Bianchi Chromo lite CX frames-any users out there?

[cyclox66]

I know of someone through my LBS who has built one of these up. Anybody with experience with these frames? They run around $400 and seem like a pretty good deal for a steel frame. I'm considering this as an option and building it up with my parts spec rather than going with the aluminum bianchi axis.

I guess these frames are new but not included in the bianchi catalog for some reason.

Thanks for any wisdom...

[BlastRadius]

Are those the Reynolds 520 Chromo Lite? My Strada is Chromo Lite and has canti studs. I wonder if it's the same or similar frame.

[cyclox66]

Are those the Reynolds 520 Chromo Lite? My Strada is Chromo Lite and has canti studs. I wonder if it's the same or similar frame.

I sounds like it. I think this link shows the frame I'm talking about. Scroll down a bit for the info:

http://www.bikyle.com/Cyclocross.asp

Any thoughts out there?

[velocipedio]

lovely frame, if a bit heavy. a guy here in montreal -- a former columbian pro -- built one up a couple of years back and has been using it as his main bike. he kicks everyone's ass. of course, it's not the bike, it's the ex-pro, but he doesn't complain...

[warrenginn]

Are those the Reynolds 520 Chromo Lite? My Strada is Chromo Lite and has canti studs. I wonder if it's the same or similar frame.

Hey, I just ordered an '04 Bianchi Strada. It's 520 with a carbon fork. Chose steel for fast day tours on crappy roads. Aluminum was too stiff... Can't wait to get it...

[BlastRadius]

I sounds like it. I think this link shows the frame I'm talking about. Scroll down a bit for the info:

http://www.bikyle.com/Cyclocross.asp

Any thoughts out there?

Oooo! That's nice! Wonder why the cable routing is along the downtube though.
If I didn't already have an '04 Axis...

[cyclox66]

Blastradius, how are you liking that 04 Axis? It is probably my number one pick for a production cx bike. Any feedback would be nice. Thanks...cyclox66!

[BlastRadius]

It's been pretty good. I haven't taken it on the road much because I have a road bike, but it handles great off-road. It climbs like the best of the hardtails, probably better unless you're in really soft terrain. I don't usually need the granny ring even. Downhilling without suspension or disc brakes and a fairly forward riding position is really "exciting". The brakes squealed like crazy but I got them adjusted with extreme toe-in to get rid of it. I guess new pads may help there. I also added top-mount levers, which I think are a must if you do any kind of downhill trail.
The Aluminum is noticeably harsh compared to my steel Strada Cross/Commuter (but that could be road v. off-road too).
Another thing I've noticed is the bottom bracket and/or cranks flex. I'm thinking of switching to a double (38/48) splined crankset.

[mgwadz]

I had the 2000 Axis- I chose it in part since had a really good parts setup for 'cross and good components compared to most of the other prodcuction CX bikes out there. I bought it as a commuter bike, with the hope I'd race 'cross one day. I put a lot of miles on that bike and finally took up 'cross racing, but the Axis itself failed after 3 years and about 12,000 miles. Massive cracking at the welds near the bottom bracket- luckilly no crash. Bianchi was very good about warranteeing the bike and said I could get credit towards a new Axis, credit towards a scandium cross-concept frame, or get one the discontinued steel frames.

I opted for the steel- in part it was scary seeing a frame fail under me, and I weigh 190-200lbs so super-light scandium seemed like a bad idea (adn a lot more expensive). I dig the celeste color, and it came with the cross-concepts carbon fork (except with threaded steerer). I love it- I don't knwo the exact weight, but it doesn't feel especially heavy and it seems less bone-jarring than the axis.
since I do a lot more CX racing now, I have a seperate commuter/backup CX bike (surly cross-checkl) and save the bianchi for training and racing.

I'm dissapointed to see the new acix go to a triple ring- I liked that the Axis had a real racing set-up. and, I prefer the threaded steerer to the integrated headset of the CC, which I fear could get damaged and ruin the frame.

did you end up getting the bike? I think it's a great choice for a race-frame- classic design and classic celeste-

marc







I know of someone through my LBS who has built one of these up. Anybody with experience with these frames? They run around $400 and seem like a pretty good deal for a steel frame. I'm considering this as an option and building it up with my parts spec rather than going with the aluminum bianchi axis.

I guess these frames are new but not included in the bianchi catalog for some reason.

Thanks for any wisdom...