
The Tommaso Imola with a Carbon fork is a great way to get into cycling! Starting with the standard components of the Imola and adding a carbon bladed fork creates a lightweight, reliable machine that is sure to get anyone hooked on the wonderful sport of cycling. Equipped with Shimano Sora components, a compact frame geometry, and 24 smooth shifting gears the Imola is set up to inspire confidence in any rider.
Giantnerd Model
Giantnerd is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Tommaso bicycles. This eliminates middlemen and reduces the cost of business allowing us to pass the savings directly on to you. Our goal is to provide you with the rich heritage of Tommaso bikes at the best possible price.
Home Delivery Experience
Giantnerd's Ready to Ride Genius Build is the most convenient and safe way to get a brand new bike delivered assembled directly from our shop to your door.
When you choose the Genius Build, each bike is assembled, inspected and reviewed by one of our Genius Builders – a qualified, certified and knowledgeable mechanic. The bike is then placed assembled in an AirCaddy box ($100 value). The AirCaddy is a specially designed, reusable, high-density triangular cardboard box to make your online bike purchase experience fun, convenient and simple. Bikes arrive assembled and Ready to Ride with no special tools required and minimal set up. The AirCaddy can also be used for future trips and adventures on your bike.
| Recommended Use: | A great bike for the beginning road cyclist |
| Manufacturer Warranty: | Tommaso Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Weight: | 22.5 lbs (54cm Frame without pedals/reflectors) |
| Dimensions: | Frame Sizes: 47cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 61cm |
| Material: | Tommaso 6061 SLA Aluminum |
| Bottom Bracket Compatibility : | 68mm, English Thread |
| Bottom Bracket: | 68mm x 118mm Square Taper Cartridge |
| Brakes: | Tektro 312 |
| Brake Type: | Road Caliper |
| Brakes Levers: | SunRace R80 |
| Brake Lever Material: | Aluminum |
| Brake Mount: | Road Caliper |
| Brake Mount Type: | Road Caliper |
| Cassette: | SunRace 12-25t, 8-Speed (12,13,15,17,19,21,23,25) |
| Chain: | KMC Z-72 (8-Speed) |
| Chainrings: | 52/42/30t |
| Crankset: | Tommaso Triple 30x42x52t (24 total gears) |
| Crank BCD: | 130mm |
| Crank Arm Length: | 170mm (47, 50, 52, 54cm Frames) / 175mm (56, 58, 61cm Frames) |
| Crank Bolt Pattern: | 5-Bolt |
| Frame: | Tommaso 6061 SLA Aluminum Compact |
| Frame Material: | Tommaso 6061 SLA Aluminum |
| Fork: | Tommaso HCT w/6061 SLA Aluminum Steerer Tube |
| Fork Rake: | 45mm |
| Front Derailleur: | Shimano FD-2303 (8-Speed) |
| Front Derailleur Clamp/Brazeon: | Clamp |
| Front Derailleur Clamp Diameter: | 31.8mm |
| Front Derailleur Compatibility: | 8-Speed |
| Front Derailleur Type: | Triple |
| Handlebar: | Tommaso Ultralight Sport Series |
| Handlebar Grips: | Tommaso Tape White |
| Handlebar Material: | Tommaso Ultralight Sport Aluminum |
| Handlebar Width: | 420mm (47, 50, 52cm Frames) / 440mm (54, 56, 58, 61cm Frames) |
| Headset: | 1-1/8" Threadless Integrated |
| Head Angle: | 72 (47cm Frame) / 72.5 (50, 52cm Frames) / 73 (54cm Frame) / 73.5 (56, 58cm Frames) / 74 (61cm Frame) |
| Headset Diameter: | 1 1/8" |
| Headset Type: | Integrated 1-1/8" Threadless |
| Hub: | Tommaso 32 Hole |
| Hub Spacing : | 130mm Rear, 110mm Front |
| Pedals: | PEDALS NOT INCLUDED |
| Rear Derailleur: | Shimano RD-2303 (8-Speed) |
| Rear Derailleur Cage Length: | Mid Cage (65mm) |
| Rear Derailleur Speed: | 8-Speed |
| Saddle: | Tommaso Sport Road Saddle |
| Seatpost : | Tommaso Ultralight Sport Series |
| Seat Collar: | Aluminum |
| Seat Collar Diameter: | 31.8mm |
| Seatpost Diameter: | 27.2mm |
| Seatpost Material: | Tommaso Ultralight Sport Aluminum |
| Seatpost Length: | 350mm |
| Shift Lever Material: | Aluminum |
| Shifters: | Sunrace R-80 Series |
| Speeds: | 3x8 (24 Total Speeds) |
| Stem: | Tommaso Ultralight Sport Series |
| Stem Length: | 90mm (47, 50cm Frames) / 100mm (52, 54cm Frames) / 110mm (56, 58, 61cm Frames) |
| Steerer Material: | Tommaso 6061 SLA Aluminum |
| Stem Angle: | +/- 7 Degrees |
| Stem Material: | Tommaso Ultralight Sport Aluminum |
| Stem Clamp Diameter: | 26.0mm |
| Tires: | Kenda K152 700x25 |
| Tire Bead: | Wire Bead |
| Tire Size: | 700 x 25c |
| Tubes: | 700 x 25c |
| Valve Stem Length: | 36mm |
| Wheelset: | Weimann 32 spoke XR-18 |
| Wheel Size: | 700c |
| Wheel Axle Type: | Quick Release |
Ghia Espino
Nanonerd
02.26.13 |
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honestly I'm a novice, but this bike is the perfect bike! light and a great riding experience!
Christopher Guevara
Nanonerd
09.07.12 |
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Now this bike is in my wish list pile, I love this bike, its so affordable without all of the cheap components that tend to brake. Like the some of the unnamed brand bikes, that have a rear derailleur that just falls apart as you put it together.
Jeff Bailey
Nanonerd
08.29.12 |
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I'm a beginner road rider, so consider the source, but, after one week, I really like this bike. I opted for the Genius build and was ready to ride in about 20 minutes. My only issue with the build is that the front wheel appears to be a bit out of true, but that's minor for me considering everything else that is right with the build.
The bike is light and responsive and I'm expecting to put many miles on it befor I consider upgrading. I'm 5'10" and the 56cm frame fits me well.
Not a very thorough review, but I'll update once I've had the opportunity to spend some serious time in the saddle.
George Leary
Nanonerd
08.10.12 |
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I injured my neck in early June and was unable to continue with my marathon training, I decided to purchase a road bike to keep fit since I could not run. I researched on line for a few weeks and since this was going to be my first bike I didn’t want to spend a grand but wanted a decent bike. I ended up going with the Imola Sport Alu with the carbon forks. Keep in mind this is my first bike.
The bike didn’t arrive until after a couple of weeks due to a mistake in processing the order and when it did arrive it came without the pedals I ordered. I paid for the Genius build and regret doing it; I will have to bring it to a shop for fine tuning. The brakes feel like there is too much play and the front derailleur does not shift smooth and the chain rubs in the lowest gear (smallest chainring). The handlebar end caps slowly move out after a few rides .This was all checked off on the Genius Build checklist as OK.
It just seems that there is no quality control and they rushed the bike out, even the smallest detail like the Tomasso “T” at the top of the handlebar stem was upside down, not a big deal but you think there would have been a bit more pride in the product before shipping it out.
But besides the imperfection’s I love the bike. I have put in over 100 miles on it and it’s now my new obsession. I’m 6’ and the 58cm frame is perfect, the bike is comfortable, fast and sharp looking.
PROS
Looks great
Saddle is comfortable
Rear derailleur shifts smooth
CONS
Genius build
Front derailleur
Quality control
Customer service
Michael Dempsey
Nanonerd
08.06.12 |
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I've had this bike for over a month now and am just getting to writing this review now because I've been too busy riding (logged 130+ miles!) I absolutely love it. This is my first road bike and is exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend this to any beginner. I've gotten multiple compliments from strangers on how sharp it looks. One problem I had is the front derailleur needed adjusting because there was friction whenever I shifted into the 8 highest gears. I also got a flat tire within the first 20 miles. This I feel was just bad luck. Overall this is the best purchase I have made all year!
Kyle Melton
Nanonerd
07.30.12 |
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I bought this bike for my wife , arrived within 5 working days , put the front tire and the seat on adjusted the bars, took 10 minutes to do, I road it about 5 miles to check it out , shifting was a little sloppy but easy fix, but over all great bike for the price, and great for folks who are just starting out.
Jerry Garrett
Nanonerd
07.29.12 |
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I ordered this bike last week. Great ride and perfect for a beginner just getting started with road bikes.
One question: how do I reach the geniuses at Giantnerd? The phone number keeps you on hold forever, or goes to a strange voicemail. The email function, well it never loads and still can't get to the email prompt.
My reasons to need to talk? Simple. I ordered this bike, an extra tube, water bottle holder, helmet & Look easy clipless pedals. When I got my shipment (very early I might add - thanks!), I didn't have the helmet or the pedals. I had to use some cheapo mountain bike pedals I had lying around the garage.
Thus, I resort to this venue because phone & email are not working. I may be missing something, but Giantnerd, please respond. I'll check my order/shipment status in the meantime. Sorry to bother the other nerds. Thanks.
Ravindra Deonauth
Nanonerd
07.16.12 |
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I bought this bike in 2010 and have been riding it consistently for two summers now. Overall I have done about 2000 miles on this bike. I have only had a single flat tire in that time. I ride in the streets of New York; only one flat over that amount of miles is impressive. The tires still have a good level of grip.
Things that have gone wrong:
1. The grip tape was applied horribly from the initial build of the cycle. It has since been retaped. The handlebar ends of the bike have been replaced as well. They fell off after one summer.
2. The frame set bolt on the front brakes consistently loosens. I will try using lock-tite on it the next time it loosens
3. All of the white portions of the bike are now extremely dirty. The saddle has also begun to tear on the bottom. This is horrendous. The seat is very comfortable though and offers good support.
4. The drivetrain: Still fairly stable. Not the best drivetrain i have used. It definitely takes a lot of tuning to get the gearing right. The rear derailieur is fantastic. Shifts amazingly well and required a minimal amount of tuning. The front derailure has terrible limiting screws and the cable tensioner is a pain.
Overall the bike still rides amazingly well for a cycle of this price. Amazing commuter and training bike.
George Leary
Nanonerd
07.14.12 |
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I ordered my bike on July 4 ,2012, on July 5 it was listed as shipped. I called on July 10 and was told that a mistake was made , the bike is not built yet. The bike was built the next day and shipped out. The bike finally got delivered today. I could not wait to take it for a ride, after opening the box , putting the front tire on , then the seat, now i just had to put the pedals on, good thing i got the Genius build. Pedals Where Are The Pedals, not in the box, checked the shipping ticket they are on there. Now i have this $584 dollar bike and i can't ride it, let me call GiantNerd and notify them, no one there on a Saturday call back Monday. I will rate 1 star for now until i'm able to ride the bike, which might not be until next weekend !!
Lester Melanson
Nanonerd
07.14.12 |
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I haven't rode a bike in about 10 years. Started looking into reasonably priced road bikes mainly for commuting and changing up my normal workout routine (distance running). This is the perfect bike for me. Was able to find a facebook coupon code for a free genius build during the 4th of July sale! Couldn't be happier.
