[blantonator]

Considering these two bikes. First is a decked out HD3, but would likely have no warranty as is used vs. a new Bronson C S. I like the idea of a warranty on a carbon bike, but how do these two bikes ride in comparison?

 

[happyriding]

3 > 2.

I've demoed them both back to back, and I went with an HD3. The HD3 fit me better, and the HD3 felt like a better technical climber on the hand picked obstacles that I tested a bunch of demos on. That doesn't mean that you would make the same choice after demoing both. If you asked your question on the SC forum, then all the people who chose the Bronson over the HD3 would tell you why they liked the Bronson better. I will say that I was biased towards a Bronson, but I ended up with an HD3. I was underwhelmed by the Bronson.

Are you aware that the HD3's are being sold on closeout? You can/could get a decked out HD3 for under $4k, so used prices need to be adjusted down about 30%. For instance, the low price on this deal was under $3,800. What size are you looking for?

Personally, I would not buy any mtb without a 5+ year warranty. Ibis: 7 years, SC: lifetime.

 

[smoothmoose]

If your concerned about warranty - I believe backcountry/competitivecyclist still have some new HD3 close outs. Jenson had some a couple weeks ago, so you should check.

 

[Blatant]

Interesting. I’ve owned both. Tough call as both are great bikes. The Ibis is beautiful. For me, in AZ riding, I’d say I liked the Bronson slightly better from a performance standpoint. It fit a little better and I tend to prefer VPP to DW.

 

[my02]

Find Creg on this forum.

He went from a L HD3 to a XL Bronson to a XL HD3 (briefly) to a now a L HD4.

I think if he'd had an XL HD3 from the start he would still be on it.

 

[blantonator]

If your concerned about warranty - I believe backcountry/competitivecyclist still have some new HD3 close outs. Jenson had some a couple weeks ago, so you should check.

No mediums left

 

[blantonator]

Looking at this bike next week btw

 

[Creg]

I think if he'd had an XL HD3 from the start he would still be on it.

This is true (tho my Bronson was a large)

DW is night and day better than VPP - plusher, more supportive mid stroke, pedals better, more traction. HD3 geo is getting a bit old school now so the HA is pretty steep for an enduro rig and the reach is short, but when you size up you get a long TT due to the slack seat angle. The bronson fit was better for me, the slacker HA was better for descending and it jumped pretty well too.

I never really gelled with the bronson so I'd go HD3 if given the choice, but HD4 is much better than both of them for me.

 

[saidrick]

Cambria bike has good deals on the hd3 right now and I think they have mediums in stock.

 

[blantonator]

Picked up this guy!

Frame: 2017 Ibis HD3
Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance Series 160mm
Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance Series (w/Vorsprung Corset)
Wheels: Industry Nine Enduro-S Wheelset (w/120pt engagement upgrade)

 

[happyriding]

blatonator,

Nice rig! Post your picture in the "Initial HD3 review" thread--that's where the closeout HD3's are hanging out. If you care to divulge, what are the closeout HD3's going for now?