SilverbackLab Stratos AL range thoughts?

[throwawayquestionaire]

So posted this to reddit but thought i would try here as well, Copying and pasting.. 

 

Hey everyone, my apologies if this isn't the right thread. I am currently in the market for a new bicycle here in South Africa. I have come across Silverback Lab bikes, particularly the Stratos 5 & 3. My main concern is that there are no reviews and I am unable to find any details on Reddit regarding the models itself. The components look good (especially on the 3 model, link below) but there is little information regarding the frame and long term usage. Any guru's here who may be able to chip in some thoughts? Bikes are very expensive here so purchasing a second hand specialized might be better and upgrading later? 

 

https://silverbacklab.com/bike-model/mountainbikes/stratos-al-3/

[nox1111]

I think your problem start with South Africans and reddit - not used in the age brackets that will give you solid advice.

The Stratos bikes are remarkable for many reasons - all of them good.

Ride quality and geometry is spot on for xc, marathon and trails and the quality of the product as well as after sales support is very good.

Silverback will always be best bang for your buck when buying new without compromising on quality.

I've seen the AL3 in the flesh - and can tell you that it Looks good!

[Hairy]

was seriously looking at getting a Stratos (was waiting for the higher end models to land) before picking up a great deal on another brand ... managed a parking lot ride on a size that was too small for me and she felt rather good.

[throwawayquestionaire]

I think your problem start with South Africans and reddit - not used in the age brackets that will give you solid advice.

The Stratos bikes are remarkable for many reasons - all of them good.

Ride quality and geometry is spot on for xc, marathon and trails and the quality of the product as well as after sales support is very good.

Silverback will always be best bang for your buck when buying new without compromising on quality.

I've seen the AL3 in the flesh - and can tell you that it Looks good!

 

I think your problem start with South Africans and reddit - not used in the age brackets that will give you solid advice.

The Stratos bikes are remarkable for many reasons - all of them good.

Ride quality and geometry is spot on for xc, marathon and trails and the quality of the product as well as after sales support is very good.

Silverback will always be best bang for your buck when buying new without compromising on quality.

I've seen the AL3 in the flesh - and can tell you that it Looks good!

Thanks for the response, i tried searching to see if i could find any reviews on the frame but didn't come right. Will take everything into consideration!!

[nox1111]

It is a brand spanking new platform and not all models have been released yet - so reviews will be scarce.

There is a thread on here of guys riding the AL5. It is obviously a more affordable model spec wise, but share the same frame. Ask the guys on there for their 5c.

[tinmug]

Small market, zero US market = few reviews. 

 

Which is not to say it's a bad product. Mariska Strauss has been racing the new carbon Silverback Stratos in the UCI XC circuit this year (she previously raced the carbon Sesta) and it's been a strong year for her. In SA the Silverback bikes are VERY competitively priced, and they seem to be liked by those who ride them (I am one of those, as is my wife who just bought one of there carbon bikes ... N+1 and all that). 

 

Nothing quite like a test ride ... 

 

Which part of SA are you in?

[BikeisLife]

I'm on the CF version and absolutely love it. Bang for buck, all of the AL versions are unbeatable. Silverback are also easy to get a hold of should a problem ever arise (which it shouldn't). 

Go for it.

[shaper]

Been discussed here https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/182681-silverback-stratos-al-5/?hl=stratos

[throwawayquestionaire]

It is a brand spanking new platform and not all models have been released yet - so reviews will be scarce.

There is a thread on here of guys riding the AL5. It is obviously a more affordable model spec wise, but share the same frame. Ask the guys on there for their 5c.

Thanks Nox, found the thread! Again appreciate the feedback, 

[throwawayquestionaire]

Small market, zero US market = few reviews. 

 

Which is not to say it's a bad product. Mariska Strauss has been racing the new carbon Silverback Stratos in the UCI XC circuit this year (she previously raced the carbon Sesta) and it's been a strong year for her. In SA the Silverback bikes are VERY competitively priced, and they seem to be liked by those who ride them (I am one of those, as is my wife who just bought one of there carbon bikes ... N+1 and all that). 

 

Nothing quite like a test ride ... 

 

Which part of SA are you in?

I should have figured as much, glad to see that the general consensus is that the range has been well received. Seems a bit pedantic but my current hardtail was not a good buy hence the thread.. 

 

I hope your wife and you have many good trips on them!,

 

Currently in Jhb, sold my motorbike a few months ago so I would like to get into mountain biking. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply, does help with the decision!!

[throwawayquestionaire]

I'm on the CF version and absolutely love it. Bang for buck, all of the AL versions are unbeatable. Silverback are also easy to get a hold of should a problem ever arise (which it shouldn't). 

 

Go for it.

My mind is at ease now, just need to decide on which model    Thanks for the response, hope you enjoy the CF!!

[throwawayquestionaire]

Been discussed here https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/182681-silverback-stratos-al-5/?hl=stratos

Thanks, will give a read!

[throwawayquestionaire]

was seriously looking at getting a Stratos (was waiting for the higher end models to land) before picking up a great deal on another brand ... managed a parking lot ride on a size that was too small for me and she felt rather good. 

Thanks for the reply Hairy, really glad to know everyone has had a pleasant experience!

[Hairy]

Throwaway ... you are new here with a lekker attitude, hope you stay around and become a regular!

 

Best wishes with whichever decision you go with.

[throwawayquestionaire]

Throwaway ... you are new here with a lekker attitude, hope you stay around and become a regular!

 

Best wishes with whichever decision you go with.

Thanks Hairy, glad to have this forum. Will be coming back with an update once the decision has been made 

[nox1111]

OK, I actually got to ride one this AM - AL3. Good times.

 

I actually typed a decent review and then accidentally deleted it before sending. So here is the condensed version.

 

Climbs: really well - composed, great traction. No bobbing, even when suspension fully open.

Traverses - singletrack rallying: Super nimble, feels fast and playful

Descends - Not an enduro bike. Not supposed to be. Descends like a light trailbike. Really fun, rips!

 

Initial reservations overcome by ride: Tyre choices.

 

Like: Geometry spot on. Handles like its on rails.  Dropper opens up world of play.

 

Dislike: Brakes felt overwhelmed at the speeds the bike allowed me to carry.

 

Overall: moerdyk its a fun bike. If I was in the market, I would get one. And then immediately change the brakes to Deore. Permanent smile glued on: Check

 

I am a fan, also a logical guy - and I call a spade a spade.