REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Elsworth Dare... hit or miss?

1798 Views 16 Replies 14 Participants Last post by OneBlueJoker, Aug 13, 2004

Korrupt

Discussion Starter · Aug 10, 2004

In about a year i plan on being "hardcore" enough to own a good fs extreme fr/dh bike. I am looking at the dare b/c i know the elsworth is a good name, and also b/c its half the price of the stab primo

Any feedback on the dare? I have looked around, but found no real beefy/detailed info. Thanks.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

freeriderp2

· #2 · Aug 10, 2004

Ellsworth Good Name

Sry buddy but Ellsworth might have a good name to you, But there going out of buisness and in a year there proably won't be a ellsworth. If i were you look at Bullit and Scream, two very nice bikes that are both cheaper than the stab primo.

konabiker

· #3 · Aug 10, 2004

freeriderp2 said:
Sry buddy but Ellsworth might have a good name to you, But there going out of buisness and in a year there proably won't be a ellsworth. If i were you look at Bullit and Scream, two very nice bikes that are both cheaper than the stab primo.

i didnt know they were going out of business. are you getting mixed up with balfa? or are they really goin out of business. dare is a hit for sure though. sweet bike. i rode one and fell in love with it, but will never afford.

oh and the dare isnt half the price of a primo frame, i actually think the dare is more.

freeriderp2

· #4 · Aug 10, 2004

Yeah he's right the Primo's MSRP is 2069.99 and i heard the Dare is 2400, and thats frame only for both. I am pretty sure there going out of buisness because my friend was looking into a joker and our my bike shop told us that they were going out of buisness. You'll have to ask someone else.

konabiker

· #5 · Aug 10, 2004

freeriderp2 said:
Yeah he's right the Primo's MSRP is 2069.99 and i heard the Dare is 2400, and thats frame only for both. I am pretty sure there going out of buisness because my friend was looking into a joker and our my bike shop told us that they were going out of buisness. You'll have to ask someone else.

i would'nt be surprised if they went out of business. ive heard some horror stories from people.

Trevor!

· #6 · Aug 10, 2004

I don't quite think Ellsworth are going out of business, don't know where that rubbish came from?

I suppose there would be pros and cons with going with the Ellsworth over the more affordable Kona.

One the first hand, the Ellsworth is very expensive your a frame only, but you can have an entire bike if you purchase a Kona, secondly, the Ellsworth has got the advantage of ICT, in which whilst being a DH bike will have the versatility of being ridden up hill without sapping every last bit of energy out of your legs. Thirdly, the Ellsworth is anodized and shot peened, which as you DH folk will appreciate makes for a more durable finish over fancy looking paint jobs. I don't know which bike will be the better bike, I suppose if you can get out and ride both bikes. I have seen both in Action and they look to be top performers (As you'll probably agree for both bikes).

Shibby

· #7 · Aug 10, 2004

Ellsworth are boutique bikes, one of the priciest out there. Dare frame is ~$500 more than a stab primo frame. The 04 Dare is also super-slack with a head angle of 65.3 degrees (not sure if that is with the 888 or not though).

I doubt Ellsworth is going out of business. Despite the fact that there are very many horror stories out there regarding the treatment of some customers and the warranty (enough to make me never, ever consider one even if I could afford it), there seem to be a lot of people buying them, or at least it seems like there a lot of people out there with new ones, seems like their popularity hasn't really suffered, at least to me...really, I have no idea, but I'm bored

e<i>o

· #8 · Aug 10, 2004

The Dare is nice, but your money is better spent elsewhere.

For a few hundred more than you would spend on the Dare (frame only) you could build up a really killer and complete ride in some other flavor.

IntenseRdr

· #9 · Aug 11, 2004 (Edited)

04 Dare Rocks!! Rocked @ Whistler last week!!

Hey There, Guys

I dont want to start a bash fest

or anything just a simple reply to mabe, answer some questions. I would have to say, that Ellsworth will not be going out of business anytime soon. They are a small company that builds small quantities of nice bikes! They seem sell out of all their frames, before they can even get them shipped out the door. Their customer service has rocked on for me and my friends!! When i was at Whistler last week, and ended up needing help with a small issue, they stepped up to make sure i was taken care of!! I had never had another bike company step up and offer to help out no matter what it took to make it happen! If i needed anything while on my trip, they were willing to ship any part i may need overnite, so i would lose any riding time. I have to say the guys they have working there this year are a great bunch! I know most of the crew there at Ells and they are all really nice people! They all ride what they sell.

