I am looking at a bike on e-bay that I am interested in. It is a Bianchi Volpe and all the features on this bike are listed on the auction. It was well ridden and the brakes appear to be about half way gone. It is also a Reynolds "Cromoly" 520 frame. This indicates that an inferior grade of steel was used. That is my main concern as rust and other ailments could cause me problems more likely than if it were a better grade of steel. I was wondering if some of you could take a quick look and see if it is worth what he is asking for it. The new Bianchi's are out of my price range right now and I am looking for a good deal on a Volpe. That is while I humbly bow to the collective knowledge on this site.

Here is the link: https://cgi.ebay.com/Bianchi-Volpe-Re...6.c0.m14.l1318

Thanks for the help.

Regards,

Joel

Inferior grade of steel? 520 is the lowest grade "good" steel but its still good. No one make a stainless steel bike. If you don't want to worry about rust, then get an aluminum frame. Still, a properly cared for steel frame should not rust.

The Volpe is a good choice for a commuter, assuming the bike is the right size for you. It has clearance for decent size tires with fenders, it has a long chainstay so you can mount a rear rack and hang panniers on it and not worry about heel strike. The steel is just fine, that frame should last longer than you do if you treat it well. Brake pads are easily replaced, so no worries there. The bike does not look like it has been well cared for, so it would not surprise me if there were some maintenence issues that needed to be taken care of before you wanted to rely on it for your transportation.