Bianchi USA Inc. XL Aluminum EV2

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Baught used at www.b

Favorite Ride:
Bianchi EV2

Bike Setup:
Campagnolo Record
Mavic Helium

Summary:
I baught this bike used but almoust new in 2003. I have used it to commute every day (30km) to work since. On the weekends I can't let it rest!. It has never faild me. Before I was always an MTB guy but this bike canged me.

Strengths:
With Campagnolo Record this is just a very cool bike!.

Weaknesses:
"The quality seems to vary a lot from bike to bike, wich cannot be a good sign!
Worse stakes at the lottery though!
Probably a god buy!!

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Las Vegas Red Rock Loop

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105

Summary:
I bought this bike from a shop in Illinois. It's been a good bike to ride.... until "The incident"... I've ridden it in differing road conditions. I've shipped it all over the US. Never once did the frame crack. When I was out in Nevada, the bike was exposed to extremes of temperature. A very small crack formed on the fork tube at the bottom of the upright. I noticed it about 4 years ago shortly after I bought the bike. I continued to ride and the crack never got worse. Well the other day, I went across some railroad tracks and I heard a loud "crunch" when I applied my front brake, the bike went forward and the wheel went backwards. So much for the bike. I made it home and after examining the bike found that the small crack had turned into a large crack. Now I'll have to get another bike. Bummer!

Strengths:
Nice looking bike. Great ride.

Weaknesses:
Not enough reinforcement at critical stress points.

Similar Products Used:
Giant

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Local Dealer

Favorite Ride:
Round Antwerp

Bike Setup:
Chorus group and handmade wheels.

Summary:
Fantastic looking frame which conceals a multitude of sins. Do not be deceived! Frame broke after 370 days and Bianchi Europe did not even answer my e-mails. Dealer refunded at his own expense.
Why does Bianchi have a customer service department if it provides no service? Dealer no longer sells Bianchi - failure rate of 70% on frames. Please be wise: there are plenty of frames out there with a longer guarantee and better after-sales service.

Strengths:
Nice looking.

Weaknesses:
The frame and the galactically non-existent customer support.

Similar Products Used:
Giant, Pinarello, Hnad made frames. They did not break.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Texas Hill Country

Bike Setup:
stock record/chorus

Summary:
2001 EV2 is awesome. I switched from an SL3/ALUM-Carbon and impressed by the handling and sprinting characteristics.

Strengths:
sprint/climbing. Light weight. Nice looking!

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi SL3 Alum/Carbon. Trek 2200. Trek Y-foil

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
1 in 20

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace 10 Speed. Dura Ace Wheels. FSA K Wing bars. Fizik and USE.

Summary:
I'm not into writing reviews, but because this frame has had such a bad wrap I thought I'd give my view. I purchased the frame from ebay brand new as a warranty replacement for another guy. Had my reservation as there appeared to be a high failure rate. I was told that was the early frames and as this EV2 was a later model. Well, having riden exclusively on this frame for almost 4 years, including racing, comuting and training I have no complaints. It's a beautifully made frame which rides as good as it looks. For me it has been great durability for such a light wieght frame.

Strengths:
Builds up into a very light weight bike. Spints well without being too uncomfortable. Love the look. Good durability for me.

Weaknesses:
None for me.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAAD4, Cinelli.