Price Paid:  $0.00 at IF pro deal

Favorite Ride:
Orcas Island

Bike Setup:
Full DA-10; Alpha Q full carbon fork; Open Pro rims; King HS; Vittoria CX corsa tires; Ritchey cockpit; Time pedals;

Summary:
This review is for the steel IF Crown Jewel. This is the finest-riding road bike I've ever had the pleasure of piloting. (And after 6+ years of wrenching in a shop, I got to ride them all.) Every time I get on it, it makes me swear that I will ride more; it just reminds why I love this sport in the first place. The steel ride is incredible--compliant and responsive in a way that carbon and carbon/aluminum race bikes aren't. The slight weight penalty is well worth it. It tracks like it's on rails, and the paint and welds are the sharpest I've ever seen. BTW--huge props to Matt for incredible customer service! IF absolutely stands behind their product.

Strengths:
Ride quality; construction and finish quality; skilled craftspersons actually MADE IT--you know--with their HANDS!

Weaknesses:
Maybe the wait time, but it's definitely worth every second.

Similar Products Used:
Trek carbon; early 90s steel lugged Basso; Cannondale R series; etc.

Price Paid:  $3500.00 at Grace Bicycles, Holl

Bike Setup:
Ti CJ frame w/ S&S couplers, Ultegra 10sp with compact cranks, Pro Ouzo carbon fork, Ksyrium SLs turing Bontrager race-X-lite tires, Bontrager race-X-lite carbon handlebars, Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost and stem, Terry Zero Y saddle

Summary:
First off, the old adage is correct...you get what you pay for. First let me specify that this review is for a 2006 Ti Crown Jewel with S&S couplers for traveling. This bike is a road-riders dream. It is responsive, light, and corners on rails. It is strong with hard stands with minimal flex in the frame due to the oversized Ti tubing (and I am no small fellow at 6'3" 220lbs). The finish is impeccable and the bike fit is fabulous. No more shifting of position to gain comfort on long rides, no more aching or numbing....just simply unbelievable. No production bicycle can come close and I doubt many "custom" bikes can as well. Plus, Matt at IF is super nice to deal with, knowledgable, and genuinely passionate about IF's.

Strengths:
Fit and finish, unbelievable ride, working with folks at IF to design and build. Hey I liked mine so much my wife went out and bought one!

Weaknesses:
They should be characterized as a drug of abuse...because they are addicting.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5.2SL Madone, Softride TT, Cannondale

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at LBC

Favorite Ride:
Any/All

Bike Setup:
IF Steel Crown Jewel with Record, Easton Orion II (or Zipp 404), K Sword Handlebars, Thomson Masterlight seatpost, Arione, Yadda Yadda...

Summary:
I am reviewing a Crown Jewel with the carbon Seatstay. First off, I totaled this bike and went right back into the shop and ordered another. That really is all that I need to say, isn't it?
But why? Mine rode like a dream. It flexed and sprung back on sprints, it stuck to the road on rough descents, it climbed like a monkey. It was perfect.
Anyone who is considering whether to get steel or Ti, I highly recommend the steel, it just ride better. It only adds a pound of mass. Just eat one less donut a week and you can afford the weight gain on the bike.
My only complaint, is DAMN, those steel frames are getting expensive.

Strengths:
All, including superior customer service.

Weaknesses:
Order wait time.

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Victoire Ti, Merlin Agilis, Moser AX Leader, Old Team Fuji Fixed gear conversion, Tommassinni steel...

Price Paid:  $3800.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 10sp, Kysrium Elite II wheels, Reynolds Ouzo fork, Stella stem & bars, Look Keo pedals

Summary:
I was planning on spending a lot of money on this bike that I'd been waiting a while to buy. After looking at what I could get off-the-shelf, I figured I'd just spend the extra and get a custom frame. It makes all the difference in the world.

Strengths:
Custom fit. I noticed after my first long ride that I wasn't sore in places I normally was. It's so comfortable, rides are longer and more enjoyable. It's very light as well. When I put the component list together, I was going for comfort over weight, but the bike still is about 19lbs. Lastly, it's a beautiful machine.

Weaknesses:
Custom made means a long wait. No instant gratification. Also, the cable running up the top tube is on the side, so my left leg rubs against it when I'm standing at a light. Small detail, not a big deal.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondales, Trek Carbon

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Chainwheel Drive

Favorite Ride:
IF Steel Crown Jewel

Bike Setup:
Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork, Thomson Elite Stem, Deda 215 Bar, Thomson Masterpiece seatpost, Shimano Ultegra 10 gruppo, Chris King Headset, Bontrager RaceXLight Aero Wheelset

Summary:
The bike is perfect. The fit is better than I ever could imagine. It's like having a suit custom tailored for you, nothing beats it. And the ride, the ride is amazing. Steel is really real. The bike absorbs bumps like magic but still jumps ahead when you put power to the pedals. The resiliency makes it feel almost as though the bike gives you something back.

Strengths:
Paint, fit (geometry and flex), ride.

Weaknesses:
a little heavy but the ride makes up for it

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200, Madone 5.2, Cannondale 6/13