Taffmonster

Hey one and all. I am currently in the market to upgrade from my cross (Giant Escape RX3) to a proper road bike. Money for me is an issue so Im trying to get the most for my money.
Ive been riding long hauls (50 miles on weekends) so Im looking for comfort above speed but somewhere in the middle would be best.
Currently I am torn between four (id rather be torn between 2)

First the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Alu:
The local second hand shop has a 2008 model for pretty cheap. However, not only is it second hand its also SORA equipped and Im a bit worried about buying SORA. On the other hand the carbon fork and seat stay is a bit of a seller for me. New, the Nirone is only a little more expensive so new instead of second hand is also an option.

Second is the Scott S55:
Currently this bike is MEGA cheap. Again is a SORA but it seems a nice entry level bike.

The Anchor (bridgestone) is my third choice. Its much more expensive than the others, but it comes with TIAGRA not SORA and also has the carbon fork. Size and fit seems quite nice (i have quite short legs it seems). But the price is the biggest worry.

The final choice is another second hand one. The felt F75. Felt seem a bit like the department store brand of bike. I might be wrong bit its the impression I seem to get. The F75 is relativly average price but the whole thing is 105 with ultegra RD which is what gives me the urge to go for it.


I want something cheap (just like the rest of the world) but being new to road bikes I am finding it hard what exactly to base my choice on. I can always upgrade parts like the SORA but I cant as easily upgrade a frame. Also appearance comes into play. The Bianchi is gorgeous to look at but then I dont wanna be fickle.

All in all I have no clue. please help

Omega359

Yeah, you don't have a clue, sorry Pick what feels the best when you ride it.

humboldt'sroads

I may tend to disagree that a frame is more difficult to upgrade. You can spend a lot of cash upgrading parts, especially if you get into the crankset, wheels, and shifters. Go with the best spec'd that feels good. If the F75 fits, it's definitely a nice bike. I had one the second year they came out and was very pleased. I ended up selling it for a Giant (Felt top tubes can run slightly long for my fit) but loved the bike - it's a well put together package and is by no means a department store brand.

pgjackson

Yes, you are wrong.

androidtt

I own a department store bike? How come nobody told me this!?

I would get the Felt (their geometry and Trek's fit me the best) or Bianchi Via Nirone (the geometry is suited for more comfort than race)... but the newer one with the 105 components.

Taffmonster

Well the rain has cleared up so im gonna go test ride the felt and bianchi after work. I also find a Felt F5carbon for a little more than the F75. I didnt mean to speak bad of FElt its just not a brand I'd really ever heard of.

miyata man

Don't pay the spoiled Westerners too much mind. They brand identify to the point of losing sight that all of their bikes are made in Asia by the same few companies that make the department store bikes too. The bianchi is less of a pure racing bike than the felt in that it sits you more upright. Better wheels and tires will make any of them ride substantially better so you may choose to spend money on those over other upgrades. Good luck

androidtt

I'm just kidding I've just never heard of any bike besides the Walmart ones being called "department store" bikes. They're relatively small compared to other brands it seems~

Taffmonster

So I took a few for a test ride today.

First I rode the (new) Bianchi which despite being a sora set up was really comfy and nice to ride. However, afterwards I rode the second hand Bianchi (which basically the same model from 3 years back) and it was ****. The front derailer wouldnt shift properly and the guy in the shop was "well thats SORA for ya" which to be honest was a bit of a ****ty attitude as he could have at least had a go at adjusting it. Either way the second hand Bianchi is a definite no.

I then rode an Anchor RFA5 which was really nice and a bit racier than the bianchi. However the stem was a bit too long to really get a proper feel for it and its much larger price tag was off putting.

Finally I rode a FELT. They didnt have the F75 anymore so I rode teh Z85 ( https://www.cycly.co.jp/shop/detail.asp?id=414303 ) it was ok, but the ride wasnt as nice as the bianchi or anchor but that may have been due to it being second hand and not brand new. The Z85 was all Tiagra Which was nicer than the SORA but the Felts handlebars were too wide for me and the previous owner had mounted an extra set of brakes on the handlebars for riding upright.

All in all, still pretty unsure on what to buy.

pgjackson

That's like saying all Asian cars are the same. Also, the frame doesn't sit you in any particular position. All you have to do is adjust the handlebars to go from a deep-drop racer to an upright cruiser.

noise boy

First of all buy the one you liked the best. I had Sora shifters on my bike and they worked fine for 2200 miles before I replaced them, so don't let that scare you off. My wife has a 2010 Felt Z85 and it came with all 105 drivetrain components. Note that the Z series from felt is their comfort line (taller head tube, longer chain stays, less aggressive geometry), the F Series bikes are the race version (Shorter head tube, shorter chainstays, more agressive geometry).

eippo1

Sorry, but I wouldn't be caught dead riding a bike called an "Anchor." Worst name for a bike, ever. I'd go with a new Bianchi. I rode an aluminum Alloro for years and loved the ride. The frame is also good enough down the road where you could do a component upgrade. Keep in mind, though that you'd have to do the shifters, rear derailleur, front derailleur, cassette and chain. Hence it might be better to save some $$ and get the 105 Via Nirone.

Dolamite02

Sounds to me like you're not confused at all. Your comments on the Bianchi were very positive, and you even took the time to find the celeste font color. I'd strongly suggest the newer Bianchi. As it happens, I ride a 2009 Bianchi via Nirone 7 (105/Ultegra) and love it. It's perfect for group rides and distance training, and I've even begun racing with it. Go for the Italian, and if you want to, down the line you can upgrade the components.

Dolamite02

Heartily agree.

surgeonstone

You want and need the Bianchi. Forget the others.

Taffmonster

Yeah, I think im decided. Just a question of which groupset now.

Thanks for all the advice

eippo1

Remember to post pics when you get it. Ride reports are nice too. Happy shopping and riding.