Fifty Plus (50+) - Colnago & Indy Fab Impressions

OK, I've had both bikes (Colnago Master XL & Indy Fab Ti CJ) long enough to put over 300 miles on each. So, I thought I'd share my impressions of both.

First, both bikes are a joy to ride. This is due in large part to a correct fit!!! I will never underestimate correct fit again. For years I thought the correct size for me was 56cm. I was wrong. The Indy Fab was custom built and it is spot on in terms of fit. Ironically, the Colnago is very close in terms of frame size and fit. Both are 55cm from center of seat tube to center of head tube and 55cm from top of seat tube to center of bottom bracket. The overall wheelbase is the same for both. The chain stays, however on the IF are 2 cm longer. So, I assume this means that frame angle must be a bit different.

When I first got on the IF I thought I had made a big mistake. It felt harsh and stiff. I quickly remembered that the Dura Ace wheels were stiffer than the Maivc Open Pros I usually ride. Once I put the Open Pros on the ride was what I was hoping for. I'll gladly trade the few grams of weight for a more comfortable ride.

The IF is very comfortable over chip seal roads and eats up most vibrations with ease. The Colnago does the same. Out of the two, the Colnago is smoother in terms of almost no road vibration (the quality steel feel so many folks like). Yet the IF is more comfortable than my S-Works Roubaix or my Jamis Eclipse.

The Colnago is not as stiff in the bottom bracket and this is noticeable when climbing. It climbs well, but the IF seems to almost fly uphill in comparison. The same is true when sprinting on the flats. The IF is just quicker while the Colnago doesn't return quite as much forward motion with each pedal stroke.

In terms of stability, both are very, very good. I find myself testing to see where the limits are when cutting into a corner, and think the real limiting factor right now is the tires on the bikes. The IF does have an advantage on downhills and rough stuff. It doesn't get at all skittish when hitting a patch of washboard while the Colnago dances around just a little bit. I've descended on both at over 40 mph and felt no vibration or loss of road feel. At 45 mph the Colnago began to feel a bit less stable, but that could be something as simple as headset adjustments.

In terms of looks and workmanship both bikes are beautiful in different ways. The eye candy of the art decour painting and chrome lugs on the Colnago are difficult to ignore. Yet, the workmanship on the IF is so stunning, that it has it's own unique beauty.

If I had to pick one of the two to just look at, I'd probably pick the Colnago. Yet, if I had to pick just one to ride, I'd take the IF. Fortunately, I don't have to make the choice right now and am looking forward to many more miles on both.

One of my goals in life to to own a Ti bike. I've always thought that, within limits, your body gets used to the fit you have, and so a cm here and there didn't matter. I'm starting to rethink that.

An odd choice of bar tape on the IF. What's the thinking there?

Two very nice bikes. Thanks for the write up. An IF is in my future, just not sure how FAR in the future. :)

Mark

I'm seeing two radically different bar positions, and, unless the angles are deceiving, pretty different amounts of saddle-to-bar drop. Your IF is setup the way I have my bars, with a smooth and flat transition to the hoods. It also appears to have less drop. Your Colnago is set with a fairly steep downward angle to the bars. It's interesting that you would setup each bike so differently. What's behind that?

One of my goals in life to to own a Ti bike. I've always thought that, within limits, your body gets used to the fit you have, and so a cm here and there didn't matter. I'm starting to rethink that.

An odd choice of bar tape on the IF. What's the thinking there?

The only tape I had at the time was that or red. I was eager to ride it and didn't want to wait an extra day. Once it was on, I figured I'd change it when it got dirty. A few more weeks and it'll be gone.

I'm seeing two radically different bar positions, and, unless the angles are deceiving, pretty different amounts of saddle-to-bar drop. Your IF is setup the way I have my bars, with a smooth and flat transition to the hoods. It also appears to have less drop. Your Colnago is set with a fairly steep downward angle to the bars. It's interesting that you would setup each bike so differently. What's behind that?

It's the angle of the photographs. The drop between seat and bars is the same. Additionally the Edge 2.0 Road fork on the IF hasn't been cut yet; so it appears deceptive. I'm not completely happy with the Colnago bars and have moved the brake levers so my hand position is the same as on the IF. My preference is for bars with short reach and drop,but I don't know if I'll change the Colnago bars or not. The other difference is the Colnago is running older DA nine speed setup and the hoods are less flat.

I too have an S-Works Roubaix, and Tarmac, and have ridden BikeWNC's Parlee Z4 and his IF CJ. The IF is the smoothest of the bunch, in addition to being impeccably well constructed (welds on par with Moots). And it gives up nothing when the road tilts up. I would say it doesn't quite have the steering response (directness and control) of my Tarmac SL3 but, I believe a new CJ comes with a newer fork and probably more modern head tube (wider and/or tapered). I don't seem to ever read any complaints on IF bikes. Frankly, they are one of the premier custom builders around, with a lot of competence in their organization. The Ti bike will weight a bit more than modern carbon but, we all know how trivial the weight parameter is after all is said and done. The Z4 is also a smooth bike - especially for carbon.

Just like the 3 most important things in real estate are location, location, location. The 3 most important things with cycling are fit, fit, and fit! You hit the nail right on the head! Tell us more about the process of the IF fit process?

Just curious, how did you come to own the bikes in such a short time span?

Nice report!

I also have a stiffer road bike that I like for climbing and have a second steel framed CX bike that is a bit more flexy. I'll use the steel bike on flat century rides but like the stiffness of the Titanium road bike for climbing.

I have a set of wheels that I like and I know are good. Mavic CXP33 rims laced with 36 spokes with X2 lacing and 105 hubs. Had these as the first replacement wheels when I went road and they are good. 3 1/2 years ago I went hunting for N+1 and used these wheels on the bikes I wanted to test ride- after the initial ride on the test bikes as supplied. I had put one common denominator into all the test rides. It was surprising how a change of wheel could transform a bike- Or was it that I had got so used to these wheels- That I knew how they would react.

Nice write up. But your story confirms my personal belief that most riders really don't need custom. It sounds like your custom is virtually identical, except for the chainstay length and associated difference in the seatube angle.

I'm saying this after my experience getting a custom Ti bike. It feels great and I like it. But it's virtually the same as an old steel bike and a realtively new stock CF bike. The major differences in ride feel are different wheels.

Thanks for the well written and thoughtful report. You are fortunate to have a number of riding options. Enjoy.

Just like the 3 most important things in real estate are location, location, location. The 3 most important things with cycling are fit, fit, and fit! You hit the nail right on the head! Tell us more about the process of the IF fit process?

Just curious, how did you come to own the bikes in such a short time span?

The IF fit process is basically taking measurements found on their form. You can download a copy here: http://www.ifbikes.com/assets/documents/customize/fit_form.pdf One word of caution, however, be brutally honest in answering the questions. It does no good to tell them you weigh an amount you don't weigh, or ride in ways that you don't really ride but just dream about. You need to have someone reliable doing the measurements. The shop has one mechanic who has been trained in several different fit systems and used to be a wrench for a woman's pro team. He does all the measurements. Additionally, IF likes a photograph of you on your favorite bike along with comments about what you like and don't like about it.

In terms of how I came to own both bikes in such short order. Well, I ordered the IF and there was a snafu that delayed it by a few weeks. The shop felt really bad about it. When they got the Colnago in to sell on consignment, they let me know about it and I got it minus their percentage of the take. The IF arrived 10 days later.