Submitted by
malaby
a Racer
from Central Indiana Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
BCSP Expert Loop :)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
website
Strengths:
Price, some components
Weaknesses:
some other components - rear shock and especially the drivetrain
Similar Products Used:
Enduro Pro, Top Fuel
Bike Setup:
XT Wheelset, Specialized Stem, XT Cassette
Bottom Line:
I have been tweaking the bike for the past few months and am happier with it than I was before. I increased the pressure in the suspension and made things a bit more snappy. However, I am not a fan of the SRAM/FSA drivetrain, having bent the middle chainring and the cassette, which led to very poor shifting. Moving back to Shimano for both.
I am liking the bike more and more, however, and even with the upgrades it is still a deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Central Indiana Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cathedral Rock in Sedona AZ
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1430.00
Purchased At:
Ibex Website
Strengths:
Price point, Front Shock, Drivetrain, Paint
Weaknesses:
Wheelset, Rear Suspension (though this might change as I get more used to it)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a shorter stem, Candy SL Pedals and a Shimano XT Tubeless Wheelset and Tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great value. Is is reasonably light, and the components are similar to Trek / Specialized's $2500-3000 models. However, if you need the loyalty of your local bike shop, or are inept mechanically, you are probably better off in the long run buying from a shop. Fortunately, I have a great shop who was willing to overlook my sins. :) Regarding the ride quality, the Reba SL seems as good as the FOX Talas I had on my Enduro. I am not sure about the Monarch Rear, or the suspension set up back there in general. Perhaps I am not used to this bike yet, but there is a "dead" feeling on climbs and a tendency to spin out the rear wheel. I did not have this on the Enduro, even though the Enduro weighed 3 pounds more. I will update this in a few months after some heavy riding and a few races. Right now, it is a screaming value, and overall a good bike. Not quite great, but solid. I don't regret the purchase. If I get more accustomed to the ride and things improve I will let you know.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grey
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1435.00
Purchased At:
Ibex.com
Strengths:
Good value, relatively light for the price, FS, very good parts - Sram X9/Rockshox Reba SL/Juicy 7's, good frame geometry, nice color/paint, solid welds. Climbs well w/not much pedal bob and is quick on the decent. Came with pedal wrench and a small trail tool.
Weaknesses:
Workmanship can be marginal with assembly, needs 100% check before riding after initial assembly. My left crank arm fell off after 2 rides due to the bolt being loose. No biggie, it just needs tightening and some blue locktite.
My bike also had a rear pivot problem where one of the holes on the disk brake side was drilled out a bit too large which causes 'play' in the rear wheel when moved side to side.
Ibex was notified about the problem and came up with a solution where the owners needed to take the swing arm off and send it in for repair in which it was worked on and fixed. If the owner did not want to send it in for repair, he/she would get another swing arm as a replacement, but needed to wait for it. I selected this option as I don't have the time to send it in as I'm riding almost every week. Since the bike is a 2007 model, I believe Ibex was going to send a 2008 swing arm as a replacement as it is the same. Well I purchased the bike in June 2007 and it is now Feb 2008 and I am still waiting for the replacement swing arm. Ibex has the 2008 Asta's for sale, so they made the swing arms, but for some reason, they haven't shipped one to me yet. I think waiting for 6+ months for a replacement part for my bike is a little long, especially when they have the part as they are going out on their 2008 Asta's. I would think they would want to take care of their 2007 customers with issues before focusing on the 2008 sales.
The original derailuer hanger was also kinda weak as it bends easy and breaks easy. I believe they have modified it and it a bit more robust. (The hangers actually NEED to break if it is under stress to save your frame, but the original was too weak IMO)
I did not like the Maxis Ignitor tires that shipped with the bike. With semi-loose gravely trails around N.Cal in the summer, the tire did not 'hook-up' very well. The front tire tended to wash out which can be a huge problem that leads to wipeouts. At the very least, the front tire should be changed out. Check the reviews on the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4 for a front tire.
The seatpost clamp is weak or there is a flaw in it's engineering. You need to really crank down hard on this guy to keep the seat from slipping. (I'm 5'10", 177lbs)
Similar Products Used:
Diamond back Apex, SC Heckler.
