jnfr

Hi! I've been lurking around these bikeforums trying to get information for an impending bike purchase. I'm a rube. It'll be my first new bike since high school, and so it'll be the "gateway" bike. I'd appreciate your thoughts on the bikes I'm considering or other bikes you might suggest.

I expect to be riding on roads, bumpy country roads, dirt paths, and limestone gravel paths. I plan to do some touring in a year or two. I'm looking for something that gives me a prayer of keeping up when my boyfriend rides his cyclocross. I think I'd prefer the 3 gear cranks for climbing hills. I can't get very far out of the 1Grand price range. Right now I'm looking at the Bianchi Volpi and the Redline Conquest Classic. Sight unseen, I have a yen for the shiny-penny Redline. But as I understand it, the two bike are pretty similar, right?

BIANCHI VOLPE
Model VOLPE Tiagra 9sp Triple
Code Y0BC3
Color 6K Olive Metallic, 7C Dark Blue, LC Black
Sizes 44-49-52-55-58-61
Frame Bianchi Cr-Mo, TIG weld
Fork 1-1/8” CrMo blades, CrMo steerer
Headset VP-A51AE
shifters Shimano TIAGRA
rear derailleur Shimano DEORE
front derailleur Shimano TIAGRA
crankset Sugino XD 500T SQ, 48/38/28
chain SRAM PC 951
sprocket SRAM PG-950, 11/32
brakes Cane Creek SCX-5
brake lever Shimano TIAGRA
rear hub Shimano FH-4500
front hub Shimano HB-4500
rims WTB DX23
Tires WTB All Terrainasaurus
Stem Kalloy alloy
Handlebar Premetec 6105R
Grips Bike Ribbon cork
Seatpost Kalloy SP-600
Saddle Velo VL-1166
Pedals Wellgo WPD-823
Waterbottle Hanger NO

REDLINE CONQUEST CLASSIC
Frame Redline Conquest DB Cromoly 135mm R spacing
Fork Redline Cromoly
Headset Steel Threadless 28.6mm
Frt Der Shimano Tiagra 28.6mm
Rear Der Shimano 105 Long Cage
Shifter Shimano Tiagra
Crank FSA Vero Compact 28x38x48T
BB Set FSA 68mm x 110mm Square Taper
Cogs Shimano HG 50 12-25 9 speed
Pedals None
Rims Alex Race 24 32H, Double Wall
Hubs Alloy 32H QR Disc
Spokes Stainless 14G
Tires Hutchinson GT 700 x 28C
Bar FSA Vero Compact 31.8mm
Stem FSA OS-190
Saddle Selle Italia Q-Bik
Seat Post FSA SL-280 Forged
Brakes Avid BB5 Road Disc
Aux Levers N/A

Thanks, all!

fietsbob

Different Port of Entry? Bianchi, Oakland, .. Redline, Tacoma, .. either will do .. what is your nearest dealer ?
Redline uses Disc brakes , the other one cantilevers.

Might want to have the cassette swapped out on the RL.. while the shop puts it together.

25 is a bit on the high side
a 28 will be 1:1 x wheel diameter as 28 granny is on both cranks


shop dealers too.. best service after the sale..

knobster

I think I'd go with the Redline. I believe you'll really like the disc brakes on it. Would be nice for touring as well. Other than the brakes, it's pretty much the same bike. Don't think you'd go wrong with either.

BengeBoy 

Pretty similar.

I'd choose between them based on:
- how they feel on a test ride
- which bike shop do you feel will give you the best service after the sale
- color

If it were me, and I were buying the Redline Conquest, I'd have them put on a cassette with a wider range when I buy the bike -- a 12-27, or even an 11-32 like the Volpe. That will give you a gear range one full gear lower, and help on the hills while you ride into shape. The shop ought to be willing to do that for free or a very small charge.

KonAaron Snake 

One difference is that there is a recall on the 2010 Conquest.

jnfr

Thanks for the responses, especially regarding swapping in a cassette with a lower range! I am now ready go forth to the bike store . . .

Oh, and I just noticed a recall on the Redline Conquest, but I think that refers only to the aluminum frames, and not the steel "Classic."

knobster

Nope: REDLINE BICYCLES is voluntarily recalling all 2010 Redline Conquest Cyclocross bicycles and framesets

jnfr

I guess I didn't buy a bike a minute too soon, then. :O !

moralleper

I believe the recall is to do with the carbon fork separating from the the aluminum steerer. Not an issue for the steel bike.

knobster

Don't take the advise from someone on the Internet about this. Find out for yourself by calling Redline and asking if it applied to the Steel bike.

KonAaron Snake 

I agree with Knobster...you should definitely call and ask to be sure. I did read the press release and it SOUNDS like this should only affect the aluminum model, but why not call and be certain?

jnfr

I did email Redline asking if this was so, and it turns out that this particular bike was NOT recalled.

"The recall is not on the Conquest Classic"

fietsbob

Spec list did say steel fork