Ibex Bicycles Corrida CT 3.3

Price Paid:  $369.00 at direct

Model Year:
2007

Summary:
Fantastic bike for the price. Got it yesterday and took it for a spin today. Fantastic ride! Beats the heck out of every name brand bike I tried costing up to twice as much. That includes Specialized, Marin, Trek, etc. Fantastic customer service from IBEX too. Great company to purchase from!

Price Paid:  $369.00 at direct

Model Year:
2007

Summary:
Fantastic bike for the price. Got it yesterday and took it for a spin today. Fantastic ride! Beats the heck out of every name brand bike I tried costing up to twice as much. That includes Specialized, Marin, Trek, etc. Fantastic customer service from IBEX too. Great company to purchase from!

Price Paid:  $449.00 at ibexbikes.com

Favorite Ride:
Ibex Corrida CT

Bike Setup:
2007 model, all stock so far.

Summary:
Only ridden a few miles so far. Very nice bike for the price. It's a perfect compromise between a comfort/urban bike and a true road bike. The seating position is relaxed, and the components are surprisingly competent for a bike under $500. Easy to assemble.

Strengths:
Value Value Value. Good support from Ibex. Much lighter than your average comfort bike. Easy to ride fast. Ibex sizing chart was right on.

Weaknesses:
There were a few scratches on the frame, but nothing too noticeable. The Ibex road saddle is perhaps a bit too hard core for a bike that straddles the comfort category.

Similar Products Used:
None -- this is my wife's first serious bike.

Price Paid:  $434.00 at ibexbikes.com

Favorite Ride:
Corrida CT 3.3 (2007)

Summary:
I have to admit I'm a little frustrated because I bought the bike a month in advance to get the great price deal and they promised the bikes would ship on July 31st. I was really excited about the bike and the great deal that I got. But it didn't ship July 31st. Today is the 3rd of August and I just got the email from FedEx this morning telling me my bike was being shipped, although it hasn't left Georgia yet. Plus, the estimated arrival date is an additional week after it was expected. You would hope you could get your bike at least in the same week that they promised to ship it. I'll probably add to this review my opinion on the bike once it arrives, but for now, this is my review of my purchase.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Ibexbikes.com

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
West Orange Trail

Bike Setup:
2005 Ibex Corrida CT, 24 pounds, Shimano R440-8 shifters, Front derail- Shimano R443, crankset-TruVativ Iso-flow triple, Rear Derail- Shimano Tiagra, brakes - Tektro RX 1.0, Tires Kwest Kendra, Rims- Alex rims RPD15. See Ibex website for complete component listing and any changes for 2006.

Summary:
Keep in mind that I am not an experienced cyclist and I have never ridden a high end bike with hign end components. That being said, I decided to start cycling six months ago to give me knees a break from running and did not want to invest a great deal of money in a bike in the event I didn't stick with it. I did a good deal of research and Ibex seemed to have the best product for the money. In six months I have not been disappointed. For starters, I placed my order on a Sunday and the bike arrived the next Wednasday (shipped from Atlanta to Orlando, FL) The bike was fairly easy to assemble, but, unless you are an experienced bike mechanic, I recommend taking it to a shop for some fine tuning, but that is to be expected "out of the box." After the fine tuning at the shop, the bike has performed very well. The components are obviously are not high end for $400,but are not bottom of the barrel either. The seat should be enhanced with a gel cover or thrown into the woods, but otherwise this bike is an incredible value for $400. I have ridden about 50 miles a week for about six months and have had no problems with any components. I have only had the shifters/front deraillers adjusted twice. The bike is fast, responsive, relatively light and durable. If you are looking for an entry level bike to introduce yourself to cycling, I challenge you to find a better bike with better components for $400. As I get more serious about cycling, I am sure I will eventually upgrade my bike, but the way my Ibex has performed I am in no hurry to do so. And remember, cycling is about legs, lungs and lactic acid threshold. If you don't have these developed all the carbon fiber frames and Dura Ace components in the world won't help you. Excellent bike for commuter of casual rider.

Strengths:
Value. All components have performed very well. Since I have purchased the bike, I have attempted to find a comparable bike for $400 and haven't been able to come close except for used.

Weaknesses:
I won't know until I ride a higher end bike. Ignorance is bliss.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale (unknown model) mountain bike with Shimano Deore components. A slightly better bike, but $650 more.