Sampson Sports Inc. 2000 z7 Pro Road chorus

Price Paid:  $525.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Burke-Gilman

Bike Setup:
Reynolds carbon fork, Chris King headset, ITM stem, Ketrel Pro carbon handlebar, Ultegra groupo, Easton seatpost, Selle Italia Flight Max saddle, Shimano 540 wheels, Continental tires

Summary:
I bought the frame and fork used on eBay and built it up myself. I was a bit concerned because I couldn't test ride it but I was not disappointed. Great bike! Sure beats my old bone rattlin Cannondale. Smooth, stable, responsive. I can't think of a better bike for what I paid.

Strengths:
Ride, geometry, look

Weaknesses:
Water bottle cages are too close together.

Similar Products Used:
'95 Cannondale R400

Price Paid:  $3308.00 at Sampsonsports

Favorite Ride:
those that I survive

Bike Setup:
Z7, Record 10, Kestral carbon bar and fork, Thomson post, San Marco Era Pro seat, Speedplay x2 pedals, Zepp stem, Chris King threadless headset, Pro Race tires on Campy Proton wheels, Arundel Bicycle Co. carbon bottle cages, no paint

Summary:
I chose the Z7 over the Moots Vamoots to save money and was not disappointed. Also, I chose the Z7 over the Silverton because of my weight-223lbs minimum. I really expected something to fail under stress and was dead wrong. The owner of the shop where it had a 1-year service performed rode it himself and called it "beautiful, fast and stable". It only required minor lubing, adjustments and a few spokes tightened. This is a testament to frame, wheels and tires as I hit and rode through everything you can imagine with only one flat. I wouldn't trade this bike for anything.

Strengths:
Price/Value, Strength/18 lbs(58cm), Eric Sampson(Thank you Eric!). He really can fit you over the phone-listen to him!

Weaknesses:
Apparently the model has been discontinued

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $475.00 at Second Hand

Favorite Ride:
just as long as it isn't the turbo

Bike Setup:
Open Pro
Ultegra Groupset
Turbomatic Quattro Saddle
Prolink Chain Lube - you must use this, it's better than any lube I have tried before!

Summary:
I have just bought this bike 2nd hand in the UK and it is awesome. It is the most comfortable road bike I have ridden yet is incredibly responsive. I can't believe how much faster it is than my old road bike (reynolds 653, campy mirage set-up)

Strengths:
Comfort
Rigidity
Speed

Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet, although I'm struggling to adjust the water bottle cages so they don't bang into each other

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at Sampson

Favorite Ride:
Hotter 'N Hell

Bike Setup:
Campy Chorus with Record shift levers, triple crank, Electron wheels. 13-26 cluster.

Summary:
I was riding Sampson's Kalispell and wanted something that was better in sprints and climbs. Eric Sampson said the Z-7 would be that and it is. I can still have the titanium ride and the stiffness to climb,etc. The paint is flawless (bright yellow mettalic) and the bike is a joy to ride. Eric included an upgrade free when the ordered item was not available. Class act.

Strengths:
Eric Sampson. Bike quality. Campy Ergo shift system.

Weaknesses:
Had to replace the Campy Chorus headset this week (28 mos. old) but shop is not sure why. Tires had to get on Electron wheels.

Similar Products Used:
Sampson Kalaispell, vintage Centurion, and ancient Juenet.

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at Sampson

Favorite Ride:
Door County,WI

Bike Setup:
62 cm. Campy Chorus 10 speed (13-29 rear cog). Proton wheels, Axial Pro tires, Look 357 pedals, Specialized Body Geo. saddle

Summary:
I was originally going to purchase the Silverton, but due to my size (6'4", 200 lbs.), Eric Sampson suggested the z7, which would provide a stiffer platform. The sizing and componetry selection input was excellent. Assembly was simple, with no product defects.

I spent countless hours researching frames, components, complete bikes, etc. both via the internet and at various bike shops. The time and effort really paid off in this case. This frame is very similar to the Litespeed Palmares at a fraction of the cost.

Strengths:
Stiff, yet excellent road vibration damping over well- weathered midwestern roads. Very clean finish

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2300, Lemond Zurich, others