Road Cycling - Bianchi GIRO 2003

can anybody who owns or had any experience with this bike give
some feedback as far as quality of riding, climbing abilities, stiff, harsh or
comfortable ride?? etc, etc.
thanks
Corsaire ?

giro 2003

Here are some reviews:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/2003+Road+Bike/Bianchi+USA+Inc.+Giro/PRD_138634_4338crx.aspx

Yea the Bianchi Giro is nice, but I think if your going Bianchi, consider a steel bike as that is their specialty. Like the veloce or something. But you should wait also and see Bianchi's 2004 line, as it has some pretty crazy/cool bikes, like a steel frame with carbon stays. BTW where are you located in NJ?

steel frame with carbon stays

REALLY?!?! That sounds fantastic! D'ya have any links to pics or articles or anything like that? I was just on the phone with Seven the other day (wishful thinking) -- asking about their steel bike with the carbon stays.

cheers,

alex.

Hi B1105,

I'm located in Nortth Jersey, Clifton area
How about ya?
Corsaire

Yeah, that one with the steel frame and carbon stays, I think is the VIRATA. But if I go steel I'd go for the Vigorelli or Imola, however gotta test ride the VIRATA.
Corsaire

Hey Corsaire,
Im from Princeton, NJ. Where did you test ride the Giro?

Not wanting to start a flame war....but I think the Giro is one of the best bikes you can buy for that amount of money. This is the time of year to do it...my LBS was willing to let them go for $1200....The Litespeed Vela..on sale....is a great buy as well.....

i know, the Giro can go as low as 1,100 if pushed.
B1105,
I tested it at Cycle Craft in Parsippany, NJ, but only on a small parking lot, not enough!
but that little ride felt like riding on feathers, superb.
I'm inclining towards steel for durability
Corsaire

So anybody? who realy owns a GIRO and can tell from experience, how is it riding one?
Corsaire

If you are looking for a high-zoot bike why not go custom. Check out HHRacingGroup.com. They will build you a custom steel bike with carbon stays for a very competitive price. You seem many of their racing bikes at the Trexlertown, PA velodrome under some of the better riders. They are located straight down I-95 on the south side of Philadelphia. And there are looks of other small custom builders (Dean, Sachs, etc.) who will build you a great steel bike with carbon stays for no more than you will pay for a high-end non-custom bike like the Bianchi (which, although not custom, are great bikes). The new steel tubing is almost as light as Ti and give a great, responsive ride.

Orbea makes a steel/carbon bike, too. It's Columbus Utrafoco triple butted steel and Columbus carve stays. Sweet, sweet ride and not much of a steel weight penalty. Just throwing that out there since steel/carbon came up.

Don't you love it how you come on here all ready to buy a bike after you get some good reinforcing feedback and you end up looking at something else because of all of the suggestions?