Cannondale vs Handmade Italian.

I can't answer your question because I have never owned a Cannondale. But to describe the likes of Carrera as "lesser known" would only be appropriate for people who hang out in the Wal-mart bike department.

meckle said:

What are your opinions on the fame quaity between Cannondale and "lesser" known Italian frames (Ciocc, Carerra, Coppi, Cramerotti...)?

Don't take the previous answer to heart - I ride a $4000 bike and have never heard of Carerra let alone consider it "lesser known." Unfortunately, they didn't carry the bike I wanted at Walmart. Guess I am too busy riding to be an elitist.

gruppo said:

I can't answer your question because I have never owned a Cannondale. But to describe the likes of Carrera as "lesser known" would only be appropriate for people who hang out in the Wal-mart bike department.

OK fine gruppo, but dont waste my time if you cant offer an answer to my question.

meckle said:

What are your opinions on the fame quaity between Cannondale and "lesser" known Italian frames (Ciocc, Carerra, Coppi, Cramerotti...)?

First I would have to know how you define "quality" - construction, fit and finish, ride? Or something else? Ride is extremely subjective and fit-dependent (and wheels and...).

So we'll skip that and address the others. I recently ordered a Tommasini Techno custom frame - one of those lesser known Italian jobbies. Handmade, lugged construction. If the frame I get is like the ones in the shop, the construction and fit and finish is going to be first rate. Chrome head-tube lugs (Tommasini "T" cutouts) and a Nivacrom fork, again all chrome.

Of course, this is steel - Dedacciai SAT 14.5, not any of the space-age stuff. And Cannondale doesn't make a steel frame, IIRC. Still, I've never looked twice at a Cannondale frame. A better analogy, though. I drive an Audi A4 Quattro. Trading the Tommasini for a Cannondale would be like trading the Audi for a Ford Taurus, and not just aesthetically.

Thanks- Triodelover.

Other than the Cannondale Caad 7 I am looking specifically at Cramerotti Fiamma that I will build up with my existing dura ace 9sp group and Ksyrium elites. The Fiamma is a 7005 series aluminum with Deda carbon rear triangle.

meckle said:

Thanks- Triodelover.

Other than the Cannondale Caad 7 I am looking specifically at Cramerotti Fiamma that I will build up with my existing dura ace 9sp group and Ksyrium elites. The Fiamma is a 7005 series aluminum with Deda carbon rear triangle.

You do realize that my comments were just opinions from a highly opinionated guy - just ask my wife. 😉

I have a very strong preference for retro/vintage aesthetics and construction. I'll admit to getting a warm, fuzzy over the idea of a handmade bike in a small shop in Italy. (It's all Medelssohn's fault.) I don't respond to most of the modern frames, especially those with seat tubes that resemble tree trunks. That's not entirely rational since I'm excluding a whole lot of real performers. But there it is.

I ride for fun 'n' fitness, so the weight of steel isn't a major concern to me. I want my bike, just like my car, to grab me emotionally, beyond just being a good technical achievement. (Hell, both cost enough. They better get my juices going since they drained my pocketbook.)

I wanted to share some of my biases so you would know what weight to give my opinion. I think my opinion is valid (but then, don't we all 😄 ). How valuable it is to you will depend on how my biases meld with your own wants and desires.

gruppo said:

I can't answer your question because I have never owned a Cannondale. But to describe the likes of Carrera as "lesser known" would only be appropriate for people who hang out in the Wal-mart bike department.

I have a Carerra and have never seen another one.It's a name you have to know about.

Triodelover said:

You do realize that my comments were just opinions from a highly opinionated guy - just ask my wife. 😉

I have a very strong preference for retro/vintage aesthetics and construction. I'll admit to getting a warm, fuzzy over the idea of a handmade bike in a small shop in Italy. (It's all Medelssohn's fault.) I don't respond to most of the modern frames, especially those with seat tubes that resemble tree trunks. That's not entirely rational since I'm excluding a whole lot of real performers. But there it is.

I ride for fun 'n' fitness, so the weight of steel isn't a major concern to me. I want my bike, just like my car, to grab me emotionally, beyond just being a good technical achievement. (Hell, both cost enough. They better get my juices going since they drained my pocketbook.)

