OLD Cannondale F600, VooDoo Bizango, Titus Switchblade
Bike Setup:
(Far from stock after 3 years) "Speed Setup"-Rock Shox Sid, riserbar, short stem, Ionic cranks, Dolomite wheels, SDG saddle, Raceface seatpost, WTB tires, etc.
Bottom Line:
The steel gives a magic carpet ride! I bought my bike from Ionic when they first started online in '98. I got a sweet deal the complete bike with durable components. I picked the SID the first year it came out, and am just now considering replacing the fork. The custom paint job I got had to be redone twice, but Ionic was really helpful. I was told by Eric at Ionic it was the only red 17" steelhead produced(as of '01)! The frame is light and compliant, the best of a steel ride. One unique feature is the seat stays that meet the seattube above the toptube junction, creating a stronger joint. This bike will climb up a sheer cliff! The steel is perfect for the rocky terrain around Phoenix, and absorbs almost all bumps. It is very stable and handles really well. The feel of steel took some getting used to, since I rode crappy aluminum bike before this (I won't mention the name, but it starts with a C and ends in "dale"). I have been very happy with this bike, and will ride it until it breaks, or until I get another steel hardtail. And then I'll still ride it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Craftmanship, good looks, climbing ability, weight, Ooohh the ride!
Weaknesses:
The non-sale price? Need a lifetime warranty.
Similar Products Used:
Barracuda A2M
Bike Setup:
SID XC, Raceface cranks, thompson post, titec bar/stem, can creek headset, bontrager race, blah blah.
Bottom Line:
What a ride! I bought my frame directly from Eric the owner of Ionic here in Boise on sale. My bike is not really the expert set up, but I have about the same amount of $ and comparable components. The frame is beautiful and it rides like butta. Craftsmanship is top notch. The seat stays are offset from the top tube (stronger). The geometry seems to really encourage climbing. This thing will go straight up! Ionic bikes were designed by a guy in Boise for Idaho riding. They climb like Mt. goats and absorb a ton of energy when you hit rocks. They are very stable and handle really well. However, they may not be the ideal ride for everyone and take a little getting used to on the downhill single track. They are very responsive, but they don't feel like most bikes at first. Once you are used to them though, you can carve any line you want. Ionic has been sold to Dean cycles now, which is good to hear considering CanonSpecaTrek could have gotten their manacured hands on them. STEEL IS REAL!!! This geometry is awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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