Submitted by
Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunny U.K Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Black Wood
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
Ionised frame. Very rare in the U.K. Frame is very nice to the eye. 150mm travel F/R is all you need. Lighter than most suss bikes. Has a Bottle cage mount. MMMM
Weaknesses:
Rear Hose guide. Just drill and grind them with a dremel. Sweet. Cannot fit a 5th ellement, Strange. 2.35 max tyre but....
Similar Products Used:
Marin. Orange Patriot. Loads of silly linkage bikes.
Bike Setup:
Med Joker. Marz Z150. All Hope richard. Saint and XTR respectively
Bottom Line:
Love this ride. As new as the day i bought it. None of this silly Cracked swing arm nonsence. 200lb riders, Buy a V10. 28 lbs on the scales is excellent. Suspension encourages confidence and speed. Have owned for 3 year now and not one single problem with the frame. Romic shock lost its rebound but freeborn sorted me out. Theres loads of other 6-7" freeride rigs about but none are as good as the joker. The ionised frame, light weight, Very thin on the ground, Chuck a 165mm fox float on and we have an ISIS. Cannot buy the joker anymore so iam gonna keep it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
This bike was fun to ride until ... check out the weaknesses section. No really it was a nice bike when it wasn't broken. Went uphill and downhill nice but it broke a lot!
Weaknesses:
It freaking breaks. The swing arm is a piece of Cr@p! The main frame eventually broke. Ellsworth did replace the swing arm twice but I was fed up with the bike after the main frame broke. I am a 200lb rider but I am also not a hucker, in fact I go around big drops not over them. The main frame broke on a smooth downhill fire road where there was 3" inch root to bunny hop off of. When I landed after getting the bike a couple of inches in the air the front wheel shot out in front of me. I thought the front fork broke. After I finally stopped sliding and getting raspberries on my hip and butt I got up and realized the only thing holding the front end to the back end of the bike was the rear shock. I really wanted some type of compensation for this last failure I was going to endure from Ellsworth. So I picked up the phone and called Ellsworth, practically had the number memorized because I called so much, and I went through the directory and found Tony Ellsworth’s extension. Amazingly he picked up the phone and I began to explain to him who I was. He knew exactly who I was and told me that the customer service dept was doing more for me than he ever would. I was speechless at this @sshole's cockiness. He was the biggest jerk I have ever spoken to in the biking world. I made a promise at that moment to never ever purchase anything that is even closely related to ellsworth-less.
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo Canzo Specialized Enduro Specialized BigHit Fisher Mt Tam Titus QuasiMoto
Bike Setup:
Joker set @ 6" of rear travel Marzocchi Z1 King headset King Hubs Mavic rims Raceface ISIS Crank triple ring XTR shifters DuraAce chain XT Cassette XT Derailleurs Hayes 6” Disc Brakes Thomson Stem and Seat Post ODI Grips
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is all in the pictures. If you have to cut and paste the following links into your browser for a show of what I went through with this piece of $%#$@# bike.
Crack #1 - Bike is 3 months old: http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/crack1pic3.JPG http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/crack1pic6.JPG
Crack #2 - Bike is 6 months old, this swing arm broke faster than the first swing by a few weeks: http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/crack2picP7100002.JPG http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/crack2picP7100004.JPG
Main Frame Broken - Bike is maybe 10 months old, at least the swing arm was still together! http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/totalfailureP8110020.JPG http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/totalfailureP8160002.JPG
Peruse all the pictures: http://www.cconsultants.net/joker/pics/
Bottom Line: If you're a rider weighing over 190lbs or so, stay far far away from Tony's bikes! And by all means if you're not happy with your bike I recommend not trying to talk to Tony unless you really want to get upset. It took me over a year to calm down enough to write this review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blake gornowicz
a Downhiller
from columbia, mo Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
slickrock - moab
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Nice stiff geometry, easy to throw around, sweet on steep decents, not enough travel potential to hit the bombs.
