Road Cycling - bianchi

I am thinking about buying a Bianchi Giro. However, I hardly see anyone riding these bikes and I was wondering if experienced riders know something I don't. Are these bikes good for a beginner? I don't want a straight entry level bike, I was trying to go a step above without spending more than $1500. My choices are limited mainly because I am 5' about 96 pounds w/petite frame. I tried a Trek 1000, 43cm (too small) and a Specialized Dolce Sport (wanted better components). So any pros/cons on the Bianchi Giro I should consider.

Thanks.

Kris

I wish I could afford that bike. I have heard good things about Bianchi. More comfortable than the aluminum stuff all over the market apparently(though Bianchi does make aluminum bikes).

My aluminum 80's cannondale is apparently one of the harshest riding bikes around. Lucky me huh :(

The Giro is a great bike, and I know there are some Giro owners that will respond with some specific comments. I test road one, and it rides much better than an "all aluminum" bike. Test ride the Veloce and the Vigorelli, if they are in your range ($1599), if not then test ride an Imola. All of those are steel, and you know "steel is real".

I've got the Virata, and absolutely love it :D

I have a Bianchi Giro, I love it...
For the price its a great bike.
This years Giro has some awsome colors and also has a bit more carbon on it than last years...
My opinion is you cant go wrong with the Giro..
If you get it be sure to let everyone know how great a bike it is and be sure to post pics... :D

I am thinking about buying a Bianchi Giro. However, I hardly see anyone riding these bikes and I was wondering if experienced riders know something I don't. Are these bikes good for a beginner? I don't want a straight entry level bike, I was trying to go a step above without spending more than $1500. My choices are limited mainly because I am 5' about 96 pounds w/petite frame. I tried a Trek 1000, 43cm (too small) and a Specialized Dolce Sport (wanted better components). So any pros/cons on the Bianchi Giro I should consider.

Thanks.

Kris

Bianchi makes fine bikes. They are one of the largest and oldest bike makers in the world. In the US, their sales aren't anywhere near Trek's, but on any large group ride you'll see a few. You might also want to try their Eros Donna. It's a little less expensive than what you're willing to spend but it is designed especially for smaller women. Plus, it's a really cool orange color.

I am thinking about buying a Bianchi Giro. However, I hardly see anyone riding these bikes and I was wondering if experienced riders know something I don't. Are these bikes good for a beginner? I don't want a straight entry level bike, I was trying to go a step above without spending more than $1500. My choices are limited mainly because I am 5' about 96 pounds w/petite frame. I tried a Trek 1000, 43cm (too small) and a Specialized Dolce Sport (wanted better components). So any pros/cons on the Bianchi Giro I should consider.

Thanks.

Kris

Kris, I test road the Giro and liked it a lot, but I liked the Vigorelli even more. The steel ride was even nicer than the aluminum with carbon ride. Also, the Shimano group was nicer. (More money though) I was torn, though, because the Giro is lighter. I'm not sure I liked last year's color scheme. Perhaps others didn't like it either. This year's looks nice!

I love my Bianchi. My Giant is just a rain/trainer bike now.

I also was looking for a first road bike that was a little bit better than a "beginner's" bike. I test rode the Eros, Vigorelli, Veloce, and Giro. The Eros, Vigorelli and Veloce were all steel frames with carbon forks and the rides were great and felt better than the Giro ride. If you can still find 2003 models you can find the Eros/Eros Donna for under $800 (retail $1100). For a couple hundred more (paid $1000 retail $1600) I went with a Veloce for the better component group and other upgraded parts and accessories. The Vigorelli is pretty much the same bike as the Veloce except the Vigorelli uses Shimano parts and my Veloce uses Campagnolo.

Good luck!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=55920&highlight=bianchi

Kris, I test road the Giro and liked it a lot, but I liked the Vigorelli even more. The steel ride was even nicer than the aluminum with carbon ride. Also, the Shimano group was nicer. (More money though) I was torn, though, because the Giro is lighter. I'm not sure I liked last year's color scheme. Perhaps others didn't like it either. This year's looks nice!


The price difference between the Giro and the Veloce and Vigorelli is about $100. The Giro is aluminum and the other two are steel. As for the components, the Giro is Shimano 105, the Vigorelli is Shimano Ultegra and the Veloce is Campagnolo (I don't know anything about these). The LBS doesn't have my size in the other 2 bikes, just the Giro. My question is for $100 more would I be getting a much better bike, is the increase worth it because $1500 was my max, but $99 isn't that much more if worth it, also of the Veloce and the Vigorelli, which one would you recommend?

