[mudhen76]

so im considering a 2006 bianchi axis, but i just learned that the 05 axis, with 105 components has been switched over to tiagra components w/ the deore xt rear derailleur. they also replaced the shimano brakes with cane creek. am i getting the shaft on the 06 model? who's got thoughts on this?
thanks much!

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[sucka free]

I would think that you're ok with tiagra. I would think the tiagra components are fr derailleur, shifters, bb, crank-arms. It's a small weight difference (and finish) versus 105, but you still get the 9 speed.

[jpearl]

When purchasing a bicycle, remember this golden rule of thumb: The frame is the most important component!

With a 'cross bike, the parts will only last so long. Unless you're Sven Nys (current world cyclocross champion), you probably wouldn't notice a difference between Tiagra, 105, Deore, Crane Creek, or say, Dura Ace. You will, however, notice a rather nice frameset (in the über-cool Bianchi celeste-green) which is light and strong, and a carbon fork to lighten and smooth out the front end of the bike.

My Cannondale is a mix of 105 and Tiagra. Both parts work fine, I didn't even know that much about half of the parts on the bike when I bought it. I was only concerned with Cannondale's top-notch Optimo aluminum frame and Slice X carbon fork. If or when I start racing the thing, I'll probablly just start swapping parts out left and right, but I'll always have a dependable frame and fork, and you will have the same if you get the Bianchi.

[robin lindroos]

I´ve done 2300 km on a Kona Jake with sora/tiagra mix this summer. No problems whatsoever.

Robin

[DRLski]

My Cannondale is a mix of 105 and Tiagra. Both parts work fine, I didn't even know that much about half of the parts on the bike when I bought it. I was only concerned with Cannondale's top-notch Optimo aluminum frame and Slice X carbon fork. If or when I start racing the thing, I'll probablly just start swapping parts out left and right, but I'll always have a dependable frame and fork, and you will have the same if you get the Bianchi.

I just bought a Cannondale Cyclocross frame, test rode one at the LBS to make sure i had the right fit and all, ordered the frame, and am now just putting all Ritchey and 105 on it with FSA cross crank and Neuvation wheels. The probably the same amount I built up a full Cannondale with much better components than that which came on the bike retail by building it up myself. But I agree, the frame is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the bike, my rule of thumb with all my bike is that I look for a frame that I like first, order it, and then get the parts I want for it. If you know where to look, you can get a bike that is three times better than it would've been retail and for a lot less. I have my cannondale cross, and two orbeas that I all built up frame first. Learn how to measure yourself and what measurements/geometry works for you and then go for the frame. If the frame doesn't fit your body then DON'T buy it thinking you can tweak it, you can some times but in the end you'll most likely be unhappy. Not all bikes are meant to fit everyone, they're like women, you've gotta try them before you know what fits the best :)

Dave

[jpearl]

I agree that buying a frame and building it up can leave you with a better bike for less, but you have to be crafty to do such a thing. I used to do that back in my high school and early college days when I raced road and mountain bikes while working at bike shops. Parts were super cheap and easy to maintain. Nowadays, I'm a married man in NYC with too many things to do besides cycling, so I had to go for the one-stop shopping route with me 'dale CX. Either way it's still a great bike and lots of fun to ride.

What wheel setup did you use? As much as I like the parts on my 'dale, I'm still a little unsure of the Gipiemme wheel setup. They're very pretty and make great road wheels, but I want a beefy set of bomb-proof pothole warriors and obstacle-jumping maniacs.

[DRLski]

I'm using Neuvation M28 Standards, bombproof, light, and really cheap. One of the best wheelsets I've ever used.