Weaknesses:
Mushy on up hill climbs, not alot of rear travel potential, stay off the 10 footers, been bottomed out many times and with the rear swing arms reputation you may be sending it back for a new one. also not a fan of the cable hangers, i've already gone though two sets of hayes steel braided trying to get it right
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz V10
Bike Setup:
6" Manitou Sherman Slider, Vanilla RC, XTR throughout, Ring god, face face cranks, 24" and 26" atomic labs with 2.6 Maxxis, Hayes purples
Bottom Line:
Not the bike to set up for downhill. Has excellent crosscountry/freeride potential. Mine weighs in at 41lbs and I think once I change out the wheels and put a lighter front fork it will be a lot more fun to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SS
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hard Side
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Ano finish is the best, I will never buy another painted bike. After 9 months of riding it still looks like new. Good geometry - I like the longer-than-normal top tube and the extra standover clearance. Pedaling efficiency is great with the Romic. Ellsworth customer service was excellent! I received my new-redesigned swingarm in 4 days with new shock pivot bolts, pivot bearings and main pivot bolt and they called to follow-up with me a few weeks later.
Weaknesses:
Original swingarm was flexy and cracked on the backside of the weld just above the pivot. Limited rear tire clearance. 2.35 Maxxis is about the biggest that will fit and leave some room for play. Cable routing is not so great. I drilled out the guides for the hyd lines.
Similar Products Used:
01 Bullit, 01 Azonic Evolution, 98 GT STS-1000, K2 Razorback FS, and many various hardtails.
Bike Setup:
02 Joker SL w/ the Romic, CK Steelset, Fox Van RLC or Sherman Slider, XT cranks, shifter Fr derailleur, XTR rear derailleur, Heim 3 Guide, Hayes Hyd disc w/ Hope Gothic rotors 203mm FR & 185mm RR, Mavic 219s on XT rear hub Ritchey front, 646 pedals, Thomson post and stem, Fizik seat, Easton EA-70 bars, ODI Rouge lock-on grips, Maxxis 2.5 Mobster front and 2.35 DH-F Rear.
Bottom Line:
With 15 years of riding under my belt and almost as many bikes this one is the best one I have owned. It handles all kinds of riding well and excels as a long travel trail bike. I have raced DH on it one day and rode 15+ miles of up-n-down singletrack the next.
I know you might be reading this and thinking "How can he claim this is the best with all the negatives he posted." Let me explain: The original swingarm was poor at best but the customer service and new product I received was top notch. A 2.35 is the biggest rear tire I need to run, it does not detract from the bikes performance, but the option to use a larger size would be nice but not necessary. The cable routing is a cosmetic thing and again does not affect the performance. Once I tried a few different setups and drilled out the guides for the rear Hyd line everything is fine.
All the nit-picking aside, the Joker really shines on the trails. The frame is increadibly lite for how sturdy it looks. The Geometry of the Joker fits me right. At 5'7" I have a short 29" inseam and a longer torso which plays into the geometry of the Joker perfectly. I use a 65mm stem and 2" riser bars which puts me in the handling "sweet spot". The cornering abilities of the frame are awesome and you need very little if any body adjustments to rail the corners.
The Romic is a perfect compliment to this frame. I run a 700x2.25 spring (recommended by Romic) with 2 turns of preload, 5 turns of compression("bob knob" which controls the force required to break the "locked out" threshold)and 4-5 turns from the slowest rebound setting. It has very little noticable "BOB" during small or middle ring climbing. Small bumps encountered while climbing seated are a little harsh (this can be reduced but may also cause pedeal induced activation of the shock) but not horrible. Big and medium hits are where this shock shines. There is no kickback fron big hits and I have yet to feel it bottom out.
The bottom line: a great all around bike that is well worth the money spent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jesus666
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
north of the boarder in san diego
Strengths:
This is my cross country bully. I have enjoyed all 32 lbs. for a year now. It hasnt broken yet..
Weaknesses:
The Ellsworth logo is permanent (etched). I like removable stickers personally. I called Ellsworth to try and get some different frames. I was told they were in stock by one person then a different story from someone else..
Similar Products Used:
I had a 2001 KHS Pro. I broke the frame three times in 10 months.
