Road Cycling - trying to narrow down first road bike purchase.

My LBS has 2003 Bianchi Veloche's for $1300, is this a good price? I am also looking at the 2004 Cannondale R600 for either $1050 or $1099. The Bianchi is steel and c'dale aluminum, but since this is my first road bike I'm not sure which frame would suit me best. I want to do group and charity rides and eventually races (just for fun).

I am a steel fan.. I like my roadbikes steel because it gives me the comfort I need to take long rides... Road conditions here are not so good BTW.

I am not familiar with that model (veloche), but I don't see a steel frame from Bianchi's line up anymore... Does the veloce mean it has veloce components?

The r600 has a 105/tiagra mix set with travativ cranks, right?

If so, I'll take the Bianchi... Steel Frame + Campy Veloce.... Wow!!! that's a deal at $1300!

I am a steel fan.. I like my roadbikes steel because it gives me the comfort I need to take long rides... Road conditions here are not so good BTW.

I am not familiar with that model (veloche), but I don't see a steel frame from Bianchi's line up anymore... Does the veloce mean it has veloce components?

The r600 has a 105/tiagra mix set with travativ cranks, right?

If so, I'll take the Bianchi... Steel Frame + Campy Veloce.... Wow!!! that's a deal at $1300!

It says it retails for $1499 I just found out, is that still a good deal on an '03? here are the specs:

Specifications
Type 27-speed road
Sizes 44, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 cm
Colors Black + White Celeste
Frame Bianchi RC Chromo Lite heat-treated double-butted CrMo steel, sloping top tube, MegaPro design, dual bottle mounts
Fork Bianchi carbon, 1" threadless CrMo steerer
Headset VP AheadSet, 1" threadless
Bottom Bracket Campagnolo Veloce cartridge, 111 mm
Handlebars ITM Bianchi Anatomica
Stem ITM Forged, 90¼ rise
Crankset Campagnolo Veloce, 30/42/52
Chain KMC
Wheels Bianchi hubs; Mavic CXP-22N 32h rims
Tires Vittoria Zaffiro, 700x23C
Front Derailleur Campagnolo Veloce Triple, 32 mm
Rear Derailleur Campagnolo Veloce, 9-spd
Shift Levers Campagnolo Veloce ErgoPower
Casssette Campagnolo Veloce, 13-26, 9-spd
Brakes/Levers Campagnolo Veloce / Veloce ErgoPower
Pedals Look 206 clipless
Saddle Selle Italia Trimatic 2
Seatpost Bianchi alloy, 27.2 mm
Grips/Other Cork-type; CPSC reflectors
Retail price $1499.99

I was going to get a 2003 R600, but in the end opted for the 2004 R800. I picked it up to $1250 from my LBS. It is well worth it for the extra $200.

Over the R600, you get the Optimo Frame (CAAD 7), which is Cannondale's top of the line frame. It comes with full 105, but the BB is travativ (I think). Better wheels, but still not amazing. The good thing about it is that if you really get into serious biking, then you will have an amazing frame to build up.

As for the ride, I think it is fine.

I was going to get a 2003 R600, but in the end opted for the 2004 R800. I picked it up to $1250 from my LBS. It is well worth it for the extra $200.

Over the R600, you get the Optimo Frame (CAAD 7), which is Cannondale's top of the line frame. It comes with full 105, but the BB is travativ (I think). Better wheels, but still not amazing. The good thing about it is that if you really get into serious biking, then you will have an amazing frame to build up.

As for the ride, I think it is fine.

I had trouble choosing b/wn the 2004 R600 and the 2004 R800. My LBS has the R600 for $1099, but the R800 is $1450, if it was only a $200 difference I would have gone with the R800. Oh, I ordered the R600 btw, it should be here in a week and a half. The LBS where I ordered it from has a policy that if I can find the bike in any other bike shop in the state they'll match the price and give a $50 gift cert. I have a lot of calling to do ;)

I got the Bianchi Vigorelli '03 (price paid $ 1,099.00). I just finished today my second 2 hr. ride ever with this my first road bike, I loved it! I was thinking of buying a suspension seat post, but no more, the reynolds 631 steel soaks up all the bumps and rough out spot roads with elegance and finesse, it has a carbon fork too.
I love this bike; the only thing is that I'm going thru the learning curve of getting accustomed to the Ultegra gears (hoods), switching etc.
Corsaire

the new veloce is now 10spd... perhaps you can ask the dealer for a better deal... or, maybe he can swap out the shifters and the rear hub + cassette w/ the new 10 spd(which is a better deal) at the same price[$1300]...