Roy L. Perry
Nanonerd
07.13.12 |
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Just got it today and put on the bars, front tire, pedals, and my Cateye Micro Wireless. Went on a short 10mi. ride to see what it felt like as I'm used to Mountain bikes. I was able to maintain an average of 16 mph, with a top speed of 21 mph. Now that's very fast for me. Nevermind that this bike is SHARP! Carbon forks absorb all the shock and bike is surprisingly comfortable. No problems with the Genius Build so far, but the rear deraileur does rattle a little bit and may need some adjusting. The only complaint I have is that I would have rather seen a two gear front vice a three. Feels just as good as the Aluminum Domane from TREK and is half the price. This has many more miles to come and I look forward to putting up to 100 miles per week on this baby. If you're considering an entry level machine, this is your bike. At 22lbs, I guess it's heavy, but compared to my 30+ pound Diamondback Response Comp, this thing is a feather. Can't say enough about the looks and performance. Great bike Tommaso and who knows, I may step up to a full carbon in a few years.
Michael Giles
Nanonerd
07.12.12 |
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To summarize, I love this bike. I have been riding mountain bikes for the past 20 years or so, but recently moved into the city and saw a need for a road bike. I was looking to spend about 500 dollars and spent months trying to find something entry level that wasn't going to fall apart as soon as I got it. I stumbled upon this site and was surprised at the quality to price ratio and all of the great reviews on this bike. I really have nothing bad to say about this bike. It has a smooth ride. The hardware is not top of the line but I've definitely seen worse in the price range. If you want to buy a name you could get into an entry level trek or specialized for a couple hundred dollars more. They would have similar hardware and no carbon fork. For the money you just can't go wrong.
Andrew Hall
Nanonerd
07.07.12 |
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Purchased the bike a few days ago and it was just shipped yesterday. Really excited to get it and will follow with a more detailed review soon. I did not get the genius build as it seemed most people had to take it to his/her LBS to make adjustments whether they got genius build or not. Figured I should save the money and just have them assemble the bike for me in the mean time.
Andrew Hall
Nanonerd
07.07.12 |
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Purchased the bike a few days ago and it was just shipped yesterday. Really excited to get it and will follow with a more detailed review soon. I did not get the genius build as it seemed most people had to take it to his/her LBS to make adjustments whether they got genius build or not. Figured I should save the money and just have them assemble the bike for me in the mean time.
Tom Moberg
Nanonerd
06.21.12 |
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I have had my IMOLA for a little over 4 months now and LOVE it!! Very impressed with the brand and the Genius Build was AWESOME. This bike is my first road bike and I am putting on 100 to 150 miles per week. The carbon front is great....I may be upgrading to a full carbon bike soon but I will be keeping this one for sure! Great beginner bike for sure and how can you beat this price?!?!
Philip Kovanis
Nanonerd
06.18.12 |
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Hey nerds,
After reading the reviews I went ahead and ordered this bike of Giant Nerd, and got the Genius Build... got the bike... one crank had busted through the box on arrival.. slightly scuffing up the crank arm.. but I was still happy to see it in, and nice large sturdy looking box....
Pros: The Bike Looks Really Nice
Cons:
First.. The bike is not light.... as heavy as most mountain bikes....
And second... the drive train looked like it had been put together by a bunch of preschoolers... I am not experienced building bikes... as this is my first road bike.. but I do know how to set up brakes, wheels etc... and after getting the Genius Build I was looking forward to the "30 Second" go and ride, I set it up... the chain was knocked off when I received the bike and after re attaching the chain...
I went for a short ride... and the cogs sounded like Rice Krispys after you put milk on them... Snap, Cracking, and Popping!!.. I tried adjusting the derailleurs... and there was something just wrong.....
I understand it is difficult to set up a bike correctly... that is why I bought the Genius Build!.... cause I do not know what I am doing.... I am sure some people got there bikes sent to them perfectly adjusted.... but that was not my case...
So just be prepared to have a LBS set it up after... which is a shame... considering. Just get it shipped to you and have someone you can hold accountable set your bike up. Or look for a higher end model
I am sure everyone's experience will differ, my experience has been SubPar.
Enjoy riding...
Joseph M
Nanonerd
06.12.12 |
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I appreciate your reply. The only real issue for me buying on line is the sizing issue so when other buyers post their size and fit it really help me make my decision. I am unfortunately right on the cusp of the 56 and 58 cm size. I am 5'11" and that is the talle Nd of the 56 and short end of the 58 cm frame size. I originally ordered the 58 but switched to 56. Hop I don't have to return it!
This forum is awesome. Keep up the posts. I will after mine arrives. I actually ordered the Tiempo but from what I can tell frame sizing on both bikes is the same.
Can't wait to get riding.......
Todd
Nanonerd
06.12.12 |
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Hi Joseph, It's been a couple of months and I'm still very pleased with the bike, although now it's $50 cheaper- should've waited a bit! It's a good looking bike and for my skill level and experience is everything I need. As for sizing, the chart on Giant Nerd is what I used. I am 5'10", longer legs than average. I can stand over the frame and have plenty of room. The only thing I have had any issue at all with (and it's not that big of a deal) but the extreme crossover gear combinations put too much angle on the chain and tends to bind a little. So if I end up in one of those combinations I tend to shift out of it quickly to avoid the issue. Would like to have all gears available but it's not really a big deal. Just got a rack and some panniers on it last week, am all set to do the Seattle to Portland bike ride in July. Hope this helps a little, I'd say get the bike!
Ryan Noland
Nanonerd
06.07.12 |
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I switched to this bike from my mountain bike and what a change! I got the bike as a way to get in better shape and I'm so glad I made the change. I got the genius build and I got it in perfect condition. The seat took a couple days of a lot of riding to get use to. I was sore for a few days but it went away. Great buy don't hesitate to get it.
Joseph M
Nanonerd
06.06.12 |
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Todd, how do you like your bike now that it's a few months later,? AND in your review you state that the size (56 cm) is perfect for you. Can you tell me your height. I'm looking at the same bike and think the 56 would be good for me. Comments about the sizing and your height would be appreciated. Thanks much, anticipating a relpy!
Todd
Nanonerd
04.11.12 |
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I was unsure about buying my first road bike sight unseen off the web, but after reading the reviews and comparing it to other bikes in this price range I knew I couldn't beat the deal. The bike arrived 4 days later, packaged very well ((to the point where it was a pain to unpack!) Moderate damage to the box but no visible damage to the bike. Had to have the wheels trued, had a local shop do all the initial setup to validate the warranty- I would recommend that route since in my case the local shop said bring it back in anytime for a quick tune for free as the cables stretch and what not. I've only put about 15 miles on it so far- live in the rainy PNW- but so far the bike has been great. I like the integrated shift levers, the size is perfect (56cm) and it looks great, even the seat is comfortable for me. It's early to know for sure yet, but based on my experience thus far, I'm giving it and Giantnerd 5 stars. Thanks!
Parker
Nanonerd
04.03.12 |
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The Tommaso Imola is the perfect bike for a beginning road rider. The price point is great, the build quality is great, and it has enough style to stand out in the pack.
I have since removed and upgraded almost all of my components, so that the frame and fork are pretty much all that remains. I love the ride and geo of this bike. It is fast, responsive, and stiff. The carbon fork does a great job of dampening the ride. With a new groupset, my bike moved from a beginner road bike to a good intermediate road bike. I race at the collegiate level, and my Tommaso fits in just fine.
I love riding a Tommaso. It is a quality company, with great looking bikes, and as a person who prizes individuality, I love being the only one on my team with one.
CONS: This bike is not light, but that is not entirely unexpected. My frame, with a full Ultegra 6700 groupset, carbon bar and stem, Thompson Elite seatpost, Ritchey WCS Streem saddle, and Vuelta Aerolite wheels (another source of weight) weighs in at about 21 pounds. I figure with lighter components and wheels I could probably bring that down to about 18 pounds, which is still not very light, but completely manageable.
Also, the compact geo is so tight (I have a 54cm) I can barely fit two bottle cages, and the cage on the seatpost can only hold an average size bottle comfortably.
Bottom line: If you are looking for a great introductory, upgradeable road bike and have a lower budget, the Tommaso Imola is the perfect choice.
Daniel Stevens
Nanonerd
03.15.12 |
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This is my first new road bike and man am I happy. Just got the bike this afternoon took about 20 minutes to put together and I was off. The setting on the bike were great and so comfortable. Can't wait to put some serious miles on this bike, I did get a genius build which was great because i could unpack and ride right away. This bike is totally worth its money.
Sandy St. Jacques
Nanonerd
03.13.12 |
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I entered a century bike tour with my friends as a fundraising event and the three of us all purchased this bike! Rode 45 miles the first time out and loved it. It's light yet sturdy and i was easily able to figure out and shift gears. It also came with free shipping and arrived in 5 days which was perfect. I recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a good relatively inexpensive bike that is high performance and fits your budget.
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
03.08.12 |
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Trucker Dan, please have your neighbor call us immediately. If he purchased the Genius Build we stand behind our work 100% and will send him a new bike no problem. If he took it to you without purchasing the Genius Build it is not uncommon for a bike to have an out of true wheel, untuned brakes and derailleurs, or other work that needs to be done. That's why the bike must be built by a Genius here at Giantnerd or a professional mechanic.
Everything you're listing sounds like how an unassembled bike would arrive. Again, please have your neighbor contact us immediately so we can use the information in his account to make sure we take care of him fully.
Trucker_Dan
Nanonerd
03.08.12 |
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I have been riding and building new and classic bikes for years. When my neighbor told me he got a new road bike I offered to help assemble and adjust everything for him. Here is the list of problems I found while building this bike, tommaso imola:
The rear wheel was out of true due to a spoke that got slightly bent during shipping. This was easily fixed but I discovered the rear wheel was not dished properly and was out of center by about 5mm. Not a easy fix. The front wheel was true but was also about 3 mm out of center.
The rear brake felt mushy. I removed the cable to find the cable and housings had some sticky substance all over them. I had to clean the cable with solvent and replace the brake cable housings to get acceptable brake feel.
The brakes have no ability to adjust toe-in making setup difficult. The cable tension adjuster is poorly designed and difficult to turn. The brakes are also very flexey and lack power.
The bars tape job was bad, the wraps being too close at the bottom of the drops and the tape did not extend all the way to the bugle of the bars like it should. Whoever taped the bars also did something very funny around the shifters creating a bulge at the back side of the shifters. I tried to unwrap to fix but the tape was too sticky and tore easily.
The shifters were positioned too far down on the bars. With the shape of the bars this made proper brake lever travel impossible with the stock position. I had to move the shifters about 3 cm up on the bars and retape with new bar tape.
The rear derailer hanger was out of alignment. I was able to get the rear shifting to work but it was less than perfect. I had to use a park derailer hanger alignment tool to get it back straight.
None of the derailer limit screws were properly adjusted.
The front shifting has some major problems. The front derailer lacks range of adjustment to shift properly into the little ring. The derailer hits the frame before it travels enough. The bike needs a bottom bracket with a longer spindle to bring the chain line out in to prevent this interference with the frame. This is a major problem and cannot be fixed without replacing the bottom bracket.
This is what I found after working on it for about 2 hours. I'm sure I find some more issues once it gets some miles on it. I gave up on the wheels and let me neighbor borrow some old wheels I wasn't using anymore. While not causing direct issues the tires seem very cheap and the seat is overly padded and probably not very comfortable.
To perform correctly you are going to need and experienced mechanic that can spend several hours working on the bike and $60 to replace the bottom bracket, bar tape, cables and housings. I would also recommend replacing the brakes if you plan on riding more than around the neighborhood.
Natalie L.
Nanonerd
03.04.12 |
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This bike looks and performs like a bike that would cost 3-4 times more. For years, I've been riding a restored, vintage Fuji road bike. I decided to upgrade and buy myself a new bicycle that I could use for city riding and triathlons. After extensive research on different brands, models, features etc, I stumbled upon Giantnerd.com and the Tommaso imola.
