De Rosa R838 — $7500 $4,995

The comforts of  a sportive bike with the soul of a pure Italian racer

De Rosa’s high-end technologies have trickled down to this modestly price frame

The R838 features a monocoque frame and extremely light full carbon fork to mimic its higher end De Rosa cousins, with features like internal cable routing, a BB30 bottom bracket, and a K3 series headtube that is tapered from 1-1/8” to 1-1/4”. This makes for a stiff front end with reliable steering characteristics for which Italian bikes are revered. The R838 is a sportive bike done differently. Rather than elongating the wheelbase and relaxing the steering geometry, as many American makers do, with the R838, De Rosa has maintained classic racing dimensions while introducing comfort into the frame through shaping of the tubing and the carbon layup... something distinctly Italian. Somewhat aero-shaped tubes make this bike look and feel fast, without the unreasonable stiffness of a true aero frame allowing this to be the perfect bike for long days in the saddle.

Built-up with Campagnolo 11-speed EPS electronic components

The Campagnolo Athena EPS groupset a dream within reach for electronic component enthusiasts. Athena EPS features many of the same technologies offered by Super Record and Record EPS, using more aluminum in place of expensive carbon fiber. Still the lightest electronic shifting groupset in it’s class, Athena EPS is where “mechanical parts and state of the art electronic technology come together to create a drivetrain with levels of performance and functionality unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.” Features such as Multi-shift for the rear derailleur, auto-trim for the front derailleur, uniquely positive click feel, water-proof electronics, super-long battery life, and the best shifting motors available, paired with Camapagnolo’s notorious ergonomic expertise make Athena EPS the perfect groupset for quick, precise shifting and all day comfort.

Paired with the perfect everyday wheel

For distance training and everyday reliability, you can’t beat the Fulcrum Racing 5 wheelset. These are everyday wheels without usual weight penalty of many other wheels at this price-point. Fulcrum wheels are built by Campagnolo, so you’re getting the same materials, durability, and quality build that you’ve come to expect from the Italian company. The Racing 5 wheelset is comfortable for all day riding, super smooth rolling, and easy to service, making them the perfect wheelset to complete this build.

Italian Design and Inspiration

The build is completed with Italian Deda Elementi Zero100 bars, stem, and seatpost, a Prologo saddle and Deda cork bartape.

Seat Tube 48cm -- Virtual Top Tube  54.84cm

Pay attention to Effective Top Tube measurement when considering sizing, keeping in mind sloping geometry.