[kg/cm²]

Hi everyone,

I hope to be joining the Ellsworthian clan in the near future. My fiance bought me a new Truth frame from an acquaintance of hers and I don't know what year it is. She's not telling me exactly how much she paid for it, but she said it was less than $2000. I am assuming it's either a 2001-2003. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

P.S. I don't know much about bikes and am hoping to build this bike up nicely without robbing a bank.

Anyways, here's some pics:

 

[kg/cm²]

Also...

Can anyone tell me if this is the year that are pervious to the seattube cracks that I have been reading about here? Also, is the Cane Creek AD-12 a good rear shock? I haven't read much about it here because everyone else seems to have everything other than this.

Thanks a bunch guys for your time.

 

[Trevor!]

I think its an 2003 frame. Definitely not a 2001, but changes are subtle. And the CC shock throws me off a little.

You can also purchase from Ellsworths web page the nicer headtube badges, which look great FWIW.

Either way, your going to love it, your wife is great, and that frame looks untouched.

 

[Ellsworth Bicycles]

2002

02 Model Year, looks like new condition. Air rebound damping is very, ummm, limited. Hopefully you weigh under 160lbs for the shock to work best for this application. Sweet frame -Enjoy.

 

[kg/cm²]

Thanks for the responses guys!...Trevor!, thanks for the comments--much appreciated... I am very greatful of my "soon to be"...this frame is definitely brand spankin' new...

just curious Ellsworth Bicycles, how can you tell what year it is? what is it that you are looking at to determine '02 vs '03? I really would like to know. I ASSumed that it was an '03 (like Trevor! said) only because of the other pictures that I have seen of an '02 have a straight welded support piece (sorry don't know the proper terminology) between the top tube and the seat tube where as the '03 have the "curvy" support piece. Also, what do you mean by, "Air rebound damping is very, ummm, limited". I take it that it is not very good? Please educate me...

 

[Ratt]

My guess is '02 because you have the early '02 seat stays (non re-enforced disc tabs).

......... '02 have a straight welded support piece (sorry don't know the proper terminology) between the top tube and the seat tube where as the '03 have the "curvy" support piece. .....

Actually the late '00 and '01 frames had the straight support piece, late '00 were solid and '01 had oval holes in them. '01 style frames were sold till around May '02 when the "curvy" '02 frames were finally introduced.

 

[kg/cm²]

Ahhh...thanks for the info Ratt...I guess I do have the '02 then considering that my fiance just gave me the '02 registration card,'02 manual,'02 catalogue, and CC AD-12 manual. Thanks again guys.

One more quick question if you don't mind. Regarding the rear-shock...I fluctuate my weight 180lbs +/-5 lbs. what rear shock would you recommend? i am assuming the coil spring?

TIA

 

[Trevor!]

Ahhh...thanks for the info Ratt...I guess I do have the '02 then considering that my fiance just gave me the '02 registration card,'02 manual,'02 catalogue, and CC AD-12 manual. Thanks again guys.

One more quick question if you don't mind. Regarding the rear-shock...I fluctuate my weight 180lbs +/-5 lbs. what rear shock would you recommend? i am assuming the coil spring?

TIA

Whilst a coil is an option, such as the Romic, on the 2004 models the bikes shipped with Fox AVA pro pedal air shocks. They seem to be popular for a number of reasons including the fact that they are highly tunable, particularly for heavier riders and also because the pro pedal part minimizes the little bob that will occur on the Truth.

If you can hold off for a little while I would be partial for getting the new Fox RP3 (I think thats the name) which allows for the pro pedal element to be turned from on to 1/2 on to off. - That would be cool I think on the the truth.

Another option would be to call Ellsworth and see what they suggest.

 

[kg/cm²]

Whilst a coil is an option, such as the Romic, on the 2004 models the bikes shipped with Fox AVA pro pedal air shocks. They seem to be popular for a number of reasons including the fact that they are highly tunable, particularly for heavier riders and also because the pro pedal part minimizes the little bob that will occur on the Truth.

If you can hold off for a little while I would be partial for getting the new Fox RP3 (I think thats the name) which allows for the pro pedal element to be turned from on to 1/2 on to off. - That would be cool I think on the the truth.

Another option would be to call Ellsworth and see what they suggest.

Thanks Trevor!...very helpful info!

 

[rr]

This was part of his question that wasn't answered.

Yes it is, although there hasn't been as many as the 01's since they changed the support on the seattube. I would DEFINITELY go with the coil at your weight, mine rode much nicer with the Romic and according to Ells. there is less stress on the frame with the coil.
Also, if there is a break, will Ells. cover the frame or make you pay the upgrade fee for the new design? Maybe they can answer that question.