The NEW Manhattan Project is the culmination of continuing research, engineering, development and testing to produce the ultimate titanium road frame. Utilizing custom drawn 3Al/ 2.5V titanium tubing, and engineering the tubing profiles so they are force specific in nature, then mating the front triangle with proprietary KESTREL EMS Composite seat stays; Airborne has achieved a ride quality that is unmatched at any price point. (Six sizes available: 51,53,55,57,59 and 61cm)
Strengths: Price w/ the military discount could not be beat! Configurable database allowing you to custom build your bike. Frame quality is outstanding. Definitely on par w/ Moots, Litespeed, Merlin, etc. at a fraction of the price!
Weaknesses: The rider & not enough time to ride? Seriously... Airborne.net giving up and becoming Flyte (Flyte1.com) was an unexpected blow and discouraging knowing now that if I have future warranty problems requiring frame replacement it will be a Flyte frame. I prefer the raw/unpainted Ti frames vs their new painted frames plus they do not currently offer a Ti frame w/ carbon seat stays like the Manhatttan Project.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2005 model. I have put over 3,500 miles on this workhorse and could not be happier. I have had no problems at all. Remarkable ride. The frame is extremely light and coupled with the carbon seat stays and fork the ride is smooth and compliant.
If you can still find one out there garb it. You will not be disappointed.
Strengths: Everything! Ride, Handling, etc. Titanium Frame, Matching Airborne Fork and Seat Stay by Reynolds, Welds, Kysrium wheels, much better deal than Merlin, Moots, Litespeed, etc.
Weaknesses: i am enjoying it too much to realize any weakness
Bottom Line:
I was actually buying two bikes, one for me, one for my wife. I shopped for about 6 months. Felt like Airborne offered the best value - titanium frame, lifetime warranty, 10 day money back trial test, 1/2 price crashed frame replacement, plus you get to select the components, but found out to do this with most bikes in this range you are subject to your LBS prices for those component choices. I found most bike shops tried to sell you on the you need a custom sized bike before they even know if you need a custom sized bike. This bike shop measured both my wife and I before making any kind of determination. We are both extremely happy with our purchases (she got a WASP).
Strengths: Looks. Glides instead of rolls.Goes into fast corners just where you aim it. Saves you a fortune. You will never spend a penny (or cent ) on another frame again.
Weaknesses: I like beer too much.(I had to write something, the bike is perfect)
Bottom Line:
I have just bought the 2005 model with aileron sl full carbon fork. i have seen hundreds of bikes in my time but this is the most beautiful piece of engineering i have ever seen. i would stand it next to anything. it is simply stunning. i have done about 25 miles on this thing and the difference in ride quality between this and my £1000 Giant is clear. This is a bike that you look at and think it is worth twice what you paid, ride it and wonder why you ever rode anything else. No disrespect to the 2004 and 2003 owners but in the aesthetic stakes, the 2005 wins outright.
Similar Products Used: Giant ocr zero (full ultegra)
Nearly as good airborne zeppelin
Bike Setup: Aileron Sl carbon fork and steerer, mavic ksyrium elite wheels, campag centaur group, selle italia titanium flite seat, carbon seat post.Bar phatt tape with gel inserts.
Weaknesses: No quick release seat post. Purely personal preference, but I am not thrilled with the stock handlebar shape.
Bottom Line:
The ride quality of this bike is amazing. I have taken rides up to 70 miles with no fatigue whatsoever. Road vibration is nil. At times I look at the tires to make sure they are not going soft, as the road feels that smooth.
The finish is excellent. And as other writers have noted, the rear triangle is a thing of beauty.
Because I bought it in February, (in northern Michigan) and because I got it at a substantial discount from list price, I did not even try other brands. I cannot imagine liking anything any better.
I've got a chance to purchase either one these bikes both 2004 serotta concours cs or airborne manhattan project with about a $600 difference. They both fit pretty good, any advic Read More »
No pics yet, but am thinking of selling my Airborne Manhattan Project. This is one of the MP frames made when they still used Reynolds titanium tubing. Group is Dura Ace 7800. Two Read More »
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Anyon Read More »
