Road Cycling - The bike I wanted isn't in stock :(...what to do.

I was going to order a Bianchi Giro from supergo.com for $870 and was psyched to do so. Then I called and found out they don't have them in stock anymore.

The guy I spoke with mentioned that they did have a Bianchi Imola for basically the same price. I checked and both bikes have a full 105 group on them and the only differences between the Imola and the Giro are the frame (Reynolds 631/535 on the Imola, Easton Ultralight on the Giro), the wheelset (Shimano 105\Mavic CXP-21 on the Imola, Shimano WH-R535 on the Giro) and finally the looks:

http://www.bianchiusa.com/site/bikes/road/zooms/images/03_Imola.jpg

http://www.bianchiusa.com/site/bikes/road/zooms/images/06_Giro.jpg

Now I LOVE the look of the Giro and the look of the Imola is ok. I think that the wheelset on the Giro is better, but I don't know for sure. As far as the steel vs. aluminum is concerened, as long as the steel frame isn't too heavy, I'm ok with it. Also, I'm not thrilled by the tripple crank on the Imola, I'd rather save the weight and have a double.

If you guys/gals can tell, I'm sort of lukewarm about the Imola, but my question is, should I be? There are NO full 105 groupe bikes for anywhere near the price otherwise, as far as I can tell. What would you do? Am I being too picky? Thanks.

- Matt

Don't get a bike that you aren't totally happy with... you'll just regret it later... see if Supergo will switch up components and such on the new bike... I know they will in their stores.. but I'm not sure about Mail order (if tha is what you are doing).. you might just have to pay the difference in price.. and if it isn;t too bad.. then I'd go for it

Jeff

Originally posted by SipperPhoto
Don't get a bike that you aren't totally happy with... you'll just regret it later... see if Supergo will switch up components and such on the new bike... I know they will in their stores.. but I'm not sure about Mail order (if tha is what you are doing).. you might just have to pay the difference in price.. and if it isn;t too bad.. then I'd go for it

Jeff

Thanks Jeff,

I didn't think about having them switch the components...all I really would like is the double vs. triple crank. The wheels aren't as "cool" as on the Giro, but that probably isn't a huge deal.

Also, I know that the celeste green is a Bianchi trademark, but I'm not digging it. And, someone once told me, you can have the best bike in the world, but if you don't like the way it looks, you're not going to like riding it. I wonder if that's true.

Doesn't sound like this is the bike you want.

I would start over and create a list of what you want in a bike, and shop for bikes that fit those requirements.

To address specific issues:
The lace up wheels are probably better all rounders than the Shimano 535s.

Steel vs. aluminum, lots to debate there. The absolute best way for you to make a decison on this is to test ride a few bikes to see how they feel to YOU.

Originally posted by Singlespeedster
Doesn't sound like this is the bike you want.

I would start over and create a list of what you want in a bike, and shop for bikes that fit those requirements.

To address specific issues:
The lace up wheels are probably better all rounders than the Shimano 535s.

Steel vs. aluminum, lots to debate there. The absolute best way for you to make a decison on this is to test ride a few bikes to see how they feel to YOU.

Actually, the only real requirement that I had was a full 105 group or better...I didn't want any of the the Tiagra or Sorra stuff. Really, for me, it's come down to looks with this bike. I really like it, aside from that. I have an aluminum bike right now and it rides pretty rough...from what I've read and heard, steel has a little more damping cabaility, which is something I would like.

So, aside from the looks, it really fits the bill, and at $870 for a complete bike, the price is pretty good. I don't think I could equip my current frame with the same components for less.

Well then, there you go. Be off with you and snap it up before they run out of those, too.

Yeah, don't buy it if it isn't what you really want.

I actually like the Imola a lot better. I'm a big fan of steel and traditional wheels....... and if your going to get a Bianchi, it should have some Celeste on it somewhere. Both are nice looking bikes, but the Imola is much more my style.

Oh, and what is up with that saddle! The same one on both bikes and it clashes with both of them! The rest of both of the bikes look very nice....but man, needs a new saddle.

my co-worker has the imola. compared it to my giro and the weight difference was negligible. it was a tab bit heavier, but it was also a bigger frame and had the triple as opposed to the double on mine. i thought i didn't like the imola looking at it online, but in person, it's a sweet bike. if i couldn't get the giro, i would've gotten the imola in a second. you'll be hard pressed to get a comparable bike in that price range.

If you have a reason other than weight to avoid the triple, go for it. But you're not going to save enough weight for it to matter. I dunno how lean you are, but I'd bet that you can lose more than the difference in weight between the two in a few rides.

I agree with Tech Ninja. The Imola looks much better in person. I looked at that exact bike last year when I was in the market for a new set of wheels. Sweet ride nice looking. The price on the bike was somewhere between $1200 - $1300. You can't beat that price.

