hi there thinking about purchasing an ironhorse mk3 comp and was wondering if anyone knew of any reviews or if any of you own one. havnt had a test ride yet waiting the shop to get one from one of their other branches hat is the correct size.

I don't know anyone on here that has one mate, but I was thinking of getting one myself. SO if you do manage to find anything out, come back and let me know

ta

Aye, I'd like to get the wife one soon, luckily her bikes fit me perfectly ;-)

I've demoed one about a year and half ago and I was very impressed. I didn't buy one in the end but only because I prefered the RM Slayer. I do have a 7point3 which uses the same rear suspension system and it is excellent. I'm not sure what the build spec is these days but it was excellent value. Certainly a good bike but you'll find that out yourself when you get the demo.

STW did a review in Issue 28.

that copy has sold out, has anybody read the publication and know what it said about the bike or am i going to have to download it

This months MBR has a 5'' Iron Horse in it. Think the revies said it was Ok but not fantastic; the kit was a bit rubbish for the money and the reign-like vpp thing was a bit odd apparently..

Gareth.I have a Mk3 Expert with Fox Vanilla R's fitted. Ridden since Feb and not really had any problems. My 17in frame has quite a short reach making for a very upright ride position. I quite like this as it has saved me from excursions over the bars on several occasions. You could always get the bike shop to put a longer stem on for you if this was an issue. I'm not a big fan of the SRAM shifters although they have been trouble (and maintenance) free. The sus is great with 5th element shock. Smooth, subtle and climbs/decends brilliantly. Try one!

its interesting that Bike Rider (above) mentioned them being a bit short, as MBR specifically mentioned this too.

It was the mk111 comp in MBR if anyone wants me to post it?

I suspect that the shock on the Expert provides a better ride as I didn't necessarily agree with some of the points made by MBR. The ride is as good as, if not better than my Kona King Kikapu (faux bar). I did test ride a Turner and a Nicolai before I decided upon the Iron Horse. As for VFM, make up your own mind but I think they are quite competitively priced.

Yes please Dan

had a shot on it today and quite liked it. it does feel short as mentioned had to put the saddle right back and take a spacer off the stem.i found it really strange when pedaling out the saddle aswell. for 1395 i thought the spec of kit was pretty good. i also tried a reign 2 06 model which i found a bit better. still undecieded any more help guys.

Out of the saddle works well on steep climbs in the granny ring as the back end feels like is is pulled in. Never had a problem with traction like this. Does stay fairly active in the middle ring (obviously depending on shock set-up) which can feel a bit strange at first. Best to stay seated and spin up hill. Being short can be solved by fitting a longer stem and lay back seat post, a decent bike shop should happily fit what you want.
At the end of the day its what suits you and your riding style best. I find it perfect for fast rocky decents and technical climbing.

Here's the conclusion from the STW review:

"On slower speed technical sections - either up or down - it was the most well balanced bike of the bunch with no unexpected lunging or pitching around. Again, it exhibited all the great aspects of a hardtail but with a little added cush as and when requested.
Despite the aggressive geometry and front end 'attack' position the MKIII does not perform best in traditional racey XC conditions. Our recommendation is to change a couple of bits up front and take it out on the high hills, where it will be tough, predictable and great value trail buddy for years to come."

In the main review they found that the riders weight was far too forward, especially descending/ down technical stuff. They actually put a short stem on and changed the bars for some riser with more rise and found it handled things better.

Kato, drop me an email with your address and I'll stick it in the post. Also I have noticed in some mags that you can the mk111 comp with a fair discount if you look around.