Submitted by
mimi1885
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rock-it
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Solid, Stable, geometry, attention to detail. Great customer service.
Weaknesses:
Weight, huge walking beam is blocking the view of the cassette. I wish the seatpost size is either 30.9 or 31.6
Similar Products Used:
Mojo, ML8, ML7, Motolite, Racer x, Intense 5.5, Reign, Trance, Ransom, Prophet, Well I own a lot of bikes so I can keep trying new things
Bike Setup:
AM set up,, Magura Wotan, XT Grouppo except the Crank I ran SLX 2X9 set up with bash guard. Industry nine enduro, kenda 2.35 Stan tubeless. 4" AMP seat post carbon OS bar 647 pedals, total weight of 31.87 lbs
Bottom Line:
I had my second ride on the Moment today and I was surprise yet again. The bike is Solid as a rock, great climber and rock solid descender, handle switch back with ease.
First thing first, the frame has a beautiful finish. with the large walking beam it looks scary. Great attention to detail, carbon bridge is a nice touch although, I was told that it does make contact to the QR collar when bottom.
Climbing
It's a great climber, while it pedals heaver than my 32lbs Reign, it making up big time on the technical climb. I cleared sections that I couldn't clear on my reign and 5.5. The pedal bob is quite minimal I didn't bother setting the pro pedal on the DHX air.
Cruising the single track and descending
This bike is just plain awesome. I descent the first part of my familiar singletrack with switch back at the bottom of the long first straight. I just nailed the straight and carve that SB I just couldn't believed it. It's so balanced and stable. I did a couple of high speed drop over the water bar just routine on this bike. I'm quite impressed.
I took the indicator off my shifter to make more room on the bar with all the remotes. Usually is ok on my other bikes I just have to look down to see how many gear I have left but on the Moment is quite difficult to do because it's hard to see.
I highly recommend this bike to people who's considering a beefy do it all kinda bike that's not afraid to shine on the climb. I'll post the update in a few months. I'm sure it will be good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steel Freak
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix AZ Date Reviewed: October 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Desert Classic SOMO AZ
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Johns (Acto
Strengths:
Great Handling, Durable, Good Looking, Perfect All Mountain setup and good XC training (Because its heavy)
Weaknesses:
None but it's too heavy for racing XC but that's not the right tool for that job.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler
Bike Setup:
Custom Wheel-set Chris King Hubs, Hope Disc Brakes, Spram Shifters. 2.5in front tire, 2.3 rear.
Bottom Line:
The Bike is a bit over kill. I will never use the outer limits of this Machine. Makes me feel like a better rider than I am. Originally bought it to train on hill climbing to supplement my Road Cycling. Outstanding Product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
whoopdydo
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Comfortably Numb
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Fineline Ride Shop,
Strengths:
-super stiff and responsive
-active suspension under all conditions
-climbs like a hardtail
-descends like a DH bike
-fairly light build (33 lbs)
Weaknesses:
The price!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Chromag bar/stem/seat post, king head set, XT brakes/shifters, Saint deraileur/hubs/axle, XT cranks/integrated BB, SLX fr deraileur, SLX drivetrain, Kenda Nevigal 2.35, Mavic 321 disc rims, Fox TALAS, Fox DHX5 coil, lizzard skin grips.
Bottom Line:
I've only got a dozen or so rides on this bike, but I'm thoroughly impressed by the ICT suspension and overall responsiveness of this bike. I've found myself throwing the bike into situations where my old heckler had limitations only to find the bike pulling me through and kind of surprising me. There's a whole new level of trust in what the bike is capable that's been quite refreshing for me. I feel buying this frame was worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mikesg
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
UCSC - all of them
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
pro-deal
Strengths:
solid, no squeaking / creaking noises, pivots are bullet proof, geometry is amazing - great cornering & climbing (ICT)
Weaknesses:
too expensive, a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz: hecker & bullit
Bike Setup:
full xtr, fox 36 float, fox dhx 5.0, mavic crossmax xl
Bottom Line:
Good bike, i have it set up as an all-mountain-do-it-all type of bike and it works really well as such. When I show up to XC races on it, I can usually sense the fear on people's faces ... it must be the 6" of travel with that coil shock =).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott sumner
a Weekend Warrior
from walnut creek, ca, usa Date Reviewed: March 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Shell Ridge, Walnut Creek, CA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$7000.00
Purchased At:
cyclemonkey.com, Oak
Strengths:
Astonishing traction and handling: between the Moment frame, the Fox shocks (especially the adjustable Talas travel), Stan's notube rims, and the TRULY REMARKABLE Rohloff 14-speedhub, this bike handles technical terrain like a spider running across a rock wall.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Expense.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Id - for about five years.
Bike Setup:
Rohloff Speedhub, Stans no tube wheels, WTB Moto Raptor 2.24 tires, Fox Talas.
Bottom Line:
Anyone who rides anything other than a single speed MTB ought to invest in a Rohloff Speedhub.
Drivetrain derailleurs and shifting are absolutely the bane of MTBers. Nothing can shake your enjoyment of a ride like shifting issues. Rohloff solves that - for good.
What I didn't appreciate until I started using the Speedhub is that it makes single track easier - instantaneous shifting >> means optimal gearing >> means better torque and leverage on the bike.
Chain-slap? Never again. Wrong gear? Never again. Derailleurs? Never again.
I loved my Ellsworth Id, but the Moment blows it away. The suspension is plush, it hugs everything. The instant center tracking and the Horst linkage keep everything in line and on the trail, even through rough technical terrain.
As built, I've turned the Moment into a 32-33 pound trail bike. It climbs great, but it's not a cross-country rig. No question, this is a big investment. But I won't be servicing much other than changing tires until it is time to service the Fox shocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jjcools
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Ellsworth Bikes
Strengths:
Reasonable weight, great suspension design, and handmade in the USA.
Weaknesses:
Price is steep but on par with other US production bikes. Not many dealers here in Nor Cal.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Nomad, Iron Horse Mkiii
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX Air Talas Fork, X9 drive, Magura brakes.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, the ride is amazing and the handling is amazing. Took this thing to Bootleg, Moab, Gooseberry Mesa and all over Nor Cal. It is a blast to ride and makes me smile more than any other bike I have ridden, the smoke finish is really cool looking also.
I think people will hate to hate and others will ride their bike cause they love to be on two wheels. Give this bike a demo if you want a great performing bike with an active rear suspension system. I would recommend going coil front and rear though. I am not a huge fan of the air on the Moment. I give it a 4 for value but I think I would do that to any bike in this price range. I love it but that is a lot of cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bubba
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend,Oregon,USA Date Reviewed: December 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
C.O.D
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5300.00
Purchased At:
Web Cyclery
Strengths:
Ride feel, techincal climbing, stability, comfortable fit, and of course the DOWNhill capability. Great fit an finish.
Weaknesses:
1.Mild wandering on steep climbs, but there is 6.3" of travel up there! (still better than the ID ever was)
2.Lack of solid color choices. For this $ there should be multiple colors to choose from like Titus does.
3.Spendy...
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth ID (4 years), Ellsworth Epiphany (demo).
Bike Setup:
2008 Large Moment (new frame).08 Fox 36 VAN, DHX 5.0 coil. XT brakes w/180 f/rotor,hubs,shifters,derailers,cranks. Thompson post and stem. Titec El Norte 2" riser bars, ODI lock ons, Heavy WTB seat, Mavic 321 rims, Kenda 2.35 Nevegal's.
Bottom Line:
As Chevy CHase would say..."I LIKE IT". If you are in the market for a 6 inch bike that is laterally stiff and can take some abuse...but still climb...Moment.
I am 6'1" and weigh 195lbs. My large Moment weighs in at 34lbs on the shop scale. The bike handles downhill like a dream. I am also climbing technical sections that I could not touch on my ID. The ICT and Kenda conspire to create a magical stiction when you need it most. The previous post from Brooks in Moab is right on. That was actually part of the reason I went with the new Moment. Thanks Brooks! Also thanks to the guys at Web Cyclery for all of their help in building this monster.
I considered and rode an Epiphany when buying the Moment. I really enjoyed it but felt I wanted something more burly for downhill work. May add an Epiphany to the mix someday for 25+ mile rides.
Very happy with my choice even though it is the most expensive bike I have ever owned. This one is a keeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chickenleg
a Racer
from logan,ut. Date Reviewed: August 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
moab cyclery
Strengths:
strengh... this is the only bike I not cracked within a year. ride quality.
Weaknesses:
a little heavy for extended climbs, when it gets steep it takes a calm upper body to keep from see sawing, a longer stem and a xc bar fixes this quick and easy however.
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
zocchi 66ata, fox dhx ti coil spring, saint brakes, saint double ring and bash, xt shifting, mavic crossmax sx, race face cockpit.
Bottom Line:
this bike is jeckell and hyde depending on your setup. put on a 140 fork 100mm stem and xc bar and some light wieght wheels and it climbs like a trail bike , dump a 160+ fork on it, shorty stem dh bars, big tires and wheels, drop the seat put on the clown suit and go as hard as your insurance can afford.. just remember what wheels you have on.. this bike is capable of destoying light wheels in a blink of bad judgment, do the the downhill speed it entices. over all lots o fun. very soild, not for xc weight weenie types.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LowLow
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sunset Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop
Strengths:
Extremely versatile. Great and climbing technical terrain and even better at descending.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, Gary Fisher Fat Possum, Foes FXR 2:1, Giant Reign, etc.
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas 36RC2, Fox DHX Coil, Formula K24, DT Swiss Wheels, Hone cranks, XO shifters, XT and X derailleurs, Gravity Dropper, Thompson X4 stem, Easton E70 bars
Bottom Line:
A perfect all around bike. It can handle climbing (and excels in technical climbing), freeriding, light/medium downhilling, drops, etc. I've taken it to bike parks and have been very pleased with it. The suspension design is excellent and I haven't had any bobbing, brake jack or other issues. It is a monster going downhill, especially on fast, open and technical singletrack. It does it all not just well, but near perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brooks1
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Burros Pass to Hazard to Porky
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Moab Cyclery
Strengths:
Exceptional suspension performance; drop dead gorgeous frame with new hydro formed tubes (forget the old pipe style tubes), beautiful smoke ano paint job and great stand over height; it owns the downhill; pedals very well for a bike that leans toward the free ride side of the spectrum
Weaknesses:
Little time for anything else - I'm either riding it, planning a ride, cleaning it or admiring it. So far, I haven't found any issues.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Nomad (06 & 07), Heckler, and Blur LT (07); Specialized Enduro (08); Yeti 575 & ASX (05), Foes FXR (06), Ellsworth Joker & Epiphany, Cannondale Prophet, etc.
Bike Setup:
Smoke Anodized Medium Frame w/Fox DHX 5.0 air; Talas 36 RC2; DT Swiss EX 1750 wheels w/Kenda Nevegal 2.35 tubeless; XTR Rear Derailleur, XTR Cranks and BB w/22/32/44; XT Brakes, Front Derailleur, & Shifters; Thompson Elite Seat Post & Elite X4 50mm Stem; Dangerboy Riser Handlebar; WTB Rocket V SLT Saddle; ODI lockon grips; Time ATAC XE pedals; steerer tube cut long to allow for three ½” spacers
Bottom Line:
This is the best all mountain/free ride bike I have ever ridden. Period. (If all you want is the bottom line you can stop reading now).
It took 3 months to get the bike built due to issues with parts availability (and I wasn't willing to put just any old part on it) so, this exquisite frame just hung in Moab Cyclery with me, Johnny and the mechanics drooling over it. Since then, many of the guys at the shop have ordered the same frame. I immediately took it to the tough trails like Porcupine Rim & Poison Spider to try it out when it was finally finished. And the verdict - it was even better than I had hoped.
Going downhill on Porky was a dream with mistake proof handling and bomb proof suspension performance (ok, so nothing is really mistake or bomb proof, but you know what I mean). You point the bike where you want it to go over the nastiest rocky terrain on the trail and it holds its line and smooths out the bumps with an amazing damp/plush feel. I rode the gnarliest stuff out there at high speed with an almost "rocker/recliner" level of comfort and excellent control. I'm 60 and my joints and muscles felt great after the ride (with other bikes – not so much). Mountain Bike Action (MBA) in a recent review said about its descending ability, “. . . we knew we were experiencing something special.” All I can say is “amen” to that!
Ok, so it goes down great. What price do you have to pay for that on the climbs? In that same review MBA said, "Some bikes hide their weight, but the Moment never lets you forget there are over 30 pounds under you." Their test bike actually weighed 33.3 lbs and mine weighs 31.7, and as MBA suggested, I lost much of the weight in the wheels. I rode this bike from the Porcupine parking lot up to the overlook without stopping (which I had never done) and felt as good as or better than I ever had when I got there. The suspension is phenomenal on the climbs. If you pedal smoothly there is very little bob, just a lot of acceleration – and I never even considered using the propedal lever. Additionally, the suspension is so active that even under hard pedaling; it conforms to the ground so you get great traction, comfort and stability. When you get close to the top of that climb on Porky, there is a highly technical rock section with multiple ledges that most people don’t make and it has given me lots of trouble in the past – I cleaned it with no problem. I thought the bike pedaled better than any 6” travel 32 lb. bike I have ridden – maybe MBA should have had some lighter wheels for their test. MBA also said, “For descending attributes . . . there is often a price to pay tackling the uphills. The Moment’s front end did wander a bit when the trail turned steep, and we also found ourselves in the granny gear on climbs we normally tackle in the middle ring on bikes with four or five inches of travel.” Well duh, RC, this is not a 4 inch travel bike. That’s like saying, “Darn, this apple doesn’t taste anything like an orange – I thought it would.” I will agree that the front end does tend to get a bit light on steep terrain while in the saddle with the fork at 6.3 inches of travel. However, that is why I bought a TALAS fork – lowering it to 4 or 5 inches of travel does a good job of getting rid of the wandering. The fork tested in MBA was a Fox Vanilla which doesn’t have travel adjustment. Two days ago, I rode the Shoreline Trail from the City Creek trailhead up to the start of the Bobsled trail – an 1100 ft. climb that has everything - killer steeps that are loose, rolling terrain with firm soil, steep baby head strewn switchbacks, long moderate climbs with small rocks, etc. I rode along with a guy in his 20’s who was on a light 4 to 5 inch travel bike who was in very good shape from riding the trail regularly. I matched his pace all the way to the top and was even a bit faster on some of the sections. On one of the really steep loose climbs, he had to walk the top 1/3 while I rode it with no problem. While not a scientific test, I was satisfied after that ride that the Moment can hang with smaller bikes and is certainly a more than respectable pedaling bike when compared with other all mountain/free ride oriented bikes.
And speaking of free ride, I took the bike to Deer Valley last week to try out the lift served downhills with a few free ride park features thrown in. It handled very well in the tight trees and steep techy sections, was a blast over the wooden plank features and took on the jumps with ease – even a surprise one that I only had a second to set up for (whew!).
Many thanks to the guys at Moab Cyclery! Johnny did a great job pulling the parts together – the long wait was due mainly to the fact that Mavic simply wasn’t delivering any Crossmax ST’s apparently because the manufacturers were sucking up all their production. And I got an awesome build from Tonka and Tyson – thanks guys!!
Honestly there is no “one bike” that is great at every aspect of mountain biking. I’ve got a little bike (Epiphany) and a big bike (Moment). The Epiphany is the best pedaling and climbing bike that I have ridden and being a mountain bike guide in Moab, I have ridden lots of bikes on a variety of trails. It is good on the gnarly downhills but not nearly as stable and burly as the Moment. The Moment is the bomb on gnarly downhills and on the ups it pedals well and tracks amazingly well. If I’m headed to the Slickrock or Sovereign trails I grab the Epiphany. If I’m going to blast down Moonlight, to Ho Chi Minh to Hazard to Porky, I grab the Moment. If I had to choose just one of those bikes it would be a tough call.
