Description The Izoards carbon fiber monocoque frame is constructed utilizing a patented molding process that allows control of the frame tubes exact wall thicknesses, along with the implementation of both T60 (h...
Bike Setup: Full Ultegra Gray; mainly Ritchey bits; Ksyrium SL wheels.
Summary: I've been very pleased with this bike: smooth-riding, extremely easy acceleration (uphill in particular), an excellent fit for me (at 5'11", the L fits like a glove), and comfort for 150-km days.
(Note that the price quoted is in UK £.)
Strengths: See above.
Weaknesses: Two issues:
1) I'm very nervous of the fragility of carbon if whacked from the wrong direction. This is obviously my problem, not the bike's...
2) This is a biggie: after about 9 months, the white colour on the frame started to yellow. Apparently the factory used a sealing varnish that isn't UV resistant, and this is a problem with every bike in the early batch. It's being treated as a warranty issue, but obviously is inconvenient: I'm having the strip the bike down to the frame, courier it to the seller, and wait for a new frame to come back.
Similar Products Used: First carbon bike, but I also ride a similar-specced alloy-framed Specialized, and a late-80s Colnago Master.
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Bike Setup: Campy Chorus 11 speed
Fulcrum Racing 1 wheels
3T bars, stem
Fizik Aliante
Summary: Built this thing up to be all Italian. I love it so far. It's really stiff and really comfortable on long rides. The Campy Chorus was worth the extra dough. This thing climbs well and descends so much better than my previous bike. You don't see many around and it looks real nice. I like riding something a little different.
Strengths: Stiff. Comfortable on long rides. Looks awesome.
Weaknesses: None yet.
Similar Products Used: Felt F2C
Marin steel frame
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Bike Setup: 2009 Izoard frame, 2009 Dura-Ace tubeless wheels, 2007 SRAM force components (shifters, cassette, compact crank), Dura-Ace brakes.
Summary: 2009 Izoard frame with 2007 SRAM force components & 2009 Dura-Ace tubeless wheels. Excellent bike! The Izoard is very stiff and has great power transfer. It's comfortable on a 5 hour ride - compliant, stiff, great handling. Feels very secure; I can corner much faster than I could with my old Felt F85 frame.
Strengths: Great power transfer. Stiff, yet compliant. Great handling. Good value for the money. Looks awesome too!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Similar Products Used: Felt F85
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Bike Setup: Ultegra compact crank, ritchey pro headset and handlebars, Mavic equip wheelset, selle seat.
Summary: This bike is truly awesome! I researched roadbikes for several months and only found great reviews, and several awards with this bike. I can verify that everything said about the Wilier Izoard is true. In my opinion, it rides like a $4500 bike. For anyone wanting an entry level race bike, it is an awesome choice.
Strengths: Handles great over bumpy roads, transferring power to forward motion. Excellent for descents. Great for big guys like me on their way down in weight. I started at 260lbs on my bike and can not get the frame to flex. I am now 230 and the bike just keeps getting better and better. Glad I did not get a Time edge pulse, I don't know if the frame would have took the weight and force. I loosened my Ultegra crank-arms the first two weeks of riding.
Weaknesses: Absolutely NONE! Wilier is the best kept secret in USA as far as I am concerned, and blows away TREK w/Bonewrecker wheels!
Similar Products Used: Surly crosscheck (i converted to single speed) Darn i love that bike!
Favorite Ride: 35-45 mile training ride with a few rolling hills.
Bike Setup: 2009 Frame, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, Ultegra grey groupo, Ritchey carbon bars/stem/seat post, Selle Italia SLK saddle.
Summary: Great Bike! Just got back the bike on after a few years off with young family...owned a top notched aluminum Bianchi previously (same frame Pantani won the Tour with in '98). The Izoard blows it away...lighter, stiffer and just wants to spring into action. This is a fast and beautiful bike. A plug to Bellatisport.com as well, ordered it (from Switzerland, no less) and received it faster and (considerably) cheaper than the local shop could deliver it for(even after shipping and import tax...unreal).
Strengths: Light and stiff with crisp handling. Very stylish, European look...a work of art.
Weaknesses: Performance-wise...none. I suppose if you're squeamish about bold, European looks and prefer a bland looking bike, this might not be your style.
Similar Products Used: Bianchi XL 2000 w/Chorus (Aluminum)
Iron Horse Victory w/Ultegra (Steel)
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