INTRODUCTION
This is a series:
- Part 1 - Unboxing - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/chinarello-build-part-1-unboxing.html
- Part 2 - Build Experience - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/chinarello-build-part-2-build.html
- Part 3 - First Ride 60km Commute - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/chinarello-fake-pinarello-build-and.html
OK so finally on day 2 I decided not to do the 100km ride because it would have taken me ~5 hours which I couldn't afford due to Xmas BBQ that I have planned with friends.
So instead, I took it to a hilly ride rather. It's about 40km in total with total elevation of 539m. Most of the hills were 7-11%. I know for some of you it's nothing but for me, it almost killed me. Anyway, check out my Strava if you're using it, too:
http://app.strava.com/activities/33401119
HILLY RIDE REVIEW
One thing that I found was, for hills that were not that steep ~4-5% max, the frame was great, however as it went steeper, I could feel the "heaviness" of the frame compared to my Roubaix S-Works SL3.
As mentioned in my Part 3 article, standing up felt a bit dull therefore it made it even more challenging. The bike barely moved on a 10-11% gradient. I don't know what it would be like to take it to an even steeper gradient.
Nonetheless, I still love it. It just means that I have to train my legs more. For flat rides my Chinese frame is definitely a winner compared to my Roubaix S-Works SL3. It's more alive and fast.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Chinese Frame Chinarello (Fake Pinarello) Build and Review Part 3 - First Ride 60km Commute
INTRODUCTION
This is a series:
- Part 1 - Unboxing - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/chinarello-build-part-1-unboxing.html
- Part 2 - Build Experience - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/chinarello-build-part-2-build.html
So finally I get my legs pedaling my Chinarello! YEAH! The ride today was commuting from home to work ~60km. The road condition was 30% smooth and 70% rough. There were few climbs along the way and some were as high as 8-11% but very short. Elevation gain is about 272m. Check my Strava and Garmin Connect profile:
http://app.strava.com/activities/33303447
http://connect.garmin.com/profile/tommysegoro
Basically I'm not a strong rider. I have improved though since I wrote my other blog articles and I was able to do about 30-35kmh flats today.
Before I go into the actual review, below are some pictures of the weight of my Chinarello vs S-Works Roubaix SL3 2011:
REVIEW
So here it is. I'm a technical IT guy so I may not be good in writing long articles but rather straight to the point.
Before I even write anything let me just summarize my initial impression for today: IT'S AMAZING! I'm not sure if I will ever buy the real thing from this moment on. Seriously guys comparing to my Roubaix S-Works, I will choose my Chinarello at any day. But anyway, let me explain.
Rolling
Let me tell you, this bike just rolls a lot better than my Roubaix! It's a lot more stable and what's crazy about it, it cuts through yaw and headwind a lot better. At lower speed surely it feels probably the same but by the time I pushed my pedal...man.....this bike truly flies. It may be due to the wheels? Mind you my Roubaix S-Works is using Mavic R-SYS SL which has really bad wind drag.
Anyway, I rode a lot quicker today. In Perth, WA after 12PM the wind is just a lot more crazy than in the morning. In the morning wind speed is about 10-20kmh while in the afternoon it goes up to 30-35kmh. In both occasion (to and from work), I rode quicker than usual and the bike just felt so awesome.
Accelerating
Accelerating is definitely a lot better than my Roubaix. My Roubaix - in car turbo-diesel engine term - has this "turbo-lag". But not my Chinarello! If you have the legs, you push it and the bike just accelerates.
Cornering
A lot more confident, a lot more stable compared to my Roubaix S-Works. The bike just went to whichever direction you point it to. My Roubaix feels a bit more twitchy and less stable.
Climbing
Climbing also felt better on my Chinarello. Yes my Roubaix feels a little bit lighter but like I said, I can accelerate a lot better on my Chinarello. I would probably say for a really long climb your body may benefit a bit more from the Roubaix but for short few-hundred-meter climb, I will go with my Chinarello at any day. Again, it's the acceleration strength of the Chinarello that helps me climbing faster.
