Is the Bottecchia a Good Bike?

Frank Mazzagatti has spotted a bargain in a Bottecchia bike at a very reasonable price and he wants to know what we think of it. Bottecchia has a lot of history behind the name and build a very nice bike. Here is what we think

Question: Can you give me your assessment of the 08 Bottecchia. Sells for $1195.00, please review the specs below.
Thanks Frank

This sale is for the BOTTECCHIA SPRINT BZ 78 TEAM.

Columbus Zonal Areo Tubing with smooth-weld technology to insure top performance without a harsh ride.
Carbon Fiber Fork
FSA Carbon Fiber Compact Crankset to provide a wide range of gearing for those who prefer the better performance of a double.
Shimano Dura Ace
Vuelta XRP Pro Wheelset with precision sealed bearings for smooth function, low resistance, & long life.
Color: Midnight Matte
Sizes: 50c, 52c, 54c, 56c, 58c, 60c, 62c

FSA Cranks

FRAME
COLUMBUS ZONAL TRIPLE BUTTED 7005 ALUMINUM WITH SMOOTH WELDING
FORK
BOTTECCHIA CARBON-FIBER 1-1/8″ FITTED WITH FSA ORBIT-X AHEADSET
WHEELSET
VUELTA XRP PRO 30mm RIM W/ AERO 24/24 SPOKES W/ PRECISION SEALED BEARINGS

Seat Tube

TIRES
KENDA 23c DUAL COUMPOND BLK/RED/BLK
CRANK
FSA SLK CARBON COMPACT 50×34T W/ ISIS BB
PEDALS
BOTTECCHIA SPD ALLOY
SHIFTERS
SHIMANO DURA-ACE SHIFTER/BRAKE LEVER
BRAKES
CANE CREEK SCR5 DUAL PIVOT COLD FORGED
FRONT DER
SHIMANO DURA-ACE
REAR DER
SHIMANO DURA-ACE
CASSETTE
SHIMANO DURA-ACE 10-SPEED 12/25T
CHAIN
SHIMANO DURA-ACE 10-SPEED
HANDLEBARS
VUELTA XRP PRO 31.8 OS 6061 ALLOY
STEM
VUELTA XRP PRO 31.8 OS 6061 ALLOY
SEAT POST
VUELTA XRP PRO 27.2 x 300mm 6061 ALLOY
SADDLE
BOTTECCHIA

Carbon Forks

Hi Frank,
Bottecchia was a very good cyclist many years ago and the bikes bearing his name are just as good.

Looking at the specifications you would be getting top class equipment in the Shimano Dura-Ace group set, 10 speed of course, along with a FSA Carbon compact chain set which is a great combination. The brakes are Cane Creak Dual Pivot, maybe not quite as good as Shimano Dura-Ace, but very workable. The handle bars are over size center which is very comfortable and the head set is also from FSA, all these parts can not be faulted with there looks or performance.

Possibly where money is being saved is with the frame, wheels, tires, saddle and pedals. The alloy frame is very well made, but it is alloy, admittedly it has carbon forks, but it is still an alloy frame when most people now want a full carbon frame. The wheels are fine, but not top class like the other equipment, not quite up to the standard of Shimano Dura-Ace. Kenda tires are not competition standard, the pedals and saddle are Bottecchia branded, so could be from any where, quite often you don’t get pedals with a new bike so that is a bonus and saddles are a personal thing and you might have to change it anyway, so there are no problems there.

Our Conclusions

The Bottecchia is a classy piece of kit, Dura-Ace is the equipment of choice for most Pro’s and if you are happy with an alloy frame then go for it as it is a well designed bike with very good equipment and at a very reasonable price, yes we like it.

Bottecchia

7 Responses to “Is the Bottecchia a Good Bike?”

alan August 14, 2009

Curiosity……what part of the advertisd carbon fiber frame is alloy instead of carbon fiber?

sean swords August 17, 2009

Does anyone have an opinion on the Bottecchia CF662 full carbon and ultegra advertised on ebay for $995? Also, any thoughts on the Motobecane Le Champion full carbon and ultegra?

Dave August 17, 2009

I had some doubt about this bike, but those fears were soon erased when I hopped on the new hog and pedaled up the street. This is a nice tracking bike that absorbs bumps beautifully. I have the Ultegra version (deraillers, cassette, chain and levers/shifters which cost $1,195. Out of the box, it weighs 19.06 lbs (53 cm). If you purchase new wheels in the 1,400-1,500 gram range, you can save about 1.25 lbs. The bars, stem and aluminum seatpost are other areas for weight reduction. Keep the FSA carbon crank and Cane Creek brakes.Comparable Specialized bikes are about $1,500 (Shimano 105) and $2,000. The entry-level Cervelo road bike is $2,200. It’s also about 19 lbs and has slightly better wheels.All things taken into account, the Bottecchia is well worth the coin, even if you swap out a few components.

tobby August 17, 2009

this model cames w/carbon fiber frame and dura-ace components for 1,499.00 what do you think about this model.

Edward September 12, 2009

I’ve had my Bottecchia bike for almost 3 years now and never had any major issues with it. I upgraded most components to Shimano Ultegra. The bike offers a nice ride..even with an alloy frame I am dropping guys on hills that owns $5000.00 bikes. Remember its not about the bike…I would recommend this bike to anyone who is hurting for $$$. Upgrading is easy and can be done at home. Weekly maintenance and you are good to go.

leon September 13, 2009

How do you think this lines up against the Motobecanes?

rich Blackstone September 21, 2009

Just bought the Bottecchia BZ sprint and have perchased a few upgrades. I Bought the FSA SLF carbon crankset and was wondering what size bottom bracket do I need. I know I need ISIS but the measurements would be nice. My LBS said I need 108 and English threab but I need the BB shell measurement. Please help. Stuck not riding till this gets fixed.

Thanks