I’ve tried a ton of 6+” travel 32 lb. big bikes and the Moment is the sweetest one of the bunch. Do yourself a favor and get one if you’re a roughrider looking to peg the fun meter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Georgesb2
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Templeton
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
see previous reviews posted by George
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
many and many broken and long discarded
Bike Setup:
See previous reviews posted by George
Bottom Line:
After * 4 YEARS * of good hard riding on weekends - This is a very reliable and very fun bike. I ride hard on technical rocks and weight 220 + on the bike. Nothing is wrong with this bike and I've never had the frame maintained. (what a contrast to other frames!) I love the Moment as much as the day I bought it. It's great to have such a reliable frame! It is awesome fun to ride, especially down technical sections. I strongly recommend Ellsworth and the Moment. After 4 years of zero trouble and lots of great fun rides, it is worth every penny. (I figure all the money saved by having no breakdowns and no repairs and no time wasted over 4 years of great riding and no injuries resulting from premature failures.)
Still loving every single Moment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mmatador22
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Palmer
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Pro Cycling
Strengths:
- 6+ inches of travel
- Horst link / FSR style rear suspension
- Uninterrupted seat post
- Stiff frame
- Standard front derailleur (ie non e-type)
- Company has good reputation, bike has excellent reputation
- Killer looks (white skeleton-like letters look cool against black ano finish)
- Made in North America
- Soaks up everything I can throw at it
Weaknesses:
Areas for improvement:
- Large rear tire clearance is limited
- No ISCG-05 tabs
- Would be nice if wheel base could be a just a hair shorter. I notice this on tight switchbacks.
- Carbon fiber triangular brace between rocker arms (I'd prefer no carbon, but if you have to put carbon on an all mtn bike, this place is as good as any b/c if it fails, it shouldn't kill you)
- Some cosmetic blemishes on rocker arms; don't affect functionality, but not the level of perfection I would expect on a high end frame.
- Dorky, frilly looking head badge. Ellsworth should revamp its main "E" logo, maybe take some design cues from Knolly or Chumba wrt cool design logos...
- Lack of standard color options like "smoke", "red velvet", "blue nebula" (at least when I bought my frame; looks like "smoke" is an option now; of course it is possible to special order the color you want, but the wait was on the order of months)
- On the pricey end, as far as frames go, but totally worth it so far
Similar Products Used:
Chumba XCL
Bike Setup:
2007 Ellsworth Moment frame (large), 2007 Rock Shox Lyrik 2-Step, 2008 DHX Air 5.0, Mavic XM819s, CK hubs / headset, Precision Cycling Components - All Mountain (adjustable) Seat Post, SRAM X-9, Shimano XT, Avid Juicy 7 185mm disc brakes, Maxxis Minion 2.35 F/R
Bottom Line:
*** Rider info ***:
175 lbs (with gear)
Riding style: all mtn (lots of up, lots of down with drops, ledges up to 8 ft, jumps, etc.)
Previous bike: Raleigh M80 hard tail
*** Summary ***:
Bottom line: The Moment is a kick-ass bike from the get-go. Paired with an adjustable travel fork, this frame enables you to rule the trails in both directions (up & down). Drop the cash, and enjoy a great all-around ride experience. 5 chilis overall, 5 for value b/c you do get what you pay for.
*** Details ***:
Been riding the Moment for 10+ months now. My bike has 2 personalities: with the 2-step at the min end of its travel range, the bike is a very capable cross country machine. With the 2-step at the max end of its travel range, it is an all mountain, free-ride-lite beast.
Short travel mode with 2-step at min travel: The steepened geometry enables you to crank the uphill technical single track. In short travel mode, the bike is also very capable downhill. This "personality" enabled me to really enjoy the trails with my cross-country riding friends. And it proved very useful as an aerobic work out tool while out on the trails. The rear-end stays glued to the ground, soaking up all the bumps big n small. I couldn't detect any bobbing unless I was really mashing the pedals while standing up. And should you happen upon a ledge and the urge strikes you, flip a switch on your fork and - presto - you have personality #2, described below.
Long travel mode with 2-step at max travel: The bike just shines with the slacker geometry. This mode has enabled me to continually push my limits and grow as a biker. What am I talking about? Ripping through the baby heads downhill, drifting the sharp corners, ledges / drops galore (up to 8 ft), jumps, etc. I haven't found the limits of the bike yet - and considering what the frame cost, I'm grateful for that. I hope to get quite a few more years out of it.
Other than tightening the bearing bolts after the first few rides, I've had zero frame issues with the bike since then. For other pluses / minuses, see the strengths / weaknesses sections of this review.
Notes:
- Price paid was for frame only
To sum up, the bike just smears extra flow all over the trails so you can have a great time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shmulik Shalom
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Rozen Mintz Raanana
Strengths:
Can do almost anything,very stable, gives a lot of confidence & great riding experience. The ICT system is doing the job & you feel how the bike adjust to the topography.
Great bike, I enjoy riding them especielly when going down, jumping & turning but they can also climb. It's not an XC bike so for long XC rides I wouldn't recomend it, but they can do almost everything else with a big smile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shay yaron
a Downhiller
from jaffa courts tel aviv israel Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
rosen mintz tel aviv
Strengths:
great ict suspension that works every bit as explained on the ellsworth site. riding is a dream stable and comfot, handelling corners is fast and easy. great bike!
Weaknesses:
untill now havent got any!!!
Similar Products Used:
mongoose teocali super 2006', turner 5spot
Bike Setup:
rockshox lirik 2step 160mm-115mm, syncros am wheels kenda nevgal 2/35 tubless,cranck truvtiv stylo+shimano pedals, srax x-9 rear & front, wtb seat, truvativ handlebar, stem 50mm raceface evolve, syncros headset, frame - ell/moment size small black anodized
Bottom Line:
i have been ridng now for 3 years. i ride ussally in a tipical week around 15 hours between 5 - 7 days i.e. almost every day. my riding has gone better in 3 degrees than before and i also climb pretty good with them. steep hill climbing those require locking the front fork on 115mm and seat hight xc style make wonders uphills. this is a great and sexy machine yull be enjoying riding prowdlly every where you go. i found my self riding downhill trails and fast buring trails agressivly. great bike reccomended for the rider who is ready for it. it all happend gradualy and is feels like a glove
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from South Windsor, CT, USA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008
TALAS 32, Float RP23, XT, Race Face Atlas Cranks, Cane Creek WAM disc wheels, Avid Juicy 7, Thomson, Easton, Mud
Bottom Line:
readers < 30: A++++++ performance, great product!!!!!, would buy again and again!!!. A++++ customer service 2.
Over 30 readers: The Moment is everything it is advertised to be. Building it with sturdy long-travel XC/AM components creates a stout all-mountain bike that can climb, descend, drop, and bully over boulders with a little body English. The geometry is such that, with a 5" fork, the bike does XC, and AM flawlessly. With a 6" fork it's a great AM/FR bike, although I would much rather abuse a less expensive bike than this one with FR riding on a regular basis. The high bottom bracket height is a blessing in technical conditions, especially along the East Coast where rocky riding is the norm. Works well in Moab too ;) The frame is high-quality, stiff in the corners, and and beautiful and works well with either coil (Romic D2 used 1 yr.) or air shocks. Anodized finish takes a lot of crap before it scratches.
I gave the bike 5 chili's for kickass performance, and 4 for value. I can't argue that more mainstream companies offer more value-priced bikes in the same category, but who cares?? Drive a P.O.S. car; RIDE an Ellsworth.
Ellsworth bikes are the best performing bikes I've ridden. ICT linkage works very well - so well, in fact that I've forgotten to adjust the propedal settings on my shock. I have owned three Ellsworth frames since 2001 and have had great experiences with the bikes and the company. This frame was a trade-in upgrade from an Id a couple of years ago - Ellsworth was more than willing to work with me to provide the frame size and shock I wanted, and delivered the frame in about a month, once the local shop had made dealer arrangements. It continues to be worth the time and money spent. Their customer service is great - I popped a weld on an Id that I had purchased (used!!) and they warranty-replaced it within 2 weeks.
PS - Go Ellsworth! Sorry to hear about the shop damage in the fire a little while back. Best of luck w/ business in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich Griffin
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando Fl Date Reviewed: September 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Reddick
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Ellsworth
Strengths:
I absolutely love this bike. I just added my 160mm 2008 FOX Float rc2 and it rides awesome together. You will not get any complaints from me about this frame. My moment is a pure joy to ride and ( I SEE ENVY ) In all those I pass in the trails!!! he-he I love that feeling!!! Check out the Put file link I inserted below to see my black beauty! ;)
Weaknesses:
Really none to me.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized S-work's Enduro
Bike Setup:
2005 Ellsworth Moment, 2008 FOX float 36, XTR rear derailuer, XTR front deraileur, XTR crank-set, Chris King head set, Thompson elite stem, 2008 Hope hydralic brakes, odi lock/hand grips, Easton Monkey lite XC handlebars carbon fiber, FOX DHX 5.0 rear shock, Mavic Crossmax XL's wheels, Maxxis Ignitor tubless tires, thompson seat-post, wtb rocket-v saddle, salsa quick-release. I posted some pic's of my baby! She rides like a Cadillac!!! Enjoy!
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6555637
Bottom Line:
If you want the best, then by this product. Word's to the wise (something I have learned myself) If you really want it- then GET IT!!! Dont settle for less, cuzz as soon as you do settle for less..... You will not be satisfied, especially when your out riding and you see someone else with the ride you really wanted. Then your gonna kick yourself in the arse!!!!! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Letbridge, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merchant
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
Ascent Cycle
Strengths:
Really can do it all. I ride this bike hard downhill with my double-crown fork buddies, then switch the tires, tune the suspension and go for epic x-country trail rides. Climbs incredibly well for a 6" travel bike (a bit of a grunt, but it just gets you in better shape right?)
Weaknesses:
Frame length can make really tight cornering difficult (this is not a dual slalom bike). Other than that, if you can afford it, no weaknesses.
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 fork (a GREAT fork for this bike), Fox DHX 5.0 rear shock, King hubs/headset, SRAM X9 drivetrain, Raceface Atlas cranks/rings. Hayes 8" hydraullic discs.
Bottom Line:
I have ridden this bike for two years and it never disappoints. It has had some pretty hard core wipe outs with no ill effects. Cost is up there, but as other reviewers have said, you get what you pay for, no question. If you can't afford to buy a carbon fibre XC micro bike AND a huge downhill rig, but want to do it all, this bike will take you there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
utah trail rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Ut USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any new one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
warrenty upgrade
Strengths:
plush. ICT design. as good a climber as it gets for 6 inchs of travel. stable down hill. stiff back end. great customer service and warrenty. and so on.
Weaknesses:
none. price? you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
yeti as-x, 10 years on a ellsworth truth
Bike Setup:
Fox talas 36, XTR, DT-swiss wheels.
Bottom Line:
After riding a truth for so long and loving it, it was a easy decission going to the moment. a tiny bit heavier but climbs better than the 1997 truth. handling down hill is a dream. I couldn't be happier. paint is a ton tougher, cornering is a dream. Im sure I'll be riding this for years to come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
angry ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle, CO Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bowmans to Vail back bowls, all Eagle trails,etc,etc
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Moontime, Edwards CO
Strengths:
Stable on decents, well balanced for all round riding, can take a hit, solid construction.
Weaknesses:
none for me except cost.
Similar Products Used:
Giant,Scott, Gary Fisher, prosnap(proflex),cannondale,specilized.
Bike Setup:
Azonic carbon bars,easton carbon seatpost,Elcamino breaks,Saint cranks, Sram x9 rear derailer, Xtr front derailer,King headset, Mavic Crossmax wheels,Fox rc36 front end, time peds ,ethirteen bash guard.
Bottom Line:
i'm 37, and have been riding my whole life,Raced road as a kid and teen, raced BMX .I ride Daily on single track ,I consider myself a trail rider ,not crosscountry or downhill ,as I like to ride up to my downhills . This bike works well for that. Some could argue that it's not well Balanced ,or that it dosen't work well in some way for them. But that's them .A bike is an indervidual thing to some point .I set this bike up to work for me ,and I would think other reader's would do the same for there bikes. So take the performance reviews with a grain of salt ,so to speak. This is not the best climbing bike in the world, but it climbs well enough for me ,and I live near Vail ,so a hill or two around hear.But if you had a great climber ,it would trade off on some other aspect off it's design ,somwhere. This bike has good climbing ,and superb decending abilities ,it's super stable in loose rock, If your having trouble there ,then start with your setup ,and then your abilities as a rider before blaming the bike. The wide wheelbase hasn't posed a problem for me ,I just softened my rebound, and it handled superb, looking further down the trail and keeping a stable upper body on curvy decents helps this balance issue as well. I haven't had to fix a thing Ellsworth related on this bike in three years off solid use, mayby two chains and a wheelset, but thats it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Sell
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Flowtron 3000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
RBikes.com
Strengths:
Instant center tracking rear suspension for a 6" travel bike is good stuff. No pedal bob while earning your turns. The frame is made in America with very high quality materials. Very well made and engineered.
Weaknesses:
No frills black anodized color. Would have liked it to be more like the velvet or smoke anodized colors of thier other frames.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth - Red velvet anodized.
Bike Setup:
x.9, Talas 36 RC2, Juicy five.
Bottom Line:
Rbikes was pleasure to deal with both Michael and Adam were very respectful and worked hard to get back to me with questions I had about the product and shipping issues. If they couldn't answer me right away they said they would call back and they did.
I like that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Petri
a Weekend Warrior
from Vantaa, Finland Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mud, Rocks, Roots, Climbs, Descents
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Color (pink), unbelievable finish, great geometry, beautiful welding, feather light frame with lots of standover height. The new rockers are beautifully machined, with a rising sun pattern
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any
Similar Products Used:
Commencal Meta 5,3
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla RLC 140mm, DHX 5.0 Air, King headset, Race Face 70mm stem, Easton hi-rise Monkey bar, Avid BB-7 brakes w 180mm in front and 160 in rear, SRAM X-9 gears, Mavix XMax Enduro - total weight of 29,9 lbs. :-)
Bottom Line:
Climbs like a goat, rides like wind and is a joy to look at and more fun than a barrelful of monkeys when going downhill. A real do-it-all-bike, the best bike I have ever had - period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacto, CA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush, plush, plush suspension. ICT keeps bob way down even with propedal all the way out. Do anything beast.
Weaknesses:
A bit pricey. Keeps me from doing chores and other responsibilities.
Similar Products Used:
SC Blur LT, C'Dale Prophet 1000, Yeti 575
Bike Setup:
DHX Air 5.0, 36 Van RC2, Full SRAM X0, Truvativ Stylo Carbon Cranks, Juicy Carbon 160mm, DT 240s hubs w/ 5.1d rims.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've ever had. Period. Every ride gives me more and more confidence to do everything a bit bigger and faster. I was having a bit of traction issues in the beginning, but I narrowed it down to the tires, not the bike. I've been trying different tire combos and found a Kenda Blue-Groove in the front and a Navegal in the back seem (both in a 2.35) to be a pretty good combo.
Anyways, I have everything on the suspension dialed almost all the way out, and it still climbs as well as it descends. The ICT works quite well and keeps its traction on various types of terrain. There is a bit of dive in hard breaking conditions, but nothing serious.
Yes, it is an expensive bike. However, the fabrication is top notch and it can be felt in the ride. If you want a top-notch, all-mountain machine, this should be highly considered. "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly reccomend picking one up."
