Scattante R-660

Price Paid:  $1055.00 at Performance bike

Favorite Ride:
anything in Chico, CA

Summary:
I have the 2008 Scattante 660 and am very satisfied. The ride on this frame can be a bit harsh, but it is stiff and responsive, which is great for racing, especially criteriums. The cockpit components suck, but you'll likely replace all of them anyway for sizing discrepancies. The Forte (Performance house brand) bars are especially crappy--they flex alot when climbing or sprinting, are heavy, have a strange ergo bend, and the bar tape felt crappy. But the Ultegra and 105 mix of components can be found nearly nowhere at this price point (~$1100). The A-Class (Alex) ALX-440SL wheels are actually decent--they have stayed true and are relatively lightweight (~1600g).

After upgrading nearly everything on this bike I'm ready to move on to a new frame, but this able steed has served me incredibly well in the last 5000+ miles I have owned it (1 year).

Strengths:
Value, durability, great looks

Weaknesses:
cockpit components (excluding the shifters)

Price Paid:  $1061.00 at Performance

Summary:
This is my first road bike after many years on a mountain/hybrid.

Light, snappy, and fast. Shimano 105/Ultegra drive train and shifters. Tektro brakes, FSA Energy crank.

Great component set for the price, and when they knocked another 15% off the price (one-day only New Years Day sale) I had no choice... they pulled the trigger for me and I couldn't be happier with this bike!

It climbs well enough but be prepared, this is not a compact double! If you need a granny gear you might consider the 560 with its triple chainrings.

Tektro brake pads wear quickly, but the brake calipers seem fine. Will replace pads with Shimano soon. Wheelset is kind of cheap but at this price who cares, if you're a wheel snob you don't want to pay extra for wheels you don't want. I haven't had any issues with the wheels and don't plan to upgrade anytime soon.

Stock tires puncture easily, so figure a couple of Gatorskins into your purchase price.

Awesome value for the price. 5 for value, 4 overall because of the tires and brake pads.

Strengths:
Light and stiff but still comfortable. Corners really well.

Great component set for the price.

Carbon fork and seatstays.

Did I mention the price?

Neutral white color won't offend anyone.

A great platform off the rack and for upgrading components as desired.

Weaknesses:
Stock wheelset is not spectacular but is in line with the bike's price point.

Stock tires puncture easily. Figure some kevlar/aramid tires into your purchase price.

Tektro brake pads wear quickly.

I'm happy with the FSA crank but if you want full Shimano then look elsewhere or upgrade.

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Craigslist

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Hidden Valley - Boise

Bike Setup:
Stock with Campy post and E3 saddle

Summary:
Was looking at this bike at Performance and saw it on Craigslist. It had maybe 15 miles on it so this was a no brainer. Lightweight full Ultegra and decent wheelset. A big upgrade from the 80's Team Fuji I was riding. Similar "name" bikes started at double paid and were 105.

Strengths:
Ultegra group, weight.

Weaknesses:
Wheelset. The wheels are decent but not the best. I am 6' 225 and did have one spoke break after 1000 miles when I hit a pot hole. Have changed to Aksiums for everyday riding, still looking at race wheels. Saddle is mucho uncomfortable changed to an E3 Ti.

Similar Products Used:
Fuji Team, Eddy Merckx in the 80's

Price Paid:  $1199.00 at Performance

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
Full Ultegra.

Summary:
After careful consideration of a handfull of sub $2000 bikes, I choose the R-660 for a number of reasons. First, you can't beat the price...full Ultegra, including the brakes (on the 2006 models). The bike's fit, handling and acceleration were far better than other bikes costing much more.

Strengths:
Ultegra gruppo. Consistent handling. Steady at high speeds.

Weaknesses:
Lighter wheels would have been a plus.

Similar Products Used:
Giant OCR 1, Felt F75, Trek 1600