Bike Setup: Stock, except I switched out the saddle.
Summary: I was looking to upgrade from my low-end hybrid to a decent road bike. I'm a recreational rider (I started out doing it more for exercise, but found that I love riding). My rides are generally between 15 and 30 miles, with a lot of hills.
I was looking for the best quality for the money. Given my skill level and what I use the bike for, obviously a Madone SSL was out of the question. But I wanted a decent bike with quality components from manufacturers I recognized. That way, I could compare the components individually and see how they stacked up to the competition.
During my research, I stumbled upon Road Bike Review and saw the ad for Ibex. Like most of the other reviewers, I was skeptical about buying a bike online without trying it first, but I compared the specs to bikes in the same price range (like the Trek 1000 and the Raleigh Grand Sport.) The Vantage 4400 had better components, particularly the Tiagra drivetrain vs. Sora on the others.
I got the bike for Christmas. Although it seemed pretty easy to assemble, I took it to my LBS anyway to have them set it up for me (I know my limitations). I've been very pleased with it. It is light (approx. 22 pounds) and very responsive. I could be that I'm used to a heavier bike (my old one was about 10 pounds heavier), but my Ibex rides like a dream. Given the terrain by me, the integrated shifters are perfect, since I'm shifting all the time. I've been riding it for a few months now without any problems.
Strengths: Great components for the money.
Nice ride.
Weaknesses: None yet. But a more experienced rider may notice something I don't.
Similar Products Used: I tried the Trek 1000 and the Raleigh Grand Sport. I like the Ibex Vantage 4400 better.
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Bike Setup: Stock, added diamond pedals and cloud nine gel seat
Summary: I shopped around for a couple of months trying out some Treks,KHS and Giants. Also I browsed e'bay and various online sites including Ibex. I was concerned about the fit and size, but eventually decided to plunge into the Vantage 4400. I can say hands down it is the best value. Quality wise it appears to match the big names easily. However there is no carbon fork included at this price. For some reason I wanted a yellow bike and I was very impressed by the appearance when I opened the box. It took about 20 minutes to assemble. The wheels were not true and derailers not perfectly aligned (which is common for new crated bikes). My LBS mechanic tuned the bike perfectly for $35 and it is fast and sweet. He complimented on the looks, quality and value a few times.I changed out the pedals and seat for what suited my personal taste. I have only a few miles on it, but plan a road trip next week. I have full confidence in the quality of this road bike and can say it is the best of the bunch for a couple hundred less.
Strengths: Paint and stripping: flawless
Hardware: top name brands
Handling: smooth
Ride: comfortable
Weaknesses: Lacks in-store support, but at this price I can afford to buy some.
Similar Products Used: Raleigh cromoly frames
Haro MTBs
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Summary: First, let me say I had no intention of putting the bike together. Upon arrival I took it to the fine folks at Redlands Cyclery (Redlands, CA) and had them assemble and adjust it. It probably wasn’t necessary, the adjustments seemed right on when I tested it out of the box, but I rely on RC for professional inspection and adjustments and they never let me down.
I’m on a budget so I shop for the best value available. Having said that, the Ibex ride is sweet; I tested the Trek 1000 and 1200, the Giant OCR 2 & OCR 3, and the Cannondale R700 and R500, also Marin and Specialized, all fine bikes in my price range. Like other reviewers I was apprehensive about buying on-line. Once I made the decision to plunge in I was very satisfied with the decision. For the mix of components and the price, the Ibex is unbeatable. I’ve put about 100 miles on the bike over a week and a half and the bike has met or exceeded my expectations. Having ridden a mountain bike for the last 10 years, I was a bit unsure of the sizing so I sent my measurements to Ibex in an email and Alan J. sent his suggestion. He was right and it fit perfectly (after some saddle adjustments at Redlands Cyclery.)
Yesterday was my first long ride on the Santa Ana River trail. The Ibex was a little stiff and unforgiving but tolerable. The rear shifter and derailleur was precise and dependable, the front derailleur was a little sloppy and required “feeling” it into the gears. The fit was glorious, and the overall experience was wonderful. The Ibex performed like a bike at twice the price. I’ll admit that the Ibex turned heads and that’s not a bad thing. I caught a few Trek snobs looking over the components as I passed them, and the Cannondale that passed me looked at the Ibex with respect.
Strengths: The strongest part of the Ibex is the bang for the buck. The Tiagra set up is not intended for the professional competitor, but at my level of self-competition riding (I can see that guy on the Trek about a ½ mile away, I’ll pass him before I get to Anaheim Stadium) this is a good fit.
Weaknesses: The Wellgo pedals, not a deal breaker, just not the best platform pedals available. I plan on replacing them with Shimano clipless.
I received the bike from UPS with a hole in the box, inside one of the bolts holding the handlebars was missing, and the touchup paint had broken in the protective wrap. A call to Ibex and another of each was sent out. These folks care a great deal about their reputation and their bikes, they will make any “weakness” disappear.
Similar Products Used: Windsor & Peugeot road bikes,
GT Telera Mountain Bike.
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