First Look at the Ellsworth Method - Interbike 2011

Sep 23, 2011 at 11:44

Back at the 2011 Sea Otter Classic, Ellsworth staged a Facebook contest to name its latest all-mountain/trailbike. The winning name was 'Method' and its debut was at Interbike, where we also celebrated founder Tony Ellsworth's birthday (number 50) - a very happy one for Tony, because the company he founded just turned 20. Happy birthday Tony, and if it is possible to separate the two, happy birthday to Ellsworth..

Tony Ellsworth stands with his Evolve dual-suspension 29er frame on the eve of his birthday, number 50.

Meet The Method: Ellsworth added the Method to its long-travel lineup for 2012. With 180-millimeters of travel and a 66-degree head angle, the Method is directed to downhill and freeriders who seek a lighter weight chassis that can be used to climb around the back country in search of less popular opportunities for shred.

The Method follows the Ellsworth suspension profile with a long upper rocker link to establish its patented ICT four-bar linkage configuration, with its instant center well ahead of the front wheel. The Fox DHX RC4 shock is custom tuned for the Method’s leverage rate. The Method frame has a 12-millimeter through axle, and also includes a provision for a front derailleur should you want to run a two-by crank setup.

The Method's sculpted, tapered head tube hides an adjustable-angle Cane Creek AngleSet headset as standard fare.

The front triangle is curved away from the rear tire to squeeze out 7 inches of travel from a relatively short (for DH), 17.5-inch chainstay. Up front, the Method has the now-standard tapered head tube with a Cane Creek AngleSet headset. If you don’t agree with Ellsworth’s 66-degree head angle choice, then you can pick one for yourself, 1.5-degrees in either direction. The 6061-alloy aluminum chassis is made in two sizes (small and Medium) and its laid-back seat angle is designed to extend the effective top tube as the saddle is raised to compensate for various sized riders. The Method is sold as a frame, headset and shock kit or as a complete bike in one of four component builds. Colors are blue, black or nickle anodize, with 11 custom-color options. Average weight for the best builds is around 34 pounds.

Ellsworths are made in the company's own factory in Oregon and assembled in the Southern California Facility from made-in-USA, certified 6061aircraft tubing.

Ridden an Ellsworth freeride or downhill rig? Check out the Method, Dare and Moment at Ellsworthbikes.com.

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152 Comments

Score Time

+ 90

Matthew-1996 (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:19)

If these bikes were made with a better looking rear triangle they would look good, but atm it just spoils a bike:/

+ 63

corey32 (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:21)

dude, its a square

+ 48

JoeyBratten (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:23)

dude, squares arent cool!

+ 92

borocks (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:31)

looks like an old kona

+ 19

guy38 (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:33)

baha i remember the contest they held for the name a few months back, still looks awful

socalshredder (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:59)

ellsworth elba is more like it {(http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=elba)second term}

+ 11

poozank (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:12)

why is the seat tube bent to shit?
Ellsworth Fugly II Son of Fugly

+ 13

Talldwarf (Sep 24, 2011 at 2:00)

I like it...

+ 19

stinkysam (Sep 24, 2011 at 2:51)

Hmm.......the front of the bike is nice, and looks like a great modern bike, the back of the bike looks like its from 5 years ago

fantaman (Sep 24, 2011 at 4:53)

The only two things i liked are the seatpost clamp and sculpted headtube which are a nice detail,how ever they need to ditch that frame design some how which would be the best thing.Why would a company stick to such a out dated frame design?.

N0t0ri0us (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:04)

Not a triangle or a square....Its a trapezoid...

DARKSTAR63 (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:37)

I like it but Im old school. It def looks dated, Ill give you guys that.

tail-whip (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:40)

i dont know i love the look og the front trigle but the back not so much

bikin4life (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:09)

Well i think some people here would prefer a good looking bike instead a bike thar rides good...

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:26)

@bikin4life: your trying to say this is the only good riding bike? uh? what did i miss?

Jack90 (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:28)

bit eww, looks like a bike from 2005 tbh...and that swing arm takes the piss

freeride5 (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:50)

Crazy high bb

Freeriderf4rlife (Sep 24, 2011 at 11:18)

it looked nice as a frame not so much built

SaucissonSavoyard (Sep 24, 2011 at 11:35)

Looks like an Ellsworth

- 28

viatch (Sep 24, 2011 at 12:51) (Below Threshold) show comment

f*ck ellsworths theyr a bunch of nazi retards

nico100 (Sep 24, 2011 at 22:09)

Ellsworth is starting to look like the 57 chev of MTB. but I do know this rig works well, so all credit where due

suicidedownhiller (Sep 25, 2011 at 10:25)

Who cares what it looks like? It rides amazing.

