| Author | Message | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 307 Registered: 11-2002 |
It was worth a try!  | ||
| Dino Micalizio (Ingenere)
Junior Member Username: Ingenere Post Number: 67 Registered: 12-2001 |
Anthony: Our prices are always THE best in Maranello!! | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 305 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dino, Do I qualify for a discount now?! I've just bought a house in northern Tuscany. Maranello is a 90 minute drive (I timed it!). I'll probably be back there in August. | ||
| Dino Micalizio (Ingenere)
Junior Member Username: Ingenere Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2001 |
Anthony....GreaT OBSERVATION!! Just down the street from Galleria Ferrari and the enemy...Warmup!! ...Just kidding about the enemy bit! Ciao....Dino | ||
| Mark PDX (Markpdx)
Junior Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well Dr. this Ferrari mountain bike is definitely within your price range. Obviously it doesn't look like a 348, 328 or Testarossa that you list but it's pretty good looking. Mechanicals are pretty simple, no need for a costly mechanic as you can do most all of it yourself. The only downside is if you are not in very good shape there is the most ghastly wheezing noise when you go up hills. | ||
| Dr. Joseph Diaz (Drjosephdiaz)
New member Username: Drjosephdiaz Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
I want to buy my first used Ferrari and would like some advise. I would like to stay under $50,000 and am wondering about which models I should consider. I know only the exterior style of the cars, and little about the mechanical side (outside of the basics), but I seem to lean towards the 348, 328 and Testarossa. Any advice? | ||
| E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2003 |
The weld quality and craftsmanship of Merlin 8 years ago is as good as anything Seven does today. When Merlin was purchased by Litespeed in 2000 the workmanship went downhill in a hurry. That's what happens when the number one priority is the bottom line as opposed to happy, loyal customers. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 507 Registered: 6-2002 |
ROFL Frank, you crack me up! Bike looks cool, dunno that I'd pay $10kk for it. It'd have to be the cat's pajamas | ||
| Mfennell70 (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 147 Registered: 7-2001 |
I have a Merlin Titanium (designed by the founder of Seven) that has served as my only mountain bike for 8 years and it is just awesome. Retail on the bare frame back then was around $2000 but it's been worth every penny. It has survived more huge crashes than I care to remember. I've been through 3 or 4 drivetrains, 3 forks, a dozen wheels, etc., but I've never found myself wanting a new frame. | ||
| E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2003 |
Right! I was speaking to the shop manager in July and I asked him how many of those he thought they could sell and he said as many as they could get their hands on!! Of course, that is not a typical cross section of the market but I still found it amazing in its own right. It's even more amazing when you consider that those road bikes typically came in 8 sizes. To be able to find a buyer for whatever random size they were able to get is unbelievable. | ||
| Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
Junior Member Username: Scott Post Number: 187 Registered: 6-2001 |
Frank--it has 27 speeds--that's like a double plus--the ultimate dino. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2621 Registered: 9-2001 |
That bike is a Dino because it doesn't have 12 speeds. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1902 Registered: 10-2002 |
E.Ryan Thanks very much. Good luck! BTW it somehow doesn't surprise me that they were able to sell those bikes in Aspen. | ||
| E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 21 Registered: 5-2003 |
By the way, I am retiring from professional cycling at the end of this year so don't think that I won't hold back my opinions on products or companies (I never have before but just so that you all know). | ||
| E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2003 |
James, You're asking a bit of a loaded question because to determine the best bike for someone, there are many variables that need to be answered. Such variables include riding style, ride distances, terrain, road quality, etc. However, there are several companies that make superior products that are not only superbly constructed but also live up to or beyond their reputation. For road bikes: in carbon fiber, Parlee cycles makes the absolute best frames. Superior road feel and responsiveness paired with incredible build quality and style. After seeing one of their bikes, I called them up and begged for them to send me some frames to race on, even though it meant losing out on 2 extremely lucrative sponsorships from other bike builders. In titanium, Seven Cycles and Roark are both excellent builders but if you have the time to wait, there are some custom builders who will build slightly better bikes for lower prices. In steel, I would go with a custom builder such as Richard Sachs (for heritage and craftsmanship) or Anvil Bikeworks (for superior performance, light weight, and meticulous detail). I would not recommend purchasing an aluminum frame. Even though it is the most popular material, it is one of the worst for actually owning. Most materials have a fatigue limit that, until it is reached, the material will not