Summary: Well, it was time to get the second bike, you know, you have your training bike and your racing bike...its a stutus thing :) Anyway, after looking online and reading the CSC endorsements I went to the local to have a look at this bike for real. As the mechanic (not salesman) said ' this bike looks fast when standing still' and he was right. The soloist accelerates like a demon, and corners like a dream. Stable on those fast down hills, and lovely to climb with. I took it on this countries biggest cycling event with only 25 kms on the soloists clock and she performed brilliantly. (price in NZD)
Bike Setup: Full Ultegra, Koobi Xenon, Hutchinson or Michelin.
Summary: This bike is outstanding! With its true aero down tube,seat tube and post, it gives a good feeling of cutting through the air. I replaced the seat with a Koobi Xenon, trued the wheels at time of purchase and locked up the spokes and it has been a real pleasure to ride. The Soloist is quick and responsive and no matter if I'm spinning or mashing the big gears, I get what I want out of the bike.
I use the Kenda tires for training but have been racing with Hutchinson Carbon comps Team Issue and Michelin Hi-Lite Prestige and 700x20. She's a firm ride at a good clip.
Strengths: True aero tubing. Stiff BB. Carbon Forks and carbon seat post available. Adjustable geometry seat post head.
Similar Products Used: Trek 2000
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Bike Setup: ultegra, ritchey aero wheels, junky saddle
Summary: Fun bike but overpriced for the quality.
Strengths: quick handling. Aero attributes.
Weaknesses: stock Cervelo brakes are lousy. Overall poor fit and finish
(sloppy welds, decals instead of paint). heavy for a compact geometry
(19 lbs for 51cm), big size gap between frames...only 51cm and then
54cm, nothing in between. Customer service from Cervelo is less than
stellar.
Similar Products Used: Trek OCLV, Bridgestone RB-1, Cannondale
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Bike Setup: Ultegra Kit, Ritchey Deep Section wheels, Ritchey Stem, Cinelli Bars, Profile Designs Airstrykes, Hutchison tires, Azoto Gel Tri saddle/Flite Gel Road saddle (I recommend buying an extra seatpost head).
Summary: I have always been a rodie but was looking for a bike that would allow me to get into some multisport events. After much research, I decided on the Soloist. I can't believe I found one! The demand where I live is so high, there are waiting lists... I came from riding a Paramount Steel bike to the Soloist. WOW! It was unreal. So responsive and man, how it accelerates. My average speed for 100 miles increased by 2.3mph... and that is without aero bars. I did have the exact same issues with the ritchey wheels in regards to spoke tension and the squeeky hub as Ernie (see above). The bike is great in road and tri mode. I am amazed at the difference!
I bought an extra seat post head for my tri saddle, so changing modes is a snap.
Strengths: Compact frame geometry, responsive, cool looking, light (mine weighs 18.3 with pedals), does everything well (climbing, sprinting, and hauling a$$), great value for the $$
Performance is flawless! The best bike I have ever ridden!
Weaknesses: Wheels are a bit sketchy, especially with the trouble I had with them, the stock tires and saddle are junk, I am not too sure about the house brand brakes... but other than that, It is simply fantastic.
Similar Products Used: Viner SLX, Schwinn Paramount (tange), Giant CADEX.
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Bike Setup: Bontrager Race Lite wheels, 105 shifty bits with Ultegra 12-27 cassette, TA 53/39 chainset. Cinelli Groove bars and stem, Specialized Pro saddle.
Summary: I wanted a "summer" bike to enjoy riding fast, maybe race or TT. I read the reviews, read the contents of Cervelo's website, and stuff that people at CSC had said. Plus I just decided it looked like a wonderful piece of design and engineering... ...so I bought one.
I got the frame/fork/seatpost and then built it up to exactly what I wanted. Quality is lovely in a chunky kind of way; graphics are simple, but the finished thing looks great. Nice touches like internal cable routing.
Only had it a few weeks so first impressions only:- It's a joy to ride, instantly upping average speeds by about 2mph. It feels responsive, light, steering is fast but just the right side of nervous (for me). It feels in touch with the road but - perhaps surprisingly given the sizeable, strong tubes - not harsh. It seems to really make efficient use of effort and encourages smooth fast pedalling where you can delight in the speed shifting upwards as you get into a rhythm.
It's fun and fast; well worth the (fairly high in the UK) price.
Strengths: Light enough and aerodynamic; nice ride quality, feels efficient. Plus it's unusual (in the UK anyway) - makes a change from the ubiquitous Treks!
Weaknesses: None so far.. ..will be interesting to see how the finish lasts.
Similar Products Used: None apart from Specialized hack bike.
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