Jodaro (Sep 25, 2011 at 14:52)

Yeah.....because everyone should buy a bike based on how cool it looks, not based on how it rides....right.

mnorris122 (Sep 25, 2011 at 16:13)

i really like their CVT hub

genericmk (Sep 26, 2011 at 11:20)

The reason Ellsworth uses this "outdated" frame design is because they've litigated themselves into the corner. They've tried hard to duck under FSR and Lowwill and patented their ICT. They've sued other companies using FSR for infringing on their ICT. Now they're stuck with this. And apparently Buddhist monks are building their wheels (per Tony, that is); which may be their attempt to make up for shafting owners on not granting warranty service. I love to hate Ellsworth.

The-Medic (Sep 28, 2011 at 15:10)

Yeah Elsworth is a pretty rediculous company... Bike is ugly and I would never buy a product from them so... this thing is just a non-issue for me. Have any of you who are decrying 'how well" the bike rides ever ridden an older Elsworth like the Dare (wich this is EXACTLY like, maybe with some angle changes) ??? They don't exactly make up for the exorbadent cost with the way they ride... they're pretty mediocre to less then impressive.

mtb55 (Oct 5, 2011 at 22:34)

To everyone dissing the rear triangle, square, trapezoid, whatever you want to call it and saying its an outdated suspension design from 5 years ago... Why change a tried and true suspension system? I mean, if a company put years of designing and testing into it, then why complain?

guy38 (Oct 5, 2011 at 23:00)

because it looks sooo ugly, no matter how well it rides, this is just old and no longer "the shit"

mtb55 (Oct 6, 2011 at 0:26)

If you don't like how it looks, then deal with it. How else are they going to get the same leverage ratios with a triangle shaped rear triangle. Maybe you should try to figure that out, though I doubt its possible. Why start dissing on a suspension design, when there is really nothing wrong with it. So what if it doesn't look like your Ironhorse Sunday? Its Performance that is going to let you stick that 30 foot jump or 20 foot drop, not looks. Personally, I think it looks bad ass.

guy38 (Oct 6, 2011 at 0:51)

Its still butt ugly.

mtb55 (Oct 6, 2011 at 1:00)

Be happy with your Sunday then.

guy38 (Oct 6, 2011 at 1:50)

i am

[Reply]

+ 25

HenryR (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:06)

dam, so many people obsessed with the looks. i would recommend playing with dolls, you can change all of their cloths and accessories and make them look all kinds of fabulous for hours, i think you guys would really like it. I'll be riding my bike

sortafast (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:55)

they are probably all the 16yo kids that don't have money to buy a good bike, and even if they could afford a good bike they sure as heck wouldn't be able to ride half way decently. Like usual its just a bunch of idiots chiming in to blast a small company because they don't have the hype that the bigger companies do

mooseindahouse (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:16)

I think someone has already stated this...Their bikes are very unattractive compared to most modern bikes (subjective). Whether they ride exceptionally well or not is also subjective. However; there are a lot of amazing bikes out there that also look REALLY good. I would much rather have a bike that I loved everything about rather than one that just rode really well. Especially when you are spending that kind of $.

iesubach (Sep 26, 2011 at 8:28)

@sortafast, Why bash kids cos they can't afford bikes? I don't have anywhere near that amount of money, and I'm 16, doesn't mean I can't ride, and also doesn't mean I judge this bike by it's looks. I'm sure you'll find that the kids bashing the bikes are 14 yo's whos mums by them 6k bikes for their birthday, then they go ride off a curp and manual through half a foot long pudle, and claim to do FR. Also I agree with mooseindahouse, although I've never riden an Ellesworth, in the fact that I'm sure there are bikes that ride as good (and better for that matter) that look much better, especially at that price, but I suppose it depends on what type of bike charictaristics your after aswell. Still think that with a new rear triangle these bikes would look sick, and maybe get the appretiation they deserve.

sortafast (Sep 26, 2011 at 11:49)

All I'm saying is that people hate on everything on here with out any real reason other than it "looks" bad or out dated. Both of which are weak arguments. Its uninformed opinions about products based on looks or hype that usually signal that the author of said comments is immature, hence the age thing. It just comes across as little idiots puffing up their chest on the internet because it makes them feel better. Its annoying and counter productive. Its just like reading the comments about the Straitline AM pedals. People are whining about the price with out really looking at why they cost so much and the value that is found there in.