Bike Setup:
I've changed a few things on the bike like most people. (Although you really do not need to change anything on the bike as it rides fine the way it is)
Thomson stem & seatpost, Crank Bro's candy SL's, Mutano Raptor 2.4 front, Panaracer Pro 2.1 rear, Monkey Lite riser bar, Raceface bash guard, Oury grips.
Bottom Line:
Fine bike for the price, great climbing and fast decending. Very quick and agile on technical single track trails around the Bay Area CA. Light enough to ride 30+ miles on a single trip if you have the stanima. It can take pretty much anything you throw at it, just limit the drops to 2'-3' max or so. (Not an all mountain bike) I don't race, but I'm sure it would make a solid entry level bike to XC racing.
Components are great with Sram X9, Juicy 7's and Rockshox Reba SL w/lockout. The Rockshox MC3.3 does a decent/good job as well on XC type of trails. The Sun rims are 'true' and have held up well over the season.
I'd buy one again if looking around for an all around XC type of bike. I'm sure it would arrive without a rear pivot problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Martinsville Indiana usa Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Brown county state park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Ibex
Strengths:
components
Weaknesses:
have not found any yet
Similar Products Used:
??
Bike Setup:
2007 1/2 Asta expert SE marzocchi 600 xc retro fork,Hayes stroker disk brakes manitou s-type spv rear shock sram X9 drive train fsa cranks fizik seat fsa handle bar
Bottom Line:
This is one Bad*** bike!! The marzocchi fork is all butter and the rest of the components are top of the line. This bike has soaked up every thing I have put it through and with stood some pretty hard hits so far nothing has failed. The welds on the frame are excelent and the paint is flawless and better in person than the pictures. This is a great bike for the money I would recomend Ibex to anyone. You can not find a bike with the same quality and components for less than $3000.00. In my eyes If you buy anything but Ibex your just waisting your hard earned cash. Tell you what if you find a better deal you can kiss my Asta!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith Christopher
a Cross Country Rider
from Exeter, NH Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything SingleTrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Ibex.com
Strengths:
Price - You cannot go wrong for this price set.
Components - All x9, great suspension, lightweight. You cannot say something bad about the parts on the bike.
Customer Service - Any questions or comments i had were answered.
Handling - Took me a while to get used to, but the bike is very quick.
Weaknesses:
Seat Post Camp - This thing drives me nuts sometimes. It has to be super tight. It will still come lose every now and then. Sometimes i hit a big bump and the seat moves a tad.
Rear Derailleur Hanger - I have had some issues with how 'soft' the hanger is. It is too easy to bend and that can be annoying if you hit it slightly mid ride. While its easy to bend back i wished it was stronger.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Cake 2 & Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup:
o Frame: Triple-Butted 6069 Aluminum o Fork: Rock Shox Reba SL o Rear Shock: Rock Shox MC 3.3 Air o Shifters: SRAM X9 Trigger o Derailleurs: SRAM X9 o Crankset: TruVativ Stylo 3.3 o Chain: Sram o Rims: Sun DS2-XC Rims o Hubs: Novatec 4/2 Sealed Bearing Hubs o Headset: Cane Creek S-3 o Saddle: WTB Pure V Race o Pedals: SPD Clipless
Bottom Line:
I was nervous about buying a bike off the web. I went out to the LBS in the area tried out different leftover models and compared the geometry to that of ibex hoping for a similar feel to what i liked.
When the bike came put it together. Made sure everything was tight. I have some shop experience so this wasn't too bad. Took it out in the parking lot to set the sags on the fork and just give it a quick ride and the left crank arm came off. I gave Jack & Will a call and it was only the bolt holding it on was stripped. No big deal, they sent me a new bolt and i was back on the bike in a week.
I've been out riding 2-3 times a week for at least 5 months now. The bike has taken everything i have threw at it. I'm still not completely used to how fast the bike handles. Its really comfortable to ride on even in those 15+ mile single track weekends. I haven't had any serous issues with the bike yet.
I tend to do a lot of XC single track at the local places (Fort Rock, Fomba, Bear Brook, Etc) and the bike has zero problem handing anything. There is everything from 3ft drops to some pretty intense rock/root climbs.
