Strengths: Good handling, accelleration/climbing.
Very good overall feeling.
The price is unbeatable.
Weaknesses: Frame welding seams. Color scheme could be more attractive (my was black)
Bottom Line:
Just bought it so here is my first impression. If something changes I will update later.
I spent a lot of time doing research before buying a new bicycle. I wanted something with at least 105 gruppo and decent wheels. Unfortunately the prices at LBSs were higher than I could afford for a bike. Buying a bicycle online is a very risky business it is the same as buying shoes online. There are too many input parameters that result in the final fit/not fit bicycle.
This bike was on sale on Performance with very tempting discounts so I decided to give it a try. For the same price other charge for Tiagra I got full Ultegra with many carbon parts – including cranks.
One my argue about buying at Performance but they do have a good return policy so I imagined it is worth trying. At the very least I would return the bicycle back.
Finally the bike arrived and I forgot my worries after first few meters I test rode it. The bike rides like a dream. It fits me perfectly. I guess I just got lucky. Actually I did go to CompetitiveCyclist.com and used their fit calculator.
The only required adjustment was to fit the seat height. I might tweak it a bit here and there but so far it does not look like I would need to buy some parts to compensate the size.
Ultegra shifts so much better than my old Shimano RSX. Overall handling it exceptional. I do a lot of hill rides so I could use a bit slower cassette but this should work too.
I used to ride a steel Bianchi Volpe for 5 years before buying this bike and whatever they say about carbon fork and chain/seatstays the aluminum is still much harsher than steel. On the other hand since it is stiffer the acceleration/climbing are noticeably more effective.
The frame has a nice geometry but the quality of welding is a bit disappointing. The seams are not even at some places and not processed although it does not look like the frame is weaker because of this. And hey! It has the lifetime warranty so why bother. Hopefully it will not disintegrate somewhere on descent ;-).
And after all after I summed price of the parts I figured out that I got the frame for free ?.
I am not going to upgrade any part so far even wheels although there are some controversial reviews on them.
One word about Performance staff. The guy tossed me a bike over the counter and when I asked about adjustment he looked at my height – changed the seat height approximately and that was it. 30 seconds the whole fitting. I am not sure I will use their lifetime free adjustment. So I agree with anybody here who says that extra money spent at LBS are not wasted.
