Bicycles

Test: Viner Magnifica

Details

Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Viner

Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 14:58

Written by Marcella Crisanti

Attractive price for a Made in Italy product with good overall, good stability and precision driving, a bike suitable for the novice, for the price, and the most experienced rider, for good performance, the Lady may be a good choice for women

The Company

We have already spoken about Viner on the occasion of the test bike Viner Mitus 2008 and Viner Perfecta, then we refer readers to the two tests in which we detail the history of this Tuscany company that, having been founded in 1947, may be included among the oldest in Italy. At the recent 2008 Eurobike Viner has submitted a large amount of novelty, something remarkable for a company that remains a connotation craft and with numbers well away from large international manufacturers. Small numbers, yes, but quality. The range in 2009 has seen some confirmations, as Maxima, the Perfecta or range from Mtb, but also interesting news. These include the new Mitus Plus, the X Plus and the Magnifica, then the new range of bikes in steel and stainless steel and the new bike Mtb top range, Impetus. Then a new range of custom wheels Viner and confirmation of a range of dedicated bike perhaps unique to women, with all the bike medium available with high-end geometry for women and also to measure.

The range Magnifica

Magnifica is an important bike for Viner, as it is the range of access to carbon frames Made in Italy. This is a product entirely Made in Italy but with some technical choices have helped to contain the final price of purchase. That is why the chose to create a monocoque chassis geometry and one in five sizes. Are not available for this model, therefore, tailored sizes or different geometries, solutions normal for the rest of the higher Viner range. Apart from this limitation is necessary to contain the final cost of the frame we find the classical philosophy Viner in assemblies, all of quality and with a wide variety of groups. We have groups Campagnolo Super Record, Chorus, Centaur and Veloce, Shimano Dura Ace and Ultegra; Sram Force and Red; Miche Supertype and the group Miche Race of the bike on test, which is the most economical assembly. In all cases, except Miche, is adopted in full the group, namely: command, front e post derailleur, crank, brakes, sprockets pack, chain. The rest of the components are Deda regarding handlebar, model Sfida, the stem, Ultra Carbon, and seatpost, Ultra; these components, however, may vary depending on the installation. The seat, as Lady, is the Selle Italia Lady, while for men is the Selle Italia Filante. The pedals are Look Keo Classic, while tyres are Schwalbe Durano in classical measure 700x23; these components, however, varies depending on the assembly. The bottle cage is model Elite Custom Macia, nylon reinforced with glass fiber, which was adopted in the "Carbon Look". The wheels vary depending from the groupset, as we tested, assembled Miche, have adopted the new wheels Miche Race M707. The bike is available in red, blue and pink. The weight of the bike, according to the different composition, may vary from 7.5 to 8.8 Kg. Of course, in addition to the bike is assembled the frame kit consists of frame, fork and series steering FSA.

The frame

The frame is Made in Italy with Dedacciai tubes on specific Viner. It is a monocoque structure with surface finish 3K carbon fiber and cross three layers. The box of bottom bracket have English fillet and the head set is incorporated. The steering tube has a convex and a length greater than the standard. The tube oblique have large section. The top tube, however, has regular profile, always generous and section of the same smooth profile is maintained for the vertical pipe that receives seatpost from diameter of 31.6 millimeters. The rear has a length greater than usual, and contains special sheaths that mid shrink into a smaller section. The two low sheaths have developed almost straight, while the highest are elongated S shape. Well designed, but not excessively so, the box of the bottom bracket, the more generous the zone of the boat steering and join the vertical pipe, the horizontal and sheaths of high rear. The fork is the model of Dedaccia Reba 07. The frame has a weight stated by the manufacturer, to 1.180 grams, while the fork has a weight of 500 grams, according to the manufacturer. The weight of the rider, for the use of this bike, is 90 kg.