Hell, I think the Kona Entourage is rather ugly, but holy crap that thing is probably the best bike I have ever ridden for the style and type of riding I enjoy. I am just waiting for my frame to show up.

DARKSTAR63 (Sep 26, 2011 at 14:20)

A lot of these kids are well, kids and act as such. Spouting off their mouths without any real thought. There are some valid points that can be made both for and against the design this bike as with most. To say its complete sh*t, especially without spending some quality time with it- outs you as a complete moron.
Personally, I like that there are so many bikes, so many parts, so many options. Simple designs and complicated ones, clean classy bikes and outrageous ones. Big bikes, small bikes, light bikes......you get the idea. I think its part of what makes this sport so cool. Others should be so lucky- (Im looking at you motocross)........
So kids, just enjoy the fact that there is all this cool stuff on the market. Why complain, just because this bike exists doesnt mean your DEMO ceases to be. Go buy one of those, who cares? Buy what you like- thats your freedom. But everyone stop with this nonsense bashing of all thes products that you dont deem worthy. Its really annoying.

sortafast (Sep 26, 2011 at 20:18)

word.

[Reply]

+ 21

aaronbullit (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:36)

come on ellsworth how about some new designs instead of making the same 4 bar bike in 10 different models and 50 custom colors. Not to mention this is the same bike you've been making for years.

Talldwarf (Sep 24, 2011 at 2:03)

they're clearly happy with the amount of money it's making them and evidently their client base likes the way they work otherwise they would have changed it by now :L
I guess they've decided not to risk mistakes from drastic changes when the current designs are doing just fine with a little bit of an update now and again.

+ 10

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:01)

yea, sounds like apple lol....

lumpy12 (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:29)

that shit shizit looks worse than a kona

+ 10

GabrielDugas (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:32)

strange. i don't remember people complaining about specialised still using fsr for their new demo... or maestro for giant..or ...oh wait. all actual suspension platform already exist since a long time, they are just optimised. yeah.

please everybody, admit you are bashing only cause it ain't good looking. i,m sure it's one hell of a ride and i would really like to see one in reel life, not in picture

Views (Sep 25, 2011 at 8:20)

cause ellsworth combines both, fukn ugly and outdated haha

skierdud89 (Sep 26, 2011 at 19:29)

@aaronbullit: YES! Couldn't have said it better!
@GabrielDugas: First off FSR stands for Future Shock Rear and the Specialized suspension design is a horst link. And there is a reason them and Gian still use their perspective link designs... They are race proven! And yes I will admit I am bashing it cuz it looks like a 10 year old polished turd but they also ride like said 10 year old turd too.

GabrielDugas (Sep 27, 2011 at 9:22)

@ skierdu89 : specialized actually own the patent of mr Horst and the name have been changed to FSR link. wich is the exact same thing. i never had a chance to ride ellsworth, but i see mostly good comment on forum i read with people who actually owned one or ridden one over a long period of time. I would gladly give it a try and juge by myself after. if they are ugly ... well.... i don't really care but it's my opinion.

Views (Sep 27, 2011 at 16:39)

mostly ppl say "yes my bike rides awesome" cause it would be realy awkward to say it sucks when you just payed 5000 bucks for it lol just saying.... not saying it applys for everyone tho...

[Reply]

+ 14

cutamerc (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:08)

Wow, so much hate. I think Ellsworth makes the BEST looking frames out there. To say they are "behind" or "outdated" is sad. They have received great reviews for years, their design just works. I don't see anyone giving Norco or Rockymoutain or the big S flack for keeping a horst link?

I really appreciate that Ellsworth hasn't gone with the uber-thin, mega-wide tin can front triangle trend. Their smaller diameter tubes can actually hold their own and look outstanding attached to a 36/lyrik/wotan with bigger stanchions.

Ellsworth, please don't loose your awesome rear triangles/quadrilaterals, and beautifully machined rockers. Please don't change your design because a bunch of kids (who have probably never even ridden one!) on pb don't think your frames are swoopy enough!