My only regret is not having done this earlier. This bike is amazing and has made biking around the hills of San Francisco 1000000000x more enjoyable. I now find myself taking the longer routes (because I can) and taking on hills that I would've never attempted to with my old bicycle. The imola is supremely lighter, I can carry it up stairs, one-armed and with ease. I ordered it without the genius build because I figured it would be beneficial for me to learn how to put the thing together myself. Thanks to YouTube, a set of hex wrenches and about 1 hour of dedication, I was out riding this thing. I'm 5'7" but have shorter legs so I did end up having to pay $5 for the friendly folks at my LBS to shave about an inch off my seat post. The dude at the bike shop was impressed with the bike as well and gave me a quick inspection to make sure all was safe.
Although it does not come with pedals, I found a pair of track pedals from All-City bikes for about $20. They go perfectly with this bike.
It has been about a month of riding my Imola & I have received tonnes of compliments on what I nice bike it is. i've also lost weight, gained muscle and a newfound love for cycling. I love this bike so much that I bought one for my cousin in Brooklyn as a graduation present.
Shawn Martin
Nanonerd
03.03.12 |
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I purchased this bike a week ago today and received it yesterday. I could not believe how quick I received the bike. Thanks a lot to Giantnerd for that. I am a beginner and this bike provides more than I was hoping for. A friend of mine who has been biking for most of his life was very impressed with the Imola with carbon fork. He felt it was a very good buy and you can't beat the price. I'm just hoping the weather in Buffalo, NY starts to get a little nicer to I can take the bike out some more. One things that I couldn't tell from the pictures but really liked when I received the bike is the threading of the carbon on the fork. It looks great!
Dennis Chatham
Nanonerd
01.15.12 |
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Quite smooth shifting. It did need a spacer installed between the front sprockets and the frame to shirt perfectly. Not sure if that's normal? I changed the rims out for looks mostly... http://www.tumblr.com/blog/dennisjjc
David & DeLaine Broderick
Nanonerd
10.21.11 |
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I put about 1000 miles on my imola this year and had to replace the back tire. it was 45 dollars just to get the equivalent tire. Proving once more that the imola is an incredible value.
Justin Haslem
Nanonerd
10.20.11 |
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I bought my Imola this past summer. I wanted to get into biking and triathlons. The Imola is an awesome deal and you get way more than you pay for!!! Just finished my first tri last week and it was a smooth ride. Thumbs up!
Sean Mixson
Nanonerd
10.17.11 |
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Purchased this to get back into riding from time away from biking. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about purchasing online but with the return policy i figured I could lose.
I'm happy to say that I won't be returning this bike as I have found it to be a great cycle for the money!
AThibs
Nanonerd
10.17.11 |
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Probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. This bike is great for beginners/intermediate riders. It can be used as a tri, road, or even a commuter bike if needed. This bike can take a beating (mine has) and still look brand new. If you are on the fence BUY IT you will not regret it. Happy riding.
Mo Farunia
Nanonerd
10.17.11 |
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6 months later and I still am infatuated with my imola. I bought it as a birthday present to myself and went with the imola w/ carbon fork because it was simply the best bike in my price range. Similar bikes component wise were 200-400 dollars more and I simply wasn't having it. At first I thought this deal was too good to be true, but then I took the imola on a 22 mile ride the first day I had her assembled and she impressed. She withstood some ruthless Cleveland weather and an 200 mile trek across Ohio. I brought the bike to school with me in Ohio's Appalachia'a (Ohio University in Athens, Ohio) and I can climb hills with ease. Great purchase and I'm a Tommaso fan for good.
Jaxon Fang
Nanonerd
10.11.11 |
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I purchased the bike early last week and the bike was delivered in about 4 days. I ordered the bike with the Genius Build and had the bike setup in about 20 minutes tops. The bike is very light and has a really smooth ride. I had to purchase separate pedals as the bike does not come with it but that was a simple to install. The bike awesome and I would recommend this to any beginner looking for a solid and clean looking road bike.
Mark Hewson
Nanonerd
10.09.11 |
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Been riding the Imola since September 3rd, and still love it, and look forward to the next ride. Next weekend will be my first group ride, can't wait. Tomasso Imola was the perfect choice for me.
Joseph Anthony Pannia
Nanonerd
10.06.11 |
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This bike is a nice purchase. For the price, it does the job. Easy shifting, good braking, and a sharp looking seat. Overall, the bike just looks classy, and its a smooth ride. My only issue is when the gears are set to certain positions, the chain is rubbing up against the bracket, but I think a LBS can adjust that rather quickly. Once that is done, I will give it 5 stars. This purchase is a no-brainer, especially for a beginner. Just bought a trainer to use with it for the Winter months. Can't wait!
pete madrid
Nanonerd
09.27.11 |
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Got my bike a week ago and couldn't be happier! Rode it all weekend and to work today (13 miles). The shifters seem solid and are able to handle all the hills SF can throw at it! For those of you who might be thinking about putting it together yourself, there wasn't really assembly instructions. It just came with a user manual that glossed over everything so if you're not that handy then I suggest the genius build or take it to local bike shop. Also, putting it together yourself voids the warranty.
Ps, this bike is gorgeous!
Gregory Richardson
Nanonerd
09.27.11 |
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DO IT!! You will not find a better bike for the price. I ride this bike to work 5 days a week 12 miles each way and i use it as a crosstrainer for MTB and it easily handles everything I can throw at it. This is my first true road bike and I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
Jeremy Reynolds
Nanonerd
09.20.11 |
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I got my Imola this last June and have been on it virtually every day since. I am on the Washington State University cycling team and this bike has held up to the abuse. I ride it every day to school and for practices, the shifting is smooth and concise. I LOVE MY TOMMASO IMOLA!!! My wife has one as well.
Jeremy Reynolds
Nanonerd
09.20.11 |
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I got my Imola this last June and have been on it virtually every day since. I am on the Washington State University cycling team and this bike has held up to the abuse. I ride it every day to school and for practices, the shifting is smooth and concise. I LOVE MY TOMMASO IMOLA!!! My wife has one as well.
Tyler edmondson
Nanonerd
09.16.11 |
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this is a great bike. this is my first road bike and i am very pleased. I searched for months to try to find an actuall name brand roadbike under 600 bucks new and had absolutley no luck at all. i was just searching the web one day and found giant nerd.com I didnt hesitate much on buying the bike, just looked at a couple of videos and pics and just went for it. The shipping said 10 to 14 days so i was kinda bummed but came home from school one day and it was on my doorstep on a monday oh and by the way i ordered it on the previous friday so i was super excited. i didnt get the guiness build because i didnt have enough money but had a freind whos works in a bike shop help me set it up. ive had it for about a week now and put 73 miles on it and it has never ever had one problem so far. it shifts so smoothly and is super fast. as for the carbon fork i went ahead and got it because i figured it would make a smoother ride since i live out in the country. So if you are thinking about getting the tommaso imola with carbon fork dont hesitate it is absolutley amazing. Giant nerd is also the best customer service i have ever been part of. i called them about my order and they were all super nice and even offered to upgrade my shipping for free. so get out there and get a amola they are well worth it and AWSOME thanks so much giant nerd!!!!!!:)
Mark Hewson
Nanonerd
09.03.11 |
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I am a first time road bike owner, coming from a mountain bike. I ordered it, and received it within four days, way faster than expected. Took it out for my first ride, so smooth and fast. I picked up a lot of speed over the mountain bike on my normal ride. Great service, great product. Can't go wrong!
Alan Robles
Nanonerd
09.01.11 |
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i got my imola about an hour ago and i gotta say i'm happier than when i got accepted to my first choice university(columbia). i rode it for about 40 minutes and the ride is smooth thanks to the carbon fork. compared to some of the other entry level bikes i tested out from the local LBS, like the trek 1.5 and cannondale caad8, i think the imola is on par with them. the imolas components are at a lower level compared to those two but it rides the same if not better. great service from giantnerd and very fast shipping. you cant go wrong with the carbon fork imola.
Carlos Fierro
Nanonerd
08.26.11 |
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I took out my lmola for the first time today for about 10 miles, it rode smooth and fast...Great buy and fast Shipping
Nathan Oak
Nanonerd
08.25.11 |
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I rode my new Imola to work for the first time this morning. Just over 10 miles in a heavy crosswind and no problems whatsoever. Bike is light and rides very smoothly. My friends all love the way it looks, too. Great bike. Thanks Tommaso and Giantnerd. Amazing product and amazing service.
David Huang
Nanonerd
08.22.11 |
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The two things I love most about the purchase:
1: The Service: I am very new to this site. In fact, i just found out about Giantnerd 3 days ago, the day I purchased the bike. Since me being new to the whole community, I was kind of "iffy". But after getting my order right at my door step in 3 days time rather than 10, all I could say is I'm loving this website and coming back for more!
2: The Bike: My previous bike was stolen, therefore I decided to treat myself to a better one. I found this bike and bought it immediately. It looked nice. And after getting the actual bike and riding it for an hour without even noticing, it was like a smooth crank that just made me want to keep going. In other words, I love this bike. It is by far the most suitable beginners bike i have ever tried, and I am so happy that I found it.
Tommaso and Giantnerd, I love you both!
Brian Loffredo
Nanonerd
08.21.11 |
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I finally ordered this bike after a year of debating. Took advantage of $50 off price. Bike delivered quickly but I didn't check my confirmation, wrong size. Also the handlebar tape was dirty from genius build and the chain also had issue with contact thru guide. I contacted the nerds and had a replacement even BEFORE I had packed up the other one for return. Great service!! The new bike was the right size, tape was wrapped to keep it clean. I still have the chain issue but haven't played with it yet, the gears I use make no contact. I am 55 and this is my first road bike and I love it. My wife, who will be in a tri next month on her Cannondale CAAD 8 is impressed. The weight and operation of the two bikes are identical, and mine is 24 speed, hers is 16. The saddle on mine is much more comfortable than hers as well. Now I can keep up with her! Great bike for the money and even better after sale service.
w geckle
Nanonerd
08.14.11 |
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I am happy to report that the front derail is now working properly! I have changed my rating accordingly. Background: Upon delivery, the Frt derail would not shift onto all chain rings. I took it to a LBS that could not fix the problem - they claimed the deail. was wrong for the diameter of the seat tube. I was resolved to live with it but decided to take a shot myself. Voila - I ROTATED the tube bracket slightly and now all rings are within range. Bottom line - the front derail. has very little play in its adjustment. If you are having problems - stick with it and a proper adjustment can be found. But your LBS may not have the patience (mine did not). I had a wonderful 25 mile ride over rolling hills using all gears and rings - it was great. No clicking or rubbing whatsoever.
Gilbert Green
Nanonerd
08.02.11 |
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I just purchased this bike last week, took it to the LBS, had the bike assembled, and adjusted, took it out today and road 80 miles on it. Smooth ride, and great looking. They said 10 - 14 days on shipping and it actually got to my house in three days. Price, and quality is a good. Showed a picture of it to my friend in Costa Rica, and now he wants one. Thanks Giant nerd
Nathan Oak
Nanonerd
07.27.11 |
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I had my Tommaso Imola with Carbon Fork shipped directly to my LBS. They were so impressed by the quality of the bike for such a low price that they called to tell me how much they liked it. They're even thinking about ordering a few to keep on their showroom floor. That's the best compliment I can think of. Way to go Tommaso and thank you Giantnerd for the seamless transaction.
