desmobob

I'm interested in buying a good-quality, all-around bike (my first since high school). I'm very interested in the Bianchi Axis. It's 50 miles to the nearest bike shop and I can't get to one soon. (busy with work and leaving on a vacation this weekend.)

I'm 6'2" and 255 lbs. Is this a good model for me? Any opinions, thoughts or insights appreciated.

Good riding,
desmobob

mgwadz

the Axis is a good bike, and depending on your intended use, you could find a triple crank really handy for getting up hills.

I was very happy with my 2000 Axis, but it failed after 3 years and about 12k miles. (cracking badly near the bottom bracket). as a free warrantee replacement I got the discontinued Bianchi steel CX frame.

you might consider getting a Steel frame for greater strength, longer lifespan, no surprise failures and possibly more comfortable ride

-marc

DogBoy

Its a good bike. I'm assuming you are looking for an all-around bike and not a cyclocross racing bike. If that's the case, I recommend the Jamis Nova & Lemond Poprad or even the bianchi volpe as all being fine steel bikes. If you do want to race, I'd steer you to the poprad or nova as the volpe is a tank. I'm sure there are other great bikes/frame out there that will suit your needs just fine. I'm 5'11" 220 and have 2 AL bikes that I ride hard and neither of them has failed me yet (knock on wood), so don't be afraid of AL if that's what you want.

Surferbruce

i have a 05 Axis and love it. it's the one bike i have i wouldn't trade. i ride it on the road, fireroads, and have done some serious singletracks. i pretty much never need the triple, except off road, where it definitely comes in handy. the only thing i've had to do is get the spokes retensioned.
the frame is beefy, particularly the chain/seatstays, and should be more than strong enough for you. the only thing i think might not be appropriate for a clydesdale is the wheelset. the alex wheels are o.k. but for a big guy(or even a 165# guy like me) i'd like to see a more traditional 32spoke set up. then again, once i had the wheels retensioned they've stayed true and round even after a week long trip of singletrack punishment in sedona arizona.
there's lots of value in the axis as well as the other comparable cross bikes.
as far as sizing i'm 5'11" and the 55cm fits perfectly.

Leo21

I am 196 Ib and have 2004 Axis, I love this bike.
I use it for commuting to work about 40 miles per day and combination of road and off road, and it 's never failed me. I would say you will like it

pcmike

I have a '05 Axis and just returned from a week long bike ride in northern Michigan called the Tour da U.P. and have to say that the Axis was an absolute joy. I weigh 240 and have been riding and training on the Axis since I got it in June and it's been solid, responsive and rugged on all sorts of terrain.
I added Conti 2000 top touring tires (about $40 each) and they seem bulletproof.