jim wallace

I'm looking to by a new bike, but need help sorting out the options. I currently ride a 1989 bianchi tangent. It still works fine, nothing really wrong with it, but I would like to upgrade to something lighter and faster. I think the bike is comparable to a volpe. It has a steel frame and suntour XC comp compnents. It weighs 24-25 pounds. My concern is that if I am going to spend money to upgrade I want to make sure that I will notice an improvement, or why buy a new bike at all.
The amount of money I spend is less important than the decision to buy and making sure I'm happy with the bike. The riding i do is recreational, fitness, training type rides, but I like to go fast. I doubt I will ever cross race, but I will put some road tires on for triathlons. (again, just for fun). So, of course I could get by with my bike, but I like a quality ride and want fast and light. I will mostly ride on asphalt, but live in a rural area with a lot of dirt/gravel roads that I run in to when I'm out exploring. I am partial to bianchi and don't see myself buying anything else. My question is, will an axis be a noticeable upgrade or would a cross concept be better? I will at times want a rack on the back with a pannier to bring clothes to work in. I could get a rack that mounts to the seat post. Would that work o.k on the cross concept?

Phiber

Soul. Ride Soul. Lots of bang for the buck. In fact, you won't find better prices unless you work at a shop. Awesome guys over there; Chad rocks! Their frame is right on; they will fax or email you pics and dimensions. You can spec the bike however you wish.

Phiber

Oh, hah. Www.ridesoul.com

BlastRadius

If you had the cash, go for the new 2005 Axis. It's pretty nice and has rack eyelets in the rear (none on the front, at least not on my 2004).

Brianspedro

I have a 1989 Bianchi tangent also. xc components, actually looking to sell. 58cm. very good bikes

meanwhile

A steel frame lasts forever and the weight seems pretty good. Why not research upgrading the powertrain to modern SRAM? You'll get state of the art shifting and might lose some weight. And if weight bothers you then you could lose a few pounds switching to a carbon fork and what have you. Not saying that you should - just an option.

A lot depends on your definition of better. You're unlikely to get a bike that is very much faster or better handling. Would losing two pounds of weight excite you? Four? Lower weight (arguably at a cost of durability and ride quality - steel crossers still have their fans and I doubt their frame weights have changed) and better shifting are the only two things a more modern bike can give you.