Bottom Line: I haven't found anything i do yet that i think to myself "man i wish i bought xxx bike". I have recommended Ibex to my friends who were shopping for bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lon
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring Valley, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
BLM land out my back door
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
www.ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Component group, weight, bang for the buck
Weaknesses:
can't think of any
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F300(hardtail), Giant VT one (couple of days only)
Bike Setup:
Completely stock
Bottom Line:
I have had the Asta for about 3 weeks now, and have put about 100 miles on it. I wanted to wait until the newness had worn off before posting a review. In that short time, my riding has improved greatly over what it was on the Cannondale. Would the same thing have happened on another FS bike? Probably. When I was looking for a FS, I borrowed a friends spare bike (VT one) for a weekend. The Asta is head and shoulders above the Giant. The push-push setup of the SRAM shifters took a little getting used to, but it shifts oh-so-sweetly, even out of the box, just a little cable stretch after the first couple of rides. I got the cockpit adjusted to fit, and the seat and bars are COMFY. The brakes flawless with no squeaking at all so far. The tires seem to hook up pretty well on the AZ hardpack with loose stuff and rocks on top of it, although I do have to run them a little low (29 lbs) or they feel a little loose (hopefully, I can avoid pinch flats, so far, so good). I am still dialing in the suspension. I ride with the rear shock open most of the time. I get a little bit of pedal bob, if it gets too bad, I just reach down and put it in pro-pedal, and the bob goes away! The assembly was a piece of cake (multi-tool included), but possibly a diagram or picture of how to route the cables and brake hoses could be included in future models? All things considered, I would have to say that the Asta Expert X9 is the best bang for the buck available anywhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC, USA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
US National Whitewater Ctr.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
ibex.com
Strengths:
Value, components, handling, finish.
Weaknesses:
Seat post tends to slip unless clamp adjusted VERY tight. This is a minor problem.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
As issued by Ibex. Sram X-9 components. 2007 model.
Bottom Line:
This is a great deal on a great bike! Bike arrived within 36 hours of order. The Sram X-9 shifters and derailers function flawlessly. The Rock Shox forks and shock can be adjusted to exactly match one's weight and trail conditions. This bike handles very well in tight single track. Assembly can be performed by a talented 10 year old in less than an hour. The derailers needed fine tuning, but was easy to do following provided instructions. Moved the brake levers inboard of the shifters to facilitate one finger braking without the lever hitting my knuckles. The metal flake paint looks much better than the picture. Bike came with bike tool, pedal wrench and touch-up paint!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, California Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
ibex.com
Strengths:
Handles like a dream. Technical single track is its home. The 71 deg head angle is perfect for tight switchbacks. Easy to steer away from ruts and between obstacles. Downhill (though I'm no expert here) is very predictable.
Has a longer cockpit than my old bike. Odd at first but now much prefer it as my back is more comfortable.
The adjustments that can be made to the suspension are endless. Lockouts and damping provide many options. Seems to climb rough technical like a mountain goat with no lockout (tires stay hooked up). The brakes work flawless (even after long downhills) as does the shifting of the SRAM X9 drivetrain.
Weaknesses:
Not being able to physically ride the bike before the purchase(minor given the detailed sizing specs). Had a slightly bent DR hanger from shipping but a new hanger was shipped right away.
Frame: 6069 alum (nice welds btw) Fork: Rock Shox Reba SL (dampening lockout) Rear Shock: Rock Shox MC 3.3 Air (3 positions) Shifters: SRAM X9 Trigger Front Derailleur: SRAM X9 Rear Derailleur: SRAM X9 Crankset: TruVativ Stylo 3.3 (44/32/22T) Cassette: SRAM PG-970 9-spd (11-34T) Brakes: Hayes HFX-9 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Rims: Sun DS2-XC Rims Hubs: Novatec 4/2 Sealed Bearing Hubs Tires: Maxxis Ignitor 26" x 2.10 Headset: Cane Creek S-3 Cockpit Set: TruVativ XR Saddle: WTB Pure V Race Pedals: Ritchey Comp V4 Clipless
Bottom Line:
Compares easily to a $2500.00 bike. Unbelievable pricing for a highend ride! Great customer service. Shipped exactly as promised. My advice: find a bike with similar frame geometry and take it for a spin to decide on fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Wading River NY Date Reviewed: November 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
IBEX
Strengths:
Excellent components, price, and great customer service.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y5
Bike Setup:
Sram X-9 shifters, Rock shox Reba SL fork with remote lock out, and rear Rock shox MC 3.3 with lock out switch.