Personally, I bought a used Moment three years ago and I still ride it more than any other bike. In fact, I've kept it longer than any other frame I've had in years. I once emailed Ellsworth regarding a spring rate question and Tony himself sent back a prompt reply. Good service.

Yay for bikes, end rant.

hampsteadbandit (Sep 24, 2011 at 13:00)

I used to work for the UK importer of Ellsworth Bikes (Freeborn Bikes)

yes, EW can "look" a little dated (agricultural was something I often heard) and the front / rear can look mismatched, compared to the latest hydroformed wonder hype machine fresh off the boat from Taiwan?

but the truth is that their ICT suspension works brilliantly, and its one of the few remaining USA made frames on the market.

in my humble opinion, its also the best "4-bar horst pivot" on the market in terms of traction and pedalling performance with a truly active brake, it outclasses Specialized who have had to mask the overactive squatty nature of their FSR with their brain shock on their XC and trail bikes to get adequate pedalling performance Wink

it seems the magazine testers (experienced riders with 1000s of bike tests to their names) agree as every Ellsworth we sent to the UK mags for tests won awards and rave reviews

UK riders that have owned Truths, Epiphany, Moment, Rogue, Dare have always raved about them

I have never owned an Ellsworth (I rode for Banshee / Mythic and then Devinci which Freeborn also imported) but have ridden my buddies Moments and Dares and been very impressed

I know from working on customers bikes first hand, their pivot system is very simple and they use common industrial bearings which rarely require servicing = happy customer!

Ellsworth has had bad press in the past for its customer service attitude and warranty issues, but its hard to deny they make fantastic bikes, especially now their bike geometry is being modernised with slacker HA and lower BB, which was one criticism which was valid

paulclarke (Sep 26, 2011 at 22:21)

To think that all of those welds are done by HAND and not by a robot! Amazing!

[Reply]

+ 10

HON82 (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:27)

first thing I thought when I saw the picture of the Method was...mmmm I can put a rear panier rack on that massive swing arm XD

+ 16

BaronVonSchwinn (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:59)

If you put a seat on the upper rear pivot, you could take a friend downhill and they could leapfrog ahead of you when you land a drop. Pedal hard to catch up and they can land back on the seat. Must be some sort of Nitro circus product placement marketing strategy that went into this frame design.

[Reply]

+ 12

corey32 (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:07)

thats pretty bad ass

[Reply]

Bommelmaster (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:24)

i'm owner of 2(and 2 others in former times) ellsworth frames, and i have to say, they are nothing special. their ICT-theory is damn false. it's quite not correct, fortunately it works not so bad, but it is absolutely unimportant that this upperlink is that long - just looks ugly, and brake-neutrality isn't there! first of all tony ellsworth should hear some mechanic lessons - sorry about that!

and the older frames cracks both - no chance for warranty or anything

skierdud89 (Sep 26, 2011 at 19:31)

Glad to see an owner on here telling the truth. And so true about the link!

[Reply]

Guyophir (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:34)

Why do some of you give Ellsworth a hard time for sticking to a suspension design that works ???
I ride an Ellsworth moment (AM bike), the ICT design works PERFECT on climbs, better than any other friend's bike I rode,
not to mention the top quality frame welding and bearings that doesn't squeek or rattle for over 2 years of weakly shredding.

Would any one of you refuse to own a new 2012 Porsche 911? No ? how come??? The 911's basic design hadn't change
since the 1960's, Does it mean it's bad ?

psyickphuk (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:41)

True, but the 911 looked awesome from the start...

[Reply]

Thewake (Sep 24, 2011 at 2:22)

■ + ▲ .....

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 6:56)

hahaha, genious

[Reply]

davidstuartkelly (Sep 24, 2011 at 2:13)

Meticulous attention to detail, pristine welding too. Plus, that exclusive hand made in the good old USA. Maybe they have stuck with a tried and tested design that works.Would not be ideal in really muddy areas,but neither is my Nomad it does clog up. I still think they are gorgeous.

nikoniko (Sep 24, 2011 at 3:31)

RidEOn mate!
I agree 100%

All bikes clog up in mud.
My Rune is awful but rides like a dream!
This new bikes looks like a blast!

If you buy one I will!

RidEOn!

[Reply]

swearmouth (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:40)

They've never been pretty, but they always ride well. I would expect this to be no different. Front triangle on its own is damn sexy, as is that seat post collar.