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.27.11 |
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buy this beautiful bike it will drive you far and its awesome
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.27.11 |
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this bike is amazing great to get into the sport and great for speed and riding around
Matt Bloomfield
Nanonerd
07.22.11 |
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I just got my Imola w/carbon fork the other day, over a week earlier than it should have, and when I got it back from my LBS for the build I couldn't wait to go for a ride. This morning I took it on a 10 mile ride as well as a 5.5 mile commute and the difference be between this bike and my old bike is night and day. I'm gonna have this one for a long time to come. Thanks Giantnerd and Tommaso for a great product
Nathan Oak
Nanonerd
07.21.11 |
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After months of investigation and looking, I decided to purchase this beautiful bike. I couldn't even find a better used bike for this price. I can't wait for it to get here so I can start riding. Thanks Giantnerd!
Ryan Carroll
Nanonerd
07.08.11 |
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I bought this bike a little over a year ago as a gift for my girlfriend. She had never trained on a bike before so I figured that this was the perfect entry-level set-up. Before I knew it she was out-pacing me on our training rides and posting better mile times. The bottom line - she is kicking my ass on the hills... Thanks Tommaso.
Wil Hurd
Nanonerd
07.07.11 |
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I have been riding my Imola now for 10 months, it was great out of the box and the only change made was a new neck for fitment purposes, and I changed bar tape to black tape. The white was getting way to dirty.
The good:
- Price, duh.
- Great gear range for all types of riding.
- Clean looks get lots of complements
The not as good:
- I was not in love with the seat at first. I picked up a new PI pro bib and that made all the difference.
- Its light, but not that light. You may get carbon envy when you see the ultra light bikes going up the hills.
- The groupset needs adjusting semi regularly. I have adjusted it once a month or so. Upgrading soon to 105 black!
Overall thoughts:
I love the bike! This bike proved to me that I love cycling. As my first road bicycle the experience has been great. I am outgrowing the groupset that came with the package and will be upgrading soon.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bike to anyone. Buy it, ride it, love it.
w geckle
Nanonerd
06.27.11 |
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The Tommaso Imola seat post diameter is too big for the front derail. The front derail did not operate properly out of the box even with extra fee for Genius Build so I took it to LBS. They confirmed that that the seat tube is too big and prevents derail from fully "relaxing". I challenge anyone to ride in lowest gear without clicking (guide against chain). Shifting from middle to smallest (lowest) chain ring is very difficult also. After warranty period I plan to swap out components for something that will shift properly. Derail tech. specs. not included with bike but can be downloaded from Shimano web site.
Xavier Francis
Nanonerd
06.22.11 |
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I've had my Imola w/ carbon fork for about a year and a half now and honestly, the bike has just gotten better since i've had it. I only have had one issue and that was when my chain snapped, but that isn't uncommon. So I think this a great bang for your buck.
Kyle Serniak
Nanonerd
06.21.11 |
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I've had my Imola with Carbon Fork for one year now, and I can say that it rides just as well now as it did when I got it. Aside from new handlebar tape and a few scratches in the paint it still looks like new. I need to adjust the rear derailleur every once in a while to keep it shifting smoothly, but other than that it's holding up fine. Still very fast for a beginner bike.
bfout06
Nanonerd
06.15.11 |
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After riding mountain bikes for a while I decided it was time to invest in a road bike. Looking countless hours on the web for a decent deal on a good bike, I came across the Tommaso site. Perfect. I decided on the Imola carbon for my first and am glad I did. This bike it quite the punch for such a low price, I've put thousands of miles on it in a year's time and it hasn't slowed down. Next time I need a new bike, I'm looking for a Tommaso!
Luis Santiago
Nanonerd
06.15.11 |
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This thing is great for the price. It was practically tuned up and ready to go out of the box. Transitioning from steep hills to moderate hills is like butter thanks to the triple up front. Throw on some decent pedals and voila, you got a sweet ride for the price. Only thing I have changed out were the rims, got some lighter ones. Awesome bike!
Tishia Malone
Nanonerd
06.15.11 |
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I started biking in 2003 and got rid of my truck in 2005...when I decided to do a triathlon 2 years later I needed a good racing bike yet only had limited funds...this bike was everything I could ask for and even though I am still building up my bike legs going up hills (I have MS, so I have had to build up slowly over the years) yet I easily pass higher end bikes going down and love the way this bike has held together over four races (in one of them - the Bellingham Traverse - my team took second place) I love this bike and as I get better and better and stronger (I finally completed a 42 mile race - my longest yet) I have already made the decision to stick with Tommasso, all the way.....
Ryan English
Nanonerd
06.10.11 |
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I did my research for nearly a year before buying a bike. I test rode the high $$$ bikes and seriously contemplated buying a bike that was nearly double the price. I read all the reviews on this bike and after comparing, I found that this bike was complete with everything I had desired in my new road bike. I am more of a weekend warrior when it comes to cycling so I'm not out to long hundreds of miles each week; however, since purchasing my bike in Feb of this year I have logged almost 1000miles. This bike is truly a pleasure to ride.
The service and response from GiantNerd has been fantastic as well. Almost a week after receiving my bike, GN ran a promotion offering free shipping on this very bike. I posted on the GN facebook page about my purchase and having just missed the promotion by ordering a week before and within a week I received a handwritten card thanking me for my purchase and a special discount offer as compensation for the loss of free shipping! I am truly a Nerd for life!
K M
Nanonerd
06.09.11 |
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Honestly, a bike like this, you just can't find for the price. I've owned other "brand name" road bikes, aluminum with carbon forks and paid a few hundred more with not much of a difference. Components may not be at the top of the list but they definitely do the job. Great bike!
In the beginning of 2012, I will be riding my tommaso imola across the country. St. augustine to san deigo. I don't have a doubt in my mind that this bike will hold up to my expectations.
Brian Gonzalez
Nanonerd
06.09.11 |
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I have ridden this bike for a while now and its more amazing than before! Bottom line is you cant get a road bike like this one for the price tag! I don't plan on racing so this bike cuts it!
Brian Gonzalez
Nanonerd
05.05.11 |
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I received my bike last Saturday and have rode it two times for about 45 miles total. Let me tell you that this is an inexpensive road bike that packs a nice punch and looks a heck of a lot nicer than other road bikes....unless you are willing to over $1000 for a good looking one.
Obviously the components are not high level ones but as a beginner who isn't racing, they work just fine! The only thing that bugs me, which is a quick fix, is that it has white grips which are turning grey already... I will change them out to a darker color which will resolved the problem.
Overall it is a clean looking bike that performs well and doesn't cost as much as other bikes.
Awesome job Tommaso!
Brandon Hansen
Nanonerd
04.21.11 |
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Love the bike! It has been a pleasure to ride! Every day my rides are getting longer and longer. Every part of the bike feels well made and is a joy to ride.
Janos Weisz
Nanonerd
04.13.11 |
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I own this bike now for about a month and I love it.Only thing was strange is to learn how the shifter works.Other then that the bike is awesome.It look's expensive and create a lot's of attention.Good job Tommaso and thanks for Giantnerd to make the purchase so smooth.
D Meadows
Nanonerd
04.08.11 |
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I've had my Tommaso Imola for about 8 months now.
I live in Indiana, and as such I am forced to endure some nasty weather over the winter months. Since I live too far from my campus to walk, I either have to drive (boo) or ride a bike.
I will say that I spent more time driving than biking, but my Imola prevailed in the harsh, disgusting Indiana climate whenever I used it.
Now that it is almost agreeable weather, I am anxiously waiting to take my imola on some longer routes. It is still a head-turner to those in the cycling community where I live, and a jaw-dropper when I tell them how affordable it is.
Thanks tommaso!
Mo Farunia
Nanonerd
04.07.11 |
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The imola itself is an amazing bike... easy to get started on and if you know a bit about bikes you'll notice that it's a lot packed into a compact frame for an awesome price! easy to handle and gear shifting is smooth. i went with the imola with the carbon fork because i live in the cleveland area and roads get tarnished annually due to snow and ice, but the carbon fork eliminates a good amount of the road buzz so i don't feel like my body is still vibrating when i get off of the bike. I tried riding past a few speed traps on this bad boy but i couldn't reach 35mph... although my girlfriend did clock me going 27 once! i'll be riding my imola from lakewood, ohio to athens, ohio this spring, about 188 miles to raise money for st. jude and i can't wait to embark on this ride... i'd also like to note that i can't help but stare at my imola evertime i walk past it... just a beautiful looking bike and i couldn't be happier
www.myenergy4stjude.org/mfarunia
joshisgross
Nanonerd
04.06.11 |
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I knew NOTHING about road biking a year ago when I decided to venture out from strictly mountain biking. I researched for months to decide what I needed and wanted. All my fears were put to rest from the moment I took my Imola out of the box. I cant imagine a better beginner bike for the incredible price. I loved it so much I sold my friend on the Monza. Tommaso value is outstanding. I have little doubt where I will be headed when it comes time for an upgrade, so do yourself a favor... Stop reading this review and get riding!
David & DeLaine Broderick
Nanonerd
04.01.11 |
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This winter I picked up some Ultegra pedals and it really has added a lot of power. I loved the imola so much that I talked my cuz into getting one. fantastic value and a great bike.
Alisa Boulter
Nanonerd
03.31.11 |
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I am a beginner when it comes to road biking. i was looking for used bikes in the local classifieds. I had NO IDEA what I was looking for. My brother told me to check out Giantnerd. I'm so glad I did!!!!
This is my first road bike, and I LOVE IT!! The weather has been hit and miss here, but even if I get 15 minutes of sunshine, im on it and riding.
Intitally I thought I was going to have to return it. Through that process, I talked with (i think) Mike and Jared.
They were super nice and super helpful.
I was SO glad when I didnt have to return it. SO GLAD!
I love it. I have referred all my cycling peeps to giantnerd. As well as any of my active, outdoor peeps.
Im getting ready to order more stuff....
Thanks!!
Kolby slash Rodney
Nanonerd
03.23.11 |
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I have had the Tommaso for less than a week and it's been snowing. I got to ride it on the road for the first time yesterday and it was chilly and I wasn't prepared for a long ride. In fact, I was planning on going 5 miles at most just to get the feel for it then bring it back home and put it on the trainer. After about 5 miles, I couldn't bring myself to turn back toward my house and went another 15 miles. I ended up riding 25 miles with frozen toes and wish I would have kept going until the sun went away. I always figured people were being exaggerative when saying how responsive a bike is but now it makes a lot more sense to me. The wheels are quite stiff for being lightweight and the carbon fork is also pretty darned stiff while absorbing a whole lot of vibration.
Robert Leavitt
Nanonerd
03.15.11 |
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I recently received my Tommaso Imola. I have around 50 miles on it. I absolutely love this bike. I am still looking for the optical display on the shifters but again I find this bike to be user friendly and a joy to ride.
Bob.
Kolby slash Rodney
Nanonerd
03.15.11 |
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I just bought this bike on Saturday night, it shipped today and will be here on Thursday even though the free shipping was supposed to take 10-14 days. It's going to take 3. I'm on the edge of my saddle right now.
Jennifer D.
Nanonerd
02.11.11 |
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I took my Imola w/ carbon fork out for its first long ride this weekend and I fell in love with it. Luckily, since my love did not happen at first sight, due to the poor pro-build service that I'd paid the extra $60 for...
I'm a road bike newbie, so I'd brought it into the shop to get my pedals installed and to have a pro take a look at it. Instantly he noticed that the rear derailleur and the brakes were not installed properly, so I had to pay them to adjust & check everything. Then before i picked it up the next day the front tire went flat, while it was just sitting there in the shop! Apparently, the rim tape was not applied properly and was bent, causing it to go flat. So all in all, I had to shell out an additional $110 for service and new tire. The Giantnerd people were fairly nice and quickly refunded my $60 for the pro-build service, but would not refund any additional for the new tire.
