Verenti Sense Dura Ace 2013 - any good?

Karlos58
Karlos58 Posts: 3
edited September 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi,

Looking to buy a new road bike for around £1,500 but trying to punch above my financial weight by getting one in the sales. The Verenti Sense Dura Ace 2013 looks amazing - superb spec. But I can't find a single independent review. It looks fantastic for the price but am I missing something - is there a catch, or is this for a niche cycling market. Anyone have any advice?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-sense-dura-ace-2013/

Much appreciated,
Karl.

Comments

  • gabriel959
    gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    It is a rebadged Ridley Damocles (look at the geo they are the same) with Dura Ace components, the frame is not the lightest or newest and comes with a basic wheelset. The frame is a bit old and some might say heavy, but it has been used by the pros (Pozzato, McEwen) in the past.

    I reckon it is a solid buy based on that, Wiggle also offer 3 year warranty on the frame.
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • Karlos58
    Karlos58 Posts: 3
    Perfect - just the sort of advice I was looking for.

    Thanks very much. I will bear it in mind and continue my search on the basis that the frame is practically the only part that cannot be upgraded.
  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,823
    Just wondering if you've made a decision yet ? That Verenti, to me, looks a massive bargain - Dura-Ace equipped, pro-tour level frame (from a few years back) with a nice Rotor chainset
    Granted some of the kit is not up to the same level but it's a mighty good deal IMHO.
    and you've now set me off (again) on hunting around for an N+1 steed that I don't really need : as the Verenti is a rebadged Ridley Damocles I've looked again at some of the deals on offer for other Ridley : Heliums and Excalibers are the 2 I'd eyed before now and am doing so yet again.
    Must keep wallet shut !
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The Ridley has a reputation for a firm ride, so make sure you're up for some direct road feedback - can be pretty hard work after a few hours.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Coleaj
    Coleaj Posts: 3
    Someone on Hotukdeals thinks it is the Ridley Helium, any comments as I am considering this bike too!

    Quote from Hotukdeals:

    ......., but I'm pretty certain that it's the helium. Check out the geometry, weight etc in the 'passport' on the Ridley site - it's identical to the spec given on Wiggle for the Verenti Sense.
    http://content.ridley-bikes.com/bikes/p ... 463708.pdf
    Damocles is slightly different on a few of the measurements, also looks different (e.g. the seat stays are thicker and flare out more)
  • gabriel959
    gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    Even better then, it is their newest frame and has got cracking reviews...

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... a-13-47382
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • Coleaj
    Coleaj Posts: 3
    It's not the new Ridley Helium SL which is super light! That would be too good to be true!!!
  • gabriel959
    gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    100g lighter. Hardly a big difference, same geo but a bit heavier. I still think it is a cracking deal. Are you going to really notice 100g? :)
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • Coleaj
    Coleaj Posts: 3
    I think the weight difference is more like 536g including the forks.

    Helium frame 1210g small
    Forks 386g

    Helium SL frame 750g small
    Forks 310g

    Still good value for £1500. The Ridley Helium SL is more than £6000!

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