Bicycles
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Parent Category: Bicycles
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Category: FRW
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Published on Monday, 27 December 2010 06:33
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
Here is the full test of the FRW Top Range
Go to Video Gallery
Go to Photo Gallery
Go to Report Card
We have already described the frame Sonoma in 2011 version in the first impressions on the road. Refer readers to the previous article for an analysis of the frame and the bike overall. Both photos and video are referred to the assembled group with Campagnolo Super Record. We tested the model with the Shimano Di2 and Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels. Remains the same the rest of the components. The weight, which in its Super Record and Fulcrum Racing Speed was measured by us in 6.5 kg, increased to 7 kg net, again without pedals, as tested with a Shimano Di2 and Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels. The difference in weight (500 grams) can be attributed to different wheels and the group adopted diffrent, the rest of the components is identical.
The road test
The 2011 Sonoma has a number of undisputed improvements over the previous model. Remains at the highest level of quality components adopted, while the improvements are sensitive to the frame. Now it is stronger and allows increased performance, both in the bidding is in the plains, with constant, well when you can transfer the power to the rear wheel. Changes to the rear aporte have had the desired effect then. Good behavior of the fork, rigid and precise, both in braking while cornering. Very smooth and rigid Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels, well complemented by the Vittoria Open Evo CX clinchers. Good behavior uphill, both for the excellent ergonomics of the controls, both in frame rigidity and low weight, though not at the limit, at least in the configuration Di2. Downhill shows a good stability, with the steering becomes more sensitive only at high speed or at the point where the asphalt is damaged, but the situation is more easily controlled. Excellent cornering speed and accuracy in following the trajectory. In the guided tours and is a fast bike very competitive, also because of its high reactivity. It can thus enter and exit quickly in the corners just as fast, rely on the response of the frame. Always safe braking, powerful and flexible control. Excellent precision and functionality Group Shimano Di2. The saddle is hard, but light and comfortable, it goes to a good pad, and good is the ergonomics of the handlebar Ritchey. The seatpost is very light and fully adjustable. Very hight the quality of the three components, seatposts, handlebar and stem, lightweight and rigid. High level of comfort on bumpy, which can be many hours in the saddle soreness without details. In conclusion, a good high-level bike. It has no stiffness at the top, but pays a higher comfort category. Good weight, even if you could do better, the excellent driving skills with a behavior very similar in that in the case led the fast. Raised level of assembly, care and quality. èAmong the defects we report the weight is not particularly low, at least with the Shimano Dura Ace Di2, and the high price, not the frame kit, very competitive, but the bike assembled, which could greatly limit the success, even if the price is proportionate the quality of the main components.
Price
The frame kit is priced at about 2499 Euro, very competitive and lower than all direct competitors, for weight and performance. The bike being tested is priced around 8500 Euro, a price justified by the high quality of components used and the complete set (pedals, bottle cage), but many of the same bike, right or wrong, are considered the top sector.
Positive aspects
Build Quality
Comfort
Manageability
Braking
General Performance
Negative aspects
Weight (the version with Shimano Di2)
The report card
Quality 9.5 (it's all on top, hard to do better without spending much more)
Stiffness 8.5 (has a good stiffness, even if it is not more rigid chassis on the road) Comfort 9 (the best feature of the bike, hard to do better without sacrificing performance)
Stability 8.5 (only at high speeds the steering becomes more sensitive, but easily manageable senpre)
Handiness 9 (is among the fastest bike to fit in the curve)
Braking 10 (security, power and scalability, the Dura Ace is good)
Weight 9 (not just weighs a little less than many direct competitors anyway)
Price 8.5 (the bike is worth the money it costs, but in the end is always a bike for a few lucky)
Read more:
FRW
Website: www.frwbike.it
