IronHorse or Turner??

[Commander Dilsnikk]

Right guys, here's the deal...

I'm in the market for a DH bike. Coming off a hartail I'm a fan of bikes which are more at the "manouverable" rather than "bashyourwaythroughit" end of the scale.

I've narrowed it down to two bikes...

Bike #1: Brand New '04 IronHorse SGS-DH Team w/ Manitou 6-way Swinger
Bike #2: 2nd Hand '03 Turner DHR w/ Romic

Both bikes have almost identical specs, except for wheels.
IronHorse: WTB LaserDisc Hubs, WTB LaserDisc DH rims.
Turner: SunRingle hubs, Mavic 521 rims.
There are some other differences (stem, bars,etc.) but these components are extremely comparable. Turner has almost all new '04 gear like the IronHorse.

The prices, too, are almost identical (when store discount for purchase of other parts, etc. is taken into account).

My main concerns are:
- Warranty issues with a second hand bike... it shouldn't be a problem with the frame but i would prefer not to be left in the lurch when it comes to parts.
-That the Turner may be more of a long-wheelbase "bashyourwaythroughit" bike than i had in mind (i keep finding/ hearing differeing opinions).

...and i'll probably think of more and add them...

So the big question is: which one?

[Wattsy]

i recon the iron horse, im thinkin of getting 1. plus, the warrenty is really useful, and cauz its a dh bike, it should cover most things, so i recon go for the ironhorse

[Turley]

both pritty different bikes when you check out the geometry. Take em for a ride and see which one suits you best

[looseunit]

I would get the Turner from the goemtry and from what I have seen and read from rider reviews. I have ridden several older model turners and that all had very fast steering if you are concerned about how nible the bike, I cant really tell you anything about how the current model rides.

The other thing with turner regarding warranty is that a freind of mine had a (94/95) turner burner with a 6inch linkage kit on it, Craig Feleix old bike. My friend was about the 6 person to own this bike that we know of and the frame cost him $100. This bike had been repair more that once before he got it, cracked behind head tube, flared head tube and the bushings had been replace more than once. I told him not to buy it because it will last about a week I was wrong the bike lasted well over a year and ended up nearly snaping after casing a 15f double. Not many bikes last over 5years and a sponserd rider. After breaking the bike he email Turner and they still had spare parts for a bike that old and offered to replace the main frame for $1000 us plus postage. Very few compaies are willing to help a customer that has a second hand bike, yet alone one that is over 6 years old.

[jays_5000]

The Iron Horse SGS Team is SICK!
Evil, Sram, 6way, it really is a treat to look at, and it has an insanely huge downtube, not to mention the 1.5 headtube.

Fully stealth if you don't count the forks, lol...

But either way, I don't think you will be dissapointed.

[cam-o]

I'd go the Turner. There's a reason why a 2nd hand Turner is is worth as much as a new Iron Horse, and that's cos they rock! If the warranty is something that worries you, PM or call DHD and get the lowdown from the source. I assume it's Aussie's Turner you are looking at?? It's a very very sweet ride. Regarding bash Vs maneuver, don't forget that your riding style will change a bit on a big rig and you may just like a bit more bashing. Either way, I've ridden '03 Turners and found them to be plenty maneuverable. They are certainly better than the '02s.

[Acadian]

I would also get the Turner hands down....no contest here for me!!

[dhd]

You gotta be shittin me.......
Turner.

Think of it this way:
Iron Horse= Subaru WRX
Turner DHR=Nissan GTR

Also I happen to know the Turner importer and I'm pretty sure he (and Turner) will stick by you if you have any frame probs. Turner have a massive amount of pride in their frames.
The earlier model DHRs had a head angle that was steeper than most (67.5 deg) but that 2003 model slackened it to 67 deg which is pretty standard DH stuff.

[Commander Dilsnikk]

Cheers guys...
I have basically made the decision but thought I should do some checking out just to be sure...

