Price Paid:
$950.00
at LBS Model Year:
2005 Favorite Ride:
Any one I come back from.... Bike Setup:
All stock, except addition of CatEye Astrale 8. It doesn't need anything else. Summary:
This review is actually for the 2006, which comes in 'Bleached Celeste'. It's a very pretty bike,well put together. Got the 47cm frame size for my wife, and it fits her like a glove. The Campagnolo derailleurs shift very cleanly and decisively; my wife reports it is a very comfortable bike to ride. The Aksium wheels are a pleasant surprise, at this pricepoint. The ONLY thing that looks a little cheapo on this bike is the Sugino crankset, but there have been no probs with it. The bike is a little heavy for its size, but there's your comfort. Speaking of comfort, she even LIKES the stock saddle! We looked at the Specialized Dolce as well, another 'chick specific' bike, but this one is just a whole magnitude better, as far as its level of componentry, and ride quality.
My wife can already outclimb me with this bike, and once she gets to where she's not scared to open it up, she'll probably drop me out the back on the straightaways as well. So, if you're a woman looking for a ride that's not just a downsized man's bike, CHECK THIS BIKE OUT! There are not too many bikes built from the ground up for short women, and this one's worth a second look. The only reason I'm rating it a 4 is you have to give room for some of the higher end women's bikes, like the Specialized Ruby.
But this one gives you a whole lot for your money, which is why it gets a 5 for value. Strengths:
Well put together, with a higher level of componentry than one often gets, at this price. Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy. Crankset a bit cheap. It'll do. Similar Products Used:
Looked at the Specialized Dolce and extra small Sequoia. There was no getting my wife off this bike, once she got on it. Not even close.
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