Submitted by
D
a Weekend Warrior
from Lutz, FL, USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Flatwoods, Tampa
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$660.00
Purchased At:
ibex.com
Strengths:
Great Quality for the money.
Nice components.
Light for a entry MTB.
Nice frame
Weaknesses:
I think that the product is awesome and my girlfriend has the Ibex 450 and it is really nice bike too. One weakness I can think of is not enough images of the bikes on ibex.com and in my opinion there should be more info on sizing.
Similar Products Used:
Haro
Bottom Line:
I would buy from Ibex again. Hopefully they will improve on the sizing info on their web site.
Their customer service is awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Griffin
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester Hills, MI Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ibex.com
Strengths:
Excellent bike. Received it in three days. Easy to assemble. Excellent customer service. Top notch componenets for the price. Comparable bikes (bikes with the same components)were $700 to $800 at the local dealerships.
Weaknesses:
After riding for some time I wish it had a lock out shock. Had to tweek the disk brakes about 6 times to get rid of an annoying squeek, but this is the first bike I've owned with disk brakes, so it could be normal..???
Similar Products Used:
Bikes reviewed before purchase: Trek 6000, Gary Fisher Marlin and Tassajahara.
Bike Setup:
New gel seat, New adjustable stem, new pedals (Shimano all mountain M424)
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research and a lot of looking and sitting on a number of bikes at different bike shops and I couldn't find the same "bang for the buck". It's a great beginner to intermediate bike and I will definately look at Ibex (in the future) for an upgrade, when I'm ready.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Fayetteville, Ar Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Womble, Ouchita Vista
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Great bang for the buck!! Components are not flashy but are very reliable and work extremely well together. I have over 800 miles in the saddle and am just now getting ready for it's first tune up since I got it out of the box. I have had several crashes (can anyone say ER) and it has held up great.
Weaknesses:
The fork is a little too soft (I weight 210)and the Shimano pedals that came with my bike are the worst that I have ever used. Immediately upgrade these!!!
Similar Products Used:
Late 90's trek 6500zx, Specialized Rockhopper, Ibex Alpine 450
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Carbon Riser Bar, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Egg Beaters
Bottom Line:
This is my second and I seriously doubt my last Ibex mountain bike. There is not a better value in a new bike out there. I recommend this bike for anyone who wants a quality bike, doesn't want to drop a lot of cash, and doesn't mind being asked "What's an IBEX?"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelvin
a Cross Country Rider
from Montgomery, AL, USA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Swayback Trail, Wetumpka, AL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
IBEX online
Strengths:
Well put together machine. Hard to find similar components on a bike at the same price. Definitely competitive with our local bike shop.
Weaknesses:
Kick stand is not essential and is not top quality . . . but hey, IT'S A KICKSTAND
The Swayback Trail is one of the best MTB trails in Alabama. As one XCer put it "the Swayback will give you all you want." The Alpine 650 met the challenge. I was particularly pleased with the way it stood up to those 45+ degree slopes laden with lots of jagged rocks . . . the fork stood up great. The disc brakes proved their worth on twisting down hill trails . . . granted we've had a drought here so I can't vouch for wet weather conditions. Yet, I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a decent ride at a decent price. Set up was a easy once it arrived in the mail. I was missing a part of one skewer and the customer service folks had it to my within 7 days. Very good tech support.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis B
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Tx USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
-Best bang for the buck, anywhere, period. -Smart components, work well together. -Quality frame. -Buying from a company that stands 110% behind their product.
Weaknesses:
-The frame runs a little small, the Alpine series from Ibex do not seem to subscribe to the longer top tube theory. -I am not a big fan of the 80mm fork up front. 100mm seems to be the standard for hardtail trail bikes these days.
Similar Products Used:
The bikes I have owned recently; -2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport -2005 Specialized Rockhopper -2006 Gary Fisher Tassajara -2005 Specialized FSRxc
Bike Setup:
I replaced the PD505 clipless with a pair of PD520's.
Bottom Line:
This was the first bike I purchased from Ibex, it will not be my last. The Alpine 650 specs out better then any bike I have ever owned. It's lighter then the Tassajara and it has disk brakes, not only that but it was around $300.00 cheaper.
The only problem I have with this bike is the combination of a short top tube and the 80mm fork. It can be a bit tippy of descents. I was considering buying a cheap 100mm front fork to replace the stocker, however I think I am simply going to buck up and drop some cash on the Asta X7 Comp. (That bike being the best bike deal anywhere)
I dont know how they do it, but Ibex makes a better bike for lot less money. And although you cant walk into an Ibex store, the limited contact I have had with the company (It is a good bike after all) was exemplary. The owner of the company (Jack) even responded to a thread I created on these very forums regarding a problem I was having with the headset. You cant beat that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Willis
a
from Hot Springs, Arkansas Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ibex.com
Strengths:
The Ibex 650 SE is a total quality package -- frame, components, sales and after sales service.
