FRAME Full high modulus carbon fiber, Dyad fiber lay-up, tri-oval shaped top and down tubes with SST tubing diameters, assymetrical chainstays, twin seat stays, forged one-piece dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger, double water bottle bosses
FORK Jamis Pro level, full high modulus carbon fiber, integrated crown, carbon dropouts
Strengths: Stiff but lively and responsive frame.
Takes corners at high speed with agility and ease.
Great component spec- superb value for the money
Superb braking- stops on a dime.
Colors- the red & white paint is exceptionally attractive.
Weaknesses: Not available with a compact crankset- I had my dealer modify mine to an Ultegra SL compact.
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike! The Xenith Race was my choice after a five-month-long search. The Xenith Race is new for 2008- it's a step up from the Xenith Comp, and a step below the Xenith Pro.
I knew I wanted a full-carbon road bike with excellent components that was available through a local bike shop (had bad previous experience buying through a box store). Since I live in a rural county, that limited me to 3 bike shops and 7 brands within 35 miles. I chose the Xenith Race because of its superb handling and great component spec- you'll be hard-pressed to match an Ultegra/Dura Ace setup at this price.
The bike floats up hills, handles corners aggressively, and can stop on a dime. Think up it as an upgraded Xenith Comp with better wheels, better components, and a snazzy red & white paint job.
Favorite Ride: Medley's Neck / Indian Bridge Loop, St Mary's County MD
Price Paid:
$2550.00
Purchased At: Serge Performance Cy
Similar Products Used: First carbon road bike I've purchased. Other products that made my short list were Orbea Onix TDA & TDF, Felt Z35 and F4, Scott CR1 Pro & Team.
Bike Setup: FRAME Full high modulus carbon fiber, Dyad fiber lay-up, tri-oval shaped top & down tubes w/ SST tubing diameters, assymetrical chainstays, twin seat stays, forged one-piece dropouts w/ replaceable derailleur hanger
FORK Jamis full high modulus carbon fiber, integrated crown, carbon dropouts
HEADSET Integrated, threadless, 1 1/8”
WHEELSET Shimano WH-RS10 wheelset, 700c, 16/20H w/ bladed spokes, radially laced front, 3x rear
TIRES Vittoria Rubino Pro folding
DERAILLEURS Shimano Dura-Ace rear & Ultegra braze-on front, superlite alloy clamp
SHIFTERS Shimano Ultegra Dual Control STI, 20-speed
CHAIN SRAM PC-1050 10-speed w/ PowerLock link
FREEWHEEL Shimano Ultegra CS-6600, 10-speed, 12-25
CRANKSET Stock is FSA SL-K Lite, Hollow Carbon, 53/39 - I had my dealer modify mine to Ultegra SL 50/34
BOTTOM BRACKET FSA MegaExo, external bearing
PEDALS Look Keo Classic
BRAKESET Shimano Ultegra dual pivot calipers w/ Ultegra STI levers
HANDLEBAR Easton EA50 31.8mm
STEM Easton EA50, 6°
SEATPOST Jamis carbon fiber micro-adjust, 300mm x 31.6mm w/ 7075 alloy double bolt seat post clamp
SADDLE Fizik Aliante Delta w/ manganese rails
WEIGHT 17.50 lbs
