| 'BETTER THAN I BELIEVED, STILL NOT PERFECT.' |  | Strengths:
The lightest strongest frame I have ever ridden, yet suprising amounts of vibration damping. I have ridden all day on routes like "Mastiles Lane" and many of the Scottish play areas, and that is saying a lot because I have a Selle Italia SLR Saddle (think razorblade), the bike has excelled. It will never be a downhill wonder, but its compact shape and damped ride make for a very fast hardtail even on rough tracks. [Update 29/11/07] Still (2 Years later) The lightest strongest frame I have ever ridden, yet suprising amounts of vibration damping. I have ridden all day on routes like "Mastiles Lane" and many of the Scottish play areas, and that is saying a lot because I have a Selle Italia SLR Saddle (think razorblade), the bike has excelled. It will never be a downhill wonder, but its compact shape and damped ride make for a very fast hardtail even on rough tracks. | | Weaknesses:
Cost. Needs an e-type front mech, which I was disappointed to find as I was transfering much of the build from another bike, the seatpost is a daft size (34.8mm) and weighs a ton. Replacements like Richey's WCS carbon will need a special shim from the likes of Extralite, also allow for the fact that this is a short frame and you will need a longer post than you expect.[Update 29/11/07] Cost. Needs an e-type front mech, which I was disappointed to find as I was transfering much of the build from another bike, the seatpost is a daft size (34.8mm) and weighs a ton. Replacements like Richey's WCS carbon are great but there's the cost thing again, also allow for the fact that this is a short frame and you will need a longer post than you expect.
Older Models had non-replaceable mech hanger. | | Overall:
A fabulous no expense spared frame which builds into a shockingly light mile muncher. Real obsessive weight weenies (that's me) may be disappointed to learn that a heavier frame (Giant) will get you a lighter full build. The seatpost which comes with is a joke weighing in at half the weight of the frame!!
It's still stunning and despite the minor design issues I don't think that there is anything out that is as inherently fast as this. [Update 29/11/07] Well, I broke the (Non-replaceable) 'mech hanger, But that just made a shockingly fast/light single speed. Then Scott brought out a replacement hanger and even then I couldn't give up the instant GO! of the scale. It's now back to 3x9 and I'm loving it.
It's all about the spec. of kit you fit. The frame is fabulous and with the right kit will add buckets of speed and confidence. Me Likey! |
|  |
|
