The triple-butted aircraft-alloy frame received praise for being lightweight and modern, featuring a tapered head-tube and clearance for 28mm tires. It was considered great value.
The inclusion of a Campagnolo drivetrain was impressive at this price point – with shifting being reported as positive, accurate, light and smooth.
The use of Miche componentry (on calipers, chain set, bottom-bracket, cassette, brakeset, rims and hubs) satisfied experts and users.
Internally-routed cables (on some models) added to a clean appearance.
The Columbus carbon fork (with aluminum steerer), was a bonus for owners.
Minimal flex was reported from a stiff frame, chainset and wheels.
Experts and owners recounted capability on climbs.
The short wheelbase contributed to snappy handling and a throwable feel.
Geometry, features 73 degree head and seat tube angles, coupled with a short head tube. This resulted in sharp handling, rapid acceleration and efficient power transfer.
Reviewers said the Experience was a fast bike.
More than one expert called this a beautiful machine.
Owners felt the Experience was great on long road trips

5 reasons not to buy

External cabling, on some models, detracts from clean lines.
The short wheelbase may result in some toe overlap.
There were no mudguard eyelets on the Experience.
One expert described the alloy frame as occasionally unforgiving.
The aggressive geometry may tire some riders, or feel twitchy on descents.

Bottom line

Cinelli’s Experience shows that high quality and performance can be sandwiched into a reasonably-priced rig. This is a pure racer featuring the higher end of alloy tubing. Compared to carbon and steel frames, there will be a little more judder, but the value saved on the frame is directly injected back into the quality Campagnolo and Miche componentry. A great way to enter the race world with no initial concern for upgrades.

Expert Reviews

83/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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Cycling Weekly

Level 5 expert

Cinelli Experience

Level 5 expert

With a lot of quality finishing kit included in this package, the Cinelli Experience ticks boxes left, right and center, and it really impressed.

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Cinelli Experience Review

Level 5 expert

For wannabe fastmen and fastwomen the Experience is one of the best ‘entry-level’ bikes around at this price, and an ideal entry point to the world of Campagnolo too.

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Cinelli Experience Review

Level 5 expert

A great ﬁrst road bike – get the full Campagnolo experience at a realistic price.

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Triradar

Level 1 expert

Cinelli Experience Road Bike Review

Level 1 expert

The Experience offers a very rewarding ride. It’s dynamic, lively and aggressive and would readily lend itself to racing or triathlons rather than training or sportives.

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Kilitli Pedal

Level 1 expert