Iron Horse - What's wrong with them?
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Kostroma, Russia
Iron Horse - What's wrong with them?
G' day!
I was searching for a entry level road bike. With the seasonal discounts Iron Horse Triumph looks like the best bargain (Sora system, semi-carbon fork, 490$). I've been leafing this forum for some time and I couldn't find a single thread about bikes of this brand, which most likely means people don't buy Iron Horse's bikes, neither the cheaper models, nor the top models. So, back to my question, what is wrong with them? Overpriced? Unreliable? Wrong sponsorship? Bad management?
I was searching for a entry level road bike. With the seasonal discounts Iron Horse Triumph looks like the best bargain (Sora system, semi-carbon fork, 490$). I've been leafing this forum for some time and I couldn't find a single thread about bikes of this brand, which most likely means people don't buy Iron Horse's bikes, neither the cheaper models, nor the top models. So, back to my question, what is wrong with them? Overpriced? Unreliable? Wrong sponsorship? Bad management?
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Surly Pacer/Cutter/Viking
Nothing wrong with them at all, just not as popular as brands such as Trek and Giant etc. My wife has an Iron Horse Triumph and I think it's an amazing bike and was a great deal. I say ride it, if it feels good then get it.
#3
rider of small bicycles

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, New York
Bikes: Cannondale
Originally Posted by Keeper_k
G' day!
I was searching for a entry level road bike. With the seasonal discounts Iron Horse Triumph looks like the best bargain (Sora system, semi-carbon fork, 490$). I've been leafing this forum for some time and I couldn't find a single thread about bikes of this brand, which most likely means people don't buy Iron Horse's bikes, neither the cheaper models, nor the top models. So, back to my question, what is wrong with them? Overpriced? Unreliable? Wrong sponsorship? Bad management?
I was searching for a entry level road bike. With the seasonal discounts Iron Horse Triumph looks like the best bargain (Sora system, semi-carbon fork, 490$). I've been leafing this forum for some time and I couldn't find a single thread about bikes of this brand, which most likely means people don't buy Iron Horse's bikes, neither the cheaper models, nor the top models. So, back to my question, what is wrong with them? Overpriced? Unreliable? Wrong sponsorship? Bad management?
This bike, as well as the Triumph, will be good bikes, albeit heavy. I wouldn't expect to win races with it, but it certainly will get you around in style.
-mark
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Madre, CA, USA
Bikes: Trek 5300
I did a Google search on "Iron Horse Triumph" and got a large number of hits. It sounds like a decent entry level bike to me. If you are purchasing it from a reliable bicycle shop, I cant see anything wrong with it, though it is the type of bike that you will want to replace with an upgrade before too long or maybe not.
#5
Work hard, Play hard

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, California
Bikes: Cannondale super V 500, Bianchi Piaggio(hopefully getting a new road bike when I get some money)
As far as I know and from the research I have done the Iron Horse mtb's are very good for the money. I know thats not what you asking about but I'm guessing that if the mtb's are good the road bikes will probably be good as well.
sorry, not too much help.
sorry, not too much help.
#6
An un-oiled squeaky wheel
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Bikes: 2013 Wilier Triestina Gran Turismo, Mercian King of Mercia (Floppy); Fuji 500X; GT backwoods; Tour de Suisse; Diamond Back Interval
Its just doesnt have a lot of sex appeal, but who cares. I had a 300$ Iron Horse MTB that took tons of abuse
#7
The Cycle of Life

