Serpico

Hello. I was originally looking at (and still considering) the Lemond Buenos Aires. But I'm a big guy and the carbon / spine design frame worries me a bit (even considering Lemond/Trek's limited lifetime warranty).

I would like a sloping top tube steel frame and the Bianchi Veloce fits the bill. Is anyone here familiar with the bike? How does it ride?

Any comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

btw, Bianchi USA just updated their website with msrp and a much better web layout than 2004 site.

Also, at $1,700.00 it is less than my budget of $2,200.00 so I will convert it to a centaur double and either take a credit from the lbs or ebay the veloce components. I want something I can ride for the next 5 years and not have to think about upgrading.

55/Rad

Nice looking bike. The 05's are 631 steel and the '04's are Aluminum. No reviews on roadbikereview.com as of yet.

I've never ridden a Bianchi but there are many people who swear by them. Certainly a top level quality brand.

Have you ridden it yet? How did it feel and fit?

55/Rad

Serpico

No haven't ridden it yet, but there's a really nice lbs around here that is a Bianchi dealer.

I just want something that is bombproof, if I get the Veloce I'll probably swap the wheels out as well.

Looking at this mainly as a fitness goal. I used to ride 20 miles a night when I was in highschool and loved it, was the best shape I was ever in.

Also helps that it's not celeste. Nice bikes, but you buy one and then neighbors start asking when Aqua Fresh started sponsoring you. Godawful color.

Xtrmyorick

What exactly do you mean by "big guy"? A lot of people seem worry about damaging bikes because they weight more than racers. But believe me, bikes can stand a lot more punishment than you think.

Think of the amount of torque a track sprinter puts into his cranks (and therefore bottom bracket, and therefore frame). Plus, those guys aren't exactly svelte. Chris Hoy weighs in at 90 kilos (around 200 pounds) and puts out god know how much power and his bikes aren't dissolving around him. Don't discount the BA because you think it won't hold your weight. I bet it will.

slotibartfast

{Also helps that it's not celeste. Nice bikes, but you buy one and then neighbors start asking when Aqua Fresh started sponsoring you.}

Ha Ha! That's good. Unfortunately, I'm so slow that my neighbors know that nobody's sponsoring me....I ride an 03 Veloce (steel + celeste) and I can vouch for it's quality build and smooth ride. I'm also a clydesdale and have never had a problem with any of the components because of weight. My model is running Mavic CXP 21 wheels instead of the Campy's on this year's model, but they ran the same wheels on last year's model and I haven't heard any reports of weakness or instability. I think they're a lot stronger than they look. I have Bontrager Selects on my other bike, which are also a low spoke count wheel and I've never had any trouble with those, either, and they've taken a lot of abuse. Good luck in your search for a new bike. Test riding a lot of models is half the fun.

...jeff

'nuff said.

greenstork

I'm 6'4", 215 lbs. and I ride a Bianchi Virata, which is also in your price range ;-)

I love my bike, and highly recommend it. It is a nicer frame than the Veloce, with smooth-riding carbon seat stays, but it does have full Ultegra vs. the Veloce group your are looking at. Not sure if it matters, but the Ksyrium wheels that come on the Virata are bombproof. The 2004 Virata is celeste though, and you said you didn't like that. I couldn't be happier with Bianchi.

larue

Yes the site is much improved, thanks for the heads up.
I think down the road I'll replace my Felt SR91 with a Bianchi Alfana.

gcasillo

I have a pair of Campy Ventos. Great wheels. Not as light as Mavic Open Pros or Ksyriums, but every bit as or more sturdy. The Veloce is a nice bike.

Another bike you might consider, if you're still interested in a carbon fiber frame, is the Specialized Roubaix Pro Comp. With full ultegra and Ksyrium Equipe wheels, you can probably score an '04 model in your budget. Very nice riding.

Steel is nice; I have a Bianchi Volpe with a moderately sloping top tube. However, my carbon fiber Look is far more comfortable. I can stay out on it longer, and when I'm done with a ride, I do not feel nearly as beat up. I used to lift my butt off the saddle constantly. Now, I have to remind myself to stand every now and then to work different muscles in my legs.

BTW, celeste kicks ass.

Avalanche325

I wouldn't worry about frame strength. I would check on the wheels, though. Sometimes clydsdale and low spoke count don't go well together.

I also think it is against the law to ride a Bianchi if you don't like celeste.

Spill the beans on your weight, and I am sure someone here can help.