Bike Setup: 12-25 casstette (chorus), compact 34/48 Campag chain set. Due to be upgraded to 11 speed when I save my pennies up. Will get 36/50 chainset.
Summary: Well, what can I say. I weigh 142llbs and after riding a Battaglin with Columbus SL Tubing for nearly 20 years, I finally decided to bite the bullet and upgrade. I got the Pinarello 2003 really cheap on e-bay.It was too small for him and got a bigger Galileo! Don't understand why he did'nt make sure of the right size in the first place. The difference between the old frame and the new was phenomenal. Because of the compact size and nowadays so many stem and stem angle variations as well as seat pin alternatives, I could set up the bike perfectly for my size and weight. The oversize tubing only posed one problem - a 35.5 mm clip on front mech. I overcame this by purchasing a clip to allow for a braze-on f mech. The stays are quite chunky and I had to buy a 111mm BB - cartridge (chorus). You could easily fit a 113mm BB as there is very little space between my chainset and the stays. The ride: Magic. Just like the other reviews; don't skimp on components. The only thing I am conscious of is the drivechain and wheels. Its as if the frame was'nt there! The carbon meta forks work really well coupled with an original carbon Pinarello seat pin to absorb shocks. I have had both hips replaced (I'm 39 years old) and the raod feel is fantastic. it accelerates very well, is beautifully balanced on corners and descending. I had an old pair of Record Titanium 32spoke, Mavaic SUP 2 reflex wheels which were far too stiff for my weight and the bike was further transformed after swapping the wheels for Ksyriums (highly recommended). I am currently upgrading them too! PS Campag for sensible people. My transmission (Record/Chorus) is 12 years old and still running perfectly. ShimaNO. Waste of money - silky smooth initially but no longevity.
Strengths: Responsive, descends well, corners well, accelerates well, absorbs shocks readily, great paint finish, great value for money.
Weaknesses: No chain hanger at the rear; but thats it.
DO NOT buy one without the headset bearings. I had great difficulty getting a set but eventually found a source. Contact me if you need a set.
Bike Setup: FSA Carbon pro cranks 50/34, Ultegra wheels, 23c Hutchinson Quick Step team tires, Deda Newton stem and bars, Selle Italia saddle with American Classic seat post, and oh yeah, Dura Ace 9 speed on everything else - Laser Blue color
Summary: This is a 2003 Galileo frame with the externally butted tubes - the 04 now has no external butting and carbon stays. This is an excellent frame for the money. Mine has Dura Ace 9 (couldn't afford the new 10)and if you are going to build one, don't cheap out on the components - this frame is worthly of DA - at a minimum, Ultegra. With Hutchinson 23c tires, it has got to be my best riding bike and I also have a 02 DeRosa Vega (cheapest DeRosa frame made and now discontinued)which I used to think was the best riding and a 98 Litespeed Tuscany - the DeRosa may handle as well, but the Galileo just feels better somehow, I can't really explain it. The crank is an FSA Carbon Pro in 50/34 which is fantastic with a 27 tooth rear for really spinning up the Colorado mtn climbs. Deda Newton bar and stem also adds a touch of class. Right now I have Ultegra wheels with Mavic Open Pro rims but will be getting better wheels for this bike as it is more than worthy of some upgrades. Weighs a bit over 18 pounds with cages and Speedplay X3 pedals. This Galileo frame was lighter than the $800 more Marvel frame in 03! I don't know about the new carbon stay Galileo frame, but it is a bit better looking than my 03 - I really don't care for the bulge of the external butted frame, but it is very solid and I don't think it's ever going to break on me (I weigh a puny 132 lb.)
Strengths: It handles and rides really solid and smooth! Quality of this frame is second to none. I can't see spending the extra bucks for a Prince!
Weaknesses: External butted tubing (now a moot point as its discontinued)does not particularly add to its looks, but you almost don't notice it.
Similar Products Used: DeRosa Vega
Litespeed Tuscany
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Bike Setup: Pinarello Galileo, Campy Record 10 groupo, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheelset, 3T 199 Prima bar and Zepp stem, San Marco Era saddle.
Summary: This review is for a 2001 frame. Just a work of art!!! The geometry (56) was perfect for me and the paint job is the best I've seen thus far on any frame (Oceano - Banesto / Prime Alliance style).
The carbon fork perfectly blends into the overall appearance of the bike. An outstanding job by Pinarello and an Aluminum frame worth the purchase.
Strengths: Workmanship, paint and carbon fork.
Weaknesses: None to report.
Similar Products Used: Colnago and Trek.
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Bike Setup: Pinarello Galileo frame, Campag Chorus 10 speed, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, 3TTT Forma bars, Pinarello stem, Flite Pinarello saddle, Selcof carbon fibre post, Continental tyres, look pedals
Summary: This bike is my first new road bike in over 8 years. Jumping from an old school steel frame with 8 speed Campag Record to this lean mean racing machine was simply awesome!!! I honestly felt guilty when I turned up to my first race on the Pinarello, I felt I had an unfair advantage over the other guys - the speed and responsiveness was simply awesome and it still blows me away - even after a couple of thouand kms in the saddle.
Strengths: Rock solid frame - really stiff and responsive for climbing and sprinting, ultra quick wheels, outstanding Chorus components - it is just a great package whether training or racing. Compared to Colango Dream and other similar Italian bikes it was reasonably priced. Plus it looks sensational!!
Weaknesses: Can't think of too many weaknesses - compared to my old steel bike it has no weaknesses at all!! I am a little disappointed that the Team Telekom colours were unavailable when I decided to purchase - not a big problem though.
Similar Products Used: Kenevans Columbus TSX frame with 8speed Campag Record, Z Team Greg LeMond Columbus SL frame with 8speed Campag Veloce, Test rode Cannondale R2000 Caad5 with Shima-NO Ultegra
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Bike Setup: Full Dura Ace, Ksyriums SSC SL, Thomson post, Deda bar & stem, Time Impact mag pedals,Flite deck,as is 18.4 lbs
Summary: This bike is awesome, every ride i go on somebody does a doubletake and looks at the bike.I have to admit I wanted the Prince but the wife gave me a budget and I stuck with it.They all have the same geometry, so its all good!It is so stable, you just point it and it goes and if you have the stones to hold the line it will do it.
Strengths: Paint,geometry, dont see hardly any on the road, pretty light
Weaknesses: none really
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Peloton
Cannondale R1000
Giant TCR Team ONCE
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