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Submitted by
Scott Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sanford, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ocala's threesome | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | The frame. I don't know why anyone would slam a bike company for their components failing after 6+ years. I replace mine every 1-2 depending. This frame is among the best. | | Weaknesses: | Well, I have not found or ecountered any. I ride tight & technical single track and this thing handles like I am on rails. My friends always comment on how nimble this set up is. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500 (yuk) and a sweet schwinn frame that I still have on the wall of fame. | | Bike Setup: | My meaty, light, and tight Iron Horse, Rockshok, full XT, raceface, chris king, ringle hubs/mavic D521, avid. | | Bottom Line: | This is the end of the line for me as far as a hardtail goes. I will just continue to upgrade compnents and keep this one until I am shopping for wheel chairs. I don't even care if I can't join the disc revolution. I am a heavy rider and take this bike on lots of urban assaults with hits and drops. She has seen mountain trails and floridas worst sandy bottoms and muck swamps with roots jutting out all over. Not one single stress mark or fracture. If you are lucky enough to find one, DO IT! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NFG NFG
a Racer
from Rhode Island
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Big River, Arcadia, Lincoln Woods, Foxboro | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bald Hill Bikes (they're gone) | | Strengths: | This bike flew on the downhills. Had a very stiff rear triangle. Replacable rear derailler hanger (I put that to use quite a few times). Low top tube which was good for standover clearence. The BB height was pretty high for most bikes I've tried. It was great for anything technical. | | Weaknesses: | Twitchy handling. Not such a good climber. The stock parts all failed (this was a 1996). The rear end was stiff but not down at the bottom bracket which made it a bad sprinter. The frame (though butted) is not well tuned. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Zetec 2.1 ('97), Litespeed Pisgah ('01), Litespeed Lookout Mountain ('01), Tomac Buckshot ('02), Jamis Komodo ('01), Voodoo Bokor ('97), Gary Fisher 29 ('02)... I've tried a bunch of bikes | | Bike Setup: | I've riden the bike for five years and the only original part left is the frame. It originaly had a Q21 fork which died, now it has an 80mm travel manitou. A fork with a stroke of 80mm+ will take out some of the front end twitchiness. A seatpost shock will help you cope with the rear triangle's stiffness which really beats you up. | | Bottom Line: | I would recomend any Iron Horse hardtail to someone who wants a bike to be predictable in rough terrain. The Iron horse handled great on descents, rock gardens, jumps and drops and anything hairy (as far a hardtail goes). I think a newer Iron Horse like the Stout would be great for dual slalom racing, especially if they have made it a better sprinter. However, if you're looking for a bike for XC racing the Ars 700 I had is not the best choice. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bruno's Run | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$825.00 | | Purchased At: | The Beach Front | | Strengths: | I bought this bike to replace a Scott Racing steel hardtail that I had been riding for years. The shop was great (although I'm not sure if they are still in business). Took awhile to get used to the stiffness of the aluminum, but is a small price to pay for strength. I love the geometry: flies on the downhill and just burns on the ups. | | Weaknesses: | The only complaint was the Grip Shift 800 that came stock and the relatively weak compnents. The frame is the best and most important part!~ | | Similar Products Used: | I've ridden plenty of other bikes...while working at shops, but have not found a hardtail that compares. Also have Cannondale, yet the wife gets that one. | | Bike Setup: | XT V-Brake Levers and Calipers, Azonic Double Wall bar, LX 8 speed shifters, Marzzochi Z.2 Atom Bomb, XT front and rear derail., Thudbuster suspension seat post, Mavic rims, IRC Mythos and Notos Kevlar treads, Time ATAC Alum pedals, etc | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! The next step is going to be a Ginat AC Air. I can't say enough about my Iron Horse! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay
a Downhiller
from Archbald Pa
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Roth Rock State forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | Very rigid frame, also pretty light. | | Weaknesses: | Shifters that came on it were very poor, it is purple | | Similar Products Used: | P3 | | Bottom Line: | Dollar for dollar the best bike I have ever owned, consider I only paid 50 dollars. It feels very comfortable, and it survived a serious beating. I can keep up with most of the people i ride with who use brand new full suspension bikes. If you can find one around at a decent price, pick it up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun Cameron
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Burnaby Mountian/Koutney's | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | It was easy to say that the Iron peice of steel that was riding underneath my legs,had "balls" os steel. I found that even though that I'm a hard rider and enjoy the in and out's of the country,It did it's job. | | Weaknesses: | I would say that the only weakness that is here is, that it has some wieght behind it. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Mountian Bike's in and around Vancouver. | | Bike Setup: | I't was nice to have a new tire setting on the bike having it for a while, I find that it is a lot easy to take the time and find out what kind(s) of tire's are best ridden on the Country side. | | Bottom Line: | The bottem line I give The Ironathe best ratting. Not having a line of trail bike's in my garage,I give the Iron 10-out-of-10. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Ky.