The frame's geometry

Frame's geometry man

Frame's geometry woman

Frame's geometry Magnifica

There is only one in five geometry available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. Now if we make a comparison with the geometry of the other compact models Viner superior range for man and woman we can see how this frame is a compromise between these two. In particular, sizes XS and S are very close to geometries women's S and M, while the M version of the Magnifica though close to the L version of the geometry of a woman if it starts to space in a more obvious. For a man measures XS and S could be with a horizontal tube too short, which reduces the difference in the size M, which is basically very close in size to the corresponding measures for men. Measures L and XL of the Magnifica are close to the measures for man of the frames Compact L and XL and their use by a woman will require careful reflection. In conclusion, the need to create a single frame for men and women has led to the compromise measures. Sizes XS and S are ok, measures and the corners, for a woman and a man should carefully evaluate the measures. The size M is already better suited to a man than a woman, the last two meter L and XL are essentially human-geometries and their use by requiring a woman to do the same assessments that a man must do to sizes XS and S. So one can not hide, and it was obvious that one could not achieve a universal geometry men and women, it is true that an attempt was a good compromise. The extremes of sizes, small men and big women, are really the only ones to suffer from this compromise. For them, the board to evaluate the purchase of Perfecta model that, although more expensive, offers different sizes and tailored to men and women. We close by saying that in this price range offers no competitor looms differentiated, and indeed the shapes are developed only share Anthropometric men. The choice of Viner, therefore, we feel more than welcome.

The bike on test

The model arrived at our editing is a Lady model, to the extent L. Assembled with the group Miche Race is the model of access to the range Magnifica. The saddle is the Lady Gell Flow of Selle Italia, and stem, handlebar and seatposta are Deda with models Ultra Carbon, Sfida and Ultra. All components are made of aluminium-coated carbon fiber, the way it is anatomically. The commands are Campagnolo Centaur, as in 2008, but will be marketing the 2009 version, Centaur are always rear derailleur, short cage, and the front derailleur. Miche is the crank, aluminium model Race, with 34-50 crowns and length of 170 mm cranks. The brakes are Miche Sporting, with a double pivot calipier and Miche is always the chain and sprockets pack 12-25 ten speed. Miche still have the wheels, the Race M707, a new range of 2009 with cross beams at second and a double section, near the hub round, flat near the center. The pedals are Look Keo Classic, while the bottle cage is the Elite Custum Macia Carbon Look, the bottle, supplied as standard, always personalized Elite Viner. Tyres are Schwalbe Durano 700x23. Thus assembled the bike has a weight of 8.950 kg, as noted with our instrumentation. With pedals and bottle cage, as it was delivered.

