aleef
02-13-07, 06:02 PM
Hello
Can any of you help me figure out what Western Bianchi model the Bianchi Lupo (Japan-only) compares to? It's offered in Japan as a cyclocross bike. It retails for only US$762 (tax included) in Japan. It has eyelets and mountings for racks, so could be used for touring.
Check it out here (http://www.cycleurope.co.jp/2007/blupo.htm). I'm interested in the navy blue model.
I've looked at a number of cyclocross and touring bikes (Surly Cross-Check & LHT, Fuji Touring & Cross Comp, Trek XO-1, Scott Cross Comp, Cannondale T800 & Cyclocross 3, Jamis Aurora & Nova). Of this group, the Fuji Touring is the cheapest at $909, and the Cannondales are the most expensive at $1550.
Not all of the larger sizes are offered in Japan. Most top out at 540mm. Trek and Cannondale offer the full size range. I want a steel frame anyway, so I'm not interested in those brands.
If I get the navy Bianchi Lupo, I plan to replace the horrible green saddle and handlebar tape with a Brooks honey-coloured saddle and Brooks honey-coloured leather tape.
Once I get my bike, I plan to do this bike tour this (http://www.freewheeling.ca/tours/japan.htm) summer. I'm not joining the tour package, but will just use their excellent route.
Thanks for reading and sharing any thoughts, opinions or observations. I've been pretty much alone (in interest) here in rural Japan researching my bike purchase. My wife & co-workers are sick of hearing about bikes!
Lee
Can any of you help me figure out what Western Bianchi model the Bianchi Lupo (Japan-only) compares to? It's offered in Japan as a cyclocross bike. It retails for only US$762 (tax included) in Japan. It has eyelets and mountings for racks, so could be used for touring.
Check it out here (http://www.cycleurope.co.jp/2007/blupo.htm). I'm interested in the navy blue model.
I've looked at a number of cyclocross and touring bikes (Surly Cross-Check & LHT, Fuji Touring & Cross Comp, Trek XO-1, Scott Cross Comp, Cannondale T800 & Cyclocross 3, Jamis Aurora & Nova). Of this group, the Fuji Touring is the cheapest at $909, and the Cannondales are the most expensive at $1550.
Not all of the larger sizes are offered in Japan. Most top out at 540mm. Trek and Cannondale offer the full size range. I want a steel frame anyway, so I'm not interested in those brands.
If I get the navy Bianchi Lupo, I plan to replace the horrible green saddle and handlebar tape with a Brooks honey-coloured saddle and Brooks honey-coloured leather tape.
Once I get my bike, I plan to do this bike tour this (http://www.freewheeling.ca/tours/japan.htm) summer. I'm not joining the tour package, but will just use their excellent route.
Thanks for reading and sharing any thoughts, opinions or observations. I've been pretty much alone (in interest) here in rural Japan researching my bike purchase. My wife & co-workers are sick of hearing about bikes!
Lee
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