Hey Jack,

How about a heads up on the 2007 classic series specs and such? Most every other line has been updated or at least got their preorders going, and or shipping soon.

Also how about a hint as to the geometries of the classic and aprisa lines. I mean are they the same with the difference being carbon seat stays?

Thanks!

How about a heads up on the 2007 classic series specs and such? Most every other line has been updated or at least got their preorders going, and or shipping soon.

Also how about a hint as to the geometries of the classic and aprisa lines. I mean are they the same with the difference being carbon seat stays?
The 2007 Aprisas are already available for immediate shipping. In fact, we are almost sold-out of the Aprisa Team Pro and Ace. Unfortunately that is the end of those. The Aprisa Elite 6600 will continue with additional production. However, the Aprisa Team frame is different than the Aprisa Elite frame and the Team one will be replaced with a full carbon frame for 2008. The working name for that is IBEX Spectre.

For 2007 the Classic frame remains the same. The big news is the mid model in that line-up. Shimano has redesigned the Tiagra group for 2007. Their new stock numbers are in the 4500 range, so the Classic 4400 gets replaced with a Classic 4500. This new Tiagra group is terrific. I think you'll find it better than the old 9-speed 105 group, for less money. Our 10-speed 105 equipped Classic 5600 continues virtually unchanged, except for color choice. The Classic 3300 gets STI shifting.

Looking ahead, we are discussing moving the 4500 and 5600 level bikes up to an Aprisa frame, though probably in all aliminum. As some of you may recall, IBEX made the 105 equipped Aprisa Elite 5500 in 2005. Frankly, it was a pretty slow seller compared to the Ultegra version. More than any other group, 105 is seen on both low-spec and high-spec bikes in the general marketplace. By high-spec I mean bikes with carbon-aluminum frames (or full carbon), high-end wheels and so on... while the "low-spec" bikes tend to be a little more basic with full aluminum frames and built for a price-point. With the Aprisa Elite 5500, which was arguably a high-spec 105 model, we found that our pricing was too high for our market. We were a good 25% below most comparable high-spec 105 models in the LBS', but right in-line with pricing on low-spec 105's found there. So, for the entry level rider the differences and added value were just not as apparent are they perhaps should have been. We ran into the same sort of situation with MTB's in the Deore drivetrain. So, the decision was made here at IBEX that we needed to keep to a lower price-point with our 105 offering... and the Classic 5600 was born. That also put the focus on our Aprisa Elite 6600 as our high-spec bike in a reasonble price range. It's got full Ultegra10 on a carbon-alloy frame for less than the high-spec 105 bikes sell for in the LBS'.

We are also keeping a close eye on the reception that the new SRAM Rival and Force road groups get. We took a "wait and see" stance on this for 2007, but we're certainly considering doing some SRAM road models for 2008. Any opinions on the SRAM groups would be much appreciated. I realize that they're just hitting the market, so not too many folks have had much of a chance to ride them yet. Our take on it is that we love the way SRAM arranged the shiffting (one-push, two-push on the inner lever w/ the brake levers themselves for braking only). So, I guess the concern is not whether the SRAM road groups are any good (they definitely are), but whether new bike buyers will be accepting of the new kid on the block... and I guess that applies to both SRAM and IBEX.

Best regards,
Jack A.
IBEX Bicycles

Hey Jack,
That was some really great info. One thing I've always liked about Ibex (via MTBR) is how you give us your thought process and are at least willing to listen to customers (and potential ones). A few thoughts / questions ...

This new Tiagra group sounds interesting, would I be correct to assume its going to be a triple? Also I tried to look up some information on it, which was very limited. I couldn't find out if Shimano is bringing down their 20/30 gear combination to the Tiagra. Any help here?

I really see your thought process when going from a low spec and high spec 105 group. Now I see the jump between the classic 5600 and Aprisa Elite 6600, and it is probably just about right.

So it sounds like your just about ready to gear up the Classic line for 2007, any idea when final specs colors and preorders will start? Sounds like you are firm on the Aprisa Elite 6600 for 2007, but the 2007 Team frames are almost done for the year.

I'd really like to make sure I have each series of frames correct though. Sounds like you are going with all aluminum for the classic, Aprisa Elite gets an aluminum frame with Carbon seat stays, and the team frames one will go full carbon. Is that right? And are all the geometries the same? It'd be nice to start out with something basic like a classic frame and be able to have a feel for fit when I'd go up to a Aprisa.

Thanks!

...This new Tiagra group sounds interesting, would I be correct to assume its going to be a triple? Also I tried to look up some information on it, which was very limited. I couldn't find out if Shimano is bringing down their 20/30 gear combination to the Tiagra. Any help here?
The new Tiagra is still 9-speed, but very nicely engineered. It looks much more like 105 (and up), especially the cranks and shifters. Those shifters have a new feature that I think is terrific. They have gear indicators built-in... very nicely integrated so they are not the least bit obtrusive. I have a feeling that feature might be something we'll see on upper-end groups in the future.