Bike Setup:
dirt jumper III
Bottom Line:
I am very happy it hasn't broken. KHS replaced their frames in just a couple of days but it still meant I was out my bike for 3-5 business days each break. I have been riding whenever I want for 11 months now. Watch out for the poison oak. It almost killed me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from Eleele HI Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
it freakin' breaks
Bike Setup:
I've got a Turner and I know you're jealous...;)
Bottom Line:
I've 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
Willy boy
a Downhiller
from B.C. Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
On Top Bike Shop
Strengths:
First: Out of every true freeride frame I have weighed, this one is the lightest. Second: They give the frame a lifetime warranty! Somehow this seems an insane combination to me as a light freeride frame is sure to break, but anyhow THANK YOU Ellsworth...Long top tube is nice, short stays (for super manuals) are rare on freeride bikes and much appreciated, stiff rear end, huge standover clearance makes me feel oh-so-much more confident, elevated chain stays leaving room for single ring/double bashguards with narrow chainline, straight seat tube so you can run your seat all the way down, good pivot point, simple durable rear suspension design, 24" wheel compatible, very nice low stable feel. The customer service is fantastic! I ran into Andrew, the guy who warranteed my frame, and he remembered my name and everything about our transaction. These guys are really good.
Weaknesses:
Stock cable routing is poor, but fixable. If you run a long fork (7"+)the front end gets too slack and the wheel base gets too stretched out, which sucks on the skinnies. (If you can find a 6" fork though, it's perfect). I busted my 2000 Joker in 2 places, front and rear tringles. I must add though that I was pretty much abusing the bike on dumb drops. Oddly enough I've had the second Joker for about a year and have done all kinds of hard riding (including multiple 12' drops) with no problems at all. I can only conclude that they must have had a bad egg or few that has come out of their welding facility or something. Anyhow, the whole story was I called them after teh bike broke and told them I was an idiot and tried to honestly tell them how I busted the frame, but they kept the giving me the "send the new frame first and ask questions later" attitude. I never did get to tell them how I broke it, I did however get a brand new 2002 complete frame inside of a week.
Similar Products Used:
Stinky D, RM-7, Bullit
Bike Setup:
Super T, Mag 30's, Purple Hayes, Romic shock, etc. Second mortage on the house basically.
Bottom Line:
I believe that if you are hesitating on buying this bike because you heard about so and so who busted his ancient old jalopy Joker on a small hit, you are missing out on a really fun light bike. The warranty is unbeatable and Ellsworth totally takes care of their customers. There are very very few free ride bikes around that are this light, and none with geometry this good. If you are a light rider who doesn't want to ride a whale ,or just someboldy who appreciates how much better a light bike will make your jumping, gap distances, bunny hops, climbing, etc, etc, then this rig is the ticket. I've ridden EVERTHING out there, and after riding them all I think the Joker is the most stable light weight frame out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex r
a Downhiller
from Wells ME Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Secret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Bobs(the best bike shop anywhere)
Strengths:
Handles well. Simple, single pivot. Good all-arounder. Had endured up to 10 foot drops.
Weaknesses:
Supposedly Ellsworth has revamped their customer service as well as their swingarms. This would be great because when I spent my life savings on this bike thats what I wanted!
Similar Products Used:
Bullits, Rockys, Tomac, Dbr,Kona Stab etc
Bike Setup:
Romic(rocks) Hannebrink(underrated) Evil chainguide(the best and even better customer service) 24 inch double wide, gazzoliddi 3 inch front, Hussefelts
Bottom Line:
Ellsworth has said they have changed their company for the better and if thats true then I will continue riding their equipment. At least they were concerned about my previous review and have promised to remedy the situation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
garrick
a Downhiller
from look up top Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
all though the last year models had problems with frames and swing arms not holding up. This year is a sure bet that 2003 Jokers will be top of the line. But stay super fun like last years.
Weaknesses:
none at all
Similar Products Used:
marin DH
Bike Setup:
all the good hardcore stuff
Bottom Line:
This bike is a sure bet for those who like cross country but hit the downhills hard or your wanting to get into dh but dont want the 45 pound bike this is for you. The Romic rear shock is Dope!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete J
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lateral stiffness, nice finish, all-purpose handling, indestructible, good pivot placement, quality workmanship all around. Climbs better than most 6" bikes.
Weaknesses:
Weird cable routing. It's multi-purpose nature might not appeal to XC weight-weenies or bong-sucking hucksters. Derailleur hanger stinks for the B-tension adjustor.
