Caliwild

Hey guys,

I've searched the forums and found some useful info, but would like to get recent opinions on the following:

1. How is the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 105 as a starter bike?

2. Am I better off with a Cannondale CAAD10 105? (the Bianchi just looks better to me)

3. I haven't been fitted for any of these bikes so I know I'd have to go and do that (flame suit on!), but in general, do you think the Bianchi in a size 57 would be about right for me? (I am 5'10.5")

Thanks for the input!

PhotoJoe 

Hey Caliwild,

Welcome to the forum. Hope you get all the answers you want.

Just remember, there is a HUGE cult following of the CAAD's here. Just as a point of reference, while Bianchis are great bikes and are well liked here, there is no thread labeled "The Cult of Bianchi". A agree with you, though...it is a sweet looking bike. As far as fit, please don't buy a bike based on fit from an internet forum. I am certain you would be most disappointed.

Good luck in your search!

tagaproject6

Both are great bikes and should serve you well. Have you visited the LBS selling the bikes you have your eye on?

aml225

A Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (w/ sora) was my main ride for two years up until a few days ago. It's a great bike but probably not the best value. Just remember that it's aluminum and, in my experience, a particularly harsh riding frame.

As to the fit, get a profession fit!!! I don't think you'd be a 57, I'm 5'8" and my 55cm was too big (I didn't get a professional fit, don't make my mistake!!!). For reference my new bike is a 51cm and it fits perfect.

Definitely check out the Cannondale CAAD offerings and make an informed decision.

volosong

My gut instinct says that a 57cm will be too large for you. Hard to really say with today's convoluted geometry. One of my bikes (Trek Madone) is a 61cm frame and it fits me perfectly just as my other bike (Kestrel) which has a 59cm frame. Both have the same top tube length and seat post length. (I'm 6'3" with a 34" pants inseam)

You really have to be fitted by a bike shop. A first cut, if you have a friend willing to help out, is to run through the Competitive Cyclist on-line fit guide, (link in upper right corner of main web page, called "fit calculator".) It will take you about 10-15 minutes to run through it. Then, choose a bike based on the geometry specs and not what they say the frame size is. Most important number is the top tube length, secondarily is the seat tube length. And, the rule-of-thumb says that it is easier to "size up" a frame than to "size down" a frame. That means that if you get a frame one size too small, it can be made to fit you. If you get a frame one size too large, it will never fit you.

I really like the Bianchi bikes, (just purchased one for my lady friend, an Infinito). If you don't buy a Binachi in Celeste color ... well, then you don't really want a Bianchi and might as well get the Cannondale. I have been wanting to purchase a Bianchi Sempre frame, but there are no more in my size ... in Celeste. Availability of other colors, yeah, there are a few left, but they really aren't Bianchi if they are not Celeste.

Caliwild

Thanks for the responses, guys. I agree with you 100%, volosong. I won't buy a Bianchi unless it's celeste. The CAADs really do seem to have a huge following. I picked one up at the LBS and couldn't really feel much of a weight difference compared to the carbon bikes at the shop. I only weigh about 150lbs so I don't know if I'd really notice much of a difference between a 17lb bike and a 15lb bike. From what I'm reading, it's more important to lose weight at the wheels or crank. I'm going to go into the LBS that has the Bianchi and see what size I need. For the Cannondale, the LBS told me that I'd be a 56. Since Bianchi uses odd numbers, I figured I'd be a 55 or 57. But I guess I'll go try them on. It's just difficult trying to decide between all of these bikes out there. A lot of it is emotional IMO and it's important to have that bond with your bike so that you actually want to ride it as much as possible. It's not even just the look of the bike for me... it has to have personality. I feel that both the Bianchi and the Cannondale have personality.

Since I have your attention, here's another question. If I were to buy a bike with 105 components instead of higher-end Shimano components (yes, I'm convinced I want Shimano after years of using dependable Shimano fishing reels), would I regret the decision down the line? I think an upgrade of wheels might be money better-spent.

Thanks again for listening.

bianchi10

I had a bianchi via nirone with ultegra shifters and 105 everything else as my starter bike. it was a great bike and I learned a lot on riding it. I have since moved on and upgraded but I loved it while I had it.

rousseau

Huh? There are numerous threads devoted to Bianchi.