...So it sounds like your just about ready to gear up the Classic line for 2007, any idea when final specs colors and preorders will start?
We're still pretty well stocked on 2006 Classics and the 2007's won't arrive until spring. So, we may be a little while longer getting that info up on our website. However, we are happy to take pre-orders over the phone. Break-down on changes, colors and prices for the 2007 Classic line-up is expected to be:

Classic 3300 - Sora drivetrain - upgrade to STI for '07 (from D/T shifters)
Color: Pearl Lime
Direct: $499
Pre-Launch: $469

Classic 4500 - New Tiagra drivetrain for '07
Color: Fire Red Pearl
Direct: $699
Pre-Launch: $599

Classic 5600 - 105 drivetrain - no significant chages for 2007
Color: Pearl White
Direct: $999
Pre-Launch: $899


...I'd really like to make sure I have each series of frames correct though. Sounds like you are going with all aluminum for the classic, Aprisa Elite gets an aluminum frame with Carbon seat stays, and the team frames one will go full carbon. Is that right? And are all the geometries the same? It'd be nice to start out with something basic like a classic frame and be able to have a feel for fit when I'd go up to a Aprisa.
Let me clarify.

1) For 2008 we are considering doing an all aluminum version of the Aprisa frame for the 4500 and 5600 models. Pricing should be similar to those same model levels in the Classic series. That frame would just be plain Aprisa by name... so the models would be Aprisa 4500 and Aprisa 5600. The Classic frame will probably still be around, but only on the 3300 model. This may help further distiguish the entry level 3300 from mid-level 4500 and 5600 models. There is a small chance we'll be ready with this change in spring for the 2007 models, but is most likely going to take place in the fall of next year as 2008 models.

2) The Aprisa Elite frame should continue in current form in aluminum construction with carbon seatstays. The Aprisa Elite 6600 is expected to return in 2008 with few changes. We might also consider adding a SRAM Rival equipped version as the Aprisa Elite Rival.

3) The Aprisa Team frame production has already been terminated, though we do still have a few of the 2007 Aprisa Team Pro and Ace bikes available. They were early launch models and have sold quicker than expected, but it is now too late to plan additional production. There are many factors invloved, not the least of which are lead times for component orders and frame parts, as well as simply arrangin production time and space in the shipping containers that bring all our US inventory over from the factory in Taiwan.

4) We are in design phase now for an all carbon frame for 2008. The working name for this new series that repaces the Aprisa Team frame in our line-up is "Spectre". Unless we run into copyreight issues, that will probably be the final name for production. I think it suits the nature of the carbon bikes that we'll produce on it... light, ethereal and mysterious! We expect to produce models with it in Ultegra, Dura-Ace and perhaps SRAM Force versions.

Regards,
Jack

The new Tiagra is still 9-speed, but very nicely engineered. It looks much more like 105 (and up), especially the cranks and shifters. Those shifters have a new feature that I think is terrific. They have gear indicators built-in... very nicely integrated so they are not the least bit obtrusive. I have a feeling that feature might be something we'll see on upper-end groups in the future.

We're still pretty well stocked on 2006 Classics and the 2007's won't arrive until spring. So, we may be a little while longer getting that info up on our website. However, we are happy to take pre-orders over the phone. Break-down on changes, colors and prices for the 2007 Classic line-up is expected to be:

Classic 3300 - Sora drivetrain - upgrade to STI for '07 (from D/T shifters)
Color: Pearl Lime
Direct: $499
Pre-Launch: $469

Classic 4500 - New Tiagra drivetrain for '07
Color: Fire Red Pearl
Direct: $699
Pre-Launch: $599

Classic 5600 - 105 drivetrain - no significant chages for 2007
Color: Pearl White
Direct: $999
Pre-Launch: $899



Let me clarify.

1) For 2008 we are considering doing an all aluminum version of the Aprisa frame for the 4500 and 5600 models. Pricing should be similar to those same model levels in the Classic series. That frame would just be plain Aprisa by name... so the models would be Aprisa 4500 and Aprisa 5600. The Classic frame will probably still be around, but only on the 3300 model. This may help further distiguish the entry level 3300 from mid-level 4500 and 5600 models. There is a small chance we'll be ready with this change in spring for the 2007 models, but is most likely going to take place in the fall of next year as 2008 models.

2) The Aprisa Elite frame should continue in current form in aluminum construction with carbon seatstays. The Aprisa Elite 6600 is expected to return in 2008 with few changes. We might also consider adding a SRAM Rival equipped version as the Aprisa Elite Rival.

3) The Aprisa Team frame production has already been terminated, though we do still have a few of the 2007 Aprisa Team Pro and Ace bikes available. They were early launch models and have sold quicker than expected, but it is now too late to plan additional production. There are many factors invloved, not the least of which are lead times for component orders and frame parts, as well as simply arrangin production time and space in the shipping containers that bring all our US inventory over from the factory in Taiwan.

4) We are in design phase now for an all carbon frame for 2008. The working name for this new series that repaces the Aprisa Team frame in our line-up is "Spectre". Unless we run into copyreight issues, that will probably be the final name for production. I think it suits the nature of the carbon bikes that we'll produce on it... light, ethereal and mysterious! We expect to produce models with it in Ultegra, Dura-Ace and perhaps SRAM Force versions.

Regards,
Jack

Hey Jack,

That's some great feedback, a good source of reference for others to read in the future.

So glad you're getting rid of the downtube shifters on the 3300.

Can't wait to see more of those Tiagra shifters.

Thanks for clearing up what frame is going to be what and when.

No clue what to think about the Rival stuff coming up, as you've said, just something so new, I haven't even heard of a review, let alone a friend who might have tried them.

I really hope you're able to pull off the Aspria geometry for a midrange Al bike, it'd be nice to start out with something lower end and when someone is ready they already know how your upper end bikes will feel.

I really like the name, "Spectre." I so hope it works out. I can totally see some viral marketing working with it.

Thanks again!