Similar Products Used:
SC Bullit and Turner RFX
Bike Setup:
Fox 125 fork, Hayes 6" hydros, RaceFace Turbine ISIS cranks w/ Evolve BB, King HS & hubs, Mavic F519's, SRAM rocket shortys, XT derailleurs, Shimano 424 pedals, Thomson stem & post, Easton bars
Bottom Line:
A few years ago when you looked at FR bikes, the Joker was THE bike to have. Just ask Digger. But since then, everyone has started making a 6+" bike that takes a front derailleur, and calling it better than the Joker. The market has changed, and these "bigger" bikes have replaced the Joker in the huck-category. Nowadays, the Joker has a better purpose...
Even though it's stout and has 6" of travel, the Joker is more of an all-purpous kind of ride. It has quicker handling and lighter weight than the average freeride huck-bikes out there. With that said, buy something else if all you're ever going to do is ride off the garage roof. This is a bike that's made to be ridden hard, out on the nastiest rocky/sick/steep/nasty terrain you can find. Unlike DH bikes, it has about a 69 degree head tube angle (depending on what fork you run). That means it handles a little quicker. This isn't ideal for DH and hucking, but it's great for riding rough trails.
For me, the average 4" trailbike wasn't stout enough. But I didn't want to lug around a 40 pound bike, and push it around every switchback because it's to sluggish to ride. The Joker fits my riding style perfectly... Ride the uphills, then take the downhills fast & hard. It's an excellent bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TarcerJohn
a Weekend Warrior
from Midwest USA Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Addison Cycles
Strengths:
Geometry, Construction, Anodized Finish, Set up Flexibility, Standover, Handling, Pedaling
Weaknesses:
Disc Brake Cable Routing
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla RC rear, SuperT or Fox Vanilla R, Hope Bulb Hubs, Rhyno Lites, MotoRaptor 2.4s, Turbine cranks, 32-22 Rings with Bash Guard, ZuZus, ProMax Discs, XTR, XT, Azonic
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I set it up with a SuperT for DH/Freeride or a Vanilla R for aggressive XC. Either way this bike shines. Pedals extremely well for a 6" travel bike (adjustable to 4"). I've heard its even better with a Romic but have no complaints with the Fox. Climbs great but descends even better. Stable at high speed yet handles slow technical riding with ease. Fun to jump. But what I like the most is the geometry. It just fits me so well and feels balanced under any circumstances. I was more comfortable riding the Joker the first time than I am on my Tracer after tweeking it for 3 years. Ellsworth has this frame dialed in. The anodized finish and lazer etched graphics blow away any paint/decal job except for maybe a Klein. Try it...You'll buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad May
a Cross Country Rider
from Newtown Date Reviewed: November 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lehigh University, PA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Evolution Bike Shop
Strengths:
High Quality frame. Crafmanship is second to none.Very efficient Monopivot design. Outperforms all the other full suspension bikes that I have owned. Bike performs very well on the down hills, laterly very stiff. Bike climbs exceptionally well for a mono pivot. Bike handles well in the turns even w/ a 100mm front fork. Probably would handle a little better w/ an 80mm. So far, this frame has been the best I have ever ridden. Great bike for an aggressive cross country rider who likes to push the extremes a little. True cross country rider/racer would be better suited on the Truth. That is bike I wanted, Ellsworth did not recommend it due to my size and weight, 215 lbs.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
K2 full suspension bike, GT i-drive 1.0
Bike Setup:
XT components, Chris King hubs on Velocity rims, Easton stem w/ answer carbon bars, selcoff seat post, selle Italia ti- flite saddle, Magura Louise disc brakes, oury grips
Bottom Line:
Great bike!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Danvers, MA USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Western Cycle
Strengths:
Stiff as all hell. Incredible Climber. Beautiful Finish. Good Customer Service.
Weaknesses:
Ellsworth sent the wrong size spring for rear shock, which caused me to break many pivot bolts and possibly crack swingarm.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
2002 SL, Medium, Black w/ Fox Rear Shock. Psylo SL (Crap, getting a 2003 Z1) Hayes Hydaulic Discs, Deore/XT/XTR, King Headset, Thompson Stem, RaceFace Seat Post, Truvativ Cranks, D321s...
