Road Cycling - Advise: Ridley Brontes vs Sintesi Exentrica vs Fondriest Carb Level

I can't decide. I'm looking for a new road frame and can' find many reviews on these bikes. Does anyone around here own/have ridden on eof these bikes

The Ridley Brontes (<http://www.ridley-bikes.com>) is constructed from Easton Ultralite tubing and has a Time HR carbon rear stay and Time Carbon Hr forks. About 1.55kg.

The Sintesi (<http://www.sintesibikes.com>)is made from Dedacchai U2 tubing and has the deda Black magic 2 fork and a Deda Sintesi Monobloc rear triangle.

The Fondriest is aslo Deda U2 but drawn to Fondriest specs and also has a deda rear triangle.

Any info or road tests would be helpful.

PS The Sintesi is good few $$ cheaper but I want to get a bike that comfortable, stiff and light.
I know these are in conflict but it's the balance that concerns. Laterally stiff it must be but vertivally compliant and light.

any thoughts??

Deda U2 is very light stuff, not very dense, and won't last very long. Don't get me wrong, it will build into a very fast bike -- but I would look elsewhere if you weigh over 155lbs. (even though the weight limit is actually 180, if you aproach that limit, the bike will be way too flexy for a decently strong racer) or if you are concerned that when the frame breaks in 18 months that you might have a hard time warrantying it.

I don't mean to freak you out by suggesting that a frame that will only last 18 months is a bad product. I've never had an aluminum bike that lasted more than a year -- I just warranty them when they die, and get a brand new one. The last one that I broke was made out of Deda SC60-10 (Scandium) which is denser than the U2 you're considering. I weigh 175, and am pretty strong.

The Ridley is made of a harder metal, and will be heavier, but also stiffer, than the other two rides you're looking at. In my mind, as long if a bike is under 3 lbs -- it's light enough, and the rest of your concerns ought to be with stiffness.

If you are a Cat 2 or better, and over 145 lbs, get the Ridley. If lighter than 145, get a U2 bike.
If you are a Cat 3 or worse, and over 155 lbs, get the Ridley. If lighter than 155, get a U2 bike.

Whatever you go with, make sure that the company will honor a warranty when it breaks.

- Maurizio

Not sure what CAT2 and CAT3 is as I do most of my racing on a mountain bike at the moment but want to start road racing again. CAT2 & 3 are American designations are'nt they.

Thansk for the info Maurizio, it was very informative. From what you'e saying I wonder I f Is hould'nt belooking at perhaps a Le Mond 853, Or something in Deda EOM16.5 or Titanium instead of Aluminium. I would like to have a reliable frame for at least 2 seasons which a then be used as a training bike.
If Aluminium frames are alos intended to last around 18months then maybe it's not the material for me.

Do you have any experince in Carbon Fibe bikes. I have never owned one. My Mtb's have been steel and recently Al 6061T6 so I have no experience of CF in road bike applications.
I know the ride is supposed to be soft but are they flexy?
How long do they typically last under 'Cat 2' riding conditions (most likely category I will race in).

I don’t know too much about Ridley, just that the Domo Junior team rides them, but I’m not a fan of Easton Tubing, do you want to bike to be made out of a bat or baseball glove?
A friend at a LBS told me Fondriest bikes are second-tier Italian frames, I think they break.
The Sintesi is probably cheaper because some 8 year old in China makes it.
BUY A CYFAC!!
Something that a lot of people seem to ignore is QUALITY. Cyfac is quality, the welds are so smooth that their aluminum frames look like carbon monocoque frames. Depending on your style, Cyfac has a frame for you.
If you are a small climber type, or just want something very very light:
Get the Starship, it’s sub 1000 grams
If you are someone who gets lower back pain, or wants a ride that glides like a magic carpet:
Get the XLR8R, it is specifically designed to absorb road shock
If you consider yourself a power rider, sprinter, or just want something really stable, stiff, durable, and sure footed:
Get the Airplane, at 1060grams it’s not heavy, and is the stiffest frame in the fleet, and probably one of the stiffest frames made (it’ll bend the crap out of a c-40). Although where it really shines is in handling characteristics. – Hey David Miller, Brouchard, and Hinault seem to like um…
Cyfac will also make you a custom Carbon, or any of the previously mentioned frames, for a truly pro-ride.
Check them out at www.veloeuropa.com - www.cyfacusa.com
BUY A CYFAC

oh god...flashbacks to cane and FONDRIEST!!!

I would suggest getting a Ridley they are an exeptional value. The Ridley XLR8R frame with carbon stays is around 1025 while Cyfacs is 2425! I can put up with welds not quite as smooth for that price. Cycle sport did a great write up on Ridley a while back praising thier quality. The frames are all paint no decals with a definite attention to detail. I have a Ridley on the way should be here in 2 weeks if you want a report.

Originally posted by Maurizio
The last one that I broke was made out of Deda SC60-10 (Scandium) which is denser than the U2 you're considering.



- Maurizio There is no Scandium in that tubing.

Originally posted by TimB


Thansk for the info Maurizio, it was very informative. From what you'e saying I wonder I f Is hould'nt belooking at perhaps a Le Mond 853, Or something in Deda EOM16.5 or Titanium instead of Aluminium. I would like to have a reliable frame for at least 2 seasons which a then be used as a training bike.
If Aluminium frames are alos intended to last around 18months then maybe it's not the material for me.

Don't buy into that 18 month aluminum applesauce!Save alot of money and consider a Cannondale.

Pokey, I have considered a Cannondale but the frame prices are crazy!!
The CAAD7 is r

Buy the Fondriest.
They are not second tier italian frames. They are ranked up near the top with Pinarrello and Colnago.
I have a Fondriest and i am very happy with it.
Stew

OkSo i've narrowed it down.
I've discarded the Sintesi. too much of an unknown.

I've decided that perhaps too light weight may be a frame killer so I'm considering the Ridley Hyperion.
Dedaccai EOM16.5 tubing, Deda full carbon rear traingle, same spec as the Fondriest, $700 cheaper!
now the Fondriest is a nice bike but $700 is lot of money.
The Ridley is made in Belgium and their cyclocross bikes are top notch.

And Stew man, I agree, I fail to see a 2nd tier frame can be 5% more expensive than the equivalent Pinarello

I've ridden a Sintesi Enigma (6000 series alu) for over 3 years now, and find it a reliable bike, if not the lightest.
In terms of build quality, excellent, Sintesi are all made in italy, no eastern imports, and the paint finish is superb, airbrushed highlights, decals lacquered, and shiny as anything.

The enigma was one of their more entyr level bikes, mine came as a frame & carbon forks, and built up with Veloce gruppo it probably weighs 23 lbs, maybe?? Don't know, I'm not a weight counter.

Ridley is fast becoming a brand to have in europe, and especially here in the UK.