Anyone familiar with Bianchi Volpe?

[chris hansen]

Hello,

Is anyone familiar with the Bianchi Volpe? How does it compare to the Surly Cross Check and the LeMond Poprad for commuting/light off roading/general road riding/possible entry-level racing?

It looks like it has a triple chain ring, which I like, and a suspension seat post, which I don't know what to think about.

How is it in terms of weight/ride quality/etc?

Sorry for all the questions. I will be in a position to start test riding soon and would like to be well informed.

Thanks.

[BlastRadius]

My 2001 Bianchi Strada is virtually the same frame as the newer Volpes (the Strada had canti studs in 2001) built with Double Butted Reynolds 520 steel. It may be heavier than the new Poprad's Reynolds 853 but _probably_ lighter than the Cross Check's Double Butted 4130 CrMo.
I love the feel of it especially with my 700x35 Bontrager Select Invert tires. Even at 21+ pounds, it's a fast smooth ride and I have no problem keeping up with and passing dudes on Carbon Fiber and Titanium bikes. In fact, I sold my Cannondale Aluminum road bike to get another steel Bianchi.
I also commute on the Strada (3.5 miles) and with a change to knobbies, I could race Cyclocross on it too (although I'll normally race my Bianchi Axis).