June 02, 2008

Revisiting the Contessa CR1

ROAD Magazine

ROAD first reviewed the SCOTT Contessa CR1 Pro in September 2007, remarking on its detailed carbon fiber beauty and feminine, compact design quality. SCOTT is still manufacturing the Contessa CR1 Pro frame for 2008 with a new color scheme that is sure to make the girls excited to accessorize with a new cycling wardrobe. Pink is a signature color for several women's lines and SCOTT has used the accent of pink on the sexy carbon fiber frame topping off components with the Shimano Ultegra gruppo, Mavic Ksyrium wheel set, white bar tape and a pink-on-white fi'zi:k Vitesse HP saddle.


On the road the Contessa is stiff, responsive and the compact frame stable, even when descending through the tightest turns. The carbon frame keeps road vibration minimal, while the bike has a super responsive feeling out of the saddle. While the Contessa CR1 Pro maintains high end performance, there are a few changes to the 2008 complete bike. Upgrading components lightened the bike a bit to 17.18 pounds, down from 17.20, while increasing the price point to around $3250. The triple front chain ring has been replaced with a compact crank (50x34).



Overall, SCOTT's history and engineering prevails, offering women excellent compact frame geometry with beauty and performance at a modest price point. The Contessa CR1 Pro is a great ride to reach your recreational or racing goals and look good doing it.