Ibis vs Pivot vs IronHorse vs Turner

For those of you have ridden these DW-Link equipped bikes, can you describe the different ride characteristics of each? Thanks. I've heard DW talk about how each brand has its own character, even though it's all DW-Link.

 

I rode Pivot and Turner

Pivot is firmer and climbs like a hardtail very much XC oriented.
Turner is plush with great traction but still climbs very very well.....awesome trail bike.

Tried IH once and was quite nice but not enough time on it. Felt a little bit more like turner but didn't feel quite as nice.

Never tried Ibis but heard good things.

 

So Turner is super plush?

 

I tried the new spot and sultan, the spot felt more plush. And everyone's definition of super plush is different so I would say the spot is close to super plush and the sultan is just a bit behind.

 

Which one?

 

Sorry, I had the 429. Very nice bike, solid performer!

It pedals like mad even when standing up, the suspension is a bit firm BUT it tracks very straight in rough stuff and soak up the larger hits very well. :beer:

Unfortunately the sizing is a bit off. I'm 6ft and the chart says I should be on a large but the large was just a bit too big for me. Wish I had bought a medium. #-o

 

It depends...
My observations based on 5" dw-bikes...

Pivot Mach 5: Firm until suspension engages. Pedals like a hardtail. XC feel. Fast. The most efficient pedaling of them all. Super-Duper stiff. Lightweight. Tracks super straight! Technologically superior in many ways.

Turner 5 Spot: Not quite as firm as the Pivot. More plush when the suspension engages (can tell when doing a side by side test). Only the Pivot has a stiffer rear triangle than the Turner. Probably the best example of a SoCal "Do-All" bike I can think of. Yes, that was a compliment! Closer to IH in feel than Pivot. Attention to detail. Greasable bushings!

Iron Horse MKIII: I would say the the bike rides between medium and firm (on the plushness scale). The rear triangle is relatively stiff. Tire clearance may be an issue. The linkage feels less refined when compared to the other three... Considering the company's bankruptcy/legal issues, I would stay away! 8-[

Ibis Mojo: PLUSH!!! Lightweight! While the Ibis does have a relatively stiff rear triangle, the Pivot and Turner have stiffer feeling triangles- period! If you want a Super plush and Super efficient pedaling (do-all) bike look no further!

Not my best work... I will clean it up in the morning!

 

So the Mojo is the plushest? LIke Coil shock plush?

 

The Pivot and Turner feel like a car whose suspension has been set to the "Sport" mode (firm/responsive)!

The Ibis feels like it is set to the "LUXURY Sport" mode (slightly more plush/responsive)!

I do realize I am over-simplifying... I do realize I am over-complicating... I do realize all can be "dialed-in" to suit one's needs... With that said, the differences can be felt!

No possible way you can go wrong with any of them!

 

How does the Giant Trance compare to the bikes above?

Maestro and DW-link are pretty similar.

 

Similar but different, I found the giant responding to body weight shifts more than others.

Out of these;

IH, is no more.

Ibis is sexy but cant hold a water bottle.

Turner (only US DW bike gets my vote) probably rides well but has the style of a delivery van.

Pivot , Edit, imported crap like the rest., Nice design with integrated (next gen) BB and Head set, green friendly Ano coatings, but a price tag to match.

Most people drive a Honda accord or Toyota Camry etc, sure we may lust over Porsche's but the majority (especially in 09) are more practical and realistic in their selection. I would not choose any of these or the VP bikes regardless of cost simply due to the complexity of maintaining all those damn pivots.

Less is more, I wish Turner could un-clutter their designs a bit and give us a simple, effective single pivot at a price point that could double their volume. Until then I expect to see a lot more Kona's, Giant's, and Speshy's broken down on the side of the trail.

 

The lower link is much longer on a Maestro than a DW link!!!
The end result is a different suspension leverage/ratio

One thing I noticed about your REIGN is the fact the axle path is more REARWARD than a dw bike.... I prefer the dw feel... My opinion: The majority of (average) testers would prefer the feel of the Maestro (i.e. parking lot test).

With that said, I am VERY impressed with the improvements made to the 2010 Giant's!!! Looking forward to testing one!!!

 

Are you not liking your 6Point?

 

I've ridden a friends Ibis Mojo often and every time I ride it I am amazed at how plush this light weight 5" DW link bike feels. A medium Mojo weighs about 28 lbs with an AM build and you can make the rear triangle stiffer by adding the " Lopes Link " ( check the Ibis website under the Lopes menu). This bike climbs like a goat,rails the corners and decends some technical terrain. The customer service from Ibis seems to be top notch also.
OK that's my 2 cents worth.
Tony

 

The sky has fallen and hell has frozen over, we are all doomed.

 

Tell me about it...

 

Not at all. In fact, It's the best bike I've ever owned. I love it. I just have upgradeitis and always wonder if the grass is greener on the other side. And, my only complaint is the weight of the bike, but that's more me sucking than anything.

IMO, the best way to describe the difference between my old Reign and the 6point, is that the Maestro seemed less efficient with its travel. It would blow through its travel more, and the 6point is more efficient with using its travel. A bit more predictable and solid feeling while being plusher. Both climbed just as well.

 

My Reign is set up more on the plush side, I also turned the rebound down quit a bit. The one time you let me ride your MKIII your suspension didn't feel quite as plush as my giant, and the rebound was a bit too much for my liking.

I guess your's is set up for pedaling efficiency. Mine is set up so I can bomb hills as fast as I want. I can also turn the propedal on and it feels more like your MKIII.


I REALLY like the 2010 Giant faith. :bang:

 

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