And, no, i wasn't worried about problems with frame warranty (it is a Turner!!) but more about parts... this is the only concern which still could put me off...
It was also the only real reason that I posted this thread...
I know all about the frame, etc. (although, not being that way inclined, the car analogy didn't do anything :P) It's hands down a better bike!!
I just don't want to be sitting there, not being able to do a great frame justice by riding it because I can't pay to fix what would usually be a warrantyable problem!!


...and DHD...
I happen to know the Turner importer that's the funniest thing i've heard all day. Well done :P :lol:

[Acadian]

Cheers guys...
I have basically made the decision but thought I should do some checking out just to be sure...

And, no, i wasn't worried about problems with frame warranty (it is a Turner!!) but more about parts... this is the only concern which still could put me off...
It was also the only real reason that I posted this thread...
I know all about the frame, etc. (although, not being that way inclined, the car analogy didn't do anything :P) It's hands down a better bike!!
I just don't want to be sitting there, not being able to do a great frame justice by riding it because I can't pay to fix what would usually be a warrantyable problem!!


...and DHD...
I happen to know the Turner importer that's the funniest thing i've heard all day. Well done :P :lol:

so which one are you getting?

[Commander Dilsnikk]

The Turner most probably...
i just have to wait a few weeks until I move to Canberra (where the seller lives)...
then i believe a deal shall be struck :D

[Acadian]

The Turner most probably...
i just have to wait a few weeks until I move to Canberra (where the seller lives)...
then i believe a deal shall be struck :D

nice...post pics once you get her!! 8)

[Commander Dilsnikk]

The Turner most probably...
i just have to wait a few weeks until I move to Canberra (where the seller lives)...
then i believe a deal shall be struck :D

nice...post pics once you get her!! 8)

certainly!!

on a related note... am i completely wrong, or do i remember hearing that you used to ride one??

i just had a sudden idea that the frame might be too small (although i will ride it before i buy it)
i'm 6' and it's a medium frame... that is my typical frame size (i prefer the bike to be slightly small rather than slightly big) but Turner recommends the Large frame for someone of my height...

if i'm not completely wrong, and you did ride one... how tall are you and what frame size did you ride?

the same question goes out to all others who have owned/ ridden DHRs... although i'll only make the final decision upon riding it, i like to have done my homework so to speak

[Acadian]

The Turner most probably...
i just have to wait a few weeks until I move to Canberra (where the seller lives)...
then i believe a deal shall be struck :D

nice...post pics once you get her!! 8)

certainly!!

on a related note... am i completely wrong, or do i remember hearing that you used to ride one??

i just had a sudden idea that the frame might be too small (although i will ride it before i buy it)
i'm 6' and it's a medium frame... that is my typical frame size (i prefer the bike to be slightly small rather than slightly big) but Turner recommends the Large frame for someone of my height...

if i'm not completely wrong, and you did ride one... how tall are you and what frame size did you ride?

the same question goes out to all others who have owned/ ridden DHRs... although i'll only make the final decision upon riding it, i like to have done my homework so to speak

ya I did have a 02 DHR at one point! I'm 5'10" and rode a Med and it was pretty much perfect. I think the 03-04's a a tad longer, so in my opinion you should be fine! Especially if you prefer smaller bikes.

[crozza]

turner

[Daver]

you would be stupid not to get the turner. The iron horse ain't even in the same league!!!

[cam-o]

I'm 5'10 (and a bit :) ) and a medium Turner is spot on for me. I think you'll be right.

[dhd]

Yep medium is the go. I'm 6 foot and on a medium....

[Jordy]

go the turner for sure

[jmeers]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

[Commander Dilsnikk]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

i feel so... informed... :roll:

[SpectRe]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

Id like to know just how you came to that witty little conclusion of yours... :? I guess Rennie, Hill, Atkinson and Graves must have a thing for ripping it on the World circuit on bikes that 'suck' :roll:

[/rant]

[Jordy]

i think he is basing it on what ironhorse used to be like.... back before they sponsored these big names people used to laugh at them and jmeers probly hasn't seen a new ironhorse in the flesh i dont think ?

