The Sava A7L Pro offers exceptional value as a fully carbon aero road bike with high-end components at roughly half the price of comparable Western brands, though some note quality control risks and limited tire clearance.
Pros
- Exceptional value at approximately $1,500
- Fully carbon aero construction with integrated cable routing
- Includes high-end components like 50mm carbon wheels and Shimano 105 groupset
- Relatively lightweight for an aero bike
Cons
- Maximum tire width limited to 28mm
- Potential shipping damage and quality control issues upon delivery
- Lower resale value compared to established Western brands
- Lacks some premium features like ISO speed technology or in-frame storage
Key Facts
- Fully carbon fiber frame, fork, and seat post using T800 carbon
- Weight ranges from 8 kg to 8.9 kg depending on configuration
- Equipped with Shimano 105 12-speed groupset with hydraulic brakes
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer discusses the Sava A7L Pro as a primary example of a high-value Chinese road bike. They compare it directly to their Trek Domane SL5, highlighting its significantly lower price and many comparable or superior features. They detail their personal experience with the bike, including initial quality control issues upon delivery and the positive resolution from Sava's customer service. The reviewer uses the Sava A7L Pro to illustrate the broader value proposition of Chinese bikes.
AI Summary
Pros
- Significantly cheaper (cost $1,500 vs. $3,500 for the Trek Domane SL5)
- Comes with a carbon frame
- Equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset
- Has an integrated cockpit for a clean look
- Features integrated cable routing
- Has an aero seat tube
- Comes standard with 50mm deep carbon wheels (vs. 23mm aluminum on the Trek)
- Includes an extra grip on the seat post to prevent slippage
- Is slightly lighter than the Trek Domane SL5 (just under 9kg)
- Represents 'ridiculously good value for money'
- Customer service was very good and resolved issues by refunding repair costs
Cons
- Quality control issues upon delivery: damaged handlebar tape, a cut in a rubber hood sleeve, and a paint chip near the fork
- Does not have Trek's ISO speed technology for smoothing road bumps
- Does not have in-frame storage
- Lower resale value compared to a well-known Western brand like Trek
- The delivery service, not necessarily the manufacturer, was responsible for the damage
The reviewer discusses the Sava A7L Pro bike as the winner of the 'best value award'. They purchased it with their own money a few months prior and praise its specifications for the price. They detail the delivery process, which resulted in some shipping damage, and their positive experience with Sava's customer service in resolving the issue. They also mention using the Elite Wheels ENT 2.0 carbon wheels on this bike as a favorite upgrade.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money at $1,500.
- Fully carbon aero bike.
- Aero handlebars with integrated cables for a clean look.
- Aero frame and seat post.
- Frame, fork, and seat post use T800 carbon fiber.
- Relatively lightweight for an aero bike at 8.9 kilograms.
- Uses the Shimano 105 12-speed groupset (tried and tested).
- Comes with a 50-34 crankset and an 11-34 cassette.
- Comes stock with 50mm deep carbon fiber wheels.
- Customer service was responsive and offered to pay for repairs for shipping damage.
Cons
- The bike was damaged during shipping (damaged box, ripped handlebar tape, cut on a rubber hood sleeve, and a paint chip near the fork).
- Maximum tire clearance is only 28mm; the reviewer would have preferred 32mm.
The reviewer states that if they were starting from scratch, they would choose the Sava A7L Pro over a more expensive Trek model. They praise it as a very good bike that is half the price but just as good, highlighting its carbon construction, included components, and lighter weight.
AI Summary
Pros
- Half the price of the Trek Demani SL5 ($1,500 vs $3,500)
- Fully carbon fiber construction
- Aero handlebars
- Integrated cables
- Aero seat post
- 50mm carbon wheels as standard
- Equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset
- Weighs 1 kg lighter than the Trek (8 kg vs 9 kg)
- The saddle is described as 'the most comfortable saddle I've ever sat on'
Cons
- Not the lightest aero bike on the market
- Comes with 25mm tires, which the reviewer considers too narrow by modern standards
- Maximum tire width is 28mm, which is noted as 'a bit of a shame'
Where to Buy
Specifications
Attributes
Questions about SAVA NEW A7L /A7L Pro Carbon Road Bike, Adult Racing Bike, Equipped With Shimano 105 R7100, 24-Speed Hydraulic Brakes
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