[Reply]

typx (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:13)

Get with the times you hippies.

[Reply]

yetiboyjay (Sep 24, 2011 at 3:46)

How these guys are still going I will never know. I have been riding spots all over the UK for years and only ever seen one Ellsworth in the flesh. I wonder why?! A few years ago these were no doubt awesome frames, but in these times of so much new technology and design innovation I can honestly say who would buy this? Yes amazing craftsmanship and finish, but that goes for the other X amount of 'boutique' frame manufacturers out there (Foes, Rotec, Turner etc etc to name but a few) AND they arent baning out re-jiggled versions of bikes they've made for 10+ years.

You must be selling heaps elsewhere in the world because they ain't that big on our shores.

mozarle (Sep 24, 2011 at 6:41)

It is not bad to have the same design as trade mark as someone else commented here. And probably they don't care about conquering the global market as long as they feel satisfied with what they do & they are 'sticked' to their philosophy. Unless one day they woke up & go 'carbonated' in Asia like Intense so they will keep up with the competition. At least that was in a nutshell the statement of Intense's boss. Someone 'linked' it here on pinkbike few weeks ago when the carbon intense showed up.

Solman (Sep 25, 2011 at 22:56)

I've never seen one in my life. Although i'll admit, Aus is pretty far removed from the rest of the mtb world...

[Reply]

UncleCliffy (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:08)

*Requires precision seat post trimming...

[Reply]

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 6:58)

they started with some ugly prototyping, now that it is finalized im thinking they managed to make it even uglier! gratulations!

[Reply]

Kramerjchristensen (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:26)

Im Guessing none of you have ever rode an ellsworth. My moment is the best 6 inch bike i have ever sat on. It will be good hearing from an actual owner of this method bike.

[Reply]

yanndmc (Sep 24, 2011 at 17:24)

I liked the look of my Ellsworth Specialist (Hardtail featured in Jib movie) from the beginning of 2000 so much... At that time it was the brand to beat... At least try something new, people seems to hate the look anyways...
And bring the Specialist back!!!

[Reply]

samsemtex (Sep 24, 2011 at 16:31)

Ah, just the usual stuff here really. Fair enough they are not the best looking bikes but they ride amazing. This crap about it being outdated is what annoys me. How is it any more outdated tha any other suspension design? It works brilliantly. I have a 2011 Dare and while it was being fixed the other day I got the loan of a Carbon V10 and a Glory 00. The V-10 was amazing and probably a slightly nicer bike to ride. The V10 is probably the best bike in the world though. However, I found the Dare to be leagues ahead of the Glory. It just soaks up bumps and remains active under braking way better. I really like the Geometry of my Dare. Jack Reading qualified 12th for Val Di Sole (the most technical and demanding course in the world cup) Considering he is not 100% professionel yet and has room to improve there obviously isnt too much wrong with the bike.

[Reply]

woollahra (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:33)

Good head angle , running 1 x10 , 7 inch travel . Its a big AM rig , the bike is really where the trend is at , but no carbon ? if it comes in around 12 /14 kg mark it will be in the nomad territory which i dough . The big question is the price ? Ellsworth usually charges through the nose and that bike ant pretty .

[Reply]

BeerGuzlinFool (Sep 24, 2011 at 3:07)

Ugly, outdated and overpriced. Dont know why anyone would buy one of these with all of the options available now.

[Reply]

nicholas41514 (Sep 24, 2011 at 20:39)

So for everyone staying this bike is ugly or outdated, its a 2011 bike that will still take an average rider to the top of a trail head and give them a fun day on trails for years to come. Look as Mojo where one frame is $3000, and the DW link hasn't changed in years, its just been change to fit different spring rates and frame sizes, and is used on Tuner bikes, or VPP santa cruz uses on every single bike! Each one that is only small change from the other yet people talk like one is so much better than another. If you all truly love to ride you would ride an 80's hard tail down the craziest trails with a smile from ear to ear because at the end of the day it not so much the bikes but what you do with that bike. So Happy 20th birthday Ellsworth for making bikes something bikers love! No matter what haters say we ride till we die and will ride anything as long as it rolls fast!

[Reply]

nsynk (Sep 25, 2011 at 4:05)

It is a strange thing when you think what constitues "pretty" in a bike. If that rocker was shorter this bike would not look dissimilar to many bikes on the market (Trek?) but it is that long rocker that determines the excellent ride and function should always be more important than looks.