I wanted to share some of my biases so you would know what weight to give my opinion. I think my opinion is valid (but then, don't we all 😄 ). How valuable it is to you will depend on how my biases meld with your own wants and desires.

I only wish more people would realize that their opinion is based on their set of biases and preconcieved notions. We have all been domesticated to like and dislike certain things based on our life experiences. My background is in the custom car market and I am moved to think of an individual handcrafting a frame (this is not to say that Cannondales are not made with care by individuals). I also like the idea of a small scale production vs a "small company squasing machine" like Cannondale. With that said though, if they build a superior product, they build a superior product.

Triodelover said:

Trading the Tommasini for a Cannondale would be like trading the Audi for a Ford Taurus, and not just aesthetically.

BS..............

boudreaux said:

I have a Carerra and have never seen another one.It's a name you have to know about.

Why haven't Carrera become as ubiquitous as other Italian brands?

I assume you're in the US, and I'm obviously in Australia, and I've never seen one, so that makes two non-European countries that the brand hasn't infiltrated. I find it strange because of all the publicity they got when they were in the tour.

meckle said:

What are your opinions on the fame quaity between Cannondale and "lesser" known Italian frames (Ciocc, Carerra, Coppi, Cramerotti...)?

I don't know how you would define quality ,and I won't attempt to guess. I've had several Cdales as well as many lesser known Italiam frames. No gripes with the Cdales and the only real gripe with any is the Tomassini Tecno that is a piece of [censored] with peeling paint and defective peeling, and pitted chrome.
FWIW, Cdale offers a lifetime warranty,and with the others you may only get a year.At least if the Cdale goes TU due to a manufacturing or workmanship defect you have more coverage.

boudreaux said:

I don't know how you would define quality ,and I won't attempt to guess. I've had several Cdales as well as many lesser known Italiam frames. No gripes with the Cdales and the only real gripe with any is the Tomassini Tecno that is a piece of [censored] with peeling paint and defective peeling, and pitted chrome.
FWIW, Cdale offers a lifetime warranty,and with the others you may only get a year.At least if the Cdale goes TU due to a manufacturing or workmanship defect you have more coverage.

Really boudreaux, are you serious about the Tomassini or do you simply dislike triodelover's reply? If you are sharing good info, then thats great. But if your just po'd at someone, save it for another thread.

Im just amazed at how petty the discussions become from the outset. It's not as if the original question was asking for thoughts on peace in the Middle East - really guys, relax.

Adrian

meckle said:

Really boudreaux, are you serious about the Tomassini or do you simply dislike triodelover's reply? If you are sharing good info, then thats great. But if your just po'd at someone, save it for another thread.

Really. any company can turn out a POS on any given day if QC goes TU. My other older Tomassini is a gem.

adrian_nasti said:

Im just amazed at how petty the discussions become from the outset. It's not as if the original question was asking for thoughts on peace in the Middle East - really guys, relax.

Adrian

I'm more amazed at the seemingly unending stream of BS.

adrian_nasti said:

Im just amazed at how petty the discussions become from the outset. It's not as if the original question was asking for thoughts on peace in the Middle East - really guys, relax.

Adrian

Thanks adrian, i really would like some help!!! I am looking at a Cramerotti Faimma and a Caad 7 frame. I have considered several other italian brands but with the limited avaliability to test ride some I am hesitant. I have ridden the Caad 7 and the Fiamma. I like both, the Caad 7 is stiffer but the carbon rear triangle ont he fiamma is much more compliant. Does anyone have anything to say about the Cramerotti?

meckle said:

Thanks adrian, i really would like some help!!! I am looking at a Cramerotti Faimma and a Caad 7 frame. I have considered several other italian brands but with the limited avaliability to test ride some I am hesitant. I have ridden the Caad 7 and the Fiamma. I like both, the Caad 7 is stiffer but the carbon rear triangle ont he fiamma is much more compliant. Does anyone have anything to say about the Cramerotti?

Check roadbikereview....www.rbr.com

boudreaux said:

Check roadbikereview....www.rbr.com

tried road bike review weeks ago and nothing much there. 🙁

adrian_nasti said:

Im just amazed at how petty the discussions become from the outset. It's not as if the original question was asking for thoughts on peace in the Middle East - really guys, relax.

Adrian

Peace in the Middle East? It'll never happen.