Bottom Line:
This bike is really great. Given I had some problems with the initial shock setup, causing me to break some bolts and possibly crack the swingarm, Ellsworth has helped me out. They sent me a new spring, correcting the problem, and are sending me out the new swingarm which i should have soon. I heard of some "weak batches," and seen another Joker cracked in the same spot. But I have a track record of breaking frames. I weigh 220, and I beat the hell outta bikes. Other than that, this bike is SICK!!! For a bike that weighs as much as mine, It climbs out of this world! Epic trail rides? No problem. I think Ellsworth hit the nail on the head with this one. A heavy, long travel freeride bike, that can keep up with the X-Country Hammer Heads. The bike is wicked stiff, too. Point and shoot, it handles like a dream. Who should buy this? Everybody... If you need a bike that will do anything and everything, this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
true freerider
a Downhiller
from Sun Valley Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fisher Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Beyond bikes
Strengths:
Everything is
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
none can come close
Bike Setup:
jrt raceface
Bottom Line:
this bike kicks butt. Highly suggested to get. BULLITS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
UPHILL DOWNHILL
a
from SD Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ANDERSON TRUCK TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
BEYOND BIKES
Strengths:
EVERTHING IS A STRENGTH ON THIS BIKE!
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
NONE CAN COME CLOSE
Bike Setup:
SLIME GREEN JOKER,JRT,RACEFACE.
Bottom Line:
PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT HOW MUCH IT COSTS AND HOW IT ALWAYS BREAKS ON THEM, THATS A BUNCH OF CRAP! FIRST IF IT COSTS TO MUCH THEN DON'T BUY IT, THIS BIKE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. THIS BIKE IS THE BEST, AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST. DON'T LISTEN TO THE REVIEWS GET OUT THERE AND TEST RIDE ONE AND LET THE BIKE DO THE TALKING AND NOT THE IDIOTS WHO PROBABLY DON'T EVEN HAVE A JOKER AND ARE JUST JEALOUS. THE JOKER WILL DESTROY ANY BIKE BY FAR. JUST LET THE BIKE DO THE TALKEN I GUARENTEE IT WILL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from santa ana, Ca Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
rock-it, lynx
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
mtbreviews classifieds
Strengths:
GREAT climber! for a 6 inch travel bike. It really climbs as well as my specialized enduro, WITH the lock out. Even better pointed the other way, confidence inspiring, great at big and samll hits! STIFF frame, and plush rear
Weaknesses:
getting used to the longer wheel base. not as agile as smaller bikes. Have to use a little more body finesse in turns, but thats it!
Similar Products Used:
schwinn homegrown, specialized enduro pro, santa cruz bullit, etc...
This bike rules!! Set it up with a z-1 and a Romic rear, and dare people to keep up with you. Probably all around the best trail/downhill bike I've ever rode. At first I was worried about climbing in this thing because it does fall in to the free ride/downhill classification. But forget about it!! It climbs really really well, no bob at all if you set your shock up right. And the turn it downhill and you'll smile all the way back to your car/house. I love ellsworth
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Baird
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin,Texas Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Company, Ca.
Strengths:
see other post
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my post 2 weeks ago. Ellsworth did send me a new frame in a little over 2 weeks. They also send some nice swag for taking so long. Andrew says yheir goal is to turn bike around in 48hrs. Which they did when I sent in my Truth. In Ellsworth defense they where under the gun for the Vagas trade show. If this one last, then these are are totally worth it. As I said in the last post, the ride is great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX USA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
HammerHead Bikes
Strengths:
The best all around free ride bike I have ridden. It climbs like a goat,descends like a downhiller and sucks up big hits. This bike is remarkably lite. I have the Romic shock and it kicks booty. I took this bike to Durango and it conquered all that Durango could throw at it. It makes the Austin terrain so much more fun to bang around on.
