Bianchi USA Inc. Giro

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Gold Mine Rd

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Giro, Campagnolo Veloce Derailleurs, Brakes, Shifters, and Cassette. FSA Crankset, BB, Headset, Handlebar, and Stem. Rolf Vector Pro Wheels.

Summary:
This is a great bike for the fast recreational cyclist looking to make the jump to something a bit race oriented, but doesn't have the big cash to spend. Overall the frame is stiff and can be built to be very aero and fast. While Boonen or Contador may not approve, it is more than worthy for a humble cat 3-5 racer

The carbon seat stays go a long way in taking out road vibration, but do yourself a favor and get a carbon seatpost as well. As others have said, paint is a little thin and is easily marked. My rack for the car has worn a couple spots on the top tube. Two dollars of foam pipe insulation later and the problem was fixed. Not really a complaint but just a trait to keep in mind during transport.

The best part about this bike is its ability to be a long distance touring bike as well as a race bike. I completed the 575 miles of the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway in five days with it and never felt fatigued from the stiffness of the frame.

If you are looking for an entry level racer, that can also be used for a long distance tour, this is a great place to start.

Strengths:
Come on, it's a Bianchi, of course it looks sexy. Stiff. Great for the entry level racer and will last through many a racing season with the right build.

Weaknesses:
Paint

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo Soloist Team

Price Paid:  $0.00 at e-bay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere in West Milford, NJ

Bike Setup:
Campy 20 speed veloce grouppo, Campy Nucleon Wheels, Veloflex Pave tires, Selle Italia flight saddale, Bontrager carbon fiber seatpost, Easton EA30 44mm handle bars

Summary:
Great bike, light & responsive, I found myself able to climb hills in my big chain ring! Overall I'm very happy with the Giro, For the money, it is a strong bike.

Strengths:
Climbs great, Handles wells.

Weaknesses:
Paint chips easy

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Eros

Price Paid:  $1049.00 at cycergy cycles

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
foothills, upland,claremont, san dimas, la verna, azuza southern calfornia

Bike Setup:
all 105 components, 650 wheels set, Deda Elementi Piega handles bars. this bike is all stock.

Summary:
o.k. i alway said i would only ride steel!!!
that said, one of the guys i ride with told me to try this bike. big mistake. to smooth, to responsive, way to quick. this bike comes with all 105 components. i know some of you don't like 105's but on this bike it really works.

Strengths:
acceleration, handling, stopping,

Weaknesses:
ride could be a little smoother. shifting could be a little smoother.

Similar Products Used:
none, i been on on my 2001 bianchi brava for a while now. before that, mt 1986 centurion la mans 12sp.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Greggs

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Lake Washington Loop

Bike Setup:
2004 Bianchi Giro, 105/Ultegra mix, FSA compact crankset.

Summary:
Had the Giro for two years with over 2500 miles and still running strong. Bike orig. came with 105 group, but since then upgraded drive train to Ultegra (highly recommend). I also added a carbon seat post to compliment the seat stays (soaks up bumps even more). This is an entry level racer and can keep up with some of the more expensive bikes. Excellent climbing and downhill abilities. A little slow on the flats, but mostly because of my old legs :)

Strengths:
Carbon seat stays are great! Stock Mavic Cosmos wheels are strong and dependable.

Weaknesses:
Paint seems to chip rather easy. Need to take extra care.

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Paramount SLX w/600 group. Trek multitrack commuter/cross bike.

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Menlo Velo in Menlo

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
built it up with full 9spd Dura-Ace, Deda Newton handlebars, Deda Magic Stem, Mavic Open Pros, Sella Italia SLR and Bontrager Race X Lite Seatpost.

Summary:
I was introduced to this frameset in Chicago, when I discovered that Turin team riders were building their race bikes on this frame. I ordered just the frameset and fell in love when I saw it naked, waiting to be built. I was riding a full al Canondale and this ride is much more stiff and responsive than the CAAD 4. But it's also forgiving, the carbon in the seatstay is very refreshing esp. since coming off a full AL. This frame is a value priced race machine. If you are looking to build a crit bike this is your baby. It's stiff, light, and looks good on the stand(get the Celeste). Treat it well, get it good components, and it'll be your new Italian affair.

Strengths:
Stiff, light, forgiving. Geometry (at least for people with short legs and long torsos). Sexy Bianchi Celeste paintjob(I usually hate Celeste, but one look at the Giro in Celeste and you'll change your mind).

Weaknesses:
None so far, but I've only had it for two weeks

Similar Products Used:
2004 Specialized S-Works Special Edition Team Bike (E5 with carbon seatstays).