Submitted by
ulysses liquigan
a Downhiller
from manila Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Philippine DH Trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
friend bought it home from japan
Strengths:
got the frame from a friend who bought it from japan, Very stiff frame, throw everything at it, and you'll be surprised with the results. can go fast and fly good, hit and jump everything, very nice frame indeed
Weaknesses:
the rider
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
FOX 40 FORK, FOX DHX 5.0, vision chainguide (LG1 taiwan ver. look-a-like, hussefelt cranks, da bomb wheels, low-rise handlebars, et al.
Bottom Line:
very nice frame, i believe there's only two in the philippines, they don't know the power of the yakuza but i do. very nice frame indeed. no questions, and it's better than a sunday.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ethan
a
from CA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mathis
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
good rear shock and a bullet proof frame
Weaknesses:
about 46 lbs and the front shock wont move more than an inch unless you take it off a building (not adjustable
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
if your just getting into downhilling this is right bike for you if your a more serious rider i would not reccomend it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from Flagstaff, A-town Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
too many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Strengths:
Just about everything. Back shock is plush as hell. The frame is bulletproof. Good components. Awesome tires. Scores a 9 out of 10 in the badass-ness category. You can almost fly.
Weaknesses:
heavy...not good for going UP by any means. I walk most of the remotely steep hills. The front fork came wayyy too stiff, I got that taken care of and now it is much better. Brakes are kinda crappy.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky dee Lux (awesome), Specialized Demo 9 (also awesome)
Bike Setup:
fatty
Bottom Line:
Oh my holy hell, this is the best bike on the freaking planet. Seriously. Fast as a mother, corners like crazy. Burly as hell. Did I say it is faaasst? Awesome downhill bike for the money, good for beginners I suppose, but even better if you know what you're doing. Ive raced and ridden alot of bikes, and this one probably takes the cake as far as overall awesomeness goes. A quality death machine for sure. All hail the great sohon bucho.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duvon Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka, Japan Date Reviewed: November 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Duck Pond (Zushi)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
RSCycle
Strengths:
The bike is a thing of beauty. It's suspension allows me to tackle much more than I thought possible. Great price for those like me who arer just entering the downhill scene.
Weaknesses:
After lugging this thing up the side of a few hills and mountians I can say with certainty that it's heavy. If you are a person of slight build, you might want to buy something lighter or find a good friend to carry it up for you.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Big hit, Giant STP
Bike Setup:
Stock until something breaks
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Awesome frame that I look forward to keeping around for a while. One small problem is that riding a bike called Yakuza Sohon Bucho in Japan gets you a lot of laughs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andre rivera
a Downhiller
from santa barbara Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
knapps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
$750
Strengths:
frame is solid feels great looks freakin awesome! can take whatever you throw at it great for drops and racing
Weaknesses:
them damn rst forks but i got rid of them the manitou metel is kinda sucky but ok the heaviest bike i've ridden
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky
Bike Setup:
drop off triples- stock
Bottom Line:
this bike can take anything great for starting best price for the quality nice components easily upgradable
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
RScycle.com
Strengths:
Frame is nearly bulletproof, very steady the faster you go. Easily upgradable and it will last me a while.
Weaknesses:
Both front and back shocks are a little slow but work fine for what i do (beginning freeride) and i can always upgrade everything later. The thing is flippin heavy, not really a downside, just a fact.