Once everything was working smoothly, I took it out and had a blast on the bike. It is rides really nicely and it couldn't be more pretty. I know if I get more serious about riding, I will need to upgrade, but overall I'm happy with my purchase.
Mickey Redus
Nanonerd
02.06.11 |
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I just made my first 100 K (62 mile) ride on my Imola. It performed flawlessly. The route was mostly flat, but had rain and cold, brisk headwind for part of the ride and some pretty steep overpasses. The gearing on the bike made it all manageable. Some of the roads were rough and bumpy, but the carbon forks smoothed out the bumps. I continue to be impressed with this bike. I'm looking forward to my next distance ride - probably mid-February or early March.
Chelsea Mac
Nanonerd
01.18.11 |
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I bought the Imola with Carbon Fork because it was a step up from the Tiempo and Imola (without Carbon Fork) for only a tad more. At $450, the bike is much cheaper than even the cheapest road bike at my LBS and, since I'm just starting to ride, I figured it would be a great starter.
Overall, the bike is a great value for what you pay, but even as a non-bike-nerd, there are a few things to note:
1. The bike is heavy. My boyfriend has a Specialized Allez and, while it is much more expensive, it is also much lighter. You can feel the difference in the resistance between the two.
2. The ride is not that smooth. I opted for the Carbon Fork because I was told it would help absorb road shock. I'm glad I did because I can't imagine riding the regular Imola or Tiempo with the amount of shock I feel on this bike. It's not super terrible, but I can definitely feel it.
3. The bike seat HURTS. I hate to sound like a baby, but every part of me that rode on that bike seat (for only 5 miles, btw) feels like it's bruised. I am definitely upgrading to a gel seat. I know they say you get used to it, but it's been two days and I'm still sore.
Finally, one thing to note if you're going to buy this bike is that you should also order pedals as the bike does not ship with pedals. Maybe I missed this in the wording somewhere, but I was bummed because I opened my bike and there were no pedals! No big deal, I bought some at my LBS that day, but you should order the bike, get your Nerd Dollars, and get yourself a pair of pedals for free.
All in all, good starter bike, but I'll be saving up for something like a Specialized in the future.
Mickey Redus
Nanonerd
01.05.11 |
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I purchased my Imola back in early December. With some time off during the holidays, I was able to take several rides - from 10 to 25+ miles. I really enjoy this bike. It is considerable different than the old Raleigh Hybrid I was riding - primarily in the riding position and the shifting mechanism. However, the shifting came very easy and is really better than what I was used to. The riding position was a bit of an adjustment, being more bent over (an adjustment for an old guy!). But, I am pretty well used to it now and did a 27+ mile ride a couple of days ago and did fine, with the exception of some discomfort in the saddle area. I am realizing that all of my advisors are probably right - I must reconcile myself to spandex! (The next big step for this old country boy.) Anyway, I know it's listed as a "beginners'" bike, but I'm very impressed with the Carbon Imola. It's a lot more bike for the money than I was finding anywhere else. But I must agree with other reviewers - the friendly customer service and the geuinely friendly folks at giant nerd were one of the best parts of the whole experience. Thanks for all the help in purchasing my new Imola - It is a great bike.
Michael Barnes
Nanonerd
12.10.10 |
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I researched many, many bikes before making my purchase from Giant Nerd. I chatted and spoke to reps on several occassions and they were always friendly, and available. The components on the bike that I purchased (Tommaso Imola w/carbon fork) were similar to another brand bike that I was looking. Everything appeared to be equal, except customer service. Giant Nerd was ALWAYS available to me with questions, etc. This was the tipping point for me. By the way, the other bike co. I was researching didn't even have a telephone number on the website (everything was done via email). Along these lines, Giant Nerd forgot to include my second water bottle and cage with my original pro-build order. I contacted them and within three days, I had the items and all were delivered via FedEx!
I do recommend the pro-build. The bike was nicely packaged and was free from damage. The wife has to wait a few more weeks to receive her bike as her Christmas gift. I highly recommend Giant Nerd. Their prices are great and customer service even better.
Thanks!
Heidi Wagner
Nanonerd
12.02.10 |
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I ordered this bike for my finace the night before Thanksgiving and it arrived Tuesday!!! Wow! I added the professional build so that it would be ready to go when it got here... I was super impressed with the quality of the bike for that price.. he is just starting to ride so we wanted a beginner bike that wasn't a huge investment in case he didn't end up riding much. I ride several times a week and he has always wanted to join me. He couldn't wait to get on it and take it for a spin around the block.. it was 26 degrees but he went anyway. After putting the wheel, pedals, and seat on and a minor adjustment to the handlebars he was ready to go. I would recommend this bike to anyone who is just starting out... its sleek looking and great price.
I cant wait for warmer weather and more rides soon.. lets see if he can keep up with me!
Matthew Anderson
Nanonerd
11.19.10 |
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I've put only about 50 miles on my Carbon Imola thus far, using it primarily in stop-and-go traffic to and from work. This is a sweet bike. Yeah, it's beautiful, as so many others have said (I must admit to looking back at the bike every time I leave it; the bike is too gorgeous not to), but the bike is so much more than that. I had the pro build, which I'm thankful for. The front deraileur needed adjusting after a few rides, but that's to be expected. Pedaling feels tight; I don't feel I waste any energy, like I did with the old Trek 820 MTB I'd been using. The bike is fairly light, and climbing is a breeze. I'm 6'2" and got the 61cm frame, so my bike was shipped with the Sunrace STR80 shifters (this is a recent change from Tommaso; be sure to note the difference in the specs if it's been a while since you've looked at the bike). They've worked great so far, and I've had no problems whatsoever with shifting aside from the aforementioned deraileur adjustment.
Overall, I've been quite pleased with the bike. After every ride, I tell my wife how much I love the bike. So, I suppose it was a good purchase. ;)
Greg
Nanonerd
11.13.10 |
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" I have nothing but good things to say. I've always been a trial rider and just became interested in road biking this last Summer. As I started doing longer rides and encountering more varied terrain it became apparent I had to retire my Hibrid to the trails and needed a road bike for the longe rides. Since I was just getting into road... biking I was looking for a quality bike at a reasonable cost and Giantnerd provided the answer. The shipping was very fast and I was out riding within 30 minutes of the bike's arrival with the pro-build option. It was late in the season when I ordered the bike, but I have put a little over 200 miles on my new Carbon Imola and have been quite happy with it. Once I had the derailers adjusted locally. Overall a very positive experience.
D Meadows
Nanonerd
11.01.10 |
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This weekend marked my first long ride with my Imola (I am a college commuter). Sadly, I popped at tube at 30 miles (not the bike's fault) so it was stopped short. :(
Still in love with this bike, as I happily disassemble the back tire for tube replacement.
Moreover on sizing, I sized my frame based on inseam, not height. At 6', I still ordered a 56cm. I guess I have a long torso. Just words for the wise.
More for your heartstrings: I am a disabled veteran (wounded in action in Iraq) and sadly couldn't take up my hobby of running when I came back home due to the impact. One day, the obvious solution of cycling came to mind and here I am.
I plan on participating in the soldier ride (Wounded Warrior Project: http://sr.woundedwarriorproject.org/) next summer and this will be the bike to train me. I'd take my Imola with me if they didn't provide sponsor bikes (boo).
Manuel Peralta
Nanonerd
10.26.10 |
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Short and sweet review for the Tommaso Imola: Bought it. Got in 5 days after shipping!!! (Shipping-win!!). Chose the pro-build option (greatest move ever. I'm a total bike noob and not good at putting bikes together). Rides like a dream while training or cruising. Turns non-experts heads and makes experts look-twice. The Imola gives you the best bang for your buck! That's it short and sweet. Gotta go! Need to ride! Bye!
David & DeLaine Broderick
Nanonerd
10.21.10 |
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The Best part about a Tommaso is the value. After asking around I knew the basic features I needed to have a great bike. The clincher was a road trip to visit my sister. I got to ride her bike. It was fast. the shifting was butter smooth I knew the bike I wanted. A couple months later I had one on my doorstep. Very fast delivery. My wife and I now bike whenever we can. The only downside to this bike is that it is pretty heavy and the saddle ripped somehow.
D Meadows
Nanonerd
10.21.10 |
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For a bike with such high quality construction and components, one would expect to pay well over the $450 for this bike. The closest comparable bike I've found was a Specialize Allez, which goes for over 800.
My girlfriend makes fun of me now because every time I look at my Imola, I say "Man, I love that bike."
I am definitely a fan of Shimano levers. I like the simplicity of all the controls in one place!
I replaced the handlebar tape, since it got dirty real quick. I also put on some blue/black tires for some extra color.
Just an all around amazing bike. I am now a lifer of the Tommaso nation!
FYI: I am 6' but ordered a 56cm frame. I think it fits me nicer than a 58cm, but is definitely not too small.
seventex
Nanonerd
10.06.10 |
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The value is hard to beat. The downside would be the Sora drivetrain which may the best you can hope for in this price range -- however, if you put a lot of miles on the bike you should not expect it to last. I think the frame and fork are worthy of an upgrade, if the fit and ride suit you (as they suit me) you'll be faced with the dilemma of either spending more than you paid for the bike to get a to upgrade the group, or replacing the entire bike. I've already replaced the chain and front derailleur, but the chainrings are getting a bit worn.
One other Sora negative, the thumb shifters are not reachable when you're in the drops, only when you're on top of the hoods, this makes upshifting on a fast descent more challenging. It's also why I want to upgrade the group.
Greg
Nanonerd
10.03.10 |
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I received this bike Labor Day weeked and have put about 175 miles on it. The bike does a very nice job climbing hills but I am still having problems with downshifting, I had the gears adjusted after 30 miles, but I think I need another adjustment. Overall the bike rides very smooth and no real problems experienced. Delivery was very fast and since I had ordered pro-build the assembly was very easy.
Eric Johnson
Nanonerd
09.24.10 |
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This frame fits me so well I never realized I'd been riding the wrong size frame for years! The geometry allows a long body, short leg guy like me get maximum comfort and a good power stroke. It shipped quickly and well prepped by the Pro Build guys. The Fedex driver even called my cell phone on delivery day to make arrangements for a safe delivery even though I wasn't home. Finally, with the Imola you get a well built frame (check the welds), components you'd find on much more expensive bikes, and the road softening of a carbon fiber fork. It feels more like an intermediate/advanced bike than a beginner...
Daniel Huston
Nanonerd
08.30.10 |
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This bike is amazing! Great price for such a quality bike! The bike is super fast and smooth. Climbs very well and I'm looking forward to many more great rides! Giantnerd has been great and has excellent customer service! Thank you so much!
Kyle Serniak
Nanonerd
08.26.10 |
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For the price, this is quite possibly the best bike one can get. The carbon fork really helps give the bike a smooth ride, and is an upgrade usually found on more expensive bikes. The bike is fast enough and relatively light. I've put around 400 miles on it in the past few months and I've had no unexpected problems. All of the components seem to be in good working order. I'd absolutely recommend the Tommaso Imola with Carbon Fork to anyone who wants to try out cycling or as a commuter bike.
