Road Cycling - Bianchi Alfana v. Felt SR71/Fuji Royale

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perrycampf
03-30-04, 06:56 AM
Hello to all. My first post, after reading many, is a request for advice in choosing a quick commuting bike for NYC.

I think I've narrowed it down to two choices: the Bianchi Alfana (http://www.bianchiusa.com/alfana.html) and the Felt SR71 (http://www.feltracing.com/2004_bikes/sr71.html). I'm also considering the Fuji Royale (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=24&yr=2004). Could anyone tell me why the Bianchi is $350 more than these other two bikes? Is the frame that much better? Weight is definitely a consideration, as I'll be taking it into my office and up to my apartment.

I don't know much, but it seems the components on the Felt are better (e.g., Ultegra r/d), but maybe someone can point out something I'm missing.

Oh, and before someone suggests that I check out the Specialized Sirrus, you should know that I'm 6'7" and Specialized doesn't make a frame in that bike that will fit me.

Also, I know a popular reply will be for me to just go to my LBS and ride both bikes, but no LBS that I know of has either bike in my size (62-63 cm) in stock.

Bottom line: is the Bianchi worth the extra dough? I REALLY like how it looks, but I have to justify the extra cost (especially to my wife).

Thanks for any and all advice.

dpc

b-29
03-30-04, 07:11 AM
hello, you may want to look at the gary fisher 29er hybrids. they have the "genesis" frame geometery which many tall riders swear by.
BlastRadius
03-30-04, 07:31 AM
The mini-v brakes on the SR71 may provide more stopping power if you ever take the bike off-road. The price difference may because the Bianchi uses a carbon mono-stay and more Shimano parts (brakes) than the others.

townandcountry
03-30-04, 08:11 AM
$350 for the Bianchi name. That's the difference. Go with Felt, lots of bike for little money. Great components. Sturdy, light and fast. Yes, I ride one. My next bike will be an upgrade of the Felt 85 I have now.
brokenrobot
03-30-04, 11:12 AM
No matter which you choose, I'd be careful about parking a $1000+ bike on the streets in NYC... hope you've got indoor parking! ;)

-chris
halfspeed
03-30-04, 05:05 PM
Hello to all. My first post, after reading many, is a request for advice in choosing a quick commuting bike for NYC.

I think I've narrowed it down to two choices: the Bianchi Alfana (http://www.bianchiusa.com/alfana.html) and the Felt SR71 (http://www.feltracing.com/2004_bikes/sr71.html). I'm also considering the Fuji Royale (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=24&yr=2004). Could anyone tell me why the Bianchi is $350 more than these other two bikes? Is the frame that much better? Weight is definitely a consideration, as I'll be taking it into my office and up to my apartment.

I don't know much, but it seems the components on the Felt are better (e.g., Ultegra r/d), but maybe someone can point out something I'm missing.

Oh, and before someone suggests that I check out the Specialized Sirrus, you should know that I'm 6'7" and Specialized doesn't make a frame in that bike that will fit me.

Also, I know a popular reply will be for me to just go to my LBS and ride both bikes, but no LBS that I know of has either bike in my size (62-63 cm) in stock.

Bottom line: is the Bianchi worth the extra dough? I REALLY like how it looks, but I have to justify the extra cost (especially to my wife).

Thanks for any and all advice.

dpc

If you're going to be commuting, you will probably need three things:
1) Fender clearance for wet weather
2) Rack mounts to carry your stuff
3) Fatter tires to reduce your risk of being late due to flats and to protect your rims from potholes

Given that, I'd go with the Felt and see if they can swap out the tires for 700/25s or larger. The v-brakes on the Fuji and Felt will probably give you fender clearance. (Check with the bike shop and/or the manufacturer first.) It looks like the only one with rack eyes is the Felt.

You could also save some money and get the Bianchi Strada to use as your commuter and put the difference toward an account to spend on the high-end road bike you =really= want. It'll weigh a little more than the aluminum bikes, but it is very well suited to the task and it won't be quite so bad when it takes some damage from the NYC streets.