Bicycling Magazine Review.  Editors choice

"The Best Part

The carbon frame is the best thing about this bike—each test editor at Bicycling who rode, felt, and reviewed this frame was impressed by it. And no, that’s not because we think carbon is always the superior material for bike manufacturing. It’s because the frame and fork on the Xenith Comp exceeded our expectations by feeling lighter than it weighs and riding with a smoothness that’s comparable to bikes costing more than $3,000.

It’s not the stiffest or most aerodynamic frame I’ve ever ridden, nor is it the lightest. In fact, if you’re looking for a race bike in the $2,000 range, I’d recommend aluminum models like the Cannondale CAAD12 105, Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc, or the Jamis Icon Pro. However, if you’re a rider who prioritizes comfort and wants to quell the harshness of the road below with a carbon frame for just a touch over $2,000, this bike might be for you.

Ride Impressions

The most enjoyable and surprising thing about riding the Xenith Comp was that it felt lighter than it weighed, an enviable trait meaning that the bike outperforms its cost. Pedaling at a leisurely pace over rolling hills and then at tempo up some 10-minute long climbs, this bike offered the same smoothness and ease of use that I’m used to experiencing on bikes nearly twice its cost. It dampened pothole-filled roads in need of repair without feeling soft, and at higher speeds, while descending and during flat-road intervals, it seemed to transfer my power as efficiently.

In short, what you get with the $2,100 Xenith Comp is a carbon frame that’s comparable to those found on high-end race bikes. That being said, there is a catch: You’re getting this bike at that cost because the components don’t match the quality of the frame. That’s not to say that the components aren’t reliable, but it is to say that it’s what you sacrifice for getting such a nice frame on a complete bike for a relatively low price."

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