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Cadavid
a Cross Country Rider
from Bogota Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
warrior's path
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
amazing ride. Very suple
Weaknesses:
nwse
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountain element and etsx, ellsworth truth and epiphany
Bike Setup:
sram x0, crank bros cranks and 4 ti pedals, thompson x4 stem, gravity dropper turbo post, race face low riser bar, spinergy wheels, king ti headset, magura louise bat brakes, fox talas rlc '08,
Bottom Line:
I'm going to keep it simple: I'm going over and down stuff I wasn't doing before, and the stuff I was clearing before I do faster and feel more comfortable. This bike truly makes you a better rider, or at least it makes you ride better!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from canada Date Reviewed: April 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
proven design-US made-anodized finish-great ride
Weaknesses:
none so far and i won't say pric because it costs what it costs.
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountain element to-santa cruz blur lt
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla rlc(lyric coming)-king headset and iso hubs-mavic 3.1 ust rims-avid juicy sevens-thomson stem and seatpost-xt/xtr mix-race face next lp cranks-blackspire rings-easton monkey light low rise bar-kenda nevagal tires-easton flatboys-wtb laser v saddle
Bottom Line:
a great riding supple frame. i had a blur lt previously and it is great but not as active which is the idea behind vpp. you can hammer them but they are not that supple of a a ride. the moment is much more active at the same time it does show some tendancy to bob under power despite what all the graphs and charts at ellsworth say, but i can live with that as downhill it blows the blur away and climbing it is just as good as it hooks up better even if it does bob slightly. i will update this review in a few months
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
www.speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Excellent decending ability. Frame strength to weight ratio. Shock options. Frame finish and durability.
Weaknesses:
Nil...
Similar Products Used:
Specilaized Enduro, Ellsworth Id, Santacruz VPP Free, Scott MC 50
Bike Setup:
XT drivetrain Easton Carbon Bars and Seatpost King Hubs on 823 Mavic Rims Fox DHX 5.0 with Titanium Coil Marzocchi AM 1 fork 2006 Hope Mono brakes
Bottom Line:
I will try to make this as BS free as possible. I owned a Ellsworth ID prior to the moment. The ID was a good bike let down by a high bottom bracket steep angles and a weak rear end. Ellsworth released a california edition after I bought my ID which ran a 195mm eye to eye shock as opposed to the 200mm eye to eye on my ID. I considered buying a new shock that would have effectively reduced the bottom bracket height and slackened the head angle of the ID by a degree or so. I had the ID for three years and in that time I snapped the seatstay twice riding in Wales and Scotland. Ellsworth replaced the seatstay both times (under the lifetime warranty) with no questions asked however I was getting annoyed as I wanted a bike that was strong and functional. I decided to buy the moment which I have now owned for two years. This bike has resolved all the original issues of the ID with stronger tubes and a slacker headangle and bottom bracket. Overall the bike is amazing - no broken tubes, and excellent handling for "all mountain riding" This bike will not suit someone looking for a XC bike with steeper angles. However if you weigh >90kg (200+ lbs)and want a do it all agressive trailbike the moment should be on your shortlist. If you run a travel adjustable fork then the issue of a slack headangle is resolved as you just drop the fork for climbing (which it does very well). Desending is a blast and you will not be disappointed. Just make sure you get the correct size frame and as always have a test ride. I am 6' 1 and ride the large. My bike weighs around 30lbs with a combination of stiff strong parts (ie rims) with carbons bits to keep the weight under control. If you are relatively light, ran an air shock and put this bike on serious diet you could probably see 26-27ish pounds but this would be at the expense of durability. If you are light you can build it light but if you are heavy and need durability you will not be dissapointed. Overall this is a killer bike which blurs the lines between xc and freeride and was a pioneer in this field. I love it !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Linda Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Skid Marks (mammoth lakes)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike climbs much better better than I ever thought it would. I had an Id prior to the moment but grew tired of the high bottom bracket. I also own a Truth, so going from the lower bottom bracket truth to the much higher Id was not smooth. The moment complements the truth much better. I can transition over to the moment without having to adjust. The Id is a great bike, if it's your only bike. I feel much more confident on drops and jumps. The moment soaks up everything.
I'm extremely pleased I finally made the transition from the Id to the Moment. This bike climbs so well I seldom want to ride my Truth. It instills much more confidence on drops and technical spots. I have no regrets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Cali Date Reviewed: February 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Feels like you can ride this anywhere. (If U have the right front fork!)
Similar Products Used:
Truth
Bike Setup:
mavic717 w/king isos, wtb weirwolfs, easton carb bars &post,el camino stoppers, 36 talus rc2 up front, dhx air in the back.
Bottom Line:
This $*#@er makes U go fast! Turns everything into butter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jad
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: February 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-The bike is amazingly forgiving.
-The geometry is setup so this bike truly can be "the one bike". With the right parts you can have it do whatever you want and generally do it very well.
-Very durable, yet can be built very light. Fast, yet forgiving feel to the tubing.
-Everyone loves the look amazing look of the finish and several people have told me "that is the more beautiful bike I have ever seen".
-The suspension is the perfect balance between being amazingly plush, yet very efficient, and still tracks great when setup with the right shock.
Weaknesses:
-Could use bosses under top tube to run a rear disc brake hose more cleanly.
-Could use more rear tire clearance with the stock chainstay (mine is upgraded to the rouge)
FOX DHX AIR, FOX TALAS RLC, ODI OURI lock on grips, Eastern Monkey Lite Low-rise handlebars, Chris King Headset and hubs, Mavic 819 rims, Maxxis UST High Rollers 2.35, Salsa skewers and quick release seatpost clamp, Full XTR drivetrain, SRAM 991 hallowpin chain, Shimano 959 pedals, Thompson stem and seatpost, WTB Rocket V stealth saddle, 27.5 pounds including pedals!
Bottom Line:
A truly amazing bike that I highly recommend to anyone. You can do a lot with the frame depending on how you want to build it up, but no matter what is very fast and forgiving. I really recommend a fork with adjustable high so you can easily change you headtube angle and have a much more versatile bike. Once I changed to the DHX Air from a Romic, and installed the TALAS from a Float the bike really came alive for me. The bike feels so natural, yet it feels like I learn the bike more every time I take it out still. This really is the one bike I would have if I could only have one. It does everything I want and does it well, but I am always comfortable and confident on it to want to take my skills to the next level!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Romain
a
from france Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
2nd hand bargain
Strengths:
ICT, the looks, sooooooo light, DHX 5 air
Weaknesses:
mine was 2nd hand, and the paint on the chainstay was a tiny bit damaged, that is about the only thing that is wrong with that bike Everyone wants to take it from me, to give it a go
Similar Products Used:
I guess nothing comes really close, but I have ridden a patriot from orange, giant AC, I was also considering a specialzed's enduro or a turner's RFX
Bike Setup:
Pike 454 (dual air), old XT 4 pots breaks, 160mm discs(they are great, why did they stop?), the usual LX/XT/deore mix, XT cranksets, hope pro 2, laced to e540 rims (don't go wasting money on 5.1's), thomson seat post (nodeport!), 70mm stem, and my fav SDG bel air saddle :D works great for my butt, and ritchey lo riser handlebar
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, or just another "great bike, that can do it all" It might sound cheesy, or even stupid but...
get the DHX air upgrade! This shock works the dogs b.... on that frame. The bike is great, if you force your way into it. It likes to be pushed in the turns, and it does not like to have breaks used. You need to push it(reasonnably that is), and if you do, it turns into the most magnificient bike ever. the suspension works wonders if you do not mess to much with the brakes. 454's might be a little too low for the frame... maybe lyriks or zocchis some days in a far away future! Anyhow I am completely sold to that bike, it works just great, you can climb it, jump it (not 35 feet high, but I never have though about this and never will), the amount of travel is just right to have fun while going down the hill, and everything about that bike is just right, even the price (if you can get it second hand like I did!)
Value rating is only 4 as new the price is just silly high, at least in France. Overall rating is only 5, as I can't give it the 6 out of 5 it deserves
My tip : get it 22nd hand, and put all the nice parts on that baby. It deserves them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Ferringer
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: January 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1375.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
ICT really works! The finish is incredible, no cable rub, no scratching, no worries. The customer service at Ellsworth is awesome, thanks Kurt! The bike really has proven to be the "One" bike that can handle everything that I throw at it. I really wish I would have put the money into this bike at first and not wasted my money and time on all those other bikes.
Weaknesses:
Still searching, haven't seen anything yet.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Tarpon, Specialized Hard Rock Sport, Rockhopper Comp, Epic Comp, Stumpjumper, Jamis XLT 3.0 in that order and all within 1 year looking for the right one.
Bike Setup:
Chris King Headset, Thomson Stem and Post, WTB Rocket V, Shimano XT Crankset, SRAM X.0 RD, Shimano XT FD, SRAM X.9 shifters (2007), Easton Havoc AM, WTB Moto Raptor 2.24 tires, Marzocchi SL1 FR, Fox Float, Juicy Carbon with 8" rotors
Bottom Line:
The bottom line...this is one awesome frameset!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Luge, Rattle Snake, Lynx,,Rock It.....
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
THE PATH
Strengths:
The pefect all day ONE BIKE. Spent +4 hours riding over 30 miles last Saturday. From long climbs to steep rocky decends my Moment delivers consistant high performance. Ellsworth delivers on what they promise. If your on the fence about 5" or 6" travel or concerned about weight don't hesitate to put a leg over a Moment. I moved up from a 5 Spot and never looked back.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Intense Uzzi, Tracer, 5 Spot.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Lyrik, XTR Cranks, Sram XO, Thomson 4X stem and Post. King/Mavic 819 King Head Set Azonic B52 Bar Avid Juicy 7 Carbons 8" F&R M Mallets 32lbs
Bottom Line:
Looking for the One Bike to do it all. Great finish. I just upgraded to a Rock Shox Lyrik. The Lyrik made the bike handle much better then the PIKE. The Moment climbs very well for a 6" set up. If your local OC rider See Tani and his staff at The Path. They are by far the most knowlegable and well stocked shop around. Thanks to Jonathan for a awesome set up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glorgon Flumoiubo
a Downhiller
from Jityr, Uty, Planet Combo Outer Edge of Universe Date Reviewed: December 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Zeon fire ball of death
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$10000000.00
Purchased At:
Insicnificant human bike shop in Nome, AK
Strengths:
grips are great pot holders, pedal makes great back scratcher 70 inch front suspension made great sling shot, perfect size for my sumer muleculer combiner for spaceship
Weaknesses:
wieght 50,000lbs frame scattered under my wieght, human diseaese wiped out half my civilization, ion blaster malfunctioned killing my family, toxic chain grease lit my house on fire burning my face and losing 17 of my 54 legs, horrible flying skills,
Similar Products Used:
a horse, dead sheep, mexican midget, bike store owner, tricycle, trek
Bike Setup:
Turbo ion blasters, rocket boosters, ice piks and parachutes for brakes, super laser bomb througher
Bottom Line:
This thing is a monster caused massive destruction of my planet. Was not worth the 75 billion light year journey. Because of the destruction of my race I have launch a turbo nucluear fission fusion ion cobalt uranium blower upper to destroy your solar system may your 700th great grandchildren live in fear of their imenate death. Great tire pressure never had a flat. Buy this bike hopefully u will suffer the same pain as me. what is wrong with the people with lumps on their chest from your planet and why do the others smack their asses
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: December 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bobs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
Rbikes.com
Strengths:
This bike has a very durable finish and has great traction while climbing and decending. If you pedal smoothly you will notice no pedal bob.
Weaknesses:
The shot peen from the finishing process gets into the frame and when you put your seat post in the tube it tears up your post when you move it. Extra prep work must be performed to wash all this out with a solvent prior to assembling the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Intense 5.5 and Jekyll 1000.
Bike Setup:
Medium 05 Blue with AE70 monkey bars and stem. XT deraillers,crank,cassette,shifters. Thompson seat post,Avid juicy 7 disc brakes,Mavic 819 with Hadley hubs. Fox Vanilla 36 RC2.
Bottom Line:
I really enjoy riding this bike over my past bikes including my Intense I still have. The climbing seems ok but it has great traction due to the suspension. I feel the fork works well and raises the front end up enough so I flow right over alot of rocks I would of gone over the bars on with my other bikes. I feel it's a very good looking bike also.
As far as where I bought this bike I have mixed feelings. Rbikes.com made several errors when building this bike including sending me a large instead of a medium. I then had to ship it back and wait another week or so till they built another one only for them to realize at the last minute they built another large one by accident.I then had to wait again for them to build up another one. Thankfully it wasn't prime riding season when I went through this. One thing I can say they did give me a very nice price and were very apologetic and for every mistake they made they reduced the original price a very fair amount. The people there all seem very cool to deal with and were very accommodating with any changes I made to my original buid specs. I would recommend this frame to anyone who likes to do aggressive all mountain trail riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Tank like construction but lightweight Decent geometry Looks the biz
Weaknesses:
Expensive
Bike Setup:
Lightweight build with XTR, Sram XO carbon, CrossMax XL wheels
Bottom Line:
After spending an endless amount of time deciding whether to go for an Epiphany or the Moment, I went for the Moment. Theres only a 1KG weight difference for a frame that on the surface looks a hell of a lot stronger than the Epiphany which looks more like a XC machine. Tapping the tubing indicates that the Moment uses thick tubes, you dont get a very thin hollow sound like the Epiphany or indeed the Spesh that I had before this. Build wise I dont think its 'ultimate craftsman like' the welds are no cleaner or different to what I had with my made in Taiwan Spesh. The overall look of the frame though is very different and 'expensive' compared to other similar looking rocker suspension designed frames from other companies. I guess the CNC machined rocker has a huge part to play in this regard. I also wanted the most up to date model as it now comes with an asymetric chainstay (lighter, stronger better mud clearance) and also the triangular shaped carbon brace in the rocker as opposed to the round one. The manager in the shop did tell me that the round carbon brace was proper CNC'd whereas the new ones are cast moulded. Looking closer at the rocker he may have a point there! Ive matched the DHX5 air with a Fox Float 140 with more sag in the rear end to balance the bike better and with lightweight components total weight is 13kg exact which is a tad heavy for rough XCing but is still lightweight. Ride quality is great, the ICT works well, though there is a lot of bobbing, which needs to be toned down with propedal, but this doesnt really worry me, I prefer the suspension to be super plush) Only 4 chillies as I think the welding could have been cleaner for a 'Lovingly Hand made in America' frame
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from South Windsor, CT USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
blue 19" Frame, black Marz Z1 FR coil fork, Romic Twin-tube rear shock, Cane Creek WAM Disc Wheels, RF Atlas Cranks, Thomson Parts, XT Parts, Tioga Factory XC Extreme Tires
Bottom Line:
I've been so pleased with Ellsworth products I keep on purchasing them. I am a jet engine designer with OCD so I am very picky about which bikes I ride and this one is worth the cash to me. I'd rather spend an afternoon with this bike than with most people. (i hope laura's not reading this...)
I would recommend a Moment to riders who are large, and those who want to ride any type of terrain without worrying about the bike. Pedaling efficiency, even with a smooth non-SP coil shock is super. With a 5" front fork the bike feels very stable and has great tight-turn handling; I don't notice the long wheelbase much at all. It's a quick bike to get used to, and it's easy to forget that it's there when you're moving through the forest.
Turner bikes are nice ones - I had a hard time choosing between the two brands. What ultimately sold me on the 'worths was the fit, finish, and bearings. I'm between sizes on the Turners. The anodized finish is harder, the letters are badass, and the bearings are smoother at the pivots, although a bushing design like the Turners would tend to be tougher. I've never had a pivot issue.
