My favorite touring bike, a Bianchi Volpe, has evolved a lot in the 9 years that I have owned it. The only things original from the 2007 Volpe are: bars, seat post, stem, and STI shifters.

Before riding it across the U.S. the first thing I did before leaving was replace the saddle. After returning home the next thing I did was replace the drivetrain to get substantially lower gearing.

After having a rash of broken spokes with the stock 32 spoke wheels, I had a set of good hand built 36 spoke wheels built.

I replaced the fork with a 2013 fork to increase my bar height by about 1 1/2". It fits like a glove. The newer forks also had mid-fork braze-ons for a front rack, an added bonus.

The frame developed a crack that was covered by warranty which was replaced by a 2013 frame and fork. I used my old fork with the longer steering tube.

I got a killer deal on a pair of Paul cantilever brakes- switched out brakes.

I wanted to raise the bars on one of my other bikes, and Bianchi and Cannondale touring bike forks are almost identical. I took the fork off my 2007/2013 Volpe and put it on the Cannondale because the fork had been powder coated black, and would fit well with the Cannondale. I replaced the fork on the 2007/2013 Volpe with a black 2015 Volpe fork.

The start of fork "musical chairs last weekend."


2014—Getting ready to pick up our Christmas tree.


Every change was made because of wear and tear, durability, or to make the bike fit better. It evolved to meet my needs. Those needs were determined by a fair number of miles touring on a lot of bikes.