Thanks for your help. Kris

For that price, I imagine that you're getting Campy Centaur on the Veloce. I would pay the extra $100 for steel frames with Uletgra or Centaur components.

The Veloce has Veloce components. I still think that it is worth the extra C note to get a steel frame over alum. I also prefer Campy to Shimano. I have Mirage on my Bianchi, and almost a decade later, it still shifts perfectly.

The price difference between the Giro and the Veloce and Vigorelli is about $100. The Giro is aluminum and the other two are steel. As for the components, the Giro is Shimano 105, the Vigorelli is Shimano Ultegra and the Veloce is Campagnolo (I don't know anything about these). The LBS doesn't have my size in the other 2 bikes, just the Giro. My question is for $100 more would I be getting a much better bike, is the increase worth it because $1500 was my max, but $99 isn't that much more if worth it, also of the Veloce and the Vigorelli, which one would you recommend?

Thanks for your help. Kris

Your bike shop will order whatever size or model you want. If not, find a new bike shop.

I am thinking about buying a Bianchi Giro. However, I hardly see anyone riding these bikes and I was wondering if experienced riders know something I don't.

Why buy a bike everyone else has? Seriously, this is a very cool bike. I especially like that Liquid Silver... ssshhhhhhcccccwwwwwwwiiiiiing! :D

Buy the Giro!!!!!!!!!

The price difference between the Giro and the Veloce and Vigorelli is about $100. The Giro is aluminum and the other two are steel. As for the components, the Giro is Shimano 105, the Vigorelli is Shimano Ultegra and the Veloce is Campagnolo (I don't know anything about these). The LBS doesn't have my size in the other 2 bikes, just the Giro. My question is for $100 more would I be getting a much better bike, is the increase worth it because $1500 was my max, but $99 isn't that much more if worth it, also of the Veloce and the Vigorelli, which one would you recommend?

Thanks for your help. Kris

I can only compare Shimano groups since I've never ridden the Campys. I would say that the group change alone is not sufficient to warrant the extra money. However...the wheels on the Vigorelli are very nice (Mavic Ksyrium Elites vs. Mavic Cosmos). Other than that it's the feel that makes the difference. You should see if they can get you a Vigorelli to try out. Or, go to another shop that has one. Compare the two rides on the same piece of road. (don't go by memory). That may help make your decision.

I can only compare Shimano groups since I've never ridden the Campys. I would say that the group change alone is not sufficient to warrant the extra money. However...the wheels on the Vigorelli are very nice (Mavic Ksyrium Elites vs. Mavic Cosmos). Other than that it's the feel that makes the difference. You should see if they can get you a Vigorelli to try out. Or, go to another shop that has one. Compare the two rides on the same piece of road. (don't go by memory). That may help make your decision.


I test road a Bianchi ML3 frame w/ full centaur group and mavic open wheels. 2x actually. Nice ride, fit me really well. I still felt better with the colnago (and I still don't know if I could handle celeste...especially since I'd of had to get a matching jersey).

What frame does the gyro have? The ML3 ? Or is it steel? The ML3 is the low end aluminum one...


*If you said anything about campy vs shimano ride them both..I tried 3x to like the shimano groupset for a bunch of reasons (Like I could of gotten a cheaper bike that I liked enough to ride wtih shimano...but I can't stand shifting with the brake leaver, the third lever makes my life alot more pleasant)
Chad

Krispns, I bought a Giro 4 years ago as a beginner....Imola Yellow w/ black CF fork. Loved that bike.....105 grouppo never a real problem. During the second year of riding the braze-on FD snapped. The LBS could not fix, so they sent to Bianchi for replacement....guess what? They sent a new reparto corso model frame and fork.

Can't go wrong with Bianchi warranty......Get the Giro.

I have the Vigorelli 2003 triple (celste/TI color) paid $ 1,100 got a deal - but before buying I got to test the Giro 2003: excellent, smooth ride, thought I was riding a paper clip.
Now that I've been with my Vigorelli steel for 9 months all I can say is that is a very smooth and comfortable bike, fast but not as stiff to make it a race bike. However it fits my non-racy needs...although I'd wish it was stiffer when I'm out on a club ride and gets competitive. The farthest I've ridden with is 50 miles and didn't even feel in my body, except for the normal leg weariness, but fresh otherwise.
The triple has helped on many steep hills, since I like steep hills.
Hope this helps in your decision.
Corsaire

Hi, Im interested in a veloce. Where did you find one for $1000? Thanks