So I got my new Bianchi...
2007 Via Nirone 7 Alu Carbon
Brifters: Ultegra
RD: Ultegra
FD: 105
Crankset: FSA Gossamer MegaExo Double 53/39t
Cassette: Fac Michelin PRIMATO 12-25 10V
Wheels: Mavic Open Pro Rims, DT Swiss spokes and 105 hubs. *
Pedals: Look Keo Sprints
Saddle: Selle San Marco Ponza
Handlebars: Bontrager Race Lite (Aluminium, not sure which model!)
Bottle cages: Bontrager Race Lite
Shoes: Shimano
I'll be getting a Sigma BC 1606L DTS with wireless cadence cycle computer for her.
* The front wheel is on loan to me while my LBS awaits stock of front 105 hubs in order to build the front wheel.
The bar tape is temporary until they have instock some Bianchi branded tape in the Celeste colour.
The cable covers are kind of a grey/silver. I don't mind them but as I didn't think to specify to the LBS what colour I wanted them, I won't make a fuss.
So, on with the pics!
More soon...
Being new to clipless pedals, I went to a park to practice clipping in and out with the lowest spring tension. After severall hours, I have now got it pretty well sussed and am 95% confidant out on the roads and in traffic. I had a few moments where I got a green light and struggled to clip in, but fortunately drivers have been very patient with me! I went for a sprint one time and I unclipped. This was quite unnerving so I have tightened the pedal tension a little to make this harder.
The only fall I have had off of grass was on a MUP on the beach front in my home town of Exmouth. I came to a dead slow as some ones dog walked past (leashed) and then stopped. I just held there for half a second thinking: "hmmm I am sure I am supposed to do something right now". Down I went!
Caught myself with my arm though and there was no harm done. A couple sat on a bench were amused but we both had a little chuckle over it.
I am finding the gearing a little on the aggressive side, with out a cycle computer I cant be sure of my cadence, but I tend to find I am mashing at about 70 as opposed to my more comfortable range of 90-100. With that said, I will ask the LBS to swap the cranks over to a 50/36 or 34 compact so the two cassette ranges are more suited to my preferences. I don't think I will miss the 53-12 combination as I am finding I can pedal quite slowly and easily hit the 30 mph limit (based on maintaining a distance behind a car) on the roads I have used thus far with a 53-21 combination .
I am otherwise very happy with her and looking forward to many thousands of miles of exploration, challange and fun on her!