I like Ellsworth's bikes because they are top-quality in design and construction. I first bought a Truth in '01 and was very satisfied; even for a 220 lb rider the bike felt pretty stiff. It was the fastest bike I've owned (still). My brother has ridden it since and we haven't needed to replace any pivots. The old fox air shock, for that matter, is doing very well too. Stiffness was the ultimate issue with that bike so I purchased an Id later on and enjoyed the sturdier frame, higher BB, and 5" of boing. That mandarin colored Id treated me well for 2 years and then broke at the seat tube/BB junction. Ellsworth sent me a brand new (new design with gusset in that location) frame at no charge, even though I had purchased that frame *used* on mtbr.com.
Ellsworth customer service can be a dental visit, however. They are very knowledgable but I have had to wait for my frames for months at a time because of communcation issues, low stock, or say, if they make a local shop become a dealer to warranty a frame... They've all been worth the wait though. 5 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Matzel
a Weekend Warrior
from Malta, NY, USA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any single track full of granite boulders and rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
CK Cycles - Albany NY
Strengths:
goes over anything, light, strong, tons of travel, Warranty - lifetime -no hassle (it works great)
Weaknesses:
a bit pricey, but worth every penny ...
Similar Products Used:
Iron horse mkIII, Rocky Mtn, Kona, KHS
Bike Setup:
Hayes brakes, Thomson seatpost, Raceface cranks, bars, stem, Oury grips, Mavic crossmax enduro, Kenda Nevegals, Shimano-pedals, shifters, derailers, Fox Vanilla fork, DHX 5.0 air rear
Bottom Line:
parts from my old busted Ellswoth Isis - now rocking on the Moment + new 07 fox 32 Vanilla fork - warranty upgrade from Ellsworth- no hassles, the local shop is the best, 1st rate service and quick re-build ... this is the best bike out there -- rode all kinds of stuff at Pedros festival this year-free demos (where I broke the Isis - lucky for me) -- I missed the Isis until the Moment arrived, it's twice the bike, anything is possible on this bike ... anyone I ride with seems to lust after it ... it is the most efficient bike out there - ride and believe !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
your mom
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Finish, 4-bar suspension, strength
Weaknesses:
My wallet's lighter.
Similar Products Used:
Nomad, Yeti 5.75, Intense 5.5
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas 36, Fox DHX 5.0 (coil), Avid Juicy Carbon, SRAM X-9 rear and XT front derailures,X-9 shifters, Chris King hubs laced to Mavic 321, Chris King headset, Race Face Atlas Crank, Deus XC handlebar and bolt-on grips, Thompson Elite stem and Masterpiece seatpost, WTB Laser Ti saddle, Kenda Nevegal 2.35 tires - weight 31.5 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Made me the fastest rider in my group immediately. I've always been near the front on our free-ride jaunts at Mammoth Mtn., but no one could touch me on this bike. Stable and fast downhill, but not too slack so that it can't be steared in tighter situations. Ellsworth's finish is second to none. After it was built, I wanted to hang it on my wall, not ride it, it was so beautiful. But it looks just as good dirty.
I'm a big fan of 4-bar suspension. It's active, it's plush, but it's extremely bob-resistant and makes climbing in rough situations so much easier. I should write a separate review of the Talas 36, but I'll just say that being able to adjust the front travel from 160 mm to 110 mm with a flick of a lever makes climbing that much easier. No wandering front end here. Then, "flick," and you are ready to go scary fast downhill through rough stuff without any flex in the front end.
And the Avid Juicy's with the 4-bar allowed me to come into corners so fast, break with one finger through the washboard, set up the turn and flow out.
The only problem with this bike - Porcupine Rim isn't in driving distance from my house.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Telluride, CO USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Alta Lakes Loop, Telluride, CO
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
Sierra Cycles, Scarsdale, NY
Strengths:
Plush Suspension that is extremely adjustable, super-stable at high speeds and on rough terrain, and a suprisingly good climber.
Weaknesses:
A little slow when making quick directional changes, on the heavier side for an XC bike (but what would you expect from a bike you can point down anything?)
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Nomad, Yeti ASR-SL
Bike Setup:
Fox Talus RLC 160, Ti 6" coil spring, Industry 9 wheelset, moots layback seatpost and stem, King headseat, SRAM x.0 blackbox shifters and rear derailer, XTR front derailer, AVID Juicy 7 blackbox disc brakes, Race Face Deus XC BB and cranks, Race Face Low Riser SL bar, Yeti ODI Lock-ON grips
Bottom Line:
This bike is sweet! I live in Telluride, CO, where climbing is always a given and this bike even does that well. I built this bike up to be the lightest all-mountain bike I could create, and at just over 30 lbs, this machine is awesome! Of course the Moment screams over technical singletrack and rolling fire roads, but it is a suprisingly nimble climber that isn't afraid to tackle the steepest uphill sections. The frame itself is beautifully welded together, and combined with a Titanium coil rear shock, it is definetly something to drool over. If I was looking for a pure XC bike, then maybe the Moment might not be my first pick, but for all-day epics and all around use-and-abuse, this bike rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim (Moab Utah)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Richard's Bicycles (rbikes.com)
Strengths:
Stable when pointed downhill, climbs easily, flawless craftsmanship, plush 6" of travel, hard anodized finish, 4-bar linkage rear suspension
Weaknesses:
a little on the heavy side (but what do you expect for a bombproof all-mountain), pricey (you'd better ride the hell out of it do get your money's worth)
Similar Products Used:
In the past: Trek Fuel 90. This time: test rode Turner RFX, Santa Cruz Blur XC, Santa Cruz Nomad
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX Air 5.0, Fox TALAS RLC 130mm, Avid Juicy 7 discs, SRAM X.9 triggers, SRAM X.0 rear, Crank Bros Mg Mallets, Mavic Crossland wheelset, King headset, Truvativ Stylo cranks, etc etc etc
Bottom Line:
Only had the ride for 3 months so far ... and unfortunately no chance YET to do any hardcore riding (too damn busy). Many hours so far bouncing around Lincoln Park (yaaaaawn) where the bike is entirely under-utilized. However, a couple of afternoon trips to some singletrack near Palos Heights have started show a small glimse of what the Moment can do --- very stable and always begging for more. Transitions nicely through steep ravine crossings. The bike geometry is stretched out for downhill stability, yet winds nicely through tight singletrack. Nicely balanced and good center of gravity (I'm 6'1"). So far as I can tell in the limited riding so far, the bike climbs like a goat (yes I'm in flat, flat Chicago. Just wait until I get this out in Moab). I can't wait until my work travel schedule calms down so I can start friggin' riding more! Maybe I'll post again after getting some hours of serious riding.
A quick note on RBikes: if you're a serious rider here in the upper midwest give Mike Rankovich a call at Rbikes. He built up 2 bikes for me to test (Ellsworth Moment, Turner RFX) and was completely patient with me over a period of about 2 months while I decided what I wanted. In the end I got what I wanted at a price that worked for both of us. The staff seemed knowledgable and clearly spend many hours in the saddle themselves.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any rock infested trail that tests courage and ability
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
1)Unbreakable. Great for a heavier rider who often goes “no brakes” down steepest and nastiest of rock descents and some clean drops up to 4 feet. 2)No Flex for heavier rider who pedals uphill very hard, pulling up on the bars and standing on the cranks. Never any frame derived drive train problems. 3)Great in “all mountain” mode, going downhill over rockiest sections. Best in straight line conquering rocks, rock drops. There is more real solid bike under you and when you want or need it, it is there for you. 4)Love the frame geometry, that you can lower the seat all the way down, almost in trials trick position. This allows you to go up and over the unthinkable. Also gives you cockpit room to go down the unthinkable. And gives some bailout options with low standover. Allows for very wide rear tires. 5)Bike still looks great after all these years and all those crashes. 6)In total, it gives me the courage and confidence. To go where I've never gone before and do what I thought impossible.
Weaknesses:
1)Tad heavier for the uphills. Not your long ride XC cardio bike, especially the way I have it equipped. It isn’t quite as ‘tossable’ as another bike I’ve owned but that one broke. 2)Seems to put more weight on the back wheel. Great for launches and drops, not quite so good for fast non technical trails. I make up for it by moving my weight forward and get into the turns to get the weight on the front end when going quick on solid ground, then I have good fun too.
Similar Products Used:
Long list including: Specialized, Cannondle, Kona, Goatbike hardtails; Specialized, Gary Fisher full suspension. Demoed Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountains and GF Cake.
Bike Setup:
Fork: Fox Talus 36 (Manitou Minute turned out to be junk); shock: 05 FOX DHX 5 w/ 700 lb spring upgrade; Hubs: Chris King; Rims: mavic 819; Tires: Kenda Kinetics Stick E 2.35 back & maxxis ust tubeless 2.10 front; Seat post: scratched up Thompson; Cranks, rings, bb: Race Face; Wide high Azonic bars; Brakes avid mechanical disc; Shimano deore XT shifters.
Bottom Line:
Love his bike for the way I ride hard and especially that I’m a big guy (215 + lbs).
After more than 10 years of hard riding. After 8 other mountain bikes, this is my favorite by far. This is the bike that has lasted the longest by far. This is the bike that give me the least troubles by far.
On nasty rock gardens, Very Rocky drops, launches, this is where this bike is at home.
2 years of 220 lb rider doing as-hard-as-I-can-ride “all mountain” up/down/over & through nasty rock gardens, up over logs up to 3 + feet high, true drops 3 + feet, descents over piles of rocks that drop for as much as 12 feet, often almost airborne. It goes through snow, ice, mud, and summer conditions, I love this bike. It has the All Important reliability. Having many times had frame flex derived drive train failures and outright broken many other bike frames, especially Treks and Gary Fishers under similar conditions, this bike is special. Extra gusset supports top tube to seat tube weld. Top & bottom shock mount welded to provide extra support to frame strength. Design of the rear is special, so strong, so reliable, so inflexible side to side.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Engelhorn
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirkland, WA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
White River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Downhill Zone
Strengths:
Anodized, not painted or powdercoated; lots of travel; light for the amount of travel; well made
Weaknesses:
top tube may be too long for some people
Similar Products Used:
Intense 5.5, Titus Switchblade, Titus Quasi-Moto, Turner 6 pack
Bike Setup:
varies, but currently: Zoke Z-1, XO shifters and rear derailleur, XTR front derailleur, Hadley hubs laced with Sapim spokes to Mavic rims, Thomson post and stem, Easton carbon bar, Saint brakes
Bottom Line:
There are things I wish were different on this bike, but the bike flat out rocks. It pedals really, really well. I won't get into the whole Ellsworth 100% efficiency thing, but it really does pedal well. I had a coil spring on it and replaced it with the '07 Fox DHX Air and now the frame is even more amazing. It is plush without wallowing in its travel.
I also like the fact that the bike is pretty slack. I do not like steep head angles and especially with the Z-1 on the front of this thing, it's very easy to point downhill. My 5.5 is a great trail bike, but the head angle is way too steep for technical riding in my opinion. This bike is great for technical riding.
The things I don't like about the bike are purely personal in nature. I don't like a 27.2mm seatpost on a fairly burly frame. It just plain looks out of place. It doesn't flex or anything, it just looks skinny next to the other tubes. The same thing applies to the rear triangle. The tubes seem small compared to my Intense or especially my Titus frames, but again, there is no flex. In fact, the rear is really solid. The bike just doesn't look like it should feel this solid, but it is.
Some people complain about limited rear tire clearance, and if you're running above a 2.3 that's probably true, but a 2.3 fits fine and I wouldn't run anything above that for this type of bike.
While this is a 6 inch travel bike, it is NOT a hucker. It is definitely a long travel trail bike that is built for modest 3 to maybe 4 foot drops. If you don't get stupid with your stunts, this is a great bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Guyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Loveland, CO Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Backbone
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Suspension design works well. The finish is top notch. Very versitile - 5.3" or 6", myriad of shock options, etc.
Weaknesses:
It's pretty expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Isis, Schwinn Rocket 88
Bike Setup:
All mountain, 6" travel, all coil suspension, disc.
Bottom Line:
I really love this bike. It took me a while to get my fit right. My Isis was a med and I changed to a small frame. The standover is greater with the longer travel bike and I find the TTs to run long on Ellsworth bikes. Once fitted, I found this bike to be well suited to my local terrain - rocky, rooted, steep and fast. The higher BB is a blessing over more XC oriented bikes and the steeper HA makes steep chutes easier.
The bike seems designed for more "all-mountain"/"light freeride" pursuits as opposed to heavier duty free-riding stuff, such as the Rogue might do. I think the bike could handle a heavy build though, so if you're primarily a trail rider doing some rough stuff, this is the bike for you. It is decidedly poised in that "trail bike" realm with geometry that makes it a decent climber as well as a good descender. But the thicker tubeset and beefy rockers make it capable of handing more punishment than your average trail or XC bike could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Scranton-Wilkes-Barre,Pa Date Reviewed: June 24, 2006
I am 6'4" 250.The bike is smooth as butter.Built like a tank, but it climbs well and descends even better.I`ve been riding it a year now and have no problems.The Fox fork is very smooth over the rough stuff.I would like to thank Mark and Lou at Sicklers Bike in Exeter,Pa.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moses
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Arizona Date Reviewed: June 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
National trail, South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Rides well both downhill and up. Bike feels very solid through the roughest terrain. Looks awesome I love the anodized frame.
Weaknesses:
Like some others here, I found left over beads in the seat tube which scratched the hell out of my Thomson seatpost. Besides that I can't think of a single thing besides maybe price.
Similar Products Used:
This was my first "real" full suspension bike, beofre that just hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi all mountain 1, Fox DHX air, XO deraileurs, XTR crank, King headset, Avid juicy 7 brakes, Thomson post & stem, Mavic XM819 UST rims laced to Hope hubs, Kenda Kinetics UST tires.
Bottom Line:
I love it, not too much else to say. The crap left in the frame that scratched up my seatpost didn't make me too happy but that's about it. This is the first full suspension bike I have owned and while it weighs a hell of alot more than my hardtail, it climbs just as well. Maybe not as quick up a hill but technical steep ups are definatley more rideable. When it comes to downhill....forget about it, this thing is so smooth it's incredible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Palos Hills Date Reviewed: June 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Richards Bikes
Strengths:
The large piviot bearings and the anodizing make it for a tough bike. The geometry and the DHX make it a good bike to descend or ascend.
Weaknesses:
Still looking for one after 14 months and ?????? miles.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth ID and Dare.