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Kanukistan
Bikes: Trek 520, Eclipse Carbon, Eclipse Al, Unknown Fixie.
Originally Posted by Robert Gardner
I did a Google search on "Iron Horse Triumph" and got a large number of hits. It sounds like a decent entry level bike to me. If you are purchasing it from a reliable bicycle shop, I cant see anything wrong with it, though it is the type of bike that you will want to replace with an upgrade before too long or maybe not.
gotta love google to determine a good product.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,665
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Bikes: 2012 Trek Madone 6.2
Just above walmart but do have some nice mtb and i think they are trying to position themselfs a bit higher on the roadbike chain but it takes time. Fuji was way down but over the past few years have climbed back up the chain,imo of course.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 8
Bike importers have a choice of selling to Wal-Mart, to sporting goods chain stores, such as Oshman's, or the real bicycle shops. In my area, Iron Horse made the decision to sell through Oshman's. Bicycle stores then refused to carry the brand. So, it kind of fell of the radar.
The Iron Horse bikes that I have seen all seemed to be good bikes for their price range. But, many bike owners prefer the level of service that comes with buying from a bike shop. I suspect that where Iron Horse bikes are carried in good bike shops, they are selling rather well.
The Iron Horse bikes that I have seen all seemed to be good bikes for their price range. But, many bike owners prefer the level of service that comes with buying from a bike shop. I suspect that where Iron Horse bikes are carried in good bike shops, they are selling rather well.
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Kostroma, Russia
I did a google search myself and I figured the company is relatively new (founded in 1987) and is more recognized as a MTB producer. To capture the wide recognition of roadies might take some time. The only outstanding feature of their road bikes now is "aggressive price".
Thank you guys for your replies.
Thank you guys for your replies.
Last edited by Keeper_k; 10-31-04 at 01:55 PM.
#11
Gone ridin'
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Bikes: Trek 700, Trek 520, Iron Horse Outlaw, Fuci Manouli
I have used an Iron Horse Outlaw for years now, and have used it as a road bike and a mountain bike. Even though I've modified it quite a bit, there was nothing wrong with any of the parts, (nothing broke except some spokes), I just switched them out as the money became available. As with anything, it's what you make of it, given a decent platform -- and it qualified as a decent platform.
There was one, the plastic spring retainer on the rear brake, that broke and when I went to replace it, found that it was the reverse of the shimano retainer so I used that opportunity to replace the brakes.
I can't say a bad thing about it. Make sure the spokes are tensioned properly, that's all. It was worth the money.
https://www.geocities.com/iforgotthep.../bikes/ih.html
Joe
There was one, the plastic spring retainer on the rear brake, that broke and when I went to replace it, found that it was the reverse of the shimano retainer so I used that opportunity to replace the brakes.
I can't say a bad thing about it. Make sure the spokes are tensioned properly, that's all. It was worth the money.
https://www.geocities.com/iforgotthep.../bikes/ih.html
Joe
#13
I got my son a Iron Horse Cyclone (pre-Triumph). The bike is of good quality but a bit on the heavy side. It's a great bike for the money but don't expect to win races with it. As for going to a lbs, I've had no problems taking it to my lbs. The shop tuned it and replaced some parts without a problem, I figure my money is just as good as the next guys. The advantage of buying from a lbs is that they usually throw in your first tune up for free. If you buy a bike online for $500 and later get your lbs to tune it for $50 your out of pocket $550. Very close to the cost of a lbs bike in the end.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
#14
Steel is Real
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Australia
Bikes: Pinarello Sestriere (steel) with Veloce 10 speed & Campagnolo Shamal Ultra wheelset, De Rosa Vision (Alu) with Chorus 11 and Campagnolo Bora One 50 wheelset Bianchi 1885 with Centaur groupset and Zonda wheelset 2003 GT Avalanche 0.0 MTB
I thought they were more popular with their mountain bike range.....
There is nothing wrong with them though....they seem pretty good for the $'s
There is nothing wrong with them though....they seem pretty good for the $'s
#15
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I just bought an Iron Horse Sage Deluxe comfort bike from the LBS. Its the specs almost, as some higher models up the scale, with really, only the handlebars, suspension seat, and tires being the major difference. This bike will take some major abuse, and keep ticking. Mine was about $300.00 and its just great. I've tried several higher dollar bikes, and you get alot of bike for the money with Iron Horse. I talked to the rep, and I suggest you give them a call. Goggle this : contact Iron Horse bicycles, and you'll get the contact phone number. Punch the number for customer service. Theyre helpful too. Mine is this : https://www.ironhorsebikes.com/products/comfort/https://www.ironhorsebikes.com/products/comfort/
#16
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Iron Horse Sage
G' day!
I was searching for a entry level road bike. With the seasonal discounts Iron Horse Triumph looks like the best bargain (Sora system, semi-carbon fork, 490$). I've been leafing this forum for some time and I couldn't find a single thread about bikes of this brand, which most likely means people don't buy Iron Horse's bikes, neither the cheaper models, nor the top models. So, back to my question, what is wrong with them? Overpriced? Unreliable? Wrong sponsorship? Bad management?
I was searching for a entry level road bike. With the seasonal discounts Iron Horse Triumph looks like the best bargain (Sora system, semi-carbon fork, 490$). I've been leafing this forum for some time and I couldn't find a single thread about bikes of this brand, which most likely means people don't buy Iron Horse's bikes, neither the cheaper models, nor the top models. So, back to my question, what is wrong with them? Overpriced? Unreliable? Wrong sponsorship? Bad management?
#20
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,297
Likes: 11,812
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix







