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review

Fondriest TF4 road bike

8
£1,900.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Comfortable speed machine with looks that can divide a club run
Weight: 
8,400g
Contact: 
www.fondriestbici.com

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'Marmite bike' or what? Fondriest's latest offering, the TF4 is either a love it or hate it machine judging by the comments of both cyclists and non-cyclists who saw our test bike. Personally I love it, though it is screaming out for a set of deep section wheels to offset the chunky tubes. One thing that isn't up for debate though is how beautifully the TF4 rides: it's a cracker.

Frame & Fork

Subtle it isn't. From the forks to the oversized square tubes the TF4 gets across a powerful first impression: it's going to be stiff, performance is the overall intention and everything else is a byproduct.

The unidirectional Toray carbon frame takes a lot of the design and technology from the TF2 & TF3 models though they all use varying carbon grades with Fondriest using the tensile strength properties to denote the difference. The TF4 uses T24 (24 ton) fibre, TF3 T50 and the TF2 T56.

The front end has some pretty aggressive styling with the top tube profile continuing through the head tube rather than blending into it. That head tube is tapered too, going from 1 1/8in to 1 1/4in from top to bottom allowing that huge square down tube to blend into a large surface area above the fork crown.

The oversizing theme carries on through the chainstays for maximum power output with the round seat tube and slender seatstays there to take the sting out. The wrap around style of the seatstay, seat tube junction was one of the most controversial parts of the bike in terms of aesthetics. Personally I'm not a fan but I'll leave you to make your own mind up.

Should you have the misfortune of dropping it the dropouts are alloy and the rear mech hanger is replaceable so at least the frame won't be a write off.

With the rear Shimano 105 direct-mount caliper positioned underneath the chainstays there are three cables that travel internally through the down tube. They exit at the bottom bracket area and at the chainstay for the rear mech. You can go either mechanical or electronic with your gearing as the TF4 is ready for both.

The Reflex fork pretty much curves the opposite way to the norm. That Fondriest don't make any huge claims about makes me presume that it is purely for aesthetics. After all, if there is a way a bike company's marketing department can claim '10% stiffer' or whatever they will. Using the same T24 carbon as the frame, the fork has a claimed weight of 395g which is none too shabby. It is a direct-mount brake caliper only model though. The brake arms are attached to each fork leg as opposed to the usual single mounting point.

Geometry is steep to create a direct, nimble handling frame with 73/73.5° seat and head angles on our medium test bike. The top tube, if measured as if it was level would be 54.5cm while a 145mm head tube keeps a low front end. The claimed weight of 990g which is pretty impressive for what is essentially a midrange frame.

Build Kit

Our 8.4kg (18.5lb) £1900 TF4 comes with a full Shimano 105 groupset comprising a 50/34 compact chainset, shifters, mechs and those rather cool direct mount brakes. The arms mount directly to the frame rather than by a central bolt which creates a much cleaner look and hopefully a more direct feel to the braking as you're removing one of the variables. They are nice and easy to set up too.

The finishing kit is Fondriest-branded alloy components which all looks pretty good but it's obvious that a lot of the overall price goes on the frameset.

The flat top bars are very comfortable but a pain if you need to mount anything with a round clamp on them. They have a compact drop though which makes them more usable for non-flexible backs and muscles.

Fondriest have gone native with the saddle thanks to an Era Dynamic from Italian company Selle San Marco. Its thin profile and minimal padding makes it ideal for fast riding in a crouched position. I barely noticed it over the test period which is always a good sign for a saddle.

Fulcrum 7 wheels finish off the package and while they are pretty budget for this kind of bike price point they've always been good performers. Previous test models have always stayed true and tight and these ones were no different.

You can get the TF4 in another build based around 105 but using Tektro brakes, a non-series chainset and an Ambrosio rimmed, Shimano hubbed wheelset. This'll set you back £1800.

Should you wish to do your own build you can pick up the frame, fork, headset and Tektro direct-mount brakes for £1299.

Ride

The TF4 is definitely a quick bike. Against the Bianchi Vertigo I was also testing at the time, my 35 mile commute was 0.5 to 1mph quicker on the Fondriest. Its not a balls out sprinter though, it doesn't actually feel exceptionally fast when you're on it as it's more of a rapid cruiser that'll also lay the power down if you ask it.

Those Fulcrums do take the shine off of the acceleration but once it's up to speed the TF4 happily stays there and just keeps rolling.