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX 5.0 Maverick DUC32 Maverick 100mm stem XO shifters and rear derailleur XTR front derailleur SRAM 991 hollow pin chain XT cassette XT Hollow tech cranks XT 4 piston brakes with 205mm in front, 160mm in back Easton Monkey light carbon XC bar Thomson post WTB Laser v Team saddle Mavic 823 rims with DT spokes Maverick 24/7 front hub Hadley rear hub WTB Weirwolf 2.3 in front WTB Exiwolf 2.1 in back Crank Bros candy pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is good for all types of riding. I can climb just about anything with the fork in the reduced position. This bike in my opinion is the best for railing fast flowy singletrack and rough fall lines. I don't slow for obsticles in the trail. I jump log piles take drops and float over root and rocks that most other people slow for and sometimes even dismount their bikes to cross. The combination of the 6" fork and the 6" rear travel might be overkill most of the time but when you need it and it is there for the using there is nothing else like it. When descending a rough hill I just sit back and let the suspension do its job. The value rating to me is not easy to explain. I think it is cheap for piece of mind but not cheap on the wallet. I think if you want a bike that can do it all and still want more the next day this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocky
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise Idaho Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Georges
Strengths:
Efficient suspension design Stable angles,Handles anything I throw at it without a whimper. Catch me grinning on everything but the long uphill grinders
Weaknesses:
None to date for my style it close to perfect
Similar Products Used:
2003 Specialized S works Enduro, 2002 Litespeed TSALI
Bike Setup:
Large frame black anodized DHX 5.0 Coil, RockShox Pike 426 spring, SAINT Cranks (triple) SAINT Rear Deraileur and Hub, Mavic DeMax UST, Conti Vert Pro 2.3 Front and Gravity 2.3 rear, 203 mm Avid Mechanicals, Salsa post Crank Brothers Mallets Race face Deux Bar
Bottom Line:
Height 5' 11" weight 210 with gear. This bike is a do all trail bike for me handles all my mistakes with out even twitching. Had to make way more rider adjustments on the same trails with my Enduro than the Ellsworth. Coming off 3 and 4 footers at a good clip it lands without flex or any unwanted motion. Climbs extremely well for a 37 lb bike, as with most 6" bikes it does not reward hard rough out of the saddle efforts, but will go up about anything you have the legs for without wheelies or spinout if you ride smooth. With the current parts pick I can check the air in the tires, clean and lube and forget about the rest. This is a outstanding trail bike and handles much more intuitively than my previous bikes.When I get off this bike and onto my LiteSpeed TSALI I go up 2 to 3 gears on the uphill smoother trails and the get the crap scared out of me on the downhills and technical. If you are looking for high quality, strong low maintenance fun trailbike this setup covers it. Note: Georges Cycles and Ellsworths help during this build was next to none . They have customer service down to a art
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from SLO, CA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Plush, nice finish
Weaknesses:
poor handling, wheelbase too long
Similar Products Used:
turner 5 spot, yeti 575, specialized enduro
Bike Setup:
specialized enduro
Bottom Line:
My experience with his bike is almost exactly like what Phil experienced. The long wheelbase makes thebike feel really stable when you are descending and you can pretty much ride over everything. The exchange for that though is handling that is really not impressive at all. the handling is not responsive, and requires much more body movement to get the bike going where you want it to go versus other bikes like the 5 spot or the 575. its not as easy to rail corners or ride tight rocky climbs, pretty much just like the previous reviewer mentioned. if your a bigger guy maybe this bike would work for you, but for me, at 5'10, not really my type of bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Suspension is active but efficient, good under brakes. Stiff frame. Laser etched anodised finish is great.
Weaknesses:
This ain't my idea of a trail bike - too long, too slow and handling is fussy. Frame is heavy and price is extravagant given the simple tubeset. Rough seat tube -wrecked 2 seat posts even after reaming.
Similar Products Used:
Jekyll 1000, Heckler, Blur LT (current bike)
Bike Setup:
Maverick DUC32 fork, RP3 shock, King bits, 819 rims, mostly XT drivetrain, carbon bar & post.
Bottom Line:
I brought this frame, not having ridden one, as the advertised wheelbase & head angle was similar to my Heckler & the suspension was claimed to be a lot better. Should have known they lied about the wheelbase given the longish top tube measurement. I'm 5'9" & rode a medium and the wheelbase turned out to be a nats over 45" not 43", ie downhill long. The handling was a huge disappointment compared to the Heckler - didn't feel balanced and responsive & basically the only trails I enjoyed riding were the local downhills. Climbing was OK however. To me it was far from the ideal trail bike, certainly not in the same league as the Heckler and from what I hear, the 5-Spot or older Enduro. It's just too long to be a great trail bike and didn't have the handling prowess to really have a blast on fast, twisty single track. I've sold the frame to a guy a bit taller (may be better for him) and now have a S/C Blur LT (med) which I can't fault - it basically feels like a Heckler with better rear suspension. Overall, the Moment was a bit of a disappointment - maybe the Epoofany (can you believe that name?) is better. The Moment is probably best built up with the DHX5 coil, slightly heavier duty parts (Fox 36 definitely) and used where steep, fast and/or rocky downhill performance is more important than blasting across the mountain on technical single track.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse
Strengths:
Overall geometry, anodized finish, the 'just burly enough' construction... and it looks cool.
I bought a 2004 Blue Moment built up exactly as above except for the stem and grips.
The Moment does it all. Unlike other 'all mountain' bikes, this one actually climbs well and decends well. The 6in of rear travel never seems bouncy or mushy thanks to the ICT Horst Link suspension and awesome Fox DHX shock. It's really amazing - it just flows over anything. For me, the Fox Float 130 is fine - I don't do extreme riding, but if you like doing drops, etc., then you'll want to beef up the front fork to a Fox 36, or something similar. My bike setup comes in it at 29lbs, which is not bad at all. This is just a stellar bike.
To sum up, this is truly an all mountain bike that performs well in every way. It's neither a downhill bike nor a cross-country racer. It's just a great trail bike - possibly the best ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john lyvell
a Weekend Warrior
from santa cruz Date Reviewed: January 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
demo forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4600.00
Purchased At:
summit bicycles
Strengths:
weight(for what you get), suspension system, pedal effiency, strength, and looks!
Weaknesses:
still trying to find one
Similar Products Used:
nothing gets better than this. imitators would be nomad, 5 spot, etc.
Bike Setup:
full xt with juicy 7 brakes adn thompson stem/post and easton bar. talas fork and mutano tires, 2.4 (29lbs)
Bottom Line:
First of all if you live in the bay area go to Summit Bicycles. perfect in every aspect of a bicycle shop. Customer service was spectacular. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. They offer life time free tune ups and they also do a custom fit to you for your bike. They have ellsworth demos if you want to try one out.As far as the bike goes it is the closest thing to perfect anything has ever been. I have demoed a nomad, blur, 5 spot and an intense and there all good bikes but none of them can come closs to the pedal effiency and full use of the suspension system as the ellsworth. For me the ellsworth is hands down the best bike i have ever rode. if you get a chance ride one and you will see. In my 17 years of experiance of mtn biking i have never come across a better bike. bottom line try one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Weid
a Weekend Warrior
from Sandpoint, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Basin Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Instincts
Strengths:
Excellent ride. Fast and smooth downhiller. Good traction uphill, even when standing. Good lateral strength front and rear. Can't feel any bob when pedaling, just goes forward under power. Goes downhill so well I am a better rider just because of the bike.
Weaknesses:
Price. Ellsworth is premium priced, but you get what you pay for. Fox Float shock that came with the frame. Rebound adj. is worthless (they don't send them with the Float anymore, you get an RP3 or DHX 5.0).
Similar Products Used:
Lightspeed Unicoi, full XTR
Bike Setup:
RockShox 20mm thru axel Pike, FSA Carbon Crank, SRAM XO Shifters & X9 derailluer, XT front derailluer, Easton Monkey Lite bars, Easton EA 70 Stem, Gravity Dropper Seatpoint, Selle Italia Gel saddle (great for climbing), Fox Float (I'm going to upgrade that). Avid Mechanical discs (great brakes!), Schwalbe 2.35 Racer Ralphs, Mavic 717 disc wheels, Chris King Hubs.
Bottom Line:
I'm 51. Rode in 3" of snow with IRC Blizzard Studs on single track on my birthday. This bike does it all. Slightly heavy for cross country racing, but I still used it in local races cuz I like riding it so much. The Unicoi sat in the basement all summer. The only thing I would change is the rear shock. After using the Gravity Dropper Seatpost all spring, summer, and fall of 2005 in conjunction with the Moment's superb handling I think I have a near perfect machine! The bike is a dream to ride. Can't wait to get on it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TORDO Jérôme
a Cross Country Rider
from Cassis FRANCE Date Reviewed: December 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cassis - Ceyrestre
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5400.00
Purchased At:
WrencScience
Strengths:
A awesome bike - Surprising - Excellent climber if you are more running a steady space and and not a stop and go guy - Give you all the confidence you need to go anywhere doesn't matter the shape you are in - the weight is not an issue.
Weaknesses:
none really. It depends much on you
Similar Products Used:
Seven DUO, Intense Spider, Turner 5Spot, Santa Cruz ExtraLight, Seven Sola
A great bike if you live in a rocky place with long climb and really challenging and technical single track. Forget your 100 mm bike. The best bike I ever had
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Wulff
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura CA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Test Track (Now Gone)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Richards Bicycles
Strengths:
Everything. Can handle all but the most extreme downhills and can cross country with the best of them. On milder downhill runs it feels better than my downhill bike (Tomac 204 Magnum). I bring it to the dirt jumps near my house and ride it to the top of Gridley. It rips down romero and naps.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Tomac 204, Haro MX3, Giant AC1, Specialized P2.
Bike Setup:
Firefly (0kay but should have gone with Z1 or 36) Hussefelt, dee max, fox dhx.
Bottom Line:
The bike is everything I had hoped for and more. Age and kids have caused me to park the Dh rig, but I feel I can do almost everything on this bike. Richards bikes at www.richardsbicycles.com provided excellent service and support. The bike came with a bent derailure hanger and they immediately sent two more. I wasn't happy with the propedal fox and they sent me a dhx for $300.00. This is hands down the best all purpose bike out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin Dykes
a Weekend Warrior
from Penny Bridge, Cumbria, UK Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
High Dale Park, Grizedale
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
Floats over rough stuff like it isn't there. Incredible traction uphill over wet rocky stuff - I changed tyres, wheels etc over from my hardtail and then breezed up stuff I'd never cleaned before - had to be the frame.
Weaknesses:
Floats over rough stuff like it isn't there - I have to go faster to get my adrenalin fix. Damaged my brand new post due to swarf left inside the frame - Freeborn cleaned it out and put foam into the top tube, replaced the post with a Thomson - but it shouldn't have happened. I think the swarf also led to a damaged BB cup on initial install. Black anodised finish seems hard to get really clean - looks OK wet but always seems to capture mud in the surface or something
Similar Products Used:
5 Spot - fantastic downhill, didn't like the high front on the climbs 5.5 EVP Climbed like a rat up a drainpipe, couldn't seem to get the swinger set right - bit of a hardtail/trapdoor on/off effect Whyte 46. Maverick fork has incredible get out of jail free effect when you get it wrong, but it didn't go up as well as a 5.5, or down as well as a Spot Heckler - probably the next best thing to the Moment - stiff, smooth
Bike Setup:
Medium Black Moment Fox Float Talas shock(frame only just long enough at 5'11 - I have short legs and a long body)PLanning to change to coil shock - why have a 6" travel weight frame and run it at 5.5" Rockshox Psylo's (got to go when funds permit - why I have a 5.5" travel set up. Just can't keep up with the sweet performance at the rear) Easton Carbon monkeybar Thomson 100 x 5deg stem Thomson post LX shifters XT rear mech, chainset and cassette XTR front mech Crossmax XL - fantastic Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 (Changing to Kenda 2.35's) Hope Mono Mini's with Goodridge hoses Nokon Cables
Bottom Line:
When I first tried one of these with Talas forks and 2.35 tyres it cornered just by thinking, and climbed like a 25lb bike. Mine is hampered a little by the forks and tyres, but still gets me to new highs on loose climbs every time I go out. Traction is incredible. On the way down I go faster than ever before, the back just soaks stuff up. And after a hard day out on the fells I come home in so much better shape than on my hardtail. Just a shame I bought it for £1800 when they're now nearer £1200 - but it was easily worth it for the 12 months pleasure, and knowing you have the best! But get the LBS where you bought it ot build it up, that way they can sort out the swarf issues at their cost - not yours!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Haldiman
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Az Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
307 Prescott, Az
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Air Park Bikes
Strengths:
Climbs as good as a hard tail and bomb proof on the down hill.Excelent through the technical sections.Leaves all other bikes in the dust.
Weaknesses:
NONE AT ALL
Similar Products Used:
FSR
Bike Setup:
19 inch Moment w/ 6 inch set up, Fox DHX 5.0 with 500X235 coil rearshock,36 van rc2 fork,saint cranks,velocity arrow heat wheels with Chris King hubs,Kenda Nevegal 235 tires,XTR front/rear derailers,Chris King Head set,Thompson neck and seat post
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I recommed it to anyone!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Guilderland, NY Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Stables, Saratoga
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
CK Cycles
Similar Products Used:
Trek Liquid 55
Bike Setup:
19" frame, Manitou Minute 2:00, Fox DHX 5.0 Rear, SRAM X9 shifters/derailleur, Race Face Deus cranks/handlebar, Thomson stem/seatpost
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I've ever riden. Every pedal stroke goes straight to the ground for incredible efficiency. I would not trade this bike for anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hector Bergollo
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Keyston Colorado
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Ciclomundo
Strengths:
Excelent
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
Is a great bike, I prefer to use my Id instead others I have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedar City, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At:
Cedar Cycles
Strengths:
My moment on Porcupine! I have ridden Moab's Porcupine Rim several times on several different bikes. This last weekend was my first time doing it on an Ellsworth Moment. What used to be a BoNe JaRrInG, FiLlInG LoOsEnInG, white knuckle, total focus and concentration ride turned into a pick the coolest line, find the highest drop and attempt the previously "too scary," romp. The most obvious initial difference between other bikes and the Moment were smoothness and control. I never had to wonder about whether or not I could count on the bike and was able to focus on skills and the trail. The six inches of travel, slightly higher bottom bracket, Ellsworth's ICT technology (made climbing awesome) a stiff lateral rear end, and a slightly beefier frame made me have to wait for everyone to catch up on the downhill. It is the perfect bike for Porcupine and Gooseberry Mesa and anything else like that (Amasa Back, Sovereign, Poison Spider, the list goes on).
Weaknesses:
Weight is an issue which Ellsworth solves with the new Epiphany (I would not have voted for the name, but they didn't ask me). Alot of the weight can be blamed on the my component choice. Also, frame is pricey...but obviously worth it to me.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana El Saltamontes, Ellsworth Isis, Gary Fisher Cake 3
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX 5.0 Rear and Fox Talas fork, XT mechanical disc brakes, XT derailleurs and shifters, Race Face forged cranks, Egg Beater Mallet pedals, Sun SUV wheel set, Nokian 2.3 downhill tires. Cheaper components but I had to save money somewhere.
Bottom Line:
The best ride on Porcupine that I have ever experienced! I will probably lighten the component set over time (when my wife lets me spend another $2000). Once the components are lighter, there will be no upgrade in the all-mountain bike category. I will also race this x-country and not feel like I'm missing anything. If you have a chance to demo this bike, don't hesitate. You will become a believer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bear Brooklyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Stuart Airport
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bayridge Bikes
Strengths:
Everything!
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
check my May posting
Bike Setup:
check my May posting
Bottom Line:
After some minor delays due to a really busy season, Ellsworth shipped a new set of Rocker arms that are so gorgeous they shouldnt even be allowed out of the display case. You get the last 2 chilis for that.
However riding the whole season on the Moment was a dream. There was some guilt for ignoring my other rides... but when you finish 25+ mile rides full of kickers, drops, long ups and endless rock gardens feeling pumped and fresh... that says alot. The Moment has the goods for all riders, there are so many build possibilities.
