and is very impressed with the build and ride quality. I had been looking for a bike for over a year and was looking at a Lightspeed, but the value on the Lucky Strike was too good to pass up and I am completely satisfied with it. Great Product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Welbourn
a Weekend Warrior
from West Yorkshire UK Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Slippery Stones, Derbyshire
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Direct through Aireborne
Strengths:
A top quality Ti frame for the price of a mid quality Aluminium frame. With the choice of components you can only dream of for the money, a top bargain.
Weaknesses:
None, first class product and company, the staff go out of their way to help you.
Similar Products Used:
An old ridgeback for the previous 18 months.
Bike Setup:
Dream tackle attached to a first class frame. Mainly XTR. Easton CT2 bars, USE Alien shockpost takes out the worst of rough trails, localy hand built disc ready wheels are a dream of light and toughness. PACE RC36 forks look and behave marvelously, speeding up the steering just enough for quick direction changes but not skittish when descending fast.
Bottom Line:
What can i say. This bike has been used for most things in the short time i have had it. I have hammered it off road and it just comes back for more, it has been crashed a couple of times on the trail and is as strong as an ox (not a mark on it). I have just completed the Lands End to John O Groats (1100 miles) on road and with full luggage it has handled superbly, leaving road bikes for dead both up and down the hills. If i had the money to buy a Merlin or Litespeed Ti frame, i would buy another Lucky Strike and spend the rest on an Aireborne road bike. This bike is a bargain for what you get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike G
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington VA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Frederick Watershed
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
on phone
Strengths:
Cool Bomb Stickers on Top Tube. Great ride. I was a little worried that the BB would be Ti flexi. It has held up to my 230lbs, no noticable flex when standing/cranking up a hill.
Weaknesses:
None. It is a great all around cross bike.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche GT Karakoram
Bike Setup:
XT, Avid, zoch.
Bottom Line:
Cracked my Avalanche frame 4 weeks before my first 24hrs of Canaan. Had all the parts, needed a frame. Did some research, called Airborne, had new frame in 5 days. Road a couple times, felt great at Canaan.
I ordered it with BB, R Der, and a Cassette, not sure what the final purchase price was.
Great friendly service. Prompt delivery.
Clydesdales rule!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul L
a
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
www.Airborne.net
Strengths:
High quality product, great customer service.
Bike Setup:
See text...
Bottom Line:
I had been away from bicycles for 20 years - when I used to race BMX as a teenager - and wanted to get a bike for 'round-town cruising, some off-road riding, exercise, etc. Money wasn't necessarily an object; I wanted something better than a Schwinn, but didn't feel I needed to spend $3K on a big-name Ti bike. I decided to give Airborne a try after looking around the web and checking out the locak shops. In general, I'm very pleased with both the product and general sales experience.
I placed the order through Airborne's web site in early 1999 and the next day spoke with a rep over the phone about sizing issues (how many spacers, stem angle, frame size, etc.). I opted for an LX component package with Grip Shift Plasma shifters, RockShox Judy forks, and Mavic 222 wheels. Total price was $1410. The sales rep (sorry, I forget his name) was great, very knowledgable and patient with my ignorant questions. I can't speak highly enough about the customer service. The the bike arrived in about a week and was a perfect fit. Assembly took only a few minutes, though I later took the bike to a local shop to have the shifters/derailleurs adjusted.
I've had the bike a little over two years now and am completely satisfied with it. I ride mostly on the road but get off-road as often as I can. It sounds almost cliche after reading all the other reviews over the years but... this thing does climb very well! Handling is superb, though the Judy shocks are probably not the best choice for heavy-duty off road use. The Mythos 2.1 tires that it came with grip well in most dirt conditions, but I'll probably opt for a set of semi-slicks next time around 'cause as I said I do a fair amount of street riding.
I can't estimate the Lucky Strike's value as a racer or serious dirt rider, but as a customer who wanted a high-quality titanium ride for general purpose use it has been everything I hoped for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, Nebraska Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Platte River State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Bike Pedalers
Strengths:
Perfect combination of stiffness and lateral flex. The wishbone design takes out nearly all of the flex on the rear v-brake. Awesome welds...and the logo...let's just say that it is pleasant to look at.