Weaknesses:
Squeaky Romic Shock. However, performance wise I have found NO weaknesses in the short time I have had this bike.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyll 3000
Bike Setup:
Fox Fork 125R, Chris King HS, Romic shock, XT front and rear, Mavic Rims, Avid mech. disc brakes, Time Atac Alium pedals, WTB Wierwolf in front and Mutanoraptor in rear, Thompson stem and seat post, Easton monkey lite risers
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks Ass. I was into the Intense Uzzi SLX untill I saw the bottom line, $$$$$. I don't think that the Intense could please me any more and this bike was LESS than my twitchy, flexing Jekyll. I am suprised how light this bike is without even making an attempt to save weight. FreeRide is where the fun is and this bike exemplifies that feeling. GET ONE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric in Asheville
a
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
BioWheels
Strengths:
Excellent Climber, Even better descender. Great looks.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla 125, Cane Creek Wam Disc, Avids, Thomson, Monkey Lite, XT/XTR mix, Motoraptor 2.4 31.25 Pounds for 5"f/6"r!!!
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for an awesome trailbike, this is it.
People seem to be breaking them by doing drops to flat and DH racing so if that's your thing, this isn't your bike.
I'm amazed by how well this thing climbs. I just add some compression damping in the rear and take it back off at the top. It took a few rides to get used to the longer wheelbase (than my old XC full suspension) but now I rocket down the hills with more confidence than ever. I've got the painted version and have tossed it onto the rocks a few times, it's hard to scratch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOKER
a Weekend Warrior
from Ogden, UT, USA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
DEER VALLEY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shoppe
Strengths:
Sweet frame, extremely light for a free ride bike. great customer support. anodized graphics are awesome! Its amazing how this bike doesn't bob.
Weaknesses:
ZERO
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Eaton handle bars, titec seat post, race face cranks, romic rear shock, primo pro pedals, hayes discs, tioga 2.3 tires, Z 1 free ride qr 20 +, atomic labratories trail pimps
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this bike is superb. it climbs amazing yet i can turn around and hit a six foot drop to flat and have a nice, smooth landing. the frame is nealy scratch proof, and its an excelent free ride bike. it is very unique, that is another special feature. i have not seen any one on a joker, and when any one see it, they wish they had it. its great. Overall if your'e lookin for a free ride bike, go for the joker. well worth the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Downhiller
from Sooke, B.C, Canada Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
This bike rules, my riding ability has at least doubled since i got this bike. Takes 5-6 foot hits repeatedly like it wants more. Buy one now!
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Submitted by
Tim Zak
a Weekend Warrior
from St. John, IN, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At:
Beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
Everything.Uphill,downhill,drops it can do it all. A great do it all bike.Ellsworth customer service.Warranty.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
GT I-Drive 4.0.
Bike Setup:
Sm. Blue Joker. RS Psylo XC, Fox RC shock,Rhyno lite rims,xt disc hubs, avid mechanical brakes, Truvativ Stylo team spline cranks, Raceface evolve freeride BB.
Bottom Line:
A great aggressive trail bike that can take drops but still get up the hill. Ellsworths warranty,had a crack abvove a weld. Paid $35 to send it to them. No questions asked had a new frame in about a week, now that's real service. Didn't know why they sent an extra derailleur hanger until a ride with some bad shifting made me look at it closely to see that it was badly bent. Hadn't said anything to them about it and they took care of it anyway, makes you feel like they actually care about their product and you.
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Submitted by
Scott
a
from Colorado Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Tougher than nails, sweet geomentry, beautiful simplicity, eats up everthing the trail can dish out, excellent craftmanship, lifetime warranty, climbs like a goat, descends beautifully, turns you into a superhero, and it is "really, really, really good looking."
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
trek fuel, santa cruz heckler, various hardtails
Bike Setup:
Psylo SL, Romic T2, Rolf Dolomite Disc, Hayes 6" Hydros, and it's blue.
Bottom Line:
If, like most people, you can only afford one bike, this bike is an excellent choice. It does everthing and makes everything you do on it super fun. I love my Joker.
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Submitted by
Jimbo
a Weekend Warrior
from O.C. Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Noble Cyn,
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Strengths:
Bulletproof Frame, Lifetime Warranty, Incredbile Handling, Awesome for climbs, Phenom on down hills.