Polly Barry
Nanonerd
08.24.10 |
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I just received my Tommaso Imola w/ Carbon Fork! It is rad and it rides like a charm! It was such a great value, I didn't even think twice about getting all the accessories I needed from Giantnerd.
david smith
Nanonerd
08.21.10 |
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I have had my Imola for about 6 months now. I have put over 1000 miles on it and raced in 6 Triathlons so far. It is an awesome bike, climbs like a rocket and is solid in everything else. I get a lot of compliments on my bike when setting up in transition areas (and post race too!). I have recommended Tommaso, and the Imola specifically to several folks who are looking for a bike that is easy to get started with, but will be a solid performer for years to come.
Wil Hurd
Nanonerd
08.20.10 |
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I am a first time rider, and I have been riding my Tommaso Imola for 3 weeks. I started with a 8 mile ride, then a 10 mile, 20 mile, and now I am doing 40 mile rides on my Imola. Thanks to the experience of owning the Tommaso Imola and riding it for the last 3 weeks, I can honestly say I love riding and will continue with the sport for a long time to come.
Edward Kwak
Nanonerd
07.14.10 |
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Sorry All! Didn't realize that my review was cut short... must hit Enter too soon.
"Well after touring around the local bike shops and everyone telling me that I will need to be spending around $1000 I said no..." but one day my boss at work who is an avid cyclist said to take a look at Tommaso. I saw the prices on the bike, looked at reviews, etc and realized that this would probably be the best bang for the buck choice to start on. And to get a nice bike that has a carbon fork for UNDER $1000?! Anyways. After receiving my bike went for my first ride. Felt great! I had the typical sores of the first time rider, shoulders, upper back, arms, etc. but all in all GREAT fun. Fell a few times from getting used to the clipless pedals.
It was a great feeling to get down onto the drops going downhill. Can't wait to get my base miles in and start upgrading parts!
So are you considering buying this bike? DO IT!
Edward Kwak
Nanonerd
07.02.10 |
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So after looking high and low for a great priced bike with a decent setup, I was recommended by a friend to check out a Tommaso bike because of the price. Well after doing research and being on a budget and not knowing if I'm even going to like this cycling thing, I decided to make the investment and purchase the bike.
Now I'm not the kind of person that buys the cheapest item on the market. I prefer to buy the best quality product for the price I can afford. I knew for starters that I should get at least a carbon fiber front fork. And at least some better shifter setup. Well after touring around the local bike shops and everyone telling me that I will need to be spending around $1000 I said no
Ravindra Deonauth
Nanonerd
06.18.10 |
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I received this bike from Giantnerd about a week ago. The packaging and handling of the bike was excellent. As such, all of the parts were in tact and nothing was damaged upon arrival. Assembly was simple, as only the wheels and handlebars needed to be attached to the frame. The drive-train, however, needed to be tuned to reach all of the gears. This took some time, but was not an entirely painful experience.
First Reactions: The bike is fairly light (25 pounds w/o pedals) and most of the weight is concentrated on the rear end, as would be expected. The front end is amazingly light, but surprisingly rigid. The fit and finish of the cycle is amazing. The paint and graphics are classy and smooth. The one main downfall is the handlebars. They are painted in a matte black powder paint that does not suit the bike at all. They are also a fairly weak set of handlebars as they flex slightly during powerful accelerations. Also, the grip tape on my particular cycle was not applied properly so it began unraveling off of the bike as soon as i got it out of the box. These are easily (and cheaply) fixable problems.
Ride Experience/Impressions: I have ridden many more expensive cycles; most recent of which was the Specialized Allez sport. In comparison , both bikes perform fairly similar. Granted the allez was finer tuned and slightly lighter, but overall the ride experience was almost the same. The Imola rides very well for a bike of this price point. It offers a smooth ride and a fast drive-train. One of the main issues I found with this cycle were with the shifters. They are indecisive at times and a bit of a hit or miss when shifting. Some extra tuning might resolve this issue but it is one of the low points to an otherwise brilliant machine. upshifting on the rear cogs is brilliant. Smooth transitions are met with amazing power to the wheels. The gear ratios on the bike are also very well calculated. They allow for speedy in the saddle climbs, as well as powerful sprints on a high grade.
In the past 100 miles with this bike I have ridden across many types of pavement. Living in New York City requires that you deal with countless potholes, serpentine bike lanes and ridiculous amounts of traffic. In all of these conditions the bike shines. I have hit several potholes in my initial rides and have no flats, bent rims or even the slightest damage to the fork. The Bike seems to be rock solid.
Overall, I give this bike my unequivocal stamp of approval. It is a great machine with a few noticeable flaws, but with a ride that will entertain even an enthusiast.
Nick CS
Nanonerd
02.24.10 |
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This is probably Tommaso's best selling bike of all time, and with good reason. It is at an amazing price and is quite the package. You get WAY more than you pay for with the Imola with Carbon fork. The carbon fork is definitely worth the extra coin. It smooths out the ride, cuts some weight and just looks RAD! This is a great bike to start out your road riding on. The Shimano drivetrain is tough to beat and works extremely well. Just like the original Ford Model T, its available in any color you want so long as its BLACK!
Vince Paladino
Nanonerd
03.22.13 |
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I just received our Tommaso Imola Bike 2 weeks ago after two and a half months of eager anticipation. My son just got home for his college spring break and when putting it together, we noticed we had a defective part on one of the pedal threads on the main crank.
Can I get a replacement pedal crank on the opposite side of the chain ?
All went together very nicely but the pedal treads were stripped and I can not get a pedal on that side of the Bike. I would rather just remove this part and get it replaced rather than sending the entire bike back.
Please advise.
Dan Schaefer
Nanonerd
02.26.13 |
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Where are these bikes manufactured?
Chris Schuerman
Staff
03.07.13 |
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Great question these bikes are designed in Colorado and manufactured in top level factories in Asia.
MrRabbit
Nanonerd
08.21.12 |
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I was hoping to take advantage of this sale, but there is no bike in my size right now. I'm '5''9.5, and the in-stock models are too small or too large. Will they be re-stocked soon? Or can I pre-purchase the correct size (56-58cm?) for me and take advantage of this deal?
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
08.21.12 |
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Thanks for your interest in the Tommaso Imola with Carbon Fork. We are currently out of stock on certain sizes and while we have plans to get more we do not have an exact date of arrival to give you. To get notified of when we make new bike available for presale please sign up for our newsletter or Like us on Facebook.
paul robles
Nanonerd
08.04.12 |
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will I need any special to to assemble my imola bike?
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
08.06.12 |
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We send you with all the tools you need to assemble the bike unless you do not get pedals from us as well in which case you will either need to have a pedal wrench or take the bike to a shop to put the pedals on.
Matthew Serna
Nanonerd
08.02.12 |
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I'm 6"1 with a 33" (inch) inseam, is the 56cm frame for the Tommaso Imola Sport Alu too small?
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
08.03.12 |
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The 56cm is definitely too small for you. You need the 58cm frame.
Clifton Burton
Nanonerd
07.18.12 |
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Receive my bike today without the pedals that i order so right now i can not ride my new bike . Order#100056314 i can ride without it. Please get to me status thanks.
George Leary
Nanonerd
07.10.12 |
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i ordered my bike on July 4th on the Fed Ex web site it has a delivery date of July 10, but there is no tracking information. Can bikes that are shipped out be tracked through Fed Ex ?
Carol Carlson
Nanonerd
07.11.12 |
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Dates are estimated, whenever paper work is sent to fed ex it will show as shipped to the customer. It really means it is initiated. Shipping does not start until they pick it up or it gets dropped off at a fed ex office. Yes.
Be Patient.
George Leary
Nanonerd
07.07.12 |
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I ordered the bike with Genius Build mainly because i want the bike set up the correct way without bringing it to a bike shop. I started reading some of the review's and there is quite a bit of negative views for Genius Build.
Is Genius Build worth the price for a beginner bike owner ?
Reginald Nguyen
Nanonerd
07.08.12 |
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In my opinion it isn't. Most LBS will do it for you for a lesser price. Most of them will also offer to tweak your bike should it not function the way you want it to in 1-3 weeks. You can read my reviews for more info.
Andrew Hall
Nanonerd
07.09.12 |
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I ordered this bike on the 5th and did not get genius build b/c other reviewers like Reginald said most people end up going to an LBS for tweaks anyway. Plus I also wanted an excuse to meet the people at the LBS as I will probably need their advice in the future.
I can't give you a price difference, but someone on here said something about their LBS charging them ~$35.
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
07.09.12 |
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Most bike shops will charge $150-$250 to build up a bike - I'm not sure where Reginald is going to get his bikes built up but I think he may be mistaking the work done in the Genius Build for a tune. The Genius Build is well worth the $79.95. The VeloSkin box is worth $100 alone - however you also get a full build and tune along with that. We send out hundreds of bikes a week and of the ones that are Genius Built we see a very small percentage have issues. Most people get the build and are very happy and are likely too busy riding their bikes to come and rave about the build. Go for it, even if there are issues we stand behind our work 100%.
Andrew Hall
Nanonerd
07.12.12 |
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George,
I just contacted my local bike shop about assembling my bike. They charge $70 for full assembly (the cost of a full tune-up) or $40 if you want to be a man and assemble it yourself and they will make the minor adjustments necessary. I for one will assemble it myself and pay the $40 for them to do the fine adjustments I cannot do on my own and get them to show me how to do it for future reference. Hope this helps.
George Leary
Nanonerd
07.13.12 |
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Thanks Andrew...Although i'm very handy with my hands, i ordered the bike with the build due to the nearest lbs from my is about an hour away . The bike should be here tomorrow , so i guess i will find out.
George Leary
Nanonerd
07.20.12 |
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Well, i rec'd teh bike , they didnt include the pedals i ordered. as far as teh build , the chain was off right out of the box. I slapped some pedals on and took it for a ride. The lower gears sound terribel and the chain has popped off twice alreading after only 3 rides. Is this normal for the Genius build ?
Andrew Hall
Nanonerd
07.07.12 |
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Does anyone have any suggestions?
Michael Giles
Nanonerd
07.12.12 |
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I went with the cheap platforms that they sell on this site which are not very good. I will probably be upgrading to some sort of shimano clipless pedals shortly.
Carol Carlson
Nanonerd
07.12.12 |
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Life is too short to mess with clipped pedals. You will find after longer rides they can make your feet hurt. Clipless is the only way to go. Get some shimano 105's, spd's or a low end Look. Practice inside leaning against something, then move out to a parking lot, start and stop a bunch, you will not be sorry. Always think progression with your sport don't sell yourself short.
Andrew Hall
Nanonerd
07.12.12 |
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Thanks for the input Carol and Michael. I used SPD cleats when I did a few tri's a couple of years ago and decided to carry on the tradition. I ended up getting some Shimano SPD M540's for my road bike. I know they are technically a mountain bike cleat but quite a few of the reviewers used them for road cycling and gave great reviews. I got them from Amazon for $48 which is less than the normal $89.
Scott McBride
Nanonerd
06.23.12 |
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Why does the new model I received in mail not match the picture? The picture has a top tube that his straight (parallel to the ground). The bike I received has a angled top tube, like the old version.
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
06.24.12 |
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The picture is a rendering if what the bike would look like, not the actual bike. The new Tommaso bikes still have compact geometry.
Scott McBride
Nanonerd
07.05.12 |
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Seems like that is an easy fix that u can make to present your products accurately.
djkk83
Nanonerd
06.20.12 |
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Does the frame have pre-installed insert holes for a water bottle holder or air pump? I couldn't tell from the picture.
Also, I'm considering this model for my first road bike; I'm currently riding a Trek Wahoo Gary Fisher mountain bike and don't feel like paying an arm and a leg for a Trek road bike... Is this a good model for me to consider?
I ride about 50 miles a week on my Trek... However, once I get a road bike, I plan to increase that to 100 miles.