Going Down Hill
Again, my Chinarello felt a lot more stable than my Roubaix. My Roubaix is very twitchy. With my Roubaix I always have to hit the brakes because I'm afraid that it will skid or lose balance (although I know it won't happen - it's just that feeling of being unstable, you know).
Standing
Now, when standing I will choose my Roubaix. My Chinarello felt a bit dull when I stood and tried to push the bike. I felt that somehow my power was "consumed" and "dampened". Sitting down however, was different. Therefore, if I want to push, I will sit down instead. I'm not sure how this will work upon sprinting though?
Comfort and Geometry
The geometry is a racing geometry. I was a bit nervous that I would have neck or back pain after I arrived at home today since I carry ~10kg backpack (containing laptop, charger, clothes, etc). But surprisingly enough I didn't! I arrived at home as healthy as can be. Tomorrow I will be doing a 100km ride and I will find out the true comfort level of the bike. But if I speak purely from my experience today, I had no problem with my Chinarello.
On transferring road buzz, my Chinarello was only transferring a little bit more (and I literally mean: a little bit) of the road buzz compared to my Roubaix. But like I said, it was not to the point which I felt uncomfortable at any stage of the ride.
Maybe my Chinarello Carbon Wheels helped?
Groupset
My Roubaix S-Works runs Dura-Ace 7900 and my Chinarello runs SRAM Red Black 2012. It was my first time using a SRAM double-shift mechanism so I still need to get myself used to? At this stage I still prefer my Dura-Ace.
I need to re-adjust the rear deraileurs I think because it missed shifts quiet many times today. The SRAM Red felt smooth but it's still brand new, so surely it's smooth. I'll report further when I'm one month into it.
Wheels
My Chinarello Carbon Wheels just piss over my Mavic R-SYS SL. It cuts wind better, it's more stable, it's stiffer, it's more alive. What else do you need?
CONCLUSION
So like I mentioned earlier, I would choose my Chinarello at any day compared to my Roubaix. Again this is only an initial impression but it was a good one. I still remembered when I first rode my Roubaix, other than the geometry, none of it was impressive. But my Chinarello was different. My Strava result for today speaks for itself.
Man, I can't keep talking about it....I will keep raving about it because it's that good!
Will I ever buy a real thing? Well if I have the money I would ....but otherwise, I won't! It's THAT GOOD! OMG...I love my new bike!
This is a series:
- Part 1 - Unboxing - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/chinarello-build-part-1-unboxing.html
- Part 2 - Build Experience - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/chinarello-build-part-2-build.html
So finally I get my legs pedaling my Chinarello! YEAH! The ride today was commuting from home to work ~60km. The road condition was 30% smooth and 70% rough. There were few climbs along the way and some were as high as 8-11% but very short. Elevation gain is about 272m. Check my Strava and Garmin Connect profile:
http://app.strava.com/activities/33303447
http://connect.garmin.com/profile/tommysegoro
Basically I'm not a strong rider. I have improved though since I wrote my other blog articles and I was able to do about 30-35kmh flats today.
Before I go into the actual review, below are some pictures of the weight of my Chinarello vs S-Works Roubaix SL3 2011:
Chinarello without pedals
Chinarello with pedals Shimano MTB XTR M980
Roubaix S-Works with pedal, cheapo MTB pedals
So here it is. I'm a technical IT guy so I may not be good in writing long articles but rather straight to the point.
Before I even write anything let me just summarize my initial impression for today: IT'S AMAZING! I'm not sure if I will ever buy the real thing from this moment on. Seriously guys comparing to my Roubaix S-Works, I will choose my Chinarello at any day. But anyway, let me explain.
Rolling
Let me tell you, this bike just rolls a lot better than my Roubaix! It's a lot more stable and what's crazy about it, it cuts through yaw and headwind a lot better. At lower speed surely it feels probably the same but by the time I pushed my pedal...man.....this bike truly flies. It may be due to the wheels? Mind you my Roubaix S-Works is using Mavic R-SYS SL which has really bad wind drag.