1. Celest Porn - Post your Bianchis
2. OK I Now Have Officially Contracted Bianchi Fever - Celeste Blue Lust
3. Celeste is best...New tires!!!
4. Bianchis in celeste

Ahall14

I currently ride a Via Nirone and have ridden 105 parts for a long time. I typically run an Ultegra chain and 3rd party cranks however. All that said, either bike would be a great starter bike or long term bike. Take care of it, upgrade parts as it benefits you, and so on.
Regarding Celeste- if you agree that buying a Bianchi in any color other than Celeste is a poor choice, then explain to me how you can put Shimano parts on it?

tadawdy

I have the exact same bike. I am 6'1", and ride a 57. I'd guess a 55 is about right for you. I remember hearing that Bianchi, in general, uses a slightly longer effective top tube length than typical. Not sure how true that is, but I wouldn't want anything bigger than a 57, to be sure. Also, my frame came with a 120mm stock stem. A little longer than normal. 100 mm and the reach is good.

IMO you can't go wrong with 105 at the level you're considering. Good value. Works great. You get 10 speed. Not as expensive to replace cassettes and such as Ultegra would be, and you'd want DA to notice real improvement in shifting in weight (and that stuff is expensive, to me).

As for whoever said it was a particularly harsh-riding frame, I strongly disagree. Not the cushiest around, but I like it fine on our , uh, spotty roads. It's actually not fully aluminum, either. Besides, wheel choice, tire pressure, and riding style probably influence ride quality more at this price point, anyhow. People love the CAADs, but I don't think they'd praise its ride quality, in any case.

The price of Bianchi's, at MSRP, is a little inflated. If you got as last-year's model, it could be a good value. The frame is nice enough, but it's not even full 105 (at least mine wasn't when I got it; I think they changed that recently) You will need a new crank and BB soon, if you ride much. Those specs were low-level FSA crap. pretty awful. The nicer BB and crank I have nice I perceptibly better and more durable.

All in all, I'm very happy with the Via Nirone, and 105 more than suffices for my use. Going on 2 years of all-weather (including winter) use, and the shifting is dependable with next to no work in that time period. Replace cassettes and chains, and adjust the derailleurs via the barrels when they need it.

The most important thing is to get a bike you like and that will inspire you to ride it. Then, make sure the fit is good. You can do it on your own, but that can take a lot of trial and error.

volosong

105 is a pretty good component group. With "trickle down" technology, today's 105 is like Ultegra was a couple years ago. Talking with a well-respected bike shop owner last Saturday, he told me that Ultegra today is every as bit as good as Dura-Ace was two years ago. 105 is good! The only thing you give up is a little bit of weight, (to Ultegra). (Personally, I would not go lower than 105, (e.g., Tiagra, Sora).)

Spacemunky

I am 5'9" and I ride a 53cm Via Nirone Veloce with a 135 stem. I have a 53cm because my Infinito is a 53cm and I wanted a training bike with the same Geo so everything would be consistent between my rides and the Infinito has a 155mm headtube so I had to go with a 53cm (I should be on a 55cm but the headtube would be too high).

With that said, get a 55cm Via Nirone with a 120mm stem or a 57cm with a 100mm stem and you will be happy. Depending on your flexibility you might need the 55 to get low enough or you could be ok with a 57cm. Personally I feel like anything over a 55cm rides like a caddy so I would go with the smallest frame you can without going overboard.

Bianchi vs CAAD....no contest in my mind. CAAD make top level bikes but they are uninspiring clones when it comes to aesthetics....personally I think only specialized makes unique looking bikes out of the american manufacturers, but once again, welcome to the clone army. If you dont mind the cookie cutter look then CAAD is also a fantastic ride.

Forgive the crappy cell pic

Caliwild

Good point. But IMHO, Shimano is pretty dependable. Of course, I don't have a lot of experience with the other manufacturers, but I have no reason to doubt Shimano quality. Campagnolo would be nice but I don't know enough about them. Plus, the parts on the bike don't stand out as much as the frame when it comes to the overall look. The best analogy I can use is this: The Lotus Elise is a British car but comes with a Toyota engine. I think that's appealing because you get the history and looks but it's also dependable. Of course, this can be argued back-and-forth but it's just a matter of taste and opinion.

