Bianchi Axis?

[rob]

So I'm thinking of buying an 02 Axis ($1299) and wondering what yall think. Also, the 03 will be out soon and i hear they are adding a third ring. My bike shop will add one to the 02 for a price, maybe I should wait though. I have trouble finding one in my size (58), you think Denver would have more shops that carry them.
Comments?

[velocipedio]

i think '02 was the best year for the axis. ask dirtgrinder, he has one. '03 was similar, with a slightly different paint job and alex wheels. this year's ['04] has a triple and three bottle mounts.

if you're looking for a real cyclo-cross bike, go with the '02. it's an amazing machine. if you want a light tourer with some 'cross features, go with the '04. it's kind of a watered-down 'cross bike for people who will pobably never race -- that's what the triple and the extra bottle mount say to me.

[rob]

I've stopped thinking about buying the Axis. I bought the 04 yesterday, well ordered it. It'll be here in a week.[IMG]





So I'm thinking of buying an 02 Axis ($1299) and wondering what yall think. Also, the 03 will be out soon and i hear they are adding a third ring. My bike shop will add one to the 02 for a price, maybe I should wait though. I have trouble finding one in my size (58), you think Denver would have more shops that carry them.
Comments?

[Brushlip]

I have the '02 Axis and it's the most versitile bike I've ever owned. I've upgraded to XTR front and rear and I'm thinking about changing the Sugino crankset, I've used this bike for everything from light single track to centurys but (probably) won't be racing or loaded touring. I was wondering about double verses triple cranksets. any coments would be appreciated.
Terry

[rob]

I have the '02 Axis and it's the most versitile bike I've ever owned. I've upgraded to XTR front and rear and I'm thinking about changing the Sugino crankset, I've used this bike for everything from light single track to centurys but (probably) won't be racing or loaded touring. I was wondering about double verses triple cranksets. any coments would be appreciated.
Terry

I heard that a REAL racer would not use a triple. But since I too plan to commute and road ride and light trail ride with my dog, I think the triple will come in very handy especially up here in the mountains where everywhere I go is up hill.
I also heard that the chain is not so good. How has yours been?

[Limba]

Yeah you don't want a triple if you're going to race.I have a 12/27cassette with 39/53 chainrings and I'm fine in the trails.One winter I put on a 11/34 cassette and that should be plenty low enough for anyone in decent shape.I guess if you're touring you would have a lot of extra weight but a 11/34 is huge.You'd need a new derailleur and shifter too if you put on a triple.Right?

[Brushlip]

I won't need to change derailers because I've already changed to XTR although unless the original LX was a special unit, that should work just as well. I've actually had a bit of a hassel with the double which is one of the reasons I'm considering the triple. Like I say I don't plan on racing and I don't plan on loaded touring .......but. As it stands I've never needed the lowest gear and on a good day with a tail wind I can hold 30-33 mph on the flat for a mile or two before my legs start yelling "hey stupid, we're 57 years old..stop that ****" I like the clean and "racy" looks of the double but it seems like the triple should give me a bit more versatility. Anyway it should give me a month or so of dithering and comparing and figuring how many gears I really get etc.
Terry