Originally posted by ImprezaDrvr
If you have a reason other than weight to avoid the triple, go for it. But you're not going to save enough weight for it to matter. I dunno how lean you are, but I'd bet that you can lose more than the difference in weight between the two in a few rides.

Basically, I'd just rather have a two speed front. It's what I'm used to riding and the three speed to me just looks slow.

But you are right about the weight (of the crank and my own ;))...I'm not going to let that stop me.

Originally posted by Tech Ninja
my co-worker has the imola. compared it to my giro and the weight difference was negligible. it was a tab bit heavier, but it was also a bigger frame and had the triple as opposed to the double on mine. i thought i didn't like the imola looking at it online, but in person, it's a sweet bike. if i couldn't get the giro, i would've gotten the imola in a second. you'll be hard pressed to get a comparable bike in that price range.

Thanks for the tips...it was actually your pics that conviced me to look at supergo. Just out of curiousity, is your bike a 57 or 59? Just wondering if you were luckier than me. I'm going to get the Imola, so I'm pretty psyched. Thanks again.

FWIW, I test rode the Imola, and really liked it. If I could have bought one for that price, I would bought it instead of my Bianchi Campione. Some of the Bianchi's have an option of either double or triple cranks, so maybe you can get the double. As far as the wheels, depending on your weight, the more traditional wheels may be better. For that price, you can certainly upgrade to a Ultegra/O.P. combo for $200. Test ride one at your LBS before you make your determination.

Originally posted by Syd's bike
FWIW, I test rode the Imola, and really liked it. If I could have bought one for that price, I would bought it instead of my Bianchi Campione. Some of the Bianchi's have an option of either double or triple cranks, so maybe you can get the double. As far as the wheels, depending on your weight, the more traditional wheels may be better. For that price, you can certainly upgrade to a Ultegra/O.P. combo for $200. Test ride one at your LBS before you make your determination.

Thanks...heading out to the LBS tonight to ride one. I'm going to place the order so I don't lose out and if I don't like the test ride, I'll cancel the order. Looking forward to riding again.

Originally posted by 2k2S4
Thanks for the tips...it was actually your pics that conviced me to look at supergo. Just out of curiousity, is your bike a 57 or 59? Just wondering if you were luckier than me. I'm going to get the Imola, so I'm pretty psyched. Thanks again.

i was lucky cause when i called them, they said they only had small sizes left, and i needed a 51cm. as syd's bike said, definitely ask about getting the imola in a double. bianchi's site said nothing about the giro being available in a triple, but supergo had it in both double and triple.

Hey S4, is your car stock? (I know it's OT, but I couldn't help it once I thought about your screen name.

Originally posted by ImprezaDrvr
Hey S4, is your car stock? (I know it's OT, but I couldn't help it once I thought about your screen name.

LOL...not exactly. I have StopTech brakes and some other goodies that make it a blast on the track :D.

Originally posted by 2k2S4
Thanks Jeff,

I didn't think about having them switch the components...all I really would like is the double vs. triple crank. The wheels aren't as "cool" as on the Giro, but that probably isn't a huge deal.

Also, I know that the celeste green is a Bianchi trademark, but I'm not digging it. And, someone once told me, you can have the best bike in the world, but if you don't like the way it looks, you're not going to like riding it. I wonder if that's true.

Yeha I agree... the Shimano wheels just have a sexier look than the standard 36 spoke rims.. I dunno.. maybe it's just me... I agree with you on the Celeste... I know it's a Bianchi... but that color is kinda lame (let the flaming begin) Let us know what happens... will supergo upgrade stuff over the phone ??

Jeff

Originally posted by SipperPhoto
Yeha I agree... the Shimano wheels just have a sexier look than the standard 36 spoke rims.. I dunno.. maybe it's just me... I agree with you on the Celeste... I know it's a Bianchi... but that color is kinda lame (let the flaming begin) Let us know what happens... will supergo upgrade stuff over the phone ??

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

Actually I ordered a Bianchi Vigorelli (see my other post). Full Ultegra and Mavic Cosmos wheel set, just $200 more than the Giro! Also, bright yellow as opposed to celeste. :)

Thanks again for your suggestions.

- Matt

Go to any official Bianchi Dealer and see if they can get for you.

Originally posted by Xavier
Go to any official Bianchi Dealer and see if they can get for you.

Thanks Xavier -

Actually I already purchased a Bianchi Vigorelli...a step up from the Giro, but I got a deal I couldn't pass up. See my other thread if you are interested.

- Matt

I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're better off getting what you want, even if you spend a few more bucks. In the long term, you'll be more satisfied.

Originally posted by danr
I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're better off getting what you want, even if you spend a few more bucks. In the long term, you'll be more satisfied.

I agree...I've wanted a bike with full Ultegra since I was 12. I don't really know why, I just did and only took me 14 years to get it. :)