Azzurri Forza Elite Carbon - $600 worth it?

[Johnte84]

Hi all,

About to buy my first road bike.

Found his Azzurri Forze Elite for $600.

Full 105 Groupset 11 speed.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 343305205/

Components for price seems too good to be true but I never heard of the brand.

Quick googl indicates its an australian brand but seems no longer in business. Anyone had any experience with this brand? Any good?

TIA

[wt_2005]

I have an azzurri forza rl with SRAM red and don't think it is worth that much as when new around 8 years ago was $2k. With 105 and the unknown condition/kilometres I think you are better off buying something new.

[open roader]

"recently serviced" ........ there are miss matched tyres on that bike (not nec. a bad thing) but the front is worn out on the centre tread and I'd bet it's a rock hard / petrified old hoop and gagging to be replaced. The green stripe Schwalbe on the rear appears to have a lot of linear cracking in the sidewall / tread interface. That cracking could just be excess moulding rubber from being a new tyre but after looking at the front tyre......... hmm.

If this is the case no bike shop with any credibility would call that serviced and if it's a DIY 'service' then I'd look elsewhere..........

[stevenaaus]

$600 for a carbon bike with 11 speed is great imho. As long as everything works... A bad tyre or other minor thing isn't a problem. Shifter Hoods are GC, and getting a genuine 5800 crankset is rare in budget carbon.. Normally they put in a RS cranks, which are for power riding imho.

[10speedsemiracer]

Coincidence or what ?

I worked on an Azzurri today, a Forza Pro with Di2, and now this post.

When new (years ago) these were decent kit for the money but don't be fooled into thinking you're buying something Italian and exotic. It was an exercise in rebadging an ODM frame by a Melbourne business. Put it this way, in 2013 a new Forza Pro with Di2 was $2499...cheap.

Their shop (Cycling Express) went under a while ago (2015?) and weren't known for their post-sales service.

If you feel that this bike is right for you, then go have a look etc. However I'm very much a +1 with Open Roader on this , and to me, the rust on the pedals and brake fittings that are obvious from just a casual glance tells me the thing hasn't been properly cared for.

Just be aware that the Brand appears to be unsupported, so things like derailleur hangers etc will need to be aftermarket.

Essentially this bike is no different to any other generic open-mould rebadged bike, and at 9 years old or more, I think $600 may be a bit rich although the used market is still Covid-enhanced so there's that.

Just have a really good look at the frame, especially around the junction around the BB shell (chain stays, seat stays etc).

[stevenaaus]

He's just taken some rusty pedals off his mtb, out of preference. Bar tape looks great - which is a good sign in a used bike.

[Johnte84]

Thanks everyone.

I message him to confirm the pick up time and he said he already sold it to someone else even though we agreed a time and place and fee.

back the square one I guess. it seems like it wasn't that great a deal anyway so not too bother now.

[Johnte84]

Coincidence or what ?

I worked on an Azzurri today, a Forza Pro with Di2, and now this post.

When new (years ago) these were decent kit for the money but don't be fooled into thinking you're buying something Italian and exotic. It was an exercise in rebadging an ODM frame by a Melbourne business. Put it this way, in 2013 a new Forza Pro with Di2 was $2499...cheap.

Their shop (Cycling Express) went under a while ago (2015?) and weren't known for their post-sales service.

If you feel that this bike is right for you, then go have a look etc. However I'm very much a +1 with Open Roader on this , and to me, the rust on the pedals and brake fittings that are obvious from just a casual glance tells me the thing hasn't been properly cared for.

Just be aware that the Brand appears to be unsupported, so things like derailleur hangers etc will need to be aftermarket.

Essentially this bike is no different to any other generic open-mould rebadged bike, and at 9 years old or more, I think $600 may be a bit rich although the used market is still Covid-enhanced so there's that.

Just have a really good look at the frame, especially around the junction around the BB shell (chain stays, seat stays etc).

He agreed at $485 which seemed pretty good.