I bought my frame directly from Formigli USA, as the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project was considering becoming a partner with Formigli, but we just don’t have the bandwidth right now.

My process: 1) I researched the bike fitting process and interviewed local bike shops to see who would provide me the most accurate frame sizing. Formigli sends you a detailed list of the dimensions needed to size your frame; 2) I sent those dimensions to FormigliUSA, who in turn sent them to Formigli in Italy for approval, 3) I paid for the frame in full (Formigli USA) and the construction process began, 4) I received the frame in about 6 weeks – they sent me pictures of the frame in the jg during construction. It is beautiful and turns heads where ever I go. 5) I took it to my local bike shop for build out.

Evaluation. The frame rides really well. I like the feel of steel. It tracks perfectly on fast descents. I have a Zipp 404 on the front, a Zipp FlashPoint 60 on the back and SRAM Force 10 speed 50/34 running gear, with the exception of a SRAM Rival rear derailleur to accommodate my 11-32 rear cassette.

I know that SRAM is all the rage, but I would not use it again. My old Shimano Ultegra 9-speed that I still have on my Serotta Davis Phinney that I ride in Virginia is just so much smoother and less quirky. It may just be the rear derailleur combination on Fast Freddy (my nickname for the Formigli), but I always have this loud “chunk” when I shift gears. You’re not going to sneak a shift on anyone with my setup.

Final thoughts. I absolutely love the steel frame. It is a work of art and I would recommend it to anyone. The buying process was smooth – you just need to allow the time for the custom manufacturing to take place. I have no experience with Formigli’s carbon products, but based on my experience with the steel frame I would think it would be terrific.

Best regards, Robert

PS: If you are a climber, put Jeremiah Bishop’s Alpine Gran Fondo on your 2012 calendar.

Last Sunday’s Baldy ride started in warm, breezy conditions that had me wondering what to expect. I ride a Trek Madone with standard gearing (lowest is 39-25). By the time I reached the tunnels the head and cross winds had already come into play and I was doing a lot more standing climbing than I usually need to, but powered on. On more than a few occasions I wished I had put my 12-27 cogset on that day, but continued motoring ahead. And though I was originally disappointed the the bike I have rented in France has “compact” gearing, I’ve changed my tune about that.

All-in-all, the Baldy ride was quite challenging. But as often happens, at the top of a hard climb you say to yourself “that wasn’t so bad.” I was glad I had a light racing jacket with me for the descent. And the road is actually in pretty good shape until the last quarter-mile to the Ski lift parking area. It appears they have just re-paved one section near the top (that may have been beat up) for the ToC. I’m looking forward to riding Mt. Baldy again. Next time, hopefully, with less wind and a bit faster. I’d also like to try the Glendora Ridge route up, as I parked in Upland and came straight up Mountain Ave. to Mt. Baldy Rd.

Have a great ride on the 7th! That should be a blast.

James Reilly
Masters 55+ road and mtb racer from Redondo Beach