Ibex Bicycles Vantage 5500 04

Price Paid:  $834.00 at Ibex

Favorite Ride:
Ibex Vantage 5500

Bike Setup:
6061 Aluminum frame,carbon fork,105 brakes,derailures,shifters,Truvativ crankset,ALX280 wheels,Kenda Kontender tires,Ritchey Comp seatpost and handle bars and a WTB Shadow saddle.

Summary:
Bike is the Ibex Vantage 5500,105 components. Previously had a Giant Cypress,it was good for what it was designed for, that being a comfortable ride around town bike. I found the Ibex Bikes on the internet when I first started looking for a road bike and was very impressed with the looks and components of these bikes.However I was a little hesitant to purchase something like that on the internet so I looked at the local bike shops for something close to the same set up and could not find anything within $350 of the price for the 5500. I test road the Giant OCR 2. It was a nice bike and road well, but they would not come down a penny on the price and the components did not come close to the components on the Vantage 5500,So I ordered the Vantage 5500. What a great decision that was . The Bike came in three days. I had it together and riding it in about an hour. I can't say enough about the Ibex co. Friendly , prompt service and products equal to any of the name brands in the same catagory. This bike is alot of fun to ride ,it is fast and makes climbing hills alot easier. All the components Function perfectly.

Strengths:
Light,fast and climbs hills great. Quite comfortable on longer rides too. Value is unbeatable.

Weaknesses:
I only have about 200 miles on this bike, but I haven't found any yet

Similar Products Used:
None,Other than the Giant OCR 2 that I test rode

Price Paid:  $839.00 at ibexbicycles.com

Summary:
Ordered the bike online. Got it 2 days later. When the box arrived at my house, I thought it was missing some parts, since the box was so light. Everything was there, exactly what the manufacturer said.
The silver paint was flawless, and the shiny black 105 components gave the bike an overall sleeky look. In my attempt to adjust the front derailleur, I made it worse, and have to take it to a shop. Put 30 miles on it on the first week. So far, it is a great bike. Now has 100 miles on it, and looking forward to riding more.

Strengths:
Smooth ride, all components have a quality feel to them. Could not get a better bike for the money.

Weaknesses:
Seat choice could be better. Suggest giving buyers a choice of clipless pedals (I have a few pairs of SPD-type shoes, had to buy SPD pedals, the bike came with SPD-SL pedals)

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
My Ibex Vantage 5500 was delivered as advertised. Looks great. No problems. I'm a recreational rider but decided to bike from DC to Boone, NC on the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway and camp along the way. About 500 miles in 5.5 days. The Ibex performed flawlessly even with an extra 30 lbs. on a rear rack I added for the trip. I'm not a bike expert but I doubt if you could find a better bike for the money. Go Ibex!