Volpe vs. Randonee, or others
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Volpe vs. Randonee, or others
Hi everyone. This is my first time posting on this forum, so hello. I have been reading some of the posts while researching my new bike but wanted to ask some questions myself..
I am looking for a bike for commuting, recreational riding for fitness (maybe some tri's or day races, but won't be super competitive), and touring. I don't have any fully hardcore tours planned, but moving to New Zealand so hope to do multi-day trips around the country. So, I want something that's flexible - fast and light for non-loaded road riding and also able to tour and go through town. A tourer that's not a tank seems like a good way to go.
Sadly, I also don't have that much to spend on it - no more than $1000. So, I've been looking at the Volpe, Novara Randonee, and recently just spotted the Fuji Touring and Jamis Aurora as well which seem comparable.
Their components all look pretty similar, to a novice like me:
https://www.bianchiusa.com/08_volpe.html
https://www.rei.com/product/744804#prodSpecs
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...es/aurora.html
https://www.fujibikes.com/2008/sg.asp?id=422
Obviously all based on Tiagra group. I don't know about any of the other stuff, does anyone have any advice? In particular the wheels as this seems important for a loaded bike and expensive to replace?
They are all similar MRSP, but I can get a 15% off voucher for REI so that one would work out a bit cheaper....
Any thoughts people? See, I am already a bike geek and I haven't even bought it yet. Another possibility would be to financially ruin myself and splash out for trek 520 or cannondale T800 but the specs look really similar to the above, so seems not good value for money. My guts are telling me the volpe, as it seems a little lighter so more versatile. It's so frustrating that noone seems to stock any of these, so I can't just try them all and see.
Thanks for any advice,
Helen.
I am looking for a bike for commuting, recreational riding for fitness (maybe some tri's or day races, but won't be super competitive), and touring. I don't have any fully hardcore tours planned, but moving to New Zealand so hope to do multi-day trips around the country. So, I want something that's flexible - fast and light for non-loaded road riding and also able to tour and go through town. A tourer that's not a tank seems like a good way to go.
Sadly, I also don't have that much to spend on it - no more than $1000. So, I've been looking at the Volpe, Novara Randonee, and recently just spotted the Fuji Touring and Jamis Aurora as well which seem comparable.
Their components all look pretty similar, to a novice like me:
https://www.bianchiusa.com/08_volpe.html
https://www.rei.com/product/744804#prodSpecs
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...es/aurora.html
https://www.fujibikes.com/2008/sg.asp?id=422
Obviously all based on Tiagra group. I don't know about any of the other stuff, does anyone have any advice? In particular the wheels as this seems important for a loaded bike and expensive to replace?
They are all similar MRSP, but I can get a 15% off voucher for REI so that one would work out a bit cheaper....
Any thoughts people? See, I am already a bike geek and I haven't even bought it yet. Another possibility would be to financially ruin myself and splash out for trek 520 or cannondale T800 but the specs look really similar to the above, so seems not good value for money. My guts are telling me the volpe, as it seems a little lighter so more versatile. It's so frustrating that noone seems to stock any of these, so I can't just try them all and see.
Thanks for any advice,
Helen.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 8,546
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Hi Helen, you can get just about any road bike and throw a light rack and panniers on it and do hostel-based touring. I put a Tubus Fly on my race bike for credit card touring. If the bike you want doesn't have rack eyelets, there are a couple of options - Old Man Mountain or a Tubus skewer kit, for example.
In NZ the backpackers (hostels) are so close together, so nice and friendly, so moderately priced, I would probably do that for tours of up to a couple of weeks. Longer than that I would opt for camping, since the $ starts to add up.
If you are currently in the USA, try to buy your bike here, the prices in NZ were WAY higher (3 years ago).
My 520 is a tank, I wouldn't be happy with it as my only bike, it's just too heavy for day riding. (that's me, others may have other opinions).
The Volpe might be just the thing, how much does it weigh?
In NZ the backpackers (hostels) are so close together, so nice and friendly, so moderately priced, I would probably do that for tours of up to a couple of weeks. Longer than that I would opt for camping, since the $ starts to add up.
