Bike Setup: SRAM Force,Mavic Ksyrium wheels,Carbon Pro stem and seatpost,FSA enrgy bar,Look carbon pedals.
Summary: I bought the frame about a year ago and wanted to try carbon. I have been riding aluminum for ten years. I have put about 2300 mile on the frame. I bought the frame only and installed SRAM Force. The frame is smooth and reliable and stable.
Strengths: Great value,the headset was lost in shipping, and they sent another out quickly.Good customer support
Weaknesses: Older style of monocoque, but it works, and looks good to me.
Similar Products Used: Specialized, Schwinn, Trek,
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Summary: This was/is the first bike I have purchases. I had a good friend who rides professionally look at the specs before the purchase and his comment was buy it for the components if nothing else. Turns out this has been a great bike for me. No issues at all. I have changed out the tires - too many punctures. I have changed out the crankset - needed one lower gear. Thus far zero defect - and I have well into 3k miles on the bike. I will give it a 4 rating only because I have nothing else to compare it to.
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Bike Setup: Shimano Ultegra road pedals, pro bend bars, Selle San Marco Era saddle.
Summary: 2008 Model year
I now have 1000+ miles on my Immortal Spirit so I feel it's time to contribute a fair critique.
I echo most of all the comments here except the negative about broken frame, poor communication, shipping etc.
I placed the order online w/ credit card, the bike arrived on schedule. Packing did it's job, no damage. This was a risk I took since I wanted a high end bike at a low price. So after researching all comments on this bike, I took the dive. I'm not worthy of a bike where you pay 30% for the name and paint job! This bike has a strong, straight-forward look without a tricked-up paint job and wiggly-looking frame members although it does have some nice contours to the tubing and looks fairly modern.
This bike is stiff, responsive, light and true. I'm 6-0, 195 and I cannot make the chain drag the front cage when standing. The frame is a little dated-looking when comparing to other models, but that comes w/ a price. Structurally, the main triangle has huge gussets which is why it is so strong. Plain and simple, that is how you make a structural shape stronger by beefing up the connections. I like the way the bike accelerates and cuts through the wind. But crosswind gusts can throw it around a little due the high side profile frame and bladed spokes. At high speeds, I have no complaints and can't detect any instability or looseness. When you get this bike, throw away the brake pads and put on some good pads. Don't even use the pads because they are not good for the rim surfaces. The Skye saddle is cheap and the covering is some kind of synthetic leather as opposed to a genuine smooth leather racing seat. I hate ergo bars, so sell the oem Ritchey bars on Ebay along w/ the Wellgo spd mtb pedals. I got $15 for mine! The Kenda Kaliente tires are ok/pretty good. The wheels have not gone out of true yet for the first 1000 miles.
Strengths: STIFF, STRONG frame. DA components, Ritchey WCS Proto wheelset, FSA carbon crankset. Very light. Great solid smooth ride. No noise going over rough roads.
Weaknesses: Crappy brake pads, cheap saddle, ergo bars.
Loud clicky freewheel.
It would be nice if the bike came in some different colors.
Similar Products Used: '03 Trek 2200
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Summary: I have little to add to all the positive reviews you will find here. I love this bike. A few points:
- Wheelset
I was hesitant about buying this bike because there were some complaints about the wheel-set (cracking rims at spoke insert). They are Ritchey WCS Protocol. After 1000 miles I can confirm NO cracks, wheels are as perfectly true as the day I got the bike. It just works perfectly, have needed no maintenance. I weigh 165 lbs. I cannot promise the rims will hold up if you are significantly heavier. In my opinion, heavier riders should not expect super-light wheels to support them, and probably need heavier duty rims. I live in Minnesota where the potholes are terrible, and some roads are not in good shape. I have hit massive holes going 30+ mph and have actually stopped immediately just to make sure something didn't crack. Nope, never a problem, frame and wheels are bullet proof!
- Brake pads
I actually tried the native brake pads on my maiden voyage. They are horrible! Terrible screeching and grinding - I was worried I was damaging the wheels. I went home immediately after 5 miles and ordered Coolstop pads. Those have been great - total improvement. So, if you order this bike, order some different brake pads at the same time. I think the pads that come with it could damage the wheels if you used them for any distance.
-Seat
The seat has been comfortable for me, and I have not felt a need to change it.
-Pedals
These are really cheesy and not even close to the same quality as the rest of the bike. I never installed them. I ordered some Look pedals that have served me well.
The bike may not be Brand-Name, but it definitely gets respect, as it just "looks" high end. Excellent fit and finish. No one can believe how light it is, and what I paid, considering full carbon and Dura-Ace. It is so cheap, you can work less, train more, and fly by the suckers who spent $4000 for a similarly equipped Trek, Giant, etc.
Strengths: Value
Quality
Weaknesses: Brake pads
Pedals
Similar Products Used: I am a new roadie, have an old Cannondale Mountain bike.
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