Sampson Sports Inc. 2001 Ciao!

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Sampson sports inc

Favorite Ride:
Pope's Creek Maryland

Bike Setup:
Stock form Sampson plus Nokon cables

Summary:
Searched for over a year for a full Ultegra bike. Bought a compact frame with carbon seat stays from Chucks bikes (sunami frame) put old 105 from an Iron Horse Glory on it never got it dialed in. Rebuilt the Iron Horse and still hated it. Started looking at the Sampson Ciao after a friend who had one stolen from him raved about the bike. Great bike and very well spec'd I will never buy from "The Man" (trek,Giant etc) as long as Eric Sampson is in buisness.

Strengths:
Fits great rides great looks great! Mine is polished for easier painting later.

Weaknesses:
Well I think the hanger was tweeked a bit but it's hard to tell exactley. I've thrown the chain once in a hard sprint and haven't dared try since (Bar+bean bag=PAIN!)

Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Glory, Sunami Compact frame, Cannondale, Bianchi.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at from company

Favorite Ride:
sampson ciao

Summary:
This is a well made bike that is as beautiful in performance as it is in looks. It accelerates very quickly and is a fantastic climber. Maybe a little weak in sprints. Some have said that it lacks in comfort on long rides but I've been more than satisfied on 100+ mile rides.

Strengths:
The ultegra components are top notch for the money and the cane creek wheels are real rollers, coming up to speed and cruising there all day. Equipped with the Shimano flite deck you've got all the info you need at hand Seeing what gear you're in seems ummeccesary until the first time you get into some good climbs and wish you knew before you made those last 2 or so shifts

Weaknesses:
none