If you are currently in the USA, try to buy your bike here, the prices in NZ were WAY higher (3 years ago).
My 520 is a tank, I wouldn't be happy with it as my only bike, it's just too heavy for day riding. (that's me, others may have other opinions).
The Volpe might be just the thing, how much does it weigh?
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cool. Yes, my one attempt at bike touring was in NZ on a trip there before, which was just like you described... that was on a rental bike... I am in the US at the mo, so trying to buy before I go.
I think the volpe weighs 26lb, in a 52cm which is my size (tho I think I got that from a forum, not the manufacturers, so might not be 100% reliable). That's compared to 29lb for the randonee. I don't know about the other ones.
H.
I think the volpe weighs 26lb, in a 52cm which is my size (tho I think I got that from a forum, not the manufacturers, so might not be 100% reliable). That's compared to 29lb for the randonee. I don't know about the other ones.
H.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 237
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love my Volpe and have only had one issue with it so far. My front derailleur died last week after very little use (part of it just snapped off). Was pretty cheap and easy for me to get fixed (I've got the ultegra version now) and was probably just a fluke but I was a little confused by it. I swapped the tires for 28c Armadillos and the seat for a Brooks. I also added fenders and a Tubus Vega rack. I've used it for commuting and general around town stuff so far, no loaded touring yet so I can't speak to how it will hold up for that. It's not the lightest bike around, but I have had no problems handling it (I'm 5'6" and ~120lbs, so not a huge person).
Edit: Might as well throw up some photos. This is my 52cm Volpe after about 18 months of use, outfitted for commuting.
The new ones still use the same frame as far as I can tell, just in a different color.
Last edited by ceridwen; 12-02-07 at 09:32 PM.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the tips guys! Good to know what fenders / racks will fit on the volpe if I do go for that. Will have to check out tubus racks it looks like.
I had also considered trying a cyclocross bike instead, has anyone tried this? Or have any comments?
H.
I had also considered trying a cyclocross bike instead, has anyone tried this? Or have any comments?
H.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 8,546
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Cool. Yes, my one attempt at bike touring was in NZ on a trip there before, which was just like you described... that was on a rental bike... I am in the US at the mo, so trying to buy before I go.
I think the volpe weighs 26lb, in a 52cm which is my size (tho I think I got that from a forum, not the manufacturers, so might not be 100% reliable). That's compared to 29lb for the randonee. I don't know about the other ones.
H.
I think the volpe weighs 26lb, in a 52cm which is my size (tho I think I got that from a forum, not the manufacturers, so might not be 100% reliable). That's compared to 29lb for the randonee. I don't know about the other ones.
H.
TYPE-O alert! it's 31
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
woah, that makes the volpe and all these others even bigger tanks! Can that be right? Maybe I've mis read the weights. Will check it out
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
ahhh. Ok. So the volpe is somewhat lighter. That's good news! Do you happen to know how much a typical alu road bike would be at roughly this size?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,009
Bikes: SOMA Grand Randonneur, Gunnar Sport converted to 650B, Rivendell Rambouillet, '82 Trek 728, '84 Trek 610, '85 Trek 500, C'Dale F600, Burley Duet, Lotus Legend
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Back to the original question, which is what bike to buy? I was going to answer: "buy the Novara because it has a lifetime guarantee that REI really does honor" but then I noticed you said you're moving to New Zealand. I think that changes things -- you might want to find out which of the bikes you mentioned has a New Zealand distributor. Maybe even buy in New Zealand -- the NZ dollar can't be any worse than the US $ right now. Seems like it'd be a pity to buy a bike and then a year later have some sort of problem show up, but you can't get a warranty honored because you're half a world away from the store where you bought the bike. Guess that applies the other direction if you buy the bike in NZ and then move back to the US.
