Is There A Significant Difference?

[G_MAN]

Well, i visited my local dealer this morning and after much deliberation i've decided on one of three models of Bianchi, mainly because i think they look absoloutely amazing.

I was looking at a budget of around £800, however, the models i'm looking at are £849.99, £949.99 and £999.99 respectively.

Can anyone tell me if there is much of a difference in the two models as i don't want to spend the extra and not get anything extra for my money...if that makes sense.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=87034

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=87033

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=87028

 

[ghitchen]

The two Via Nirone's are the same frame but one is Campagnolo Veloce equipped and the other is Shimano Ultegra/105. The other is an 1885 frame with Veloce.

The 1885 is the most expensive as it has the better frame. The Ultegra Via Nirone is more expensive than the Veloce version as Ultegra is better than Veloce (but note that you are only getting an Ultegra rear mech, the rest is 105 that is the same level as Veloce).

The two Via Nirone's have a compact chainset (although I think Evans have got it wrong and the Ultegra is actually a double), the 1885 has a standard double. If you intend cycling up any real hills you are better off with a Compact, although having said that, you can swap the cassette on the 1885 for one with a lower gear if you do any hilly sportives for under £40.

If it was me I would go for the 1885 for the following reasons (some of which are personal preference)

1. An Italian bike should only have a Campagnolo groupset
2. The 1885 frame is better, and you can upgrade the Veloce bits as they eventually wear out over time in easy chunks. Upgrading a frame is much more expensive.
3. The 1885 has a full Veloce groupset, the Via Nirone is "watered down" with other makes, e.g crankset and brakes.
4. The 1885 is "only" £150 more than the Via Nirone Veloce.

If you can get the shop to swap the double crankset for a Veloce Compact then even better. The 2008 front derailleurs can be used with either a double or a compact so this wouldn't need changing.

Hope this helps.

 

[gbb]

The second one GMan...Bianchi C2C Via Nirone 7 Alu Carbon Ultegra/105 10 speed Compact 2008 Road Bike...
As allways, there's a trade off with equipment. You may gain on the transmission, but possibly lose on the wheelset (or somewhere else). I think you do on this one.

Shimano WH-R500 Wheelset on a neary £1000 bike...i wouldnt buy it.

Is it me ? Am i expecting too much ?
The R500's are an ok budget wheelset...but on a near £1000 bike ?
I've got better wheels on a £550 Bianchi.

 

[andyfromotley]

ghitchen................ you know way too much about bikes!

 

[Fab Foodie]

I'd echo ghitchen's advice, for the extra £150 you get better frame, full Veloce and better wheels (although at 1.9 kg's they're no lightweights). Decent wheels are waaaay more important than groupset status IMO.
Also you'll always wish you went for the best you can afford... 'cos life's like that.

 

[G_MAN]

Just out of curiosity can anyone let me know their views on these:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60717

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70739

They appear as though they could be bargains.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Just out of curiosity can anyone let me know their views on these:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60717

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70739

They appear as though they could be bargains.

OK
IMO, the Lemond is a bit of a bargain, BUT it's a Time Trial/Triathalon bike rather than an everyday road bike. The seating position will be more forward for aerodynamics over a shortish distance rather than any other riding and the frame is likely to be very stiff. Too specialised for everyday riding, but great value for a club TT.

The Pinnacle is Evans' own-brand. At £1499 It's over-priced, for a grand it's OK, but I'd still go Bianchi.

A genuine bargain is...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360032366&N=Focus Cayo 2008

Full Carbon, Full Ultegra 10speed and the new Aksiums have lost some lard compared to the old model.

 

[G_MAN]

Unfortunately i have to purchase the bike from Evans Cycles so i'm slightly restricted. This is because i'm getting the bike through the Ride To Work scheme. Thanks for the heads up though, i'll stick with the Bianchi at the minute.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Unfortunately i have to purchase the bike from Evans Cycles so i'm slightly restricted. This is because i'm getting the bike through the Ride To Work scheme. Thanks for the heads up though, i'll stick with the Bianchi at the minute.

Appreciate that. You'll not be dissapointed with the Bianchi and through the scheme you're getting a good deal. What's also good about Bianchi is the matching kit!
Make-sure Evans take time to get you properly fitted-up and let you test-ride. I'd also push to get a compact chainset 50/36 IF you ride in a hilly area.
Enjoy!

 

[G_MAN]

What do you mean by the matching kit? Also, out of the three Bianchi models listed above which one would you recommend? Ideally i want a good 'baisc' bike that i can build around (ie. upgrade the groupset etc at a later stage if i wish to).

 

[Fab Foodie]

What do you mean by the matching kit? Also, out of the three Bianchi models listed above which one would you recommend? Ideally i want a good 'baisc' bike that i can build around (ie. upgrade the groupset etc at a later stage if i wish to).

Hi, I meant Shirts, Jerseys etc, in fact not just the Bianchi gear, but Campag clothing as well! Very Stylish!.

I'd go with the best of the 3 Bianchi's.
I'd only 'upgrade' when bits wore out frankly. Above Veloce you'll spend a lot more money and shave a few grams. It might be slightly smoother shifting, but in a small way. It won't make you any faster in reality. Spending future cash on lighter wheels and good lightweight tyres like Pro-Race 3's will make you go faster, better acceleration, better climbing, sharper handling.

 

[HJ]

ghitchen................ you know way too much about bikes!

Can you know too much??

 

[G_MAN]

Can anyone let me know their thoughts on this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86331

 

[gavintc]

Mid range alu frame with reasonable mid range components. Nothing special, but nothing to criticise it. I would say it compares with the cheaper Bianchis you looked at earlier. Personally, I would get the 1885 for the reason listed earlier. Better frame.

 

[Nick1979]

I'm more and more interested by this Bianchi 1885 as well. How does the frame compare to the more common Specz Allez and Trek 1.X? I've heard Italian frame are more sporty, are they still suitable for a newbie?

Also, how are the Veloce shifters? I've seen Campa (I think it was Mirage though) at a shop, the shifters were plastic and felt really flimsy and "cheap" compared to Tiagra/105.