Wilier C4 carbon MTB

[rva]

Anyone recognise this frame? Based on the parts it's around '94-95

What do you know about it? Was it a mass production item? Can't find anything on google or here in the archive.

 

[novekili]

It's a C4 Marte frame with Wilier stickers. C4 is an Italian brand specialized in carbon frames. I think they still work. So, it was not a mass production item for sure. It perfectly fits in the cathegory of high end frames . Made in Italy, the first I've seen dates back to 1991. Not overly coveted, but a nice piece of plastic!

First carbon fork ever on a Mtb, too. Apparently, it was very stiff. The price for a XT model was 3800000 ITL (which would make about 2000 Euros now). The carbon Trek 8900 with Bullseye Hubs, Grafton brakes, Rock Shox RS1 and xc pro went for just 100 pounds more (just to give you an idea)

I can also see a nice Titanio 200 saddle by Selle San MArco, much more comfortable than, and as light as, the infamous Flite.

 

[rva]

I knew somebody from Italy would know something about it, thanks!

 

[legrandefromage]

the parts are from 92-3 though. Just thought I'd point that out.

 

[novekili]

Absolutely. I was pointing out that the first time I saw this bike in a mag was 1991. The frame was built for some years....

Nice bike, anyway....

 

[bacloc]

Re:

This one was my first MTB frameset in the 1991.
Marte model manufactured by C4 carbon fiber,an italian company.
It was a monocoque frame made with sandwich tecnique (carbon fiber+honeycomb inside)

I ride it for at least 10 years and more then 100.000 km with a great satisfaction.
I also have the other frameset called Terra.

C4 left the bicycle market and today they are focusing on sub pinnacle and ancillaries.
http://www.c4carbon.com/

C4 was an innovative company at that time, they also introduce a lot of ideas on bicycle frameset that are still used today.
(Integrated seatpost,integrated headset,Integrated road handlebar, aerodinamic seatpost, sub 1000g road frameset ....)

 

[24pouces]

First carbon fork ever on a Mtb, too. Apparently, it was very stiff. The price for a XT model was 3800000 ITL (which would make about 2000 Euros now). The carbon Trek 8900 with Bullseye Hubs, Grafton brakes, Rock Shox RS1 and xc pro went for just 100 pounds more (just to give you an idea)

The Trek 8900 and its brother 8700 were not too expensive bike in 1991 with their crazy equipment : bullseye, grafton, Answer, Rock Shox or Tange Big Fork……. The 8900 got quite the same price of the Cannondale SE2000 with rear suspension but suntour XC comp equiped…

But it's difficult to compare 20 years old and actual prices. In 1990, more than 1500 euros was expensive for a bike.

The C4 is amazing !
But I think it's older than 93-94. I would say 91

 

[novekili]

In fact, I just wanted to give the idea of the price of the bike. Quite costly but not too much for the technology. A merlin or an Attitude were way more expensive...

 

[24pouces]

In fact, I just wanted to give the idea of the price of the bike. Quite costly but not too much for the technology. A merlin or an Attitude were way more expensive...

i agree
When I think I have to wait 20 years for buying a Merlin and an Attitude :mrgreen:
But sometimes, a Klein in second hand cost quite the same price it was sold new 20 years earlier... :facepalm:

 

[novekili]

The famous Klein madness. What mistifies me is that Merlins, which were better bikes (at least IMo - I've had both), cost much less....