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes, good point. I had wondered about that. Unfortunately none of them have proper dealers in NZ. There are importers for Jamis and Bianchi. The bike shops in Wellington seem to have Trek, Giant, Cervelo (that one's a tri specialist). Bikes in NZ are significantly more expensive than in the US (like, 40% more). I did think that if I get an international brand they'll at least have seen, they might feel more comfortable. I guess I could also check with e.g. Bianchi if there's any repair shops that would honour their warranty...
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 293
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I look at cyclocross bikes. They will be much faster for races and regular riding than a tourer. Plus they'll generally weigh less, can still fit fat tires, and some accept racks from the factory. Put on skinny tires for racing, fatter for touring or commuting and you have one versatile bike. Cyclocross bikes aren't great at anything but are good at most. I've borrowed a friends Specialized Tricross and used it for commuting for about a month and raced a tri on it. It was fine. Plenty fast for what I want it for and it has rack and fender mounts for touring. I plan on getting one someday too because I can't afford a bunch of bikes. The Tricross is nice but there are plenty of cyclocross bikes that would fill your needs.
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 22
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes you are right about the prices should not be with the current exchange rate though ( bad time to come with USD in your pocket ) i think its mainly the freight price you may want to check what the airline is likely to charge you as it can be quite steep some are good some are not
If you want to check out the prices www.torpedo7.co.nz they have Bianchi but no volpe
If you want to check out the prices www.torpedo7.co.nz they have Bianchi but no volpe
#16
Senior Member
Helen,
All the bikes you mentioned are good choices, and of course if possible you should test ride them all. I'd steer you toward the Bianchi Volpe based on what you stated in your original post, though, just going on the frame measurements. I think the frame is just a bit shorter (check the wheelbase and chainstay lengths), meaning it likely will ride a bit quicker. It's still long enough for panniers for when you want to tour, but will be a bit sportier for the other kinds of riding you mention.
I also like the stock gearing more than the others -- it's lower, and I like lower gearing.
Two other things: the Volpe's I've seen come stock with slightly knobby tires. If you are going to be riding mainly on the road you may want to consider asking the dealer to swap them out for smooth road tires when you get the bike, as part of the deal.
Also, the 2008's I've seen coming into stores now are gold, like this one:
https://www.bikyle.com/images/BiKesRo...hiVolpe_08.jpg
There are still some green ones around if you like the green, so you should have your pick...
Also, you might want to stick with brands that are distributed in NZ (which eliminates the REI) because if you want to sell the bike while you are there you'd likely do better w/a brand that is recognized there.
All the bikes you mentioned are good choices, and of course if possible you should test ride them all. I'd steer you toward the Bianchi Volpe based on what you stated in your original post, though, just going on the frame measurements. I think the frame is just a bit shorter (check the wheelbase and chainstay lengths), meaning it likely will ride a bit quicker. It's still long enough for panniers for when you want to tour, but will be a bit sportier for the other kinds of riding you mention.
I also like the stock gearing more than the others -- it's lower, and I like lower gearing.
Two other things: the Volpe's I've seen come stock with slightly knobby tires. If you are going to be riding mainly on the road you may want to consider asking the dealer to swap them out for smooth road tires when you get the bike, as part of the deal.
Also, the 2008's I've seen coming into stores now are gold, like this one:
https://www.bikyle.com/images/BiKesRo...hiVolpe_08.jpg
There are still some green ones around if you like the green, so you should have your pick...
Also, you might want to stick with brands that are distributed in NZ (which eliminates the REI) because if you want to sell the bike while you are there you'd likely do better w/a brand that is recognized there.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,293
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
All the bikes you're looking at are very simular-- just because there isn't an REI in NZ doesn't mean local bike shops can't work on your bike. The Randonee is a pretty easy bike to work on. (the rest of bikes you're looking at as well)
Don't buy any bike you can't test ride! This is the one big advantage of the Randonee. Your local REI will gladly stock your size for test ride and you don't have to buy it. But a good Bianchi or Fuji shop are also good choices.
The Randonee weighs more than a Volpe because it has a stock rear rack. The Randonee has very good brakes (Shimano cantis), otherwise most of the parts are basicly the same.
