Description Completely redesigned for 2009, the all-new Catania features a carbon fork, carbon seatpost, Ultegra derailleur, and more all on a Fezzari Racing Design R200A 7500 Series Alloy frame.
Bike Setup: 105 shifters with Ultegra rear derailer. Maxxis tires. Carbon fork. Alex AT-400 rims
Summary: I have the 2008 model of the Fezzari Catania. I got it just 2 months ago. I researched and rode for a good 3 months before buying. I rode everything: Specialized, Felt, Giant, Cannondale, Jamis, and several others. I was strapped because I only had a budget of around $1k and I really wanted a bike that I'd love to ride. A friend told me he saw a Fezzari bike at a Triathlon, so I checked them out online. I couldn't believe the price for what they were offering. Local bike shops were at least 50-70% more than what I paid for with Fezzari. I looked online to see what others had to say about them and it was 90% "great". I debated between the Catania and the Fore CR2. I decided on the Catania primarily because it was sub $1k (my budget is tight!) and because it just looks awesome!(yeah, my superficial side) I'd say for the price the Fore CR2 is an absolute steal! But the Catania is a great deal as well. So now that I've had my Catania for a good 2 months and have about 300 miles on it I can tell you that it is everything I'd hoped for. Solid, light, responsive, and it fits(the customization Fezzari does with your measurements is a wonderful thing). I wanted to add that their customer service is excellent too. I called them a few times to get some more info before ordering and after I got my bike and they always picked up on the second ring. They were extremely friendly, helpful and personable. I use this bike for 2 -3 rides/week doing about 20miles each time. I cross train with biking as running marathons is my gig.
Strengths: see above
Weaknesses: not full carbon.
Similar Products Used: Giant, Specialized, Felt (see above)
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Summary: I only started cycling a year ago and needed to upgrade my hybrid Trek Navigator as I got more serious about riding. After a bit of research and advice from a few experts, I found Fezzari. They also sell their bicycles through Costco's online program. Although I am definitely a novice as a cyclist, I did not go wrong with the Fezzari Catania. As an entire level road bike, it has met all of my expectations. You can't go wrong with this bike. I added a pair of Shimano M324 pedals.
Strengths: Smooth, fast ride; easy to handle.
Weaknesses: None so far
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Bike Setup: Only options were upgraded pedals and a carbon seat post. Otherwize this bike would cost $949.00 Other standatd components were great.
Summary: This was my first major bike purchase in many years. I researched it thoroughly.
Rode it in my first century this weekend and the bike was exceptional. Lots of rain and inclement weather. The bike rode and handled beautifully. First class all the way.
Strengths: Superior value,build quialty,and product support.Everything about this bike and the Fezzari company is first class
Weaknesses: None whatsoever.
Similar Products Used: I rode a Raleigh Technium for several years. This Fezzari Catania is vastly superior.
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Bike Setup: The way it arrived is the way I'm keeping it. I did get a pair of Shimano Ultegra clip less pedals, but that's a personal preffarence and I think a must for a road bike.
Summary: If you're looking for a road bike under $1000 dollars, the Catania is the one! Everyhing from the graphics and paint job on the frame to the components is mind blowing. You will not have to change or upgrade anything on this baby, accept maybe some clip-less pedals. So if you're shopping for a road bike around $400, $500 or $600 hundred dollars, invest a couple more benjamins on a Fezzari. Believe me, keep it stock and the bike will rock.
Strengths: The whole set up. From the Shimano drive terraine, to the FSA crank set, to the Alex wheels, to the glossy paint job and attention to detail. And lets not forget about friendly customer service, carefull packeging and shipping of the bike.
Weaknesses: NONE......
Similar Products Used: It's my first road bike, so I did a lot of research and shopping around, but I do own a couple of mountain bikes.
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Bike Setup: I just upgraded from my Fezzari Catania to a Fezzari CR5. The CR5 is a full 3K carbon bike with full Dura-Ace components and some FSA components as well.
Summary: This bike is awesome. I was riding my mountain bike all over creation until I decided to buy a rode bike. I found this one and bought it after spending countless hours doing comparision research on the internet. And all that research paid off in a way I never imagined!!! The Catania is AMAZING! The aluminum frame is made of high grade aluminium and is waaaayyyyyyyy lighter than most other aluminum frames. The Shimano 105 groupo is absolutely perfect for any beginer road biker. I am convinced that the Catania is the best buy at the best price for the best bike for anyone even remotely interested in taking up road biking. Now, if you want a top of line, no-holds-barred, cutting edge bike... then go with Fezzari's CR5. I just bought that last month and it the perfect bike for the experienced road cyclist.
Strengths: Great handling! Cool color scheme! Comfy handlebars! Lightweight! Plenty of gears for climbing up hills! BEST VALUE! Quality components! Unbeatable customer service!!!
Weaknesses: NONE!
Similar Products Used: Denali road bike
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