Ibex Bicycles Vantage JayVee

Price Paid:  $499.00 at IBEXbikes.com

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Fast and Fun

Bike Setup:
Stock Tiagra. Shorter stem. Look pedals. NOTE: DO NOT SUBJECT YOUR KIDS TO CLIPLESS PEDALS IF THEY ARE NOT CONFIDENT ON A ROAD BIKE, OR HAVE NEVER USED STI. I agree with the previous post. I put my daughter on a trainer in front of Zack and Cody (instead of having Coach Troy abuse her for an hour) so she could get used to the STI. Then after a few hundred road miles we moved to the Looks (also got used to on a trainer).

Summary:
I had looked for a Junior sized bike for my then eight year old daughter for almost a year. Each bike I found had several limitations. The Trek(ish) brands all had Sora shifters and 8 speed gearing. They also had 24" wheels (read: royal pain finding replacement tubes and tires), and cromoly forks. The closeset I found was a Bianchi Jr. 24. Again 24" wheels, but at least a low level 9 speed Campy (also $1,200.00!!) Finally I found the IBEX. 9 speed Tiagra (with Shimano 9 speed droping in price, a cheap and easy upgrade in the future), and 650C wheels that are easy to find tube and tire replacements and will last for many years to come. A carbon fork and seatpost. Finally with the great paint job, she stands out from the crowd and is on a better bike than any other kid on the line at kids circuit. It's not a "wanna-be" bike. If your looking for a bike that your kid can be "Lance" for 3 months until they get bored, this isn't it. If your looking for a bike with a better level of components and cockpit appointments that your child can grow to love riding and racing for at least 4 years before ugrading (even if then), this is your machine. At $499.00 you can't even buy the component group by itself! It came very well packed, and went together in less than 30 minutes. Just attach and adjust the front brake, the handlebar (with everything already setup and wrapped), and put on the front wheel. It even came with a muti-tool, step by step instructions, and spare touch up paint!! I wish my first, second, or even third real road bike was this good!

Strengths:
9 speed Shimano Tiagra STI. Carbon fork and seat post. 650C wheels. Velo saddle w/relief. Ritchey bars. Room to grow for at least 4 more years. They added a second set of brake levers on the tops (which could be considered a weakness too), which is a nice touch for everyday fun rides when we are just goofing off.
Not a "wanna-be" bike.

Weaknesses:
Rear triangle is far to long. I know it adds comfort and smoothness to the ride, but that's why you have the carbon fork and seat post. It zaps power to climbs and breakaway acceleration. Truvata cranks and house brakes. Considering the amount of other upgrades they addd to the bike, it's seems that would go all the way around. Catch 22 of being a "no-name bike" if you need to sell.

Similar Products Used:
Many years worth of steel, aluminum, and carbon. Most of which I still have and ride to this very day!

Price Paid:  $599.00 at IBEX

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
IBEX Vantage JV

Bike Setup:
Lightweight 38" 6061 aluminum frame (18+ lbs) with carbon fork, Tiagra STI shifters, derailleurs and rear cassette. TruVativ kid sized crankset. Alex 650 cm wheelset. Great kids sized seat that is lightweight, comfortable and has the cutout for less pressure on the family jewels.

Summary:
IBEX Vantage JV Kids Road Bike. It's very hard to find a kids road bike. This was easily the best that I came across during my search. It's sized for kids 9-13 years old. This bike is basically the downsized equivalent of an adult road bike in the $750 to $1000 price range from Trek, Giant or Specialized. Thank you IBEX for filling a niche that even the big boys have ignored. Now I can take my son out for long rides on something other than a heavy knobby tired mountain bike.

Strengths:
The paint job is fantastic!!! Beautiful yellow, green and white color scheme. Lightweight, with good components so you don't have to worry about upgrading and swapping out parts. Excellent value. The bike was superbly packaged and took only 30 minutes to assemble although I spent another 10-15 with adjustments, seat and brakes. IBEX added a 2nd pair of brake levers for when the kids have their hands on the straight part of the bar which my son seems to like when he is in a relaxed upright position on the bike.

Weaknesses:
The rear wheel was badly out of true and I had to take the bike to the shop to get the wheel true so I could dial in the correct brake setting without having the brake pads rub. The adult style shifters built into the brake levers are not as easy to shift for kids who are used to the typical mountain bike shifters they have seen over the years. Rather than have my son looking at his shifters while riding instead of the road ahead, I mounted the Vantage JV on my indoor trainer and he watches TV while riding (eyes in front instead of down) and he has gotten much better and smoother with the STI shifters as a result. Don't get your kid out on a busy trail until they are comfortable and ready.