Bianchi Volpe
02-11-01, 05:15 AM
#1
Mr. Cellophane
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My LBS has a Bianchi Volpe that has been on the show room, tucked back in a corner so far I have never seen it. In hopes of getting rid of it, they have lowered the price from $690 to $525. It happens to be just my theoretical size (58 cm) though I haven't ridden it yet to confirm. All Shimano RSX components, including STI brake lever shifting. I just bought a bike three months ago so my wife cannot begin to understand why I would even consider buying another. This seems like a really good deal. Sheldon Browne is very complementary of this model. But I have also read disparaging remarks about it, though nothing bad about the bike itself, just upturned nose at an "Italian" bike all made in Taiwan. Anyone have any experience with this model? Should I jump on this (assuming the bike actually fits, of course)?
Thanks,
Raymond
Thanks,
Raymond
02-11-01, 05:20 AM
#2
Mr. Cellophane
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Grammar note
Just to let you know, I do know the difference between "complementary" and "complimentary". That was strictly a typo. Sorry, I just can't stand it when I miss something like that. My wife is an English major. Since she is not here looking over my shoulder, I have to correct my own usage error. :-)
02-12-01, 08:34 AM
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RainmanP,
Take a look at https://www.roadbikereview.com. You may get the feedback you want there.
DonTx
Take a look at https://www.roadbikereview.com. You may get the feedback you want there.
DonTx
03-09-01, 06:22 PM
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dark and cynical
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I bought a Bianchi Volpe 2000 last week. I have no experience with any other touring bike (or any non crappy bike for that matter) to compare it with but I love it. To me it seems very efficient (much much faster than my old MTB) and yet sturdy and dependable. Great for communting and the occasional we trip. Or so it seems
Last edited by PapeteeBooh; 03-10-01 at 07:39 PM.
03-10-01, 02:23 PM
#5
Mr. Cellophane
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Papeteebooh (if, in fact that is your real name) and other commuter buddies,
Alas, the story of my life repeats itself once again. I settled in after travelling the better part of three weeks, having decided to go give my BSB (Bike Shop Buddy) a deposit on the Volpe, only to learn that some one had scarfed the little jewel out from under me. That's what I get for having extended conversations with myself like
"I NEED it."
"No you don't."
"But I WANT it."
"But you don't need it."
"But I DESERVE it."
"Yeah, right!"
"But what if someone else gets it and doesn't give it a good home?"
"Huh?"
"Shut up!"
"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? I know you can't be talkin' to..."
Well, you know how it goes
Alas, the story of my life repeats itself once again. I settled in after travelling the better part of three weeks, having decided to go give my BSB (Bike Shop Buddy) a deposit on the Volpe, only to learn that some one had scarfed the little jewel out from under me. That's what I get for having extended conversations with myself like
"I NEED it."
"No you don't."
"But I WANT it."
"But you don't need it."
"But I DESERVE it."
"Yeah, right!"
"But what if someone else gets it and doesn't give it a good home?"
"Huh?"
"Shut up!"
"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? I know you can't be talkin' to..."
Well, you know how it goes
03-10-01, 07:29 PM
#6
Sumanitu taka owaci
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There is a bike for you out there, Rainman, with your name on it. Maybe it is being welded together, as we speak! (You've gotta think positive).
But I understand the jealousy you must feel towards that unknown person who may, at this very moment, be mistreating your Volpe.
There are many fish in the sea...
But I understand the jealousy you must feel towards that unknown person who may, at this very moment, be mistreating your Volpe.
There are many fish in the sea...
03-10-01, 07:43 PM
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RainmanP (if this in fact is your real name 
), just to make you feel better (cruel, cruel me): $525 was a REALLY good price. I have done all shops in town and found nothing so cheap even for the 1999 model 
Ah, maybe it wasn't the right frame size after all.
), just to make you feel better (cruel, cruel me): $525 was a REALLY good price. I have done all shops in town and found nothing so cheap even for the 1999 model Ah, maybe it wasn't the right frame size after all.
Last edited by PapeteeBooh; 03-10-01 at 07:45 PM.
03-11-01, 04:06 PM
#8
Mr. Cellophane
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Papeteebooh,
Yeah, and the color was a dark green that didn't excite me too much. And the grapes were kind of sour... Oh, wrong story.
Regards,
Raymond
Yeah, and the color was a dark green that didn't excite me too much. And the grapes were kind of sour... Oh, wrong story.
Regards,
Raymond
03-11-01, 04:29 PM
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Hi,
If it was dark green that was a model from a previous year so these come cheaper when you can get hold of them (still a nice price, damned!). I know because I nearly got a 1999 model but it was too small
had to get the latest more expensive one.
If it was dark green that was a model from a previous year so these come cheaper when you can get hold of them (still a nice price, damned!). I know because I nearly got a 1999 model but it was too small
had to get the latest more expensive one.
03-28-01, 10:08 AM
#10
feros ferio
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Bianchi is a very reputable firm (and the oldest European bicycle manufacturer, with a proud racing history). Even their Asian-built captive imports are well-engineered and well-built. I think the Volpe looks like a decent alternative for many commuters, loaded tourists, and light trail riders. Enjoy the ride!
03-28-01, 12:06 PM
#11
Mr. Cellophane
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Thanks, John.
Well, my current bike, with the final upgrade touches, will always be my workhorse commuter and, hopefully, loaded touring bike.
Since I missed the Volpe, I have now set my sights on other quarry - a Bianchi Veloce. All Campy Veloce gruppo, and it comes in celeste. I love that color. They call it celeste blue, but it looks green to me. Whatever, it says "Bianchi". That will be my fun bike. I wonder if I can convince my wife to give it to me for Christmas... and birthday...and anniversary...for 3 years, maybe? I'll probably have to sign something promising I won't shave my legs or head like Marco. Sigh. A guy can dream, can't he?
Well, my current bike, with the final upgrade touches, will always be my workhorse commuter and, hopefully, loaded touring bike.
Since I missed the Volpe, I have now set my sights on other quarry - a Bianchi Veloce. All Campy Veloce gruppo, and it comes in celeste. I love that color. They call it celeste blue, but it looks green to me. Whatever, it says "Bianchi". That will be my fun bike. I wonder if I can convince my wife to give it to me for Christmas... and birthday...and anniversary...for 3 years, maybe? I'll probably have to sign something promising I won't shave my legs or head like Marco. Sigh. A guy can dream, can't he?
04-01-01, 09:19 PM
#12
feros ferio
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Take it from someone who owns one -- a fast Bianchi road bike is an ideal fun machine. My 1982 Campione d' Italia is "Ralph Lauren brown" instead of Celeste 217, but it is a blast to ride. As a male midlife crisis vehicle, it's far more cost-effective than a Ferrari.
04-02-01, 08:15 AM
#13
Mr. Cellophane
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Hey, thanks, John! You just gave me a great idea. I'll start talking Harley then when the time is right, I'll "settle" for the Bianchi which, of course, will look cheap by comparison. Think I could ride it up to Biker Night at the local watering hole? Probably better than showing up in my white Dodge Caravan.
Regards,
Raymond
Regards,
Raymond
04-02-01, 08:35 AM
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On a recent holiday in New Orleans, i happened across a beauty of a bianchi in a small bike shop.
Green she were but green she aint, for she handles like a cat
voluptuous volpe is her name and shes slowly recovering from the humiliation of being such a bargain,
Just to let you know, theres some deals to be had!
Green she were but green she aint, for she handles like a cat
voluptuous volpe is her name and shes slowly recovering from the humiliation of being such a bargain,
Just to let you know, theres some deals to be had!