Don't get a cyclocross bike unless you're a strong rider. The have double chainrings and tight road style cassettes. Not the kind of gearing you want, I'm guessing. The bikes you're looking at are very good all arounders with wide gear ranges
Don't buy any bike you can't test ride! This is the one big advantage of the Randonee. Your local REI will gladly stock your size for test ride and you don't have to buy it. But a good Bianchi or Fuji shop are also good choices.
The Randonee weighs more than a Volpe because it has a stock rear rack. The Randonee has very good brakes (Shimano cantis), otherwise most of the parts are basicly the same.
Don't get a cyclocross bike unless you're a strong rider. The have double chainrings and tight road style cassettes. Not the kind of gearing you want, I'm guessing. The bikes you're looking at are very good all arounders with wide gear ranges
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you plan on using front panniers, you should know that the new Volpes do not have front pannier mounts on the fork. (The older models did.) I believe that the other three models that you are considering, the Fuji Touring, the Jamis Aurora, and the Novarra Randonnee, all have mounts (basically, holes drilled into the fork) to facilitate the addition of "low rider" front racks.
If I'm wrong, I'm sure that someone will correct me within an hour or so.
If I'm wrong, I'm sure that someone will correct me within an hour or so.
#19
tgbikes
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Omaha Ne.
Posts: 147
Bikes: Volpe,Eros, Voyageur, LHT, Ochsner
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I am a very big volpe fan, I weigh abot 220 and went fulley loded for two weeks with no problems. I have been a hang around at the LBS for 15 years, they sell volpes as touring, cross and drop bar hybrids, and I don't think they stretching anything . My volpe has full touring brazeons inc. ft. low rider mounts(the mid fork mounts arn't on all volpes) the bb hight is 85 mm the LHT is about 72. The Volpe is more fun to ride.
#20
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for all the comments. I had been reading and thinking maybe the volpe's the best way to go til I saw the comment about it not having front rack mounts. Hmm. Anyway, I have a list of local-ish dealers of all these bikes so going to call around and see if there's anywhere I can go and test drive them...
#21
tgbikes
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Omaha Ne.
Posts: 147
Bikes: Volpe,Eros, Voyageur, LHT, Ochsner
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Many of the Volpes have this low rider mount' but not all. Some years have them and some not. It is not a big deal to find bikes in stock that are a year or two old. this may be the way to go' older ones here are 10 percent a year off retail. what size would you need? I don't work there.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 174
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
THIS betting man would have to put his money on the Aurora when pit against the Volpe, but would love to hear from folks experienced with both recent models.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Durango, CO, USA
Posts: 204
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Surly Long Haul Trucker yet: https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...cker+Bike.aspx
$900 delivered to your door is a good deal for what you get. But if you do have an REI nearby, give the Randonee a test ride. You can't beat REI's customer service. Even if you're in NZ, just tell them you're on vacation and I'm sure they'll be very helpful with any problems.
$900 delivered to your door is a good deal for what you get. But if you do have an REI nearby, give the Randonee a test ride. You can't beat REI's customer service. Even if you're in NZ, just tell them you're on vacation and I'm sure they'll be very helpful with any problems.
#24
Professional Fuss-Budget
Thanks for all the comments. I had been reading and thinking maybe the volpe's the best way to go til I saw the comment about it not having front rack mounts. Hmm. Anyway, I have a list of local-ish dealers of all these bikes so going to call around and see if there's anywhere I can go and test drive them...
I think the Volpe or a cross bike is a good choice for your uses. The nice thing about a cross bike (and the Volpe too iirc) is that if you put knobby tires and fenders on, you're all set for dirt and gravel roads. It won't be like a full MTB but can be used on a lot of trails.
One thing about test rides: just make sure the bike generally fits you. Last time I bought a bike, half the LBS's did not have a bike in my size; I was limited in what I could really learn about a specific bike.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 8,546
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I was in Australia 2 years ago, and my brand new REI brand tent blew a zipper. They mailed me a new one, and they paid the shipping. How's that for customer service.