I currently have both of these bikes.. the Big Block def is > than the IRO Mark V in terms of ride & overall quality, though I think the IRO is a little lighter (possibly just due to the more compact frame). Each has their oddities & they also have pretty different geometries... Mark V has more road bike like geometry but with a slightly higher BB than your conversion. The big block has more track like geo (steeper head and seat tube angles), but with an oddly tall frame that might appear too large if you size based on top tube length (rather than standover) like I normally do. To me the ride of the IRO seemed average, maybe a little below average while the Big Block feels a little more solid & has an above average ride. I bought the complete BigBlock build & feel that most of the componentry is decent. The crap parts of the stock big block build are the tires, grips and chain. Both have kinda crappy quality paint, but the Big Block's is much nicer looking at first!
Originally Posted by
ForSureForSure
Hey folks, new to the Forum; dig it though. I wanted to pose a question or two. I've been riding a Fuji conversion (fixed) for about a year and want to step up and get a better frame. Right now it's between an All City (Big Block maybe) or an IRO (Mark V Pro). I would like some opinions here, preferably fact based, on which is a better get. Also, why the price gap? Is the quality of All City that much better, if so, what makes it better? Most of my riding consists of a 13 mile (round trip) ride to and from work 3-4 days a week, also longer (20-30mi) rides 2-3 days a week in the city and country. Please weigh in and help me decide which frame to get! Thanks.