The frame is certainly stiff in all the right places. Climbing out of the saddle or high speed descending don't faze it at all. On twisty downhills the bike tracks really nicely as you flick from apex to apex and it feels really planted through the turn. The Michelin tyres offer good grip, allowing you to really push into the bend without worrying about losing traction.

The direct brakes are a massive improvement over standard dual pivots with a really nice solid feel. It is a bit too easy to lock the wheels up until you get used to how quickly they apply the power. Once you've relaxed a bit they are really easy to control with just the lightest touch at the lever controlling your speed.

I must admit after looking at the tube profiles I was expecting a very harsh ride but in practice that never came true. Don't get me wrong it's not something you'd want to go touring or audaxing on for miles and miles but its easily pleasant enough for a 100 mile sportive or long club runs.

Overall the TF4 is an absolutely cracking frameset which Fondriest have provided in a sensible build to keep the price below two grand. It handles well at speed or cruising and always feels planted and surefooted no matter how hard you are pushing it.

Its comfortable enough for knocking out a century ride while offering a level of stiffness that will suit even the most powerful of riders.

Change the wheels to something more aero if speed is your thing, lighter if the hills are your playground and the TF4 will be a bike you can live with daily.

Verdict

Comfortable speed machine with looks that can divide a club run.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Fondriest TF4

Size tested: 53

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame: UD Toray T24 carbon fibre

Fork: UD Toray T24 carbon fibre

Groupset: Shimano 105 with Direct brake calipers

Wheels/tyres: Fulcrum 7/Michelin Lithion 2

Finishing Kit: Fondriest alloy

saddle: San Marco Era Dynamic

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Fondriest have the TF4 for down as a bit of an all rounder from day rides, Gran Fondos and racing and that pretty much hits it on the head. The TF4 is quick and comfortable.

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
9/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

Very nicely finished and styled. It also comes in a grey and yellow colour.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

UD Toray carbon fibre is used for both the frame and fork.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Geometry table is here including stack and reach measurements:

http://www.fondriestbici.com/_files/allegati/2ohtpq.pdf

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The stack height is exactly the same as the top tube at 545mm which gives a balanced position. Reach felt slightly longer than normal giving a nice aero position in the drops.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Yes relative to the performance and stiffness of the frame.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Yes those huge profile tubes and tapered front end means stiffness levels are good.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Very well through the frame thanks to the large down tube and chainstays.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?

No.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Pretty neutral and well balanced.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

Very direct and surefooted at speed without being twitchy at lower speeds.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The saddle was comfortable as were the flat-topped bars.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

The 105 chainset feels plenty stiff enough when you are really laying down the power although the wheels can flex a bit at the same time.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

I'd upgrade the wheels and tyres to something lighter.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
7/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
8/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

105 is the entry level for Shimano's performance groupsets; it's hard-wearing.

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels and tyres for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for value:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the wheels and tyres.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels or tyres? If so, what for?

The Fulcrum 7s are decent wheels but a bit out of depth on a frame of this quality. Buy something nicer and keep them for winter.

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

The shallow drop bars will be ideal for smaller hands. Everything else worked well and did the job.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes.

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes but I'd probably go down the frameset route and spec it myself.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
8/10

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: Whatever needs testing or Genesis Flyer, fixed of course!  My best bike is: Kinesis T2 with full Centaur Red

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

 

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

Add new comment

7 comments

Avatar
alg | 9 years ago
0 likes

Considering to replace my Bianchi Intenso with a TF4 or a Cervelo R3
Would it be worth it?
How would they compare?

Avatar
CDK1962 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Any rattling/buzzing from the internal cabling?

Avatar
stuke replied to CDK1962 | 9 years ago
0 likes
CDK1962 wrote:

Any rattling/buzzing from the internal cabling?

No none at all and we've got some pretty shocking road surfaces in this neck of the wood

Avatar
macrophotofly | 9 years ago
0 likes

Is it just me or does that chain look rusty?

Avatar
ColT replied to macrophotofly | 9 years ago
0 likes
macrophotofly wrote:

Is it just me or does that chain look rusty?

Probably not, based on the first comment I just read.  3

Avatar
matthewn5 | 9 years ago
0 likes

The wrap-around stays do look odd but they must stiffen the seat tube walls at the point where they receive a point load from the stays.

Avatar
Tom Amos | 9 years ago
0 likes

Is the rusty chain included in the price?

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