Frogbutter 

$100 buy it now or bid at $50? $50 shipping is fair but is it a good frame (quality)?

Does a 59 cm Bianchi fit more like a 56 cm? I have a 31 inch inseam and can normally ride a 56 cm with no problem.

https://cgi.ebay.com/Bianchi-Veloce-F...2#ht_502wt_932

thirdgenbird

not sure what is going on there, but my 59cm bianchi of the same era is a true 59. it has a 59cm seat tube and a 59cm top tube.

regardless, it looks like this frame should fit like a 56.

its not a great frame, but it should be a very nice one. in my experience, the fit, finish, and quality control on bianchi frames is very nice. (regardless of where it was made italy, japan, asia)

i wouldnt call $150 a good deal for the the frame alone, but if it fits and it is what you want, it is not a bad price in my opinion.

jet sanchEz

The bike in the ebay auction is a 59 and will fit like a 59, not like a 56. The frame is a compact so the top tube slopes towards the rear. That doesn't mean it will fit like a 56 though as the top tube is 57cm, longer than what you are used to on a regular 56cm frame.

Here is one built up so you can see the slope. The bike is a pretty good deal I would say and the Veloce is a mid-range frame.

thirdgenbird

looks like ed is correct. my tt doesnt slope.

Frogbutter 

Thanks for the input. I think I will let this one pass. Finding the right bike can be a little tough for me. I'm just under 6' but my in seam is only 30/31 (32 inch jeans drag on the ground). I am longer from the waist up. Really 54 cm bikes fit me from the belt down and 56 cm fit the top half.
Again thanks.

jet sanchEz

Try a 54 with a 140mm stem? Or a 56 with an 80mm stem? I am most comfy on a 58 but I have a 56cm bike that fits me nicely with a long stem.

Frogbutter 

Jet you hit the nail on the head....
Check out the stem I put on my Schwinn Tempo - 135 mm.

Bianchigirll 

I looked at this a few times and that whole sloping TT thing baffles me. I could understand it on MTBs where lots of ground clearanceis needed and he suspension forks make the front taller. but on a steel road bike I don't get it.

unfortunatly the 2004 catalog is one of the few I am still missing (hint hint ) but judging from the '05 bianchi does show the 59 model having a 56ST and a 57 effective and 559 actual TT with a standover at mid TT at 31.7

thirdgenbird

Sloping top tubes are theoretically lighter, stiffer, and cheaper to manufacturer.

They also allow people with long torsos to size up.

I like traditional geometry, but semi compact frames have their merits. Full compact frames like the original giant tcr push things too far.

bobbycorno

Let's put it this way: if it was a 63, it'd be on its way here right now.

SP
Bend, OR

Frogbutter 

Well it went for $71, good, bad or otherwise. I am glad I did not bid on the larger frame then I needed. With the new information from this thread I think I am better prepared to purchase a sloping top tube frame in the future.
Thanks Everybody.

Bianchigirll 

I am somewhat suprised it did not go for more.

Frogbutter 

My thought is the time of year and no fork, drove the price down. Who wants an auction to close Christmas weekend, way to many people are traveling and not near a computer.

norskagent

frame only, no fork = red flag.