Anyway, the Dare is going strong! It screams for speed!!

As for the way the Dare rides!! All i can say is that it loves to go fast, and that it likes to fly as well!! It was very stable on A Line!! It rocked on the Biker X course! I was totally happy with the over all fee of the bike!! The finish is nice as well.. Some of my buds had paint chips from rocks, mine didnt have any chips! Ano Finish rocks!! As for the Kona Stab, its a nice bike!! It is one of my other favorite bikes! There are othe rbikes out there that can be purchased cheaper than a Ells. Like the other post said.. They are more of a boutique bike, not many made. But, they do ride really nice!! Especially when they are tuned correctly.. Another thing about the Dare is that it can built up light, and the thing climbs like a XC bike!! Loved it!! My 04 Dare built up with 888R etc. came in at 38.7lbs.
My 03 Bullit/Shiver was 43lbs, Banshee Scream/Jr.T 46lbs. Anyway, There are a lot of nice bikes out for less money. It all depends on what you are looking for in the ride quality and over all performance. Try to ride all the bikes you are interested in and then pick and choose. Enjoy the ride guys!! Always Wear A Helmet! Best of luck with your choices of bike! Post it up when you get it!!

Happy Trails,
Ellsman1 (Marzman1old forum.)

04Dare/888R w/ Low Rider Crowns
03 Bullit/Shiver/888R
03 Turner Dhr/888R

See less See more

ronny

· #10 · Aug 12, 2004

I second that.

Ellsman1 said:
Hey There, Guys

I dont want to start a bash fest or anything just a simple reply to mabe, answer some questions. I would have to say, that Ellsworth will not be going out of business anytime soon. They are a small company that builds small quantities of nice bikes! They seem sell out of all their frames, before they can even get them shipped out the door. Their customer service has rocked on for me and my friends!! When i was at Whistler last week, and ended up needing help with a small issue, they stepped up to make sure i was taken care of!! I had never had another bike company step up and offer to help out no matter what it took to make it happen! If i needed anything while on my trip, they were willing to ship any part i may need overnite, so i would lose any riding time. I have to say the guys they have working there this year are a great bunch! I know most of the crew there at Ells and they are all really nice people! They all ride what they sell. Anyway, the Dare is going strong! It screams for speed!!

As for the way the Dare rides!! All i can say is that it loves to go fast, and that it likes to fly as well!! It was very stable on A Line!! It rocked on the Biker X course! I was totally happy with the over all fee of the bike!! The finish is nice as well.. Some of my buds had paint chips from rocks, mine didnt have any chips! Ano Finish rocks!! As for the Kona Stab, its a nice bike!! It is one of my other favorite bikes! There are othe rbikes out there that can be purchased cheaper than a Ells. Like the other post said.. They are more of a boutique bike, not many made. But, they do ride really nice!! Especially when they are tuned correctly.. Another thing about the Dare is that it can built up light, and the thing climbs like a XC bike!! Loved it!! My 04 Dare built up with 888R etc. came in at 38.7lbs.
My 03 Bullit/Shiver was 43lbs, Banshee Scream/Jr.T 46lbs. Anyway, There are a lot of nice bikes out for less money. It all depends on what you are looking for in the ride quality and over all performance. Try to ride all the bikes you are interested in and then pick and choose. Enjoy the ride guys!! Always Wear A Helmet! Best of luck with your choices of bike! Post it up when you get it!!

Happy Trails,
Ellsman1 (Marzman1old forum.)
04Dare/888R w/ Low Rider Crowns
03 Bullit/Shiver/888R
03 Turner Dhr/888R

I own a new Joker and I am very pleased. I hate bash fests and only have good things to say about Ellsworth. As far as the Dare I have heard nothing but good things. I have seen these things built up at my LBS and they are by far the nicest looking rig on the market. I would get last years model though for my tastes. The 03 has a steeper head angle for more of a FR/DH flavour. What I do know is that for a bike with over 8" of travel there is no other bike that can match it for pedalling efficiency, climbing, and weight. Especially the 03 version. The VP free is getting the press but the Dare will smoke it easily. Many riders with the 03 version use it for all types of riding because of the weight and climbing efficiency.

Jm.

· #11 · Aug 12, 2004

It would be interesting to see if they've fixed the tire-hitting-the-seat flaw on the Dare yet.

The Kadvang

· #12 · Aug 12, 2004

wow, a 37 pound dare

. what components you got on that?

TNC

· #13 · Aug 12, 2004

I don't like Ellsworth, but...

