Bianchi USA Inc. Bergamo

Price Paid:  $595.00 at Bikeland I - Caldwel

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
Mostly stock, except for pedals (dealer threw in a set of Wellgo alloy platform pedals for free); PlanetBike Freddy Fenders, Schwinn cycle computer, Blackburn 4 LED headlight.

Summary:
A great overall commuter with a comfortable saddle and good components (except the wheelset...)

Strengths:
Good frame, saddle, derailleurs, brakes and rack. Good handling and the DualDrive setup is great for both in-town and open-road riding.

Weaknesses:
Wheelset on 2006 models has very cheap spokes and will require continual truing unless you want to rebuild them with better spokes (which I did). I'd definitely recommend upgrading to WheelSmith spokes and having a professional wheel builder do the job for you.

Stock fenders are garbage: Freddy Fenders from Planet Bike et al are much better.

Similar Products Used:
1996 Nishiki Bravo, 2002 Nishiki Bravo.

Price Paid:  $489.00 at The Hub (Minneapolis

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
Everything stock except, cateye computer, crankbros candy sl pedals, cheapo seatpost and saddle (the original was great but was stolen) SRAM powerlink chain.

Summary:
I purchased this bike after my Trek 420 sport was stolen and I'm so very glad that I did. What a major upgrade. I couldn't ask for a better commuter bike in this price range. I use is it all year round and it's great in the winter. Sram DualDrive is the a great innovation for commuters that need to make frequent stops (stop lights/signs ect)

Strengths:
700C X 25 rims, built in rack and fenders, nice cross geometry for long distance rides, great saddle, SRAM DualDrive (yes, I love this... give it a try)

Weaknesses:
Heavy (but not that important for a touring bike) Wellgo nylon pedals (stock) are pretty poor quality. SRAM rear derailer isn't that great. Stock Chain is junk (replace ASAP) had mine snap twice in sub 0 degree weather.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 420, Trek 1000