Epicyclist

I'm looking to get a cyclocross-based "all-roads" bike and I've mostly narrowed it down to the 2013 Bianchi Volpe or a Soma Double Cross custom build. The Volpe comes pretty close to the component choices I'd make for a custom build, for a bit less money. Does anyone have experience with the weight and feel of the two frames? Basically, is the Double Cross frame superior enough (if it's superior at all) to be worth the extra money?

Thanks!

bikemig 

So you're asking whether someone's highly subjective views of their bike might possibly match up with yours even though few people have ridden both and fewer still might have similar riding styles, expectations, etc.?

They're both great bikes, they're both pretty similar, and the Volpe is cheaper. Unless I'm missing something here (and I happen to love my Soma double cross), the choice should be easy.

Epicyclist

Yes.

Barrettscv 

I had the Soma double cross and really enjoyed it. I think that the Volpe would be very close. Two issues come to mind.

The Volpe has had issues with front brake shudder due to the brake cable hanger and a fork that might be too complaint. This could be resolved easily and without great cost by installing a fork mounted brake cable hanger like this: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ers?highlight=

The second would be fit. The Soma offers a wide range of sizes. If the Volpe size you are considering is a perfect fit, then this issue is mute.

fietsbob

Good luck with that ..


And, adding, .. if the dealer does a perfect build up, meeting with your personal expectations ..


in that case go talk to the Dealer of those brands .. neither are sold where I live.

You should be able to find them in the Metro Boston region, where you live..

FatherAlabaster

Yup, don't know the Bianchi, really like my double cross, but a couple of annoyances: maybe a little flex at the bb, and the front brake shudder issue. I have the matching Tange Infinity fork and avid shorty fours. In any kind of wet riding condition, it's a problem. Other than that, great frame, lots of fun, very "stable". Wish I'd spent a little less. Go figure.

wheelinthai

Dear Barrettscv, the latest model Volpe that I have does come with the brake cable hanger. I like the Vilpe very much, but the Soma could be just as nice, or better. I've only seen Soma Saga. Where I live, the Soma frame alone is two third the cost of a complete Volpe.
Oh! I see you said that the Volpe had problem with its brake cable hanger, which is mounted at the Head Set. I don't have issue with it, however.

Spld cyclist

I had some pretty bad brake shudder on my Volpe. +1 on the fork-mounted cable hanger. I agree that the fork may have been too compliant on mine. (Braking power was greatly improved by a brake booster, indicating that maybe it was too flexy). Mine was a 2005, though. Just looked at the latest model online and the fork doesn't look exactly the same.

Also, the Bianchi site shows that it doesn't come with a fork-mounted hanger, although another poster said that it does. It may be how they're equipped for the US market vs Asia, or maybe they made a change and didn't update the pics....

https://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/road/steel/volpe/

One final thought. It's really odd how it's been years since Bianchi has posted an actual written description of the Volpe on their web site. The bike pictures and specifications are there, but not a word about why you might want to buy the bike. Many of their other models have such descriptions. What's more, in some years it's been hard to actually find the Volpe on the site. It's often buried under "specialty," but occasionally it's been in cyclocross or "gran fondo." It's not under "coast to coast" even though people tour on it, and it's not under "steel road," though it is a steel road bike. What is a buyer to think about a bike that is categorized under "specialty" with nothing to say about what it is specialized for? Anyway, I really liked mine before I crashed it....