Similar Products Used:
Intense M3
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Its a great value if you can still find it for under 1000$. It's going to last me a very long time because the frame is soooo strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Krisiunas
a Downhiller
from Burlington CT Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Nepaug
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
rscycle.com
Strengths:
great fork and rear shock brakes work well very strong frame will take alot
Weaknesses:
a little heavy but expected my stem seems to be loose no matter how tight the screws are but that could be a defect
Bike Setup:
Everything stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike perfect for my experience level cans take drops easily and climbs suprisinly better than expected but im a good climber over all its the shiyte!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stephan graef
a Downhiller
from cork.ireland Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
trackton
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
rscycle
Strengths:
awesome bike nice frame does da job 4 wat i do
Weaknesses:
rst forks cld b beta other wise gud
Similar Products Used:
big hit . scott octane
Bike Setup:
rst 180ml forks hayes highdros nice sohon bucho frame . and a nice 8inch rear shock
Bottom Line:
very good bike for its money bt becareful buying bikes from usa tax,s catch u out . got da bike for 700euro bt wen postage and taxs added up it cost 1600 euro other den dat sweet bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fernie Fernandez
a Downhiller
from El Paso, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Randall Scott Cycle
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Nothing
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Very fast bike. Great for freeriding, downhill, trails, and streetbiking. Everybody asks where I got it and how much I bought it for cause they don't see too many bikes like Bucho. The fork is really great and so is the rear shock. It is a really great bike for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a
from Reading, PA, US Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything that points down.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
rsCycle
Strengths:
this is an updated review @ 3 months. Still a strong frame. still a very capable dependable bike for the price.
also, for the guy under me complaining about IH's service and all that because he can't get the bike, he has no business reviewing the bike. he doesn't even have the bike. people like this lack some great deals of inteligence and because they're frustrated they put bad reviews on the BIKE that they don't even have. get it through your thick head. this is reviewing the BIKE not the COMPANY or the fact that you don't have the bike yet and you want it.
Weaknesses:
sure it's heavy. Mine's at about 46lbs, but for the price its fine and it feels lighter than it is. plus, if you really want you can lighten it up (tubeless, light rims, air shocks, etc). and the RST fork isn't the greatest so i did upgrade it. Marz Super T, check it out: http://gallery.mtbr.com/showphoto.php/photo/112795/cat/500/ppuser/317850
also, one more thing. the rear coil is a bit soft for me. i weigh right around 160, and it's GREAT for the downhills, but when you start getting into the medium sized drops it bottoms out. so i gotta get a firmer spring, not the end of the world.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain RM7 dh, Yakuza Aniki
Bike Setup:
stock except road saddle, white 185mm Super T, White BMX platforms with replaceable pins.
Bottom Line:
sick. sick bike. i love the looks and the feel. very solid at high speeds. solid in the air. it's my baby. i think i'll keep it forever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Vernon B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Spanky's
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Iron Horse Factory
Strengths:
Dont know yet, I've been waiting for this bike for almost 4 months now. BTW the bike was supposed to take 1 to 2 weeks for delivery.
Weaknesses:
I've contcted Iron Horse and they dont give a shat about me or my order! I told them I'm really getting frustrated waiting and they told me to cancel my order anytime!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another weakness is that they r built on the other side of the world! Why should I buy stuff that is made in China when there is comparable stuff from companys closer to home who actually care about riders?
Bottom Line:
I am really pi ssed! Average joes mean nothing to this company. Just pray you dont need anything from them. If this is how long it takes (and how rude they have been to me while i've waited)to get a bike Im paying for, imagine how long it would take to get a warranty replacment or something you dont have to pay for! I hope this message inspires people to really look for other companys to purchase your bike from.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
rs cycle
Strengths:
Wicked bike except i have only ridden it for like 20 min so far.
Weaknesses:
Nothing that i have found so far other than the fact that its pretty heavy.
Bike Setup:
this bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the buck. Easily upgradeable but hey you dont even need to do that the components are already pretty good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a Downhiller
from Reading PA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
this one place i ride at.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
RSCycle
Strengths:
frame seems very strong. plus the thing looks sexxaaay. comes with 2.7 front 2.5 rear tires. good tires.
Weaknesses:
RST Fork could be better. but it's not too too bad. it's a bit heavy, but it's a downhill bike so it's to be expected. seat broke after bailing hard on it the day after i got it (mostly my fault).
Similar Products Used:
none really. first downhill bike i've even ridden.
Bike Setup:
stock. except i put an old BMX seat on it because like i said i broke the other one.
Bottom Line:
Basically, the best bike you can find for the price. Iron horse is a good company too. and... it could have better specs, but just upgrade as you break Shat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aron Robiw
a Downhiller
from Holderness NH USA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Highland mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Lahouts
Strengths:
The frame is very strong I am pleased with that. It can take a huge beating. Decent for a stock bike.