[LTR]

turner arent cheap for a reason... :wink: so turner it is....

if you get it, you realise your gonna get bashed..... (maybe not by me) :P

[Jordy]

aw y dont ya bash him live to ride ?.... you can take him on with one hand !

[cam-o]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

Id like to know just how you came to that witty little conclusion of yours... :? I guess Rennie, Hill, Atkinson and Graves must have a thing for ripping it on the World circuit on bikes that 'suck' :roll:

[/rant]

Irrespective of whether Iron Horses suck or not Rennie, Hill etc ride whatever they get paid to ride. Factory rides are not easy to come by so they are hardly going to knock one back if the bike isn't their favourite. Don't think that a big name on a bike means it is necessarily the best bike. It's purely marketing. You think Skaifey would drive a commodore day to day if he didn't own HRT?

[S.]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

I can feel the intelligence RADIATING from you.

turner arent cheap for a reason... :wink: so turner it is....


Awesome, Norco can just double their prices and they'll be REALLY awesome. Jesus.

[Acadian]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

I can feel the intelligence RADIATING from you.

turner arent cheap for a reason... :wink: so turner it is....


Awesome, Norco can just double their prices and they'll be REALLY awesome. Jesus.

do not fear...
SOCKET is HERE!! :wink:

[S.]

Get the turner for sure, iron horse suck.

I can feel the intelligence RADIATING from you.

turner arent cheap for a reason... :wink: so turner it is....


Awesome, Norco can just double their prices and they'll be REALLY awesome. Jesus.

do not fear...
SOCKET is HERE!! :wink:

AND DEEEEEN?

[kranked]

u cant go wrong with 4 bar linkage from specialized - go the iron horse, or just get a specialized LOL

[S.]

u cant go wrong with 4 bar linkage from specialized - go the iron horse, or just get a specialized LOL

DUDE! 4 bar is not the best, singlepivot is! Can't go wrong with a singlepivot!!!!!11

[Commander Dilsnikk]

u cant go wrong with 4 bar linkage from specialized - go the iron horse, or just get a specialized LOL

DUDE! 4 bar is not the best, singlepivot is! Can't go wrong with a singlepivot!!!!!11

in fact... why have pivots at all???
that's where it's at these days :wink:
steve knows what i'm talking about

[Acadian]

u cant go wrong with 4 bar linkage from specialized - go the iron horse, or just get a specialized LOL

riding a good 4 bar (like Intense of Specialize) is one thing...but riding a 4 bar that you'll most likely have to replace the rear swingarm throughout the year is another!!

[S.]

u cant go wrong with 4 bar linkage from specialized - go the iron horse, or just get a specialized LOL

DUDE! 4 bar is not the best, singlepivot is! Can't go wrong with a singlepivot!!!!!11

in fact... why have pivots at all???
that's where it's at these days :wink:
steve knows what i'm talking about

Hmm, you could be onto something here:
Yellow: Zeropivot technology.

[kranked]

interested, why do u say u would have to replace the swingarm, 4 bar not strong enough coz of the linkages??????

[S.]

interested, why do u say u would have to replace the swingarm, 4 bar not strong enough coz of the linkages??????

The 04s come with a redesigned chainstay because the 03s were apparently (second-hand knowledge here) pretty flexy and weak.

[Acadian]

:arrow:

[kranked]

crap,

sux to be him.

well ive only heard good things about 04 from many people so we'll see how it goes,

[Acadian]

well ive only heard good things about 04 from many people so we'll see how it goes,

ya I hear the 04 IH's are much better and much stronger...

[ska todd]

riding a good 4 bar (like Intense of Specialize) is one thing...but riding a 4 bar that you'll most likely have to replace the rear swingarm throughout the year is another!!

