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.

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,

Quote from: Izzy on August 27, 2014, 10:57:39 AM
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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.