# Opera's newest model, the Canova is giving the Pinarello F4:13 a run for its money. From the high modulus monocoque frame to the Opera Opus fork and seat stays, to the "large weave carbon" finish, this bike is a work of art.
The Opera Canova FP is made from the same mold as the Leonardo FP… literally. The Canova FP is made with a slightly different (30HM3K) high modulus carbon than the Leonardo FP (46HM3K).
Strengths: Strengths: Looks, light, strong on the climbs, fast on the flats, rails on the corners.
Weaknesses: Afraid for the first scratch that will mark up this beauty.
Bottom Line:
I rode the Opera Leonardo for almost 4 years. This year I needed to go to a new frame due to a mechanical problem and so I ended up with the 2011 Opera Canova. I added all my Campy Veloce group to the frame and added Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels along with the MOST Thundercat bars. I was thrilled with my Leonardo as an overall ride, but the 2011 Canova is a lighter and stronger bike and it blows the 2008 Leonardo out of the water!
Not only does it make a stunning statement on the road with it's sexy Ferrari Red scheme, but the ride is racy, strong, and certain. This is a sports car of a bike that will put you into "smile mode" when you ride. It is simply fun to ride. Comparing the price with the Pinarello FP 4 the Opera is the only way to go. Unless you need the sticker from Pinarello (though the Opera has plenty of PInarello markings on it), buy this bike because it is worth every penny you pay to ride it, and every penny you save by going with Opera!
Strengths: Stiff and fast in the sprints, yet smooth and secure on the descents. Wish I had more time to ride it and do it justice.
Weaknesses: None yet. Unless you count fretting about that first scratch.
Bottom Line:
The first mile on this frame I thought I'd bought a dud - felt like I couldn't feel the road. Then I realized I was so used to the harshness of my old frame I didn't know what smooth felt like! This frame takes the buzz out of the tarmac but is still PLENTY stiff. Jumping out of the saddle is a dream, yet the miles are easy on you. It's also eye-catching and not so well-known that people won't give it a second look. Gonna keep this one for a while, I think!
I have a steel custom made Tomassini that I love but I have to say that this carbon frame rides just as nice but much stiffer for sprinting. I weigh 265 lbs and no flex at all. It is absolutely smooth and gorgeous to look at. Best carbon bike I have ever ridden and I have ridden some of the top of the line carbon frames made.
Weaknesses: Everything else is a board or a wet noodle. People keep breaking their necks in my vicinity. No one at the cafe will leave me alone.
Bottom Line:
My new favorite bike! This is the lively responsive carbon (not dead weight.) My bikes must be stiff and efficient, yet this is the most comfortable bike I have ridden. Smooth, stable, fast, predictable, this bike does it all. Centuries, climbing, sprinting; I have even toured on it. I got the less expensive heavier model (compared to the Leonardo) because I am so reckless, but this thing takes everything I can dish out, begging for abuse.
I had a fit done recently by a very reputable "fit guy" who stocks all high end bikes. After the fit, he said that there were only a few frames (of the ones he works with) that tr Read More »
Anybody out there have first hand experience with the Opera Canova? Or do you know someone who has first hand experience? How do they like it? Read More »
Does anyone know first hand if the ride of the Opera Canova is similar to the Pinarello 4:13? People say they are the same bike but looking at the frames, there are definite diffe Read More »
The Opera Canova frame has been showing up on bonktown.com at around $1,200.
I almost pulled the trigger this morning, but I'm having trouble justifying a replacement for my nin Read More »
Hi guys, new to these forums. I am looking for a new bike and I was offered a new 2008 opera canova with 08/09 sram force and open pro wheelset for $1700. I read online that the op Read More »
