Originally Posted by jpearl
In the end, the better bike is the one you like riding better. As a newbie, you won't be very sensitive to the overall feel of the bike as, say, a long-time junkie who can feel the slightest difference in feel and measurement. Both bikes are good bikes. I personally would reccomend the Bianchi, since the Volpe model has been around since the mid 80s and is the result of fine tuning over the years. It's more road-focused than the Jake, which is important because as a commuter and roadie, you're gonna be more on asphalt than on dirt (the dirt, however, is prime territory for the Jake).
At your range, steel and aluminum are not much of a difference. The frame and the wheels are the most important parts. Everything else like derailleurs and brakes can, and most likelly, always get upgraded as your riding improves. I think you'll find a smooth riding, versitale, durable, and fun bike in the Volpe.
while i agree that the volpe may in fact be the better choice for you, i respectfully disagree with some things in the above post. first of all, even as a novice, you *will* be able to tell the difference between alum. and steel. the ride charachteristics are like night and day, both on road and off road. steel is much more forgiving and will therefore offer a "damper" ride. as a result, you may find it more comfortable for long rides. alum, on the other hand is stiff, light, and offers a much harsher ride. so, whether or not you actually know the differences (in your brain), your body will certainly be able to tell.
also, the volpe is set up as a triple (which can of course be changed), which makes absolutely no sense unless you plan on using it for loaded touring and/or steep off roading. you wont need it for commuting or road training (unless you live in a very hilly area, and even then its really not necessary), and if you ever plan to race cx, a triple is a BAD idea.
with the steel and the tiagra spec, the bianchi is likely much heavier than the jts. when and if you start racing, this weight difference will become very apparent. but of course, you will break stuff and you can always upgrade parts to make the bike lighter.
anyway, just some things to think about...