fail. Aluminum does not. Therefore, even the smallest stress weakens aluminum frames and over time, they will fatigue and crack. If you hardly ride, or ride small distances, it will take a long time. For someone like me, however, I need at least 2 but sometimes 3 lightweight aluminum frames to get through a season. For mountain bikes, I would recommend a good titanium or steel hardtail frame made by the above builders (not Sachs or Roark, as they don't build mountain bikes) and some others, such as Independent Fabrications. If you want full suspension, there are some good bikes out there in aluminum, such as the one Santa Cruz offers. Okay, this is just a brief snippet, and even though I have been holding back, this is still way too long for a non bike forum. I'll stop now but if you have any more questions, please email me and I will happy to share my research data. | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 300 Registered: 11-2002 |
Quote "If you put playing cards in the spokes will it sound like a "real" Ferrari?" Mark, there are not enough spokes! Dino, was that picture taken outside your shop? If so, I have been there a few times. It's in Maranello. If you leave the shop and turn left you can follow the road up to the Galleria and F1 Warm Up. Am I right? | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1895 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ryan What mountian and road bike would you reccomend? Best | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2619 Registered: 9-2001 |
I wonder what a major service on it will cost ? $5000.00 to change the chain and adjust the spokes ! | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 838 Registered: 8-2001 |
I'm not a pedal pusher, but I do know a thing or two, about Ferrari marketing. And that is, EVERYTHING with the name Ferrari is way over-priced.......just look at the parts. I can't help but think that this also applies to this WAY OVER-PRICED bike!!!!!! | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 374 Registered: 3-2003 |
Erm, couldn't you wait till after the race?!!!! | ||
| E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 19 Registered: 5-2003 |
Yes, Colnagos are nice but they are not as good as its reputation suggests. How can I say that? Each of the last 4 years, I have put in over 30,000km each year in training, racing, and product testing. I have ridden just about everything there is and Colnagos are just not what the magazine ads say. As far as carbon fiber goes, there are two better brands (no, Trek is not one of them). As far as titanium, Colnago is right at the bottom with Airborne and Sampson. Steel is the only place where their bikes deliver and even there, several custom builder make better bikes. In 2001, at the World Championships, I was offered a Colnago C40 for the road race. I absolutely refused. On a tricky course with 90kph decents and sharp turns, a C40 was the last bike I wanted to ride. It feels dead, responds poorly, and I didn't want to blow a chance for a good result by not riding the best bike possible at the time. I understand that you all think that Colnagos are the best but I hate to break to you: many of my fellow pro cyclists don't like them either. I once had a 20 minute conversation in a race with a World #1 ranked rider and even he, sponsored by Colnago, couldn't hide his disappointment with the bike. They're just not that good. | ||
| JT (Mightymagician)
Junior Member Username: Mightymagician Post Number: 114 Registered: 11-2002 |
FYI http://www.trialtir-usa.com/2003-colnago/ferrari/colnagoforferrari.htm | ||
| Dino Micalizio (Ingenere)
Junior Member Username: Ingenere Post Number: 60 Registered: 12-2001 |
Ernie sounds like he's had a bad day  , or just doesn't have the funds. The Colnago bikes are fantastic. I race triathlons and use a carbon fiber Colnago/Ferrari C35....and consistently finish in the top 5% overall and the top 2% in the bike...and I'm 45. Just as in anything...you get what you pay for. For $500 you will get something that will serve you just fine and look good hanging in your garage. There are alot of great bikes out there...with Colnago you get really great craftsmanship, great paint jobs that border on art...and a great performing bike. Now you just have to get off your duff and off the computer and go ride! Have a great day....Ciao..Dino | ||
| Ernie (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 730 Registered: 11-2001 |
Dan you are correct, which is why I will not be buying an Enzo. That and currently I don't have the funds to do so, but even if I did, I still wouldn't waist it on an Enzo. | ||
| Dino Micalizio (Ingenere)
Junior Member Username: Ingenere Post Number: 57 Registered: 12-2001 |
I have a little side business that has stemmed from my Ferrari addiction. I am partners in a shop in Italy....and we have some of these CF2 mtb, as well as a CF3 road bike and the C35 racing bike. All are full carbon fiber monocoques and are absolutely amazing bikes. I currently have a Med CF2 mtb for $5600...it is brand new, never ridden, and ready to go. I also have a CF3 in size 54 for $7200. If anyone is interested....drop me a line...Ciao... Dino  | ||
| steve coleby (Ferraridriver)
Junior Member Username: Ferraridriver Post Number: 70 Registered: 6-2003 |
HI I have not ridden the Colnago Ferrari MTB, But I do own two different Ferrari Road bikes. They are simply the best very high quality and very stiff. I have ridden most other frames to compare them with too! Thanks Steve | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 834 Registered: 9-2002 |
