Shimano's Ultegra R8170 12-Speed groupset with Di2 shifting and hydraulic disc braking drives the performance and capability of this DeRosa 838 complete bicycle. Developed for endurance road with snappy response, controlled handling, and tremendous ride quality, the 838 is a perfect match for the precision, reliability, and true values built into the Ultegra component range. This bike is an Excel Sports frame-up build, equipped with Deda cockpit components and a smooth riding Reserve 50|50 aero carbon wheelset to ensure efficiency, rolling speed and solid, mid-aero overall stability. Given DeRosa's long frame building heritage in every material commonly used by frame manufacturers, every frameset has a defined aesthetic that tells the story of the materials used and thought process behind the design. The 838 was created with the goal of delivering an accessible price point and more than enough compliant performance to be a true DeRosa. Road cyclists who crave a great balance of ride quality, responsiveness, subtle road bike handling, and positive feel can embrace this Ultegra Di2-equipped 838 with the heart it represents.

Designed to accommodate road tires up to 32mm on modern road rim widths, the disc brake 838 offers a great balance for riders at 30mm. Featuring a 27.2mm round seatpost on the sloping frame design and a carbon fiber blend and lay-up that damp vibration and modest impacts, the 838 delivers a pleasant ride quality, but given the Italian manufacturer's expertise, the vertical compliance does not negatively impact road feel. This is complemented by the frame geometry, which offers a balanced stance and the capability for a semi-aggressive to aggressive riding posture- again favoring the everyday road cyclist. Yet performance lies within as well, and from the front of the bike the 1½" headtube (no taper), tapered steerer, frame-specific headset/stem interface ensure torsional stiffness in the steerer tube and oversized headtube junction. That interface sets the stage for a very sleek forward facing perspective, as well as for a variably oval-esque downtube that widens at the bottom bracket zone for impressive lateral stiffness under pedaling loads, including high-output out-of-the-saddle efforts. The top tube flattens out as it slopes towards the seattube, offering a hint of vertical flex when the frame is under duress.

The rear triangle offers simplicity, with smaller rounded seatstays, and more vertically oval chainstays that are largest at the bottom bracket. The former adds compliance, while the latter ensures the torsional strength at delivers efficient standard cadence efforts and aggressive power surges with equal aplomb. Thru-axles ensure hub and frameset stiffness for greater efficiency with 12/100mm front and 12/142mm rear dropouts. The rear features a stout, replaceable hanger/thru-axle system. Housing and wire routing for electronic and mechanical shifting systems is semi internal, with Full Speed Ahead's SRS-type headset/stem interface, for routing off the bottom of the stem into the headset topcap then routing down into the steerer and through the frameset or fork. An FSA SMR compatible stem is desired for semi/or fully internal cable routing, but most non-integrated stems will work. One note on the geometry and sizing: With this sloping design, a listed size of 52cm fits like a 54cm bike, with a 545mm toptube length. So please note the sizing variance in the Geometry chart.

The 838 may be an "entry-level" carbon offering from DeRosa, but it features a endurance ride quality and performance level associated with higher end bikes. It is a great option for long rides, multi-day pedal fests, and a quick, snappy lunch excursion. With a proper balance of stability and reasonably quick handling, descending is a joy, and the power transfer inherent to the frame design means tackling the next ascent is a challenge accepted, not wished away. If you are looking for a forgiving, everyday road bike with inherent heart, something special, from a brand not everyone else will be riding, your next steed may well proudly feature be this DeRosa 838 Ultegra R8170 Di2 Bicycle.