knite

After loads of research and test rides, I have my eye on Performance Bike's '09 Scattante CFR Team. Here are the specs:

FRAME Full Carbon monocoque SL6 frame
FORK Full Carbon 1 1"8" w/ Carbon steerer
WHEELS Easton EA90 SL, Hutchinson Fusion 2 tires
BRAKES Tektro Carbon
CRANKSET Control Tech Carbon, 50/34T
HANDLEBAR Control Tech Carbon Comp
HEADSET FSA IS-2
SADDLE Selle Italia C2 Flow
SEATPOST Control Tech Comp SC Carbon
STEM Control Tech Unit Full Carbon
Everything else Dura-Ace 7900.

On a bike-per-dollar basis, this seems like a better deal than I can get anywhere else; the same price gets me a name brand with Ultegra (or a 105/Ultegra mix) and worse wheels. The test ride was good, too!

While the components all seem top-notch, I am concerned about the frame. I have searched and found generally positive reviews of Scattante frames (excluding problems on older frames with wobble at high speeds), but those reviews tend to focus on models with aluminum frames.

Is one carbon frame much like another (assuming good fit, of course), for someone who's nowhere near being an elite rider? Is it bike blasphemy to even ask? I'm not worried about a few ounces of weight, nor am I worried about aero properties - the bike seems good enough for my needs in both of these regards. My concerns are durability and ride quality/comfort.

skol

I say yea if your buying directly from Performance and not a 3rd party. They stand behind what they sell.

Hunt-man

Yea!

Brian Ratliff

I have both the Scattante XRL TT and 'cross frames. They are not the CFR carbon, but they do illustrate the way Performance goes about shopping for frame suppliers for their in-house brands. I agree with skol in that they stand behind what they sell, in that, if there is a defect or any other problem, they'll gladly take it back. That said, the Scattante frames are not top of the line at all. Like with any other generic frame, they get the price break by cutting corners on quality control and workmanship.

They are okay for what they are - cheap, value frames. They make up into a solid bike. I bought the two XRL frames because I needed cheap, special purpose bikes to compete in 'cross and TT races. I have only room in the budget for one "good" bike; the rest I have to build on a budget. I don't think I would recommend a Scattante as a main bike, but that is up to you.

Bottom line: For the price, it's a good deal, but you are not going to get the best frame. One carbon (or anything) frame is not like another... but if you don't mind the potential for compromises in workmanship and design*, they are solid frames and make up into a cheap, solid ride.


*I should clarify: when I say "design", I really mean "design optimization" - weight, stiffness, etc. The frames are perfectly safe to ride in my somewhat informed opinion. I bashed the cross bike around for a full race season last year with no mechanical issues.

RichinPeoria

I dont like the new XRL frames. They no longer have the "s" seat and chain stays instead they dented the tubing to make clearance for the crank/wheel at the botton bracket area of the stays .... took an otherwise nice frame and made it look like cheap
crap imho

Quel

I recently bought a CFR Race (same frame, ultegra shift system). I've only got about 5 rides and 160 miles on it so far, but I've enjoyed it. Was logging most of my miles before this on a steel cross bike, so I don't have a huge base of bikes to compare it to though. Has a smooth ride, and feels stiff enough when I get out of the seat to sprint. Comes in about 18 pounds for a 58cm, so I'd guess the same size Team would be 16.5ish based on a lighter wheel set, full carbon steerer, and light components.

I don't have anything negative to say about the frame, and same as you, couldn't really find anyone else with anything negative to say about it either. I think that's partially due to mostly value seekers looking to buy them though, not top end racers who might be a bit more critical in what they ride.

The list is currently at $2,600 for the Team, which I think is kind of pushing the boundary at which you need a "value" bike. Though the 1,900 list on my Race came to $1200 after sales, plus an additional $190 in store credit. If you want to buy, wait for a day Performance has a 10-20% sale. It's a lot of bike for the money.

spry

Fuji frames

Brian Ratliff

Same difference. Really.

spry

one who realises only 3 corps. make(the majority) frames.

Quel

Oh, and far as I can tell, the CFR frame is same as the PedalForce ZX3. The weave on the outside is different looking, so it may be made out of a different type of carbon (different weight/strength), but it has the same exact geometry and looks otherwise. And I think you'd see some people around here spouting praise for that frame. The problem most people have with the Scattante is the name.

spry

No,most people have paid a premium for the high zoot sticker on the same frame.
This leads to animosity on their part for being "chump-ed".

under18cyclists

I believe it's YAY or NAY.

Herbie53

It's the same frame made by ADK, but in a lower modulus carbon. Bit more compliant and maybe 50grams heavier and works great.

I have a 2008 and like it a lot.

edit.... oh, yeah.. yay.

spry

knite,
This thread would have been more interesting if the title was,
"Should I buy the Cervelo or the Scatante"

gvonne

Do a search. I wrote a review on that EXACT bike.

CCrew

I can't buy a bike with Scat in the name. Whoever at Performance dreamed up that name must laugh every day.

Quel

The bike would cost at least $500 more if it had a cooler name. That may be worth it though.

cyclefreaksix

I just purchased a CFR Comp. Nice bikes at a good price with solid components, although a wheel upgrade will be in my future. It's a nice bike with an awful name.

CCrew

I'll agree, the ones I've looked at are a great value from the component standpoint. I just can't get past the durn name

Performance I deal with swears most are made by Fuji.

gvonne

Agian coming from a guy with a CFR Team this IS the frame makers https://www.maxlelli.com/bikes/brigante.htm

DiabloScott

Yay.

hopsing08

i test rode one a few months back and was going to buy it, then test rode my dads 2007 specialized tarmac comp, as far as ride quality is concerned, the CFR Team rode like crap compared to the tarmac comp. although im not too sure about the new tarmac, the 2007 more closely resembles the new roubaix. plus my dad and i are Clydesdales and he rides about 150 miles a week. every week on that bike, with no issues what so ever, so its durable and rides awesome.
i wouldnt get the CFR Team now that i have felt what good carbon rides like.

hopsing08

BUT....it was incredibly better than my Aluminum bike so, if you like it then go for it. for what you want, get it.

lamazion

My wife has the race ... very nice bike. I say go for it!

gvonne

Yay. And I agree the name has got to go. I saw some guy who had taken the last 5 letters off his and just left the first 4. Pretty funny.