Cyclist0383

I just saw the new IRO Phoenix on the IRO website, and I must say I'm a bit disappointed in it, especially as it replaces the Rob Roy, which I ride and love. IMO the Rob Roy is a perfect all weather three season city bike. The Phoenix on the other hand has a really odd mix of specs which looks like it makes it rather non-functional in comparison with the RR.

Compare.

The geometry of the two is similar, with the Phoenix having slightly less relaxed angles than the RR.

The RR is spaced 130mm, the Phoenix 120mm but with cable routing for an internal gear hub. The rub is that the vast majority of modern IGHs are 126mm to 135mm. What was IRO thinking?

The RR has canti brakes, rack and fender mounts, and can take tires to 38mm. The Phoenix has caliper brakes, rack and fender mounts, and can take tires to 38mm. The question is where can one easily find caliper brakes that can accommodate fat tires and fenders?

All in all this seems to me to be a really odd choice of specs for the Phoenix. As a replacement for the Rob Roy really I don't understand what they were thinking.



https://www.irocycle.com/index.asp?Pa...ROD&ProdID=158

https://www.irocycle.com/frame_specifications.pdf

brandonspeck

I agree, cantilever brakes would be really ideal for this frameset. It looks more like a steel version of the Jamie Roy. I wish they'd just bring the JR back.

And WTF... only black?

We should get IROCarrie posting in this thread...

stachemaster

Tektro R556's are calipers widely available (QBP, J&B, Action bike should all stock them) and they can be found on the internet for ~$40. They have insane clearance - 55-73mm.

HandsomeRyan

The 55-73mm number you listed is the reach, not the tire clearance. What the OP is referring to is the width of the tires not the length from the brake bolt to the rim/brake pads.

LeCollectif

I dunno. I'm kinda digging it. However, IRO really needs to get a healthy selection of colours going.

whenaminotme?

Pass

jonathansmith68

Anyone know what's going on with IRO's website? It appears to be a rolled back version to me... (I'm guessing the version of the website prior to them releasing their flash site). Anyone else getting the same thing when they go to https://www.irocycle.com/ ?

popsicleian

I must say I'm disappointed. I'm looking to buy a singlespeed (with potential for IGH) commuter this fall after I move and don't need my folding bike anymore. I had high hopes for the Phoenix, but I'll definitely be crossing it off my list. First of all, the geometry seems really weird (as someone pointed out in another thread)--72 degree head angle, but a 75.5 degree seat tube angle? Less than 50cm seat tube on a size 54 (with a super short head tube, no less)? There's no way this would fit me without a freakish stem/stack combo.

I also agree that it would have been better with cantis. I really don't understand why they went to the trouble of adding the cable routing for an IGH and only gave it a 120mm dropout.

bmw5nkj

the rob roy was perfect. RIP.

fuzz2050

I'm just a hair disappointed too, it's not a bad bike, it's just not a replacement for the RR. I guess this was built just for the S3X, it's 120, right?

stachemaster

I also note that i wrote my original post at 6:50 am after being out all night drinking.
The brake reach is long, true. But i own a pair of these, and have seen them used on plenty of randos/700c conversions and the arms give a good bit of clearance for fenders and fatter tires.

sp00ki

iro seems to have outgrown itself. since last summer, it seems everything has gone downhill. the last awesome thing they did, imo, was the first two group buys.
every change i've seen them make so far has been a disappointment.
i'd like to see them go back to being a smaller company; customers will deal with the high demand.
unfortunately, it doesn't seem that these guys do good on a large scale...

elTwitcho

I would think they're banking on the s3x which let's be honest here is really the only IGH to have generated any interest at all in the fixed/single speed community. While it isn't ideal for other IGHs I can't say there's a ton of people around here really clamoring for a bike to put their Shimano 8 speed hub on...

Agreed that a lot of the other design considerations don't seem to make much sense though

whoosh!

I'll buy one. It's a steamroller with eyelets.

Cyclist0383

Actually I've noticed a lot of posts in other forums expressing interest in IGHs. It's not just people into SS/FG that would like a frame that can take an IGH.

muckymucky

thats a lot of cable guides~

ADSR

They're making their own IGH wheels.

Also, did anybody else notice MarkV Pros?

elTwitcho

Yes but those people aren't riding IROs they're on something closer to a touring frame with a longer wheel base and more relaxed geometry from what I've seen. People with panniers and such who don't typically make up IROs target market.

Cyclist0383

Then the whole IHG thing on the Phoenix is a total mystery to me.

FWIW, my Rob Roy rides quite nicely with panniers.

Cyclist0383

Hmmm. Where did you see this? There isn't anything on their site I could find about it.

shapelike

The Rob Roy is spaced 132.5mm.

dobber

The Phoenix looks like a modern day equivalent of the conversion frame. They really missed an opportunity here.

As it is, another hi-ten, indistinguishable from the rest of the crowd.

hmarcks

Sorry to awaken this thread, but I am interested in the Phoenix. Despite the concerns about the bike in this thread, I haven't found a better complete bike option that's similar in price and quality.

But I am worried about the sizing.

Their chart says the "60cm" model measures 55.5cm seat tube center to center. Why is there such a difference? The top tube lenght (57cm) and stand over (33") seem more consistent with other 60cm model bikes, but are still on the smaller size.

So why would they size this as a 60cm? I'm 6'2" with a 35" inseem. I can't size it in person since there's no dealers near me, but does this sound like it will be too small?

Thanks for any input!