bianchi avenue?

[iliev]

I am about to re-start my biking. I intend to buy two hibrids in the $300 range for me & my girlfriend to ride for fun and exercise around town and on the 15 mile bike path next to my place. I went to all lbs around me and I liked most bianchi avenue for $300 each. It has nice basic design and no suspention whatsoever. Do you guys think that this is a good chioce? Whats the image of bianchi in the US? Can you suggest some other brand that will be better?
I am an europen grad student and naturally tend to choose european brands. Is bianchi a safe bet?

[seely]

I am an europen grad student and naturally tend to choose european brands. Is bianchi a safe bet?

Bianchi's are pretty reputable... its all my boss would ride, and a lot of our customers love their Bianchis. I think they are mostly made in Taiwan these days though, same as the American brands :p

[tourist]

There's plenty of bikes in this range. I'm a fanof the Bianchi Boardwalk, but the Advantage holds no favor for me. It's OK, but there are plenty of choices in this price range that you can basically flip a coin over. If you like the Bianchi it will be plenty servicable. I would check the Trek and Specialized options. I also like the Marins in this class. IMHO the Marin San Rafeal and the Larkspur are great values.