Summary: Note my earlier review (below) was inaccurate. The frame is 100% carbon, not a carbon-alu mix as I had thought. See the comment I posted. Sorry for the confusion! This is a great bike!
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Summary: Bought the frame and Alpha Q GS10 fork new, built it up with a full SRAM Force group, Deda Newton stem and bar, Thomson Elite seat post, my old Look pedals and Selle Italia seat. Wheels are Mavic Open Pro rims laced to Dura Ace hubs, with 36 spokes in the rear 'cause I'm a big boy now.
LOVE the bike. Stiff but way more comfortable than my old alu bike. Faster steering but it also feels more stable, an unexpected combination. I use the bike for training and for centuries, no racing (except for the first-one-up-the-hill variety) so ultimate light weight isn't my priority (as you can tell from my choice of wheels). This frame, a 50:50 mix of carbon (fork and rear triangle) and aluminum (top, steering, down tubes)is a very good compromise for the kind of riding I do.
I'm delighted by the Force group.
All in all, an idiosyncratic build that suits me fine. Limited sex appeal ("KHS who?"), but the frame is very well finished and a delight to build. Highly recommended.
Strengths: Comfort combined with strength.
Responsiveness combined with stability.
Good finish.
Love the Force, may it be with you, too.
Fabulous value.
Weaknesses: Doesn't impress my Pinarello and Bianchi/Ducati-riding mates!
The stigma of low price.
Summary: The 2007 model comes with Dura Ace cranks. I have changed the saddle to a Selle Italia SLR. Will be changing the bars from FSA to EA70s as well. Shorter reach and I think the bend starts earlier even though it is a lower drop than FSA. The bike is great to ride. With the right bars I think it will be a great set up. It's not super light but has not failed me doing races and short sprints. Came with American Classic wheels and 700X25 tyres which I may not use as I train with a powertap and have a set of deep section Gippemme wheel for good races.
Strengths: Dura Ace shifters and rear derailer.
Weaknesses: Not super light.
Similar Products Used: Scott CR1 with 105.
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Bike Setup: From the stock bike setup I swapped out the cranks, BB and brakes for Dura Ace group. Everything else is as she came.
Summary: Love this bike. It is the quintessential masters racing bike IMHO. Quite light and lively but offers real comfort so that those longer rides don't beat you up. The Alpha Q fork is same as T-Mobile used last year -- inspires much confidence and precision in the front end. Easton wheels are fantastic - I used them (and this bike) for everything from winter training rides to crits -- throw on the carbonios for road races and TTs and SHAZAM! she's even better. Guy below commenting on the tires is correct that they don't last as long as others but most lightweight and comfy tires have that issue -- no biggie, get something else after they go. Without getting into stupid price categories and super exotic rare breeds, this bike delivers everything that a full carbon race bike should without the bone jarring stiffness of some carbon frames (hello, Colnago??). Finally, I have to say that I find the overall look of this bike to be extremely well done. Overall fantastic ride and hands down a phenomenal value.
Similar Products Used: Trek 5200
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