May, 2009 - Here's an inside look at our bicycle R&D department.
All 2009 IBEX models are in now and we're anticipating rolling
out the 2010's beginning in late-November. We welcome your input
on these developing ideas as well as other suggestions or improvements
to existing models.
Mountain Bikes
Asta Series: Our full-suspension Asta series focuses
on XC, trail and lightweight All-Mountain. For 2009 the Asta
Expert X9 and Pro return with the Expert arriving late in 2008
with the Pro to follow in the spring along with our new Asta
Comp SLX featuring Shimano's terrific new SLX drivetrain and
Avid Elixir R discs.
Ignition series: The Ignition frame recieves updates
to strengthen it for 2009. Three models comprise the new Ignition
line-up which will be introduced January 2009. These include
the new Ignition Sport with a SRAM X4 drivetrain (essentially
the same components previously marketed as "X5 8-speed"),
Rock Shox Tora 289 fork and Avid BB5 disc brakes. Our Igntion
Super returns with it's SRAM X7 drivetrain, Rock Shox Tora 302
Air fork and Avid BB7 discs, while we add a new Ignition Super
Pro with an X9 drivetrain, Rock Shox Recon 335 Air fork, and
Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic discs. As always, the Ignition series
hits the "sweet spot" in performance and value.
Alpine Series: The Alpines have been the mainstay of
our entry-to-mid-level hardtail mountain bikes... though what
we consider "entry level" is far beyond what you'll
find in bike shops or department store for the same price range.
With that in mind 2009 sees the Alpine series coalesced to a
single model in our top-selling Alpine 550.
Trophy Series: Contrary to prevailing wisdom, the high-spec
hardtail is not dead. The top-notch Trophy frame returns for
2009 in a special Comp model that's designed to deliver exceptional
performance at an unbelievably good price.
Section 29: The Section 29 hardtail likely drops by
the wayside for 2009 as we pursue other projects in big-wheeled
MTB's. see "Other Projects" below for more on that.
B Series: The B-27 RSR is gone for now, but may return
in 2009.
Atlas: A new in-house design for the Atlas series is
under development. We originally aimed to launch these new Altases
early to mid-2009, but may now be looking more toward mid-2009
(or perhaps the Fall as 2010 models). While we'd considered
combining the Atlas and the new Zone AM together under the Atlas
name, upon firther reflection we decided to continue with our
inital direction for a 5.5" to 6" travel Atlas targeted
squarely in the mid-range of All-Mountain bikes. That'll require
more time for development, but should work out for the best
in the long-run.
Zone AM Series: We'd drifted out news that our Zone
Freeride series would be returning for 2009, but as we went
through development our focus changed a bit. The new Zone frame
design actually lends itself more to the heavy-duty All-Mountain
category while still cabaable enough for light FR. So, the new
Zone will essentially be an AM bike, in fact named the Zone
AM (versus the old Zone FR). While specs are still a little
up-in-the-air, our target for the first new Zone AM model is
a Pro level bike with XT drivetrain, 160mm Rock Shox Lyric fork
and Avid Code dual-piston disc brakes. More on this later, but
rest assured we're working toward having this ready for spring
of '09.
Other MTB Projects: While the Ignition series outgrew
it's "once-upon-a-time" mission of filling the elusive
$500 full-suspension category, we are looking at devolving a
new frame that will once again allow us to offer a worthwhile
FS model in that price range. We're also in early stages of
developing two big-wheel FS frames... 29er XC and a 650B AM.
29" wheels offer superior rolling characteristics, but
place limitations on frame design. A medium travel XC bike seems
the choice here. For a little longer travel AM style bike, we're
really impressed with the 650B wheels & tires championed
by Kirk Pacenti. With a little coaching from the master, we
hope to be among the first companies to offer production-line
650B models... hoefully sometime around mid-2009.
Road Bikes
For 2009 it looks like IBEX will remain on the sidelines as
far as road bikes go. We expect to re-enter that market in 2010
with several changes in the the works. Most notably the introduction
of a new full carbon frame in the new Spectre series.
Aprisa Series: The Aprisa series will include the ultra-succesful
Aprisa 4500 and Aprisa Elite 6600. These bikes offer sparkling
performance at exptremely reasonable prices.
Spectre Series: The new Spectre SL will feature our
new fuill carbon road frame with Shimano's new Ultegra SL groupo.

X-Ray Series: The big news on the X-Ray front will be
the introduction of a disc brake model with Shimano Tiagra drivetrain
and Avid Road Disc brakes.
Corrida Series: Introduced in 2007, our Corrida LTD
(LT Disc) model should return for 2010, perhaps with a special
optional commuter package. This true flat-bar roadbike makes
an ideal commuter or recreational road bike.
Classic Series: Our Classic has now become a true classic,
falling by the wayside in favor of our newer Aprisa frame.
Kid's Bikes
Our Alpine 320K and 440K MTB models will continue with a few
notable changes introduced on them in 2008. The 20" wheeled
320K now features 24-speeds with SRAM MRX Comp shifters and
an 8-spd cassette (up from 21-spd on previous version). The
24" wheeled Alpine 440K stepped up to disc brakes in addition
to it's already outstanding Alivio/Deore drivetrain, making
it among the few kids' bikes available with specs that are truly
up to level of many grown-ups' mountian bikes. The 650c IBEX
Vantage Jayvee kid's roadbike is currently out of production,
but will get a new paintjob and a virtual upgrade in Shimano's
revamped Tiagra drivetrain when it returns in 2010.
Street Performance Series
Future plans for the B-series are a little up in the air right
now, but it is possible that we'll see some special edition
versions later on that revise it's original "Street Performance"
concept.
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