In an era where disc brake road bikes are becoming mainstream and rim brake models are dwindling across various brands, the "FARNA CLARIS" stands out as a top-tier cost-performance road bike for beginners!
Amidst rising prices, making purchases more difficult, what exactly is the FARNA CLARIS, which announced a price reduction from its previous model?
Amidst a wave of price increases in the bicycle industry due to global circumstances, the 2024 FARNA CLARIS surprisingly announced a price reduction.
It's now ¥11,000 cheaper than the previous model, making it more affordable!
What's more, there are no changes in specifications despite the price reduction.
The components, including the wheels, are almost entirely unified with Shimano parts, which is a welcome feature for a reliable cycling experience.
While similar spec road bikes from other brands are often priced at 120,000 to 130,000 yen, the FARNA CLARIS stays within the 110,000 yen range (tax included), making it a highly recommended bike with an excellent balance of price and riding performance!
The aluminum frame, utilizing the brand's proprietary "EAST-L" technology, achieves both lightness and strength.
The FARNA series are endurance road bikes. Unlike race-oriented road bikes that prioritize riding performance, the FARNA CLARIS is based on an "endurance (durability) design that emphasizes comfort and stability for long rides," making it easy for first-time road bike riders to handle.
The head tube and fork steerer are slightly longer to allow for a higher handlebar position.
A strong forward lean of the upper body can cause back pain and difficulty with balance, so this design allows beginners to ride in a more upright and comfortable position.
Additionally, the front-center is slightly longer, prioritizing straight-line stability over agile handling.
For long rides, where you spend more time riding in a straight line at a consistent pace than cutting into corners at high speed, a design with high straight-line stability is less fatiguing and more comfortable.
The front fork is made of carbon.
It's not only lightweight but also excellent at absorbing vibrations, reducing fatigue during rides by dampening vibrations transmitted from the ground to the body.
Furthermore, the fork steerer features a tapered design, also used in race bikes, contributing to more stable handling.
The main components are Shimano CLARIS 2x8-speed. These are entry-level road bike components that cover everything from city riding to touring.
Sports bikes often have a mix of components, with Shimano for derailleurs and other brands for cranks and brakes, to balance cost and retail price. However, the FARNA CLARIS features all Shimano CLARIS components (excluding the chain, which is a consumable item)!
The crankset is also made by Shimano, with a cover to prevent snagging clothes.
The brakes are also Shimano CLARIS (R2000 series). They offer higher durability and stable braking power compared to third-party brands.
The FARNA CLARIS even features Shimano wheels! It uses the highly regarded WH-R501, a reliable entry-level road wheel, contributing to improved durability and lighter weight for the wheelset.
Shimano parts, even entry-level ones, offer excellent durability and operation, making them reliable for long-term use.
Additionally, with a wide range of genuine replacement parts available, repairs are easier if anything breaks.
To make it easier for first-time drop handlebar riders, auxiliary brake levers come standard. Until you get used to the bracket position, you can comfortably brake by gripping the flat bar section, just like on a cross bike!
My impression after the test ride was that it's "a well-balanced, easy-to-ride bike without any quirks."
Perhaps it's best described as allowing you to experience the essence of road biking effortlessly.
Riding it, the lightness of the frame and the wheels made for a smooth and easy start. The aluminum frame's responsive acceleration when pedaling hard suggests it would be enjoyable even when you want to pick up speed during a ride.
However, unlike high-end road bikes designed for lightness and aerodynamics, it might not excel at sustained high speeds above 35 km/h.
It feels like a bike that's more enjoyable for maintaining speeds around 27 km/h to 32 km/h, which is faster than a cross bike.
Also, since the frame design isn't excessively upright, it's easy to achieve various positions by adjusting the stem's height.
If there's a downside, it might be its "lack of quirks."
For instance, if you were to evaluate the FARNA CLARIS's specs on a radar chart, it would form a nearly circular shape. Therefore, those who desire a bike with specialized performance in a single aspect, such as acceleration, cornering, or vibration absorption, might find it lacking.
Nevertheless, I believe it's a perfect bike for someone riding a road bike for the first time, allowing them to truly understand what a road bike is and enjoy cycling!
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