The road test

We have been lucky enough to try to bike along this well over a thousand kilometers, covering any type of journey can meet an amateur cycling (plain, hill, climb hard, uneven asphalt and not), a thorough and rigorous testing that has revealed the characteristics of this medium. Before leaving, we can not write the perfect realization of the bike. A product, despite the price of high quality. The graphics are very special and meticulous in detail (see the white stripe on the rear, the Italian flag on the vertical pipe and so on), the paint is brilliant and well executed, as is the perfect plot of carbon, where it is left in sight. Still, it is perfectly edited the passage of the derailleur cable, beautiful, because almost invisible on the protection of the wagon down sheath to avoid contact with the chain. Perfect, yet, the steps of the cables. But the whole assembly is taken care of the smallest details, from this point of view there is no difference with a top bike, but often many competing products, while high-end, are made in the worst way. Seat post attack and bends, will not be light, but being coated carbon their aesthetic integrates seamlessly throughout the bike. As always welcomed the adoption of the saddle Selle Italia Lady Gell Flow, saddles of the best ever for women, and the fact that the bike is full of everything, including pedals, water bottle and bottle cage, which often lack the competition. The pedals allow easy adjustment of the tension and the coupling are sliding, while very comfortable is the handlebar tape, soft, but from the safe. The saddle Lady proves is now perfect for women and can effectively alleviate pressure on the genitals and to allow a high comfort even over long distances or on uneven. The seat position is natural and the handle of the fold is easy and natural. The anatomical shape allows easy handling at the low and high comfort. Unfortunately, the smaller athletes will complain that this leaves the levers of controls a bit distant, and that the depth and height of the curve is a little lift for women are smaller, so that stretch too much on a bike when challenging the curve down. For the rest, the location is perfect. On the move, despite the monocoque chassis, it appreciates the smooth ride comfort, despite the rigid tyres. The rear carefully studied and usually longer than a few millimeters plays a crucial role in bringing the comfort of running at levels more than excellent. This also contributes an excellent seat, well padded and fork, not light, but that has proven very valuable as a compromise between rigidity and ability to absorb the disconnected. More rigid, however, the handlebar, but the soft tape taken further helps to achieve a good degree of comfort. The ergonomics of the controls is good and is easy to their operation, with an excursion of the levers of rear and front derailleur not short, but not excessive, sufficiently soft and very precise in all conditions of use. The brakes Miche sporting, already tested on other bikes, they reiterated their character with a good control, but not a high braking power, especially on the front brake. To have rapid deceleration, so, you must forcefully pull the levers, but security and control is never less. You could want, as I said before, a more effective control, but point out that with the levers Cenataur the system already does better than the Xenon levers. At the same wet the good control is to aid in preventing the brake's tyres side of the wheels, but the opportunities to arrest are still longer and you must use more care. The crank Miche Race has shown a good stiffness, a good product, it is a pity that there is not a version with 175 mm cranks on the envelope size XL which will then be fitted with a crank too short to the rider. The cassettes is well, Miche climbed as its functionality is very good for accuracy changed with perhaps just a little more noise during the passage of the gear than the Campagnolo’s models. The scale of gear is good, but the weight of the bike and that, ideally, is addressed to the neophytes would be appropriate to take a back shorter than the 25 series, to allow everyone to deal with the peace most challenging climbs. Fortunately, the sprockets Miche are easily adaptable and everyone can achieve the scale of gears who prefer a more contained spending. The bike is straight well with a high safety and good fluidity, excellent insensibility wheel and chassis side wind. The wheels are flowing well and hard enough, but a little heavy. This together with the total weight of the bike and the rear a little grieves raises and responsiveness of the bike. There is always a long way but the pace of change is never too fast, is gradual, but never fast. An all things natural behaviour for the price range of the bike. So if there is much subsequent accelerations and decelerations, accomplices also the brakes, you should do some fatigue more to keep a steady pace, both in order to revive the measure, which to concentrate on braking. Also in the plan and in the hills of the scale adopted gear series is very good and capable of allowing anyone to find the right gear for good pedalling cadence. Up is a little more fatigue on the overall weight of the bike and the wheels, compensation is easy to travel long distances standing on the pedals, while those who are not trained might want a shorter gear. Down the security and stability of the bike is very good with a perfect control of the vehicle. The brake is also helping in the presence of slippery or uneven roads, where the bike never loses safely. The entries in the curve are not fast, but very gradual and safe. Even the exit and the closure of the curve is never fast and you should always carry a good action on the bar to close the well trajectory. Bike is not a sudden short, those who drive alone, it is always guided and directed. In these situations it is slower than other products, in contrast is very safe. This behaviour generally, with a prevalence of stability on the manageability, it also prompted by last tyres who have found reliable and certainly the long term, but not very rigid and sliding, their profile also emphasizes stability and support when cornering, rather than the rate of inclusion in the curve. Good, however, their grip, even in the wet.

The performance recorded with the Polar CS 600 Power

Explanation of why the test:

we decided to use the equipment Polar CS 600 Power to analyze the performance of the bike. Other tools may give us the values of a rigid frame, important information, but they say little about the overall quality of the bike that will be keen to buy and its real value for money. It is clear that a bike is not only the frame, but also components with which it is assembled and which determines the overall performance. With the Polar CS 600 Power can tell how many watts the athlete needs to develop to go at a speed X. The more rigid chassis is the best crankset, wheels good, the rest of the components excellent, the lower will be the power required to reach that speed X, the better the quality of the bike as a whole. However, a good chassis, but with the non-top, may have the worst results of a chassis of medium range, but with good assembled components. Then evaluate the bike as a whole, as well as the purchase by the retailer, not a single element of it, although important. The Polar CS 600 Power also is the only tool that allows you to detect the power developed without replacing crank or rear wheel.
The completion of the test:
mounted and properly calibrated CS Power 600, the athlete has gone a stretch of road perfectly flat and in very good conditions, without wind and other interference. The athlete has travelled several sections first 30 km / h constant, then at 40 km / h constant, and finally to 50 km / h constant, with the longest available. These are the powers needed to maintain the speed:
30 Km/h 237 watt
40 Km/h 334 watt
50 Km/h 488 watt

