I bought a virtually new 2009 Bianchi Imola steel bike on Ebay this winter. I bought it because I wanted an inexpensive bike to convert to an airline travel bike with S&S couplers. I bought the Bianchi because I got it for about half the list price - wasn't too many bidders.

It is a decent bike although a little heavier than I would have expected. How does it make me feel? It often makes me want to get back on my Cervelo .

I have never ridden a vintage Bianchi or one of their higher end bikes (I am sure they are nice) but I don't know of anyone that considers Bianchi to be anything special. They are just another bike company. I will enjoy my Bianchi on my trips but I won't necessarily ride it with great pride.