Submitted by
Jeremy Cosby
a Cross Country Rider
from Little Current ON Can Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
my own
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
E BAY
Strengths:
EXCELENT BIKE FOR REFINING JUST ABOUT ANY SKILL. VERY LIGHT OPTIMAL FOR CROSS COUNTRY RIDING. STRONG STURDY FRAME THAT CAN TAKE A BEATING
Weaknesses:
STANDARD EQUIPMENT NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED FOR THE STATUS IF THE FRAME (TIRES SHOCKS AND PEDALS)
Bike Setup:
Deore drive terrain alivio hubs alex rims alivio front derailer deore shifters tektro v-brakes
Bottom Line:
if you are either an experienced rider or a new rider. If you like a strong sturdy frame with some flash this bike is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sunshine
a
from Alameda, CA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
Great set up, low price.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike for my son so he could start mountain biking for real (the BMX bike wasn't cutting it anymore). Since a regular 26" bike was still a bit too big for him I opted for the 24" wheels. There aren't many bikes out there in this size so out of the ones that do exist this bike is definetly the best buy. The price is much lower than the competitors and the componentary either matches or surpases the competition.
My son really loves this bike and it gets him both up and down the hills. As parts wear out or break I'll probably replace them with something lighter since most the stuff is pretty heavy. But, that's what you get in the lower end bikes.
Anyway, the bottom line is that this is a great bike for your up and coming trail grinder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik W
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Twice the bike and half the weight than a Toys-R-Us special. The low weight helps my daughter get up difficult hills and makes it easier for me to carry it up when she can not. The rapid fire shimano shifters are a huge plus. Most bikes at this price point have knock off shifters or those grip shifters. I do not think my daughter could grip shift fast enough up a steep hill. The brakes provide excellent stopping power.
Weaknesses:
As an online purchase vs. an LBS purchase, you will need to do some assembly. Most of the components are pre-assembled. The remaining assembly is easy and requires 30-60 minutes. All of the neccessary tools are included, but you may want to use your own screwdrivers. The bike itself is great with no apparent weaknesses.
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
The selection of mountain bikes for this age group (7-10 years old) is limited at mass retailers and LBS. The mass retailers' bikes are too cheap and heavy and the LBS stocks mostly BMX bikes.
If you are looking for a true XC mountain bike that will provide the greatest fun and safety for your child, then you should seriously consider the IBEX 350K. This was the best value that I could find for my daughter.
I did receive a discount for purchasing two bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricky
a Weekend Warrior
from Seneca, SC, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Ibex Direct
Strengths:
Frame, components, and quality of construction. A super product from a super company - Ibex.
Weaknesses:
None. For the price, this is a great deal a solid bike.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 450
Bike Setup:
Stock, but check it out: 7005 Aluminum Frame, RST Capa Suspension Fork, 24-Speeds/Alivio Shifters, Alivio-C101-Apex Drivetrain, Tektro V-Brakes, Alex Alloy Rims, and Kenda All-Terrain Tires. And this is a kid's bike. WOW!
Bottom Line:
You would have to spend 25-30% to get a comparable bike from another manufacturer. So, if you are looking for a real mountain bike for your son or daughter, or a quality recreation level bike for a small adult, you are looking at the right bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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