PixelPaul

I'm seriously considering a new 2005 Bianchi San Mateo. Aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatstays with full Campagnolo Veloce group. Looking for comments from anyone who may own or have ridden this bike. Also was wondering about the weight of this bike, did not see any information on the Bianchi website. Can anyone help?

demoncyclist

I had my heart set on one- I rode a Giro, which is the same frame with 105 (most shops don't stock Campy equipped bikes). It is a sweet ride. Then I rode the Cannondale CAAD 8 frame, and bought the R900 instead. Same grouppo- 10s Veloce (your choice of double or triple), but lighter and quicker frame. I still think the San Mateo is a beautiful bike, even if it doesn't come in Celeste.

operator

You purposely chose to buy an AL bike?

PixelPaul

What's wrong with an aluminum bike? Seems like most of them are these days.

hecbom

Hi Paul
I realise this reply might be a bit outdated, but I bought a San Mateo after considering a Pinarello F4:13 or a Bianchi Liquigas Team Bike ($5000). I toned down my expectations after my wife hit the floor when I told her the price of either Bike. So I bought a 49cm San Mateo and I can tell you I am glad I did. This Bike might not be the lightest;( 18lbs 8 onz on a digital scale at work) but it feels and handles better than my Coppi and my other Bianchi Alloro ( both Bikes are early 80's). I usually ride some very steep hills out in back of my house and zipping down at almost 35 mph this Bike is rock steady around the turns and on a straight line. If I was going to change anything on the Bike, I would get lighter wheels like Zipp 202 or Campi Neutron or Topolino C19. By the way this frame is the Reparto Corse SL3 Carbon and the Bike is identical to the 2004 SL3 Al/Carbon Centaur. The main difference is the Centaur comes with Campi Centaur Gruppo and the San Mateo comes with the Veloce components.
You can't go wrong with this Bike in my view.

YMCA

I am on one right now. It is more than a good bang for your buck. Sticking corners is incredible, and jumping the bike to speed feels flawless. Comes stock with Campy which took a few rides to get used to after 15 years on Shimano, but I'm finding Campy parts to feel waaayyyy more stable.

Kool Kid Velo

I rock a Bianchi Freccia Celeste Al/Ca with Centuar components.

It was a birthday present for myself and definatly a solid purchase. Sticks in the corners and accelerates quick. Feels good in the sprints and climbs decently even though I'm not much of a climber.
I don't think you could go wrong, with the San Mateo

clausen

Test road a SL3 last year. Specd out with centaur and scirocco wheels. Road well beyound my expectation after riding similar bikes. It's what sold me on a Bianchi. Currently riding a Via Nirone 7 with identical componets as the San Mateo -pedals and just love it. As for weight I not sure. Great bike you won't regret it.

Baldanzi

I'm interested too, my LBS said its an italian built fram while bicycling magazine states its taiwan built? Not sure - however the bianchi italy site has no frame that resembles this one...yet I trust the LBS if they say its a reparto corse frame. It looks like a nice bike.....

desertred

With this frame? Yes. I just picked up a Giro from my LBS. I had test rode both the 2004 Giro and Veloce (steel frame) and walked away thinking steel was the only way to go as far as comfort was concerned. I then tested an )% Giro with the SL3/carbon frame and the difference over the previous year's model was night and day. The 05 Giro was as comfortable as a full carbon Framed Giant and a 70% carbon Raliegh that I rode back to back. I came away from my LBS with the Giro. I would have preferred the San Mateo with the Campy components, but it would have cost me a bit more as my LBS didn't have one in stock. As the 105 parts braek, they can be replaced with Campy. The frame (IMHO) is as comfortable as steel, without the weight. I'm happy.