Ernie, your argument can apply to cars, etc. Sounds silly. --Dan | ||
| Ernie (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 727 Registered: 11-2001 |
I have seen the bike in person, and it is no big deal. Yeah the thing is light so what. I my opinion it is a piece of EXTREMELY over priced crap. Big freekin deal it has Ferrari decals on it. Whoopty Dooo!!! Any one that spends $10,000 on a bicycle is an IDIOT! I can see spending $800 even $1,000, but unless the bike can fly on it's own power you will NEVER find me buying a bicycle for that amount of money. | ||
| Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
Junior Member Username: Scott Post Number: 186 Registered: 6-2001 |
I'm not sure carbon is the best material for a mountain bike, at least given the crash and burn fashion in which I ride. Also, efficiency of a full suspension MTB is critically dependent on design--the Colnago Ferrari bike seems to have more pedal induced feedback than the best current designs. For a bike collector, or as something to ride around the neighborhood, it might be OK. Otherwise, there a quite a few very high end, custom MTB with better suspension designs that can be had in the 3-6K range. My new road bike cost about 6.5K, so the price (given Ferrari is on the bike) seems commensurate with the typical Ferrari premium. | ||
| E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2003 |
I have not ridden the Colnago Ferrari mountain bike but I have ridden the Colnago Ferrari road bike. Save your money, or better yet, buy a better bike. I am a professional bicycle racer and one of the things that I do is product testing and development for companies within the industry and I have put in many miles on just about every high end road bike there is (and many, many components and wheels, etc.), including every Colnago. The modern day Colnago bikes are far inferior to the true top bikes in the world and, while it's nice to have the Ferrari name on it, there are better, lighter, more responsive carbon fiber frames out there. I won't go on too much because this is Ferrarichat but I figured that I should chime in. By the way, dealers sold most of the Ferrari bikes to bike shops, who sold them to consumers. The Hub of Aspen sold 11 of the road versions in 2001. | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Intermediate Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 1169 Registered: 9-2001 |
For anyone that knows the cycling industry, Colnago has one of the finest frame builders in the world. They are best known for road frames, classic styling, incredible handling & excellent ride comfort. You can really feel the difference. Most people that are serious about cycling will spend up to $4,000 to $7,000.00 total just on a bike. I have about 3,500.00 in my Santa Cruz Heckler. This is not a cheap hobby but it is a blast. The only gripe I'd say for the Ferrari bikes is the group is Shimano XTR on the MTB. As anyone should know, on any fine Italian bike you must have Campagnolo for your drive train. Also having the Ferrari name on it does bump the price up. Someone taking delivery on a 360 spyder is not going to question the price these bicycles. I�ve seen on this board someone selling one for about $5,000. That�s a really good deal one of these. If I bought a road bike or a new MTB, the Colnago Ferrari edition would be it. If you think that price is a little high, there was a time back in the mid 1990's when certain cycling companies tried using beryllium for frame construction. At a cost of $20,000 to $35,000 per frame, very few frames were made & ended up bankrupting some elite cycling companies like American of San Jose, Ca. There is one negative to using beryllium that most manufactures had seized upon. The material can be toxic when fine particles of it are inhaled. The bikes are issued with warnings telling people not to file down the metal. The metal need a large investment "clean room environment" for construction & handling of all materials to make the final product. So that put an end to the hope of the beryllium bike craze. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1372 Registered: 12-2002 |
For a third price of a real Ferrari, I dont think its that much worth it, unless you have the money to be able to indulge a bit...Im not much of a bike guy, but I dont see how a 10k "Ferrari" bike can be much better than any other cheaper --yet relatively high quality-- mountain bike. Of the riders here, do you think there would really be a distinct difference? BTW, I love your playing cards joke Mark | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 826 Registered: 9-2002 |
Local F-Car independant has one, loves it. In fact, we were just talking about riding three days ago, which is how it came up into conversation. I haven't seen it, but he loves it. Of course, he's also a F-car mech god... --Dan | ||
| James Angle (Jimangle)
New member Username: Jimangle Post Number: 50 Registered: 9-2002 |
10k for a bike is rediculous, I don't care who makes it. Does the bike need a 15 mile service that costs 3k too? | ||
| Mark PDX (Markpdx)
New member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 41 Registered: 4-2003 |
 I see these thing on a few dealerships web sites and was wondering if they actually sell any. Has anybody ridden one? It looks like a great mountain bike but the ~$10k price seems a bit steep even for the Ferrari name on it. If you put playing cards in the spokes will it sound like a "real" Ferrari? |