Road Cycling - Which one? Bianchi Brava or Trek 1000?

Word,
I've been looking for my first road bike and these to have started working their way into my heart. The Bianchi Brava or the Trek 1000. The Brava (http://gianni.bianchiusa.com/2002/site/bikes/road/11_brava.html) is $500 at the local bike shop but I might be able to bring them down a little. I don't know if they have the 1000 (http://trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/1000.jsp). I haven't test ridden either yet but tomorrow I'm planning on looking at/possibly riding the Brava. I'm not limited to just these two bikes, they're just the ones that stick out right now. Thanks biggie time.

See if you can find a KHS dealer near you. Take a look at the Flite 300 or 500. Similar pricepoint, but generally excellent steel frames...

Word,
I've been looking for my first road bike and these to have started working their way into my heart. The Bianchi Brava or the Trek 1000. The Brava (http://gianni.bianchiusa.com/2002/site/bikes/road/11_brava.html) is $500 at the local bike shop but I might be able to bring them down a little. I don't know if they have the 1000 (http://trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/1000.jsp). I haven't test ridden either yet but tomorrow I'm planning on looking at/possibly riding the Brava. I'm not limited to just these two bikes, they're just the ones that stick out right now. Thanks biggie time.


I test rode three Bianchi bikes last month (Volpe, Brava, Eros)

I choose the Eros and Volpe but the Brava wasn't too bad.

Performance wise, it was heavier than the Eros but more efficient than the Volpe. I like the feel of steel and found the ride as plush as the Eros. The gears were OK but this is basically the type of spec you would expect at that price range.

I've never tested an Allu road bike so I really can't comment on the Trek 1000. Since this is your first road bike, why not go with steel? There's nothing wrong with choosing Reynolds 520 over a harder Allu fame. If you were picking a good Allu frame like the Optima, then the choice would be alot easier. Since this is the low end Allu frame, I would go with steel.

Don't overlook that the Bianchi has clipless pedals (you'd need cycling shoes) and the Trek has platform pedals with clips and straps (you could wear tennis shoes).

My choice would be the Bianchi. I prefer steel over aluminum.

Don't overlook that the Bianchi has clipless pedals (you'd need cycling shoes) and the Trek has platform pedals with clips and straps (you could wear tennis shoes).

My choice would be the Bianchi. I prefer steel over aluminum.
You can usually pick up SPD compatible cycling shoes on closeout from one of the big online retailers for under $40, and often even less (depending on your foot size...).

If you really don't want clipless, you can buy some alloy platforms for about $10. Heck, since you're buying from an LBS they might even happily give some platforms to you.

I wouldn't use the pedals as a deciding factor.

I own a Trek 1000. It is my first bike as well and have had no problems with it after one year. I don't know the other bike but highly recommend the 1000.

What about the Specialized Allez?

I have a 1000, but there's not much original left but the frame. All components upgraded.

I like the ride, and it's very stiff. It may not be the lightest frame around, but what do I care? It's light enough...

What are they asking for a new 1000 these days?

I went to the bike shop today and they told me $539 for a 1000, and $749 for the 1200. They also showed me a Lemond Nevada City, for $579. That one has a carbon fork. Good stuff?