This past Saturday I had some free time and did some exploring w/ my "new" Bianchi Randonneur. I rode about 25 miles and only about 2 miles were on paved surfaces, the rest were split between gravel rail trails, some jeep trails and some single track Everywhere I pointed the bike it went w/out any issue, from riding through fields (tractor paths), to rutted jeep trails to some semi technical single track w/ a few decent climbs. All this on the OG 27" 1 1/4" tires. Coming down rough descents required some finesse and restraint (as opposed to my MTB w/ 26x2.0 knobbies) but it was a blast and the looks I got from MTB'ers were priceless. All in all a great way to kill a few hours during a hot summer afternoon. I think I might try some bar end shifters and something w/ a little more tread (my tires are very dry and slick). I love my new bike!!!!

Pics to follow when I figure out how to upload pics from my cell phone