By the way, thanks for all the great responses. It's apparently very difficult to find a Via Nirone in stock anywhere, whereas the CAAD isn't so difficult. I agree with Spacemunky that the CAADS are a bit boring, but I actually like the shape of the frame. It just isn't sexy like a Bianchi. I saw a few Masi bikes that looked good too. I'll keep looking for the perfect bike... Thanks again.

rousseau

You can't. You simply can't.

Italian bikes are not Buddhist. They are Catholic.

Caliwild

Are Campagnolo components comparable in quality and dependability to Shimano? (I'm sure there's dicussion elsewhere on this, but I don't feel like sifting through threads) If so, I honestly would prefer an all-Italian bike. Afterall, Rome is my favorite city in the world (I could honestly live there), mortadella is my favorite deli meat, grappa is my favorite after-dinner drink, Breaking Away is one of my favorite childhood movies, and I love the Serie A league. Anyway, I just think components should be dependable, which leads me to Shimano. But if Campagnolo is comparable in price and quality, why not?

rousseau

Short answer: More expensive, better quality, last forever (and you can replace wearing parts in the shifters should it ever come to that). What's more, your details suggest you'd be more content with an all-Italian bike, so what would be the point in tormenting yourself with buyer's remorse for having bought Shimano?

Go Campy.

Caliwild

Thank you, Sir. I will do some more research on Campy. Maybe I can get the bike shop to swap out the 105s the bike comes with for some sort of exchange for Campy.

Caliwild

You guys think it's worth holding out for the new 2012 Bianchi Impulso that's coming out in a few months?

https://road.cc/content/news/37407-fi...i-impulso-2012

eippo1

Actually yes. From talking to the rep this past weekend, it will be worth the wait. See if you can get the shop to place an order for you w/ a small deposit.

Caliwild

I just spoke with a Bianchi rep and was told that the Via Nirone 7 will still continue next year. The Impulso is not replacing it. The Impulso will be a few hundred dollars more. So I think I'm going to go with the Via Nirone. I tried on a bunch of bikes and found out that the 53 frame fits me best. The 57 was way too big and even the 55 was a bit large since I have a longer torso and shorter legs.

Another question: I have no idea about pedals and shoes. Since the Via Nirone comes with Shimano 105 groupset, should I just get the Shimano 105 pedals? Any shoe/pedal combinations that you guys would recommend that won't cost more than $300 total?

I'll have a look at the other threads too, but wanted to see if anyone has ideas about pedals for this bike. And sorry rousseau, I looked at Camagnolo parts but they're too expensive for me now. I'll likely upgrade to full Campy once I save up some more dough. A full Italian bike would be great!

Lastly, the bike comes with white tires. Any idea where I could find those black/celeste tires? Is there a specific tire I should be looking for? Thanks!

Spacemunky

105 pedals are good, so is the cheaper model SPD SL that shimano makes.

Tires, Rubino Pro comes in celeste and Mich Pro 3's also come in celeste

Spacemunky

Also DO NOT upgrade to campy unless you are upgrading the entire bike. You will not feel a difference between Campy veloce/centaur/chorus and shimano 105/Ultegra.......and if you're buying super record then you should be buying a new frame and wheels to match which pretty much means a new bike. Shimano 105 is perfect for an alu/carbon bike. If you want an upgrade get better wheels first

Caliwild

Thanks for the great info, Spacemunky! I will look into the tires and pedals. I'll hold off on upgrading everything else for now. It doesn't seem like I can get superlight wheels for less than $1000 for both.

I'm assuming I should go with Shimano shoes to match the pedals?

eippo1

That's a no for the shoes. Just like sneakers, dress shoes, every shoe fits differently. Try them on to see what feels okay for your feet. For instance, Sidi's fit my feet well, Specialized fit okay with aftermarket inserts and 1/2 side down, Shimano's feel like boats, same with Diadoras, etc. Glad to see you settled on a bike.

Caliwild

Thanks, eippo1. I will definitely go and try on some shoes. Are any of you fans of the dual platform pedals like the Shimano PD-1530? The other threads have mixed reviews, but mostly positive. My wife likes to ride her urban bike down by the beach and it would be nice to accompany her in regular shoes (using the platform side of the pedal). Maybe this is a good transition pedal for someone just getting into the clipless system?