"Top Shelf" all the way! Worth every last cent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Nashville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great on drops, handles skinnies well, and climbs better that I thought
Weaknesses:
Price, and just heard they are going to change it for 06
Similar Products Used:
Truth
Bike Setup:
All Sram, King HS and Hubs, Avid Mech, Fox RLC
Bottom Line:
Great Bike I am very pleased from the upgrade I made from the truth. My style has changed and this bike does it all. Screems DH and hugs the XC trail and when I feel froggy jump and drop away.
once again a solid frame from Ells
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
SABAK
Strengths:
Finish is excellent , welds , bomb proof construction. Reinforced chainstays an improvement over older designs, excellent ride it justs soaks it up, climbs steadily
Weaknesses:
NONE SO FAR
Similar Products Used:
02 Truth , 04 Truth
Bike Setup:
Sram XO , Thomsons , Talas , Hayes , Crossmax SL , Fox AVA, 28lb large bike. Carbon bars cranks
Bottom Line:
This is one bad ass machine , looks so beautiful and rides so smooth . I love riding it hard down the trail . Got it as a replacement for one of my truths, which had a minor problem with the welds. Ellsworth and my local shop are awesome to deal with , even though I live in the far side of the world , they stand by their product and handle the warranty issues excellently. I still have a truth and now I have a moment ,I got all the bases covered . riding a truth is awesome for single track and just accelerating flat out (nimble as hell, only one proper way to ride a truth and that is fast there is no other pace)but it will have limitations if its a long downhill and it starts getting rough , riding the moment is perfect for riding up leisurely with the group , its not as nimble going up or in tight single track as the Truth , but when the trail gets rough or your heading down , this is the bike ! This machine is meant to bomb through fire roads , downhills , drops ! dont get me wrong It can climb pretty good also but more of at a steady pace, you gotta build up the cadence though before you hit the hills.
I normally would'nt bother posting a review but its a really great bike and I owe it to my LBS and Ellsworth for the excellent customer service , that they should really be recognized.
THANKS !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: August 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
ICT Suspension. Geometry. Finish - welds, anodizing, logos, head badge.
Weaknesses:
Needs a third zip tie boss under top tube for rear disc brake hose.
Needs a little more tire clearance. Vertical Pro 2.3 fits - Diesel 2.5 barely fits.
ICT graphic is a little crass for a top shelf MTB frame.
Similar Products Used:
Owned - Superlight, Heckler, Bullit, ML-7
Demo - Enduro, Stumpjumper, Blur, ASX, 575
Bike Setup:
DHX 5.0 Coil, Sherman Firefly Plus, RF Atlas Cranks, King HS & Hubs, Mavic UST Rims, Conti Vertical Pro UST, XTR drivetrain, Thomson stem & post, Flite saddle
Bottom Line:
Ultimate do-it-all long travel trail bike.
Excellent climber. As good as any 4-5" travel bike I have ridden.
Very stable at speed. Neutral yet responsive steering.
Exceptional at climbing and descending very technical terrain.
Plush, active, pedal-bob free and brake jack free suspension.
Stiff frame and zero flex linkage.
Reasonable weight that is balance front to back.
To date - hands down favorite bike I have ever ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
d mac
a Cross Country Rider
from Boeman, MT Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything really
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
wrenchscience.com
Strengths:
good climber, butter suspension, Ellsworth handling
Weaknesses:
eh? It's so pretty you just want to hang it on a wall?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized enduro, stumpjumper, kona's lineup, santa cruz blur
Bike Setup:
xt/xtr, thompson seat post, easton monkey light bar, chris king headset; just standard stuff
Bottom Line:
This is a great machine. I would run a six inch setup, not the five. I run five but am going to change it over. the reason for this is simple, I feel, regardless of air pressure, that the bike wants to use alittle more travel than the five incher offers. My o-ring seems to run awfully close to the bottom of the piston, and that is with normal trail riding. Using all the suspension is the sign of a good bike, but I would imagine from what I have experienced, and with air pressure experimentation, that anything more severe, aka jumping or north shore stuff would max out the shock too much. I don't see any reason not to go with a six incher. The weight is a minimal issue on this thing. Besides that, the bike is more than I could dream. I have never had a limitation aboard this rig. It is super nimble coming down tight single track, stable coming down big staights, and climbs superbly. I prefer its climbing to even a hardtail on anything but groomed trails because there is no suspension interference what so ever on trail clutter( roots, rocks, small ledges). Like I tell people who ask about my bike. There are just some reasons why you pay a little more for an Ellsworth. It's so worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve S
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Daley Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Cal Sport Bike
Strengths:
This bike can climb Sturdy Well built can withstand drops and jumps
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas RLC , Fox DHX.
Bottom Line:
Overall a very good bike, this bike can do it all. Climb , descend, technical single track, you name it , it does it. A little bit heavier then my XC bike , but will outclimb my hollowpoint.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warren
a
from Duxbury, MA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cyclone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
www.rbikes.com
Strengths:
Build quality; design; weight for intended use; bling-factor.
Weaknesses:
Price - but you get what you pay for...
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Turner 02
Bike Setup:
Fox 36, Fox DHX, SRAM deraileur, Saint crank, Thomson post and stem, Mavic CrossMax XL wheels, Hutch Spider UST tires, Hope Mono 4 brakes, King steel headset. 30lbs final build weight.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike looking for more travel, slacker geometry, and high BB clearance than my Blur. Wanted something that I could use for XC, moderate freeride, and some lift served. All I can say is wow! The bike is everything I hoped for and more. It out climbs the Blur due to more active rear suspension (4-bar Horst Link is still the best IMHO), is less twitchy at speed and can land generous drops without blinking. I had intended to keep the Blur as my XC ride but now I'm not so sure as the Moment's 5lbs of extra weight over the Blur is hardly noticed. This is the ultimate do-everything ride.
I also need to send out big props to Richard's Bicycles. I spent 10 years in retail and have never experienced such great customer service, ever! These guys sent a bunch of extra stuff with the bike no-charge, changed out the headset after-the-fact for a steelset on Fox's recommendation at no charge, and responded to every question and issue promptly and without any hassle whatsoever. And I got a great price. I won't buy another bike anywhere else!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Andes, NY USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Scotch Valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
www.greenfishsports.com
Strengths:
Quality construction, design, looks, and style! Believe the hype, this bike works!
Weaknesses:
Price. If you have the means, this is the bike to have.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Hollowpoint, Foes FXR, Giant AC1
Bike Setup:
Manitou Swinger Air 3 Way rear shock, Manitou Minute 1, SRAM XO RD, SRAM X9 Triggers, Avid Juicy 7's, Race Face Deus Cranks, Cane Creek Zonos Wheels, Hutchinson Spider UST Tires, Thomson Stem and Seatpost, Answer Protaper Carbon Low Rise Bar, WTB Laser V Ti Saddle
Bottom Line:
I've swapped the Fox DHX 5.0 for the Swinger 3 Way Air for a more XC ride, saves over a pound and shortens the travel to 5.3" The Bike climbs and descends like a champ. My riding has reached a whole new level, and "confidence is high." Frame and setup wasn't cheap, but is definitely worth every penny. This bike is truly a go anywhere bike, sub 30 pounds and rides like it's 23 pounds. Oh and don't be afraid to huck it off that drop, travel feels bottomless and super stable at speed. It isn't an xc racer or a downhill specialist, It's that everyday bike I've been looking for ever since I through my leg over that first Tange Cromoly mountain bike 20 years ago.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOHN NICHOLSON
a Weekend Warrior
from HIDDEN VALLEY Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
SPEEDGOAT
Strengths:
beautifully handcrafted welds and anodized finished.
Weaknesses:
Price-but you get what you pay for.
Bike Setup:
Moment with Fox Talas RLC/DHX5. Mavic 819 rims with King hubs. King HS, Rceface Deus stem/cranks. Hope mini monos. Sram XO gripshift/components.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I am able to clean technical trails and obstacles that I was walking just last fall. The suspension is plush but pedals very well. I cannot detect any pedal bob and am climbing stuff I never thought i could. I built it up light(approx 28 lbs) and is great for all day rides. I think this is the ultimate long travel trail/all mt bike. I have onl had for a few months so I dont know about durability but no problems so far, although the way this thing is built I cannot foresee breaking the frame with the way I ride.
BTW, WWW.SPEEDGOAT.COM did a great job. I would not hesitate to recommend. The setup was perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bear Brooklyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Whiteface
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bayridge Bikes
Strengths:
This is a preliminary posting... Check back in a few mnths for full breakdown on all components and frame.
Besides aesthetic imperfections and some small consistency control issues, there isn’t much I can say about Ellsworth that hasn’t already been said. Having only been on a few rides, I will report back in a few months with full reviews on all the components and the frame.
Closing comment: Ellsworth Customer Relations and Response Time is a 10! I have dealt with uncountable manufacturers over the past 17 years and Tony's people are excellent at what they do.
No Big Chilis yet... stay tuned for more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruno
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Green Valley Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stout Frame, Perfect Geometry, Climbs like a Truth descends like a Dare.
Fox Talas RLC, DHX, Crossmax XL, Vertical Pro F&R, XTR Dive train, Race Face Crank
Bottom Line:
Just wanted to drop a note after a few rides on my new Moment. My set up is fairly standard although I set it up with a slightly more upright riding position than on my Truth. It immediately felt familiar and "right" and I was not surprised at how well it pedals having owned two Ellsworth's previously. I love the new bike but here is the real story. I ride with a group racers and tour guides. On my second ride they all wanted to trade bikes, something we always do when someone gets a new bike. The tour guide who rides a Titus Switchblade rode first and after a mile of climbing and some rocky descents he got off and said that it was the best bike he had ever ridden! The second tour guide who rides a totally tricked out S-works Enduro Pro was so impressed with the way the front wheel sticks to the trail that I think you can see his bike on ebay now. The last guy is a racerboy who rides an S-works FSR, he loved riding the bike and the only bad thing he could say was that it was too heavy to race and that he wished it was lighter, he never wanted to trade back, eventually I had to rip it out of his hands. I now ride with renewed confidence, as if I were twenty years younger. This is a bike that puts a grin on your face that you couldn't knock off with a sledge hammer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Westlake
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clarita Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any with dirt single track!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycle John's - Acton
Strengths:
In-Stinking-Credible-Travel !
Weaknesses:
Haaaaaaaaaa--Haaaaaaaaaaa!...None unless your a weight weenie & gotta have light!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Full Suspension Enduro Expert - Specialized M-4 Cross Country Full Suspension "I don't remember what year" that was from..both purchased new.
Bike Setup:
Front End has an Marzochi All Mountain I 130-150mm Rear has the DHX Coil. Marta Brakes - SRAM Equipped - Spynergy Disks.
Bottom Line:
I am 45 and have been riding very technical single track for 17 years(so far!)Almost all of it in the STEEP up hills & knarly rocky technical down hills of Southern California. Having always waited to "jump on the latest fad" in mountain biking advancements over the years, I normally wait a few years before moving into or should I say onto the newest "buzz" products i.e "long travel cross county bikes". I have read and waited talked to the guys at the shop before choosing any bike, fork, brake, tire, etc., etc.
I had raced many years ago--prior to suspension folks!! I decided after my M-4 WEIGHT CONCIOUS Specialized that since I had gotten into mountain biking for the pleasure of the downhill, I would "throw weight to the wind"! ....Besides all you young cross country animals would smash me anyway on the climbs....(ahhh, there was a time...but I digress!) So after the M-4 Full Suspension I bought the Specialized Expert Enduro that suited me fine for a few years! 4 inches of travel running a Black Fork seemed great BUT it seemed at times as though the bike was stiff, like it wasn't working as efficiantly as I felt it should. I started to look around and felt that after 17 years of riding only mountain bikes it was time to own an Ellsworth!
With my "throw the weight to the wind" thinking I decided that I wanted a bike that I could pedal up ANY HILL I wanted to climb even though it might take me an extra 10-15 mins., these days big deal! I was still gonna ride down hill after I climbed so Yeeee--haaaaaaa!
So here it is IF YOU CAN GET THIS BIKE DO IT! I am simply amazed that a 6 inch travel bike climbs so stinking well! I can not...I WILL SAY IT AGAIN!...I CAN NOT FEEL ANY BOB as I climb...EVER! The thing feels fast, when you hammer it in its first few pedal strokes...(sounds crazy but it felt like I was sorta riding my old hard tail Klein which was a feeling I had not had in a while!) Really you will be amazed at the initial acceleration of this bike!
I gotta say I can now CLIMB TECHNICAL STUFF that I simply could not do on my Specialized Enduro Expert! This thing climbs & rolls over loose rocky, knarly, ledges and stuff that would have me walking! On the downhill I can now hit not baby head rocks but adult head sized boulder fields with no problem...just get your momentum up & go for it...even if at times ya have to go slow the suspension allows you to literally dance on stuff that would have me walking! Also as far as fast I went out with a group of very experienced riders on a trail that I have done a lot over the years on all my bikes. I was not the leader on this ride so I kinda hung out back out of not wanting to race anyone & besides I was still sorta getting used to the new ride. After the single track we started down a 4 mile descent fire road that has been all chewed up from the monsoon rains we have had! huge ruts & washouts, etc. DANG THAT BIKE STINKIN SMOKED EM ALL! I was turning the after burners on this thing & hitting EVERYTHING I wanted & the suspension just soaked it up....I got my 1st "snake-bit" flat in years towards the bottom of that run. A fellow rider whom I never rode with b-4 commented on how fast I was able to descend! He also mentioned it to the other riders! (I don't even have a 100 miles of dirt on it,...yet!)Also do you remember as a kid when you could do a power slide all layed out...this bike will allow you to do just that if set up right!
I was sooooo thankful I have made this purchase the 1st time I climed with it AND the 1st time I pointed it downhill! I have been nothing but JAZZED ever since!
This bike, with 6 inches of stiff/plush suspension is a must have!...TRUST ME IF YOU CAN OWN THIS BIKE and you can "care less about having the lightest bike" YOU WILL NEVER BE DISSAPOINTED! If you are a guy like me whom enjoys THE BEST and you have been riding for many years...trust me you will love this thing.
Would I do it again...Oh YA!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Victoria Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Smith
Strengths:
Suspension is plush but bike pedals well (with a little bit of stable platform help), is active under power & has no brake jack, frame stiffness, incredible finish, downhill handling/stability, overall solidity.
Weaknesses:
Feels a little slow handling (for a trail bike)in fast, twisty single track. The wheelbase is advertised as 43" for the medium but actual is 45". Seat tube problem.
Med (17"), blue ano, RP3 shock, Maverick DUC32 fork, Chris King hubs & headset, Mavic 819 UST rims, Kenda Nevegal tires (with tubes), XT cranks, brakes, derallieurs & shifters, Easton Monkey Lite carbon riser bar, Giant carbon post (no setback), WTB Lazer Ti saddle, Avid Flakjacket cables.
Bottom Line:
OK - maybe I should have bought an ID, which would have been lighter, quicker steering and had a higher BB (the Moment is maybe a 1/2" too low)... but I wanted the low standover height and stability on the nasty local downhills.
Overall, the bike is a terrific all-rounder, with an emphasis on the downhill performance. Climbing ability is good - certainly OK for an enjoyable and reasonably efficient climb. I hear a 5-Spot/Intense 5.5 EVP may be better in this regard... I swapped the DHX5.0 for an RP3 as I wanted a light build (is around 28.5 lbs now) - so far I've used the high Pro Pedal setting for even the rocky, technical climbs and flick it to full plush for the descent. I'm no downhiller but this thing inspires so much confidence you want to launch off all sorts of stuff (I generally don't get more than 2 feet off the ground). The Maverick fork is truly a work of art, incredibly stiff and plush - this is the way of the future. However I did blow a seal on the first ride, due to a leaky air cylinder but got a very quick fix from the dealer.
One thing that really took the shine off the frame was the original alloy seat post getting stuck in the seat tube due to some dags/burrs near the top tube intersection - I knackered the post getting it out and had to ream the seat tube twice befor eliminating the galling. The tube had apparently been reamed by the dealer before delivery as well. I was also pretty annoyed at the longer than advertised wheelbase as I bought the frame on the basis of it being very similar in geometry to my Heckler, which is truly a great handling bike.
