Submitted by
mtb_grl
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashburn, VA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Components are very well spec'd. The frame is stiff and responsive. The ride quality is wonderful, and the frame geometry was very comfortable.
Weaknesses:
None for this product. There is always the wishful thinking for upgrades, but the bottom line is the bike's setup works... and does it well.
Similar Products Used:
Haro Mary XC 29er, Trek 8000 hardtail, Gary Fisher Paragon 29er
Bike Setup:
16" frame - stock with lizardskin grips and a wsd saddle
Bottom Line:
This is hands down the most fun bike I've ridden in years. It feels light for a 29er - even more incredible in this price range. The handling takes a few minutes to get used to, but once you adjust the bike is nimble and very responsive. The frame felt stiff and solid as a rock - I had an easier time keeping my balance over rough spots, fast descents and rock gardens. Drivetrain worked with no glitches. The lockout on the Tora is great for steep climbs - it really does climb like a billy goat.I took this bike out on a trail where I usually ride my dualie 5" travel bike, and not only was I able to ride everything I did on the dualie and more but I had more fun doing it. Incredible bike for the value - if you're looking to try out 29ers or are sold on one and want a quality ride that won't break your budget, I really recommend the Ibex.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
retrobeast
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cementless ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$834.00
Purchased At:
ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
fast, components work well, climbs like a cat, very balanced.
Weaknesses:
weight only when carrying. Do not notice on the ride.
Similar Products Used:
KHS Alite hard tail. GF Cake 3 DLX full suspension.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
If you want to break into the 29er world then IBEX Section 29er is an excellent choice. Great components for price.
You will get on and feel at home on day one.
Frame is sleek with very clean weld points.
I am 6ft with a 32in inseam and the 18 is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
VTSasquatch
a Weekend Warrior
from Ripton, VT Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ibex website
Strengths:
Decent components. I especially like the Reba fork.
Weaknesses:
Styling. Not that I would chose a bike on looks but it only came in yellow when I purchased it. Definately could use a couple color options.
Similar Products Used:
My last bike was a 1997 Gary Fisher Marlin (rigid in those days). Looked at Gary Looked at Fisher 29ers but got same or better components for less money.
Bike Setup:
Stock except ergo grips.
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike. It is a huge improvement in every respect to my old Marlin. I haven't had any problems and the ride is great. Only down side is that you have to assemble the bike but it is pretty easy and worth it for the savings you get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Surveyors Ridge, Mt. Hood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
2007 Model w/Reba SL Dual Air w/poplock. Good component group. Great value for the money. Compared favorably against all other hardtail 29ers within $400 higher retail, such as Fisher X-Cal, Felt, Jamis, Haro.
Weaknesses:
None to speak of, especially considering price.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher X-Cal, Felt Nine
Bike Setup:
Basically stock, with the addition of Topeak Defender fenders when the weather demands it. Yes, I'm clipped in on the trail.
Bottom Line:
Best bang for the buck of any 29er hardtail available in 2007. This bike has been a solid performer. No squeaks, breaks, or quirks. The BB7 discs are great. I'm 6-1", 250, and I'm on the 20" frame. I love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Roscoe
a
from Cheraw, SC, USA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
In the woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
www.ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Decent components, value.
Similar Products Used:
Rubbish.
Bike Setup:
Powdercoated frame, 1x6 drivetrain, Kris Holm unicycle rims, Hope Pro II hubs, 100mm Reba, 60mm stem, Lock-on grips, bashguard, 203mm front rotor, Kenda Nevegal tires.
Bottom Line:
My bike is a 2007 model. It's a decent bike for the price. I had a problem with the stock rear wheel, but it seemed to be an isolated incident. The frame is stiff, but rides nicely. I'm pretty happy with the bike overall. You basically get a good bike with good components for a good price. The only other thing I'm thinking of changing is the fork to a 120mm travel Manitou with a 20mm thru-axle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling Heights, MI Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stony Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Solid & dependable through all kinds of terrain Great mix of components at a great price - Good Value!
Weaknesses:
Chain, powdercoat is a bit weak
Similar Products Used:
GF X-Caliber 29er
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock except for grips
Bottom Line:
I couldn't be happier with this bike. It has essentially the same component level as the GF X-Caliber, for ~$300 less! I have ridden it through some nasty stuff (sometimes accidentally) and it has held up under my ~260 lbs. like a champ. My bike is no longer offering an excuse for holding back.