Price Paid:  $1200.00 at angletech

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
any ride !

Bike Setup:
All Ultegra with Dura Ace bar end shifters, 26x1" tires

Summary:
After test riding a whole bunch of Bacchettas, Giro, Strada. I found and bought a 2003 Strada used from Angletech in Colorado. Only one word describes this bike......WOW! I normally ride DF bikes, Lemond Zurich...but this thing just blows them away!! I could easily maintain a 22-24 mph with not trouble...Bacchetta has my vote for one of the best bikes that I have ridden. No neck pain, no wrist pain! Best part is that you can go very fast and still spend your time looking at the scenery.

Strengths:
Overall build quality
Smooth ride and handling

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Zurich, Binachi Giro, Trek 720

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Silver Comet Depot

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Bacchetta Strata

Bike Setup:
Mavic Ksyrium elite 650's with conti tires (I love these wheels)
Sram 9 speed trigger shifters
Koolstop brake pads (way better than stock however still not adequate for stopping this heavy a bike on steep decents.)
Naviion computer I love this toy too

Summary:
My Strata is actually a year end 2003. The Strata is a great ride. Comfortable on long rides the frame has just enough flex to keep you comfortable over most road surfaces. It is also fast and climbs pretty well for a heavy bike. My only complaint is for this much money you should get higher end components

Strengths:
comfortable, fast and good looking

Weaknesses:
needs higher end components for the price. This may have been addressed in the 2004, or 2005 models.

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Clean Machine

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Bacchetta Strada

Summary:
I love this bike! I used to have a montain bike, but I had not ridden it off road for a while, so I decided to look for a new bike.I wanted something for commuting and to go on longer rides with friends.I tried many different bikes,but when I tried a recumbent, it was love at first ride. I could not believe how comfortable it was. I knew that If I was serious about riding,I had to get something I would be comfortable on for several hours. The bike seemed a little twichy at first, but after the first three rides,it became more natural.I first thought that recumbents were odd, now after riding all day and getting off feeling good,I think DF's are strange. My back is happy,no sore wrists and arms, and my butt is definitely happy. If you like riding for enjoyment and/or to stay healthy, you owe it to your body (especially your butt and hands)to try a recumbent,and Bacchetta's are beautiful bikes made in America.

Strengths:
Comfort and speed.

Weaknesses:
Uses different muscles. Takes a short time to get used to.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Springdale Bicycles,

Summary:
This bike is a great ride! It's light, stable, fast and a pretty good climber for a recumbent. The seat is comfortable and easy to adjust. The tweenie handlebars are intimidating at first (thought I'd bop my knees) but I quickly got used to them. I've found that rolling hills are not a problem but steep hills require either lower gears than this bike has or stronger thighs than I have. I'm going to try an 11-32 cassette and see if that improves the situation.

Strengths:
Light and fast. Flashy too!

Weaknesses:
gearing too high for steep climbing