galensmith

Hey all. So I am new to the whole cycling thing. Trying to make the transition from competitive running and would like to begin some serious riding this summer. I currently have a Trek 610, which I acquired a few months ago. It has been awesome, but since I have nothing to compare it to I don't really know if I am missing out on some performance. It has a steel frame with shimano 600 components (unsure of the weight).

A few days ago I found an ad for a 2007 Bianchi Via Narone 7. Same size as what I am currently riding, with an aluminum frame, carbon fork and tiagra components. I normally don't consider such bikes within reach, but the asking price for this beauty is only $450. It seems as though this is a good price based on the fact that the 2009 edition of this bike is retail $1300 and Bianchi seems to be a fairly credible brand.

First question: Is this a good buy? While I have been happy with the Trek, is this really the deal of a lifetime that I should not pass up or nothing to really turn heads about? This is by far the cheapest non-steel bike I've found, so it almost sounds too good to be true...

Second, and more importantly: how much additional performance (if any) can I expect from the Bianchi? Is it bad that it is a 9-speed as compared to my current 12-speed? Also, how do the bikes compare in durability? I plan on hitting between 100 and 200 miles/week this summer, so durability is essential. I have no interest in shelling out cash if the returns to performance are negligible.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on this manner, and apologize for my lack of knowledge on these matters. I come from a sport where equipment is nothing and training is everything. While training is the bread and butter of any sport, equipment at least appears to be an important factor for cycling, so I don't want to pass up a good catch if it presents itself.

Thanks for the help!

Galen

Ygduf

Check that the decals are straight...

brandontw

I wouldn't pass that deal up if i was you, it will be lighter, stiffer, and has considerable better components, and 450$ seems like a mighty fine price too.

galensmith

Awesome news - I am excited to go check it out. I wasn't sure how the Tiagra matched up with 600. As I understand it Ultegra and 105 would be better, but I suppose you can't have it all!

MrCrassic 

A little too good. Where did you find this ad, and could you provide a link or text?

I think you may have your speeds a little mixed up. The "12-speed" that you're referring to is, most likely, a double crank in the front and six cogs in the back. This "9-speed" has nine cogs, which is much better since you have more gears to shift to, making you more efficient. Think of it as having an "18-speed" drivetrain.

The Tiagra will hold you up very nicely. It's a fine component group, but the Ultegra and 105 systems are lighter and a bit "smoother." Neither of these will detriment your performance on the bike, and will provide a very likable upgrade from the 600.

Please, please, please provide a link or text of where you found this ad.

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artifice

first, a quick search on the bike shows 3 models: two between 14-1600 MSRP, and one for 800. You might want to confirm which model the one you are looking at is.

I think there is a good chance you will see a big difference in responsiveness on the bianchi over the trek, considering both the age and quality of components.

If you intend to keep riding- I think it could be a great investment! When you check it out, make sure wheels are true, spokes aren't loose, make sure it shifts in/out of all gears, check tire wear, check for chipped cogs, etc. Some of those things could be an easy fix, but also good for negotiating on the price

Sprocket Man

You didn't mention anything about the size of the bike, but I'm hoping that you have a pretty good idea of what size you need and that the bike for sale fits your needs. Anything good about a bike will be for naught if you buy the wrong size bike.

galensmith

Here is the post, from craigslist. Also includes multiple pictures that I've cross checked with bike reviews... so it appears to be legit.

2007 Bianchi Road Bike, Via Narone 7 / Tiagra Triple Bought Sept 2007,
Great condition, looks like new. Well taken care of , my son has just out grown it. Good for a sport rider, just had the bike tuned.
Components listed below
Price $450 or Best offer

Components:
Frame TC07-Via Nirone 7 Alu - sloping geometry
Sizes 46/50/53/55/57/59/61
Fork Bianchi FL5 Carbon/Al 1-1/8"
Stem DA-32 3D forged alloy
Handlebar ITM 300 SuperOver
Brakes Bianchi RC-461 E
Crankset FSA Vero Triple 50/39/30
Bottom bracket FSA BB-7420AL JIS 68-100, 5mm
Headset FSA ZS4-Custom
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra Triple
Shifter Shimano Tiagra
Chain KMC X9
Sprocket Shimano Tiagra, 12/25
Rear Hub Joytech F192SB Alloy 28H
Front Hub Joytech A141SB Alloy 28H
Tires Continental Ultra Sport 23x622 rigid
Seatpost SP-222 6061 alloy, 31.6mm
Saddle San Marco Ponza C) steel
Pedals Look 206
Water bottle none
Bottle cage Aluminum black
Color Blu Pulp

I'd rather not put the link up in case someone else scoops it up!

roadiejorge 

$450 isn't bad for that bike and it's definitely an upgrade in terms of components and frame material. The one thing you need to make sure of is that the bike will fit so check out www.competitivecyclist.com as they have a fit calculator which will give you a good idea of what size frame you need to be on; it won't be a deal if it doesn't fit.

galensmith

And the size is 55cm, which is the same as the one I am currently riding - which I was fitted for.

Sprocket Man

If you've already dialed-in your body position and there is nothing mechanically wrong with your current bike, don't expect to see a significant increase in speed with a newer bike.

galensmith

I don't think that will be too much a problem. I've only ridden the Trek 10 or so times... no more than 200 miles total. Probably not long enough to get a good feel.

By the way, thank you all for the timely comments. I was hoping to get some feedback quickly so that I could jump on this lead after work!

hendrick81

If the bike is in good condition, then thats a good deal...

Ex Pres 

You will enjoy this bike, and may well be a little faster on it than the Trek. And that's coming from someone who had an '84 Trek 760, and regularly ride an '83 600.

dmp

And it will have 27 gears, not 18 (actually about 21 effective ones since you don't usually want to use the smallest cog with the smallest chainwheel and vice versa), since it has a triple crank (3 chainwheels in front and 9 cogs on the back).

One thing regarding size that you might want to double check- the specs say that the frame has sloping geometry. That means that the top tube is not parallel to the ground, but slopes down from the head tube towards the seat tube. Many (most?) modern road bikes are built that way. What you need to be sure is that the size refers to "effective" seat tube size (that is, the length the seat tube would be if the top tube was parallel to the ground) and not actual seat tube size (the real measurement). The difference will be that if it is an actual measurement the top tube might be too long for you. You can easily tell if you ask the seller to measure the top tube and compare that with your Trek. If they are about the same you are fine.

kyriefurro

Check your PM's .

manofbread

A quick note on sizing. I threw a leg over a Narone last week and was surprised at the sizing. I tend to fit in the 58 to 56 range, but the 55 was perfect for me. YMMV.

galensmith

So, the Bianchi mentioned at the beginning of the thread got scooped up, but just like that another beauty has entered the radar.

I met with a guy today who is selling a use Specialized Allez M2 Comp (1997) for $480. SBC Metal Matrix frame (aluminum?... it was very light compared to the steel I am on) and carbon fork.. Ultegra components and some sweet new wheels (Shimano WH-R560).

Here is a link to the specs: https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...Comp&Type=bike

He's also throwing in a pair of Sidi Genius shoes that actually happen to fit. The bike fits well and seems to ride smooth...

The only question I really have is how $480 sounds for this guy? It is certainly used, but like I said, rides smooth, and fits both my needs and my budget. Should I hop on this or can better be found? Poor college student needs help!

Thanks!

RiDE

Too much. Keep looking... too bad about that Bianchi. That was a great deal.

galensmith

I appreciate the honest answer. Do you mind if I ask why the price seems steep?