I'm looking for an entry-level road bike and test rode two Bianchi Via Narone 7s yesterday. One with Sora components and an all-aluminum rear triangle and one with Tiagra components and carbon seatstays. Both have carbon forks. Both seemed fine to me on my brief rides. However, they told me that the Imola, with a steel frame and carbon fork, would ride better than both of these. Unfortunately, they didn't have an Imola available to try out. Anyone have any opinions about Via Narone 7 vs the Imola? I just want to use the bike for non-competetive group rides of 25 to 50 miles on smooth pavement. Light weight and hill climbing ability are important to me -- I want to be able to keep up.

Not sure why they'd try to sell you a bike they don't have in stock over one they do. Also not sure why they'd perpetuate the myth that steel is more comfortable than aluminum, especially for a newbie.

Fit should be your #1 priority for your first bike. Budget would be #2.

Climbing ability is more about the engine than the bike.

As for the bike, it's very subjective in terms of what is right or wrong but being comfortable is probably the most important thing.

Also, why are you set on Bianchi?

LBS is offering extremely good deals.

Just make sure the bike feels comfortable (i.e. a ride longer than a few loops around the parking lot).

I have a Bianchi Imola that I bought on Ebay this winter. It was a 2009 that must have been a demo. I bought it for $600 and it still had the sale stickers on it. I bought it for a travel bike - had S&S couplers installed on it so I could pack it in a airline case (needed a steel frame for the couplers).

My main bike is a Cervelo R3 (carbon). I like the Imola. It rides pretty nice. It is a more relaxed geometry compared to the Cervelo and it is quite a bit heavier but I could live with it. It is a pretty stiff frame and is fine for climbing. If you are looking for a really light bike, this is probably not the best choice but you are going to have to spend considerably more to reduce the weight. It isn't a Cervelo but it only cost me 15% of the price of my Cervelo.

I have a 2009 Nirone, with 105. It fits me well, and I love riding it. I say it's a good buy if you're getting a break on the price.

It's biggest weakness is the weight. By modern standards, it's quite heavy (about 22 pounds for my 59cm). You could get a much lighter bike for about the same price. The CAAD9 comes to mind.

I disagree that you'd have to spend a lot more to get a lighter bike. The S1 is considerable lighter, and isn't really that much more than what I paid. If I could have stretched my budget to get one, I would have. Next time.

Very good responses so far. You guys are helping me a lot.

I purchased an 1885 105 for a crit bike. Got a good deal and keeps my CX1 out of the line of fire. have always believed that Bianchi are priced right for the money. I think there are better more up to date frames with better weights and packages such as Velo Vie, Ridley on clearance but all in and all a solid package. If your looking for comfortable ride for longer time in the saddle I highly suggest a Bianchi with a carbon rear or maybe even steel.
I like my bikes to have a bit of punch when I crank down on the cranks and the 1885 for 30 loops around a block will do the business. Paint is top notch, geometry is relaxed and parts are decent. At 2009 clearance prices around $1100-$1500 its a good deal

I purchased an 1885 105 for a crit bike. Got a good deal and keeps my CX1 out of the line of fire. have always believed that Bianchi are priced right for the money. I think there are better more up to date frames with better weights and packages such as Velo Vie, Ridley on clearance but all in and all a solid package. If your looking for comfortable ride for longer time in the saddle I highly suggest a Bianchi with a carbon rear or maybe even steel.
I like my bikes to have a bit of punch when I crank down on the cranks and the 1885 for 30 loops around a block will do the business. Paint is top notch, geometry is relaxed and parts are decent. At 2009 clearance prices around $1100-$1500 its a good deal

I would probably go for the Via Nirone 7 with Tiagra. I really like the styling of the Via Nirone... also Tiagra is quite a step up from Sora in my opinion. I also like the faster bike.

The Imola is probably a really nice ride because it's steel. If you don't mind sacrificing a little bit of speed for comfort go with the Imola.

If you are really concerned about lightweight you should probably stick with the aluminum bike. Steel is usually a little bit heavier. I don't think it will hold you back much unless you're in a fast group ride. I can stick with some of the guys on my downtube lugged steel 80s Bianchi. I did an 11 mile climb in a group ride and one of my friends was at the head of the group and he rides an even older steel bike than I do.