Bianchi USA Inc. Alloro

Price Paid:  $950.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Hilly ones.

Bike Setup:
Full Ultegra, ITM Mantis bar, Thomson stem and seatpost, Mavic Cosmos wheels.

Summary:
This review is for the SL3 frame and SL fork only. I purchased the frame as a replacement for a busted Raleigh from which the components were taken. I've got about 3000 miles on the SL3 and I've been very pleased with it. The frame is much more stiff than my old Raleigh. Its not terribly light for Al but its a strong frame built to last. I have the Celeste Tribal paint scheme found on the '03 Veloce double. Which I think looks pretty good. Handling is excellent. When pushed to the limit in crits it hasnt let me down. I'd put the frame in the same class as the CAAD5. I really like the look of the fork and the Al crown and steerer give an extra bit of durability. Alessio-Bianchi used the same fork in the '04 Paris-Roubiax won by Magnus Backstedt. The reason given was that the Al crown and steerer held up to the punishment better than the XL full carbon fork. At 175 I'm not too concerned with chi chi ultralight bits. Value rating is a 4 because there are lots of nice 7000 series Al frames at $1000. Overall it gets a 4 because there are nicer frames out there for more money. This thing is a workhorse race/training bike, not an ultralight (disposable) climber. One more thing... I dont think they make the Alloro anymore but If I were buying a complete bike, I'd look at the '03 Veloce or '04 SL3 with Centaur first. RC Bianchis just cry out for a campagnolo group.

Strengths:
-Looks great
-Stiff
-Durable
-Italian
-You dont see a zillion of them on the road.

Weaknesses:
Paint has a tendancy to develop microcracks. I'm 175 lbs and I ride this bike hard so I'm sure it gets quite a bit of flexing which cause the cracks. They are superficial only and only noticeable from up close, but my raleigh didnt develop similar paint cracks.

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh R-700. Lemond 853 Pro w/chorus.

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Atlanta Cyclery

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Alloro with stock components except for Kore stem and a wider handlebar.

Summary:
Overall a very solid bike. It is a Bianchi with all the history behind the name. Unfortunately shaving weight does mean cutting some corners but still a good value.

Strengths:
Customer service. Customer service and customer service. Very impressed about how they took care of me during my wheel trouble. I like the frame with the downsloping top tube.

Weaknesses:
The Levitation wheels did not work out for me because my spokes kept braking. Bianchi replaced the rear wheel and relaced my front wheel throught the local shop. My chain broke (Shimano) after 3 weeks.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1220