kurt64

I am in search of a good quality bike that will suit my riding style (a little of everything, but mainly road and trails). I currently own a 2002 Trek 4500 mountain bike and a 2003 LeMond Alpe Du Huez road bike. The Fuji is about $250 cheaper than the Bianchi, but the Axis is a little better quality (I believe). I am not going to be entering any races soon, but I don't want to look back and tell myself that I should have chosen differently. The Axis is available at my LBS, while the Fuji would have to be ordered online. Is the extra expense of the B worth it?

Kev

How do you like the ride of the bianchi?

I own the Fuji Cross it is a very good bike, It comes with shimano 105 components so components are very good quality. And it has a very comfortable ride, check fuji's web site there might be a local dealer close to you.

kurt64

The Bianchi is one sweet ride!!!
There are a couple Fuji dealers near me, but none of them carry any "higher end" bikes. They only carry the low end retail bikes for some reason.

roadrage

The Fuji Cross is a nice bike and spec'd very well for the money. I don't know too much about the Bianchi.

kurt64

The best price I have seen on the Bianchi is $1250, while the best on the Fuji Cross is about $995. I dont have any experience with the upper end Fujis, but all owners seem to think highly of them. Does anyone know the actual weight of the Fuji Cross?

rob-rider

I love my Axis. My only regret in buying it is that I didn't buy it sooner. It is one of those bikes that, after riding it everyday, you wonder how you ever lived without.

That said, I've never owned or even ridden the Fuji. I considered it as well when I bought my Axis. Needless to say I'm happy with the choice I made. Good luck deciding on your bike--though I'm sure you'll be satisfied with either of these bikes.

JohnC

I have the Bianchi Axis (2000 model). My riding needs are similar to yours. It is a solid well put-together bike. I have not seen the Fuji, but for the amount of time I own my bikes, $200 is not a big difference. I would ride them both and pike one that feels right.

djwid

I am debating the exact same question. I am in Portland OR and I have found local dealers for both bikes. So far I have ridden the Fuji Cross and like it. I will ride the Bianchi Axis tomorrow. They have very similiar component groups. Locally I find the Fuji Cross for $949.

Good luck
djw

djwid

I have ridden both and comparing the two is interesting. I really like the Bianchi Axis, it is a great bike and excellent components. I would keep it mostly stock. The Fuji is a better fit for me. The 52cm frame is just about right. I am going to change the rear cassette/derailer to XT 11-34, I want the additional range. I do like the Fuji Frame. The Fuji is a really good bike for the money. It is a really tough call. My choice is going to based on the fact that the LBS that sells the Fuji is much more conventient and has a good service policy.

Good luck with your decision. If you have a local LBS for the Axis then maybe you should go with that bike. You won't regret it.

RacerX

Fuji. After seeing a local pro here tear up the circuit, I gotta love the Fuji. It's odd but I don't see many (any) Axis at the races... never even thought about it until now. But I think the Bianchi is a good bike anyway.

kurt64

I ended up getting the 2003 Fuji Cross. I just couldn't justify the $500 price jump for the Bianchi Axis. So far, the Cross seems to be an excellent value and a very smoothe riding bike...except for the flat tire in the first 15 minutes of the first ride.

djwid

Congratulations on the new bike. Who did you end up getting the Fuji from? My 52cm Fuji Cross should be arriving at the LBS today or tomorrow. I am jealous that you have your bike already flat or no.
-Duncan

kurt64

I actually purchased mine from a Fuji dealer in Jersey while I was on my way home from the beach. I just got really lucky as far as timing was concerned.

djwid

I just got my Fuji Cross on Thursday. I changed out the rear cassette to 11-34. I love it. No flats yet.

Here is a picture:

-Duncan

Kev

Looks alot like my Fuji But no reflectors. I really like mine hope you enjoy youre's to.

kurt64

Looks familiar
I went with toe clips, but I dont think that I will have them on this bike very long....clipless seems to be the way to go, but my shoes dont seem to fit me anymore. I was trying to avoid any additional expenses, but now I will end up buying shoes and pedals.

kurt64

You mentioned that you changed the cassette to an 11/34....where did you buy the cassette and is it a mountain bike cassette? I would like to do the same to mine for better hill climbing, but I just dont know what I should buy. Let me know.....Thanks!

djwid

Sure. I changed it to a 11-34 mtb cassette. I also changed the rear derailer to a shimino deore xt and the chain. It ran me about 100 total but I love it. I love the bike but I went from a pinto to a lexus in quality. My old bike was a beater.

kurt64

That may or may not cause a problem. What I want to do is keep the stock gearing on the stock rims and tires for local trails. I want the 11/34 gearing for new rims with road tires. Am I getting into trouble trying to do both with the same derailer?

peloton

The Fuji Cross ships stock with a standard (short cage) 105 rear derailleur, whose maximum capacity is 27t. If you want to run a cassette with a bigger cog, you'll have to change the rear derailleur (and the chain). In fact, since the maximum cog size for the long cage version of the Shimano road rear derailleurs is 29t, you'll have to use a MTB rear derailleur to get 34t.

kurt64

Thanks...just the info I needed.

tlippy

DJWID - I sent you an Email but am not real sure if I punched the correct buttons. I am interested in a FUJI XC and live in Sisters. Tought time finding anything close to home SO I would like to know where in Portland you found the FUJI for less than a $1000. Thanks..........tlippy@aol.com

Brushlip

I don't think you can go wrong buying either bike, I love my 2002 Axis, I've used it as a town bike for a year, done some easy single track (I was the limiting factor, the bike could have done more) and last week I put 700x25s on it and rode the Hotter'n Hell 100. Next month the 700x35s and rear rack go back on to take some boy scouts on a 50 miler on the Katy trail. I love this bike.
Terry

djwid

Tlippy,
Sorry for the late reply, I was in Boston on a business trip. I got my Fuji Cross at Performance Bike in Beaverton for $879. I believe it is still on sale for that price and you can order one to fit your size without any increase in cost.
-Duncan