Originally Posted by GeorgePaul

I'm looking for an entry-level road bike and test rode two Bianchi Via Narone 7s yesterday. One with Sora components and an all-aluminum rear triangle and one with Tiagra components and carbon seatstays. Both have carbon forks. Both seemed fine to me on my brief rides. However, they told me that the Imola, with a steel frame and carbon fork, would ride better than both of these. Unfortunately, they didn't have an Imola available to try out. Anyone have any opinions about Via Narone 7 vs the Imola? I just want to use the bike for non-competetive group rides of 25 to 50 miles on smooth pavement. Light weight and hill climbing ability are important to me -- I want to be able to keep up.