Dean Ultimate Bicycles El Diente X-Lite CTi Chorus

Price Paid:  $4200.00 at Dean

Bike Setup:
Chorus build, look pedals

Summary:
I have owned this bike for 2 years and put approximately 4000 miles on it. I have to say that I have found it extremely enjoyable to ride. When making my decision I wanted a ti frame, traditional "stage race" geometry and non-integrated headset. Dean was one of the only places I found it. There are only eight people who work there. Call them up and talk to the guy that will weld your frame and ask him why is stuff is as good as the competition. Their frames are not as refined looking at the welds, but they do not smooth them over with secondary welds like Merlin or others and their frames are a lot cheaper. I have found it a little less stiff than Merlin/Litespeed bikes, but I have not been able to feel any noticable flex during riding and the bike is many orders smoother than my old aluminum bike. I strongly recommend.

Strengths:
Price, ride, non-integrated headsets only

Weaknesses:
Welds not as pretty??