Obscure Manufacturers

jack doonan

I am resident in Spain and have recently come across a road bike in my local shop that is grandly named "Team Master - Olympic Games Edition" and is maunufactured by a company called DRAG Bicycles (I believe they are Bugarian.) The bike has: a (quote) 7005 Airplane Tube aluminiium frame (made in Taiwan); Carbon forks, seatpost, stem; Sella Italia saddle; Shimano Ultegra components (brakes, drivetrain, pedals, etc) plus Shimano R600 wheels with Michelin Pro tires.
Although, Drag have a website, this model is not featured amd, despite numerous emails from me, requesting information about a) the company & b) this bike, I have had no reply. I'd be most grateful if anyone in the cycling world can give any of the information I seek and their view on the quality and price of this bike. Incidentally, it is on sale for 1400 euros.

Anonymous

Regarding the frame, there are countless companies that buy generic 7005 aluminium frames from Taiwan and badge them themselves.

To be honest You'd be better off getting a Cannondale Caad9 105 for probably less money as the frame will be so much better.

Ash_

You'd be better off getting a Cannondale Caad9 105 for probably less money as the frame will be so much better

Columbus make, or at least made, a very high-quality aluminium tubeset called Airplane (I remember Mapei´s Colnago Time Trial bikes being made out of it - in 2002, I think), so the quality of the frame should not be dismissed out of hand. Assuming of course it is made out of this stuff (and not just called 'Airplane' because aeroplanes are also made out of aluminium).

1400 Euros though? Given the strength of the Euro to the pound, you're much more likely to get a whole lot more bike for your money shopping with the likes of Ribble, CRC or Wiggle, all of whom will deliver to Spain.

ademort

Ash_ wrote:

You'd be better off getting a Cannondale Caad9 105 for probably less money as the frame will be so much better

Columbus make, or at least made, a very high-quality aluminium tubeset called Airplane (I remember Mapei´s Colnago Time Trial bikes being made out of it - in 2002, I think), so the quality of the frame should not be dismissed out of hand. Assuming of course it is made out of this stuff (and not just called 'Airplane' because aeroplanes are also made out of aluminium).

1400 Euros though? Given the strength of the Euro to the pound, you're much more likely to get a whole lot more bike for your money shopping with the likes of Ribble, CRC or Wiggle, all of whom will deliver to Spain.

There are plenty of bike shops in the Netherlands who deliver to Spain and at €1400 you could have a much better specced bike. One thing, if you are sending emails to the company and not getting any replies then i would not hold much hope of a good after sales service should you purchase this bike.
Ademort