Rocksteady

Hi everyone...


So I picked up a '98 Bianchi Trofeo in great condition on CL a few days ago for 150$. After doing some research, I learned that the Trofeo has the same Italian made, Dedacciai zero tre, lugged frame as the Eros but is spec'ed with Campy Avanti and cheaper wheels (basically, a less expensive sport tourer)

I got it primarily to do long rides on and as a cheap entry to the world of ergo/STI shifting (after riding older vintage bikes exclusively )

My question is it worth the time and $ to keep the bike and make upgrades as needed/wanted or sell it and put the $ and time into a newer lighter, bike with better parts? I have to add that I have an affection for steel, lugged bikes and have always wanted a Bianchi (I really want a Veloce). I just wonder if I jumped the gun on this one.

Heres a pic-



Thanks,

RS

dtrain

It probably makes sense to keep your additional 'investments' into this bike at a minimum. But overall I'd say you got an awesome deal and should be riding it rather than re-thinking the purchase. (Of course I'm a little bit Bianchi-biased...)

ridethecliche

That's a sweet bike!


As far as upgrades go, you could get a full carbon fork from performancebike and cut a bunch of weight, then get a new headset, bars, and stem.

That's a really nice frame and I'd totally get a new drivetrain for it once the existing one wears out. Till then, I wouldn't do anything other than possibly the fork.

Rocksteady

Thanks guys for the input!

I think I'm going to change the tape and possibly the stem, ride it for the summer then think about upgrading or a newer, sexier bike...

ridethecliche

Yeah, make it fit and keep it as a rain bike/commuter.

Rocksteady

Thanks for the suggestion! I might do that when the bike has more scratches and scrapes, but right now it looks way to nice to ride in the rain and is a theft risk. Ill probably set up the '85 univega I found curbside for a commuter. Its uglier but a solid ride