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I have a Iron Horse ARS 1000, it is a great bike, not very well known were I live but it is respected by all riders. They all compliment the bike on its good looks and light feel. I have put this bike through 2 years of abuse and it is still as solid as the day I bought it. I believe Iron Horse to be the bike company of the future, throw away the overpriced Cannondales and Treks and buy a mans bike. I highly recommend the new ARS 9.0 and ARS team edition bikes for all serious riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry
a weekend warrior
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a weekend warrior who tries to ride as much as I can....When I was new to the sport of mountain biking, I got my self a decent chromoly bike Trek.
The more I got into the sport, I realize the importance of a lighter and better
performance bikes. I went to several dealers and tested several popular named bikes. Considering the performance (impt. criteria)and Price (2nd impt. criteria), I decided to purchase the Iron Horse ARs (alloy). Comparing the ride and performance, I have never been happier in my life. I have been using this bike for 2yrs now and I am not switching unless it will be another Iron horse...of course a step above this model....I know there are other bikes better than the one I have but one thing for sure I will have to pay 2X the price just to find the same feel...I love my Iron Horse!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BAAL
a cross-country rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well what can I say. This Iron Horse is a beast, other cyclist can only stop in respect as I approach. Me and my bike, we meld together like sweet cheese. She wasn't too expensive either, for what you get it was a bargain. The ozy bush is rough & rugged.... not that it worries ME anymore.(As for Pauls review at the top of the page, MATE YA MISSING POINT OF BIKE RIDING & I'd like to see your 'slightly used motorcycle' make it through a mountain with no roads!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a weekend warrior
from La Quinta, CA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased a 1998 ARS 6.8 with STXRC Components,Manitou Spyder Shocks etc... The Bike was regularly $1000, marked down to $699 then put on clearance for $599 and I got the salesman to give me an extra 10% off. So for $540 this is the greatest bike I have seen. I spent the last three weeks educating myself on what was out there to purchase including a Cannondale F700 for $899. I just couldn't justify the extra $350. So far this bike has been incredible and I feel like I didn't break the bank. (Three kids you know) Bang for the buck these Ironhorse bikes a great deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cpmguy
a weekend warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd like to send a shout-out to mbtr.com and everyone here for posting their thoughts. I was all set to go buy a '98 ARS 700 (for 20% off retail), but after reading about the non-responsiveness of the factory in replacement parts, shops stopping the sales of IH, no new FL phone number, and their web site down; I got nervous and will optpt for the Cannondale '98 F900 (discounted to $899) now. I'm sure the IH is a nice bike, but I need to know that the factory and bike shop will be around for the next few years to honor the warranty. Sorry Iron Horse. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STEVE JOYCE
a cross-country rider
from MASSACHUSETTS
