The Italian manufacturer Dedacciai (or Deda) may be more recognisable for their range of componentry that has been widely used on the Pro circuit for many years. What many don’t know is that they are also a long established producer of quality tubing; indeed they started with steel ('acciaio' means ‘steel’) before moving on to Titanium and Aluminium and now work extensively with carbon. The company is now producing its own range of race frames. The Assoluto is available as a complete bike and is generously equipped given its price.
The frame is centred around a carbon monocoque front triangle that is formed from Torayca T800 high modulus carbon fibre (Torayca are the Japanese masters of Carbon fibre and widely regarded as the best in the industry). The T800 fibre offers extremely good stiffness to weight numbers and its use at this price point is notable, most manufacturers using this fibre with a similar spec will be asking for another £1000 from you! The frame uses box section tubing and curved shapes, the Deda ‘Surf’ fork is swooping in shape and adds a Pinarello-esque look to the unique styling. The shaped down-tube and oversized chainstays help create a stiff feel and the narrow, squared seatstays offer the rider the vertical compliance to keep them comfortable in the saddle mile after mile. The use of a tapered headtube allows for an oversize lower headset bearing which helps to increase stiffness and steering precision. The frame uses an Integrated Seat Post (ISP) and thanks to Dedacciai's relatively small triangles the length of post above the top tube will offer additional compliance for a comfortable and smooth ride.
The ride is impressive. The bike is solid and has a definite ‘planted’ feel without a hint that it might put a foot wrong. The neutral handling and smooth feel give an immediately confident ride which allows the pilot to sit back and put the miles in without having to ever ‘fight’ the bike. Although not as punchy as some out there, the Assoluto is a very complete all-rounder, deftly competent in all respects.
It is pleasing to see Campagnolo on this Italian frame and the componentry is very well chosen to complement the bike and bring the best from the frame. The Campagnolo Centaur 10 speed groupset uses the Carbon Power-Torque chainset and Ergo shifters. Campagnolo’s Vento mid-section wheels offer an excellent balance of lateral stiffness, comfort and toughness - thanks largely to the G3 spoke pattern which also give the wheels a distinctive look. The package is completed (as you might expect) with Deda’s own quality finishing kit – RHM shallow drop bar and Zero 1 stem. Seating is in the form of a Selle Italia saddle.