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
None. Still have an old Peugeot road bike from 30 years ago which was the last time I rode a bike.
Bike Setup:
Fine right out of box. Have since had my local bike shop do some very minor adjustments.
Bottom Line:
I am a completely novice bike buyer and found Will (service) and Jack (sales) excellent to work with. Will helped me resolve a faulty front fork issue which required replacement that took awhile but he maintained interest and never let me down. He was very patient while addressing my elementary questions and working with my local bike shop. Two of my college age kids want an Ibex for Christmas and they will probably get one....the best endorsement I can offer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Trentham
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis, Tn, USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Stanky Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ibex.com
Strengths:
Affordibility, Components, Service
Weaknesses:
You have to asseble it, but that only takes about twenty minutes, and everything including a bike tool is included.
Similar Products Used:
I ride bikes for the police dept. so I have used Raleigh and Cannondale.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
You will not find a better bike for the money. I have ridden this bike mercilessly and have never had a proble. I was very leary at first because I couldn't see/ride the bike. Trust me it is everything they say it will be. I ordered it on a Thursday evening and had it the following Monday morning, WOW!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Poor Farm Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ibex.com
Strengths:
Great bang for the buck. Disc brakes. Comfortable saddle.
Weaknesses:
Crappy tires. Very entry level front shock.
Bike Setup:
Stock except I upgraded the tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pro's.
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome beginner to intermediate bike. Solid frame to build on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester Hills, MI Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Better quality components for the price.
Weaknesses:
Little squeek in the disc brakes
Similar Products Used:
None comparable.
Bottom Line:
Intensive research for a couple of weeks before buying and found this bike to have the best "bang for the buck". I would consider myself a beginner to intermiate rider, so I feel this bike was a perfect choice for me. Other bikes I researched at local bike shops; Gary Fisher, Specialized, Trek were all $200-300 more money. I couldn't justify the added expense. Assembly was simple. Bike arrived in two days; "EXCELLENT". Thanks to the other reviewers on MTBR, which helped me in my decision. No regrets..!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Perez
a Cross Country Rider
from Allen, TX, USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Arbor Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Best overall configuration for the price. Great customer service. Very good geometry and build quality
Weaknesses:
Can't test it before buying. The saddle is not very comfortable. A couple of pounds heavier than similarly configured bikes I've tested, specially Gary Fisher Tassajara, and Marin Palisades Trail, but those bikes are $200-$300 more expensive!
Similar Products Used:
Tested Gary Fisher Tassajara, Marin Palisades Trail, and Hawk Hill, Cannondale, Specialized RockHopper and HardRock, Raleigh M80, Haro V4.
Bike Setup:
Stock plus bar ends and gel cushion (saddle cover)
Bottom Line:
If you're not into racing, then it's the best bike for your money. Great for single track, and city riding (without trying major jumps/drops).The bike I liked the best was the Marin Palisades Trail, followed by the GF Tassajara, which were 2-3 pounds lighter, but are $200-$300 US Dollars more expensive! If you're into racing, and want to shed those 3-4 extra pounds, then try their one of their thropy series: they are great bikes at an even better price (inline with the Marin and GF Tassajara, lighter and with better components!). I would definitely recommend this bike to anybody!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Doxey
a Weekend Warrior
from Meridian,MS Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bonita Lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
IBEX BIKES
Strengths:
Components for the price. Other bikes with these components would cost you $200-$300 more. You get allot of bike for your money.
Great frame. Stiff and quick. Breaks are great! Smooth shifting right out of the box.
Weaknesses:
None so far...
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn, Trek, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Frame: 6061 Aluminum Fork: Manitou Axel Elite Shifters: Shimano Deore Rapidfire Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur: Shimano LX Crankset: TruVativ Blaze Cassette: Shimano HG50-9 Chain: Shimano HG53 Brakes: Avid BB-5 Mechanical Discs Levers: Avid FR-5 Rims: WTB SpeedDisc Hubs: Formula Disc Tires: Kenda Koyote - 26" x 1.95 Cockpit Set: UNO Alloy Saddle: WTB Pure V Comp Pedals: Shimano M505 Clipless
Bottom Line:
Best value i could find for $600.
Customer service is GREAT!!! Customer service is GREAT!!!
I received my bike in 2 days. I had one slightly bent chainring...two days later i recieved replacement parts from IBEX. I called with a couple of questions and was impressed with how knowledgeable there techs were!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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