Ride Quality

[csteven71]

Hi!

I'm currently on a 2012 superfly AL and am considering a swap to either an ip057 or ip256.  For those of you who have these frames how do they ride? I'd consider getting a newer superfly mostly due to the rave ride reports, but I can't ignore the price of these frames.  I could get a frame with BSA (which I prefer) and run everything but my 27.2 seatpost. Facts about me: 6' 2" XC/endurance racer, 175lbs.  Should I make the jump.  I'd shave just at a pound off bike setup and hopefully gain some comfort.  I dig the slack HA on these and realize they'd work great with my G2 offset reba.

[Izzy]

By most accounts the rid quality on these frames are every bit as compliant as a name brand carbon frame. I'd def take a 256 over an AL superfly any day of the week.

I say get a 256,  a chiner seatpost, and hookless carbon rims, and call it a day,

[MTNRCKT]

I'd def take a 256 over an AL superfly any day of the week.

Agreed. Even if the 256 was more expensive, I'd still prefer it over the AL superfly.

[csteven71]

Good to hear.  I've been on the alloy bike for quite a while and it beats me up, but it served it's purpose well when I needed a cheap replacement frame for my fully while in college.  I've worked in shops over the years so I feel comfortable building up my own bike and happy to not feed the large manufacturers.  Thanks for the info!

[Carbon_Dude]

Carbon rides much nicer than AL, once I moved over to a carbon hardtail IP-057 I don't ever need to ride another AL frame.

[Vipassana]

I don't have much recent experience with aluminum hardtails, unfortunately.  The last one I rode with any vigor was a Schwinn Homegrown I built over a decade ago. 

What I can say is that I have an IP-256 and it rides really nicely.  It resists flex from pedaling forces superbly and the light weight gives it a really nice response to pedaling inputs.  I can't say if the carbon acts as more of a damper that aluminum, but I can say I've very pleased with how it rides. 

I have done a few long rides on it both on and off road, with the longest MTB ride being 48 miles.  It never felt like it was overly punishing.

The other thing I can say is that the IP-256 is every bit as lively and fun and performance oriented as the Niner Air 9 RDO that I rode over a 15 mile period a few months ago.

[brmeyer135]

You can also get a shim so that your 27.2 seatpost works also if you like.

[Patrick C.]

You may want to double check the head tube length on your frame compared to the Chiners- looks like you have the steerer cut pretty short, it would suck to find out you need a new fork as well.