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I OWN AN ARS THAT I RECENTLY PURCHASED AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT SO FAR I AM PLEASED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE. THE FRAME IS NICE AND STIFFAND THE COMPONENTS ARE WELL CHOSEN, THE AREAS THAT IRON HORSE HAS KEPT THE PRICE DOWN ARE EASILY UPGRADABLE...SUCH AS THE WHEELS....I'M NOT TO FOND OF SUN RIMS FROM MY BMX RACING DAYS LONG AGO. THE ONLY NEGATIVE THING I CAN SAY IS THE PAINT CHIPS EASILY BUT IF THATS THE ONLY THING.....WHO CARES THIS AIN'T A FASHION SHOW!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SAM GREENMAN
a downhiller
from AMITYVILLE, NY
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
TO ANYBODY THAT HAS AN IRON HORSE BIKE: IF YOU EVER HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR BIKE THAT YOUR LOCAL DEALER CAN NOT HANDLE CONTACT ME (SAM GREENMAN - PRODUCT MANAGER) AT 1-800-645-5477. WE DO STOCK WARRANTY PARTS, AND OFFER HELP IN A TIMELY FASHION, EXCEPT TO DISGRUNTLED FORMER EMPLOYEES (BRYAN IN LONG ISLAND). CHECK OUT THE 1999 IRON HORSE BIKES AT WWW.IRONHORSEBIKES.COM | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRYAN
a weekend warrior
from LONG ISLAND,NEW YORK
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THE PROBLEMS THAT THE RIDERS ARE HAVING WITH GETTING REPLACEMENT PARTS IS BECAUSE THE COMPANY DOES NOT STOCK WARRANTY PARTS. WHEN A RIDER REQUESTS A DROPOUT REPLACEMENT THE COMPANY THEN CONTACTS THE FACTORY IN TAIWAN FOR THE PART. THAT IS WHY IT TAKES SO LONG FOR THEM TO GET THE PART. THE COMPANY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMERS AFTER THEY PURCHASE THE BIKES. ALSO BEWARE IF YOU HAVE AN ALUMINUM BMX BIEK BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO CRACK AT THE HEAD TUBES. IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE OR AN ARS 600/680 BIKE CHECK THE HEADTUBES FOR CRACKS OFTEN. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a weekend warrior
from Bismarck, North Dakota
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 96 MT 100 I bought two years ago. It's a great bike, I've added everything to make custom such as: spedometer, Spin three spoke wheels($350), two bottles, custom seat, carry bag, side bars, clock, and toe clips. The only problem I have with it is when I ride off-road, mud gets clogged between the forks and the tires. It'd be better if it had a little wider forks. It's also a great bike for ridding distance. Last summer I put on 1,465 miles. All in all, a great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fraser
a weekend warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I don't ride the 800 frame, I couldn't afford it so I boucgt the good old Mt 100 racer series and slowly decked it out over the past year. It is a graeat bike and can easily adapt to the many add-ons I have given it. It doesn't rank up there with Specialized and ProFlex, but for a reasonably cheap all purpose mountain bike, it fits the bill | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a weekend warrior
from MI usa
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I LOVE my iron horse ars 700! It is real light, and I love my fork and all my comp. They are all deor LX. The only thing that gets me is the pedals & seat! I love the shiny alum. finish fram!(but I had to pay extra for that!) I would REALLY like it if YOU IRON HORSE BIKERS send me some E:Mail, about your BIKES! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter A. Dotchin
a weekend warrior
from toronto, canada
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a ARS 700 for some time now. I think that this is a great product with a great price.
