Cycling
The Sexiest Road Bikes of ‘08
The cold weather has arrived (it is snowing as I write this), and I haven’t been out on my bike in more than a week. With this cold weather has come the transition period that I’m calling the “TV season”, and the time off, so far, has been reduced to me looking at copious amounts of bike porn instead of watching TV.
I’ve been scouring company websites to have a look at the upcoming ‘08 models for each brand, and as you’ll see, there are some hot bikes coming! I’ve decided to put together a quick list of my top 5 favorite bikes for the upcoming season. Who knows, maybe I’ll actually ride one of these next season.
Let me first explain a few things that you’ll see in my choices: first, most of these bikes will have deep-dish carbon wheels because I think it makes the bike, picture-wise, look much better; secondly, I’m not a huge fan of weird colors - almost all of my favorite bikes will be some variation of red, white, and black; finally, this is based purely on aesthetics.
Without further ado, let’s get right to it.
#5 - Wilier Cento Cunego
The first thing that stands out on the Wilier Cento is the design of the frame itself, namely the sloping top tube that continues to decline all the way down to the cassette. The frame has the appearance of converging on the bottom bracket and cassette.
The colors of this model are simply black and white, which is one of my favorite patterns. Wilier makes this model in 4 different colors.
There is a local bike shop that stocks Wilier. I may take this beauty out for a ride next spring!
I’ve only recently started to admire Bianchi’s top frames. What I like about this frame is the simple color pattern that features the signature celeste that you find on Bianchis, without overdoing it. This model is predominantly black and includes light traces of white and enough celeste to know that this is a Bianchi.
Nothing about the frame screams “LOOK AT ME” as does the Wilier above, but it is still a solid looking frame with slightly thinner seat and chain stays.
#3 - Colnago Extreme Power - Special Edition “Colnago for Ferrari”
The first thing that you notice about this special edition Colnago is the Ferrari colors. Like top sports cars, you don’t buy this bike to cruise around; it needs to be ridden over 35+kph at all times!
The frame has over-sized top and down tubes to accommodate all of that extra power that you will be pouring in to it. It also displays the Colnago leaf-shaped chain stays. Campy Boras would be a nice wheelset to throw on.
The BMC SLC01 was one of my favorite bikes from last year, and I like this year’s black and white model even more. The color scheme and branding is fantastic, while keeping the number of colors to a minimum.
The frame has the top tube / seat stay separation around the seat post that has long defined this model. The carbon Eastons really compliment this frame as well.
I might have rated this at #2, but think of it more as #1B.
#1 - Pinarello Prince
Was there any doubt? This bike is absolutely stunning. Nobody should complain if Pinarello renamed it from Prince to The King.
From the paint job to the matching Boras (which are a must if you buy this frame), this bike is close to perfection. I don’t know if I would ride this bike or just hang it from the mantel.
The frame has bigger than average ‘tubes and features the curvy forks and chain stays. I’ll let the picture do the rest of the explaining.
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