This bike might not be pretty but that does not mean it is not good. There are many ugly bikes around that are good (demo?). don't judge a bike by looks.

[Reply]

akapaulie (Sep 24, 2011 at 3:27)

That rear end is fugly

[Reply]

DrFrantz (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:51)

My rear "square" on my Ellsworth snapped. They wanted $600 for replacing a part that should have lasted at least 10 years.

I'm done with "squares" and shitty warranty. Viva Specialized.

[Reply]

cool99139 (Sep 27, 2011 at 2:20)

If they got rid of the rear square linkage and maybe replaced it with a triangular one, it would look really good. Or any other linkage to be honest. Other than that it looks quite decent.

[Reply]

brett7 (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:15)

It is a little old looking and the linkage is basically the same as the older Konas' and they suffered from brake jack when pushed hard. Just wondering if these do the same???

hampsteadbandit (Sep 25, 2011 at 12:34)

its really nothing like a Kona Wink

Kona use a rocker-activated single pivot (faux bar : seatstay mounted dropout pivot) which exhibits brake squatting

Ellsworth use a four-bar virtual pivot with horst pivot (chainstay mounted dropout pivot - specialized FSR style) with is very neutral under braking

if you don't understand the difference, its a good idea to do some reading into the different suspension systems on the market Wink

brett7 (Sep 25, 2011 at 13:47)

Still wouldn't ride one, ugly as sin Wink

[Reply]

paulclarke (Sep 24, 2011 at 12:47)

People do not love the way it looks therefore its a piece of crap!???!! You guys are kinda dumb in fact. Its a cool lookin bike, and im sure it rides pretty fun Smile

[Reply]

forestman (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:29)

That moment frame in the first picture looks wicked, nicest bike in their lineup in my opinion!

[Reply]

skeletonboy (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:07)

that looks like shit tbh.

- 23

corey32 (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:11) (Below Threshold) show comment

well all free ride bikes do, just go with it

+ 13

chainsawnz (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:59)

No not all Freeride bikes look like shit. Giant Faith looks good as well as Transition TR 250,Transition BottleRocket,Santa Cruz Nomad,Commencal AM,Intense SS.... the list goes on. Ellsworth are still sticking with their one design which somehow keeps them in business. Their bikes are not astheticially pleasing to the eyes. No this isn't the most important thing when it comes to bike design but it helps to sell them. For something that weighs 34 pounds I would expect a heavyish all mountain machine that can pedal up and out to where ever as well as handle the downs. Yes it says you can chuck on 2 rings at the front but seriously would YOU want to pedal a 34 pound 180mm travel tank up any seriously looking hill climb? Those days have been and gone. Time to move on and enjoy what technology is throwing at us. For me 180mm screams bike park. Not pedal me up a hill.

norco-gaz (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:05)

yup i agree, aesthetics over function is never a good thing, this design for the rear sus works well and always has. its like orange they haven't changed the design much over the last 10 years and they still sell loads and it is a tried and tested design like the one on the ellsworth. i think it looks pretty good.

Mountain-Manic (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:40)

Honestly,... I kinda like it! That said, its not the bike for me. (already have a FR bike im happy with Razz

) And who says all Freeride bikes look like shit? I think my Voltage is pretty sexy Big Grin

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5933941/

dirtbagluvin (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:33)

Chainsawnz- pedaling your DH/FR bike UPhill will give you some of the best descents of your life where I live.....OR you can go to the bike park/shuttle trails and ride brake bumps all day......I pedal my Demo 8 for 2 hours on occasion......

chainsawnz (Sep 24, 2011 at 18:23)

@ dirtbagluvin That would be where AM machines have come into play. There are far better and efficient pedaling platforms out there which enables bikes to behave like they have more suspension travel than they actually do. I own a DiamondBack Mission and it does feel "bottomless". I also own a Demo and would never use it to pedal out for 2 hours looking for fun. Horse's for cause's kind of deal for me.

dirtbagluvin (Sep 25, 2011 at 10:03)

OK Chainsawzn, come ride THIS on your AM bike..........
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/124167/

[Reply]

dualsuspensiondave (Sep 24, 2011 at 6:30)

Obviously these are top quality bikes here, however the linkage is way too long. With that much leverage, the rear end of these bikes must have flex issues.

