Campagnolo or Shimano on a Bianchi?

[derrick]

That's as maybe but it sounds like the OPs heart is telling him Bianchi, often when spoiling oneself especially heart tramples on head

I'm sure black Specialized bikes ride really well but personally I'd never have one...even if a bargain for the best bike in the world I would never enjoy the ownership experience enough

We can only try to point him in the right direction.
I also would not ride an all black bike.

 

[Lee_M]

I've had campag and shimano and SRAM in my time.

Set up they are all brilliant, not set up they are all crap. Buy what you want, they'll all be fine, or not :-)

 

[vickster]

We can only try to point him in the right direction.
I also would not ride an all black bike.

But who says Bianchi isn't the right direction

Cost wise there can be savings on older models or even buying from mainland Europe

@RegG whats the budget? What frame material preferred?

 

[RegG]

Chortle.

This would be Bianchi the Italian bike outfit that is a subsidiary of a Swedish company? But I expect the frames are made in the same Taiwanese factor as Spesh. Which is probably why they spec Shimano as OEM kit on so many of their bikes!

You are correct in saying Bianchi is a subsidiary of a Swedish company: Since May 1997, the company has been part of Cycleurope Group, which is owned by the Swedish company of Grimaldi Industri AB. But what companies these days aren't subsidiaries of larger groups, Jaguar Land Rover is a prime example. And the Bianchi frames are produced in the far east but surely that again is the norm these days?

I have obviously aroused a lot of debate and passion here. I will have to have a look at a bike with Campag and see what I think about it. I must admit to liking the simplicity and smoothness of the Shimano Ultegra I have on my Giant Defy 0 (upgraded from standard 105/Ultegra mix).

 

[mark st1]

That's as maybe but it sounds like the OPs heart is telling him Bianchi, often when spoiling oneself especially heart tramples on head

I'm sure black Specialized bikes ride really well but personally I'd never have one...even if a bargain for the best bike in the world I would never enjoy the ownership experience enough

What colour was your Spesh that you had ?

 

[vickster]

Where are you based? There are some specialist Bianchi dealers. Although some also sell de rosa...that would be my choice, bianchis being a bit common a site on the roads for me :-/

 

[GrumpyGregry]

You are correct in saying Bianchi is a subsidiary of a Swedish company: Since May 1997, the company has been part of Cycleurope Group, which is owned by the Swedish company of Grimaldi Industri AB. But what companies these days aren't subsidiaries of larger groups, Jaguar Land Rover is a prime example. And the Bianchi frames are produced in the far east but surely that again is the norm these days?

I have obviously aroused a lot of debate and passion here. I will have to have a look at a bike with Campag and see what I think about it. I must admit to liking the simplicity and smoothness of the Shimano Ultegra I have on my Giant Defy 0 (upgraded from standard 105/Ultegra mix).

I'm simply questioning the logic of it is a Bianchi, therefore it is Italian, therefore it must have Campag, that was being expressed.

Ride with whatever makes you happy and screw logic I say.

 

[vickster]

What colour was your Spesh that you had ?

The crosstrail was a browny colour iirc, the sirruses white. Never had a solely black bike, never will

 

[mark st1]

The crosstrail was a browny colour iirc, the sirruses white. Never had a solely black bike, never will

Multiple mistakes then . 100% black no not for me either.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Blimey, it's been a long time since we had a Campagnolo/Shimano debate (they used to get really heated in the old days!), but since SRAM it's all gone quiet.

I'm gonna come-clean, fess-up, reveal my deepest and most hidden cycling thoughts and now's the time.

You see , this morning my 'Holdsworth' fixed-wheel frame arrived from Planet-x for a measly £150 notes. Now I have a soft-spot for Holdsworths, my dream bike as a kid. I have 2, one's from the late 50s/early 60s and is a very long term refurb project (I beat it to death as my only bike for 20 years and it was a wreck when I payed £5 for it in 1982). The others is a nice clean Elan with much of the original Campagnolo running gear (not one of their best but lovely just the same). The new one is neither a real Holdsworth, nor is it 531, nor has it a classic horizontal top-tube. It's Chromoly and nicely made in Vietnam.

But here's the rub, it's got the classsic Orange and Blue paintwork, it matches my classic Orange and Blue Holdsworth kit, it reminds me of my childhood and probably will remind others too. It's not exactly a good replica, but is sessence of Holdsworth at a price I can afford right now and whilst it seems to weigh a tonne it will be fun to ride, put a smile on my face and let me dream a dream of childhood long since passed and will do me until I can track down/afford an Original Holdsworth Pro with Nuovo Record.
It's the essence of the dream you see that matters to me, not the material, nor the weight, but the little tingle of joy it brings for whatever reason. It think it's known as 'living the brand'.

So @RegG like you I like Celeste Bianchis (and I do) and you think it should come with Campagnolo (and I do too .... why ever not?) then track one down .... because one with Shimano would lessen your dream and that should never be allowed.

 

[vickster]

Multiple mistakes then . 100% black no not for me either.

Yes indeed. One was a theft replacement. Should have been more considered in my selection. Was a while ago

 

[Apollonius]

Generally speaking the upper-end Bianchis are cheaper in the Shimano version than the Campagnolo. I have Bianchis with Chorus, Athena, and Veloce in the house. (Not all mine, Mrs A has some too.) We also have Shimano on winter hacks. If you like Shimano, then there is no reason not to have it on your Bianchi. Simple as that.
OK, if you are buying into the 130 years of tradition thing, and your memories go back to Fausto Coppi - as mine does - then you might see the Campagnolo version as a "purer" version of the Italian dream, but for riding - you pays your money you takes your choice. After all, you want pedals, and Shimano takes some beating for quality and value in that department!

 

[JtB]

This was my dream from Saturday: A sunny day in the middle of nowhere in the company of my Bianchi, a touch of Celeste, Campagnolo groupset and some Bianchi branded accessories. I'm sure the riding experience would have been just as good with Shimano, but I think it would have spoiled the dream a little.

 

[bozmandb9]

Campag goes 'clunk' whilst Shimano goes 'click'. Honestly. That is about the entire difference, and I've got Campag, Shimano and SRAM across my fleet.

Mine doesn't, it 'snicks' in. Deffo wouldn't call it a clunk.

 

[Bollo]

My bike is as black as Ted Cruz's soul. The frame is made from carbon and hate.