Unfortunately you can never design a DH rig to be 100% flawless. For everything you think you nailed down riders will start going bigger and challenge your designers even more. Every DH bike out there has it's strengths/weaknesses. I think the true deciding factor is how well a company reacts to issues that pop up and takes care of them.

interested, why do u say u would have to replace the swingarm, 4 bar not strong enough coz of the linkages??????

The '04 linkage and swingarm got a total redesign. The swingarm is now stiff and beefier and shouldn't have any significant issues. The linkage also got a stiffener added (similar in design to what the Mad Catz team used in 03).

The 04s come with a redesigned chainstay because the 03s were apparently (second-hand knowledge here) pretty flexy and weak.

There was flex that was due to a thru pin being 1-2mm longer than spec. The flex could be cut down significantly with a little grinding. We totally changed the design for 04 as I described above so this is no longer an issue. :)

ya I hear the 04 IH's are much better and much stronger...

yup, yup...designed by dw. Hella tough and bad ass looking to boot!

-ska todd

[SpectRe]

cam-o etc - dont take me for a dullard...
More the point i was trying to get across was that Word Cup standard DH bikes (such as the SGS WC - with Team and Pro models being based around this platform) cannot exactly be categorised as bikes 'that suck' except in indivdual, and mostly unfounded or un-educated, opinions. Sure, the Iron Horse bikes may not have been the best in previous years - correct me if im wrong but the statement "Iron Horse suck" is in present tense.. thus referring to the current line of bikes.
Im just irritated by silly remarks from these people, who obviously know very little about the matter, or inclusive factors. (Meh, perhaps im just in an ordinary mood because i have to go back to school tomorrow, haha!)
Anyways, ska tood - its good to see someone setting things straight :)

[Ghost]

I don't post that much, but I will say that Iron Horse certainly do not suck. I'm now on an SGS DH Team and I'm hugely impressed with it.

With regard to the thread, it all comes down to personal preference. You can ask these types of questions on forums until the cows come home, but you have to realise that a lot of the answers you'll be getting are based on what the author has read, not tried for themselves.

I've never ridden a Turner and couldn't possibly recommend one until I had. They do have a very good history though, so I believe it is worth looking around for a test ride.

Try both, see what suits you better.

[cam-o]

cam-o etc - dont take me for a dullard...
More the point i was trying to get across (bunch of stuff that doesn't need full quoting)
I hear ya Spectre and I wasn't thinking of you as a dullard, dipstick, dropkick or any other D word. I agree, stating that any brand as a whole sux is just plain dumb. There are plenty of brands out there that don't thrill me (I won't name them for fear of starting a whole new round of this sucks/that sucks) but I'd never be dopey enough to claim the whole brand line sux, they just aren't my taste.

[SpectRe]

Haha yeah its all good. For the most part - many people mistake their own opinions (for whatever reasons, if any) for fact - especially when it comes to what is 'good or not'. Some bikes/parts I may not like as much as others - but seldom will I blatantly write anything off as 'crap' or any other similar description. :)
[/hijack]
The new Iron Horses have awesome spec, and I have heard nothing but good things from guys (and girls) riding the first SGS models in Australia - Instructors at RawNRG Thredbo. When it comes down to it i guess its just about how much you are willing to spend and whatever your personal preferences may be - from spec. parts down to things such as colour availability etc. Its all up to you.

[dhd]

Yeah, I remember thinking Avanti MOTO pro's were the best. After owning a few of them and throwing many $$$$ at them trying to make them work, I finally accepted the error of my ways.
(yeah that's right, the ones that looked like Norco's except the Avanti's had crap angles.)

[cam-o]

Yeah but you once owned a ProFlex Beast DHD. I think that's proof enough that your taste once sucked. :)

[aussie]

Here are some pics of the Turner in question
http://www.dhrace.com/forum/showthread.php?s=1ebe86eb90cc4c41d67cff118f6e750e& postid=30996#post30996

p.s buy my bike its wicked good :lol: