General Cycling Discussion - 04 Bianchi Axis vs. Volpe

Hey all,
I'm looking at some 04 Bianchi Cyclocross bikes, and I could use some direction. There's a significant price difference between the two bikes - is it worth the extra coin$ to get an Axis? Granted, the Axis looks much sweeter, but I don't know if I want to swing $1300+ right now. Should I wait and save til I can afford the Axis, or buy the Volpe and upgrade as things wear out or break?

Is there any difference so great that I *must* own the Axis?

Here's the actual difference in the bikes, I hope this works and it is readable:
http://www.fototime.com/39C4C3A9133A146/standard.jpg

This is for commuting to work (8 miles one way), rails-to-trails rides, the occasional 50 mile tour, and maybe a century someday. (Crosstraining for a marathon I plan to run again in the Fall and pounding down my cholesterol level :)).

Thanks in advance,
John

FYI, I pulled everyting that was the same out of the table above, leaving only the things that were different on each.

Axis
http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/2535ad804a.jpg

Volpe
http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/38337f56bf.jpg

Hey all,
This is for commuting to work (8 miles one way), rails-to-trails rides, the occasional 50 mile tour, and maybe a century someday. (Crosstraining for a marathon I plan to run again in the Fall and pounding down my cholesterol level :)).

Thanks in advance,
John


Looks to me like you could do these things on the Volpe as well as the Axis, and save $$$. And it looks like the Volpe would be better at carrying racks & panniers.

I'd consider getting rid of the suspension seatpost on the Volpe (personal preference) to save some weight. With the money you save you could get a spare set of wheels/tires. The original wheels for loaded touring/trail riding, a lighter set for fast riding/centuries.

The main difference would be the weight and the difference in ride between Aluminum and Steel. Also, I suspect the wheelset on the Axis is lighter which would make the overall feel of the Axis faster.

I'd get the Volpe unless you're looking to do 'cross racing. I'd get rid of the suspension seatpost too. With the right upgrade parts, the Volpe can be just as light as the Axis eventually.

Only thing I see wrong is they are cyclecross :D
for $1500 you could buy a Bianchi Giro :D
LOL hey the reality is they are both Bianchis, thats what matters most.. Nice bikes :)

Whew! $1500 is a LOT! (Well, more than I want to spend on the bike alone.)

How much of weight difference are we likely talking about?

Where is a good place to find used bikes? Is that a better option?

Well my '04 Axis is about 21 lbs and my custom built Strada with mainly ultegra, steel fork, and 700x38c (500gr) tires is about 22 lbs. I could probably drop the weight on the Strada further but I like it the way it is now. (Half a pound can come off the tires alone.)

Where are you located? http://craigslist.org has a lot of used bikes (most active is SF Bay Area).

Well my '04 Axis is about 21 lbs and my custom built Strada with mainly ultegra, steel fork, and 700x38c (500gr) tires is about 22 lbs. I could probably drop the weight on the Strada further but I like it the way it is now. (Half a pound can come off the tires alone.)

Where are you located? http://craigslist.org has a lot of used bikes (most active is SF Bay Area).

I'm in Pittsburgh, PA - couldn't get too much further from San Fran, unfortunately. Of course, shipping couldn't be that bad, huh?

I have the 03 Volpe and use it for all of the things you mentioned. The only
thing I wasn't thrilled with was the wheelset. Nothing really wrong they
are just not that great. But what do you want for under $1000.
I don't think I would like the suspension seatpost either.

The only reason to get the axis would be if you are really planning on doing
cyclocross or more serious off road riding. I ride my volpe on dirtroads and even
some trails all the time. Plus as someone already mentioned, the volpe is setup
better for racks and panniers.

Steve

Thanks all, great info.

Well my '04 Axis is about 21 lbs and my custom built Strada with mainly ultegra, steel fork, and 700x38c (500gr) tires is about 22 lbs. I could probably drop the weight on the Strada further but I like it the way it is now. (Half a pound can come off the tires alone.)

Where are you located? http://craigslist.org has a lot of used bikes (most active is SF Bay Area).
My Giro weighs apx 19 lbs without full waterbottles, I dont know if I can drop any more weight on mine but would be willing to if I knew what to lose.

Whew! $1500 is a LOT! (Well, more than I want to spend on the bike alone.)

How much of weight difference are we likely talking about?

Where is a good place to find used bikes? Is that a better option?
Some very nice used ones in ebay, also check at your LBS, especially if he is a Bianchi dealer.. I have also seen a couple in craigslist..
Here is a pic of what $1500 could get you :D a beautiful 04 Bianchi Giro

I love my Volpe and for what you describe you definitely don't need more. I like steel over alum frames. Mine doesn't have suspension.

Joe

Wow, this all got moot quickly - I got laid off this morning. :( No bike for me for a while.

WOW! That's a bummer! Where do you live and what do you do?

Joe

I *was* the General Manager of a $4 million aerospace components manufacturer near Pittsburgh PA. I have 12 years' sales and marketing management experience, (BS Marketing, MS Management, MBA) and I guess I'll be updating my resume'!