Weaknesses:
I wish that I could find something about the Lucky Strike that I'm unhappy about just to satisfy the critical part of me.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sur 2000, C-dale
Bike Setup:
Judy XC, Shimano M-535 wheelset, XT rear, and the rest Deore package.
Bottom Line:
The Lucky Strike replaced my 2000 GF Big Sur, which was destroyed when it flew off the back of the car (I guess it wanted to fly). After test riding other bikes (too numerous to mention all) I kept going back to Airborne. I have ridden this bike for three months now and enjoy each and every ride. It rides even better than my friends Litespeed and I didn't spend nearly as much. It corners and climbs like a dream. I'm over 200 lbs and the alum frames were not as smooth and responsive on the singletrack as the Ti is. I average 1000-1500 miles a year and have logged nearly 500 already on my LS in the past three months...man I love this bike.
I purchased my Lucky Strike from my LBS because I'm not a techy person and wanted the tune-ups professionally done. I really hesitate posting this next statement, but I'm going to anyway. When my LS arrived the spoke wrench for the Shimano M-535's was not shipped with the bike. According to Shimano it is to be shipped with every wheelset. I tried contacting Airborne, 2 emails, and 2 messages to customer service voicemail, but no response. Bike Pedalers did manage to get one from somewhere else and I'm now back in business. I look at this as a simple mistake on Airbornes part. If you read the other reviews nearly everyone has positive things to say about their customer service so I guess I'm the one exception to the rule. And I would still purchase another Airborne in a heartbeat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordon B
a Cross Country Rider
from Taos, New Mexico Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
South Boundary
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Airborne.net
Strengths:
Frame geometry, quality of construction, service, pretty to look at
I researched bikes for about a year. I was looking for a hard tail and leaning toward titanium. I ride about 1500 miles a year on fire roads and single track. The Airborne program allowed me to customize my bike to my style and cost me less than any comparable bike. The ride is excellant. Awesome on the climbs, smooth downhill and solid on single track. The Lucky Strike has taken my ability up a full level. I was looking for a bike with a long top tube and short seat stays. The diiference in climbing was noticable immediately. I would buy from Airborne again with no reservations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karen Mason
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Altos, CA USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Z2 Atom Race,XTR,Mavic Crossmax,RF Next LP,Ritchey WCS stem,EastonCT2 seatpost&bar,Terry Butterfly,chrisking nothreadset,Frog Speedplay,Hutchinson mosquito airlite tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is a singletrack monster. It is the best front suspension frame you can get for the $. Climbs by itself!!! Not to mention the top of the line customer service from the great reps at Airborne. The first couple of times I rode the bike I noticed the chain rubbed on the frame in the largest chainring and smallest cog combo. I tried a couple of fixes and when they didn't work Airborne paid for me to ship it back. They swapped out the frame, rebuilt the bike and had it back to me on the second day!!!Problem solved. I am building a road bike and will definitely buy another Airnorne frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve J.
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
My Airborne Lucky Strike mountain bike is an incredible value for a high-end titanium bike, with state-of-the-art tubing and excellent welds. An indestructible (but light) frame, with excellent customer service and follow-up from the company. The bike was assembled well, and rides great.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Shimano Deore XT group, with Mavic wheels.
Bottom Line:
The bike can't be beat at twice the price! A fantastic value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgewater, NJ USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Airborne web site
Strengths:
Light weight, good ride, well constructed, good fit and finish, in short every thing one would expect from a quality titanium frame, large choice of components, strong technical support by toll free telephone
Weaknesses:
Shortage of large frame sizes makes it difficult to fit a very tall rider.