Thanks!
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
06.20.12 |
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This bike has water bottle mounts on the down tube and the seat tube. Given that this will be your first road bike I think it is an excellent decision. The carbon fork will be really nice as you increase how much you ride!
Nicole Boissenin
Nanonerd
04.15.12 |
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How much does this bike weigh? I am going to be riding 500 miles and am extremely interested in this bike but I don't want something extremely heavy that will make my ride that much more difficult. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
04.15.12 |
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This bike is 22.5 lbs (54cm Frame without pedals/reflectors). You could definitely ride a 500 mile trek on this beauty.
yarra
Nanonerd
02.23.12 |
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I am 5'3" and noticed in the sizing chart that that falls between 47cm and 50cm, which size would you recommend?
Steve G
Nanonerd
02.23.12 |
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When a rider falls between sizes on a Tommaso, we always recommend that they try the smaller size. In your case this would be the 47cm. The reason for this is that it is much easier to make adjustments to a smaller bike to dial in the fit. If a bike is too large, it is very difficult to make it feel smaller.
Dennis Chatham
Nanonerd
01.02.12 |
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I don't see quick release in the picture on the wheels
Jared Innocenzi
Nanonerd
01.02.12 |
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Dennis,
The front wheel has a quick release. Any other questions let us know!
Dennis Chatham
Nanonerd
01.14.12 |
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Both wheels came with quick release. It's a great bike.
Chuong Vuong
Nanonerd
11.03.11 |
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Your Question...
Matthew Brousseau
Nanonerd
12.06.11 |
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Negative. They leave it up to you to buy the correct shoe to match your style of riding and your shoe type since everyone's riding preferences are different and not all pedals suit all shoes and peoples needs.
Matthew Brousseau
Nanonerd
12.06.11 |
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sorry - correct pedals*
Sean P
Nanonerd
08.02.11 |
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Did the price just recently went up a bit? Will it go up more in the future?
mike goldberg
Nanonerd
08.02.11 |
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We are unsure of what will happen the price of the Imola Carbon. We recommend that you pick one as soon as you can to ensure that you get the best price. Plus, you can get out and ride that much sooner!
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.26.11 |
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i was just wondering if it had good tires or rims cause they didnt talk about it in the video
Lloyd L
Nanonerd
07.26.11 |
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the tires they come with are decent from what i've seen on my friend's bike, but i plan on buying a new set after mine get worn out. might be a while :)
kylie
Nanonerd
07.08.11 |
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I just ordered the Imola with cf fork, and i also got probuild for the bike. I was wondering how long it will take for my bike to get to me.
Jared Innocenzi
Nanonerd
07.08.11 |
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Bikes ship and arrive in 7-10 business days of the orders approval, these orders typically ship in 1-2 days from the 3pm cut-off. This is for standard FedEx ground shipping.
For bike orders with Genius Build, please allow 1-2 additional business days for your order to be shipped. This applies to all shipping methods including expedited.
andrew poster
Nanonerd
06.08.11 |
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does the imola come with sunrace or shimano shifters? The tamasso website seems to san shimano and giantnerd specs seem to say sunrace.... help?? Thanks!!!
mike goldberg
Nanonerd
06.08.11 |
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The specs listed on Giantnerd are correct. Tommaso changed the shifters to the Sun Race r-80 shifter/brake hoods as they are paddle shifters and allow the rider to shift from both the hoods and the drops. The Shimano 2203 shifter/brake hoods are thumb shifters and the rider could only shift from the hoods.
Naoki Omatsu
Nanonerd
05.17.11 |
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Do you need new tires when you buy this or are they already good quality?
mike goldberg
Nanonerd
05.17.11 |
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The Tommaso Imola comes with great tires to get you out on the road. The only thing you will need to get to ride is a nice set of pedals. Most of our bikes come with out pedals as we want to leave that choice up to the rider.
http://www.giantnerd.com/bike/parts/pedals.html
Kathleen Scanlon
Nanonerd
04.21.11 |
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How does the bike come if you don't get the pro build? How much assembly would be required?
mike goldberg
Nanonerd
04.21.11 |
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Giantnerd will ship your bike in one of two ways…
1. Bikes purchased with the Giantnerd Pro Build Service are individually assembled and signed by our Head Master Mechanic. Our Master Mechanic removes the bike from its box and does a full inspection to insure it is in perfect condition. Using our 25 point assembly checklist, our master mechanic then does the following:
• Completely assemble the bicycle checking the alignment of the frame & fork
• Add additional lubrication
• Pre-stretch the cables
• Align and adjust the derailleurs
• Grease the pedal threads
• Align & tighten the crank sprockets and arms
• Position the saddle level and center it on the seatpost
• Attach the brakes and adjust them correctly
• Assemble the handlebars
• True the wheels
Our Master Mechanic then Test Rides each bicycle on a controlled loop (to make sure that the gears and brakes are correctly adjusted). This assures us that your bicycle is in mint condition.
We will then disassemble the bicycle just enough to fit it back into the shipping box, add more packing protection, and secure all movable parts to prevent any damage that might occur during transit. Oversized bicycles will arrive in 2 boxes. Both Wheels need to be attached. Reassembly typically takes our members only 10 to 15 minutes. We cannot offer the pro-build on bicycles shipped when shipped via USPS.
2. If you do not purchase the Giantnerd Pro Build service, bikes will be sent to you Factory Ready.
Factory ready bicycles are delivered to you 75% assembled and packed for shipping in the original manufacturer’s box. No adjustments are made. Factory ready bicycles will require assembly by a professional mechanic in order to validate the warranty.
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.27.11 |
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never its easy to build it by yourself or just go to a road bike shop and they will do it for a couple bucks
Dennis Chatham
Nanonerd
01.13.12 |
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My imola required a spacer between the frame and front gears to shift right. Not sure if that's normal but the bike would not adjust properly without the spacer.
Fawn Masti
Nanonerd
07.18.12 |
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Mike, You have provided nice detail of what is included in a genius build. It was exactly what I was expecting to receive when I ordered a genius build for my bike. I however received my bike in a factory box that was opened long enough to slide a pro build card inside. The bike was still factory wrapped and did not include any of the items you listed. I was charged for the pro build, the bike, the pedals and the spare tube I ordered. I only received the bike. No pedals no tube and no pro-build! I will be contacting customer service but I am extremely disappointed.
Jesus Contreras
Nanonerd
03.23.11 |
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what kind of pedals would you recommend if your not looking to buy those special road bike shoes? also considering the bike (although it may not matter), which pedals would go good with a tommaso imola?
because i still have to buy a water bottle cage, a helmet, and gloves. so i don't wanna have to buy both the shoes and the pedals required...thanks for your help!
Rob Rufio
Nanonerd
04.23.11 |
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Buy pedals with a cage if u don't want to use clip-less pedals. However, I highly suggest cheaping on the helmet, water bottle and gloves and investing in shoes and clip-less pedals if u need to save money somewhere.
http://www.giantnerd.com/vp-vp-399t-road-bike-pedals.html
Here's what ur looking for. You won't find a better price/item than that...
Jesus Contreras
Nanonerd
03.23.11 |
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i recently ordered a tommaso imola rd bike and its still shipping. i'm new to giantnerd and didn't notice the
"frequently bought together" where you can add other items for a discount. and i still need to get a water bottle cage, a lock, and pedals. is there a way i can still get that offer?
Jesus Contreras
Nanonerd
03.23.11 |
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oops nevermind that. i did not do the math correctly..lol
mike goldberg
Nanonerd
03.23.11 |
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Our frequently both together items do not give you an extra discount on any of the items listed. Frequently bought together is a great resource as it lists vital products like bottle cages and pedals to go along with products like a bike.
Kolby slash Rodney
Nanonerd
03.14.11 |
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I just ordered this bike yesterday. I have some Tiagra shifters and a shimano crankset. Should i switch these parts out with the ones that come on the bicycle? Does anyone have a 56 that comes with the suntour shifters? I was just wondering how good of shifters they are.
mike goldberg
Nanonerd
03.14.11 |
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You could always have your local bike shop install your Shimano Tiagra shifters and Shimano crankset on your Imola. You may run into issues as the Tiagra shifters are most likely 9-speed where the Imola rear derailleur and cassette are 8-speed. I recommend checking with your local bike shop to see if what you have is compatible.
Kolby slash Rodney
Nanonerd
03.14.11 |
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What I have is compatible. I know that. What my question was more about the quality of the suntour shifters.
Louis Mauriello
Nanonerd
03.21.11 |
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The Suntour stuff may not be as good but they are a correct match for the rest of the stuff in your purchased groupset.
. . . .
You should try the Suntour stuff - especially since it is the pre set up match for the bike you bought. Then you should find someone who has the Tiagra stuff installed and try that before investing the money to change everything over. Especially since it might require more investment of other parts to work right.
Christopher Guevara
Nanonerd
01.16.11 |
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I am looking for a bike for my first time. I am just looking for a road bike for collage commute, I have been looking at some track bikes lately, but I really just want a bike that I can mess with if I choose too. Like possibly changing the road bike into a Fixy if I choose too.
But in all this, what is a better choice? Like I'm literally just want a bike that I can twike for the next 4+ years for collage. But I also want something that isn't too cheep or too expensive.
So if anybody can give me some advice that would bee awesome!
Jared Innocenzi
Nanonerd
01.17.11 |
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Hi Premed24,
I noticed that you were also asking about the Augusta Digger, so I figured I would give a good comparison of the two to help you make your decision. Both bikes are great for college commutes. The Imola is a true road bike, it has front and rear brakes, gearing so you can shift for speed, and it has a carbon fork to absorb the bumbs in the road for a more comfortable ride.
On the other hand, you mentioned in your Imola question that you would like to turn it into a fixie. This is possible, however, the August Digger comes as a fixie - so that might be another option for you. This also means the August Digger has no breaks, and is a single speed bike. Also, the fork is not carbon so the ride won't be as cusioned of a ride. Note - We do offer breaks that can be installed on this bike.
You are looking at two great bikes! It ultimately comes down to how important the ease of ride is to you, as the Imola will definitely be a more comfortable college commute if you have limited fixie experience.
The one thing you don't have to worry about - you will look stylish on either one!
Mo Farunia
Nanonerd
01.04.11 |
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i'm a beginner cyclist, i use my old junker road bike to commute several times a week when the weather permits and i'm looking to upgrade and also become an even more avid cycler. i'm considering 100+ mile rides and possibly tri's in the near future. is the imola carbon the right bike?
Mo Farunia
Nanonerd
01.04.11 |
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i was looking and considering the tiempo because that is more within my price range and i'm not sure if i'm willing to pay the extra $100 for the imola + probuild
Mo Farunia
Nanonerd
01.04.11 |
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i'm also looking for durability in the bike (CLEVELAND ROADS) would the tiempo suffice?
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
01.04.11 |
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The Tiempo and the Imolas are some of our best selling bikes. If you plan on riding longer, 100 mile + rides I recommend that you go with the Imola Carbon as it weighs over 5 lbs less than the Tiempo. A lighter bike will accelerate much faster and will also climb much easier. Both bikes feature durable Tommaso frames and quality Shimano/Sunrace component groups. If you're riding on extremely rough road you may want to back off on the tire pressure and run 100 psi.
cyclenstuff
Nanonerd
01.06.11 |
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I was pretty much in the same boat but after doing some research i decided to go with the monza, it is a bit more but for the price its better to invest now then try to upgrade later, id say at the lease snag the imola carbon.
