Torelli Imports Brianza

Price Paid:  $385.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
South Mountain

Bike Setup:
Brianza in blue, Veloce breakes & levers, Record carbon BB, Chorus cranks, Chorus 9s derailuers, Record cassette, Torelli Master rims, Record Ti pedals, campy aero seat post, turbo-matic 4 seat, & Ergo Brain

Summary:
Great bike -- quick, beautiful, very nice ride.

Strengths:
Beautiful, hand built italian frame. Columbus Zona tubing & classic geometry produce a ride that is quick & stiff without being harsh or twitchy. Campy components are excellent.

Weaknesses:
Stock seat didn't work for me. Heavier than Ti, Al, or carbon, but off-set by great ride.

Similar Products Used:
Olmo nuovo super sprint

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at Laguna Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
The "Boobs"

Bike Setup:
Columbus Zona tubing, Campy Veloce brakes and drivetrain, Mirage derailleurs.

Summary:
Great bike for the money. Classic Italian styling and geometry makes for a nice ride. Very smooth and quiet. The top tube seems a little longer than other bikes I've ridden, but overall it's comfortable. Frame is nice and stiff but forgiving when it needs to be. I weigh 195 lbs. and it still rides well.

Strengths:
Solid road bike.

Weaknesses:
Heavier than some bikes in this range.

Similar Products Used:
Eddy Merckx, Gianni Motta road bikes.

Price Paid:  $200.00 at ebay

Bike Setup:
Campy Centaur 10s
Mavic Open Pro wheelset (Chorus hubs)
Deda 285 bars, Control Tech stem, American Classic post w/Flite Ti saddle

Summary:
This is a partial review in that I bought just the Brianza frameset from a shop via Ebay and then built it up myself with Campy Centaur. Overall I've been pleased with the bike especially considering what I paid for it. The frame is noticeably stiffer than my other steel roadbike (with Columbus Brain). There is very little flex at the BB (I'm 175-180lbs)although the overall ride is definately not harsh. Frame finish quality is OK but not as good as I expected from Torelli. It is fairly light, feels nimble and has quick handling without being too skittish

Strengths:
stiff, especially at bottom bracket
Italian steel and build
quick handling
steel comfort and ride

Weaknesses:
Weight penalty compared to Al, CF, or Ti
Horizontal dropouts quaint but unnecessary

Similar Products Used:
Marin Vicenza
Specialized Epic