The Bottecchia Carbon Bike

Question: Hello, You did a Q & A on the BOTTECCHIA ALUMINUM bike. What about the BOTTECCHIA CF662 Carbon Fiber bike ($1095)? Would like to get one soon.
Thanx!
Lin.

Hi Lin,

You don't say which Bottecchia carbon framed bike you are interested in, but we have looked at the Bottecchia full carbon fiber monocoque frame that is fitted with carbon forks and a 1-1/8 th inch FSA Orbit A-headset.

The Frame

The angles and geometry have been sensibly designed and should handle well in most road conditions. It's a full carbon monocoque frame with smooth lines and a slopping top tube. There are five different sizes and looks good in the cool black carbon finish. The large internal headset from FSA is smooth and high quality and will last a long time. Overall this carbon frame is great for the price, we don't know which quality of carbon is used in the manufacture or where it is made, could be China or Taiwan, but that shouldn't be a problem. The lower quality carbon isn't as stiff and might not last as long.

The Equipment

On the bike we managed to review it was fitted with a carbon FSA compact double chain set, which is great with 50 x 34 tooth chain rings and the chain set is fitted to an ISIS drive bottom bracket. The shifters are Shimano 105, but the front and rear mechs are Shimano Ultegra, the cassette and chain are also Shimano and are 10 speed. Wheels, handle bars, stem and seat post are Vuelta, and the rims are 30 mm and 24 aero spokes and sealed bearings. The saddle and clipless pedals are Bottecchia own brand and the brakes are Cane Creek dual pivot. All good stuff and no complaints with any of them.

Our Conclusions

This Bottecchia is a good looking, workman like bike, it seems well manufactured and well proportioned, the equipment we cant fault, except the shifters could also be Shimano Ultegra to match the front and rear derailleur's, but apart from that it a fine bike at a nice price. The only thing against it is that the name is Italian, but that is about all, there is nothing European about this bike except the name, at this price it's not a worry. We say it's nice.