Bottom Line:
8 mile single track ride covered with mud and leaves and hairpin turns and the bike handles fantasticly. The Ibex Asta expert is a top of the line bike at an entery level price. I highly recommend this bike to anyone who likes a great value and is looking for a full suspension set-up that wont break the bank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
txjohng
a Cross Country Rider
from Tx Date Reviewed: November 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
walnut creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Ibexbikes.com
Strengths:
Price \Components \Customer Service \IBEX
Weaknesses:
None Really
Similar Products Used:
none. this is my first FS bike. I also have a motobecane fly pro HT which I would also recommend. But as far as a FS bike goes this is a great value
Rock Shox MC 3.3 Air* 3-Position Platform/Lockout Switch Shifters:
SRAM X9 Trigger Front Derailleur:
SRAM X9 Rear Derailleur:
SRAM X9 Crankset:
TruVativ Stylo 3.3 (44/32/22T) Cassette:
SRAM PG-970 9-spd (11-34T) Chain:
KMC Z9200 Brakes:
Hayes HFX-9 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Levers:
Hayes HFX-9 Hydraulic Rims:
Sun DS2-XC Rims Hubs: Novatec 4/2 Sealed Bearing Hubs Tires: Maxxis Ignitor 26" x 2.10 Headset: Cane Creek S-3 Cockpit Set: TruVativ XR Saddle: WTB Pure V Race Pedals:
Ritchey Comp V4 Cllipless
Bottom Line:
For $1300 or $1400 this bike comes close to the specs of the Giant Trance 1, but the weight of the Trance 2.
The weight is ~29.2 lbs WITH pedals
So at first I was trying to decide between the Asta Comp X7 ($1000) and the Asta Expert X9 ( $1400)
I eventually decided on the X9 because of the Sram X9 and the better shock on the X9.
I during my decision period ( 2-3 weeks). Yeah, I a very long time. Well a decent amount of time was trying to find a better deal than the X7 or X9 and that just did not happen.
Anyway, Jack and Ibex as well as the rest of the users on MTB forum have been awesome answer any and all my questions. Shipping was quick and the value of the bike is outstanding.
Assembly of the bike was simple. It honestly took about 20 minutes to get it out of the box and put it together. I did have to make minor derailleur adjustments on the front and back ( VERY EASY)
TEST RIDE - I went through a field and felt like I was riding in a Lexus, my moto felt like an old truck. The fit was perfect. I have about an 1.5 inches left in the post before I hit max, but the fit is perfect, much more comfortable fit that the moto. The shifting was SMOOTH. It was nicer/easier/smoother than my moto ( LX/XT). Now, this the X9 is not nearly as fast as the moto. You lose a lot of energy in the 4" of travel in the front and rear. In my moto, I can easily get 25 mph on a straight road, I had a lot of trouble doing it with the ibex, even with everything locked out, attempting to do so tired my out too. Obviously, that is a trade off with a FS vs HT. One is faster, the other tougher and more comfortable.
Others: The one thing that suprised me the most was that the bike had every manual. I had manuals coming out of my ... There was a manual for pretty much every component on the bike. This was the only time I ever got manuals purchasing a bike, normally I get some 5 page user manual. Although it may not seem like a huge deal, I was impressed.
Verdict - Kinda so-so about the weight, wish it was ligher, but I really cannot complain. I mean this bike has components that are on most $2000-$2500 bikes, but is a pound or so heavier, but a GRAND cheaper. If I really wanna drop weight, I will buy different tires, and some carbon stems\handle bars and maybe the seat. But it is not that big of a deal and I am gonna keep it stock.
The bike is great, the Sram X9 are IMO better than shimano XT. The bike looks SHARP. WOW. My friend said that the pictures on IBEX do not do the bike justice.
If you are looking at other brands, I'd seriously condider an Ibex. I'd ( I have ) recommend(ed) Ibex to friends. I really cannot believe the value of the bike. It may seems wierd buying a bike, you never rode. But I am happy that I did. My LBS were selling bikes for $200 more than what I paid for this that had deore level components on them. And you do get satisfaction out of assembling your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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