What attracted me to this mean machine was it's shiny stunning frame. This bicycle is one of the
best ones i have ever owned and i recommend it to others. Here in Canada it is not a big name, but
it need some more exposure. I stumbled on this bike by accident when i had to get a new one after
my Pro-Flex was ripped off. To tell you the truth i am kind of glad that happened.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a racer
from Aiea, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have an Iron Horse ARS 1000. Man, I love this bike. I've been bummed lately because I snapped the replaceable rear derailleur hangar. I don't have an Iron Horse dealer out here except the one on the Air Force base. The base shop won't help me because I didn't buy the bike there, so I had to call the factory & get a hangar mailed out. It was mailed out around two weeks ago & it still isn't here. For the last month I have had to ride my downhill bike everywhere. It is fun, but I miss my Iron Horse!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a weekend warrior
from CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT IRONHORSE. TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE CARRIES THEM. I ALMOST PURCHASED ONE BUT I BOUGHT A SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER INSTEAD. IRONHORSE SEEMS LIKE A GOOD BIKE JUST FROM LOOKING AT IT. BUT I DIDN'T LIKE THE NAME THE LOGO, DECALS AND PAINT JOB. ALSO MY SPECIALIZED WAS CHEAPER WITH THE SAME IF NOT BETTER COMPONENTS. BUT I WOULD GIVE THE IRONHORSE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miguel Martínez
a cross-country rider
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Iron Horse! I looked at everything out there before purchasing and Iron Horse offered the best overall package available. The A-frame ride like a dream. Check it out! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah
a cross-country rider
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If you do consider buying an IRON HORSE, consider these three things first:1) Two of the reviews already posted below are from the same contractual representative of IRON HORSE (or at least someone claiming to be him).
2) The 3 bolt rear derailleur hanger which is designed to break away in the event of a collision to prevent frame damage is one of the weakest hangers in use. This can be good because as is noted, it prevents frame damage in the event of a collision. The frequent breaking however can be immensely frustrating if you have to wait for the company to send you a replacement hanger, as shops do not seem to have them stocked at the store level. You must individually request one from the company and in my experience and the experience of another ARS700 owner I have spoken to, it takes many weeks to get one from the company. Maybe if you are sponsored by the company this isn't an issue.
3) My old bike shop in NJ is no longer carrying IRON HORSE bikes because of the problems they have experienced with the company as it has moved from New York to Florida and now is considering moving back according to the shop owner. The shop in my new town that had carried them is no longer carrying them for the same reason among others.Regards | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Vega
a racer
from Tampa/Florida
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think the iron horse line is the fastest and most reasonable out there.
They give you good components and a high wuality frame for a low price.
I think Iron horse bicycles are great they just nead to be spread out
( the name )! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOE
a weekend warrior
from S.D., CA.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE A IRONHORSE F.S. BIKE SOLD BY, NASHBAR MAIL ORDER COMPANY. I PD $600.00. IT COMES WITHOUT A WARRANTY. SHOULD I RETURN IT AND PICK UP A BIKE WITH A DECENT WARRANTY. OR IS THIS A SOLID BIKE AT A GREAT PRICE. I BELIEVE ITS A 94 LEFT OVER .
IT IS A CROMOLY.ALSO MY ATTEMPTS TO REACH IRONHORSE HAVE FAILED. THEY HAVE CHANGED THEIR PHONE NUMBER ,W/O POSTING A NEW ONE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Hylka
a cross-country rider
from Joliet, IL USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I actually ride the ARS 800 frame, but it's very similar. What a great ride. I know I'm climbing better, and I feel steady downhill too. I like this bike better than my Trek 8000. That's high praise. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Vega ( racer for Iron Horse regional team )
a cross-country rider
from Tampa,Fl
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the ars 700 frame from 1996 it is 7005 series al tripple butted !
it is nice and stiff !
This bike especialy fast reacting and it can take the
beating of a life time.
I think this bike is great for the price.
All Iron Horse bikes come with a awsome component package unlike cannodale or some one like that.
This bike comes with the following highlights n 1997 :
judy xc !
xt-lx components !
double butted 7005 frame !
and much more all for 1200 come on u can't beet that !
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a cross-country rider
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Nice bike! I got a great deal on mine ($950), and have been happy with it for awhile. The A-Frame is very stiff (and light), and the bike handles quite well. Only 4 stars because, while this frame is light, some of the parts on the bike (post, seat, etc) are on the heavy side. -great to upgrade, though! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Popovich
a cross-country rider
from ME
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a sweet bike. I love the stiff frame, and they put a great selection of parts on it! The only thing that gets me is the pedals
& seat -I think that they're made of lead. Anyway, great bike, check it out! | | Overall Rating: |
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