Similar Products Used:
Titanium road bicycle
Bottom Line:
I would highly recommend the Airborne to any experienced cyclist who knows enough about bicycles to select his own frame size and components. As a titanium hardtail, the Airborne is reasonably light and has a mildly forgiving ride. Construction quality seems high. While purchasing over the internet isn't appropriate for a new rider, it worked very well for me. The bicycle is as advertised and is a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Polewarczyk
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester Hills, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Holdridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Airborne
Strengths:
After owning this bike for two years now, I can say this bike is still excellent. Obviously, as a TI frame, it has held up and looks brand new (after washing of course). The geometry and stiffness allow me to have great control with the TI material taking a bit of the edge off due to its damping properties
Weaknesses:
I bought this bike with Bontrager Race Lites, and I can highly recommend this wheelset. However, beware of rim damage. I unfortunately caught a stick in the spokes and now am paying a bit to have it repaired.
This bike still rocks after two years of abuse. Also, I have to recommend Airborne due to customer service alone. They helped me set this bike up, gave great advise, and were very quick with delivery processing. I have no regrets biking the bike, and would seriously consider another one from Airborne.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
airborne.net
Strengths:
Great geometry, fantastic package deal, great customer service
Weaknesses:
Head tube badge is a stick-on rather than riveted type
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really. Been on Cannondale mtb and road since 89.
Bike Setup:
Bontrager racelite wheelset, RaceFace Cranks and BB, King headset, KORE stem, bar and seat post, XTR everywhere else.
Bottom Line:
This bike is soooo much smoother riding than my old Cannondale which more than makes up for the flexy nature of Ti. I was really surprised how well it tracked as well. First day out I did a nice little endo and the bar ends came round to hit the top tube hard enough to crimp and crack the end of the bar. I also did this same move the first time out on the Cannondale that this is replacing. Difference is that my C-dale got a nice ding where the bar hit. The Airborne did not even get scratched. You cannot beat this bike without spending almost twice as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikael Arnesson
a Weekend Warrior
from Avesta, Sweden Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All around the area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Cyclecomponents (Airborne EC)
Strengths:
Gives a smooth ride. Great quality/value for the money compared to all other brands. Discbreak cableguides welded to rear seatstay. Super-Light.
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses found so far. If'll find ONE big enough to mention, you'll be noticed in a new review.
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki Timbuk cromo, GT Backwoods 7005.
Bike Setup:
LS 19'5", SID SL fork, Shimano WH-M575 wheels with WTB 2.1" Nanoraptors, XT/XTR components, TIME ATAC pedals, Airborne 120mm Stem, Pazzazz Comp/alu bar, Kore LITE 2 seatpost, WTB Speed-V saddle and headset, AVID discbrakes / SD-5 levers.
Bottom Line:
Hello bikers and other. About the Lucky Strike, I love this bike. Got it through Cyclecomponents.com here in Sweden in the late of February this year. I belive I'm the first owner of an Airborne in my country an that feels good. Were abit nervous it wouldn't answear my espectations when ordering an online bike, but it felt right from the beginning.
The Lucky strike really looks good, welds look clean and durable. Have the handpolished version of the frame, very nice looks, the design of the frame was one reason that I've choosed a Lucky Strike in front of the other brands/models. With smart features like a chain hanger, discbrake cableguides welded to the seatstay - hey I'm a discbrake-fan, low standover height, the seatstay superfortressdesign looks cool and it keeps the rear wheel to the ground with less flex to the seatstays, discbrake mount is very rigid. It is light too, my LS-bike weighs about 24 lbs, the frame only 3.85 lbs. What about the ride, I feel much diffrence compared to other frames I've tested Alu CroMo. Going downhill feels more confident with this frame, the more I push it, makes it perform even better and it takes those annoying bumps on the ground incredible good, so good I'll don't need that suspension seatpost anymore. The climbing is a improvement with this bike, fast and steady, with lots of power to the rear wheel sitting or standing, doesn't spin that easely. In singletrack it's quick and responsive and the rear wheel follows firmly the front wheelline when cornering through rooty and rocky trails.
For the money I've put up on this bike I say it's a bike that will last many years from now and I'm happy it's mine, and the frame really looks good and are a great value for you who wants the Ti-feel softer ride. I know, because I've got a Lucky Strike myself.