The Moment really is a heavy duty trial bike - possibly too far from XC for someone coming from a super light 3" travel whippet but great for riding hard on challenging terrain. Aside from the seat tube issue, build quality is unreal. Is it the ultimate trail bike? Possibly, but then there is the Intense 5.5 EVP - but my wife would kill me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iain
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: March 17, 2005
Any colour as long as it's black - 05 Z1 FR1, dhx 5, hayes, xt/xtr, hope hubs, king h/set, thompson post & stem, mavic rims, maxxis rubber, dangerboy bash & levers, V12's
Bottom Line:
Best 6" travel bike I've ridden. Goes up hill better than anything else and comes down like a bigger bike, well balanced, head angle spot on with 50mm stem. Mud clearance much better than any previous Ellsworth (important here in the UK) even with 2.4 tyre. It's a great all round bike and I use it for drops, jumps , ladders, all days rides and enduro relay races.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria BC Date Reviewed: February 18, 2005
My first few pedal strokes on the bike felt different than anything I've ridden, it almost feels as if you get a little push with each downstroke it's so direct. Laterally the bike feels incredibly stiff. I like the BB being lower as it feels very stable and maneoverable at high speed. I clip the pedals a little more oftenin slow rocky sections but it's far from being a problem. Technical climbing on the bike is a new experience for me. The suspension feels independent from anything the pedals are doing,it has so much traction it almost feels like your cheating. The bike also feels very at home on Roll downs, drops, etc., it has a rugged strong feel and This bike is truly a bike you can ride all day on singletrack or take to Whistler and ride Garbanzo and still have fun. If I could make one change to the bike it would be to slacken the head angle by a degree, but that's me. I have had to use Ellsworth's warranty personally and can only say they have been more than fair and have always been courteous and professional to deal with. If you don't have room for a stable of bikes and want one bike that you can take on any type of ride without feeling compromised the Moment is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JB
a Weekend Warrior
from Quickton Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything single
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Rides like an Ellsworth. Good climbing combined with excellent descending.
Weaknesses:
Hate the Fox shock, compared to a Romic
Similar Products Used:
Id
Bottom Line:
First off, this bike is a replacement for a damaged Id, which was a replacement for a tired worn down Truth. I won't compare to the Truth, but I will compare it to the Id. Like the Id, the Moment is not for the XC racer. If this is you, buy a Truth. The Id was much more confidence inspiring in high speed rough descents. I thought the Moment was a little too "in-active" while climbing and that small bump compliance was weak. May be shock setup with the DHX 5 because I switched it out, and the Romic from the Id in, and holy crap, the Moment came alive! I will have to spend more time tuning the Fox DHX 5 after the frame returns from Ellsworth...It had a badly jigged seat tube which leans to the riders left throwing the seat off center... or give up on it and replace with a Romic. I'll repost after things are worked out with Ellsworth on replacing the front triangle. Customer service seems to be going downhill with them compared to 4 or so years ago.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Orefice
a Weekend Warrior
from eastchester,ny,usa Date Reviewed: November 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
sprain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
sierra cycles
Strengths:
extremely stiff, good looking anodized finish and welds. good standover height. well balanced.
Weaknesses:
low bottom bracket. needs third cable guide in middle of top tube.im a noice freak.
Similar Products Used:
moots smoothie ti, ventana el salt., kona dawg, klein mantra
Bike Setup:
mavic 823 wheels with chris king hubs, headset,(very nice) 24mm front hub for maverick fork(stiff) fox dhx 5.0 800 lb spring. maverick duc 32 fork. nokian nbx 2.35 tubless.sram X.O rear derailer and x9 shifters xtr everything else. 1.5" riser bar easton, odi lockon grips, wtb lazer stealth saddle with thomson seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I still have the moots and the ventana both are great bikes but not as fun as this bike in the technical climbs, drops and/or descents. The ventana has to go, sad because its also a great bike. I cant keep them both they are too similar. The moment climbs better, it took me a month to admit that to my dealer. I ride with more confidence now, enough to try bigger drop offs and drop ins. I have improved as a rider within the short period I have had this bike.
I had a fox talas fork but it was a little weak for me at 220 lbs with gear. I couldnt wait for the new fox 36 so I opted for the maverick fork. I happy with my choice, still tuning it up, but it works great for this bike. I highly recommend it.
Get this bike, you will be completely satisfied. Big thanks to Fransisco at Sierra Cycles, Scarsdale, NY. Call him for a great setup and advise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Beijing, China Date Reviewed: November 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Around Beijing, Taoyukou, Yunnan province
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Flying Ball Hong Kong
Strengths:
Bombproof bike, it really is incredibly strong. Totally flex free. Actually looks really nice in black :-) Very very very safe, it does not lose control. If you lose control that is because you made a mistake, not because the bike can't handle it. Precise. Very comfortable riding position and adjustability. Can ride sitting or standing. Can ride sitting through stuff that will leave others with very sore derrieres. You will feel happy. The paintwork is *very* good and solid, does not scratch easily. This bike does *not* bob. You ride on it feeling as if your are on a hardtail, but you then hit a rough section and you think - hey what happened? I just sailed through! It will leave you with a wide grin on your face.
Weaknesses:
Not any that are weaknesses per se. The bike is very technical, don't expect to be able to ride it straight out of the box and master it straight away. It will take some time. It seems to favour low cadence brute power, as this helps to bring the power to the ground, rather than higher cadence spinning. You need to have good components on it to make sure that you get the best out of it, make sure that the components work well for its design. My frame has a small kink inside the seatpost shaft, so it scratched the seatpost really badly as soon as it needed adjusting. Bike is dependant upon chain tension to maintain correct read end composure. If your read end feels like it is bobbing, chances are that the chain is not tight enough.
Similar Products Used:
None - I had a tossup between the Yeti 575 and this one. This one won because they had my size. No regrets!
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment Large, Full XTR 04 (the one that scratches easily :( )setup for front and rear mechansims, Dura Ace chain, Hope Mono Mini disk brakes front and rear (GET THEM!! You will NEVER regret these if they are setup properly), SRAM rocket shifters, Fifth Element Air rear shock, Fox Talas RLC front shock, Element carbon handlebar, Hope headset, Thomson Elite seatpost, Salsa quick releases, Time Atac Carbon pedals (GET THESE, just pure atombomb proof magic), Element Wheelset and Xero hubs, DT swiss spokes, Panaracer Cinder 1.95 tyres (nice nice nice). Weight around 11.5 to 12K. About 26Lbs which is very reasonable.
Bottom Line:
I moved from a errm Giant ATX 740 to this bike. A bit like going from a Lada to a Porsche :-) The price differential is about the same as well :-( It is difficult for me to find fault with the bike. It does everything very well, precisely, in comfort and style. Whether going uphill, downhill, single-track, technical downhill or rough road, in one foot deep mud in a swamp it handles it all and never never will whinny, even if you do.. I am quite convinced that with this bike the limiting factor is more the rider than the ridee, I have to learn how to ride better with it, get stronger and be less afraid when facing 40 degree technical downhills :P There is no limit to how much enjoyment you can get out of this bike if you will take your time with it, take it out often, ride it long and hard, keep it nice and clean and take good care of it.
My girlfriend is *very* jealous of the bike, 'nuff said?
One last thing: if you read the ad about it climbing like a goat on blue pills, well it doesn't! That is because the rider climbs as fast as lead turtle, but now that I have a better feel for it, I can feel that it will climb very well. It will not match a hardtail's climbing ability, but you make up for that on the donwhill bit...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ping
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Flying Ball Hong Kong
Strengths:
Superb Suspension Action and laterally stiff. Climbs and accelerates very well. Great Geometry with a continuous seatube, so able to drop the saddle very low. Standover clearance is also very good... Frame is reinforced in all the right areas and appears to be very strong... Does everything very well.... Quality of Construction and Finishing is superb
Weaknesses:
One of the most expensive frames out there! .... but I consider it to be a worthwhile investment...
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC1, SC Blur, SC Superlight, Various GT Frames...
Bike Setup:
Med Moment, Fox DHX5 500lb Spring, Sherman Firefly Thru Axle, XT drivetrain and shifters, Hayes Hydraulics (8"/6"), Thomson Seatpost & Stem, Easton Carbon Monkeylights, RF Next LP Cranks, Maxxis 2.35 Bling Bling and Hansventure (with Stans) on X3.1 Tubeless Rims etc etc.. smidge under 33lb
Bottom Line:
I use this bike predominately for technical singletrack ... lots of rocks, roots and stair drops and jumps and high speed downhills along the way. 6" of travel provides the optimum blend of weight and efficiency for my local conditions.
I have owned most of the major suspension designs (Single Pivots, VPP, Faux Bar) but the ellsworth ICT design is pretty much the most neutral and best performing design I have ever ridden. Climbing performance is superb, the bike accelerates very well and braking is fully active. This bike is superb on technical ascents and downhill and the 69 degree headangle is great for slicing up singletrack ... whilst still providing very stable handling in technical sections. This is definitely a point and shoot bike. People sometimes complain about flex in Horst Link systems, but I can'd detect any as the Moment is plenty stiff and tracks very well when cornering hard.
The Fox DHX5 Shock is simply fantastic, I use 6 clicks of propedal, 120psi in the boost valve, minimal preload and have the bottom out adjuster on the first line (1 line from min)and this provides a wonderfully supple and efficient ride with no bottoming out on drops up to 4 ft (I weigh about 170lb with gear).
The Sherman Firefly 20mm is the perfect complement to the bike. Smooth and very stiff contributing to the great handling.
This is the best all round mountain bike I have ever ridden... Period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty Eckes
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL USA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Moraine, Wisconsin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4100.00
Purchased At:
Richard's Bicycles
Strengths:
Fully active suspension, steering, overall handling
Weaknesses:
You're joking, right?!!!
Similar Products Used:
Numerous hardtails, Amp B-4
Bike Setup:
Mostly Deore XT, Fox Talas RLC 130 Fork(2005), Fox Float R Shock (2005), Mavic 819 UST rims, Continental Vertical Pro UST tires (with a couple of shots of Stan's sealant), Ritchey WCS stem, handlebbar & seatpost, Dura-Ace/XTR Chain, Shimano 959 pedals
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line...THIS THING WORKS! The suspension eats up the rough stuff. What other riders have to stand up & pick their way through, I can just sit and roll right over! Rocks, ruts, roots...they have to be pretty big before I have to steer around them. And, speaking of steering, this bike steers much more precisely than one would expect from such a long-travel machine. Just point it, and it goes where it's supposed to. Sub 28 pounds sounds heavy to some, but believe me, after a day of riding fast in the rough, I'm a lot fresher than I would be on a lighter machine with lesser suspension & handling. It's also a respectable climber; gives me a lot more options when picking a line, because I don't have to be as fussy about avoiding obstacles. And here's a PS: I've always built my own bikes, including wheels. This time, I let Richard's Bicycles do it, thinking I'd have to do a lot of touching up to fine-tune everything. These guys know their stuff! Except for pivoting the brake levers to my own taste and adjusting saddle height, I didn't have to correct ANYTHING they did. And after 3 months of hard riding, I only had to tweak 3 spokes and the wheels are still dead true! Their attention to detail is unprecedented...they even made sure the tires' labels lined up with the labels on the rims! Unnecessary? Sure, but it shows these guys care about doing it right, and they're even fussier about the important stuff! If there were a rating of 10 chilis, I'd give the Ellsworth Moment 15, and Richard's Bicycles 20! (In case you can't tell, I REALLY like this bike!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5499.00
Purchased At:
www.rbikes.com
Strengths:
Made in the USA. Hand built. Ano / spot peaned finish. 4 bar linkage. Sealed bearings at all pivoits. 6" of travel. Multiple shock options. Light for a 6" travel frame. Fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
None that I've found
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 100, Santa Cruz Blur, ect...
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment Annodized Blue Frame, Maverick Fork, Chris King Headset, Romic oil coil rear shock, Mavic 819 tubeless Disc rims, Front: Chris King newest 24mm hub for the Maverick Fork Rear: Chris King hubs, WTB Weirwolf 2.1 tires, Shimano XTR crank, Front: Shimano XTR Rear: SRAM X.0 derailleurs, SRAM X0 shifters, Easton EA70 handlebars, Maverick Stem, Hayes Hydraulic HFX Mag w/ Carbon brake levers, Hayes HFX Mag brakes w/ Ti hardware, SRAM PC-99 hollowlink chain, Thompson seatpost, WTB Laser V Saddle, Salsa Seat Clamp, Time ATAC XS Ti Carbon pedals, ODI Lock-On grips, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING!
Bottom Line:
I've had quite a few top of the line full suspension mountain bikes. By far the Ellsworth Moment is the best bike as far as workmenship, and the ano / spot peaned finish is the most durable finish compared to any other bike out there. Its really nice to have a bike that offers 6" of travel, VS some of my old bikes that offered only 3 - 4" of travel. I've noticed on the trail that the bike is more responsive at higher speeds and, much easier to control. As far as the rear shock, Ellsworth does offer a few different models, but I'm a pretty big guy, and I felt like the Romic is the most durable one out there. As far as prices go, on the Ellsworth Moment, I shopped around quite a bit. I chose richardsbicycles.com, also known as rbikes.com, becuase they were the most helpful when it came to upper end components. I felt like they knew what they were takling about, and also had the parts in stock, so there really was no wait. I would definitly reccomend the Ellsworth Moment to anyone who's looking for the best all around mountain bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S S
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Weaknesses:
Needs a 3rd hyd hose guide in the middle of the top tube to prevent the hose from slapping. Get the DHX shock with this frame, it deserves nothing less.
Similar Products Used:
Many hardtails and 99 GT STS; 01 Bullit; 02 Joker
Bike Setup:
Components were chosen for strength with minimal weight. Total build is 31lbs Bike = 04 Small (15") Moment; Fox DHX5.0 600lb spring(7.875"x2.25") w/ 6" travel; 8lbs Top tube - 22.25" (Use a 90mm x 5 stem with 1.5" riser bars) Bottom Bracket - 13.8" (running a fox vanilla 125 fork, 2.5 Kenda blue grooves, Mavic XM321 rims) Standover = 30.5" (measured at the forward pedal spindle with the crank arms (175mm) level with the ground) 27" at the tip of the saddle. 68.5(+ -) headtube angle 72.5(+ -) Seattube angle
Bottom Line:
Let's start with asthetics - Fit and finish on this frame are excellent. The look is beautiful and inspiring even in all black. The pictures don't do justice to the size and shapes of all the tubes used to create it.
The Ride - The Moment a good do most anything bike for all but the extreme ends of the spectrum (XC racing and hard core freeride/DH racing) and does it well. The ride is very neutral feeling and inspires confidence. I only needed about 15 minutes in the saddle to feel completely comfortable and pushing myself to the limits. It tracked a line better, climbed better, braked better and jumped better than my Joker with the same build. (I'm not bagging on the Joker because I liked it much better than the Bullit it replaced It's just that the Moment is a completely different ride) I am currently using a Vanilla 125 RLC on the front and it works well but I suspect somthing with more travel (150mm) would be equally impressive. I hope one of the new crop of 6" forks coming out will soon handle the suspension duties up front. I received my frame with the RC propedal shock which performed well but made the small bumps feel a little too harsh and wallowed a bit when climbing hard. I added the DHX as soon as it was available and what a difference. I repeat - this frame deserves nothing less.
Durability - So far so good. I have ridden it hard and put it away wet with not even a whimper - Time will tell.
The manufacturer - Ellsworth has been great in answering any questions I had about the setup and such. I got follow-up calls and emails from 2 employees to hear my thoughts and make sure I was happy with my purchase.
Value - 4 chilis - $2295 MSRP is big money and there are a lot of other frames out there for less. For me it is worth it, you'll have to decide for yourself.
Overall - 4 chilis - It's only been 6 months ( a great 6 months but only 6) so I don't want to give out the top score until it has proven itself for at least a year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zasper
a Cross Country Rider
from Norcal Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Strengths:
Very sturdy (built like a tank), quality materials, excellent welds, hard anodized finish, efficient design.
