Should I get the 057 or 256??

[Izzy]

Hey guys.. Great forum idea, I could see this being a great resource in the future!

Total newb here, planning to jump in head first into my own carbon build. I was wondering if one of you guys could advise me on the differences between the IP 057 and the newer IP 256 frames? 

[Sitar_Ned]

Hey Izzy.. Welcome to Chinertown!

The bulk of my knowledge lies more with the 057 frames.. I did read up on the 256 to decide that I'd think I'd rather just stick with the 057, for now. I believe the 256 is supposed to be lighter (and that's always tempting) and I did really like the more straight lines of the frame.. For me, it just came down to the fact that the 057 frame has been proven as being a solid frame. It's been on market long enough to have plenty of online feedback from owners.. Also.. I figured this has also given the manufacturers time to perfect the production process for this particular frame. While I'm sure that will also carry over into the 256.. It's just too new and too light for my weight of 210 lbs with riding gear on.

That said, I'd be willing to bet that I could have bought that 256 frame and tried to ride it into the ground and break it and not be able to. People tend to underestimate how strong carbon really is, myself included. It's really up to you if you want to be more of an "early adopter" or not. Odds are, the 256 would be a nicer, lighter option. Especially if your below 200lbs.

Sorry if that wasn't exactly what you're looking for Izzy.. I'll see if I can dig up a bit more information for you this evening



 

[Izzy]

Hey Sitar_Ned,

Thanks for the input. Yeah, Ive actually considered durability and the early adopter thing already.. still not sure what to make of it. I weigh probably 185lbs fully suited up.. I'm just not familiar enough with carbon to know what to look for.

[Carbon_Dude]

The safe bet is the IP-057 but if you really like the shape of the IP-256 I say go for it.  You get a 2 yr warranty with the frame.  As long as you don't plan on taking any big drops or long knarly downhill, I would expect for it to hold up well.  The only possible weakness I see with the IP-256 is the seat post junction with the top tube and seat stays is really low making you run a lot of exposed seat post, you may want to plan on at least a 400mm long seat post.

[Izzy]

2 year warranty you say? I'd hope these guys would be good for it.

I actually didn't even notice the amount of exposed seat tube until you mentioned it. Now that you did.. kinda bothers me. May not even matter - after your ip-036 build thread, I am seriously consider going that route. Sweet bike man, congrats! Shopping around for shocks now..

[Carbon_Dude]

You may change your mind again when I post info and pics from last May when I built my IP-057.

[Izzy]

You may change your mind again when I post info and pics from last May when I built my IP-057.

haha.. very true! I'm also anxiously awaiting the Chinese carbon fat bikes..

[brmeyer135]

If you are going with one bike as an all-arounder, I would lean toward a FS --- I went with 057...happy with it....but, not going to have a stable of bikes a FS with lockouts would do overall.
If one knows what their goal in riding is:  XC riding for example get the 057(or similar) and build as nice a bike as budget allows.
I know I went in thinking I could build a nicer bike, with nicer parts, for cheaper.  Well, I got into it and went over budget.

[Carbon_Dude]

If you are going with one bike as an all-arounder, I would lean toward a FS --- I went with 057...happy with it....but, not going to have a stable of bikes a FS with lockouts would do overall.
If one knows what their goal in riding is:  XC riding for example get the 057(or similar) and build as nice a bike as budget allows.
I know I went in thinking I could build a nicer bike, with nicer parts, for cheaper.  Well, I got into it and went over budget.

I agree with you in that if I had only one bike, and rode mostly XC single track, a FM-057 hardtail is a great choice.  The way the carbon smooths out the ride over my AL frame bike is simply amazing.  With less fatigue and a lighter weight bike also comes more speed, which is why I'm even faster on my carbon bike than I ever was on my old Aluminium bikes, hardtail or full suspension.

[Andy]

Well now that you bring up the ip 036 I'd say spend the few extra hundred bucks and go for the full suspension.  I was a hard tail guy forever.  loving the lightweight and efficiency of the platform BUT then I rode a good full suspension and fell in love.  They are just so much easier on the body.  They help you maintain traction and control.  And now that they are so light with carbon I think they are well worth the extra cost.  Especially with the reasonable pricing on the Chinese frames.  Just food for thought.
Andy

[Carbon_Dude]

Well now that you bring up the ip 036 I'd say spend the few extra hundred bucks and go for the full suspension.  I was a hard tail guy forever.  loving the lightweight and efficiency of the platform BUT then I rode a good full suspension and fell in love.  They are just so much easier on the body.  They help you maintain traction and control.  And now that they are so light with carbon I think they are well worth the extra cost.  Especially with the reasonable pricing on the Chinese frames.  Just food for thought.
Andy

I have only a few rides on my IP-036 but it's also a really good bike but did end up costing me more for the frame and rear shock, seems to do a really good job of keeping the rear in contact with the ground and under control. 

[Bertzhong]

Hey guys.. Great forum idea, I could see this being a great resource in the future!

Total newb here, planning to jump in head first into my own carbon build. I was wondering if one of you guys could advise me on the differences between the IP 057 and the newer IP 256 frames?

The most of size of the 057 are in the stock now, but the 256, you have to wait many days.... about 50 days now..

[Izzy]

Hey guys.. Great forum idea, I could see this being a great resource in the future!

Total newb here, planning to jump in head first into my own carbon build. I was wondering if one of you guys could advise me on the differences between the IP 057 and the newer IP 256 frames?

The most of size of the 057 are in the stock now, but the 256, you have to wait many days.... about 50 days now..

Well that certainly will make my decision easier.. I actually havn't checked with them recently about what's in stick, and what's not..

Mind if I ask where you got this info, and if it applies to all of the sites that are selling the 256?

Either way, thanks for the heads up.

[Sitar_Ned]

Well that certainly will make my decision easier.. I actually havn't checked with them recently about what's in stick, and what's not..

Mind if I ask where you got this info, and if it applies to all of the sites that are selling the 256?

Either way, thanks for the heads up.

Judging by the way that post was written.. I think it's possible that might be one of the chindors themselves.. Maybe not, but if it is..

You guys should just register under the username "HongFu_Bikes" or "Iplay_Carbon", or whatever you prefer.. and put a banner in your sig leading to your site. No reason to be undercover. Also, if you guys want help translating something into English... Feel free to message me. I'll even put it in sales copy format.

[Patrick C.]

Has anyone seen a ride report on the -256?  I've seen plenty of remarks about it and a few pictures of builds on the Weight Weenies forum, but no one saying how it rides.