Touring - Bianchi Volpe in Canada?

I've been scouring the internet, and especially these forums, for days trying to decide on a new bike. And now that I think I've found the perfect one for me, it seems the bike's not available here in Canada. I just got back from a Bianchi dealer in Toronto and they say the Volpe is a "US-only bike" and that they can't get it in. I know for a fact these bikes are available in the UK, so the US-only thing is wrong. I only hope the not-available-in-Canada thing is wrong, too. Anyone able to confirm or deny? I need to know whether I should be planning a weekend in Buffalo sometime soon! :)

Mark

Just got an email back from the Canadian Bianchi distributor who confirms that the Volpe is a Bianchi USA bike. The distributor gets its bikes from Italy, so no Volpe for me. :( I'd actually consider a trip to the States for this purpose, but I'd hate to get there and find I don't like how it rides.

Any suggestions on alternative bikes? I'm an almost-40 year old with a bit of touring experience in my younger years. My last touring bike was a Miyata (stolen). I haven't ridden at all for about 5-6 years (took up running) and now want to get back into it. My immediate plans are to use the bike for long-ish weekend rides in and around the city (25-50 miles; would love to try a century eventually). A long-weekend camping jaunt or two in the fall are good possibilities, too. Next year, if all goes well, a week or longer fully loaded tour would be nice. Otherwise, the bike would be used for the odd commute/errand. (I live downtown and am carless).

I liked the Volpe because it'll handle the loaded touring but also serve as a nimble, zippy ride for my unloaded day trips. That, and it's reasonably priced and looks good to boot.

Should I just go with a dedicated tourer like the Trek 520 or Fuji Touring? Another possibility I've looked at is the the Specialized Sequoia, but I'm less confident about its loaded touring abilities.

All suggestions most welcome!

Mark

Well this is my dream touring bike.
http://www.bikespecialties.com/marinoni/turismodisk.html
http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/html/2005/05_en_turismo.asp

Cycles Marinoni turismo
.: Built to withstand the rigors of loaded touring, while offering a remarkably lively ride;
.: Load up your Turismo and enjoy the freedom of the road, be it for a long weekend or an epic journey;
.: Comfortable and sturdy thanks to the Turismo’s double-butted Columbus Zona tubeset;
.: With rack mounts front and / or rear, the Turismo also accepts larger tires for greater comfort and stability on those rough
.: mountain passes.

disc version
.: A step up from the Turismo, the Turismo Disc offers the cyclists the ultimate in brake performance;
.: Disc brakes are equally responsive in rainy and dirty conditions;
.: The ultimate tool for loaded touring, discs allow for confident braking even when carring heavy loads.

Mmmm, that does look nice. I think I'm settling on the Fuji Touring, though. The value looks to be very good. It seems to be widely available in Toronto, too! If a test ride isn't impressive, though, I'll probably give Trek 520 a try.

Mark

REI has a nice touring bike that would be worth looking into:
Novara Randonee Bike - 2005 $899
I don't know if they are in Canada???
If you know any REI memebers they can use their annual didvidend to get 20% off any single purchase-that would make it an excellent deal

Is the Volpe was a women's bike......
http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/gran-fondo/volpe/
The language makes it sound like it's designed for women, but it is not in the women-specific category...
Help a Canadian learn more about this sweet bike!

Welcome to BF - you may not have noticed that this thread is more than 5 years old.

The Volpe has changed a number of times in the past few years; there are lots of folks who have toured on them but the bike seems to be constantly going through minor modifications so if you are talking to an owner/dealer make sure you are talking about the right now.

Not sure why you would focus on this bike -- there are now several Canadian bike with touring bikes in your price range:

- Rocky Mountain Sherpa
- Norco Cabot or Fraser
- Jamis - Aurora, Aurora Elite.