Avanti Monza - thoughts?

[gingermikey]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at this bike as an entry level road bike - at the moment I'm riding a Specialized Sirrus flat bar road as a commuter, but I want something I can ride without the annoyance of all the commuting gear.

Looking to use it more as a fun ride rather than transport.

Can get it at the LBS for $999 (rrp $1299).

Any comments much appreciated. Cheers



Specs:
Description

With improved Shimano componentry and wheelset over the Sprint, plus carbon front fork, Monza offers performance and durable road riding at an affordable level.

* Frame: ADT 7005 UL Ultralite Alloy, Endurance Road Geometry
* Fork: ADT E1 Carbon with Alloy 1-1/8" Steerer
* Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora
* Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora
* Brake Levers: Shimano Sora
* Shifters: Shimano Sora 18-Speed with Shimano Outer Casing
* Crankset: FSA Vero Compact 50/34
* Brakes: Tektro R530 Alloy Dual Pivot with Cartridge Brake Pads
* Cassette: Shimano HG50 12-25T 9-Speed
* Handlebar: Zero Attack Pro-S 31.8mm
* Grips: Zero Suede Gel Wrap
* Handlebar Stem: Zero Attack Pro 31.8mm
* Pedals: Alloy Clipless Road
* Rims/Wheel Set: Shimano R-500 Wheelset
* Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport 700 x 23c with Superlite Tubes
* Saddle: Zero Atom
* Seat Post: Zero Attack Carbon 27.2mm
* Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN26
* Headset: FSA Semi-integrated Aheadset 1-1/8"
* Chain: Shimano HG53

[Richard.L]

What sort of comments are u after cause i can blab on so much about it

[gingermikey]

HA! Fair call Richard! Blab at will...

Basically - as a beginner road bike is it ok.

I'm pretty happy with my flat bar, but kinda useless with the pannier rack etc for recreational rides. I was looking at Round the Bay in a Day and really didn't want to do it with that. And I was chatting with a friend the other day who did a ride out to Kinglake return. Kind of what I'm like to do, also get out and ride on country roads - probably steer clear of the Saturday morning Beach Rd Hell Ride, but would like to through in some friendly bunch rides.

Are the bits ok? anything I should think about upgrading?

So looking at it from a beginner point of view, is an ok entry point for around the $1000 mark?

Thanks again!

[Richard.L]

Very good value considering that its on sale.
The first thing that i maybe did was upgrade/replace the saddle.
second was the tyres and the tubes are a bit weak
Third was the pedals

It does flex around the BB area in the hills and in sprints, but for the money its a really good bike.
I cant really say anything else about it, without putting a lot of $$ into it (which i have sorta done )

Overall you just need a good fit and a test ride. ill be happy to answer more questions if needed

[JV911]

i've had an avanti vivace and a giro which i believe are the same frames but better groupsets - both served me well and i would recommend highly. in fact they're the only bikes i ever regretted selling.

[gingermikey]

Thanks, gents, that's very helpful.

looks like I'm getting a new bike!

[brades68]

I've got a 2009 monza and pretty happy with it. I concur on the upgrades with the tyres and pedals (i've found the saddle okay, but this being my first road bike in many years i don't know better ). My pedals didn't last 12 months - broke one of them on a 50km ride with 10km to get home - since replaced with i-clic pedals.
But......... i've got upgraditus and will be looking at a new one later in the year

Happy riding

anything that can take me, all 100kgs, on a couple of 100km rides can't be that bad

Cheers
Mick

[Chaso]

Hi Guys,

I went to Cash Convertors yesterday and found a beautiful old roadie. It is an Avanti Edge Comp Series in Blue (51cm). Its is in very, very good condition, but I am not sure when its from. Its really light to an old roadie, maybe 9 kilos. Shimano Exage Brake Callipers and Crankset. It originally had downtube shifters on it but the previous owner has put cable stops on and switched to STI levers. Shimano Sora Rear Mech and STI Levers. Really good quality wheels (forgot the brand but will check when I get home. Wondering if anyone knew anything about it?

Thanks in advance and safe riding!

Chaso

[Mububban]

Are the bits ok? anything I should think about upgrading?

Do you ride any big hills? The crank being 50/34 is good, the rear cassette is 12-25 which might leave you struggling if you go up anything really big.
And 23mm tyres, as others have said, might be uncomfortable. Pop 25 or 28mm on there and run lower tyre pressures, your backside will thank you

[RobertL]

A quick google search shows that the 9sp HG-50 also comes in 12-27 and 11-30. If you have trouble getting up hills in the 25, the 27 or 30 would help.