Bianchi via Nirone 7 - 2nd hand, customised £450

[Zarb]

Hi all,
My local bike shop is selling a second-hand (5 years use) Bianchi via Nirone 7 bike for £450 (pic below).

It has been customised quite a bit. The specs are:

Easton Bars
BMC stem
Tiagra 10 speed shifters
105 brakes
105 front mech
Ultegra rear mech
Tiagra chain set
Shimano R510 front wheel
Shimano R581 rear wheel
Specialised romin seat

I am hoping to use it for light to medium touring and any road cycling which my current single speed couldn't do. It takes tire sizes up to 25. Any advice on whether this bike would be suitable and is being sold at a good price would be much appreciated!

 

[vickster]

It sounds quite a lot, essentially it has old tiagra and the frame must be at least 5 years old (have they told you the model year?). No rack mounting points, although that can be overcome

I reckon with some savvy shopping and maybe a little more cash you could get a new or at least newer bike with similar spec. I certainly wouldn't pay more than £250 for it

Something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ribble-Wi...599328?hash=item2a687c3e60:g:9VUAAOSwdV1XN4SU

Or there's the same bianchi frame much cheaper here on fleabay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bianchi-Via-Nirone-7-/262438284393?hash=item3d1a8a6c69:g:sMUAAOSwve5XOF~i

That said, it's up to you to decide if it's the bike for you and value for money

 

[Spiderweb]

Even with the upgraded components and the likelihood it has had a recent service being a shop sale it does seem expensive. I would say £250 max is its value.

 

[outlash]

Judging by the spec list, it's got 'whatever fits from the parts bin' written on it for me. The wheels don't even match! I wouldn't say it's for light/medium touring either as it doesn't have the requisite mounts for a rack or mudguards.

Save your money and look for something for suitable.

 

[mjr]

They're lovely bikes but IMO not ideal tourers because they're usually thin wheels and don't take racks and guards easily, plus that seems slightly dear.

 

[vickster]

Perhaps @biggs682 can help you out with something in steel

 

[Apollonius]

This is a racing bike and will not take touring gear happily. As others have said, it is also a bit expensive since you can buy a new VN for not much more than £700 if you shop around. Great bike, but racing technology has moved on and they are now no more than entry level.

 

[T4tomo]

I have a similar slightly newer model..fitting mudguards is a pig as the clearances are very tight on rear wheel to frame, I manages it but any mud or grit rubs for a while until it gets spat out. Great entry level bike, but its a sportive / day ride bike, not a tourer, its its expensive especially its mismash of parts

 

[Zarb]

Thank you everyone for the advice - it seems like there is a pretty clear consensus so I will pass on it and have a look at some of the suggestions you have made

 

[AndyRM]

If the shop is willing to negotiate/listen to offers I'd go for it - maybe around the £350 mark?

Speaking from personal experience, it's a fine bike to tour on. I rode mine all over before it was written off in an accident.

 

[RegG]

As other members have said, this seems expensive for a 5 year old bike which has had numerous parts changed and not really upgraded. You can get a brand spanking new Via Nirone with 16 speed Shimano Claris for £699 here:

http://epic-cycles.co.uk/product/bianchi-via-nirone-7-claris

But again, these bikes are not really tourers, more sportive/racing.....

 

[biggs682]

Thank you everyone for the advice - it seems like there is a pretty clear consensus so I will pass on it and have a look at some of the suggestions you have made

@vickster thank you

looking at your comments @Zarb in the opening post i think any of the following bikes i have for sale would do the job

Dawes Galaxy Tour 1990's

or

Harry Quinn Road Bike with modernish running gear

or

1980's Raleigh Royal 52cm Road Racing bike ideal Eroica 2016

or

Tony Butterworth 55cm Road Bike

feel free to drop me a private message if you want any further info or pics on any of these bikes , prices are always open to suggestions to cycle chat members

 

[JtB]

The fact that there's no celeste or campagnolo is reason enough to give this a miss.

 

[T4tomo]

It's also a lot more than 5 years old. Mine is a 2009 model which has a sligh curve to top tube. The OP's picture has a straight top tube which is the older model. It also has a BMC fork, I would be surprised if it's had a front end write. Off hence the mismatched wheels.