Definitely "the One" bike. It pedals almost as well up the steeps as an epic, but you do feel the weight on the climb. Descending, it simply rolls over everything with pose. Drops are cake. 6 inches of rear travel soaks up everything especially with the DHX 5.0 rear shock.
Weaknesses:
Slightly on the heavy side but then again, it inspires confidence through the rough stuff and handles drops smoothly.
Similar Products Used:
S-works Epic/Enduro, Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup:
Full XTR w/ Mavic Crossmax XL's, Fox DHX 5.0 rearshock, Talas RLC front
Bottom Line:
The Moment is the bike to own if you're an all-mountain rider that enjoys aggressive riding with some drops. It can be built up lighter for XC use or stonger for freeriding. To simplely put it, the frame is very versatile.
If you get this frame BUY the DHX 5.0 rear shock. You won't regret it. It complements the frame nicely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: October 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
My latest fav: Rock It
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Unreal build quality: shot peened anodized finish, hand TIG welds with robotic precision, sealed cartridge bearings at all points instead of bushings that wear out, billet aluminum (not a cheap weak casting) CNC machined rocker, and an over-engineered reinforced frame made for abuse. Rear suspension design: no bob while seated period, climbs grades I thought not possible. 5.25 to 6 inches of travel depending on rear shock selection.
Weaknesses:
Hard to find... unless you live in Southern CA. These bikes are handmade in small numbers - if you can get one even with a wait... do it. I don't consider cost a weakness - you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jeckyl 1000, Trek Fuel, demoed a Blur.
Bike Setup:
Fox TALAS 05, Fox RP3, Hayes Mag, SRAM X-9 shifters, XT drivetrain except for SRAM X-9 rear derailleur, XT hubs, Sun singletrack wheels.
Bottom Line:
First, I want to thank the guys at the Path bike shop in Tustin CA - excellent crew and unbeatable service. Thanks to Tani and Brady for taking good time with my order and to the unseen folks who assembled my bike flawlessly. What's more, I took delivery of my Moment four days after I placed my order.
Comparing this bike to my old bike (Cannondale Jeckyl) is a bit odd. The Jeckyl is a finely made bike for the price and has stood up to years of my >200lb abuse. While plush and forgiving, the Jeckyl's rear suspension design is definitely dated. I had the pleasure of talking at length to an Ellsworth employee when I took delivery of my Moment. Coming from a mechanical engineering background, I was almost able to grasp his explanation of the Ellsworth rear suspension design. Suffice it to say that chain tension can't act as a moment to compress the rear suspension regardless of the position of the linkages. Furthermore, braking moments are also isolated from the design preventing brake jacking. The Jeckyl is a great climber but definitely "jacked" under heavy breaking. The Moment climbs better and remains supple under heavy braking. The Moment keeps its front end firmly planted on grades that would wheely the Jeckyl. The Moment also seems to fit me better and seems to have a more natural and comfortable riding position. I'm 5'11" with a 30" leg - the 19" Moment is a perfect fit. After riding it, I feel that the Cannondale is perhaps a size too big for me.
I've already endured one endo on the Moment and was pleased to find not a single scratch on the hard-as-nails finish. My left lateral shin was not as fortunate.
If you considering a Santa Cruz Blur or similarly priced bike don't overlook this gem. The build quality and suspension are superior. As a bonus, the addition of sealed cartridge bearings in place of fast-wearing bushings makes Ellsworth a no-brainer for those who ride in wet or very dusty/sandy conditions. The bearings are easily serviced and if cleaned an repacked once a season are said to last "forever."
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B P
a
from NZ Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Be Rude Not too
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2295.00
Purchased At:
Bikesmith
Strengths:
Strength to wait ratio, Rock solid, stable,stiff Definitely an all mountain machine, decends as well as it climbs the rear is plush and feels bottomless,no bob feel just forward motion, confidence inspiring looks beautiful.
Weaknesses:
Dosen't feel as snappy as the Ellsworth ID but this maybe due to slightly longer wheel base and heavier frame I don't see this as a weakness however just different,Other wise I can't find a problem.
Black Moment, Fox Talas RLC 04 ,(want a Maverick or fox 36 now,)XO rdr,X9,shifters,nokon cables, Magura LousieFR with 180mm fr disc 160mm rear disc, goodridge hoses,Thompson 100mm 15deg stem Thompson seat post, 26x2in Monkey lite carbon riser bar, Chris King headset, ISO disc hubs DT spokes Bontrager mustang rims UST, Stans No Tubes Nokian 2.3fr 2.1rear,fox DHX 2.25in shock XTR H2 cranks Cbros mallet ms PC99 chain, PC99 12-32 cluster, XT Fr D,ODI lock on grips,seat ti selle italia flight.
Bottom Line:
I origonally brought the ID because I couldn't wait for the Moment to arive,I have found these are quite different bikes to ride, the ID feels really light weight and snappy when laying down the power but was also a great handler, good bike for the technical advanced XC trail rider,also best with a propedal air shock to maximise the light weight and pedaling ability, but its weight also didn't inspire confidence when jumping off decent drops though it handled this ok with good technique and when ridden hard over obstacles,I like to ride all day and climb uphills drop in on downhills and also jump off whatever is in the way, still finding my confidence on the Moment but it inspires you to have a go at anything, feels very tight in the rear, not that I could feel flex in the ID but the Moment feels so strong that my fork now feels a little underpowered, hence the reason Im looking at either the Maverick triple clamp or Fox 36 this bike crys out for a fork like either of these 2, however I am conscious of keeping the weight down, the Moment has awesome traction qualities and seems to climb up anything if you have the legs, still trying to suss out tyre choice, not sure about the Nokians (NBX) they seem good in certain conditions and sketchy in others, definitely better with Stans No tubes and wouldn't use any tyre with it out, one thing I have found with the setup on the Moment,is the stem length and height, I have changed from a 110mm 5deg stem to 100mm 15deg stem this improves cornering and jumping position, and allows a more centered postion which suits the Moment and helps to balance the handling qualities, becomes more point and shoot style very natural,and neutral, with the other stem postion it required alot of bar input, this now suits my style anyway, also seemed to help the tyres as well they seem to have stabilised will need to ride in differned=nt conditions to confirm, however now it just rocks & hasn't affected the climbing ability either, now I can't wait to go back to Roto Vegas and ride be rude not to and let the Moment have its head and get an all weekend ride. I also like the SC Heckler, 5spot & Intense 5.5 as other options all great bikes very hard choice!It is definitely plusher than these other models, the DHX may have something to do with this, also this is a true 6inch rear also but still pedals as well as the others.
I would recommned the Moment to anyone wanting an all day all mountain bike with real quality feels great and can handle anything you throw at it, also must give Ellsworth a plug for great serivce, quick response to emails, great info which has been great cheers Chad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P.J.
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Downhill Zone
Strengths:
Perfect geometry for me, build quality and burly
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup:
Sram XO, XTR cranks, King Headset and Hubs, Hayes, 03 Sherman Slider Plus, Fox Vanilla Pro Pedal...
Bottom Line:
This is the first full suspension bike that I have owned. I have ridden quite a few but only briefly. Consider that as you read on... This bike performs better than I expected. It climbs better than my long travel (5 inch) hard tail, ertainly decends better than anything that I have ridden. The build quality is fantastic -- as it should be for the price. Since my experience with full suspension bikes has been limited to ten minutes here and ten minutes there... I am not sure that my review will help all that much... but I can tell you that I am very pleased with the performance in all areas. I am also apprecitive of the incredible service that I received from Scott, Darren and Adam at the Downhill Zone -- I do not have a lot of time to spare and these guys, like the Moment, have exceeded all of my expecatations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a
from NH Date Reviewed: September 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any nasty rocky single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
After 10 hours of 220 lb rider doing as-hard-as-I-can-ride “all mountain” up/down/over & through nasty rock gardens, up over logs up to 3 feet high, drops up to 3 feet, I love this bike. Gives me a feeling it won’t let me down. Tired of breaking other frames, I read about Ellsworth and looked at the frame strength. The Moment is a true all-mountain do-anything bike. It’s not a lightweight XC racer, but then a lightweight racer can’t do much of anything without breaking into pieces, but this Moment can and it isn’t too bad at XC racing either. It feels more efficient than another name brand “all-mountain” bike.
Weaknesses:
No weakness. A tad lower bb, but it's a good trade. I applied my frame warranty store credit for the broken Trek frame towards the Ellsworth Moment. I decided the money is worth not being stranded again. Provided it holds under the strain, it is worth the money.
Similar Products Used:
Long list including: Specialized, Cannondle, Kona, Goatbike hardtails; Specialized, Gary Fisher full suspension. Demoed Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountains and GF Cake.
Bike Setup:
Fork: Manitou Minute 2 130 mm w/beefier spring; shock: 05 FOX DHX 5 (planning heavier coil upgrade); Hubs: Chris King; Rims: RinoLite; Tires: Kenda 2.35 & 2.6 Kinetics Stick E tires; Seat post: Thompson; Cranks, rings, bb: Race Face; Wide high bars; Brakes avid mechanical disc.
Bottom Line:
- Solidly & cleverly deigned and built. Extra gusset supports top tube to seat tube weld. Top & bottom shock mount welded to provide extra support to frame strength. - Slightly lowered BB & bike’s geometry helps at high speeds. Fast, weaving corner-to-corner on nasty downhill single track with great confidence. Always solidly balanced beneath. - Lowered stand-over height and a down-sloping top tube and a lower seat starting position. I just cleaned the highest height log ever with the Moment, with seat all the way down. They even have a clean seat tube inside so I can lower the longest seat post ALL THE WAY DOWN! - The Moment can handle huge tires, which I run. It climbs steep slippery roots rocks and dirt with absolute confidence. - The paint doesn’t chip off like my other bikes paint jobs. - Bike feels very solid beneath, going over the worst. When sitting, doesn't feel squishy/saggy. Can’t feel the rear end going through its travel. Can’t feel the back end at all, no back and forth, no squirreling, no bobbing. Suspension is an amazingly quiet ride. Feels as solid as a tank when I want it, but nearly as light as a XC when I need to go fast. - No shifting issues out back, from any side-to-side-under-pedaling flex even when standing on the pedals as hard as my 220 lb body can to go straight up nearly vertical rocks. - I sent an email question to Ellsworth, it was answered the very next day. They gave me their phone number, hardly any wait and Chad was very helpful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Newport Coast, Ca,USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
What ever one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes "The Best"
Strengths:
The bike immediatly felt like I have ridden it for years, and the ride is the plushest I've experienced to date. It has an increadibly rocksolid feel. The geometry is excellent,and inspires confidence, maybe too much. Climbing is a pleasure as well.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any thing yet
Similar Products Used:
ID, Truth
Bike Setup:
XO Rear Der.,and XO Grip Shift, XTR Cranks, XT Front Der. Easton Carbon Riser, Thompson Seatpost and Stem, Chris King Headset and Hubs, Avid Juicy Seven Brakes, Fox Talas RLC Shox 05, Romic Ti Rear Shock, Kenda Navigal 2.3 Front, 2.1 Rear, WTB Lazer Gel Saddle. I want to give Special thanks to Taylor and Sherpa for their Unbalievable Build, Beyond Bikes is the only place to Shop.
Bottom Line:
If you have the means I highly recomend picking one up! I have ridden the Ellsworth product since the Bushing Truth and this is their finest work yet. I will say that last week was very hard due to selling the ID I was riding for it was an awesome ride as well. I had many thoughts of what am I doing, I had it set up so sweet, but it is on to a new chapter one that erased all the angst on the first ride on the Moment. I have learned every bike has it's own beauty and must be apreciated for it's own unique greatness, and this can be accomplished by riding it without any pre conceived notions or bias. In this Moment I have found one of the truly great bikes to date. It performs in all situations, so if you are looking for the bike that does it all don't wait another Moment. Do it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Byrren
a Cross Country Rider
from Rocklin, CA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hole in the Ground, Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
SpinCity Bicycles
Strengths:
Great, stable descender. Climbs well, even on technical climbing. Looks beautiful and well-made. Good cable routing, easy to build.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none.
Similar Products Used:
Joker, Id, AC2
Bike Setup:
XT drivetrain, Avid Juicy, Fox Talas, 959s, custom wheelsets w/ CK hubs, CK headset, Easton Monkey-Lite, Thompson seatpost, WTB Rocket V seat
Bottom Line:
This really is the ONE bike, provided you like to descend as much as climb. I've ridden the Joker, ID, and now Moment extensively, and all three are superb bikes with some handling nuances. Joker = freerider/hucker, ID = XC, but with more travel, Moment = in between the two. I'd recommend this as an all around mountain bike, that can handle 3 ft ledges/drops and jumps easily, but still pedal well on epic singletrack rides. If climbing fast over constant technical is your gig, then I'd get the ID, but if you lean towards wanting to air out now and then, the Moment's slightly slacker geometry and more beefed up rear triangle is the ticket.
Overall, just a beautiful, well-built, terrific bike. It is worth every penny for an excellent bike. You get what you pay for.
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Submitted by
hoser
a Cross Country Rider
from chula vista Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the bandito
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
mission cyclery
Strengths:
ride, workmanship, finish,
Weaknesses:
not much
Similar Products Used:
ellsworth truth
Bike Setup:
manitou 100/130 minute 3:00, fox ava, full xtr, front 8" xt disc, 959's, Intense 2.3 up front, specalized 2.3 in the back, carbon monkey lights, terry buzz off
Bottom Line:
I’ve been riding a Truth for 3 years an’ stepped up for a Moment. This is an incredible ride. Mine weighs in at 29 pounds so it’s just as light as my Truth but with more travel. Subtle suspension. No bobbing, big hits are a pleasure an’ it carves like a coyote on the single track. Big drops? Like riding off a curb. It glides through rock gardens like it big hit bike but without the weight. Epics? We just did a 5 hour ride an’ I was loving it, sad it was over. This bike can do it all. If you want an all around bike that can do downhilling on Sunday an’ ride cross country all week, this ones for you. Best purchase I’ve made.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lynn Thackeray
a Cross Country Rider
from Payson, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Stumpjumper, Payson Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2295.00
Purchased At:
Moab Cycles
Strengths:
Very well made. All welds and joints are clean. Good good attention to detail. You can tell this bike was made by people who love what the do.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC 1, Specialized Enduro Pro, Rocky Mt Team Only.
Bike Setup:
Sram 9.0 shifters and rear derailer. Crossmax tubeless wheels, Easton Monkey light carbon bar with EA70 stem. Fox RLC fork.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks on Utah single track. Climbs as well as my XC bike, and is very stable downhill, and in the rough stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Droffats
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
5.5, ID, Cake, Super 8, Dominatrax, Slayer, Joker 7, etc.
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla RL
Bottom Line:
I have been waiting for this bike for months, finally the store I work at got some in. Before riding I noticed the welds, build quality, and finish were perfect. The tubeset is way thicker than other "all mountian" type bikes I've seen/riden. I've tried a grey one with a black rear end. It is sweet.
The ride: super plush, feels like 10" without wallowing low in sag. Pedals better than any bike I've riden this plush regardless of travel. Low standover and the bb seems just right; not too high but not so low I bash cranks. I can't feel any lateral flex at all.
The bottom line is this frame can handle way more than I can dish out. The hard anodized finish can take a serious beating. If you jump, you know you'll wipe sooner or later. So for that type of riding, regardless of brand, I've got to go anodized.
And yeah, it's spendy. Wish it wasn't. But I'm thinking it will last so it is worth it.
Disclaimer: Yeah, I work at shop that sells them so take everything I write with skeptisism. On the other hand, you don't see me posting for all the other models + makes we sell.
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