To tell you the truth, I really think $1300 is a good deal.. Its not only the bike your purchasing, LBS service and the friendly staff goes with it ;) , everytime you take your bike for a "tune-up".

the Caad5 frame is also a "an amazing frame to build up"

i have a cannondale r800 forsale if ur intrested email me at awdtsi04@yahoo.com

I was going to get a 2003 R600, but in the end opted for the 2004 R800. I picked it up to $1250 from my LBS. It is well worth it for the extra $200.

Over the R600, you get the Optimo Frame (CAAD 7), which is Cannondale's top of the line frame. It comes with full 105, but the BB is travativ (I think). Better wheels, but still not amazing. The good thing about it is that if you really get into serious biking, then you will have an amazing frame to build up.

As for the ride, I think it is fine.

In the 2004 Cannondale catalog it lists that the R600 and R800 come with Ultegra rear derailleurs.

last years was 105 rear tiagra front, the 04 is i belive ultegra rear 105 front.

The LBS where I ordered it from has a policy that if I can find the bike in any other bike shop in the state they'll match the price and give a $50 gift cert. I have a lot of calling to do ;)

Caution....we "price match" as well from other shops. But you have to have it in writing, an ad, a price quote on their paper (not a cocktail napkin) something like that. Typically, you cannot just call up a shop and say, "They'll give it to me for $50 less." For us to do that you have to have hard copy from that shop on their price. If they will do it sight unseen, buy quick.
You might want to check that out before you spend a lot of time....

Caution....we "price match" as well from other shops. But you have to have it in writing, an ad, a price quote on their paper (not a cocktail napkin) something like that. Typically, you cannot just call up a shop and say, "They'll give it to me for $50 less." For us to do that you have to have hard copy from that shop on their price. If they will do it sight unseen, buy quick.
You might want to check that out before you spend a lot of time....

I called several shops in the region and it seems that they all go by cannondale's suggested retail value.

i rode with a guy (210lbs) who bought a bianchi veloce and has done well with it. the BB is great. he changed out the triple.

**i think that this is a great bike for the type of riding that you are planning on. you'll never have to upgrade anything but maybe those CXP's...and they aren't bad either.

what type of roads (flat, rolling, hills, nice roads, potholed roads)

i rode with a guy (210lbs) who bought a bianchi veloce and has done well with it. the BB is great. he changed out the triple.

**i think that this is a great bike for the type of riding that you are planning on. you'll never have to upgrade anything but maybe those CXP's...and they aren't bad either.

what type of roads (flat, rolling, hills, nice roads, potholed roads)

I live in the Ozarks so it's pretty hilly here, the main roads are good for the most part but some back roads can be rough. I think I'm going to go with the triple chainring because of the hills.

I ride a Cannondale and swear by them. But I think the Bianchi Veloce is a good deal. I have a Campagnolo Chorus group on my Cannondale and I prefer the Campy over Shimano now that have bikes with both. Personal preference. Veloce is well rated stuff. One caution though - it is a little harder to find replacement parts for and if you ever go to change wheels you will be more limited and often pay a little more. If you are debating between the a Cannondale and a Bianchi and you don't have a preference between Campy and Shimano - you can never go wrong with a Cannondale. One of Italy's top racing teams rides them. Cippolini won on a CAAD5 and SAECO now rides CAAD7, can't go wrong with either frame.

the Caad5 frame is also a "an amazing frame to build up"

Are you happy with the CAAD5 frame? What bike do you have? What size are you/kind of riding do you do?

I am a recreational rider/some charity rides/centuries and 5'6" 140 pounds. I am not completely sold on the CAAD5 frame yet on my 2003 R800.

