Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Seven Months with the Seven

Well I think it has been seven months now since I got the IMX. I figured this would be a good time to write a long term review on the bike.
Here is the build:
Custom Seven IMX
Fox F29 fork
I9 Wheels (Arch rims)
Hope floating rotors 160mm
Salsa skewers
King headset
XTR Cranks
XTR dual control shifters
XTR front/rear der.
XTR pedals
XT calipers
XTR Cables
Ritchey WCS 4 axis stem
FSA K-Force light flat bars
Ergon grips
Kent Erikson Sweet post
Specialized Alias saddle
Kenda Karma 2.1

The ride quality of the bike is really close to a full suspension bike. I have been quite impressed with how comfortable the frame really is. I am not sure if it is the bigger tires, the ride quality of the frame or more than likely the combination of many little things, but it really has a great feel to it. I have been able to push much faster through the turns than I could any of my other bikes. It seems as hard as I push it the bike still has more to offer. The stability of the bike is really good also, I still cant track stand it, but climbing off camber parts of the trail and low speed maneuvering is very balanced. I dont know how to describe the feel of the frame other than suspension like. It is not as jarring as my steel frame 29er, and it feels like it skims over the rough stuff at times.
The I9 wheels are strong, roll fast and are light. I had one spoke come loose so far, but otherwise I have not had to touch them. They arent making as loud of a clicking sound as some of my friends wheels that have them for some reason. Maybe they are all a bit different?
The hope rotors have been a pain. I can not eliminate the rubbing from them. The front I had to take off and put a avid rotor on the bike.
I am really liking the Sweetpost. It looks great on the bike, and I think it contributes to the overall ride quality. I had it slip on me twice after I first put it on. I have tightened it down now and no problems.
The Karmas are really good tires for the trails I ride. They just seem to grip and then grip some more. I am debating trying a SB8/Karma setup, but right now I am happy with the karmas.

I really love the bike. Everytime I look at it I just think to myself, that is such a hot bike! :) I have no regrets, it is better than I could ever of hoped for. I really dont see myself getting another mountain bike for a long time.

1 comment:

cjsbike said...

"I really dont see myself getting another mountain bike for a long time."

-Yea, bike junkies do not believe in that statement.

-Karmas are the best. I know, that is coming from the Kenda Pitchman.

Sweet and solid bike.

I think a Ti Quring is in my future when school is done.

-Chad