Price Paid:
$1199.00
at Big Bang Bicycles Favorite Ride:
Keuka Lake Bike Setup:
2008 Campagnolo Chorus 10 speed group.
Campagnolo Zonda wheels.
Campagnolo Chorus pedals.
Fi'zi:k Arione CX Carbon saddle
Modolo Kali aluminum handlebars
Modolo Kali aluminum/carbon stem
Vredestein Fortezza Tri Comp tires Summary:
I purchased this frame late in 2008 as it was being closed out. The setup includes a full Chorus 10 speed group (with the exception of Record brakes), Campagnolo Zonda wheels, Modolo Kali bars and stem, a Fi'zi:k Arione CX Carbon saddle and Campagnolo Chorus pedals. Without pedals the full build weigh in at 16.5 pounds (46cm, one of the largest sizes).
The frame is stout, with massive chain and seat stays, yet light, although it is hardly a flyweight. I should imagine that lighter groups and wheels could drop the weight easily into the 15 pound range. Finish is good with a distinct carbon fish scale pattern offset by striking red highlights and painted logos. Tube sizes and shapes vary, with very few straight lines. This is the first "compact" frame I've owned, but the top tube doesn't slant as aggressively as some.
Ride and handling are interesting, even contradictory. The bike is more responsive than any I've ridden, yet it's also probably the most stable. Acceleration is smooth and every effort seems to go directly to the wheels. At times the bikes seems to glide over the road. However the enormous bottom bracket area and stiff tubes that allow for this efficiency also conspire to let you feel the road. The frame doesn't damp out road feel and it most certainly doesn't have the "dead" feel of many carbon bikes. It's comfortable, but it takes some getting used to if you're accustomed to a steel frame or another material with a more compliant ride. As one reviewer commented, this is a pure racing bike and it reminds you of that fact quite frequently. Road buzz isn't particularly noticeable, although lager bumps are more pronounced than they are on my older steel Raleigh.
It's a shame that this frame vanished from Merckx's catalog this year. It's a remarkable value for the money and an affordable introduction to carbon technology. Strengths:
Responsive, stable, efficient, lively feel, good finish, attractive (if minimal) paint scheme. Weaknesses:
Ride can be a bit harsh at times, some apparently feel the graphics are dated (I personally like the "classic" logos as opposed to the current Merckxarello decals), not the most graceful or refined appearance and ride (but well balanced; it would let you feel those bricks and cobbles but you could ride across them without fear of damaging the frame. This thing is STOUT!). Similar Products Used:
2002 Raleigh Professional (Campagnolo Chorus, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels)
1985 Panasonic DX4000 
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