Price Paid:
$800.00
at Australiana Bike Setup:
9 speed Dura-Ace. Mavic CXP33 wheels Summary:
This review is for the 2003 Proxima, which is the same frame as the 2004, 2005, and, as far as I've so far determined, the same as the 2006 Cinelli Xperience
I got this frame-set during the distributor’s Cinelli cleanout sale, so that’s the only way I got it so cheap, at $800 Aus –- they were retailing for ~$1500! There’s no way I’d spend $1500 on a Zonal alu frame-set with a $250 fork. It came with a Columbus headset, Cinelli Groove stem, and 2 spacers.:-)
Anyway, for $800 Aus (approx. $600 US), it’s a total bargain. I’m not a weight weenie, but the size ‘L’, frame alone, is 1400g, which is a good weight for Zonal; a relatively robust tube-set (I know a guy who’s busted 3 of the Starship models). However, the fork is over 500g (alu steerer).
The Columbus Link fork is a pretty stiff and rough fork, but it tracks and corners as good as any other fork I’ve used. I have a 130mm stem on this bike (long stems contribute to stability), and I can confidently ride no-hands down hills at 70kph!
This frame is more of a stiff ‘race’ frame with this fork, more so than a ‘smooth cruiser’. I eventually found the ride of the Columbus Link fork a bit too rough, so I’ve swapped it to an Easton EC70, which is more flexy, but a more flexy fork obviously has its pros and cons, more flex during out of the saddle sprinting.
All-in-all, if you can buy the current equivalent (Xperience) for under $800 US, I’d say it’s a very good deal -- Columbus Zonal is a very good, strong and light enough tube-set. People who spend an extra $500 to get a lighter alu frame are buying something weaker, just to save 200g!
Strengths:
Stiffness, weight, great stability at all speeds Weaknesses:
Can be pricey in some areas, espeically Australia.
Columbus Link fork is a bit harsh. Similar Products Used:
BMC Street Fir. Custom Dedaccia 7003 frames.
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