I first heard of Fezzari Bicycles through the Fredcast cycling podcast. Dave, host of the Fredcast, interviewed someone from Fezzari Bicycles and was loaned a Fezzari CR5 to ride for review purposes. I remember being impressed with two things most: 1)The incredibly low prices they were quoting, and 2) The 23 point custom fit that they do on every bike that goes out the door.
Certainly, I have always been an advocate of supporting my local bike shop. However, the savings which they were talking about was in the thousands of dollars. I couldn't ignore that. Having priced some bikes that I was saving for, I was sorely dissappointed that $2,000 would get you a bike that was considered "entry level." Back when I was racing, 20 years ago, that could get you a top of the line, hand crafted, Italian steel bike, which was not only a dream to ride, but agruably a work of art as well.
I eagerly awaited Dave's review... and waited... and waited.
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It just so happens that I live in the Las Vegas valley, which is host to Interbike, the main trade show in the United States for the cycling industry. Dave, from the Fredcast, and the crew from VeloReviews were hosting a Tweet-Up during the event and I was luckily free that night. It was a fun event with a great charitable purpose behind it. (I also walked away with a sweet wireless Cateye cyclo-computer)
I had the opportunity to ask Dave about the Fezzari bike which he was testing. He gave it a fantastic verbal review, along with what he thinks will be their challenges in the bike industry. I asked him point blank, "should I consider this over the ---- (famous bike model) I have been considering?" He replied with a strong "Yes." This weighed heavily in my consideration.
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I began to really look at the CR3 online and read any Fezzari reviews that I could find on the Web. Every review which I read was very positive.
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Then Dave's Fredcast episode came out with his review. You can listen to it at the link below.
Fredcast Episode #168
http://www.thefredcast.com/?p=1587
Now, just for comparison sake. Let me tell you what my local shop quoted me versus what I am getting from Fezzari:
Local Shop: Lower level Specialized Roubaix (Carbon). Shimano 105 Grouppo. Quoted $2,600. Extra for bike fit and possibly replacing parts such as the stem and bars for proper fit.
Fezzari: CR2 (Carbon). Shimano Ultegra. 23 Point fit so that parts like the stem and bars fit from the moment you get the bike. Sale Price $1,850! 30 Day money back guarantee.
The best that I found a Roubaix with Ultegra parts online (to compare apples to apples) was between $3,200 and $3,400 dollars. That's over a $1,400 difference for a comparable bike!!!
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More on why I chose the CR2 instead of the CR3 coming soon!
This is the place where I will be posting on anything cycling. Rides, products I like, links I find... Whatever I find that may be of interest to others.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Bike Coming!
It's time to get serious about riding again after a hiatus from the bike for a bit. I set two goals for myself which I needed to accomplish before I upgraded my bike:
1- Complete a century ride - no point getting a better bike if I am not riding. Any bike can take up space in the garage equally well.
2- Save up the money.
As you know, I completed the 115 mile Viva Bike Vegas ride in October. Some Christmas gifts, of the financial sort, have pushed my savings over the necessary threshold to purchase my new steed. I expect it's arrival in just a few days.
While I have been looking into the Fezzari bikes, I have run into many people with questions of their own. The price points are mesmerizing, but are the bikes really as good as claimed? I plan to write numerous posts on this topic as I receive, open, and begin riding my new CR2. I will also post in the next few days a full overview of how I arrived at buying a Fezzari and how my experience of dealing with them on the phone has been. While I am extremely excited about getting my new bike, I promise to disclose everything and be unbiased in my reviews.
Pax!
Fezzari CR2
1- Complete a century ride - no point getting a better bike if I am not riding. Any bike can take up space in the garage equally well.
2- Save up the money.
As you know, I completed the 115 mile Viva Bike Vegas ride in October. Some Christmas gifts, of the financial sort, have pushed my savings over the necessary threshold to purchase my new steed. I expect it's arrival in just a few days.
While I have been looking into the Fezzari bikes, I have run into many people with questions of their own. The price points are mesmerizing, but are the bikes really as good as claimed? I plan to write numerous posts on this topic as I receive, open, and begin riding my new CR2. I will also post in the next few days a full overview of how I arrived at buying a Fezzari and how my experience of dealing with them on the phone has been. While I am extremely excited about getting my new bike, I promise to disclose everything and be unbiased in my reviews.
Pax!
Fezzari CR2
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