Southern California - Decisions...

Ok, I have a question for all the SoCal gurus...

After looking around, I've decided on a new bike. Here is my dilemma:

I was really looking at building up a steel Ox Platnum Salsa La Raza with Campy Centaur. I can have the complete bike for a shade un $2k.

On the other hand, Hi-Bikes has a Colnago CLX with Ultegra SL for $2999 (+ tax, of course).

Now, here's my dilemma: I'm enthalled with the Salsa for some reason and I've really been wanting to try Campy stuff. However, the Colnago is a Colnago, although it has Shimano and not Campy plus it's $1k more. While I'm not made of money, I can afford to spend the extra $1k if I think I need to.

I plan on using the bike for training, centuries/charity rides, that kind of stuff. After reading about the speed of some of the crits, not sure if those are in my future or not.

I guess I'm leaning towards the Salsa, just need so justification that the Colnago is really just a name. I was thinking if the Salsa frame didn't work out, at least I'd have an awesome group to put on a different frame. I will have my aluminum Giant TCX if I really want to try crits...

Chris

Isn't Centaur below Ultegra on the "quality scale?"

Centaur is third down the line in Campy, however I've been told is on par or better than Ultegra.

Ok, I have a question for all the SoCal gurus...

I guess I'm leaning towards the Salsa, just need so justification that the Colnago is really just a name. I was thinking if the Salsa frame didn't work out, at least I'd have an awesome group to put on a different frame. I will have my aluminum Giant TCX if I really want to try crits...

Chris

Which one fits you better? DaveSANZY has a Colnago CLX and I still have a Colnago C-40. The C-40 was/still is a fantastic bike. Stable, comfortable and more than stiff enough. The CLX was designed as a more a of race bike geometry (smaller headtube, stiffer tubeset, etc). It's also a monocoque design, which for Colnago is a bit of a departure (previous and current models are lugged). Otherwise, it just depends on use and fit.

Ian in SD

I guess it depends on which bike you compare it with. I was riding a Cannondale Caad8 before, and CLX is more of a "relaxed fit". More upright (C'dale can get the bars 1" lower) and steering not as quick though quick enough (subjective feel). Road vibration is in a totally different class.

I forgot his name, but someone here has a La Raza (Remington Steel-James Bond avatar); and his review of the bike is very positive.

Go try the bikes out. I think you'll notice a big difference in feel of the 2 bikes and the decision will be more of a personal preference.

OT: When I was first shopping for a road bike 2 years ago, I thought $700 for an entry level road bike is crazy expensive. After a while, I got desensitized. Do you feel the same? :p

OT: When I was first shopping for a road bike 2 years ago, I thought $700 for an entry level road bike is crazy expensive. After a while, I got desensitized. Do you feel the same? :p

You're right, $700 for a stem is crazy expensive.

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Oh, you meant a whole bike :eek:

No, I don't think I'm desensitized at all. Not me.

Centaur is third down the line in Campy, however I've been told is on par or better than Ultegra.

Let me guess . . . some campy zealot told you that. :lol:

Let me guess . . . some campy zealot told you that. :lol:

You guys,,, :deadhorse2:

It's a wonder any cats make it to adulthood.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r143/Indolent58/god-kills-kitten.jpg

Let me guess . . . some campy zealot told you that. :lol:

Hi,

It wasn't me but I agree. I assumed that Chorus was equivalent to Ultegra, but then I got a Chorus group for my TT bike and then I saw the Centaur group on a teammate's bike. Now I say that Centaur = Ultegra and Ultegra < Chorus < Dura Ace. Of course, IMHO. :p

You're right, $700 for a stem is crazy expensive.

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Oh, you meant a whole bike :eek:

No, I don't think I'm desensitized at all. Not me.

Your stem is desensitized. :eek:

Sora<Tiagra<105<Ultegra<Dura Ace<Granola<Velveeta<Rival<Force<Red<Xenon<Mirage<Veloce<Centaur<Chorus<Record

It all comes down to "How much $$$ are you willing to part with?" :D I'm sure the Colnago is an excellent bike, but i usually feel that when you start getting above the $2k mark, you're paying for the name mostly... Salsa does make some excellent bikes.

With that being said, go ride both and buy the one that feels better. :) Better yet, ride afew others that aren't on your list and maybe you'll find another one you'll like too. :D

I too used to feel that $700 for an entry level bike was expensive. :lol: My first bike was $750 (Giant TCR2 w/Shimano 105) but i have been able to keep my next two bikes arond the $1k mark.

the CLX is getting very positive reviews, even over the purist's howls about being manufactured in taiwan. it's an aggressive/low geometry, quite a few sponsored pros are riding the CLX. if you're buying the colnago for the name/bragging rights though i'd insist on one of their frames still made in italy.
forgetting all that, i'm a big campy fan (new 11 speed chorus has already been popping up on ebay) and centaur is easily on par with ultegra (read better). the salsa is nice frame too, and perfectly suited to your described needs.
really though, i'd wait to get my hands on the 2009 stuff coming out, shimano or campy, as they both look really great.

I don't howl, I whine.

BTW, is Ultegra going to change much in 2009? I didn't think it was.

Campy 2009 will change across almost the entire line - Super Record, Record, Chorus and Centaur. No one seems to know if the new hood shape is better or worse, but if you're thinking of Centaur, in 2009 it gets back the multi-shift/dump feature that it lost in 2007-8.

thanks all, I really appreciate the feedback. I do realize the bikes are totally different. Unfortunately, I won't be able to ride the Salsa. I'll have to find something comporable to try. I guess I didn't realize the CLX was such an aggresive bike, that's not really what I'm looking for....

As far as '08 vs. '09 Campy, I'm guess I won't be able to get as good as a deal on the '09 stuff. GVH has a complete Centaur build kit for around $1200. BTW, other than the Escape feature on the Centaur, is there much difference between the Centaur/Chorus shifters?

other than the Escape feature on the Centaur, is there much difference between the Centaur/Chorus shifters?[/B]

That's the big one. Also, Chorus uses ball bearings while Centaur does not. I have heard that Chorus is a bit smoother when new and might last a bit longer, but I've only ever had Centaur Ergos so I don't know firsthand.

I have heard that Chorus is a bit smoother when new and might last a bit longer, but I've only ever had Centaur Ergos so I don't know firsthand.

I have Chorus... and after 3 1/2 years it still handles whatever abuse I throw at it...

and Dan, thanks! I always knew that DA was a little bit sticky, and with your description of it being lower than Velveeta I now know why it doesn't just melt and run smoothly... :roflmao2:

Sora<Tiagra<105<Ultegra<Dura Ace<Granola<Velveeta<Rival<Force<Red<Xenon<Mirage<Veloce<Centaur<Chorus<Record

Classic! :lol: If I was a campy zealot I would find that very funny. But since I'm not a campy guy (sorry about the dead kittens, Dan) I find it offensive and distasteful. :notamused:

Classic! :lol: If I was a campy zealot I would find that very funny. But since I'm not a campy guy (sorry about the dead kittens, Dan) I find it offensive and distasteful. :notamused:

You're right of course, and I apoligize for my mistake. Granola is definitely better than Velveeta.

make sure to test ride both bikes...you will like the steel, you will probably love the Colnago (provided the fit is good)...buy the colnago, ditch the shimano parts on e bay and buy some SRAM rival or force. The rival is the same weight at the 7800 Dura Ace and half the price of Ultegra.

Take care and ride hard...you probably can't go wrong with either bike..