Olmo Antares

Price Paid:  $1895.00 at bike odysey, sausali

Favorite Ride:
kestrel

Summary:
Wow! What a difference over my Bianchi Veloce. Definetly prefer the feel of the alumium over steel. Been a fan of steel bikes until now. The campy centaur speaks for itself. Love the color and finish, nicest welds of any bike in this class.

Strengths:
aluminum frame, campagnolo centaur groupo

Weaknesses:
wheels to heavy not very stylish, dont match quality of bike.

Similar Products Used:
Big Bianchi fan

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at Mountain Bike Outfit

Favorite Ride:
Gulf Islands, B.C.

Bike Setup:
Ultegra (yeah, I know, I know), Rolf Vector Comps, Vittoria tires, 12-27 rear derailleur, Easton car

Summary:
Great bargain racer. Light (3.1 lb frame-18.5 lbs bike) and super stiff. Unique; not another Trek. Olmo is one of the oldest bike manufacturers in Italy. What makes this bike cheaper than the ones used by the Cantina-Tolo team is that instead of using Dedacciai tubing, they use an Olmo design (probably using the same materials). Beautiful welds.

My old bike was a Lemond steel. I'll never ride steel again. It's like going from a mountain bike to a road bike. The steel bike feels squishy after riding this one.

On the down side, it doesn't give on the bumps and vibrates a bit more over rough pavement but that's such a small percentage of riding. Besides, bumps hurt and rough pavement vibrates regardless of the frame. I would estimate a 10% increase. I probably wouldn't even notice if it wasn't for all the hype.

Strengths:
Stiff, light, unique, beautiful. Choice of many colors and styles.

Weaknesses:
Not much vertical compliance (minor). Took two months to arrive from the time I ordered it.

Having a real hard time getting in and out of Ultegra pedals. Maybe I just need to get used to them.

Similar Products Used:
2000 LeMond Buenos Aries

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
anywhere

Bike Setup:
Full daytona, spinergy xeros, itm bar and stem, selcof post with selle italia seat.

Summary:
One of the fastest road bikes I have ever ridden. The ambrosio wheels were a little heavy so I immediately switched to my xaero's. After opting for a shorter stem and a few minor adjustments, the bike fits great. Surprisingly smooth for an aluminum racer.

Strengths:
The bang for your buck. A true italian stallion decked out with full campy.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Previous reynolds 853 steel with ultegra and mavic open pros.