The Distance is a flat out value in trail bikes. Literally 50% the cost of many other 5” travel frames, the Distance employs the Ellsworth patented ATLAS (Anti-Torsion, Lower forward pivot, Active Suspension technology) design. By using a one-piece CNC machined swingarm and the single pivot, the ATLAS design is both simple and affordable. The secret to the design is not dissimilar to that behind ICT – it’s all about the chain torque line. Ellsworth places the forward pivot on the chain torque line, and the rear dropout well below it. This creates both minimal arcing of the axle path and maximizes the efficiency of the pedal stroke. The one piece swingarm provides excellent torsional stiffness.
Submitted by
Philip Chu
a Cross Country Rider
from HKSAR Date Reviewed: November 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Flying Ball
Strengths:
An excellent climbing machine and good descending power as well. Anodized and built with good craftsmanship and can last for years with very little wear & tear.
Weaknesses:
None for me so far, and may be the cheap price.
Bike Setup:
08 XT crank, brake & dels with XTR shifters, 08 Fox F120, RP23 h/v shock, Mavic SL wheelsets.
Bottom Line:
The frame was bought 3 years ago and is the only frame I keep using and no intention to change. The rear travel is 5 and good enough for most of free ride terrains. Unlike other Ells frames, it maybe the cheapest rig of its group as most Ells are costly. If you are looking for an affordable frame for all mountain ride with good brand value and performance, it is a right choice, and the frame is light too (approximately 6.2 lbs).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alan b
a Weekend Warrior
from pearl river ny usa Date Reviewed: July 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ringwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
a gift
Strengths:
hand built in the USA...excellent value
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
any high line mountain bike
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox pike fork, el camino brakes,XTR drivetrain< maxxis tires
Bottom Line:
I have always wanted a Ellsworth bike, This bike has brought me home in one piece from all my mountain bike excursions from Plattikill mountain to MT. Snow . It climbs like a cross country racer and point it down hill and it will handle and go over just about any obstacle that any high line down hill rig can handle. Great job to the designers at Ellsworth bikes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from steamboat springs Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sunshine Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Orange Peel
Strengths:
Obviously long rides are this bike's biggest strenght. It also climbs well with the aid of the 3-way swinger rear shock and light frame design for 5" travel.
Weaknesses:
The rear triangle can get a little mushy form side to side on a good size rear hit. 3way swinger requires trial and error and fine tuning to find the right adjustment. Suspension design is basic but the price refects this.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
middle of the road...avid juicy disc brakes, bomber front fork, fsa cranks and bottom bracket, fsa wheel set, panaracer tires....around 29 lbs.
Bottom Line:
awesome trail bike.....climbs and desends very well at a somewhat affordable price. After riding this bike for a season and a half I can say that I have no complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 1095.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
