Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Golsan Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
SRT to the beach

Bike Setup:
Ultegra group, FSA bars, stem, crank, headset and seat post, Mavic SL wheels

Summary:
I am an older rider that likes 50 - 80 mile rides and I do a few centurys. For comfort and duration, I have migrated to relaxed geometry bikes. Last one was a Giant OCR Carbon. I moved my SLs from the OCR to the C2C so I am riding it with the same wheels and tires.

While I didn't think there could be smoother ride than the OCR C, the C2C is amazing -- like it had full suspension. And, it is noticeably stiffer when climbing out of the saddle. I also think the handling is better than the Giant. Obviously, I am very impressed with this bike and would recommend it to anyone.

Strengths:
Styling, smooth and stiff

Weaknesses:
The head tube seems a little short when compared to other bikes in this class -- OCR, F35, Synapse, etc.

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR Carbon, Giant OCR Carbon, Jamis Ventrua Elete

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Action Outfitter

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Lake Loop

Bike Setup:
It is a stock out of the Box full 105 group, Mavic cheapo wheels. I usually ride a 56 but this is a 58. I just had the shop fit it witha smaller stem it came with a monster lenght stem.

Summary:
My bike is the 928 Coats to Coast full carbon 10 speed 105. It is my first new bike in 10 yrs and my first carbon bike.
It is a combination of my Ti Eddy Merckx and a C-dale. Light stiff responsive yet smooth. I am very pleased. I got a huge deal on the bike $1,000 off retail I paid $1,300. The frame goes for that much...o

Strengths:
light smooth loks great in Celeste Green.

Weaknesses:
None as of yet ..well the bars . ITM wing something weird. The top bar wear you would hold onto is wide and flat and does not feel right. I was holding the top bar on the bend...not bad but no tape on the wing part...

Similar Products Used:
C-dale, Ti eddy merckx,

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at T-Town Bicycles

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Pogue Airport

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 10 speed compact Double
Neuvation R28 Aero 3 (John Neugent is the best wheel maker in the world)
Easton EC 90 Seat post, stem
Look Carbon peddles

Summary:
I bought this bike to upgrade from a Giant TCR. The bike caught my eye aesthetically as it is a stunning bike that garners alot of attention. This is truly one of the best road bikes on the market. It has not trouble hammering the flats, destroying other riders on the hills, or busting out of corners in crits. There are some upgrades you need to do: Seat post is extremely heavy, stem is heavy as well. The Mavic Wheelset is Ok but I upgraded to Neuvation R28 Aero 3's. This is a sub 1600 gram wheelset that is the best bang for the buck. The saddle is uncomfortable but easily replaced. These upgrades and my bike weighs right at 15.99 pounds on my weight weenie scale. All and all this is a great bike from the best maker in all of cycling.

Strengths:
Beautiful
light
stiff
could ride all day long

Weaknesses:
a few heavy peices out of the box (seat post, stem, etc.)

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR C1

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at online

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Clearwater

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Frame was less than 6mos old. Had a little spill and the frame cracked in two places. Bianchi does not warrant an unauthorized online purchase. Frame split right down a seam, so it's very suspect as to an inherent manufactor defect.

Strengths:
Enjoyed the handling, especially on longer rides. Nice looking, handling and spec. bike for the $$, but it just didn't last.

Weaknesses:
Frame...see above. Fizik saddle not a good fit either.

Price Paid:  $2400.00 at Peak Sports

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Alsea Falls, OR

Bike Setup:
Stock Campagnolo Veloce build

Summary:
The bad summary:
My biggest complaint is in the construction quality of the frame. My bottom bracket shell separated from the chain stays after less than 1 year of use. The defect went unnoticed because was hidden by the chainrings and crankset. Shortly after I also cracked the downtube with the front brake caliper when the fork turned too far. I noticed the separation when I removed the crankset. However, because I had raced the bike I was told the warranty was voided. Bianchi was kind enough to offer a new frame at 50% of retail.

The good summary:
Overall the complete bike is/was a great value. The parts spec is terrific and a good deal. The Veloce build is excellent with the exception of the FSA Gossamer crank, which is not as strong or light as comparable models. The wheels although heavy, roll smooth and are durable.

Commentary:
My problem could be unique to me or it could be more widespread. You will have to judge whether my problem was my fault, Bianchi's fault, or an isolated and unique incident. The failure to honor the warranty was a disappointment regardless of what caused the carbon to separate from the bottom bracket. Moreover, for a bike in the so-called race department (reparto corse) to have a warranty voided by racing is very contradictory.

Strengths:
Neutral ride characteristics (not too stiff, not too soft, not too twitchy, not too sluggish). Good overall value.

Weaknesses:
Poor warranty policy and poor construction quality. The problem could be unique to my frame or more general - your gamble.

Similar Products Used:
Torrelli Steel, Bianchi San Lorenzo Scandium, Redline Steel

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