Price Paid:  $6300.00 at Wrench Science

Bike Setup:
52 CM sloping. FLR paint, dura ace group, R700 compact crankset, Selle San Marco Regal saddle, Mavic K ES wheelset, Look Keo carbon pedals

Summary:
Waited 3 months for this bike (ordered in January, received in April). Bike was worth the wait. I was waiting for the ITA paint scheme, but wasn't available. Then was told that an FLR (deep red to black fade) was available, which is kind of unique on the C-50(it's a stock color on the president, but not the C-50). I waited a few months to write a review to get some miles on bike. I have about 1,200 miles so far on it an so far it's a really nice bike. Rides a lot smoother than the previous Trek and Litespeeds I have ridden. Price is somewhat steep, but I would have to say overall its worth it. People complement me all the time on what a nice looking bike it is.

Strengths:
Very smooth over chip seal roads. Like Colnago's sloping top tube (not to severe). Like the paint job

Weaknesses:
Feels somewhat heavy, price is high

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200, Litespeed Classic

Price Paid:  $2460.00 at www.maestro-uk.com

Favorite Ride:
Mississppi river road,Fort Madison,Iowa to Keokuk and back up the Ill. side. 55 miles total

Bike Setup:
Colnago C50 HP,PR4 color
Star Carbon Fork
Full Campagnolo Record Groupset with Campagnolo Record Carbon Crank
Campagnolo Record Carbon bottlecages
Campagnolo Eurus G3 Wheelset
FSA K-Wing Carbon bars
Selle San Marco (Colnago) Aspide Arrowhead saddle

Summary:
When I desided to buy a C40 last year I called a dealer in New York to try to determine the correct size to buy but it was like they didn't want to take the time to discuss it. Then I checked with a dealer in the midwest and was told it would take 6 months and I would have to give 3 color choices. What?? I wanted to choose the color, not take what ever happens to show up! Then I saw an add for www.maestro-uk.com. When I converted the Pounds to Dollars I couldn't believe what a good price this dealer had on his frames. I emailed and asked if I had done the conversion correctly and if they shipped to the States. It was about an hour or so later when I checked my email and Mike had all ready responded. Every time I had a question Mike was quick to answer with good advice. When I had finaly made up my mind what I wanted to buy Mike called me to finalize our deal. I ordered a C40 account a dealer in the States told me the slooping model would be as severe as the Giant model and a C50 didn't come in my size of 49. After I finaly saw a photo of the C50 on the internet and realised that the sloop wasn't that bad, I wanted to change my order to the C50. I emailed Mike and asked if this would be possible, and told him I understood he would keep the deposit on the C40 untill it was sold. 15 minutes later I had a email from Mike. He had already called the factory and found a PR4 slooping in my size,and told them to send it out with his next order.Mike said NO problem with the deposit that he would put the C40 in his stock and was very happy to see me get the frame I wanted. Mike treated me more like a friend than a customer. Thanks Mike.......... you are "THE MAESTRO"!!!

What an amazaing ride!! I took a ride out to Geode State Park the other day, roads are a lot like you see on "THE TOUR", winding back and forth with big climbs. They are just 1 to 1.5 K long instead of 15 or 20 K you see in the Alps. It was a lot of fun with a bike that responds so well!! Had to use brakes on some of the corners going up hill! Never had that problem before. I've got about 300 miles on her now and I'm more impressed every time I ride. This is one sweet machine.

Strengths:
Smooth ride & Handling. You don't have to steer this bike, just think about turning and it does. Its 2 or 3 mph faster in a 25 mph wind with the same amount of effort. Lightweight so it really goes uphill easy.

Weaknesses:
Worring about that first scratch!

Similar Products Used:
1994 Giant Cadex CFR3 carbon with upgrade to Campagnolo Chorus 10 speed in 2001.