Bianchi Axis

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Online

Favorite Ride:
N GA

Bike Setup:
Upgrade to Ultegra front & rear + shifter, mavic krysium wheels for road rides w/ conti gators, fizik aliante saddle.

Summary:
I race a regional cx series in the fall and ride it on many 50+ mile rides during the rest of the year. I avg 22 mph on my true roadie and just under 21 on my 2009 axis. The relaxed geometry actually feels better than my roadie enabling me to go longer distances. It's also a great bike for fsr's, single and double track. If you want a bike that can do it all then this bike is for you.

Strengths:
The bike is great but the motor that drives it is the real strength

Weaknesses:
Brakes! They sound like a hurt animal when trying to stop.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized cross and cannondale cross

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Richardson Bike Mart

Favorite Ride:
mingo/428 loop

Bike Setup:
Stock, except i swapped out the tires for Conti Gators. I am probably gonna replace the wheels, but only b/c I want lighter ones.

Summary:
I bought this bike b/c I wanted the versatility of a road bike and something I could go down trails and something I could ride in traffic. It does it all. I've bombed down trails, jumped curbs, and kept up on club rides. I do primarily road riding now (25 miles+, avg 18.5 mph) on it, and it is super stiff. Great going down hills and up. I haven't had to true the wheels yet, amazingly. Its a bit heavy and beefy, but for all it is capable of, it needs to be. After 3+ years of abuse, its still going. And I love passing guys on Looks and Cervelos on that beast. Brings joy to my heart.

Strengths:
Does freaking everything. and keeps going. Looks good while doing it too. Other riders are always oooing and ahhing. "look its a bianchi" I love that Celeste Green.

Weaknesses:
That darn bottom bracket squaks at me like a bird. I thought it was b/c I dished out excesive abuse, turns out lots of folks have this issue. The stock tires went flat all the time. The cables a a bit stretched so theres a delay in shifting. I also got a 57cm when I needed a 61, but thats my fault for letting a salesman make a quick sell.

Similar Products Used:
This is my first cyclocross ride.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Arcadia Shops - Leno

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Central Park, NYC

Bike Setup:
As I ride city streets, I swapped the pedals for a Shimano SPD that has clips on one side and standard pedal cage on the other so I can bail if needed. I also added top brake levers (ala Trek)so I can ride in an upright position to keep my head above the traffic. I purchased Bianchi bottle cages and water bottles in celeste blue (what else) just to trick it out a bit (I note that Trek is using a clone color in the 2009 Tour de France). I use a Topeak MTX carrier and bag which I can remove when needed. The bike travels on a SoftRide hitch-mounted bike carrier which blows all competitors away for its utility and looks.

Summary:
This is a great bike! Leaving aside its sublime beauty, it is an all around champ. As I live in Manhattan, I never know what my ride will be. Central Park? Across the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey? Upstate? On road/off road? Happily, it doesn't matter. The Axis will do it all with grace, style and fun. I may even take up cyclocross racing.

Strengths:
Versatility, durability, build, style.

Weaknesses:
Front breaks squeal, particularly when wet. The stock knobby tires are not "road ready" but I just can't seem to replace them given the safety edge I need.

Similar Products Used:
My last bike was a 1985 Specialized SC with SunTour components (very old school). I was truely the first on my block to recognize the city use of a mountain bike, although by today's standards it is more of a cross-over. I still love that bike and ride it as my city beater. A classic - even with the albatross handle bars!

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
To Work

Bike Setup:
Bone Stock with some fenders.

Summary:
I have about 3500 commuting miles on the Axis. This bike has been a steady workhorse getting me around the city. When I purchased the bike in 2007 I was concerned about the quality of the wheelset but they have been unfounded. The only problem has been a broken spoke on the rear wheel. I recently took the wheels off the bike for truing and found that none was needed. I have also taken this bike into some singletrack at it preformed reasonably well. It is not the lightest, fastest, or blingyist bike but it is extremely functional.

Strengths:
Versatility. Bike works fantastic as a commuter. The geometry is quick enough to navigate Pittsburgh city traffic but not uncomfortable. The Bike has also been very durable. The only component that I have replaced was the bottom bracket

Weaknesses:
There are some flex in those cranks. I have been unable to control the squeal from the front brake. Changing pads or toeing in the front brake has not helped. I think it is coming from the flexy brake arms.

Similar Products Used:
Cross Check, Jamis Nova, IF cyclocross

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Any ride

Bike Setup:
Stock except for road tires.

Summary:
This is a great bike though it is not in the sub 20 pound range like most road bikes but is still light. I have no problem keeping up on it on any group ride I go on. I like the frame and how different it looks to the average road bike and its a little bit more solid when I am on non-paved roads.

Strengths:
Tough bike that can take some hits that are bound to happen on road or off. Handling is great and climbing is easy and is fast downhill.

Weaknesses:
For some reason the bottom bracket, crank, cartridge squeals (metal on metal) it seems to work its way loose even after tighting, anyone else have this problem? Because of gearing the bike is not the fastest on flat sprints.

Similar Products Used:
Fuji.