2010 Neo Ultimate (11.6lb)

[drPhilGandini]

I got the frame from China direct (Neo Cycles) with fork, headset, seat collar and a post. They also supplied the bar/stem.
The rest I was already running on my Giant, but I've added a few things such as the Claviculas and the Fiber-Lyte rings.

Here's the build list, with weight (gms)

Frame: Neo Exile Ultimate (975)
Fork: Edge tapered 1.5” (340)
Headset FSA Orbit tapered (80)
Topcap/Expander Soul-Kozak/Extralight (12)
Stem/Handlebar: FSA Plasma Compact - sanded (390)
Crank Arms: THM Clavicula (420)
Chain Rings FibreLyte CF 41/51 (76)
Pedals: Speedplay X1 (150)
Saddle Custom CF integrated (116)
Seat Post Clamp: New Ultimate (8)
Seatpost sleeve: (20)
Brake Levers: SRAM Red - sanded with BTP hoods (250)
Brakes: EE + Swisstop pads (190)
Shift/Brake Cables: Nokon (80)
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Red - sanded (150)
Chain: DuraAce 7900 (230)
Front Derailleur: DuraAce 7900 (66)
Front Wheel: M5, Sapim, Edge 25 (330)
Rear Wheel: Extralite, Sapim, Edge 25 (450)
Cassette: KCNC Alloy 11-23 (110)
Skewers: Tune AC14 (33)
Tires: Veloflex Carbon + glue (600)
Handlebar Tape: Forte CF vinyl (40)
Bottle Cage: Emporelli (16)

Total: 5230g 11.5lbs

Here are some photos:
The latest, with the new saddle and all SRAM sanded


Previous saddle:






It's a great bike, having ridden it a number of times now, despite the cold weather. The word to describe it is taut. Solid, lively, it runs smoothly.

[pritchet74]

Wow. I can't fathom being sub-12 pounds. Simply amazing. It's a saucy lookin' ride too. Nice job!

Makes me with that my SRM wasn't so damn heavy....

[j0m]

That's a very Nils bike you got there! Nice.

Good to hear that you like the ride as well.

[alienator]

Nice bike. What sort of warrantee does Neo offer with their bikes? What sort of history do they have with customer service?

[Ypsylon]

Good looking build with an impressive weight.

So you got it directly from the factory in China? I thought it would first go to the US and I'd have to pay customs when it then comes to Europe. How did that work exactly?

[drPhilGandini]

Well, I'm not sure about the warranty, but the customer service has been excellent, and I've heard from other people with similar experiences. I paid under USD2000 for the frame, fork, etc so I'm really not expecting too much if it ever breaks--but honestly I am not expecting any problems as it is very well designed and fabricated--in the same CarboTec factory that produces Storck and Pinarello frames. I can see this is a high end frame.
It was shipped directly from China to the US via the post office (!) No extra charges.
Just finished another ride on it--it really rides well. I am very glad I finally got to experience the new generation of CF frames as my Giant (first generation TCR) was good, but not in the same league as this bike.

[dunlinii]

Thats such a nice bike. I really love the saddle and the whole matt thing

[Boonen]

That looks very nice, I think the subtle red accents work very well on this bike.

[Cheers!]

very nice! I did not know edge made a tapered fork. CooL!

Looks like you could go even lighter if you got a traditional stem and handlebar. I did not know that the FSA Plasma integrated stem/bar was 400g.

Also... how are you finding the Dura-Ace 7900 front derailleur with Sram Red? I thought sram red front shifter had the same pull ratio as DA7800 and Campagnolo. DA7900 changed the pull ratio...

Does it shift ok?

[andy2]

Very impressive Phil!!
Darn that's light for real world rideable components on a 975g frame.
Hence the slightly rude question: Is that a confirmed weight or a calculated one?
Why do my bikes turn out so darned porky?

Anyhow, nice package!

/a

[drPhilGandini]

andy2:
Here's the measured weight:

[pritchet74]

The D/A front derailleur is the only way to go with Red. It works WAY better than the crappy Red FD.

[drPhilGandini]

I tried 3 derailleurs before getting the 7900. I had to modify the "mouth" of the derailleur, but it works like a dream--especially with the Fiber-Lyte rings. Like Buddah...

[drPhilGandini]

...Looks like you could go even lighter if you got a traditional stem and handlebar. I did not know that the FSA Plasma integrated stem/bar was 400g. ...

Yes, I could lose 300g with lighter Tufo (show-no go) tires, and 150ish by using a light bar and stem, but those are two areas I won't compromise. This is about as light as my bike will get...it ain't gettin' any lighter. It's a wonder to ride...

[Jeffr]

That is a mighty fine build. A bit too much color for my taste, but otherwise very nice.

Some of these small/no brand chinese frames do indeed look like they are of a high quality. It's just harder to know what you're going to get as fewer people have them and the companies have less of a track record. I bought a pedalforce for my wife's bike and while I might not race it, I think it's an exceptional value compared to mid-end offerings from major brands.

Anyway happy to hear it worked out for you. Let us know how you feel after you've put some miles into it!