Fifty Plus (50+) - Bought another bike!

Today, seafoam and I bought a cruiser/commuter bike for our daughter who lives in Southern California. Thought you all might like to take a look at it! Description from the Bianchi web site.....

Bergamo

The light and zippy aluminum frame, shared with the Boardwalk, is mated with the unique SRAM DualDrive single-sided shifting system. An ingenious, self-energized internal 3-speed hub is paired with a 7-speed rear derailleur for easy right-handed shifting, which eliminates two chainrings and the front derailleur. Shifting is super light, smooth and intuitive and easy to downshift at the stop light. Rack and fenders make this one smart city ride.

Good game o

http://products.consumerguide.com/reviews/product.epub?productId=22468

Bianchi’s Bergamo is a hybrid bike that stands out due to its easy-to-use shifting system. Component maker SRAM supplies a rear hub that has three drive gears built inside, in tandem with conventional eight sprockets that are shifted with a derailleur, along with a single chainring at the cranks. The resulting 24 speeds are controlled with a single shift lever located next to the right handlebar grip. This arrangement is excellent for those who want a wide range of gears but are confused by common two-shift lever set-ups. While not exclusive to Bianchi, this is an uncommon drivetrain that makes the bike stand out among its peers. The aluminum frame used is light and feels chipper when pedaling. Although there’s no suspension in the fork or seatpost, wider 700x38c tires provide some extra give while still rolling quite efficiently. The riding position is fairly upright, due to handlebars that sweep backwards, which also place your hands and wrists in a comfortable position. The bike is also available in a step-through frame (often called a women’s bike), which can be hard to find in higher-quality bikes these days.

Good game o

http://products.consumerguide.com/reviews/product.epub?productId=22468

Bianchi’s Bergamo is a hybrid bike that stands out due to its easy-to-use shifting system. Component maker SRAM supplies a rear hub that has three drive gears built inside, in tandem with conventional eight sprockets that are shifted with a derailleur, along with a single chainring at the cranks. The resulting 24 speeds are controlled with a single shift lever located next to the right handlebar grip. This arrangement is excellent for those who want a wide range of gears but are confused by common two-shift lever set-ups. While not exclusive to Bianchi, this is an uncommon drivetrain that makes the bike stand out among its peers. The aluminum frame used is light and feels chipper when pedaling. Although there’s no suspension in the fork or seatpost, wider 700x38c tires provide some extra give while still rolling quite efficiently. The riding position is fairly upright, due to handlebars that sweep backwards, which also place your hands and wrists in a comfortable position. The bike is also available in a step-through frame (often called a women’s bike), which can be hard to find in higher-quality bikes these days.

Got a job over here- writing my C.V. out. Reading that- I have got the wrong bike and will have to go out and buy one.

A guy I work with bought one of those and it seems like a good bike. He doesn't ride a lot, but so far no problems with the shifting. I like your color a lot better than his. His is orange which is the worst color in the world - especially between September and December - WOOF!
(Oddly enough, he bought it in Athens, GA)

Nice "around town" bike. But did your daughter really want or need it...or are you just cynically using her as an excuse for selfish bike acquisition? ;)

Since you're in a bike-buying mood, I'd like a Volpe, please. They have one in my size that's been at the Adams Avenue Bicycle shop for ages. Shall I tell them they can call you for the credit card number?

Oh - and THANKS! in advance! :D

The SRAM Dual Drive system is great. I've had a Cannondale equiped with a 9 speed cassette (which SRAM doesn't make any longer) since 2003 and credit it with my return to biking. Mine has 26 inch tires, front suspension and a seatpost shock. I ride it mainly on dirt roads. I just came in from a 16 mile ride which included a jaunt over a 1600 foot elevation hill. I'm certain your daughter will like hers.

I just finished riding the Bergamo around the parking lot for a bit. The 3 speed hub in nice without having to have the extra chainrings. Basically it makes it a 21 speed bike. It's got fenders and a rack and I also had them put a headlight on it as well. I looks pretty bomb proof! Oh, and Gary, I can see you on a Volpe...just one paid for by you!

Nice looking ride. I love it when you can get real fenders/mud guards on a bike.