Ibis Cycles Inc. Silk Carbon

Price Paid:  $5360.00 at Wrench Science

Favorite Ride:
Calaveras or any twisty with no cars

Bike Setup:
Easton EA90 forks, FSA K-Force Light cranks, Ritchey WCS Evo carbon bars, alloy stem, Cateye micro-wireless, Thompson post, Arione seat, Zipp CSC team issue wheelset, Crank Bro's eggbeater Ti pedals, Vittoria Open Corsa tires and everything else is Shimano D/A

Summary:
Speed: This bike is a solid climber and is just twitchy enough to handle a manic group ride/race. Coming off of a "weapons grade" aluminum Cannondale, I was expecting this bike to feel a little noodley while stomping pedals with the big ring.

Not so. The FSA crank-set with the rest of the drive train from Dura/Ace brings out the best in this bike. The Zipp wheels get and hold their RPMs faster than a banker can spend his bail-out bonus.

Comfort: I'm continually amazed by the plush ride of the ibis SILK SL. The Richey bars are as sweet as a can of frosting with a spoon. The fizik Arione seat needs no introduction. The way the bike coddles the rider feels like I'm cheating. It takes the sting out of the road.

Style: Black on black with minimal graphics make this a bit of a sleeper.

Buy it if: you like to fly
Skip it if: You like to ride hands free.

Strengths:
Light weight, vertical compliance, lateral stiffness, the miracle of carbon. The large radius fillets make it a real looker while keeping it traditional.

Weaknesses:
Other bikes of this vintage would have an integrated seat-post.

Similar Products Used:
I tested wonderful bikes from Scott, Orbea, Time, and others. Those frames cost ~ twice as much and didn't make any noticeable difference in performance. I think the wheel-set has more to do with the feel once you are on a carbon rig.

Price Paid:  $5199.00 at The Hub Bicycle Serv

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Lamar Valley to Bear Tooth Pass

Bike Setup:
Dura-Ace, Easton EA90 SLX, T3 Bars/Post

Summary:
Absolutely the best ride for the money! Last season I rode the Felt F1 SL with Dura-Ace w/ Fulcrums and this bike is 30% less expensive and 60% stiffer in the BB. I weigh in at 150 and the Felt had almost to much flex in the Bottom Bracket for me. It was a super nice ride but the Silk SL has all the positive attributes of the Felt F1 SL w/ more BB stiffness. The geometry (53) feels very similar. Bottom line you can find a sweeter ride for the money.

Strengths:
Light (Superlight!) stiff, comfortable, sexy, unique

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
Felt F1 SL, Cervelo R3, Giant TCR

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Castro Valley Cycler

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
June Lake loop with Tioga Pass to Tuolumne Meadows before the gate opens

Bike Setup:
Campy 2006 Record, Mavic Ksyrium ES, Easton Fork, Deda Alanera one piece bar and stem

Summary:
I switched from my trusty Merlin Extralight to this sweet-looking frame and haven't had a regret as of yet. The second week out I completed the Markleeville Death Ride with another frined on the same frame, both of us totally stoked on the performance. Since then, no issues, and lots of climbing here in Mammoth. I've hit 61 MPH coming down Tioga, and felt confident at that speed.

Strengths:
Smooth as silk, great handling at speed, beautiful lines, great finish, stiff rear triangle. Cheap price for a beautiful frame that performs.

Weaknesses:
Not heavy enought to get me up to my previous record of 65 MPH on Tioga Pass on my Merlin (may be due to new wheels not broken in).

Similar Products Used:
Merlin Extralight
Zinn custom steel

Price Paid:  $1650.00 at Dallas Bike Works

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
yes

Summary:
Built one of these up so I could describe the ride to customers. Used Campy/Stella Azurra build w/FSA Rd600 Wheelset.
The ride is unbelievable! The price is untouchable at 1650.00 w/Easton SLX and headset!
Super light weight. Buttery-smooth ride. Most surprising is the stiffness in the bottom bracket that transfers power right to the road.

Strengths:
Low cost. Boutique cache'

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Felt F1., F2.