tourist
04-05-04, 04:59 PM
Any $.02 USD will be appreciated. I'm replacing an old Giant Innova ca. 1994. Thanks
Recreational & Family - Opinions: Bianchi Boardwalk v. Trek 7300FX v. Gary Fisher Nirvana
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slotibartfast
04-07-04, 10:57 PM
Two years ago, I test rode the Bianchi Boardwalk, the Trek 7500FX, and the Gary Fisher Utopia - I was interested in the Nirvana, but the dealer here didn't carry it. To me, it looks like the Nirvana and the 7300FX are very similar - the Nirvana comes with a front shock, otherwise they look pretty much like the same bike. I liked the ride of the Boardwalk, but didn't like the twist-grip shifters - I preferred the Deore shifters from a comfort standpoint. If you can swing another $200, I'd step up to the Trek 7500FX or the Fisher Utopia. The difference between them and the Nirvana and the 7300FX is like night and day. They are more road-like, you're in a more areodynamic position, they're faster, and the component packages are better.
What type of riding do you like? If you're just looking for short rides for some fun, you're choices are right on target. If you're thinking of longer, faster rides think about putting off your purchase for a while until you can afford a road bike. I speak from experience on this one....A year after buying my Gary Fisher Utopia, I felt the need for speed and purchased a Bianchi Veloce. Since I hadn't been cycling in over a decade, I didn't know what type of bike I wanted and didn't want to put out the coin for a road bike. Anyway, I do like having 2 bikes - I use the Utopia for early season training and riding with my wife and I use the Veloce when I can get out and hammer with my buddies or by myself. Looking at the Trek website, the Trek 1000 is only $570 - not a bad way to start out as a roadie if that's the way you're headed.
Good luck on your search! Remember to test ride everything you might be remotely interested in - you'll know the right one when you ride it!
What type of riding do you like? If you're just looking for short rides for some fun, you're choices are right on target. If you're thinking of longer, faster rides think about putting off your purchase for a while until you can afford a road bike. I speak from experience on this one....A year after buying my Gary Fisher Utopia, I felt the need for speed and purchased a Bianchi Veloce. Since I hadn't been cycling in over a decade, I didn't know what type of bike I wanted and didn't want to put out the coin for a road bike. Anyway, I do like having 2 bikes - I use the Utopia for early season training and riding with my wife and I use the Veloce when I can get out and hammer with my buddies or by myself. Looking at the Trek website, the Trek 1000 is only $570 - not a bad way to start out as a roadie if that's the way you're headed.
Good luck on your search! Remember to test ride everything you might be remotely interested in - you'll know the right one when you ride it!
tourist
04-07-04, 11:04 PM
I do have a roadie already. An '02 C'dale Road Warrior 800. It's a sweet rig. I was looking for something for the store and back. You know sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt kinda bike that you can ride around the neighborhood and wave to people. (bell optional)
slotibartfast
04-07-04, 11:12 PM
Oh!!!! Well then, I'd say any of your choices will work well for you. Again, IMHO, I'd go for the Trek or the Nirvana because of the shifters. Personal preference. Ah yes, the bell......an absolute must for what you're going to use the bike for. I almost picked one up last week just for giggles....and to warn the 3-abreast stroller pushers on the bike path.
bianchi_rider
04-08-04, 12:33 PM
Any $.02 USD will be appreciated. I'm replacing an old Giant Innova ca. 1994. Thanks
For $100 More than the Boardwalk, you could buy the MIlano..... Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet Bike, just got one for my wife.... ride that around the neighborhood and people will KNOW its a BIANCHI....
For $100 More than the Boardwalk, you could buy the MIlano..... Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet Bike, just got one for my wife.... ride that around the neighborhood and people will KNOW its a BIANCHI....
tourist
04-08-04, 04:43 PM
Uh ... there's no beach in north Texas... DUDE. (just kidding) It's a statement bike no doubt. I'm just not sure Bianchi is all it screams. LOL!
bianchi_rider
04-08-04, 07:51 PM
Uh ... there's no beach in north Texas... DUDE. (just kidding) It's a statement bike no doubt. I'm just not sure Bianchi is all it screams. LOL!
The Bianchi Milano is definately not a "beach cruiser"... Its a "Cafe Racer".... :D
And I have 5 Bianchi's in My living room, (including my wifes Milano) I have "NEVER" had any problems with any of my bianchis.....
The Bianchi Milano is definately not a "beach cruiser"... Its a "Cafe Racer".... :D
And I have 5 Bianchi's in My living room, (including my wifes Milano) I have "NEVER" had any problems with any of my bianchis.....
ChiliDog
04-22-04, 10:31 PM
The Trek Navigator is a nice "toolin' around" bike too!
outashape
04-23-04, 06:57 AM
I'm sorry, but that is the ugliest bike I have ever seen. It looks like it should be in a circus. What could you possibile wear that wouldn't clash.
lobo
04-24-04, 07:57 PM
I just returned my Trek 7300fx for a Navigator 400. Holy $@*%! The 7300FX is about as comfortable as getting butt raped in prison. If you do go with the 7300FX be sure to get a decent saddle because the aluminum is a killer. If the frame was steel it would probably be better. The Navigator rides like a Cadillac in comparison.
bianchi_rider
04-25-04, 01:45 PM
I'm sorry, but that is the ugliest bike I have ever seen. It looks like it should be in a circus. What could you possibile wear that wouldn't clash.
No No No, the Rollo is the ugliest bike ever seen... definate circus bike....
and there is definately lots that one could wear while riding the Milano, "if fashion attire had to match the bike"
No No No, the Rollo is the ugliest bike ever seen... definate circus bike....
and there is definately lots that one could wear while riding the Milano, "if fashion attire had to match the bike"
ChiliDog
04-25-04, 09:38 PM
I just returned my Trek 7300fx for a Navigator 400. Holy $@*%! The 7300FX is about as comfortable as getting butt raped in prison. If you do go with the 7300FX be sure to get a decent saddle because the aluminum is a killer. If the frame was steel it would probably be better. The Navigator rides like a Cadillac in comparison.
On the Navigator you've got a suspension seatpost and a big, butt friendly seat (for a few miles). On the FX, your position on the bike is going to be more that of a road bike rider, so you will sit differently on a different type of saddle, more for a road bike set-up. Both are AL frames. Suspension seatpost could be put on an FX too to smooth out the ride. Ride that Navigator 25 miles, sitting straight up, and your butt is going to be killing you too! ;)
On the Navigator you've got a suspension seatpost and a big, butt friendly seat (for a few miles). On the FX, your position on the bike is going to be more that of a road bike rider, so you will sit differently on a different type of saddle, more for a road bike set-up. Both are AL frames. Suspension seatpost could be put on an FX too to smooth out the ride. Ride that Navigator 25 miles, sitting straight up, and your butt is going to be killing you too! ;)