Price Paid:
$560.00
at ebay Model Year:
2007 Favorite Ride:
Minnesota Rail trails Bike Setup:
Shimano Dura Ace 7800, Dura Ace 7950 SL tubeless wheels. Aerus Wingflex carbon bar with Ritchey wet white Axis stem. Fizik Arione saddle with Syntace P6 seat post (highly recommend!). Summary:
I have to admit that I haven't ridden a monocoque frame yet and that I tend to lean towards lugged frames. I am 6'6' 235lbs and still prefer the comfort that lugged frames supposedly have over their monocoque counterparts. I have a magnesium Dogma FP that after 40 miles or so, guarantees that my body will ache for the next few days.
But one advantage to being a taller/larger cyclist is that there are so many excellent deals on bicycles. So that's why I tried the Blue RC7, and I was never gladder I did! I have the XL sloping size, which fit my long torso perfectly. Flex was not an issue, plus it absorbed almost all the road chatter I could encounter. The one characteristic which seemed to stand out the most was that I felt quicker on it than I did on my other bikes. In quicker I mean in terms of turning and overall agility. I've heard that past models were "twitchy", but I'd have to say the newer models are "snappier". Another recommendation is the Aerus carbon wingflex bar. It's is the most comfortable perfectly fitting bar I've ever had. I thought nothing could beat my Stella Azzurra Tirreno bar. I believe they're both made out of Toray's T700 carbon fiber but the Aerus is half the price??? Strengths:
Comfort, Solidity, perfect for a century but itching for a criterium. PRICE! T700 carbon fiber is the workhorse carbon fiber found in so many frames costing in the $3K range. Why not save a grand for those who aren't in the 46, 50 and 60 ton, M40, T800, or T1000 carbon fiber price ranges! Weaknesses:
Finish: Nowadays nearly all bikes are made in the east, but my others were made in Italy and France. And visually they've seemed to hold up better over time with greater attention to detail. The clear coat on my RC7 doesn't look as professional. I've also heard that final assembly is done in the USA, so it could be a domestic issue of quality here as well. It's not really an issue at all since I am seriously looking at buying the new AC1 SL model. Similar Products Used:
Time VX Special Pro, Pinarello Dogma FP
| 
4 of 5
5 of 5
5 of 5
