Bianchi or Cube for ladies bikes

[J.Primus]

My wife is about to start commuting by bike again to work now the weather is getting better but is getting a new bike as her current one is a £70 clunker we got to see if she likes cycling.
We've got it down to 2 bikes which are both pretty much the same spec and the same price.
The 2012 Bianchi Nirone Dama Tiagra or the Cube 2013 Axial (blue & white alu one not the red carbon model)
Any thought on which one is better?

 

[J.Primus]

Also the Bianchi is new. It's just on sale as the shop has 2 left its trying to get rid of, hence being the same price as the Cube even though they're normally more expensive.

 

[J.Primus]

Thanks for moving the thread mods. I can see how a discussion about what bike would be better for a commute would be off topic for the commuting forum!!!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Thanks for moving the thread mods. I can see how a discussion about what bike would be better for a commute would be off topic for the commuting forum!!!

Yup - totally irrational posting a commuting related question in the Commuting section.

I would've gone for Pro Cycling and Racing but that's just me.

 

[vickster]

Has she ridden them both? Which one feels more comfortable to her, especially the reach to the brakes? Does either come with crosslevers, as a woman, I wouldn't commute in London on a roadbike without but then I am a bit of a wuss!

 

[ianrauk]

Has she ridden them both? Which one feels more comfortable to her, especially the reach to the brakes? Does either come with crosslevers, as a woman, I wouldn't commute in London on a roadbike without but then I am a bit of a wuss!

Commuting in London is probably far more safer then a lot of other cities and even in the country as there are so many cyclists now that motorists are far more aware and makes allowances. There are also miles and miles of cycle lanes and bus lanes.

 

[ianrauk]

As what Vickster said.
Which one does she prefer and find the more comfy?

 

[ianrauk]

Looking at the specs they are both pretty similar.
The Bianchi is a compact double with full Tiagra the Cube a triple mainly Tiagra with FSA crankset.
A triple not really needed in London.

 

[J.Primus]

She's ridden the Cube and was surprised by liking the more aggressive riding position. That particular Bianchi she hasn't ridden as there only seems to be one place in North Wales that has one. It would be a delivery to my office if she bought it. She test rode a trek that was similar in dimensions and also found it comfy but less 'must go faster'.
I think it's mainly down to coolness and aesthetics unless someone knows something about build quality or anything else that I don't.

 

[ianrauk]

I think it's mainly down to coolness and aesthetics unless someone knows something about build quality or anything else that I don't.

or even if she prefers Italians or Germans..
prefer the look of the Cube meself...

 

[vickster]

Anecdotally, I've not heard great things about Bianchi's aftersales. Aesthetically, I much prefer the subtlety of the cube

Personally, I wouldn't feel safe in London traffic on a roadbike without crosslevers, but as said I am a wuss!

 

[J.Primus]

Thank you for everyone's input. She was reading this thread. In the end she called the shop to get the 2012 Bianchi but was told they were out of stock but she could have a 2013 model for the same discounted price if she wanted. Bit of a result!
She agreed with most of you that the Cube was sleeker but just couldn't resist the Italian prettiness of the Bianchi!