Abici Bikes Podium

Price Paid:  $175.00 at RBR Classified 2005

Favorite Ride:
Roller Coaster Descents

Bike Setup:
Neuvation R28SL3 wheels
Full Campy Centaur 10sp
FSA stem w/Easton EC70 carbon wing bars
Thomson Elite seatpost w/Fi:zi'k Arione
American Classic ISIS bb w/FSA Carbon Team cranks & Crank Brothers Quattro pedals

Summary:
I bought this frame from Abici's going out of business listing on RBR classifieds. I exchanged email with owner Clark Metcalf (or at least his email address) to get my size-L frame shipped out...I heard others had trouble getting their frame but maybe my pestering paid off. It arrived well packaged and padded but bare aluminum (I knew this) and without rear derailler hanger and cable stops/barrel adjusters--luckily I found both in my parts bin.
I built the frame as my crit bike/winter commuter/training bike and rode it for 2-3k miles before I realized just how well the bike handled. I think the previous reviewer's choice of words is key: BALANCED. I'm 195 lbs and love to go downhill fast, and this bike eats switchbacks for breakfast. I retired it after a year since I was trying to thin down my herd, but haven't been able to part with the frame. I just decided to build it again because as much as I love my Cervelo, my Abici is equally nice of a ride and 250g lighter (and didn't have any of the "squeaks" characteristic of aero bikes)

Strengths:
Cornering, handling, balance. It was my crit bike for a few stage races.

Weaknesses:
Need to drop a few bucks to have it painted or powder coated (only mentioning since the review is based on the price/value)

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo Soloist (Al), Titanium Sports (Ti), Raleigh Technium (Al)

Price Paid:  $200.00 at abici.com 2005

Favorite Ride:
chicago-lake forest-chicago

Bike Setup:
Neuvations, Carbonlord flattop bars and seatpost, Carbon Fork/steerer, Durace/utlegra,

Summary:
Built up with Dura-ace/ultegra, neuvations, and carbonlord bar and seatpost. Totals about 17lbs. Stripped, sanded, buffed and polished the frame! The polished finish enhances the beautiful curves of the rear triangle,and the butted main triangle.
This bike has a very solid feel, and maintains a "snappy" feel when stomping pedals uphill or sprinting for a streetlight. No power lost, whatsoever, despite my 190 lbs.
this bike epitomizes "balance".
The cornering is lazer sharp and feels firmly "planted" to the pvmnt, regardless of road quality. this frame is even more comfortable than my 2003 OCLV frame, but without the "dead" ride quality.
It is also very comfortable for the long days in saddle. I own two classic italian steel bikes, and this is just as comfortable.
Aluminum has come a long way. This frame doesn't give you the beating that aluminum is known for, and is the perfect balance of a crit bike, that can easily float you through a long, hot midsummer century ride.
Abici Podium- Get one if you can.

Strengths:
Solid, lively feel, killer acceleration, comfy on long days. Cornering is second to none.

Weaknesses:
Abici is out of business (last I heard)

Similar Products Used:
Treck OCLV, Cannondale (circa 2001), Francesco Moser (world hour record edition) Giordano (SLX), Masi Volumetrica (circa 1996)

Price Paid:  $1.00 at Mail order

Favorite Ride:
Tour d'Lac

Bike Setup:
Very nice.

Summary:
Abici produced a wonderful handleing frame. Paint was excellent as was the finish work. Rr derailleur cable is exposed and would occasionally get hung up on something. The path from the guide to the Rr derailleur cable stop across the chainstay cuts straight, but the stay is S shaped.

I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a quick racing frame.

Strengths:
Handleing was a standout. Bike is very well done.

Weaknesses:
Exposed rear derailleur cable

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, K2, Klein, Vitus, and other Al frames. I have had a bunch of bikes in all common materials.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at abici.com

Bike Setup:
Chorus 10speed
Ksyrium SSL
Carbon seatpost

Summary:
Incredible bike. I needed a road bike after my overpriced ti/carbon machine fell over in the garage resulting in a ruined frame (I will never make the mistake of overpaying for a frame again). When I got my Podium I was stunned to find it lighter, stiffer, and just as comfortable as the bike it replaced. The Podium handles extremely well, especially in corners and sprints, and has the Abici top quality finish.

Strengths:
Cornering, stiffness, value, finish. The Podium is well behaved and lively. My Podium is better than the $3000 frame it replaced. This is an incredible bike.

Weaknesses:
The finish was so smooth that I had trouble getting a sponsor's decal to stick.

Similar Products Used:
Lemond 2004 Tete de Course (do not get this bike...)
Abici Time Machine
Giordana