Zancanato vs Csi...opinions - Page 2

flydhest · #16 11-17-2017, 06:09 AM

I own both and both in 60 (OK, the Zank may be 59.5). Both have steel forks built expressly for the frame. To be fair, the Zank was built for me and is 18 years newer, but you are by construction going to be comparing a newer with an older frame here. The CSI is fantastic. The Zank is unequivocally better at speeds above 20 mph on the flat. The Zank is a touch lighter, but if that mattered the most to me we would not be discussing these bikes. The Zank is stiffer (by design) but that fact explains why it is the best above 20 pounding on the flats and just “really really good” in other settings. The CSI is just a great all around bike. Rolling at tempo, sprinting, climbing (it is the bike I keep in CO) all around just great. The Zank still gets a bit of an edge. Prolly b/c it was made for me and is much more modern so the tubing allows even more customization that was available almost 20 years ago.

Big Dan · #17 11-17-2017, 06:21 AM

^
what flydhest said.
The CSI was a great bike back then.
For me the newer generation of steel bikes are better.
If it fits, you can't miss.

Ken Robb · #18 11-17-2017, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oliver1850

You are right about later ones having shorter top tubes. The ones you listed are right for circa 2000 CSIs. I was thinking of the 90s frames, which were square for sizes 56 and larger - through 1999. Not sure which pics you're talking about. Pretty sure the frame I linked is fully lugged.

OOPS! Of course your are right about the lugs. I first looked at the a small image of the whole bike and I couldn't see the HT lug. I guess I'm used to my Rivendells with creme-colored lugs.

shinomaster · #19 11-17-2017, 10:49 AM

i have two Zanconatos and an Atlanta. The Zanks are lighter and have a much nicer ride quality. The serotta is nimble but the frame is an over-built tank. The Zanks use newer steal.

93legendti · #20 11-17-2017, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinomaster

i have two Zanconatos and an Atlanta. The Zanks are lighter and have a much nicer ride quality. The serotta is nimble but the frame is an over-built tank. The Zanks use newer steal.

I had an Atlanta and several CSi’s. They rode like 2 very different models. The Atlanta wasn't a fun bike to ride.

DRZRM · #21 11-17-2017, 11:06 AM

I have a lugged Zanc cross bike in 60, two tig'ed MTBs and I'm in line for a gravel frame. I've had a few Ti Legends, and still have one, but that is an apples to oranges comparison. I obviously have no idea whether a custom bike built for someone else will work for you, but Mike builds a great frame. But rather than discussion that frame (which is lovely) let me put in my highest recommendation for Mike as a custom builder and business owner.

The way I got hooked on Mike as a builder was calling him about a used frame to get some information about who it was built for and whether it might work for me. He was happy to talk to me at length on the phone, asked questions about my weight and riding, and decided he thought it would be a good match.

When it arrived damaged, he had me bring it to him (I was living in MA at the time) assessed the damage (minimal), straightened it out, and refused to charge me. I bought a bunch of swag, paid for lunch, and either that very day, or a few days later I put down a deposit for my first custom frame that I had not been planing to buy. Mike's customer service is awesome!! Schedule permitting (he has had a kid since then, and his cue seems to have grown exponentially, your results may vary) he is happy to help folk out with info about his bikes. He is a total professional.

Kingfisher · #22 11-17-2017, 01:27 PM

Op here, thanks for all input
I just bought that 60 orange zanc from fellow forumite, early Christmas present

flydhest · #23 11-17-2017, 06:54 PM

Yeah...and Zank is an awesome guy.

msl819 · #24 11-17-2017, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingfisher

Op here, thanks for all input
I just bought that 60 orange zanc from fellow forumite, early Christmas present

Hard to go wrong there!

Clean39T · #25 11-17-2017, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingfisher

Op here, thanks for all input
I just bought that 60 orange zanc from fellow forumite, early Christmas present

Congrats!

shinomaster · #26 11-17-2017, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93legendti

I had an Atlanta and several CSi’s. They rode like 2 very different models. The Atlanta wasn't a fun bike to ride.

That's interesting. My Atlanta was from 1999 and after a redesign. My girlfriend had one from 97 and hers was a nicer frame. It was lighter and had a better ride and the drop-outs were better too.

Ken Robb · #27 11-17-2017, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinomaster

That's interesting. My Atlanta was from 1999 and after a redesign. My girlfriend had one from 97 and hers was a nicer frame. It was lighter and had a better ride and the drop-outs were better too.

Were they the same size?