Fondriest or Kuota?! Who is the king of the CARBON MOUNTAIN?
- Thread starter Vector7
- Start date
I've had my eye on the Kuota's for awhile now. The reviews on quality I've read have been positive. The tube shapes are cool. The clincher for me was seeing one in person...it looks better in person than on the websites.
Fondriest's carbon weave is impressive but the geometry doesn't work for me.
Fondriest's carbon weave is impressive but the geometry doesn't work for me.
Without knowing anything about the riding you will be doing, etc, IMHO, go with the Fondriest. Absolutely gorgeous. And still made here in the Old Country (as an Italian that is important for me... 
).
I am sure that the Kuotas ride very well and are very well made, but I still think they look weird, but then again, when spending that kind of money I think you should be getting a relatively classic looking frame.
The build quality on the latest high end Fondriest bikes is absolutely incredible. I recently read up on a test of their super-duper model (I believe it is the TF1, but could be wrong) and it was breathtaking!
Gamecock, do I understand correctly that you purchased a Kuota? Tell us about the ride...
).I am sure that the Kuotas ride very well and are very well made, but I still think they look weird, but then again, when spending that kind of money I think you should be getting a relatively classic looking frame.
The build quality on the latest high end Fondriest bikes is absolutely incredible. I recently read up on a test of their super-duper model (I believe it is the TF1, but could be wrong) and it was breathtaking!
Gamecock, do I understand correctly that you purchased a Kuota? Tell us about the ride...
Powerful Pete,
I have not yet purchased a Kuota. I'm wondering with it being late in the season, should I wait until after Interbike, there could be some new models that I could compare it to.
I have ridden the Khan, though not long enough to evaluate.
I spoke with a dealer here in Michigan would raised some warranty issues with the Fondriest...something like "they've had warrany problems and they cannabalize their dealers"...not my opinion, just quoting them.
Pete, I see you signature as Derosa Planet? What do you know of the Merak? I like the 2004 model.
Thanx,
I have not yet purchased a Kuota. I'm wondering with it being late in the season, should I wait until after Interbike, there could be some new models that I could compare it to.
I have ridden the Khan, though not long enough to evaluate.
I spoke with a dealer here in Michigan would raised some warranty issues with the Fondriest...something like "they've had warrany problems and they cannabalize their dealers"...not my opinion, just quoting them.
Pete, I see you signature as Derosa Planet? What do you know of the Merak? I like the 2004 model.
Thanx,
gamecock83 said:
What do you need to know? I have a friend that rides a Merak and absolutely loves it. I can ask him more about it... anything in particular? Have you considered the King? That is the other full carbon DeRosa, and is more elegant than the Merak IMHO!
BTW, the Planet is my second DeRosa - my first, purchased about 13 years ago, was a DeRosa Professional, Columbus slx, Campagnolo Record (minus the Delta brakes, I must admit that I had it set up with Shimano Dura Ace brakes
).I cannot speak well enough about the quality of the two frames (ok, had the Planet for a bit more than a year, so I cannot vouch that it will last as long as the Professional!).
Best of luck shopping!
Tyson B,
That is the consensus from the "professional fitters'" at the LBS's that measured me. They said I needed a bike with a shorter top tube in relationship to a taller head tube. I need a head tube with at least 195mm with a 570mm Top Tube.
Of the bikes that interest me, Orbea and Kuota fit the bill.
I've scheduled an independent fitting session for tomorrow. One where I can walk away with the actual measurements and such. The other LBS's wouldn't let me have the numbers.
I just received the Head Tube numbers from De Rosa...they don't fit.
That is the consensus from the "professional fitters'" at the LBS's that measured me. They said I needed a bike with a shorter top tube in relationship to a taller head tube. I need a head tube with at least 195mm with a 570mm Top Tube.
Of the bikes that interest me, Orbea and Kuota fit the bill.
I've scheduled an independent fitting session for tomorrow. One where I can walk away with the actual measurements and such. The other LBS's wouldn't let me have the numbers.
I just received the Head Tube numbers from De Rosa...they don't fit.
Well guys...I bit the bullet and purchased a Fondriest Domino Carbon. [BTW...I got a screaming deal purchasing direct from Fondriest. I can see how the LBS's are ******. They sold me the frame $350 LESS than the LBS to close the deal.] It will get here is a couple of days. I will build it up with full Campy Record 10 and Spinergy Tilium Carbon Wheels. I also found some very inexpensive carbon bars and a carbon stem on ebay, which will compliment the carbon frame nicely. I'm hoping for a sub 16/mid 15 lbs. bike.
As for the warranty issues raised with Fondirest, do you know what they were addressing? The only reason I bit the bullet on Fondriest vs. a Kuota Kredo was not only the price, but when trying to resell the bike, most have heard of Fondriest and like what this frame has to offer. Next year I may go with Kuota, but I think this frame will work well for the next spring crits. Thanks guys!
Best Wishes,
Vector7
As for the warranty issues raised with Fondirest, do you know what they were addressing? The only reason I bit the bullet on Fondriest vs. a Kuota Kredo was not only the price, but when trying to resell the bike, most have heard of Fondriest and like what this frame has to offer. Next year I may go with Kuota, but I think this frame will work well for the next spring crits. Thanks guys!
Best Wishes,
Vector7
Vector 7,
Congratulations on your decision! I visited the website again...lookin' good.
Did you utilize their "Total 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Offers buyer protection which allows you to touch and feel the frame before fully committing to the purchase? If so, is that what sold you?
I also inquired about the warranty issues. It seems like sour grapes because LBS's were being left to console the customer while warranties were honored. The LBS's had to field the customer's complaints while competing against corporate for sales.
Congratulations on your decision! I visited the website again...lookin' good.
Did you utilize their "Total 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Offers buyer protection which allows you to touch and feel the frame before fully committing to the purchase? If so, is that what sold you?
I also inquired about the warranty issues. It seems like sour grapes because LBS's were being left to console the customer while warranties were honored. The LBS's had to field the customer's complaints while competing against corporate for sales.
The local shop that I ride with just started carrying Kuota and they are going like hot cakes! From what I've read and seen about them, they are a pretty sweet bike!
GAmecock, sorry, I missed your post - didn't check the thread for a few days.
Sorry about that.
Let me track down the guy and get back to you next time I ride with him (maybe this weekend, not sure though).
Sorry about that.
Let me track down the guy and get back to you next time I ride with him (maybe this weekend, not sure though).
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