I'll like to thank the Airborne service people, especially Micheal Wuellner at the US office and Jan-Willem Sintnicolaas at the European office who helped me answearing my questions via e-mail and over the phone and help to get me my Airborne bike.
Rating: I'll give it 5 hot chilis for an incredible value, and another 5 hot chilis for overall quality and performance.
Anyone with questions are welcome with their e-mail.
"The truth is out there, on the trails, keep on ridin' folks"
Thank's for reading my review!
Mikael Lucky Strike rider and proud of it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hans C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Grants Pass, OR Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
in Oregon, they're all good.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
website
Strengths:
superb geometry, light, strong, great climber, provides a comfortable ride, relatively inexpensive, looks good
Weaknesses:
head tube badge and some of the decals peeled off -- but that's about it
I've put around 2000-3000 miles on this bike during the past couple years -- wore out the original fork and a replacement, plus the wheels and brakes -- but, except for the missing decals, the frame still looks new. It's very strong and well built. This bike climbs better than any I've owned. The geometry is near perfect, and the titanium provides a very comfortable yet efficient ride -- the frame seems stiff in exactly the right places, but also gives a bit to take the edge off; it feels a lot better than the harsh ride you'll get from any aluminum hardtail. Your ability to custom spec your bike on Airborne's website is should taken as a model by all other bike manufacturers (although Airborne should offer more than just Rock Shox forks, which, in my experience, just plain suck).
Bottom line: You won't find a better cross country bike for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D Sims
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
airborne.net
Strengths:
inexpensive but feels expensive,cool chick with a red bathing suit on it. ti frames flex well
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
cannondale caad2,cannondale f2000 caad3,trek y-3
Bike Setup:
sid sl,mavic crosslink,xt componants with v-brakes
Bottom Line:
this was an excellent bike at a great price. I wanted to submit a review the first time I rode it but forced myself to wait over a month. I have been riding mountain bikes religiously for five years and this is the best one yet. I have been wanting a ti bike for some time and was dreaming of a litespeed but they were just to much. After much debate and checking the reviews I went for it. best move I have made in the bike department. I have been on aluminum and needed a suspension seat post do keep from beating myself up. with ti I ditched the seatpost and still comfortable. I figured I was getting the litespeed to pose but that is not why I ride. I realized that I could get a great ti frame for half (or more) price. I would recommend this bike to anyone. I don't want to knock the other ti frames (except for mongoose)because they are great quality but this one is the same quality for a fraction of the price. For those who are waiting for the 2002 models, don't. airborne does not plan on changing anything from the 2001 models. For those of you who don't want to buy foriegn just remember where shimano comes from.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Faulhaber
a Racer
from San Diego Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Airborne Direct
Strengths:
Airborne Lucky Strike I am an Expert MTB racer. I have been racing for 10 years. I have raced a Rocky Mtn and a Moots YBB and when I bought the Airborne I thought it was a great price. I wanted to put together a 20 pound racing bike. Well my bike weighs 20 1/2 pounds.I didn't think it would last this long, after nearly 10,000 off road miles it is still perfect. It handles better than my Moots and it does't hop around like it's on a spring like my Moots. I didn't pay through my nose for an Litespeed or Merlin either although they are cool bikes too. I am going faster now and I don't want injuries so I need a bike that won't break under alot of stress. This frame filled the bill. I just sold a friend this frame and he is putting it together with new XTR etc. and he is going to call Airborne for new decals. He has been bugging me to sell it to him for a while and I sold it for cheap, but it was cheap to begin with. I just bought another Lucky Strike Frame a month ago. My Lucky Strike also handles really good at high speeds. I think the geometry they are using is perfect. Some riders with low riding time may think that a full suspension bike is better but I really think the hard tail is the best way to go titanium is very resiliant and retains it's flex so I like the overall ride quality. Full suspension bikes are slowwwwww.
Weaknesses:
I broke a seat post clamp, which is replacable at any bike shop for $20, but that's it.The clamp part was aluminum and the threads stripped out.
$
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