Bianchi USA Inc. 2000 Brava

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
105 Derailleurs, Continental Ultra Gatorskin tires, 90mm Cinelli Stem.
Everything else is stock

Summary:
I recieved this bike for free in exchange for putting up the labor for building two bikes, so I can't complain about the price. However the bike isn't bad at all. I was impressed with the great feel of the bike, considering it is an entry level road bike. Rides smooth and can handle daily use in the city. I would reccomend this bike to an economy shopper who is looking for a simple road bike.

Strengths:
The frame is steel man! Nothing for the price can take the abuse that the Reynolds steel can take. The Sora shiifters aren't that bad either.

Weaknesses:
Wheels. City riding really tears up a set of wheels. Especially the low-end wheels on the Brava. Sora hubs are quite weak. The wheelset is definitely the next replacement/upgrade.

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Turin

Favorite Ride:
Platte River

Bike Setup:
54 cm. stock with Sora components, Look style pedals

Summary:
I bought this one as an upgrade from my old Mt. Bike that I was communting on, and to ride RAGBRAI. The frame rides nicely, has held up to a fair amount of abuse, and made it through 2500 miles with nothing more than new tires and a couple tune ups. It rides well in all conditions, and though I haven't used them, it's nice to have the eyelets for the front and rear racks.

I'd recommend it for the commuter/rec rider, looking for an initial road bike, and is willing to keep it cleaned and lubed. It's good for 20-80 mile rides that aren't especially demanding.

Strengths:
Very reliable entry level road bike. Reasonably comfortable on long distances. Price. The stock clipless pedals are a nice touch, as is the color co-ordinated seat and stock tires.

Weaknesses:
The Sora components really seem to need to be kept clean and well lubed to function decently (more so than other components). Downshifting may not be that smooth when you are really powering up a climb.

Similar Products Used:
Fuji Finest, Trek 1100

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Velo

Bike Setup:
Stock. 61cm.

Summary:
While I don't road race, I do ride a lot - and for me this bike was not a good deal. Too many manufacturing defects and shoddy merchandise resulted in a lot of time wasted in the shop or doing repairs.

Could be a good deal for less frequent riders - but for anyone who seriously uses their bike - stay away.

Strengths:
A cheap, pretty bicycle with a decent component set.

Weaknesses:
Crappy wheels and frame manufacturing forced me to replace the wheelset within 6 months - Bianchi refused to replace them. Frame snapped at the rear derailleur mounting within 1 year - Bianchi wanted me to pay shipment and disassembly costs with no guarantee of getting a replacement. Ditto for pedals.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $700.00 at CycleSport

Bike Setup:
My Brava is a 46 cm little bike - stock off the rack.

Summary:
Can't believe how well this bike stacks up next to my Tommasini - hand built-up with Campy Croce, high flange hubs, etc. The Brava rolls really well and the click shifters are such a nice thing (I'm a little behind tech-wise). Triple chain ring makes this a great bike for climbing when you just don't get in the miles like you did when you were younger, fresher, thinner... Buy it if you want a smooth ride without losing all your dollars. Great 1st road bike. I'm a 42 year old woman, experienced rider -it's renewed my love for a quick fun ride.

Strengths:
*Value for the $$$
*Full Shimano Sora gruppo - no cheesy replacement hubs (Tr-k 1000)-suprisingly fluid rolling stock, triple chain ring
*Nice to have a full steel bike at this price point
*Love the saddle - narrow but appropriately padded
*At $700, I'm not checking the welds too closely or expecting anything fancy - but what a tidy bike.
*Comes with clipless pedals - nice touch for an entry level road bike

Weaknesses:
*Narrow (!!) handlebars on my 46 cm frame
*Any way to get short reach brake levers?

Similar Products Used:
I'm comparing this bike to my sweet old Tommasini road racer - never thought I'd change, but the technology has changed to the point that a $700 bike rates beautifully against my $$$ old ride

Price Paid:  $699.00 at Beach Cities Bike

Favorite Ride:
South Bay Bike trail

Bike Setup:
Stock. Shimano Sora Triple. Bianchi clipless (probably Wellgo pedals). Lights for touring.

Summary:
This is one of the few bikes that can be set up for touring. You can mount stuff on both the front and rear. It is relatively easy to ride and handles well. It absorbs the pounding of road, and it can be easily improved with a new seat or seatpost suspension. The triple crank is a blessing if you are just cruising along.

Most of the road bikes on the market are built for quick short distance races versus built for distance riding. For the most part, you might find them to be rather brutal on long rides. Mountain bikes are OK, but you still must deal with the smaller rims and tires. You can mount racks and bags on them, but you are dealing with a set up more akin to bike camping.

If you are going to tour, get this bike.

Strengths:
The steel frame and ride are great. Good combination of parts given the price point.

Weaknesses:
Weight. Could be better, but we are talking about a bike that is designed for touring.

Similar Products Used:
Tried out a few mountain bikes.