Bianchi USA Inc. 1999 Boardwalk

Price Paid:  $485.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
The tow path!

Bike Setup:
Everything is stock

Summary:

How I love my Boardwalk! This bike is a workhorse: sturdy enough for hitting for cruising on cruise on the road. The stock brakes and pads are more than sufficient. Shifting is immediate and accurate, and the shifters themselves have a good, solid feel and lock right into place.

One complaint: Removing the front wheel is far more troublesome than it should be, as the quick release isn't so quick, and the brake cable often is trapped among the jumble of other cables just above the fork. Argh!! As for the saddle, OUCH! Don't even think of riding without a padded fanny! (Although that tough leather does break in rather nicely when treated with harness conditioner.)

Everywhere I go, folks ask me about this bike. People really seem to dig it. I tell them what I'll tell you: If you prefer exploring to touring or slamming around on trails, the Boardwalk is a fine choice. What fun!

Strengths:
The metallic Bianchi blue/red frame finish is SO nifty
Frame appears to be indestructible
Good bike for weekend riders

Weaknesses:
The saddle is a killer until it breaks in
Heavy components make this one tank of a bike!
Tricky to remove the front wheel

Similar Products Used:
Unloaded a way-too-big Cannondale on eBay

Favorite Ride:
11 miles of hills Percy Warner Park

Bike Setup:
All stock, except saddle Serfas, VDO Aero 8.0 computer,Time pedals

Summary:
Great bike for the money, a lot of real value.I looked at Cannondale R400. There was $20.00 USD difference. Components are better on Bianchi. I quickly learned its NOT a road bike. For me its a tooling around with the kids kinda bike.A month later I bought a "real" road bike. Light aluminum frame made in Taiwan. Its a good all around bike for commuting, cruising, fitness and playing with the kids.

Strengths:
Components,looks

Weaknesses:
Saddle, replaced it within 2 days

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hard Rock (an old one)

Favorite Ride:
country roads

Bike Setup:
touring bags,computor

Summary:
I recently rode the New York City 5 boro bike tour total 54 miles with no cycling experience at all and had no equiptment problems at all.

Strengths:
good components for the pric,comfortable,ez handling

Weaknesses:
none that i can think of

Similar Products Used:
cannondale,trek,fuji

Favorite Ride:

lakeside road

Summary:
The Bianchi Boardwalk is really neat. I use every day for work, every weekend for road rides.Bianchi cupholder is also my favorite. I hope this bike prevents me from obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension and diabetes.

Strengths:

Nice Looking

Weaknesses:

Nothing particular

Similar Products Used:

Other Bianchi Bikes, Panasonic Bikes, Giant Bikes, Bridgestone Bikes

Favorite Ride:

North Hampton, Mass Park Trail

Bike Setup:

Stock components - Shimano A20

Summary:
I have owned this bike for 8 years and love it. I also ride a Greg Lemond and Trek 8000.
This is the ideal park trail or paved surface bike for training or just having fun with the family. I have done century rides and national park rides with this bike. For the money, you just can't beat it.

Strengths:

Bullet proof design
Comfortable ride
Great looking
Even older components work well and hold up.

Weaknesses:

None that I can think of in 8 years of ownership

Similar Products Used:

Many rentals and friends bikes--all hybrids/cross-bikes.