Price Paid:
$799.00
at Lickbike.com Favorite Ride:
Skyline loop Bike Setup:
Bianchi Campione, Reynolds carbon fork, Athena groupo, Vuelta Race Light wheelset. Summary:
Incredible value for the performance level. My old 8 speed campy group finally failed, so it was time to move up. I was initially wary of the skinny chain and cassette of the new 11 speed group, but those fears have thus far been unnecessary. Perfect shifts, no jamming, etc. Athena slots in between Chorus and Veloce, giving you 11 speeds but minimal carbon. In fact, the carbon on the control levels is apparently a veneer. Regardless, it's perfectly functional and thus far reliable. 5 flaming nuggets for value, as it is considerably cheaper than Chorus and you get all of the performance for a slight weight penalty. Strengths:
- Excellent performance at a great price.
- Crisp, accurate shifting. The control levers and hoods are very comfortable with a nice anti-slip texture.
- Powerful brakes that aren't too grabby.
- Nice machined chainrings. Simple but reliable and light bottom bracket/crankset.
- Overall, a great groupo that is reasonably priced Weaknesses:
- Once on the bike, none thus far.
- Shifter cable installation is a bit tedious. Chain installation requires a rediculously expensive single purpose tool. Until cheaper aftermarket tools come out, take it to a good LBS and have them put it on. MAKE SURE they have the 11 speed chain tool, as a standard tool won't seat the pin correctly. Similar Products Used:
Campy Mirage 8 speed that lasted 10 years and many harsh winters. Some exposure to Ultegra.
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