I ride a Cannondale and swear by them. But I think the Bianchi Veloce is a good deal. I have a Campagnolo Chorus group on my Cannondale and I prefer the Campy over Shimano now that have bikes with both. Personal preference. Veloce is well rated stuff. One caution though - it is a little harder to find replacement parts for and if you ever go to change wheels you will be more limited and often pay a little more. If you are debating between the a Cannondale and a Bianchi and you don't have a preference between Campy and Shimano - you can never go wrong with a Cannondale. One of Italy's top racing teams rides them. Cippolini won on a CAAD5 and SAECO now rides CAAD7, can't go wrong with either frame.

I am a recreational rider (some centuries/charity rides) (5'6" 140 pounds) and just bought the 2003 R800. Do you ride the CAAD5 and what kind of rider are you (incl size)? I think the CAAD5 frame makes me work too hard to move the bike forward. I was going to check out Trek2200 for the carbon in the frame and better components. Thanks.

Hi,
the Veloce is a nice bike. The big question is how well it fits you.
If you haven't taken it for a ride, you must. Take several different bikes for test rides to get an idea of what works for you. Now about that Veloce...I hate that saddle and I'm not terribly impressed with the wheels. Ask the dealer how much it would be to upgrade the wheels. Go with Mavic Open Pros and to get a better saddle. Let us know what he offers you. But definitely take it out for a long test ride.

Are you happy with the CAAD5 frame? What bike do you have? What size are you/kind of riding do you do?

I am a recreational rider/some charity rides/centuries and 5'6" 140 pounds. I am not completely sold on the CAAD5 frame yet on my 2003 R800.

LENNY!

You're more of a buyers remorse guy than I am! What do you have? An R800? a Trek 1000? You're concerned with the Parade Wheels, now the frame? Tell us the whole deal! We'll help!

CAAD5 is a great frame, a few ounced heavier but probably more durable than the CAAD7 Optimo. I wouldn't be concerned.. a few years back, the CAAD5 was the Top Dog!

Parade wheels? Decent wheels... At your weight, I don't see them being a problem... it's probably 200lb plus guys who know out the guys out of true... only 16 spokes.

Enjoy your bike and don't look back.

LENNY!

You're more of a buyers remorse guy than I am! What do you have? An R800? a Trek 1000? You're concerned with the Parade Wheels, now the frame? Tell us the whole deal! We'll help!

CAAD5 is a great frame, a few ounced heavier but probably more durable than the CAAD7 Optimo. I wouldn't be concerned.. a few years back, the CAAD5 was the Top Dog!

Parade wheels? Decent wheels... At your weight, I don't see them being a problem... it's probably 200lb plus guys who know out the guys out of true... only 16 spokes.

Enjoy your bike and don't look back.

I had the Trek1000 from last year when I started getting into biking. I bought the 2003 R800 last week since it rode nicely and was only $1000. But it seems to be a little too difficult to move it down the road. I thought since it is a race frame it would be faster (maybe it is just early in the season) but I am going no faster than last year on my Trek1000 with sneakers.

I am thinking that maybe the wheels are the problem as to why I feel the bike is sluggish.

Being a Trek guy I was thinking Trek2200 when I went in to the LBS. It has more carbon, better components, better wheels, liked Trek1000. But am I missing a great opporunity to get the CAAD5 frame and I could always upgrade components and wheels or do I get all that now with the Trek2200.

I will test drive and figure it out I guess but I wanted others opinions.

I am only doubting my purchase since I am new to cycling and there are so many choices. I want a bike I can keep for 8-10 years, so I do not want to cheat myself from getting more bike (i.e. Ultegra, more carbon, better ride for me, better wheels).

I wanted to know if a biker of my size should be on a stiff Cannondale or if other brands might be better suited for me.

Thanks.

LENNY!

You're more of a buyers remorse guy than I am! What do you have? An R800? a Trek 1000? You're concerned with the Parade Wheels, now the frame? Tell us the whole deal! We'll help!

CAAD5 is a great frame, a few ounced heavier but probably more durable than the CAAD7 Optimo. I wouldn't be concerned.. a few years back, the CAAD5 was the Top Dog!

Parade wheels? Decent wheels... At your weight, I don't see them being a problem... it's probably 200lb plus guys who know out the guys out of true... only 16 spokes.

Enjoy your bike and don't look back.

Any wheel suggestions? Thanks.

Any wheel suggestions? Thanks.

Mavic Cosmos, Campy Proton, Mavic Ksyrium

I like both bikes, but if I had to pick one, I'd pick the Veloce.