Johnny Lane
Nanonerd
11.17.10 |
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Hi, I'm a relative beginner who will occasionally go on long bike rides (20-30 miles). But, I'm really looking to get into it, and, with that, I want a solid road bike. So, my question is: In my situation, is it worth spending the extra $100 for the Carbon Fork Imola, or should I just go with the regular Imola?
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
11.17.10 |
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The price difference between the regular Imola and the Carbon Fork version is only $50 right now which basically makes the Carbon Fork version a steal. If you intend to go on rides longer than 10 miles the road vibration dampening that the carbon offers is well worth the $50. If you have the extra $50 to throw down on the Carbon Fork version I would highly suggest it.
Johnny Lane
Nanonerd
11.18.10 |
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Yeah, I noticed I made a mistake on the price difference right after I posted. But thanks so much! Huge help. I plan on getting the Carbon Fork here pretty soon.
Christopher Giannoumis
Nanonerd
11.30.10 |
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Definitely go with the carbon fork. Heck I'd even up the model to the Monza. Components are much better.
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.27.11 |
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carbon fork it will not be as heavy or buzz too it as aluminum or steel
Sammy
Nanonerd
11.16.10 |
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I wan to know if the prices are gonna go down any lower or if this is at good as it's gonna get?
This will be an early birthday present for myself(Dec .08) i've had a bike before but i have outgrown the bike i grew up with. I need a bike that will last a long time, like a good investment. Is this the Bike?
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
11.16.10 |
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The Imola Carbon is an amazing deal on an entry level road bike. Combine it's 6061 Aluminum frame with a carbon bladed fork and shimano components and you can't go wrong. Even better, it only weighs 22.48 lbs in 54cm. That's why it's one of the best selling bikes that we offer!
Craig Ferrara
Nanonerd
11.16.10 |
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The prices here are good. I've shopped around locally (Palo Alto, CA) and found these prices to be competitive. One thing about Giantnerd that makes it different though, is that you can earn Nerd Dollars by sharing and answering questions. These can be applied to purchases to take a few extra bucks off the price. Try that and have a happy birthday!
Christopher Giannoumis
Nanonerd
11.16.10 |
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I wouldn't even consider this bike as an option if you have ridden before and know what a good bike is. I would step it up to the Monza. It has much better components and I can feel a difference between a model like the Imola.
Keep in mind that you mentioned you outgrew the bike you grew up with. It's now time to grow up and get a big boy bike with the right specs.
Definitely go with something soon. I waited for a bike once at my LBS they promised me they would order it from another store and when they found out they sold it they tried to order me a different model without me knowing. Caught them in the act and that's how I discovered Giant Nerd. I have been a Nerd since! Don't delay regardless what you choose because tomorrow it could be gone! Not worth the savings of a few dollars.
Invest in the best!
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.26.11 |
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yes it is a amazing deal for carbon and the whole bike tommaso all the way
Jake_tri
Nanonerd
10.09.10 |
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Could a dealer possibly install disk brakes on this bike? I've had so many problems with brakes that squeeze the tire, especially on mountain bikes.
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
10.10.10 |
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You couldn't install disk brakes on this bike as the frame, fork and wheels are not compatible with disk brakes. The brakes on the Imola and all the Tommaso road bikes have adjustable calipers that allow you to increase the pad space with the rim in the case that you center punched a pot hole and put your wheel out of true.
Kolby slash Rodney
Nanonerd
03.14.11 |
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The brakes won't actually squeeze the tire, just the rim. If you want a road style bike with disk brakes, you can get a cyclocross bike with them.
Amanda
Nanonerd
10.07.10 |
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I cannot find these to test drive, so I am wondering about sizing. I plan to use this for tri's and a 30 mile commute (60 round trip) occasionally. I am 5'5" and very short waisted. Thanks for any tips you can give.
Jeff Lesser
Nanonerd
10.07.10 |
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5'5" woould put you right between a 50cm and 52cm, I would always recommend going down in sizing and since you say your short waisted the 50cm is likely your best bet. Don't worry about the test ride though, we have a 365 Day Return policy so you can get your bike and ride it around the block, if it doesn't fit right just send it back and we will get you one that does fit you correctly.
Louis Mauriello
Nanonerd
10.18.10 |
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Also, see my answer to Jon's question with the same "Sizing" tile.
D Meadows
Nanonerd
10.21.10 |
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I am 6'0" but found that the 56cm was a happy fit, even though a 58cm was recommended. Just fyi.
Jon Slaughter
Nanonerd
09.28.10 |
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I can't find the Imola in a 58cm frame w/carbon fork. I'm 6ft tall, could I get away with the 61cm or the 56cm?
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
09.28.10 |
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At 6'0" you'll want to ride a 58cm Imola Carbon. We'll have the 58cm in stock in early November. We currently have the Imola and the Monza in stock in 58cm.
http://www.giantnerd.com/tommaso-imola-road-bike-beginner.html
http://www.giantnerd.com/tommaso-monza-road-bike-beginner.html
Louis Mauriello
Nanonerd
09.28.10 |
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Too bad the answer isn't that simple - I have the same issue: I am 6ft tall and bike geometry always seems to not match what I need. To make matters worse I have been riding a 35 year old Schwinn Le Tour so if I use that bike's geometry as a baseline I am in the middle of all of the new bikes, and that middle is a gray line depending on which bike I select. Some I fall between what would be called Large and medium, some between large and extra large.
There are a bunch of formulas and things you should understand so that you can use to start working this out:
1.) Frame size refers to the length of the frame's seat tube. Pro frames are measured along the seat tube in one of two ways, center-to-top (C-T) or center-to-center (C-C). C-T measures the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube or seat lug. C-C measures from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top tube.
2.) To size your C-T road frame, use a guideline of .67 x inseam length. For example, if you have an 85cm inseam, your C-T frame size would be .67 x 85cm, or 57cm.
3.) The C-C size is found by the formula .65 x inseam length, which yields virtually the same frame size when you add the 1-1.5cm difference between C-C and C-T.
And then you get to the over 6 foot issue:
4.) Larger riders (6'0" and up) may find that this formula puts them on a too small, and uncomfortable, road frame. A taller cyclist who wants a more comfortable frame may be better off selecting a frame 27-28cm more than inseam length, C-T.
Different bikes (MTB, Road, TT) work under completely different geometries, such as TT bikes are usually smaller then road bikes so that the rider is in a more compact position and specific muscle groups are positioned for optimum usage.
If you look at Frame Size charts like the examples I’ve listed below you will see that the Inseam Sizes are clearly separate. In others you will see that there is a lot of overlay in what size bike would be the so-called proper fit.
EXAMPLE:
Frame size: 48 - 51 (Inseam: cm 29 ½ - 30 ¾ in or 75-78 cm); Frame size: 50 - 54 cm (Inseam: 31 - 32¼ in or 79-82 cm); Frame Size: 53 - 57 cm (Inseam: 32½ - 34 in or 83-86 cm); Frame Size: 56 - 60 cm (Inseam: 34¼ - 35½ in or 87-90 cm)
There are some services that provide a technology derived bio fit but generally most LBS will do the inseam height measurement and use a chart like my example above or just get you to stand over a few bikes and then see how you fit on them.
Jon Slaughter
Nanonerd
09.28.10 |
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Thanks for the help. I ended up going spending the extra money and going with the 58cm Monza.
Primo
Nanonerd
09.26.10 |
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Does anyone have an opinion to share on the wheelset that comes with this bike? Looking at the specs I don't see the wheel weight. May I know how many grams for the set?
Primo
Nanonerd
09.26.10 |
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I want to buy my girlfriend a road bike for her birthday and this bike is perfect for the price and quality. The 52cm frame is perfect for her size. Being relatively new to cycling myself, can someone please tell me if it matters that if buy this bike for a woman?
edherson fermin
Nanonerd
09.27.10 |
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i would say .. im planning the same for my girlfriend but in a 50. i think as long as you get her the size pertaining to her it should be perfect.
Seirfelats
Nanonerd
09.18.10 |
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Hey, I was wondering if there was a cross/in-line lever option to the handlebars or if a local bike shop could do that?
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
09.19.10 |
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A local bike shop could easily install a cross lever in addition to your normal brake/shifter hoods. This is a great way to add extra braking positions.
D Meadows
Nanonerd
10.21.10 |
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I don't recommend that you try this yourself. Cross levers are tricky.
It's something I've considered doing myself. I imagine the LBS would charge $30-50 for the service, not including parts.
Greg
Nanonerd
09.03.10 |
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Your Question...
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
09.03.10 |
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Both the Imola Carbon and the Trek 1.2 are Aluminum frames with a carbon bladed forks. The Trek 1.2 costs about twice as much and is built with either a FSA triple or double compact crankset with Shimano Sora/Tiagra components. The Imola Carbon has a triple crankset with Shimano 2300 series components. I would also take a look at the Tommaso Monza that is also hundreds of dollars less than the Trek 1.2. The Monza features an Aluminum Frame and a Carbon Bladed Fork. It's built with very nice Shimano 105/Tiagra components, a nicer build then the Trek, and a FSA compact crankset. Any way you slice it, Imola Carbon or Monza, you'll get alot more for your money with Tommaso.
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.27.11 |
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great kills it
Greg
Nanonerd
09.02.10 |
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Your Question...
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
09.02.10 |
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It's hard to say if the saddle will feel good to you. Everyone has a different butt so I recommend getting on your new bike and putting on some miles.
D Meadows
Nanonerd
10.21.10 |
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I was under the impression that I might have to put a new saddle on my Imola but first I gave it a try. And I LOVE it. Besides the initial miles, this has been a VERY comfortable saddle. I wanted to order another one, as a backup, but Tommaso doesn't sell parts :(
It's a nice, comfy saddle. Not too padded, but padded enough.
sean homsy
Nanonerd
07.26.11 |
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on the videos for the bike the guy says the saddle is really nice and comfortable
Gigya Gigya
Nanonerd
08.02.11 |
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true
Paul M
Nanonerd
08.22.10 |
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Sorry if this information is already listed and I just missed it, but what kind of tube valves does the Imola have? My cheap tire pump has issues with Presta valve tubes so I might need to get a new pump.
Mike Goldberg
Nanonerd
08.23.10 |
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The Imola comes with Presta Valve tubes and rims. Here's a great deal on an affordable floor pump the accommodates both Presta and Shrader valves.
http://www.giantnerd.com/blackburn-airtower-4-pump-with-anyvalve.html
Cptbeano
Nanonerd
07.20.10 |
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I get a Giantnerd tattoo, and you let me pay by month.
Kris Boucher
Nanonerd
07.21.10 |
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sounds like an interesting proposition!
Mickey Redus
Nanonerd
12.03.10 |
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I don't know if they will let you pay for tattoo by the month...
Edward Kwak
Nanonerd
06.07.10 |
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Just ordered my bike... Any opinions on the quality of the Carbon Fiber Forks?
Randall Weidberg
Nanonerd
06.08.10 |
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Welcome to Giantnerd Edward! This is our best selling ENTRY level road bike. Great road bike with a great carbon fork!
Ravindra Deonauth
Nanonerd
06.10.10 |
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I just received my bike today and the quality of the fork is surprisingly good. It is rigid and extremely light! It is just as rigid and light as the carbon fork on the specialized allez.
Edward Kwak
Nanonerd
07.02.10 |
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I am really liking this CF Fork. Great ride!
david smith
Nanonerd
08.21.10 |
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Edward- I have the Imola with the carbon fork- absolutely love the ride. Smooth, solid and fast. Plus the Imola climbs so quick. I don't ride with gloves (I do a lot of triathlons) but I never feel tired or the road buzz- even on long rides so the Carbon fork is a big reason for that.
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