Overbiked
I’ve been riding the Strada Assoluto on an almost daily basis now for just over three months, so I thought it an appropriate time to give you all my feedback on this stunning machine.
The first ride, back a while, came as a slight shock to the system. To be honest, I was, as the Pheasant would say, “over-biked” – fact. The Strada Assoluto was mean and angry and, like a newbie on the rodeo bull, I was slightly taken aback. This was a raging bull wanting to be let loose through the gate and I wasn’t sure I wanted to be the man to release said beasty. Over-biked, yep – I was over-biked.
However, during the past three months, being over-biked has led me to some of the most adrenaline-packed fun I’ve experienced on two wheels for quite some time. [Since you broke your bmx? – ed.]
Response along the flat is like a steam locomotive from a past era, the thing just gets quicker and quicker as it chugs along. Feed this machine your legs and it huffs and puffs its way past most mere mortals. [Something I’d pay to see – ed.] Steering is light and punchy and cornering is 50 per cent heart in mouth, 20 per cent skill, 20 per cent common sense and 10 per cent bravery!
The Strada Assoluto and its full Campagnolo upholstery lead you down a different road – a road that isn’t ruled by Shimano. It didn’t take me too long to realise this is a different bike from most of the usual ‘next big thing, we’ve done this and that’ spiel as promised by most brand managers. When I say different though, I really mean – this bike just doesn’t play by the rules. Its relatively normal paint job of white, red and black is pretty standard for a road bike, but this is where we separate ‘standard’ and ‘Strada Assoluto’.
“Fear is exciting for me” – Ayrton Senna
Structural build is very good and geometry stable, construction all-carbon including the steering gear and rear triangle using the latest advancements in Italian design and technology. The looks from passers-by also crack a smile from time to time.
The late, great Ayrton Senna once said “Fear is exciting for me” and I can’t help but wonder what road bike Ayrton would have chosen were he still with us today. What bike would he choose to line up alongside fellow road cycling enthusiasts Mark Webber and Jensen Button at the start of a Sportive? I’d like to think this is a bike he might have chosen. Not a household name, not the most expensive, not sold by famous online retailers – but, something for the purist and above all – a challenge.
Dedacciai Strada Assoluto £1299.99 (frame, headset, saddle clamp and fork) ; sizes S, M, L, Xl, XXL; colours Green/White, Red/White
