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AlanAZ

• Does anyone have experience with these bikes or has ridden/demo'ed them and can comment on how they're different?
• They look similar: weight, travel, suspension, warranty, etc.
• How about the ride?
• How do they they differ, other than price?
• How about Ellsworth vs. Turner (the companies not the people)?
• If you think these are unlikely bikes to even consider or let alone compare, I'd like to know that also.

If you've seen a post like this, please let me know

THANKS!

jonathan_sykes81

I would go with the 5 Spot just for the CS that Turner is known for, then you would still have one of the best all-around bikes out there.

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TCB

For an unbiased opinion post your question on this forum http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31

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"Keep it singletrack” stay on the trail to avoid widening the trail, on narrow singletrack stop and lean the bike to one side to allow others to pass.

jonathan_sykes81

Hahahahaha, I am going to be laughing at this one for a while. Funny one TCB. Now that I think about it, I guess my recent purchase of an RFX makes me biased. Later.

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mntbiker12

The main difference is that the Spot won't crumble at the first sight of anything resembling a drop

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iLive MTB!

Frame for sale: 04 Haro XLS R7

strobelite

they are both ict, so flip a coin, or choose by color.

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Shin guards are for whoosies!

JoeTruth:I could never trust stiff wood between my legs!

bvader

I have had the Epiph for ~14 months (Edit I can't add), 2 CC's and 1000+ miles later, I love it. It has taken everything I have thrown at it, Luge, SART, RattleSnake, SJT, Rock it etc (for me, I am not a 6 foot drop guy and I weigh ~180), great all around bike, great all around ride. I feel confident on it, I like the way it climbs and descends. I have had no mechanical problem to speak of other than on a "Self Inflicted " components issues. I like my ride a bit stiff and I have mine tuned that way.

I considered the Turners as well, but for right or wrong I always wanted an Ellsworth. I bought it at the Path, so I only really look at their service, which is impeccable. I think/and expect if I had a problem with the frame that they would represent me, I would feel the same way with a Turner. I have had no frame issues so I couldn't tell you about dealing with Ellsworth as a people or company.

I rode an Intense Tracer fully loaded before, that was also a great all around bike but I definitely like the Epiph better, the geometry suites me better. I demo'd the Eipih on a slick/wet day and I felt totally confident on a bike I had never ridden before. That sold me, I never did end up riding the Turner.

I don't think you could go wrong with either, so you will just need to agonize so more. One suggestion I always make to friend in this position is:

Turn off the internet, and the friends and everyone else and close your eyes and ask yourself which on do you really want, not which on you think the specs are better on but which one do you want.

Thats what I did and I have been happy. Good Luck!

Here is my rig:

Attached Images

IMG_1223_pp_small.jpg (88.7 KB, 5 views)

CPATCRASH

The Ellsworth is but I think the suspension on the Turner is the same as a Kona.

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Cowboy.
http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/

jonathan_sykes81

Negative there Ghostrider, ICT is no longer used on Turner bikes, since they no longer use the Horst-link design.

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schleppp

Have had my Id for over a year and love it! Have riden the Epiphany many times and it is also great.

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"It doesn't get any easier, you just go faster." Greg LeMond

MT ID

I have been riding my Id since 2002. Had only one issue that entire time which was resolved without any pain or complaint. I HIGHLY recommend Ellsworth but at the same time I can say nothing bad about Turner as I have never ridden one. With regards to the Ells, one thing you will gather quickly is people have very passionate about there opinions. On the trail, people either love them or hate them. Customer Service is a common rip on Tony but I wouldn't buy into it. You need to buy your bike a reputable shop that will support you if there is an issue. That's why we support the LBS vs buying off eBay. I have heard good things about a few dealers in the San Diego and have personnaly recieved great customer service with Charlie at Cal Coast Bikes.

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MT ID

jonathan_sykes81

Second your sentiments here. I also have nothing but good things to say about Cal Coast. If you are for sure looking for an Ellsworth and are in SD, you should definitely go to Cal Coast, if you are more north I believe The Path sells Ellsworth and they are a great shop. Even though I am a Turner owner, I have nothing negative to say about Ellsworth, a couple of buddies ride Moments with no problems, and one of their Moments is 4 years old. Later.

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strobelite

thanks for the heads up, we do not deal w/ turner anymore, so i was going on past knowledge.

disregard my first post due to moronism.

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Shin guards are for whoosies!

JoeTruth:I could never trust stiff wood between my legs!

Tedroy

... Turner uses precision bushings instead of bearings. Bearings wear out, fill with dirt and end up creaking. Bushings stay clean and tight. They don't creak. Turners have zerk fittings to inject grease into the bushings, forcing out old grease and grime. It's a better design IMHO.

strobelite

just for the record, the epiphany is the stuff wet dreams are made of.

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Shin guards are for whoosies!

JoeTruth:I could never trust stiff wood between my legs!

foofighter

i couldnt have said it better, I bought my epi in july or so and it's been a great all around bike for me. after having it for a few month i was able to start to maximize the frame's ability.

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-Duan
Dulce et Decorum

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asian fury

Both bikes are great trail bikes. In the builds I've seen, Epiphanys are set up for a lighter more uphill friendly ride. The 5 spots are a little beefier and and may be more downhill friendly. I am splitting hairs as both bikes have more similarities than differences, but in the "do everything trail bike" world that's the difference in both bikes. Paint jobs are better on the Ellsworths

CalEpic

Both are bikes I'm sure you'd be happy with. I personally ride the Spot and think it's the best all-around, do-it-all trail bike on the market.

For me the bushings in the pivots vs bearings is a big deal.

Finally, I would never give my money to a company that has a history of completely screwing over it's customers on warranty (Ellsworth). Things may have changed but I doubt it was from any change of heart. Rather the loss of business once the word got out.

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tkblazer: you pedaled up mathis? nice, i'm scared to ride down it

Geronimo

I like bvader's advice: Buy the bike you really want, but if bombing the decents is important to you buy the Turner.

kbteachme

I agree. I like the bushing design much better. I had no pivot problems with my former RFX. I would go with the Turner and you will be happy with more riding and not always taking your bike to your LBS for bushing replacement every 8-12 months of hard riding. Go to Bike Co or The Path and they will both steer you in the right direction.

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"Going to skip the 29er fad and go straight to the 36er" - nappyt