Weaknesses:
I have to keep buying stuff to keep up with the frame, xc components do not cut it!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FS xc only! Hardtails etc
Bike Setup:
2002 Joker with Fox 125mm Forx (no lockout!)& Fox Vanilla rear, Hayes Disk, trail pimps with Hope hubs, CK Headset, Race Face Prodigy Cranks wi bash guard, Thompson seatpost/stem, XT cassette 11-34, Hell Bent bars
Bottom Line:
Killer ride, I do xc,freeride,shuttle runs, and will even take this on downhill runs. I dont mind the weight since Im in no hurry to get to the top. Incredible coming down, responsive Just soaks up all the hits, rocks, logs etc. I wanted one bike that will do anything and this is it. I dont care what you say about geometry I just ride and it performs! I wanted a ride that could handle a 5-10 footer and rock gardens and still pedal around town for some hooligan riding or ride with the weight weenies on the xc trails. Build it right with the Solid Heavy duty parts, I kinda paid as I went for $$$ reasons with a frame swap and now its finally dialed in, Ellsworth c/s is great. Email me if you need help or have questions.
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Submitted by
John Cary
a Downhiller
from Westlake Village Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
G-Spot
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Sundance Cycles
Strengths:
I've owned a couple bikes But this bike takes it all. I've hit 6ft drops No Problem. I was really worried about the climbing part but why worry. It climbs like you wouldn't believe. THe bike is SO PLUSH!!! I've got the romic on it and DAMN. its worth the upcharge. A+ in my book
Weaknesses:
Havn't found any, don't think I will........what.......Yea the cable routing is alittle weak, I had to jimmy rig some of the routing to make it look and work better
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Super 8 old school, GT idrive xcr 4000, GT idrive XCR LE
Bike Setup:
Joker= grey frame w/ black swing arm, junior T, XT/XTR goods, atom lab trail pimp wheelset, King HS the best, Azonic mag pedals, Shim m-646 pedals, Maxxis High roller 2.34 super tacky rear and 2.5 front
Bottom Line:
whether your hucking, climbing, decending, or just urban assault this bike does it all. This is the bike to get for anything if your not worried to give up alittle weight. mines 34lbs. I really don't notice it. A+ for ellsworth. PLus Sundance Cycles in Agoura Hills, Ca know what there doin, you want an Ellsworth......Go see them BOTTOM LINE!!
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Submitted by
Big
a Weekend Warrior
from The Midwest Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002
Where the heck did all the old reviews go? Anyone know where I can score some replacement bolts for my shocks?
Similar Products Used:
nothing compares...
Bike Setup:
Jr. T, XTR, ISIS RF NorthShores, King HS & Wheels, Hayes Hydros,...
Bottom Line:
This bike is for serious riding and punishment. Yeah, it weighs more that a some feather-weight, weenie bike--so don't buy it if you have chicken legs.
Ellsworth's customer service has been FANTASTIC. I've broke the rear swing arm--bad weld & they took care of it. Period.
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Submitted by
pete wagner
a Weekend Warrior
from middlebury,vt Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sticks&stones ,alter,xxx,rastaman, bounty hunter
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
the alpine shop
Strengths:
very plush ride. takes 10 foot drops and more when healthy. (see below) exellent climber on smooth or technical.
Weaknesses:
broken swingarms on 2001 models were some what of a problem. hopefully thats cured for my warranty frame & swingarm that I'm using now. pivot bolts have broken, not a major problem since the guys at ellsworth were great.
Similar Products Used:
fsr pro, i-drive,c-dale superv 2000,giant ac1.
Bike Setup:
marz z1 qr20 w/ecc,chris king headset and rearhub,rhyno lite XL,raceface bar,stem,seatpost,bb,next lp isis crankset, hayes hydro discs,yeti lock on grips, lx, xtr der
Bottom Line:
an awesome bike for any aggresive rider. just have a spare hardtail(old faithful).
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Submitted by
Kelvin Humenny
a
from North Vancouver, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Corkscrew/Pingu/Boogieman/Empress
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
On Top Bike Shop
Strengths:
This bike can do everything: It climbs like a goat, very well balanced and stiff. Tight geometry is great to throw around on the technical sections and sneak around tight spots on logs and ladders, light front end lets you pull manuals with a flick of the wrist. Strong frame and torsionally stiff swing arm makes the downhill very responsive and the drops smooth and forgiving.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing is a bit lame, but who cares?
Bike Setup:
Super-T on the front, Fox RC on the back, Hope pro2 6" discs, laserdisc rims with Michelins 2.4 rear & 2.8 front, King headset, Bonz cranks. Single front ring 30 tooth and 11-32 cogset. Perfect setup thanks to the guys at On Top Bike Shop!