Weaknesses:
The suspension set up is weak. The RST fork is not plush compared to Rock Shox Boxxer or Marzocchi 888.. And I frequently bottom my shock off of somewhat small drops.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized big hit, Giant faith, Iron horse Sunday Team, Kona Stinky Supreme, and Kona Dawg
Bike Setup:
Stock except for fork.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great bargain for the price you pay for it. If your looking for a great freeride/downhill bike to start out on I reccomend this... If your a little more hardcore I'd upgrade the fork, but if your not picky its fine. The bikes a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Lindsay
a Downhiller
from Issaquah, WA, USA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
wherever
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Randall Scott
Strengths:
solid through and through, very strong frame
Weaknesses:
front fork, upgrade it
Bike Setup:
stock everything except fork, put a Marzocchi 888 on it, works like a charm
Bottom Line:
awesome down to every detail, if your lookin to find a good downhill/freeride bike for a good price, this is your best bet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve neal
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
around everywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
from the internet
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Havent found one
Similar Products Used:
None yet my first dh bike
Bike Setup:
umm crank bro's 50/50 peadles lol
Bottom Line:
great to ride handles well even know iv hade it for a week or so its awsome in the air pretty god peadling on flat surfaces theshock doesnt take up to much from your peddaling
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Venom
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: January 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Keystone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Peformance Bike
Strengths:
The frame is amazingly strong for its design. Great travel with decent shocks for the price! Can take a 20 foot drop easy!
Weaknesses:
With the first use of the bike on the bigger trails at Red Rocks National Park the rear shock broke, but that could have been a manufacture defect or how the bike was put together. Watch out for this.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Pro XC350 and Raleigh Ram 5.0 First DH Bike
Bike Setup:
Has been upgraded. Replacement Metal RP 9" shock instead of 8", FSA handle bar and seat post. DH rims with truvative hubs. And some minor upgrades.
Bottom Line:
Well worth the price, you can buy 4 Specialized Bighits with this price! This bike is perfect for the beginner Downhiller.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Racer
from santa clara CA USA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
performance bike
Strengths:
it is awsome love it shock and fork rules
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
speaclized demo 9
Bike Setup:
awesome
Bottom Line:
it is awesome this rocks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle WA Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
South Seatac...any loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
Performance bicycle
Strengths:
Strong frame, soaks stuff up like a sponge, easy to clean, low maintainance, black :-D, nice body positioning on bike
Weaknesses:
Stock tires have lots of rolling resistance but have great traction. RST fork is a bit stiff n adjuster knobs dont do too much. springs for the fork are meant for a 200 pound rider.
Similar Products Used:
first DH bike
Bike Setup:
completely stock, thinking about getting a boxxer team '06 DH fork for it.
Bottom Line:
Get one! this years model is supposed to kick more ass than last years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a
from Santa Clara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
whistler
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
preormance bike
Strengths:
perfect.strong for DH pretty good for free ride. Shock is good for jumps and drops, great for any DHer
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
speacilized bighit 2, sucks compared to this
Bike Setup:
perfect
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for freeride and DH good for any trail,great control and awesome pedaling power!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vampire Cow
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
MARK 2
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
fantastic shoker with some fully sik travel. have only bottomed em out once, and even then the drop out barrier in the bottom the shaft took up the hit. Only people who are a bit serious about DH shood get get these shoks.
Weaknesses:
none found do far dudes
Similar Products Used:
rst tilla 5
Bottom Line:
nice shoks if ya like a lil DH then go for it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake Lozow
a Downhiller
from Englewood co usa Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
98 downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1659.00
Purchased At:
performance bikes
Strengths:
This bike is very easy to ride. the suspension has easy to use controls for rebound.
Weaknesses:
User must way at least 100 pounds for the suspension to properly work.
Similar Products Used:
eurika, doug
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great starter bike for downhillers. It is easy to learn how to ride, and feal the trails.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