hampsteadbandit (Sep 25, 2011 at 12:38)

nope - Ellsworth's rear feels very solid under power and hard cornering loads

their "Moment" all-mtn feels rock solid in comparison to many FSR-style bikes which often suffer a little lateral flex when pushed really hard

dualsuspensiondave (Sep 26, 2011 at 7:21)

No way that is possible. Specialized FSR= little to no flex at all, Older Devinci's have some lateral flex from their longer links and is observable. These links are even longer than Devinci's... 1+1=2.

hampsteadbandit (Sep 26, 2011 at 10:30)

my Big Hits certainly were flexible - the Demo platform was a big improvement in that respect

the Stumpjumper certainly feels a little flexible in the rear compared to the EW Epiphany if you ride them back to back

yes, the old Devincis (FSR style) certainly felt flexible, my Dixon SP is rock solid compared to my 2009 and 2010 Hectiks which felt quite soft in the rear!

btw, it actually the length of the seatstay that makes the bike more flexible, not the length of the rocker itself Wink

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oli345 (Sep 24, 2011 at 2:26)

I really like the way this bike looks i don't think its ugly.

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wilson12359 (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:49)

I really don't like the look of that rear triangle, I have no doubt it would go like a beast but aesthetically it is terrible.

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bendrew (Sep 24, 2011 at 3:30)

Hopefully you don't have to buy the frame along with 6 rear ends so you can ride all season like the old ellsworthless bikes.

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neimbc (Sep 24, 2011 at 4:33)

Ok we all know Form Follows Function, but personally I simply can not ride an ugly bike - no matter how well it rides.
I would never have married my wife if all she had was a great personalty! You need something to look at, so you can get excited to ride it! Am I wrong?

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:03)

no your not wrong, but the stuff with your wife... you better keep that to yourself, it shouldnt be said! however the mind is free Razz

psyickphuk (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:41)

No, tell us more about your wife I reckon

neimbc (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:54)

Ahhhh, I'm talking about getting excited to ride a bike here boys! C'mon now - out of the gutter and back on the trail!

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:33)

hahaha, have fun

spyretto (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:41)

When you ride your bike you dont really see it, do you?

Views (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:24)

true! but! the market is offering 1000 choises, why should i take the outdated ugly bike?

spyretto (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:28)

Why outdated? The only "non outdated" suspension design is the Split Pivot, everything else is at least 10 years old, including FSR, VPP, DW etc.

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Call-911 (Sep 25, 2011 at 19:40)

All you haters, I've always liked Ellsworth and would ride this bike in a heartbeat, but then again I'd ride your mother too.

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max14221 (Sep 24, 2011 at 12:07)

The front triangle looks so nice but the rear end looks it was made in someone's garden shed

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wjgillis Plus (Sep 26, 2011 at 14:52)

Introducing... the 2005 Kona Stinky!!

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Bashment (Sep 24, 2011 at 13:00)

it mayb b a very good bike but damn how ugly can it b i mean 1st reason i wont buy is the looks

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Call-911 (Sep 25, 2011 at 19:42)

All you haters, I've always liked Ellsworth bikes and would ride this bike in a heartbeat, but then again I'd ride your mother too. If you're reading this Tony send a frame my way!

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kasper88 (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:51)

ya this bike looks alot like the old kona stinky

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Hendri (Sep 25, 2011 at 0:51)

I DON'T LIKE THE REAR SETUP...............................

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dirtjumperalexb (Sep 24, 2011 at 13:38)

dont like it at all

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throb (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:06)

I think if you ride the seat lower, the swingarm will hit it. Just like the stinky's but worse.

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shishka (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:02)

Ellsworth is still alive? Look like same frame they had 10 years ago. Maybe try a new design or something.

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angrynipples (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:29)

Just saw Tony Ellsworth on the trail this morning here in San Diego.... what an ass hat.

Session603 (Sep 24, 2011 at 16:52)

I keep hearing he is a weirdo, what makes you say he is an "ass hat" just out of curiosity?

angrynipples (Sep 24, 2011 at 20:02)

the fact that i was riding downhill as he was riding up, i moved off to the side and said "hey hows it goin?" like i will to absolutely anyone on the trail and he completely ignored me. that and on top of that, he's suuuuuper pompous. "Those that ride, know... that ellsworths are overrated pieces of welded scrap metal."

