Road Cycling - Well I never..

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Simon Ed
08-22-03, 01:26 AM
Thought that I would be looking at getting a road bike! :D

I have been commuting now for 4 weeks on a Hartail MTB with tarmac tyres. Now and then I hit over 40 Km/h and I'm starting to get the speed bug:)

I was looking at a Bianchi 04 Campione with the Campagnolo stuff on it. I have also read threads about the strength of this stuff and that it dosent like heavy or rather isnt designed for heavy riders (I weigh 230 in my birthday suit and around 250 with clothes and pack) Would it hold up well or fall to bits?

I really would like to stay away from $himaNO if possible but at the end of the day if its the better kit I will get what serves me and not the company.

Any big guys out there with Campagnolo stuff?

Cheers

Si

velocipedio
08-22-03, 05:12 AM
campagnolo components are no more fragile than shimano components. besides, the only time your weight will put stress on any component is when you hammer out of the saddle. in which case, you might experience a bit more chain wear, but that's about it. campy components are tough, and [in my experience] more durable than shimano.
Simon Ed
08-22-03, 06:36 PM
Coolio, Cheers!

slotibartfast
08-22-03, 06:37 PM
I'm about the same size as you, Simon Ed, and I have a Bianchi Veloce - steel frame. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but the LBS guys said that the frame and Campy components would easily handle the weight and they were right. The bike feels very steady climbing out of the saddle, not noodly at all. And the ride of steel feels unbelievable after getting beat up on my old aluminum frame. I'm greatly impressed with the Bianchi product. I say go for it......Make sure to to get the celeste!
aerobat
08-22-03, 09:47 PM
Welcome back, Velocipedio!
Simon Ed
08-23-03, 12:06 AM
Right then! Thats all the confirmation I need :)

Now for the tough part, getting it past the 'appropriations comittee' LOL

I think Santa may have an oversized package for me this year :)

Cheers all for the input

Si
MichaelW
08-23-03, 04:52 AM
A Campy/Bianchi is a fine combo, and I would ride one in a flash, but..
In the land of finely made fishing reels, is Shimano much cheaper and more widely available than Campy ?

For commuting use do you need a slightly more tour-oriented road bike eg for using fenders during mild wet winters.
hibiscus09
08-23-03, 07:31 AM
I have Bianchi/Campy. (Bianchi Eros) I also have the Celeste. :D I love mine! :) The LBS I go to said I'd be able to get the Campy parts easier as it's what they carry in larger supply.
Simon Ed
08-23-03, 06:32 PM
Actually I can get $himaNO parts super cheap compared to the UK, but being Euro trash myself I thought it nice to get the Italian stuff (I love Moto Guzzi's too :) )

After living here for nigh on 9 years I tend to look for non locally produced stuff, granted this stuff works well but on the whole Japanese stuff (products in general not just bike bits) lack a certain 'flair'

As for my commuting bike I dont bother with mudgards (Fenders to you yanks :) ) I just get soaked and change at work.