OXNARD, CA (BRAIN)—The Fondriest TF3 road bike has been awarded the “2011 Outside Gear of the Year” award from Outside Magazine.
“Everyone at Fondriest and Albabici is thrilled to have received this award from Outside,” said Gianluca Caliari, president of Albabici, the U.S. importer of Fondriest bicycles. “When we decided to import the Fondriest brand into the U.S., we knew it was an outstanding brand, with a true and unique Italian pedigree."
The Fondriest TF3 features a monocoque frame in 12k large weave carbon fiber, pre-impregnated with epoxy resins. The special ribbing and the waisted cross-sections are the result of a painstaking design work using cad 3D models and software. The result is a frame that is very fast on the road, with crisp, accurate cornering, and high performance acceleration. Fondriest believes that the TF3 is an ideal compromise between weight (frame is 970 grams) and performance.
As tested by Outside, the Fondriest TF3 was equipped with Campagnolo Athena 10-speed group, Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels, and Fondriest carbon seat post, and Fondriest alloy handlebar and stem. In this configuration, the Fondriest TF3 weighs 16.25 pounds. Suggested retail for the TF3 is $3,700.
Fondriest bikes and frames—including the TF3—are the handiwork of famed Italian rider Maurizio Fondriest. During his 12 seasons as a professional cyclist he captured 69 victories, including the World Championship road race in 1988, at age 23. Fondriest is located in Cavarzere, Italy, southeast of Venice.
