Bianchi Oltre?
 

I've been thinking of buying an Oltre, but now I'm having some 2nd thoughts. My 2nd thoughts center around whether I should be looking at/ordering some other bike.

I live in the rural Great Plains and don't have access to many bike stores, so checking out different bikes isn't all that easy. I can order the Oltre locally, but the LBS doesn't have one on hand for me to ride. And I know more than a few will say an Oltre should have Campy, but I'm thinking I want Dura Ace Di2.

I only have time to ride about 100 - 150 miles per week (I spend too much time at work -- that's why I can afford the bike), and I ride by myself on rural roads. I only encountered 4 other cyclists last year when I was out riding, and haven't seen anyone so far this year, so it's not like I'm going to be actually racing anyone, but I'd like to have a really nice race bike before I get too old to enjoy it (not that the Infinito is bad).

Suggestions?

What exactly is your concern? If you want the bike, get the bike.

FWIW, I built my Oltre with SRAM Red. I really don't see a problem with putting other groupsets on one. If you want Di2, get Di2. The best thing about Shimano and SRAM is that you can oftentimes find their parts in stock at LBSes, even in rural areas. Not as many keep Campy parts in stock, so you may have to wait. The Dura Ace Di2 has a higher cool factor too, in my opinion.

Here's my concern: Is it reasonable to assume that any bike in this price range is going to be a very nice bike, or should I be taking a 6 to 12 hour drive to a large city and maybe look at some other brands like Look, Time, Colnago, etc. My local bike store can order the Oltre for me, they give very good service, and I had a very good experience buying and riding the Infinito I got from them, so I'm inclined to stick with them. But to some extent I feel like I'm buying a pig in a poke.

Ask them to see if the rep could bring a demo bike by? Spending that much coin I'd assume the shop/rep/company would make a valiant effort to make you happy.

The other option is to buy from Competitive Cyclist. They have a 60 days NQA return policy. I'm not suggesting to abuse the policy but it's there as insurance. If you really hate it (I doubt you will), you can return it. Can't imagine that much difference in quality when you're in that price range.

If I was going to drop a lot of money on a bike, I'd definitely make a day of it. Perhaps several days. I'd drive around to different bike shops checking out various makes. I'd even consider getting a hotel room and spending the weekend. In fact, walking into high end bike shops with 10 grand in my budget and all day to just look at stuff sounds like pretty much the perfect day to me.

Ranger Dan: I sympathize with your situation. It's frustrating when people in this forum say "ride them all and pick the best." That option is not available to everyone. In your case, it's because you live in a rural area. In my case, it's because I ride a small size, which most bike stores don't stock (although they'd be glad to order the bike if you pay 50% down plus a shipping fee, with store credit only if the bike doesn't work).

Sounds like the Bianchi isn't your first choice. If I were you, and had the $$, I'd pick up my dream bike from an online seller like Wrench Science, CC, or RA Cycles. They sell all the brands you mentioned.

Good luck.

If your fit on the Infinito works well for the type of riding you do and you are without issues, why bother driving 6-12 hours to find another bike that you may or may not like? Do you think it is worth your time to take that 50% chance? The Oltre will not leave you wanting for more...given the right fit, of course.

It is your time and effort, spend it as you see fit.

Yes, that's very reasonable. I don't think you're going to get a total P.O.S. in that price range. My Oltre was the first bike I bought in that price range, but I honestly feel that I could be just as happy with another brand. When you're talking about bikes in that price range, you're talking about a really narrow range of components and materials. They're pretty much all carbon frames with the best groups from Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo. I strongly considered several other brands before I bought, and I bought Bianchi because, well, I always wanted one and something about that frameset just appealed to me. Seriously though - I don't think I would notice much difference between top-of-the-line bike A from manufacturer X and top-of-the-line bike B from manufacturer Y if they had the same group, wheels, and other components. Pretty much all of the manufacturers have a model that suits my needs.

This should count for something- but if you're worried about it, then by all means take a drive and go check out some other bikes.

I don't think I have to tell you that buying local is really nice, especially if you had already had a good experience and have a good relationship with the local dealer. That said - I love my Oltre, but I'm not going to try to talk you into buying one. I believe that there's a right bike for everyone, and people need to decide for themselves. By all means, if you're not sure, shop around. I think the real question to ask yourself is: If I buy this bike from another dealer 6 to 12 hours away and have a problem or am otherwise unhappy, do I really want to drive 6 to 12 hours each time to deal with it? (Or spend a lot of time on the phone or corresponding via email if I buy online?)

You already have a Bianchi. I would get something really flashy and go Super Record components, don't skimp with Shimano.

Top of the line Colnago, a super flashy DeRosa, anything with pizazz.
A Pinarello (what I have) isn't very flashy color-wise and that is my only beef.

You need a real sweetheart with gorgeous paint IMO.

Forgot to add- There is one brand that would be the ultimate Italian cool................but I 'aint gonna' say what it is, because that is MY next ride!

Nah, it should have Campy Super Record EPS!

After some more reflection, I'm looking at chosing between the Oltre (available locally by special order) in celeste and a C59 Colnago (white/red) that I would have to get over the internet. Campy EPS would be nice, but my wife would kill me, so I'm looking at Di2 or a divorce. Hmmmmm.

I know it's my money/my choice, but which one would you opt for?

I'm torn between the Ferrari 458 Italia and the new Lambo Aventador, which one would you opt for?

Then get the Di2. I'm saying that both as a married man and as an Italian(yes, my maternal family is Italian and I even have the passport to prove it). It's not like it's a sin or anything, especially since Campagnolo is manufacturing a lot of their stuff in Romania now anyway(if I recall correctly). More than likely your Bianchi frame will come with a "Made in Taiwan" sticker on the bottom(mine did) anyway. I hope this doesn't rain on your parade, but that' just the way it is. Get what you want, support your local business in the process, what's wrong with that?

Colnago C59 frames have an amazing ride..the one that i ride is not one of their lugged frames, but have ridden one and it is a great frame..just out of my price range. If you think it is a bad move to buy online..do what i did..buy a frame from another dealer (not online but out of state) and some of the parts on line, then buy some from your LBS and have them assemble it. Win win for everybody..you get your dream bike and the shop gets to make some change too.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. As it so happens, I now have to make a business trip to Cheyenne and Denver over the next few days. I rarely get to Denver, so I hope I get some time to look around.

By the way, I guess I wasn't very clear -- when I asked which one I should opt for, I was referring to the C59 vs Oltre, not Di2 vs divorce.

C59 for sure. Looks great, and is plenty flashy enough.

hmmm..wonder which i would prefer...lol

I know that the Oltre is a really sweet ride and once you get up to that tier of bikes, then you really can't go wrong and it really comes down to just what you like more.

Sorry, but that's beyond me -- I don't know much about high end cars. Does either one come with a heater? I was driving an '86 Chevy Cavalier until recently -- not much fun driving to work in the winter with below zero temps and no heat.