De Rosa Vega

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Gita

Favorite Ride:
Four Gap in GA

Bike Setup:
All Campy...all Record...is there anything else?

Summary:
This was a free replacement for the non carbon Planet that cracked. I had my Vega for four years and the frame broke just above the bb. It was the fastest bike I have ever owned. I still miss it.

Strengths:
No flex. Great up and down the hills.

Weaknesses:
none.

Similar Products Used:
Derosa Planet.

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Gita sports

Favorite Ride:
C-40

Bike Setup:
Campy Record Carbon with Carbon cranks, bars, seatpost.

Summary:
This is a great frame. I had a De Rosa Planet that cracked and this frame was the replacement for free. I could have gotten another Planet frame, but it would have cost $500 plus. The new Planet has a carbon rear triangle.

Strengths:
I have my Vega built up the Campy Record with carbon bars, seatpost and cranks and it feels great. It is a great sprint bike and is great on downhills. The intergrated headset give it a smooth feel. My 59 cm bike has a 58 TT for us long and lean riders.

Weaknesses:
The color is a little flat next to my yellow Planet. The c-40 is a smoother ride, but I would have to sell the wife and kid to buy one.

Similar Products Used:
This is close to the 2001 Planet. the differences are the integrated headset and the carbon fork that I have included. The headset makes a huge difference. My planet was not an intergrated headset lik

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at North Rim Adventure

Favorite Ride:
Katy Trail

Bike Setup:
Rolf wheels, San Marco Aspide saddle, ultegra, speedplays, Deda bar and stem, Michelin tires, thomps

Summary:
Made decision to purchase the Merak and build up with Campy, then happened upon a super deal on the Vega with Ultegra. When it comes to bikes I have always purchased the top line models (since I always end up upgrading later). However, I no longer race, so I decided to be practical for once in my life- this bike has not let me down. The quality of workmanship is absolutely as good as the Merak- it is astounding and is as good as it gets. The ride is suprisingly supple for aluminum. Not fatiguing at all. It climbs, it sprints, it handles like a dream (exact same tubing angles, etc as the Merak) and Ultegra really does work well. It is a very beautiful bike and I always receive complements from other riders. I also like it because it is relatively rare and unique- no knock against Trek, I just like to be different. I have the compact geometry and bike weight is about 17.5 lbs with speedplays and a San Marco Aspide saddle and Rolf wheels.

Strengths:
Unique, Workmanship, ride, sprints, climbing- can't say enough positive things about the bike.

Weaknesses:
None- hey I have had many Columbus steel bikes and I think people tend to be overly romantic and nostalgic when comparing steel to aluminum. Some alu bikes can be harsh- but not this one!

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi, Eddy Merckx, Trek