Session603 (Sep 24, 2011 at 23:05)

Haha, as the face of a company you would think he would be shaking hands and handing out stickers everywhere he goes. Especially when encountering the niche people who blow thousands of dollars on your specific product.

hampsteadbandit (Sep 25, 2011 at 12:40)

its a fair comment that Tony EW has not done himself many favours in the past with either his customers (arguing with them on internet forums or the telephone) or his distributors (I won't go into this on a public forum..)

its a shame because EW make very good bikes, even if the owner is less than pleasant at times, and somewhat egotistical Frown

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compaqnc6340 (Sep 24, 2011 at 6:42)

looks like a really old stinky at the rear

notenufbikes (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:36)

i hear yah Mr compaqn6340. bottom line, there are only so many designs for a mtb. its eveolved that mich in the last 15 years, that its come to a point where manufacturers can only refine their designs or use wahts already out there and tweek it to their need. know what i mean? Smile

samsemtex (Sep 24, 2011 at 16:04)

If you ever rode one you would know it rides NOTHING like a stinky.

compaqnc6340 (Sep 24, 2011 at 16:36)

i'm sure it rides nice a good amount of modern frames do, but it's not the prettiest bike

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pOLo33 (Sep 24, 2011 at 1:41)

Feeling like to be in a classroom....Stay in bed instead of posting please.

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SoCalMX (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:06)

I kinda like it! Good thing that huge rocker is black and not raw alu. like most Els. bikes!!!

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lopez65 (Sep 24, 2011 at 7:08)

HUGE CHAINSTAYS!

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nikoniko (Sep 24, 2011 at 3:28)

Wicked bike!
Looks great and must ride like a dream!
The geometry is my kind of bike!

RideOn!

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mikegiano (Sep 24, 2011 at 5:43)

the lisence plate says 696969!!!!!!!!!!!!

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DBomberMan (Sep 24, 2011 at 17:39)

u-g-l-y

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marlon-d (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:28)

hey thats the name i gave them. haha. i dont think its that bad looking

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InkBytezTattoo (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:53)

I'll stick with my Kona.

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DrFrantz (Sep 24, 2011 at 10:01)

not cool

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eugenioCR (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:18)

yesterday, good name for this bike

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altairpilot (Sep 24, 2011 at 14:18)

This looks ridiculous

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bikejunkie88 (Sep 27, 2011 at 18:10)

if u bottom that suspention its gonna hit the seat hard!

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dirtsMerchant11 (Sep 24, 2011 at 9:20)

one word. ugly.

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pdxJose (Sep 25, 2011 at 20:25)

I like the Oregon license plate in the backround

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BigRedBike (Sep 24, 2011 at 19:53)

Re-branded Kona. YUCK

samsemtex (Sep 24, 2011 at 21:08)

They arent the same suspension design as a Kona. It looks similar but thats it. They work completely differently. The suspension actually works on an Ellsworth under braking.

BigRedBike (Sep 26, 2011 at 0:05)

Propaganda. It jacks up a storm

samsemtex (Sep 26, 2011 at 12:33)

No, it doesn't. Not even a little bit.

samsemtex (Sep 26, 2011 at 22:45)

If you can find me any evidence from an Elsworth owner or reviewer that brake jack is a problem i will shake your hand. Saying its propaganda that its not the same suspension design as a Kona is beyond retarded. Its not and nobody who knows anything about bikes would say it is. It's more similar to Specialized's FSR design if anything. The pivot is in a completely different location on a Kona.This makes them completely different. Get a clue before you start spouting rubbish.

EDIT: Just looking through some of your old posts. It seems you cant grasp physics at all as this has all been explained to you before, A rocker bar does not mean it is the same as a Kona. Maybe have a read through the responses to your original post and see if any of it can sink in yet...

http://mikelevy.pinkbike.com/blog/ellsworth-moment-slopestyle.html

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davidt (Sep 25, 2011 at 6:55)

Looks expensive... :-\

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dankh (Sep 24, 2011 at 8:35)

It's hip to be a square.

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ltaylor44 (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:11)

Light yes, but the rear triangle looks so wipmy

+ 31

hectik-rider (Sep 24, 2011 at 0:15)

*rear square

Mr-Lemon (Sep 24, 2011 at 12:07)

*Rear Trapezoid

Denseanium (Sep 25, 2011 at 6:35)

I think you mean parallelogram...

Mr-Lemon (Sep 25, 2011 at 11:57)

Nope, its a trapezoid but good try.

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