Bianchi 1999 Volpe Older Touring Bike
3.7
/5
REVIEWS
3.7
QIKRATE
0.0
WEB
0.0
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DESCRIPTION
1999 Bianchi Volpe, touring, Shimano RSX Triple components, Bianchi fork
USER REVIEWS
OVERALL RATING |
4 |
★★★★★
★★★★★
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VALUE RATING |
5 |
★★★★★
★★★★★
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Gears Comfort Shifters Duribility Versitility
Brakes Wheels
I bought this bike for my yearly 305 mile trip across Il and In that I ride in a little over 3 days. This bike works great for that. It has made two trips and training for a total of 2000+ miles. This bike handles abuse very well. The only problem I am having is with the wheels losing true often. That is not that big of a problem becuase trueing wheels is simple. I am not a huge fan of the brakes but the extra gears for hills are great. Also shifting on uphills aren''t the best. Over all I love this bike and would recomend it to any tour riders.
Similar Products Used:
None
OVERALL RATING |
3 |
★★★★★
★★★★★
|
VALUE RATING |
5 |
★★★★★
★★★★★
|
Decent Parts Spec
Tons of braze-ons
Soaks up abuse
Heavy
Crappy Build On The Wheels
Lame Brakes
Cheesy Headset
Odd tire choice
For the money, this is a tough bike to beat if you are looking for a commuter/touring bike. Bianchi pitches this critter as an "off road" touring bike. Mine came fitted with Ritchey "Trail Mix" tires (700 x 35c) that weren't the best choice for my intended use -- commuting to work.
The steel frame is heavy and relatively unsophisticated, but it has a relaxed geometry and is very comfortable to ride. The Shimano RSX components (triple crank, derailleurs, hubs, STI shifters) work great. I did manage to kill the no-name headset in about a month, but I replaced it with a BEAUTIFUL Campy Athena unit that I got for $20 at NASHBAR (such a deal!) The brakes (Shimano Altus canti's) have a dead feel and not much power. I attribute that to mixing road levers with really low-end brakes. I've fiddled with the set up with mixed results.
The only serious quality problem that I have faced was with the wheelset -- after about 3,000 miles I began breaking drive-side spokes in the rear wheel, about two a week. Rather than hassle with Bianchi (and after having my local bike shop go belly up shortly after I bought the bike), I rebuilt the wheel with 14 gauge spokes. Problem solved.
The bottom line is that I am really pretty happy with the bike as a day-to-day commuter. I may slap the knobbies back on and try some cyclocross...
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R800
Old Beat Up Motobecane Road Bike
OVERALL RATING |
4 |
★★★★★
★★★★★
|
VALUE RATING |
5 |
★★★★★
★★★★★
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Comfortable long distance rider. Good over poor roads and hilly terrain.
A little heavy. Gear changes up steep hills a little unpredictable.
Good touring bike for the recreational rider. I ride mostly on weekends on poorly paved back roads. The Volpe takes all the bumps and potholes in stride. Seating position is very comfortable, so no strain on my back. Triple crank for climbs appreciated as West Orange NJ has many hill. Also quite stable on 40 mph downhill runs. Recommended.
Similar Products Used:
None