Road Cycling - Bianchi advice...

Hello everyone - I'm a mountain biker wanting to get into road cycling as well. My last road bike (eons ago) featured suicide levers, so it's obvious I need help! :eek:

Anyway, after doing quite a bit of research and visiting a few shops for some test rides, I'm now seriously considering a 2002 Bianchi Imola (specs are here: http://gianni.bianchiusa.com/2002/site/bikes/road/01_imola.html):

http://gianni.bianchiusa.com/2002/site/bikes/road/images/03_Imola.jpg

I like the way it rides, the Shimano 105 group and even the Celeste color. I'm just wondering if anyone has long-term experience with this bike (or Bianchi's in general) and would share their thoughts. One last thing to consider - I'm a heavy rider at about 250lbs.

Thanks! :)

Bianchi is an old, respected marque. I believe that you
will find that they are very reliable, stable bikes. The
gruppo is a good start and the steel frame should ride
like a dream. My wife has a Bianchi Campione and loves
it, has had absolutely zero problems with it over the last
3 years.
Marty

Hi,
generally, it's easy to tell if the bike is ok for you. I weigh a little more than you do. Get on a hill, get out of the saddle and hammer. If it scoots, great. The more flex you feel, the more likely you'll have issues.
Of course, if it has too little flex, it might pound you into a gelatinous mess....

Bianchi has an excellent reputation and has been around a long time. Your bike has decent components and it should give you excellent service.

At the price point you are looking at, the different bikes offered are all very good bikes. The main differences are pretty much individual taste: ride quality and color. You like the ride, you like the color. It sounds like a match to me.

Nice bike,if it fits,get it.

Thanks for the great replies! I put a "hold" on the bike yesterday and will make up my mind tomorrow whether to do the layaway or lease program my LBS offers...

"BUT IT"
Thats a Sweet Bike.....
:D
I have ridden Bianchi for numerous years, "NEVER" have I had any problems with any of the Bianchi's I have owned.
Sweet rides and awsome bikes....

But that color!

But that color!
The color is awsome, when you see it you "know" its a BIANCHI....
unlike some other bikes that have the same colors like uhmmm trek or cannondale, or uhmmm giant etc hehehe
Celeste definately says Bianchi, no doubt :D

I weigh about 20 pounds less than you and I purchased a Bianchi Veloce last summer. It's a great bike, fun to ride, and the weight has been no problem on either the wheels or the frame. My other bike is an alum. frame and there is a noticeable and more comfortable feel to the steel frame. I feel a Bianchi MUST have some celeste on it somewhere - mine is totally celeste and though I thought it was kind of a weird color when I bought it, now I love it. Welcome to the Celeste Army. You won't regret it.

I built up a steel Bianchi this winter and so far love it. I weigh in a bit over 205.

I meant "BUY IT"
Not "BUT IT" :D
Typo, sorry about that....

pffft....Bianchis'

Softride rules.