Ellsworth - A New Era 11

BST Nano Carbon purchased Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles in late 2014. Together we aim to bring the manufacturing of Ellsworth's carbon fiber bikes back to Southern California where it all began in 1991. This is our story.
11 comments

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Ellsworth Bikes
9 years ago
Hey, Faster Than U. You're like the rest of us - gladly volunteering to torture test some new bikes! Thanks for the kind words, though we don't have any plans to build anything else with 26" wheels. Have you ridden hard on 27.5" wheels? Just curious...
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Faster Than U
9 years ago
LOL, I didn't think you would make a 26" but I just thought I'd throw it out there. I'm only 5'7ish, (wife says I've shrunk and I'm only 5'6) so I'm on the small side and I'm just not sold on all the hype of bigger wheels, (wider, yes, bigger, no). 26" turns better, the wheels are stronger, stiffer and lighter. And with wide hookless carbon rims and a high volume tire and lower pressures, I have great traction and a larger contact patch. And with a 28lb bike with 180mm travel front and rear and wide ratio gearing I can go up or down anything. But if u want to give me something similar to try out in carbon and 27.5, I'd be happy to give it a shot.
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Ellsworth Bikes
9 years ago
You make some great points, and we can probably all agree that 26" wheels are inherently stronger (with historical hub dimensions) and lighter than bigger hoops. That said, the market wants bigger wheels. And there are certainly some benefits to be realized with 27.5" and 29" wheels. Pros and cons, right?

I think those brands that are building their size range out across multiple wheel sizes are doing a nice thing. It seems to make sense as folks come in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps you're not tall enough to find your preferred fit on a bike with wagon wheels. That you've still got some choices is a good thing, but I fear that your 26" options may become sparse.

Ok. Here's the sales pitch: I think you should try a Moment 160mm bike with 27.5" wheels. Maybe you'll love it. Maybe not. It's a shorter travel bike than your Uzzi, but the bigger nominal diameter of the wheels and lower approach angle will make up for some of that difference through heavy, technical terrain. Sure, you won't have as much big huck to poor landing sorta bump absorption, but if you like to pedal through gnarly sections of trail, we have a great bike. Look for demo opportunities in Southern California. We'll plan to get some events on our calendar for next season. We will post up these events here: http://ellsworthbikes.com/events/

Maybe we can get you on one!
-Ryan
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Faster Than U
9 years ago
That would be awesome to have a carbon ripper made in the USA! I know they probably won't do it, but if they made a carbon free ride bike, 180mm with current geo, and with a direct mount front derailleur and 26" I would immediately buy it. I love my Uzzi, but if the frame was carbon and a pound or 2 lighter, it would be the greatest. I'm in So Cal and would gladly help test protos.
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TRex
9 years ago
They'll be the best 150mm travel/70 degree head angle bikes available.
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mojojojoaf
9 years ago
I have no other experience with Ellsworth other than my buddy's Epiphany was a pretty awesome trail ripper. I've always liked them - this new design will evolve and hopefully Ellsworth will come out a winner again. More choices, options and vision are good for all of us.
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Ellsworth Bikes
9 years ago
Thanks for the comments, guys - even the differences of opinion. We're listening. Not everyone can agree on stylistic matters, and that's ok. We're stoked on the new changes for this model year, and we have more in store.
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Northwest
9 years ago
The font was FUGLY and outdated before. But now the font is also fugly and outdated! What a shame because they actually have a relevant set of bikes now.
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Redwoodrider
9 years ago
Good luck Ellsworth. Loved my joker back in the day although the headtube did rip off and the swing arm cracked a few times. Still was a rad bike and they always treated me very well
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judgerider68
9 years ago
i actually own a moment that i bought in 2006 while i worked at a bike shop that (at the time) was an ellsworth dealer. its a GREAT bike, and NEVER had ANY problems with it, BUT THAT SWINGARM ... FUGLY. best of luck to everyone at ellsworth..
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Big Bird
9 years ago
I'm glad to see that they're moving away from that long upper link look. It could be the best suspension in the world, but that ugly long upper like always kept me away. Good luck Lads.
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