Korrupt said:
In about a year i plan on being "hardcore" enough to own a good fs extreme fr/dh bike. I am looking at the dare b/c i know the elsworth is a good name, and also b/c its half the price of the stab primo Any feedback on the dare? I have looked around, but found no real beefy/detailed info. Thanks.

I will concede that the Dare is a very good bike. The Truth is an overpriced joke, but I've seen Dares perform very well and maintain integrity in realiability. The one thing I have to concede to, however, is that other frames like the SC VP Free are at least as good and a heck of a lot cheaper. Unless you're getting a heck of a price break, I'd go with something else.

ndinh

· #14 · Aug 13, 2004

Yep, it's pretty awesome

I've owned one for over a year and it's by far the best FR/DH bike I've ridden. Yes, there are better DH only frames but I've never ridden a bike that can fly down a rock garden and then climb up for miles like a Dare. Yeah, it's kinda expensive but when you look at the shot peened/laser etched finish and the inside cable routing and the beefy construction, it's pretty bad a$$. I've never had to deal with customer service so I don't know that side of the coin but I'd recommend a Dare anyday. By the way, I've built mine up fairly light with a Dorado, some ti parts and light FR tiresand it still weighs ~42 lbs so I don't know if homey below has his weight correct. Peace.

IntenseRdr

· #15 · Aug 13, 2004 (Edited)

04 Ells Dare Rocks!! Weight Correction!!

Sorry, Guys!!

I must have been half asleep or something when I posted that weight!! 37lbs..The weight is actually 38.636lbs on a hanging digital scale.. With a 888/ Lowrider crowns.

I admitt to being wrong on that 1st post. No Prob!!

Parts:

04 Dare Blue 16" w/ FOX RC for a few more weeks..
04 888R with Go-Ride Lowrider Crowns oil raised 4cc on each side / heavy springs.
03 Race Face North Shore DH cranks
04 R. Face Sig. DH BB
04 Race Face 38t Dh ring with MRP Dual Slolum chain guide
04 Diabolus Stem
03 R.Face XY Seat post super long.
03 R.Face bars
04 X9 trigger
04 XO Rear Der.
04 King HS Red Ano
04 ODI Lock ons yeti HC
04 Magura Gustav M 8' rotors
04 Hadley front and rear 20mm hubs RED Ano
14GA DT Swiss Spokes Sil.
04 Sun MTX Rims
04 WTB Laser V DH Ti seat
04 XT rear cass
04 SRAM PC-99 chain
04 WTB Wierwolf Race for freeride and (WTB Timberwolf DH for DH>>> 43.66lbs)
reg. tubes.
Weight will change when i get my Ti spring from RCS and few other small things done.. May have a 05 Dare on order soon when i hit the show in Vegas.. Depending on what the changes are made for 05.. Anyway, its 38.63lbs for now.. Still not bad.. But when i put the heavier Timberwolves it bumps up the weight..
Enjoy the ride!! Whatever anyone rides is cool as long as you like it and are happy with the way it rides! Just enjoy your bike and the sport!! Always wear a helmet!! Vp Frees in Polished are Sweet!!! Saw one at Whistler!!

Ps. No rear tire hitting on anything as of yet.. I weigh 235lbs with full gear..Mabe it got fixed.. Who knows..

Ellsman1

See less See more

sugardare

· #16 · Aug 13, 2004

Dare, heck yeah.

I had a 2000 Dare and owned it for 4 years. Beat the living crap out of it. When I first got it I ran a DH guide up front (44) and xc'd the thing around Aliso Woods in So Cal. What the heck was I thinking..? I put the xc stay on it with the triples, and rode it for 3 years like that. Freeride, Dh, and XC it all with one bike. The only thing that ever happened was the weld broke at the rear disc mount (while climbing, no less). Ellsworth sent me a new one no charge, no problems. I had a Super T Pro, 321's/Hugi, XT, Raceface, Azonic stuff and it weighed in at about 43. Tell ya what, that bike rocked. Not many people would ride Bootleg Canyon, the long XC loop, then climb to the top of the DH trails, and run down Poopchute in one ride. Not many bikes can do that. Especially a 4 year old, 7" travel bike.

Last words? MONEY WELL SPENT!!!

OneBlueJoker

· #17 · Aug 13, 2004

ellsman your my hero!!!!! I have a joker and i have broken it twice from doing stupid stuff..but anyways i have ridden a dare and they sure are super nice!!! I personally would ride a ellsworth but thats me!

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.