baldoldman

Let me preface this post with this - I have read many of the BD threads and it is very clear there 3 distinct emotional factions - anti-BD; BD lovers; and those that don't give a rats ass and just go with what works for them.

First of all, this isn't about BD it is about Randall Scott Cycles who seemingly have adopted the use of a former great bike maker (i.e., Motobecane in the BD case) - Tommaso. I haven't seen any threads on Tommaso bikes (and thus RS Cycles). They (RSCycles) are currently showing two 2008 Tommaso cycles - the Mondial and Velocita that come with great specs (Ultegra/FSA on the Mondial) (Ultegra/DA/FSA on the Velocita). The main difference in the frames of each is the Mondial is all aluminum while the Velocita has rear carbon seat stays. The wheelset on both looks low end. I have a wheelset I'd probably use.

The price - $800 for Mondial and $1100 for Velocita. Are there any BF readers who have dealt with RS Cycles and in particular tried the Tommaso bikes?

I am not a shill. I just enjoy cycling but have a limited budget and hard to convince spouse. I'm an older cyclist (and heavier at 190 lbs) and generally ride 75 miles per week, year round (live in AZ). My current bike is a 1989 Cannondale with DA/Ultegra (18-spd). The old Cannondale frame is harsh but I have a carbon seat post and carbon fork to help soften the ride (thus only the frame dates to 1989). It is cosmetically beat up. It is a tried and true bike but something tells me newer designs, although aluminum might be better - thus I'm looking at affordable options and bang for buck.

I am simply asking for opinions on the Tommaso line and experiences with RS Cycles.

huytheskigod

I have built two tommaso Imola (07 model) for two of my friends. The quality seems very good. The bikes are shipped dealer ready and with very good packaging to keep everything safe. We ended up with a lot of foam/paper/packing materials left over. The one that thing that surprised me the most was the weight relative to other bikes in it's class. The Imola is equivalent to trek 1000, Fuji Ace(which my GF has) and other entry level bikes. The difference being the Imola felt much lighter than the other mentioned bikes. I didn't have a scale to weigh them but they felt light in hand. I cannot comment on ride quality as I only built them up and my friends are riding them but they seem to like them very much.

sced

I bought a Mondial from RSCycles a few months ago for my son. I've also bought 2 bikes from BikesDirect. They are all pretty nice and very good values. I have absolutely no complaints about any of them. The only reason I bought the Tommasso was to get the compact frame, otherwise there are somewhat better values to be had if you buy on-line. I especially like my Bottecchia. The Mondial I purchased cost $850 with shipping and has Shimano 105 brifters and derailleurs and (nothing special) Alex wheels. It also has a CF seat post and Ritchey bars and stem. The bike sports a "Made in China" sticker, but the paint and welds are very smooth. I don't think Tommasso is an olde Italian maker, but a newer made-up one started in the 80's whose bikes have always been Asian. As you know, many of the very best bikes in the world are Asian. I found that compared to BikesDirect RSCyles was slow to ship, taking 6 days to process my order.

rko

If you are ever in Boulder, try Randall Scott's showroom.

I went in to pick up a bike I ordered from their web site. They could not have been nicer, basically doing the "pro build" for free, and fitting me and everything. Plus no shipping costs. Chris was awesome. Great web prices and great service and a styley showroom... the best of all worlds. And my Tomasso Velocito is sweet so far.

www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.I/id.26/.f

sedpedal

At one time, Tommaso frames were hand built in italy by Gueciotti and Scapin. Though all were imported and painted by Ten Speed Drive. I'm resto-moding an 86 tommaso with SLX tubing for my girlfriend right now, truly beautiful bike. The frame was ridden by my LBS owner and it seems Tommaso was an Italian clothing company that has since long gone under. Complete shame the name is being run at a lesser status because the late 80's early 90's frames were true pieces of italian art.

bikemaven

Spreading the Tommaso Nation Love.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase of the Tommaso Mondial

https://www.facebook.com/Tommasobikes

Favorite Ride:
Tommaso Mondial

Bike Setup:
Frame: Semi-Compact Butted Aluminum with Integrated Headtube.
Fork: Carbon Fiber with Aluminum Steer tube, 1 1/8"
Rear Shock:
Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 10-Speed
Brakes Levers: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Tektro Alloy R350
Chain: KMC
Crankset: FSA Gossamer Compact 50/34T, (20 total gears)
Cassette: Shimano 105 11-25 10-Speed
Pedals:
Bottom Bracket: FSA Mega EXO
Headset: FSA IS-2 Integrated Headset
Saddle: Selle San Marco, Ponza Power
Seat Post: Tommaso TRS Aluminum 27.2
Handlebar: Tommaso TRS, 31.8mm, Black
Grips: Velo Cork Tape White
Stem: Tommaso TRS ± 7 Degree 31.8mm, Black
Tires: Continental Ultra Sport 700x23c,
Wheelset: JY/Alex R-450
Weight: 19.4 lbs
Color: Blue



Summary:

Very Happy with my Tommaso Bike. 100% recommend. Once the word gets out about Tommaso these guys are going to kill it. Truly great bikes for the price and better experience than going into my small local shop.


I couldn't be happier with the experience.

I bought this bike after looking around the shops and finding that I'd have to spend at least $1700-1800 to get a decent road bike. The bike rides great.

Tommaso has a great facebook and twitter presence. Contact them directly or chat with other fans. Its what convinced me they are a solid well run company with great and smart staff.

https://www.facebook.com/Tommasobikes

intence

Considering that almost all frames are built in one of a small handfull of Asian factories, and then almost all use nearly the same components, i'd say it's probably a decent deal. The only other factor i'd take into account is resale in case you want to sell the bike or upgrade. Generally it's more difficult to sell a smaller brand than a larger one. Given the time of the year, I'd check around your local stores to see if you can get a name brand at a comparable price (09 clearout maybe?), only because it's easier to sell down the road. In the spring/summer when deals at the LBS are hard to come by, i'd defintely suggest looking at one of the online vendors to score a great deal