Ibex Bicycles Vantage 6500 04

Price Paid:  $1029.00 at www.ibexbikes.com

Favorite Ride:
Ohio Bike Paths

Bike Setup:
Stock, but swapped out stem for an adjustable one and seat for a slightly more padded one.

Summary:
IBEX only sells over the internet which means you don't get to ride the bike before you buy it and returns could be a hassle. I'm generally happy with this bike, there's no doubt it's a great value. The components are well matched and suited to the frame. This frame is the "compact geometry" style which most of the manufacturers seem to be going to. I'm 6'1" and the "large" size frame feels small, but I'm getting used to it. I'm having trouble getting the handlebars high enough since the stock stem doesn't have enough adjustment (only flipping it over). IBEX traded me for an adjustable stem, which helps, but is quite a bit heavier. Assembly and adjustment was not trivial even for someone mechanically inclined. I had to move the front derailleur and fuss with it quite a bit before it would shift properly. There were metal caps on the end of the brake cables that would not allow brake adjustment, but a call to IBEX said they were not supposed to be there and I should remove them which I did and they work fine.

Strengths:
Good value for the money.
Knowledgeable staff.

Weaknesses:
Can't ride the bike before you buy it.
Documentation stinks.
Swapping components via mail is a hassle.

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn, Raleigh

Price Paid:  $1069.00 at Ibex.com

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
This is my first road bike. ANd based on my limited experience all I can say is that this bike is great! I was looking to get a descent bike to start cycling and/or training for tri's, but I didn't want to break the bank. I knew I wanted 105 or better components but I couldn't spend a fortune. Enter IBEX
Full ultegra components; carbon fork; Richey handle bars, stem and seat post.
I had a mobile bike shop assemble the bike and he was very impressed. His quoteafter putting the bike together: "It's not a Ferrari but it's an awefully nice Corvette."
The bike looks great, feels great, has great components and is an unbeatable price. Ibex also has a warranty that is equal to all the big guys.
Try finding a bike with these components for this price. I figure with the bike, shipping, and assembly I still saved about $500 over bikes with similar components

Strengths:
Full Ultegra
customer service
Price
Did I mention Price, full Ultegra for $1000!

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
Looked at Bianchi Imola, Trek, Marin, Cannondale, Giant