Bottom Line:
This bike makes you feel like Superman, it can handle anything you give it and you can still ride it comfortably across town to the trailhead if you want, this is a great all-round fun bike and it looks mean.
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Submitted by
Travis
a
from Truckee/Spokane Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes
Strengths:
Plush, pedals well
Weaknesses:
first frame out of alignment
Similar Products Used:
amp b3, b5, mtn cycle, k2
Bike Setup:
Z1 QR20, XT, Thompson, C King, Avid discs
Bottom Line:
First impression -- big bike & heavy. But my first ride started with a 3 mile uphill. First turn downhill, and I didn't care about those first impressions -- great ride, scary speeds. Spent all of last season pushing it hard, both riding lifts and earning the d-hills, just switched from platforms to clipless as needed. All along, a nagging issue; the rear swingarm didn't line up with the seattube. Not cool on a $1200 frame. Ellsworth seems to have a bad rep for cust service, so I delayed returning the frame till a few weeks ago. Got the new frame quickly -- no bad experience here, in fact very happy with Ellsworth! Another issue; the low gear ratio needed to pedal this thing necessitates a huge rear cogset. The b adjustment tab on the hanger isn't big enough to handle the amount of b screw needed -- the screw keeps popping off the tab and chewing it up. Due to this, chain length is key, and I've still needed to hack a solution with the b screw. Finally, I must agree with others' criticism of Beyondbikes -- great deals, but pushy sales. The ride: uphill -- just crank over tech sections and let the bike do the work. D-hill -- pretty smooth, a bit of pedal kickback. Air -- extremely well balanced, just launch and stay nuetral. This is a great bike!
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Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from UT USA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Slickrock Swamp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1495.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shoppe
Strengths:
high bottom bracket, stiff frame, durable finish, light weight, accelerates like a rocket, super plush, pedals like a 3 in travel xc bike
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
LTS's, I Drives, giant AC's 1,2,both air's, Enduros
Bike Setup:
XT LX drive train, sram rocket shifters, 9.0 levers, monkey light carbon bar, 130 mm z.1 wedge handbuilt 222 rims on gt hubs
Bottom Line:
This thing rocks !!! I just returned from my yearly easter trip. Picked up the joker just two days before leaving having never ridden it I was a little nervous,but, the guys at the shop said that if I didn't like it the would buy it for themselves. Parking lot shakedown seemed pretty good. That last statement was an UNDERSTATEMENT, All I needed was five min. on Gooseberry Mesa to fall in love. Even my 13 yearold son was impressed. The majority of my riding is Tech/Freeride, but even on the jeep roads with the kids this did not seem like a 6 inch freeride bike. No gushy bob, unless hacking it for fun. This bike is all that the reviews and the shop said it was. The full build tops out at 28 1/2 Lbs and that is with heavy platform pedals. I cannot wait to try Mr. Joker out on the dh roads on my property Thank you Ellsworth.
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Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Reeds
Strengths:
XC-ish geometry climbs pretty well for a long travel bike, solid & simple & proven design, durable finish
Weaknesses:
XC-ish geometry is kinda weird (more below), UGLY graphics, costs more than a Bullit
Similar Products Used:
rode/demo'd: Bullit, Uzzi, Enduro, Stinky
Bike Setup:
Pslyo SL, Hayes 6" hydros, XT, standard bits by King, Thompson, RaceFace.. Set up more for epics, not drops
Bottom Line:
This bike is a comprimise, period.
With a 100-120ish fork on it, the bike has the head & seat tube angles of an average non-racing XC bike. But then the swingarm is so long and the bottom bracket is so high that it doesn't have the nimble handling to match those angles. It doesn't work good as a DH/freeride bike because the head and seat angles are steep and the top tube is a little long.
With that said, it's not particularly good at any one thing. What this bike IS good for is doing a little bit of EVERYTHING, which is exactly what I wanted.
If I can have only one bike, this would be it.
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Submitted by
Steve Wilson
a
from Brampton,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Zone
Strengths:
Super stiff frame,amazing pedaling performance for a six inch travel bike.Super plush.An easy bike to throw around corners berms over jumps.a real confidence builder
$
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