I finally received my new bike about 2 weeks ago as I wanted a true italian steed- Made in Italia. The bike came with Campagnolo Record 10 speed group with sub 1300g carbon tubulars. I didn't have a full chance to appriciate the group, however the bike has since been outfitted with Dura Ace 7900. After openning the box, the bike was sub 14 lbs with the wheels. Wow this bike is light. It looks amazing too with the nude matte black raw carbon with subtle decals. Now with it set to a more familiar shifting componentry, I can actually learn the bike and get a feel for it. AMAZing is exactly how I can describe it.
At first glance, the bike looks like a stardard round carbon tubed joined together with carbon lugs. Then you glance closer to notice the carbon weave pattern of the matte black exposed carbon. What a beauty. Reading reviews of the frame, it is ribbed inside the tubes and the layup of the carbon is in a particular manner that provides its characteristic Colnago personality.
I've been on the bike for about 2 weeks now and I can now understand that the shape of the frame and tubes, although traditional, has so much modern engineering that makes this steed one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. If you remember back in February, I was riding a Cervelo S3 for a few months. I love my old Cervelo R3 and my current P3C. However, I was expecting to be blown away by the S3, but riding it, my expectations left me feeling a little empty.
The EPS is everything that I expect in a top-tiered bike. The bike is tips the scale similar to that of an anorexic 19 y/o college girl (no offense). This makes it ideal for climbing. Weight isn't the only determination of a great climbing bike, but the fact that the Colnago propels you forward with every pedal stroke up a climb with all the power thru the pedals going straight to the wheels. What goes up must come down and this bike does this even better then the way it climbs. On the twisty decents, all you have to do is think of the next curve, and the bike seems to automatically have telepathy and make the thought a reality. It is very swift and accurate making any type of decent confident.
On the flats, you can mash the power and it will be impossible for you to feel any flex. As light as it is, the bike is stiff yet supple as the harsh road conditions are absorbed very well and little vibration it felt thru the handlebars.
What can I say, I love this bike. Every aspect of it- looks, feel, climbing, decending...
The final thing to do is to decide what groupset will grace this beauty-
1. Dura Ace 7900 mechanical
2. Dura Ace Di2 electric
or compliment Italian with Italian
3. Campagnolo Super Record 11
Help me decide.
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