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Pros | Affordable, shifters, lightweight |
Cons | Seat/saddle |
Summary | This bike is perfect for any weather or road conditions, holding up and maintaining its maneuverability through turns, inclines and flats. |
Our Rating | 88/100 |
Manufacturer |
Road bikes have been used in triathlons, circuit training and races for decades.
The lighter, the better; the sturdier, the faster. Vilano introduced the Forza 4.0 as a budget friendly entrant for this group of riders.
The road bike is lightweight and comfortable enough for long endurance rides while being nimble and fast enough for sprints and tracks. Vilano has other road bikes like the Shadow and TUONO for other circuit riders, however the Forza remains the flagship road bike for the company.
Tech Specs
Vilano only uses high quality parts in all of their bikes.
To help keep the cost low they opted to use aluminum instead of carbon fiber and still managed to keep the overall weight down.
FRAME SIZE: 49, 53, 57 and 61 centimeters
BRAKE TYPE: Caliper brakes
SHIFTER: Shimano Claris CTI shifter, 24 speeds
RIMS: Weinmann 700c Doubled Walled CNC Machined Sides Black Anodized rims
TIRES: Kenda 700c x 23c
Frame Size
The frame is made from double butted 61060 aluminum with a 700c steel racing 1 1/8 inch threadless fork. The weight is minimized due to taper of the top tube and the aerodynamics are maintained.
The frame comes in four sizes: 49, 53, 57 and 61 centimeters. This will fit riders of virtually any height from 5 feet to 6 ½ feet.
Brake Type
The Vilano Forza 4.0 utilizes allow caliper brakes. The brake pads squeeze the rims and can be adjusted using a set screw. These brakes are heavier than some of the other ones used by Vilano, however their performance and longevity make up for it.
As the brake pads wear down they can begin to taper. Because of the caliper style brakes, you should periodically check for uneven wear and adjust accordingly.
Shifter
Vilano holds nothing back on this 24-speed model using integrated brake and shifter handles that control Shimano Claris CTI shifter. The shifter is smooth, reliable and works well in all conditions.
There are reports and reviews that the shifter is noisy at speed, but this doesn’t affect the speed of the bike or functionality of the shifter or gears.
Rims
The rims help the Vilano Forza 4.0 maintain position and control. Vilano makes use of Weinmann 700c Doubled Walled CNC Machined Sides Black Anodized rims that respond well to maneuvers at speed and in most conditions.
The rims are lightweight despite being double walled and help allow the low-cost bike to do well in triathlons and races.
Tires
Without tires you won’t be going very far or fast, no matter how light and speedy your bike is. Vilano uses Kenda 700c x 23c tires that are soft enough for endurance runs and durable enough to handle high speed sprints.
The Kenda tires have a firmer sidewall than most other brands which make racing leans in turns easier to pull out of. Vilano Forza 4.0 makes the Kendra tires work for it very well.
Price Range
For having a lightweight and competitive bike with mostly Shimano parts, including shifters, the Vilano is very budget friendly. The overall price depends on the frame size and some optional components..
What We Like
We like that the Vilano Forza 4.0 is sleek and stylish and when running next to the much higher priced professional bikes it looks like it belongs.
The ability to keep pace also helps and for a fraction of the cost.
What We Don’t Like
With any low-cost bike, regardless of manufacturer or type, there will be things that aren’t quite perfect.
The Vilano Forza 4.0 is no different.
Buying Advice
The Vilano Forza 4.0 is not a bike built for just everybody. While anyone will get an enjoyable ride from the bike, those looking to compete on a professional level in road courses, or those that like to go off-road every now and then will find the Forza to be less than desirable.
However, for those that want a fast, nimble and fully controlled ride that is fast and light weight, the Forza 4.0 could just be the bike you are looking for. The components are top notch and everything works just as it should.
If you do buy the bike, we suggest that you replace the seat with a more comfortable model, such as a memory foam style. This will make long commutes and endurance rides much easier on the body.
You should also have the bike road tested and get used to the integrated brake and shifter if you have never used one. It takes a little bit to get used to, but once you learn how, you will never want to use anything else.
Another adjustment you will want to make to get the most out of the bike is to purchase new pedals.
The bike is shipped with pedals; however they are designed to be discarded. While the pedals will work to move the bike, you will most likely be quickly disappointed. Getting a better set from the start will save you time and frustration.
Conclusion
The Vilano Forza 4.0 is an eye-catching bike built for serious road work. Whether you enjoy long endurance style riding or being in the pack racing for the finish line, the Forza has you covered.
The sleek and stylish looks will turn heads as you blast by and only having to spend a fraction of the cost of those high-end models that use a lot of the same parts, you will have already won. The bike is perfect for any weather or road conditions, holding up and maintaining its maneuverability through turns, inclines and flats.
Check the latest pricing bellow and be on the road tomorrow!