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Submitted by
Bumblebee Man
a Road Racer
from Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Strengths: Stiffness, weight, great stability at all speedsWeaknesses: Can be pricey in some areas, espeically Australia.
Columbus Link fork is a bit harsh.Bottom Line: This review is for the 2003 Proxima, which is the same frame as the 2004, 2005, and, as far as I've so far determined, the same as the 2006 Cinelli Xperience
I got this frame-set during the distributor’s Cinelli cleanout sale, so that’s the only way I got it so cheap, at $800 Aus –- they were retailing for ~$1500! There’s no way I’d spend $1500 on a Zonal alu frame-set with a $250 fork. It came with a Columbus headset, Cinelli Groove stem, and 2 spacers.:-)
Anyway, for $800 Aus (approx. $600 US), it’s a total bargain. I’m not a weight weenie, but the size ‘L’, frame alone, is 1400g, which is a good weight for Zonal; a relatively robust tube-set (I know a guy who’s busted 3 of the Starship models). However, the fork is over 500g (alu steerer).
The Columbus Link fork is a pretty stiff and rough fork, but it tracks and corners as good as any other fork I’ve used. I have a 130mm stem on this bike (long stems contribute to stability), and I can confidently ride no-hands down hills at 70kph!
This frame is more of a stiff ‘race’ frame with this fork, more so than a ‘smooth cruiser’. I eventually found the ride of the Columbus Link fork a bit too rough, so I’ve swapped it to an Easton EC70, which is more flexy, but a more flexy fork obviously has its pros and cons, more flex during out of the saddle sprinting.
All-in-all, if you can buy the current equivalent (Xperience) for under $800 US, I’d say it’s a very good deal -- Columbus Zonal is a very good, strong and light enough tube-set. People who spend an extra $500 to get a lighter alu frame are buying something weaker, just to save 200g!
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At: Australiana
Similar Products Used: BMC Street Fir. Custom Dedaccia 7003 frames.
Bike Setup: 9 speed Dura-Ace. Mavic CXP33 wheels
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
hphoto
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: July 1, 2005
Strengths: The geometry fits me very nicely and the weight of the frameset. Plenty stiff at the bottom.Weaknesses: Headset is not very smooth compared to Mavic or Chris King. Fork is carbon fiber and light but does not have the smooth-ride like a Kestrel carbon fork.Bottom Line: I've ridden about 2000mi on this frame and really love it. I ride the medium frame at 5'8" 150lbs. I have short arms and legs but long torso - the geometry of this frame feels really good - top length not too long and the fork angle feels steep enough to make the bike very responsive. The frame is fairly light and stiff - it's not a plush touring frame, but it's not too rough where I feel beat up. I really like this frame and its geometry, but I'm not too crazy about the headset. I'm thinking of making this into my commuter bike and getting the Aliente frameset which has carbon-fiber rear triangle.
Favorite Ride: hills
Price Paid:
$600.00
Similar Products Used: Specialized Epic Carbon.
tested against Litespeed ti and alu, and a few Treks, Bianchi, and LeMond.
Bike Setup: FSA Gossamer alu 170 crankset (53/39), Ultegra 9's with Dura Ace rear derailleur, Mavic brakeset, Mavic Cosmos front with Mavic custom rear wheels. 130mm stem and 42cm handlebar.
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