Anyway, I rode a lot quicker today. In Perth, WA after 12PM the wind is just a lot more crazy than in the morning. In the morning wind speed is about 10-20kmh while in the afternoon it goes up to 30-35kmh. In both occasion (to and from work), I rode quicker than usual and the bike just felt so awesome.
Accelerating
Accelerating is definitely a lot better than my Roubaix. My Roubaix - in car turbo-diesel engine term - has this "turbo-lag". But not my Chinarello! If you have the legs, you push it and the bike just accelerates.
Cornering
A lot more confident, a lot more stable compared to my Roubaix S-Works. The bike just went to whichever direction you point it to. My Roubaix feels a bit more twitchy and less stable.
Climbing
Climbing also felt better on my Chinarello. Yes my Roubaix feels a little bit lighter but like I said, I can accelerate a lot better on my Chinarello. I would probably say for a really long climb your body may benefit a bit more from the Roubaix but for short few-hundred-meter climb, I will go with my Chinarello at any day. Again, it's the acceleration strength of the Chinarello that helps me climbing faster.
Going Down Hill
Again, my Chinarello felt a lot more stable than my Roubaix. My Roubaix is very twitchy. With my Roubaix I always have to hit the brakes because I'm afraid that it will skid or lose balance (although I know it won't happen - it's just that feeling of being unstable, you know).
Standing
Now, when standing I will choose my Roubaix. My Chinarello felt a bit dull when I stood and tried to push the bike. I felt that somehow my power was "consumed" and "dampened". Sitting down however, was different. Therefore, if I want to push, I will sit down instead. I'm not sure how this will work upon sprinting though?
Comfort and Geometry
The geometry is a racing geometry. I was a bit nervous that I would have neck or back pain after I arrived at home today since I carry ~10kg backpack (containing laptop, charger, clothes, etc). But surprisingly enough I didn't! I arrived at home as healthy as can be. Tomorrow I will be doing a 100km ride and I will find out the true comfort level of the bike. But if I speak purely from my experience today, I had no problem with my Chinarello.
On transferring road buzz, my Chinarello was only transferring a little bit more (and I literally mean: a little bit) of the road buzz compared to my Roubaix. But like I said, it was not to the point which I felt uncomfortable at any stage of the ride.
Maybe my Chinarello Carbon Wheels helped?
Groupset
My Roubaix S-Works runs Dura-Ace 7900 and my Chinarello runs SRAM Red Black 2012. It was my first time using a SRAM double-shift mechanism so I still need to get myself used to? At this stage I still prefer my Dura-Ace.
I need to re-adjust the rear deraileurs I think because it missed shifts quiet many times today. The SRAM Red felt smooth but it's still brand new, so surely it's smooth. I'll report further when I'm one month into it.
Wheels
My Chinarello Carbon Wheels just piss over my Mavic R-SYS SL. It cuts wind better, it's more stable, it's stiffer, it's more alive. What else do you need?
CONCLUSION
So like I mentioned earlier, I would choose my Chinarello at any day compared to my Roubaix. Again this is only an initial impression but it was a good one. I still remembered when I first rode my Roubaix, other than the geometry, none of it was impressive. But my Chinarello was different. My Strava result for today speaks for itself.
Man, I can't keep talking about it....I will keep raving about it because it's that good!
Will I ever buy a real thing? Well if I have the money I would ....but otherwise, I won't! It's THAT GOOD! OMG...I love my new bike!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Chinese Frame Chinarello (Fake Pinarello) Build and Review Part 2 - The Build
INTRODUCTION
This article is a series:
- Part 1 - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/chinarello-build-part-1-unboxing.html
- Part 3 - First Ride - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/chinarello-fake-pinarello-build-and.html
As mentioned to some people already, I get an LBS to build my bike as I'm not a bike mechanic. So finally the bike is fully built! I've been waiting for almost 2 weeks and there was a bit of drama happening.
