you really must do it, should the opportunity arise. initially i was worried about the bike being to stiff as well. but, my wife really wanted an Alum bike - she likes the look of the big tube ;-). ibis has the feel of a Fat City West. kinda groovy. and this bike proves the point.
it climbs much much better than any steel bike i have. keep in mind i have not taken any of my Yo's out in anger yet. but my Buck, Voodoo, or Kona - not even close. compared to those bikes the Alibi seems to be flying up hill. quite a strange feeling. sometimes on the steel bikes i feel like i am battling to make progress uphill.
downhill was even more eyeopening. i thought it would really rough. but this triple or quadruple butting has done wonders. the frame is really compliant. very similar to a steel bike - whacky. right now it would appear that i am going to take this bike over from my wife and make it the front line rider.
get one,
Sette