The commentary on the instrument test

Though not striking the test is more than good. In this case the good rigidity of the chassis has generally meet the weight, not content and the smoothness of tyres not exceptional. Considering the type of bike (carbon frame) and the price range, the benefits are more than excellent. In absolute terms, we see that performance, though near the top end bikes, if they differ, especially with increasing speed, a difference that begins to be consistent at around 50 km/h. In this case the weight of the bike and components are not high-end part mortified performance chassis. The latter also revealed a non-responsiveness of the wagon exceptional because of its greater length than the normal standard. In this price range is hard to do better, starting with a frame made of carbon, even easier to make worse. The test reveals, however, as in this price range, if you search for absolute performance, it is directed towards a good aluminium frame and invest the money in a blend of quality (especially wheels), so as to get a bike more rigid and responsive to the same price.

Conclusions

The Magnifica bike has exposed many positive aspects, first the very high quality of its construction and the excellent value for money. Finishing and visual quality is certainly comparable to a high-end bikes, rather than an entry level, even if luxury. Its monocoque chassis has good rigidity values, however, the rear and the total weight is higher than high-end bikes. This brings the bike to behave very gradually, but never nervous or really responsive, so if you disappoint the most experienced, instead reassure neophytes with a control, always perfect and safe in all conditions. Same for the brakes, the more experienced want a more hard and powerful, but the less experienced can not appreciate a sufficient braking power. Considering the list price of the bike and the overall behaviour of components are more than excellent. Instead who wants more responsive reactions will do well to choose the finest assemblages, or the same budget to go to an aluminium frame, difficult if not impossible, at these prices, find a more efficient bike. Regarding the desire to create a dual male-female range with a single chassis, this is welcome to contain the cost of purchase, but has created the inevitable trade-offs, see the length of the crank, not suitable for larger sizes, or fold, just right for smaller girls. Inevitable compromises in this price range, but we acknowledge Viner to have been able to develop the topic in a clearly better than other competitors.

Positive aspects

Construction entirely Made in Italy
High quality construction
Finish
Price attractive
Comfort
Stability and safety of driving
Modular brake
Good overall performance

Negative aspects

Sizes compromise between man and woman
Braking is not very powerful
Crank court for sizes larger
Handlebar too deep and high for sizes smaller
Rear vagon is not very responsive

Prices

The chassis kit, consisting of the frame and fork set of steering, costs 1.165 Euro, a very good price. The bike under test has a cost of Euro 1.490, again a very good price for quality expressed. This list of other groups:
Campagnolo Super Record € 4.032 wheels Viner Caesar
Campagnolo Chorus € 3.079 wheels Viner Caesar
Campagnolo Centaur € 2.540 wheels Viner Caesar
Campagnolo Veloce € 2.208 wheels R7/KH
Shimano Dura Ace 2007 € 3.098 wheels Viner Caesar
Shimano Ultegra € 2.664 wheels Viner Caesar
Sram Red € 3.493 wheels Viner Caesar
Sram Rival € 2.442 wheels R7
Miche Super Type € 3.526 wheels Viner Caesar
Miche Race € 2.138 wheels Miche Race

Is suitable for

Athlete: in this configuration is not ideal for an agonist, better go to an aluminium frame with a blend better, or else take the Magnifica frame, but with a superior.
GF cyclist-tourist: excellent comfort over long distances and high quality make it a perfect bike for the amateur.
Neophyte: a bike is ideal for beginners, reliable and secure.
Women: the purchase content price has some compromises that are not present in the rest of the range Viner Lady, but in this price range is hard to find better: a good purchase for those who do not want or can not get much higher budget.

For further informations:

Viner Spa
Via Gora e Barbatole 276
051100 Pistoia
Tel. +39 0573/477222
Fax. +39 0573/47711
Web site: www.viner.it
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.