kwhord

Ok so I am new to the world of road bikes (I've been racing/jumping BMX bikes and BMX cruisers for years, but never touched a road bike.) I decided to buy a bike to make a commute to work (20 mile round trip).
My LBS sold me a mid-90's Bianchi Virata (lugged carbon frame, steel rear triangle) for $500. After seeing the under $700 bike thread I think I could have gotten a better deal.
The bike appears to have pretty low-end components:
Shimano "RSX" STI shifters
Shimano "RSX" Derailers
Shimano "RSX" unsealed hubs
Alex Rims.

The bike was "new" it had just been sitting at the shop for a long time. It seemed like a good deal since the bike retailed to 1200 new. but i'm not really familiar with the thechnology used on these bikes.

did i make a bad move?

Serpico

just ride it, what are you going to do..? return it?

Sounds like a nice bike, Bianchis of any vintage are fine bikes. Yeah, you could probably get a felt or a giant with better components... but you got a Bianchi

enjoy it, nice bike

now post some pics

sydney

You got a a decent enough bike for decent money.Go ride it. Unless they had a gun to your head, it was your deal.Take it or leave it stuff.I don't see any swindling going on.

timmhaan

no way, i think you did just fine. there are better components out there, but considering this bike isn't used, they will work well for years. i think it's a fair deal.

BigBrooklynLou

You got a Bianchi with a nice frame and workable components (the RSX gruppo was essentially the same as the 105, just not as good a finish). Ride the bike, enjoy it, and as the stuff breaks, replace it with something better.

suntreader

Sounds like a nice bike to me. Go enjoy it.

larue

that's a nice bike, especially since it's new. you have old components but they are new so they'll work fine and as someone already pointed out they are the 105 of that year. the frame is nice enough that if you want to you can upgrade the components on it later on.
no need to feel bad about this purchase.

but we do need to see some pics!

Crashtest

I think I paid $900 (Canadian, so that's maybe $700 US?) for a Giant Kronos with RSX components several years ago. I'd WAY rather have the Bianchi. I think you did ok, don't worry about it. Where's the pictures?

sunninho

Great bike. I wish I'd seen that deal. If it's fast and comfortable, which it sounds like it should be, then great deal.

Stjtoday

Sounds like you did ok.. time to ride don't look back.

I had the RSX groupo on my Cannon, was great stuff very solid equipment. Day will come a used upgrade will come your way. The RSX sells great on ebay, I actually stepped up to an Ultegra set up and pocketed some money in the deal. Good luck and ride with a smile! (gives bugs better target)

kwhord

pic will come soon as soon as the weather is good i'll be taking my first commute.

KevinF

I rode a Cannondale with RSX level components on it for a few years; I probably racked up on ther order of 12,000 miles on it before I decided to upgrade my ride. All the components were still going strong at that point. Keep the chain clean and lubed and you'll be good to go for a long time.

I think you paid a fair price for a bike that's plenty good enough for a first-time roadie.

Serpico

what? you don't start a new bike thread without pics. Wait for the weather, wtf??? Take some snaps in the garage.

pics!!

this thread will be dead by the time the weather clears up

pics!!

khuon

Most of the bikes listed in The Under $700 Roadbike Thread are cheaper lower-quality frames with Sora components. You got yourself a pretty mid-to-high end Bianchi frame with RSX for $500... all unused. And while RSX was the bottom-rung Shimano group for its time (2 steps below 105, 1 below RX100), I'd rather have unused RSX than Sora. RSX was functionally equivalent to the higher end Shimano components but not as light or well-finished. Ride it until it wears out. The frame is certainly worthy of upgrade which is not really something I can say about most of the new bikes in The Under $700 Roadbike Thread.

celticfrost

kwhord --- you've been had. That bike is only worth about $200 (especially if it's 56cm). But since I'm such a good samaritan, I'll take it off your hands for $250 (especially if it's 56cm).

larue

Thanks for clearing up where RSX belonged on the Shimano roster khuon.

sydney

Well actually, it depends on if it was 7 or 8 speed RSX. The 8 speed was essentially rebadged 8 speed 105, that came into play with the introduction of the 9 speed groups,but before sora waas introduced. The 7 speed RSX STI was a unique group below the 8 speed 105 and rx-100 8 speed sti stuff.

operator

You have a Bianchi for a nice groupset for $500.. and you're complaining...??

kwhord

I'm not complaining. I'm not up on the technology for road bikes. I dont know what new breakthroughs / components have been introduced since my bike was built that would "date" it too much. I'm happy with the bike and it's a blast to ride which is really all that matters. But i wanted to know if it was worth upgrading, or should i ditch it when the components wear out.

The main reason I though i might have paid too much is the bike was old and I wasn't sure how dated the components / construction were.

I think my questions have been answered. And the general concensus i'm getting is that it was a good deal. thanks to everyone for your input.

oh, btw it's a 7 speed RSX for whomever was asking.

larue

since you're new I should let you know that if you reach 5 posts without showing pics of your bike you get banned.

baj32161

See why I like celticfrost, he is soooooo thoughtful

Guest

I showed up just in time. Show the pics!

Koffee

baj32161

It only took me one once I got my bike....these guys are serious. I hope they don't know where you live.

BigBrooklynLou

Ahh.... we see a smile Feel better about the purchase?

PS - Take a pic of the damn thing. We're all curious to see what it looks like.

Hanzo

Pretty good frame, not so great parts, but overall I'd say if you don't mind the age of it then it's worth $500. As long as the fit is good I wouldn't worry about it.