Long Term Review: IBIS Hakkalugi

• It's not perfect, the Hakkalugi. The color scheme would be better were it not for the small red accents. The head tube is a little tall for road use. And the twitchy handling does not make for particularly relaxed four hour winter training rides. On the other hand, this is a wicked light and incredibly responsive package that, while not exactly inexpensive -- is hundreds less than the nominal competition. It has design flourishes more familiar to the handbuilt steel crowd than the <1kg carbon market. And most importantly, it's an incredibly versatile platform.

  I've ridden my 'lugi in all sorts of conditions, ranging from muddy slop to snow and ice to sand to endless tarmac. It's worn deep carbon tubulars, handbuilt GP4s, and modern Campy clinchers. Currently outfitted with 23c Panaracers, I've tried it with Challenge Grifo tubulars, Schwalbe Ultremos, and some 28c touring skinwalls. With each iteration, the riding characteristics changed a bit, but it's always remained light, nimble, and fun to ride. As most reviews have noted, its IBIS roots are very noticeable in its downright... huckability offroad. With the right wheel and tire choice, skilled technical riders will find it to be a joy. This quick handling may not necessarily translate to better racing, however. With not a little horror have I witnessed my poor 'lugi crashed within minutes of loaning it to a friend. But I'd rather have a bike that I can grow into, rather than one I'd outgrow...

  Very large or very strong riders might find the frame insufficient in rear triangle stiffness, at least when compared to the overbuilt bikes in the Ridley, Empella, and Stevens universe. Personally, I think it strikes the perfect balance of lateral bb stiffness and vertical compliance. There are very few true racing cross bikes that I wouldn't mind riding in a brevet or a fast century, but the Hakkalugi does just fine.

  As a pure road bike, well, it's not ideal. Novices probably won't notice the difference, but the high bottom bracket -- while terrific for racing and high speed offroad maneuverability, is not your friend when cornering. But then again, I don't anticipate too many folks using one as a dedicated crit machine.

  I really like this bike, so much in fact that it will be my ride of choice for this year's Great Lakes Randonneurs Brevet #1 on the first of May. For cross use, I really can't imagine a more ideal bike for my use. It's an absolute joy to ride and race. On the road, the Hakkalugi is far more comfortable than it deserves to be.

  Frame: IBIS Hakkalugi
  Fork: Alpha Q CX20
  Drivetrain: 1x10 Campagnolo Centaur
  Cranks: SRAM Force
  Pedals: TIME RXS/Road Atac XS/CX
  Wheels: Campagnolo Vento/Road Campy Centaur/Mavic GP4/CX
  Tires: Panaracer EVO-Closer/Road Challenge Grifo/CX
  Skewers: Far & Near + KCNC ti
  Bars: Easton SLX
  Seatpost: Thomson
  Saddle: San Marco Zoncolan
  Brakes: TRP w/Velo Orange adjustable pads
  Chain: IRD teflon coated
  Computer & lights: Knog
  Tape: Crazy!