Ellsworth Glimpse – 5.5″ Travel Mountain Bike
From Ellsworth Bikes:
MSRP: $3,299
Frame: US Spec SST Aluminum
Shock: Fox Float R (specifically tuned for the Glimpse)
Fork: Fox 32 Float R Fit w/ 15mm Axle
Wheelset: Ellsworth All Mountain
Bars: Easton Monkey Lite
Stem: Easton EA70
Seatpost: Easton EC90
Crankset: Shimano SLX 175mm
Front Derailleur: Shimano SLX
Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX
Features
- Shaped, Swaged and Tapered tubing
- Instant Center Tracking (ICT) suspension technology
- Anti-Squat Tuning and optimization
- Drawn seamless tapered headtube
- Tube to tube circumferential welding
- Precision multi-axis machined suspension points
- Sex bolt assembly simplified design
Description
It’s easier to get a Glimpse than an Epiphany! And that was the idea: take out best selling cross country bike, the Epiphany, long heralded as the “Holy Grail of Bikes,” but put in a package that would be easier on the wallet. The Glimpse geometry and function is modeled after the Epiphany, painted rather than anodized and spec’d as a complete bike out of the box. If you thought you couldn’t afford the legendary and state of the art suspension experience of an Ellsworth ICT bike, think again. Ellsworth took time to qualify this project, using an international blend of efficient sourcing that brings the performance and feel of an Ellsworth package that is affordable to everyone. With US-certified seamless aluminum SST tube set, rockers machined in Ellsworth’s high-tech machine in Oregon, customized US-made Fox suspension components, Easton’s carbon cockpit, PURE Shimano SLX component group, grounded on Ellsworth’s outstanding All Mountain Wheels with a 15mm quick release on the front, topped off with a Genuine Leather Saddle. The efficiency of the Glimpse is more than how well it pedals, Tony Ellsworth personally captured a Glimpse of the Epiphany and put it in a box that anyone can open and ride.
Initial Thoughts On The Ellsworth Glimpse
All of the marketing talk aside, this is actually a pretty good deal at $3,300. With nicely spaced welds and a great looking two tone paint job, you get a quality 5.5″ travel rig for the price. Some would argue that $3,300 is still a lot of money for a mountain bike, but in the boutique bike world…that is really a steal for a complete bike. The Ellsworth Glimpse is a Taiwan produced Ellsworth frame, so you get the design behind the handmade in the US frames at a price that is almost the cost of just a frame only package.
The Glimpse is kitted out with Fox suspension, Shimano SLX, Easton carbon and the Ellsworth AM wheels to round out the build. Shimano SLX components are no slouch either with higher performance than the LX package it replaced.
Other than a cheesy looking headtube badge (if this was my bike it would be coming off immediately), I think I actually like the two-tone paint job and look of the Glimpse over some of the wilder ano that Ellsworth is known for. We’ll have to see how this uncharacteristic move from Tony Ellsworth performs on the trail, but so far…I am liking the direction the Glimpse is heading for riders looking for a high quality sled at a lower price. Now we just need to get it dirty…