'07 Scattante R-660 Double Road Bike vs. 07' Scattante CFR Comp Carbon Road Bike?

Question

07' Scattante R-660:

WEIGHT: 18.4 lb. (57cm)

FRAME: XRL7005 series double-butted aluminum, SL carbon seatstays

FORK: SL _carbon w/ aluminum steerer

COMPONENT HIGHLIGHTS: Shimano Ultegra 10-speed STI shift/brake levers and rear derailleur, 105 front derailleur; Truvativ Rouleur crank; Tektro R570 brakes; Forte Titan wheels, Precision aluminum bar, stem, carbon seatpost and saddle; Kenda Forte ro DC tires.

URL: http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s-1-2-15849-1,00.html

07' Scattante CFR Comp Carbon Road Bike:

FRAME: SL6 carbon monocoque

FORK: SL3 carbon w/ alloy steerer

COMPONENT HIGHLIGHTS: Shimano 105 STI 10-speed shifters, cassette (12-25), Ultegra rear derailleur, FSA SL-K carbon compact crankset (50/34).

URL: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23648&subcategory_ID=3040

The weight is about the same-- maybe the carbon is 1lb lighter... Also, bikes are an additional 20% off the sale price.

Thank you!

Answer 1

sfr has it right.  A test ride will tell the tale.   The last few bikes I've bought, I knew right away when I was sitting on the right one.  One pound of weight isn't that big a deal for most of us.  If it is, just give up beer and pizza for a couple of days.....

FWIW, my everyday beater is a Performance M101 (MTB),  one of the last few sold before they dropped the Performance brand bikes.   Best $350 I ever spent.  Its been through 6 years of h**l and still going strong, with some parts replaced here and there, of course.  Even won a 12 hour MTB race on it (with teammates.....).

Answer 2

for the price range i would rather stick to giant or fuji. you get so much more from the asian companies, better shimano components and stuff

Answer 3

Scattante is a brand Performance acquired when they purchased another bicycle retailer.  (Maybe Supergo, but I don't really remember.)  Like many other companies, Performance has these private label bike frames made in Asia.  I've taken a gander at a number of these frames when wandering through my local Performance Shop and they look OK.  

Component wise, they both have a pretty typical mix of stuff that will be found on most bikes at this price level.  With more Ultegra stuff, I'd be somewhat tempted by the R660.  Mind you, there is nothing wrong with 105 components, but Ultegra is a bit lighter and smoother.

Honestly though, I'd forget about the components and focus on the ride quality.  Get the shop to fit you, then take each one for an hour or so ride.  Buy the one that feels best to you.  Don't buy after a 10 minute ride in the parking lot.  That simply won't turn up issues with fit and comfort.

I love Performance and have spent thousands of dollars in their shop and online.  The local manager is a buddy and I know most of their mechanics by name.  I have never been impressed with their bicycle sales people, though, and have never bought a bike there.  I strongly recommend you ride some comparably priced bikes at other shops.  I'd try out theTrek, Cannondale, Specialized and Giant in roughly the same price range.  You may find you love a Scattante, or you may find another bike that is just perfect for you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

The thing about those bikes is that they are only sold at Performance bike stores, so who knows who really makes them?  I'd be really leary of buing any "house brand" of bike when there are so many others out there.  By the way, that "sale" price listed on the website is the normal price, so don't think you are really getting a $2100 bike for $1400.00.  Shop around at smaller privately owned stores and see what you find in that price range.