Bianchi USA Inc. Giro

Price Paid:  $1450.00 at Local Bianchi dealer

Favorite Ride:
Coconut Grove to Key Biscayne and Virginia Key on a beautiful Sunday morning

Bike Setup:
2004 Bianchi Giro, Easton aluminum frame, Shimano 105 set-up, carbon fork, Mavic wheels, computer.

Summary:
Making bikes for over 100 years, Bianchi knows a thing or two of crafting a solid machine. The Giro is a reasonable alternative to the Trek 2100. It provides a smooth, gliding ride that makes you want to (and helps you) go fast.

Strengths:
It's remarkably light, and the value derived from the bike is its component parts: Easton aluminum frame; Mavic wheels; Bianchi carbon seat-post; Italia Sella seat (comfortable!); Shimano 105; carbon fork.

Weaknesses:
The pedals included by the manufacturer are low-grade MTB-type pedals. Dump 'em and upgrade at the bike shop.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2100

Price Paid:  $1499.00 at Wheelie Fun Multi Sp

Favorite Ride:
bike trails, some back roads

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 components, Mavik Cosmos Wheels, Profile aero bars

Summary:
I bought this bike to relieve my aching knees from running 4-5 days a week. I was told I needed to cross train more. I haven't put on running shoes since I bought my bike. I replaced the SPD pedals with Speed Play X2 and bought a Terry saddle. I love this bike. It fits my short legs and long torso. I had an ill fitting Trek mountain bike and would always get passed on the trail. I now do the "passing on the left".

Strengths:
Light, fast, and fun to ride. Smooth ride on the trails and on the back roads.
Great bike for the price. Tested a few Treks and Cannondales in the 3000 and up range and felt that the Giro matched up to them quite well.

Weaknesses:
Switched to Speed Play X 2 pedals because my knees were hurting on the longer ride. Replaced the stock Selle seat with a Terry Fly. No real weaknesses on the bike. I'm the one with the gimpy knees and soft posterior.

Similar Products Used:
First road bike

Price Paid:  $1150.00 at The Bicycle Center

Summary:
I came from a Specialized Allez (full Al)to the Giro. The Giro rides like a limo next to a straight Al bike. The carbon adds a suspension like quality to the Easton tubing. Nice light bike. Handles well, climbs superb and accelerlates like a Ferrari. A very nice mid-level bike with unmatched quality of materials and componets. Being a relative newbie to the road circuit I can't make a complete evaluation of the bike, but for the 1000 or so miles I've logged on it, it has served me very well.

Strengths:
Comfort, all 105 Componets

Weaknesses:
Seat and pedals. Have the wheels setup by a professional.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez

Price Paid:  $1212.00 at sausalito cyclery

Favorite Ride:
every one i get to go on

Bike Setup:
added ultegra pedals to stock setup

Summary:
this bike is fun to ride. i finally made the switch to a road bike, and the giro makes me glad i did. It feels light and lively, without being twitchy. It is good on hills, manueverable, and just happens to look damn good (i got it in blue). bumps are smoothed out just enough, but the road feel is very good. this baby begs me to go as fast as i can.

Strengths:
full 105 componenets have treated me well
carbon seat stays and fork
love the rims
overall road feel
price (this thing is serious deal)

Weaknesses:
the stock pedals (do not take them home)
overwhelming amount of emblems

Similar Products Used:
no road bikes other than what i test rode

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Mike's Bike shop

Favorite Ride:
the longest and hilliest you can find

Bike Setup:
STOCK....the saddle is fine.

Summary:
This is my first road bike after a lot of cross country. I looked around and demoed at leat 10 bikes. THe first thing that i learned is that i hate steel frames because they feel like they shake me around too much(contrary to what many people say). However, The main thing that got me to shift towards this bike was the carbon fiber seat stays. Once that got me on a demo ride i loved it....not only is it a lot lighter than any of it compitition but it takes the shock great. $1200 was the top of my budget so i am lucky i got the end of year sale...but if i had the money i would have paid full price for it. THIS IS A GREAT BIKE.

Strengths:
-Carbon fiber seat stays
-weight (it is approx 19 lbs)
-Shimano 105 group it good enough for the price
-the rims look AWESOME
-ALUMINUM

Weaknesses:
-The Shimano 105 shifters stick.....the day i got the bike i went on a ride and after that ride a price of the complete interior of the shifter fell out and i had to take it back to the shop for them to put it back in....not to mentionthe whole time that the shifters stick a little (less however after they greases it and put the piece back in) (tyhis is why it only get 4 flames for overall)
-brakes aren't too great

Similar Products Used:
2004 Trek 1500 , 2003 trek 2000, cannondale r600, many lemonds, many steel biochi's, specialized Allez (the second best bike for this price range) and many more....