Anyway, before I go to the actual build process let me tell you the parts I was buying for the build:
FRAME:
Chinarello - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wholesale-2012-Pinarello-new-aero-Dogma2-white-black-red-full-carbon-Road-bike-Bicycle-Frame-fork/486623660.html
USD$615 (~AUD$600)
WHEELS:
Chinarello Carbon (Pair) - http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/204989547.html
USD$528 (~$AUD$500)
COMPONENTS: SRAM Red 2012 Black bought off Ebay - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181017863599?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
AUD$1530
HANDLEBAR: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Pro-Lite Abductor Carbon Handlebars - 31.8mm - 42cm - Carbon/Black
66.66 AUD
STEM: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Controltech Estro Scandium Road Stem - 100mm +/-5 Deg 1.1/8" 31.8mm
77.31 AUD
SADDLE: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Selle Italia X1 Flow Saddle - Black/Yellow - Alloy Rails
19.98 AUD
BRAKE PADS: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Fast Forward Carbon Specific BrakePads - 2 Pairs - Shimano
Unit Price: 47.98 AUD
BAR TAPE: ChainReactionCycles.com
TYRES: ChainReactionCycles.com
TOTAL: AUD$3113.2
This article is a series:
- Part 1 - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/chinarello-build-part-1-unboxing.html
- Part 3 - First Ride - http://mycyclingjournal.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/chinarello-fake-pinarello-build-and.html
As mentioned to some people already, I get an LBS to build my bike as I'm not a bike mechanic. So finally the bike is fully built! I've been waiting for almost 2 weeks and there was a bit of drama happening.
Anyway, before I go to the actual build process let me tell you the parts I was buying for the build:
FRAME:
Chinarello - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wholesale-2012-Pinarello-new-aero-Dogma2-white-black-red-full-carbon-Road-bike-Bicycle-Frame-fork/486623660.html
USD$615 (~AUD$600)
WHEELS:
Chinarello Carbon (Pair) - http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/204989547.html
USD$528 (~$AUD$500)
COMPONENTS: SRAM Red 2012 Black bought off Ebay - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181017863599?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
AUD$1530
HANDLEBAR: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Pro-Lite Abductor Carbon Handlebars - 31.8mm - 42cm - Carbon/Black
66.66 AUD
STEM: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Controltech Estro Scandium Road Stem - 100mm +/-5 Deg 1.1/8" 31.8mm
77.31 AUD
SADDLE: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Selle Italia X1 Flow Saddle - Black/Yellow - Alloy Rails
19.98 AUD
BRAKE PADS: ChainReactionCycles.com
1 Fast Forward Carbon Specific BrakePads - 2 Pairs - Shimano
Unit Price: 47.98 AUD
1 Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape - Yellow
33.31 AUD
2 Michelin Pro 4 Endurance Tyre - 700 x 23C Folding
Yellow
87.96 AUD
BUILD SERVICE: AUD$150
BUILD SERVICE: AUD$150
TOTAL: AUD$3113.2
HURDLES and OBSTACLES
My LBS mentioned to me initially that the BB was Italian and not English although the website mentioned English. I even emailed Jerry Wang and he also said English. It ended up being the LBS overlooked it and not paying attention to detail. I forgave them as it's the end of the year and they get very-very busy plus the owner of the LBS (who built my bike) has been quiet well known in Perth for his excellent reputation. So a bit of delay is not a problem for me. Therefore everyone, BB IS ENGLISH!
Someone asked me about the number of rivets for the front derailleurs, the frame had 2 holes.
The frame didn't come with any steerer spacers so LBS put some original Pinarello spacers.
Other than that everything else worked seamlessly and LBS didn't find any other problem building it.
HOW IT LOOKS
I have not been able to take the bike home on the day I wrote this article because LBS still needs to cut the fork residual (see pics) but tomorrow it will all be ready and I'm going to take my baby home.
My plan for testing is to:
- Commute ~60km on Friday the 15th (reasonably flat)
- 100km ride on Saturday the 16th (reasonably flat)
- 40km hilly 7-11% gradient on Sunday the 17th
And I will then report to you how it performs. Other than that, please enjoy the pics below.
Tommy
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