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FEATURES: RBA REVIEW: TOMMASINI FIRE
Road Bike Action
June 10, 2009
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We aren't among steel only flock, but we do know a fun bike when we ride it and the Tommasini literally sold us on the concept of including a steel frame on the list of riding experiences new people to cycling need to try. For those who joined the cycling community post steel frames, you may want to take a trip back in time and experience the distinct ride of a well-built steel frame. It's not 13.5 pounds, but skip two donuts a week and call it even.
THE PARTS
The Fire features an integrated steel headset, is constructed with Columbus Niobium Spirit tubing with artistic and clean lugs at the seatube junction and a cleanly welded headtube with the iconic Tommasini badge placed front and center. The parts on our review bike were equally impressive: Campagnolo Chorus 11-Speed, a distinct Deda Ultra Carbon stem with a Campagnolo Chorus carbon post and A Tommasini branded Selle Assano saddle. The tri-color paint job gave this bike one more reason to be revered and held in high regard. The all carbon Tommasini fork up front was a nice pairing to the steel frame and gave it an old world charm meets modernity combination.
THE RIDE
While we rarely find ourselves at the Burning Man festival or on the retro-side of all things cycling, the truth is that this steel frame, (which isn't cheap at almost $3200) had a comfortable and performance leaning edge to it. The stability and stiffness was just right and it handled with just enough snap. On longer rides, over three hours, we felt like the bike was working in our favor and saved us spared us unnecessary fatigue. Part of the spirit of Tommasini is in graceful and simple design with high-quality, classic materials and the Fire was all that and more.
FINAL WORD:
The Fire woke us up to a non-carbon or titanium world where distinct and unique bicycles play a huge role in the overall cycling tribe
WEIGHT: 3.4 pounds (frame and fork)
PRICE: $3165.49 (price includes frame & fork only, shipping)
INFO: www.ridetommasini.com
BONUS POINTS: Paint job, Campagnolo Chorus 11-speed and Scirocco G3
wheels, details on the lugs and overall artistry. A blast to ride.
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