Bianchi USA Inc. San Lorenzo

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Craigslist

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
Full Ultegra

Summary:
I bought this San Lorenzo frameset used through Craigslist. Since then, I've built it up with Campagnolo Veloce components and more recently Shimano Ultegra.

The frameset is astonishingly light - it's one of the lightest aluminum frames on the market, and weighs less than many carbon frames. At 1045 g for my 53 cm, the San Lorenzo is an great way to get a light machine.

The geometry is very race-like, with a horizontal top tube. Tracking is precise, but because of the responsiveness can feel 'twitchy', especially when out of the saddle. Acceleration is noticeably very quick. Climbing is a blast.

I have one or two complaints: the shift cable stops are placed a little too forward on the downtube for my liking, and the housing has no choice but to rub heavily on the head tube. Also, the variable-diameter tubing causes a LOT of annoying cable chatter if you forget to install those little rubber cable silencer 'donuts'.

Overall, though, the San Lorenzo is a very capable frame ready for racing. You can easily build it up to 15 lbs or less with the right mix of components.

Strengths:
-Very light
-Responsive geometry
-Quick acceleration

Weaknesses:
-Shift cable placement

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Price Paid:  $450.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Alsea Falls, Oregon

Bike Setup:
Campy mix, Campy wheels, with Ritchey bar/stem/post.

Summary:
I purchased the bike as a frameset on Ebay; thus, none of the components are the same. Overall, the frame is terrific. As previous reviewers have pointed out it is incredibly light. It has a reasonably stiff ride, but isn't terribly harsh. The paint looks good, but does not have a clear coat, looks bad when dirty, and scratches easily. The stock fork is garbage. It is also extremely light, but extremely flimsy. The star nut in the steerer tube also comes loose. I have a friend who rode the same bike and had the same fork problems, which suggests to me this is not an atypical problem.

Strengths:
Lightweight, price, fairly stiff, and compliant for aluminum.

Weaknesses:
fragile paint, flimsy fork

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAAD 3, Torelli Gran Sasso, and Bianchi 928 Carbon.

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Leawood Bikes

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
baldwin city

Summary:
Awesome bike. Light stiff, ride quality is as good as my steel bikes.

Durability a problem. Frame failed after 3 years.

Strengths:
Good stiffness and weight combo

Weaknesses:
Durability

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Price Paid:  $400.00 at Frameset on ebay

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
uphill

Bike Setup:
ITM Millenium stem/bars
Deda Blackstick carbon seatpost
Selle Italia SLR XP saddle
Dura-Ace 9sp drivetrain
Flashpoint FP-40 wheels

Summary:
This is one of the greatest bikes available for a resonable price. The frame is well within the range of ultralight bikes (1000g for 49cm), without spending a fortune. The ride quality is good, although not as compliant as steel, but feels good. The San Lorenzo flies up hills, and doesn't flex at all when I'm out of the saddle hammering. The celeste paint must be kept clean to look good, but when the sun glints off it, there's nothing like it.

Strengths:
ultra light weight, reasonably comfortable for long rides, especially with carbon seatpost. Classic celeste/silver/black color scheme.

Weaknesses:
-rear brake cable makes noise and scratches toptube (put the cable in a length of rubber tubing to fix that problem)
-doesn't have structural foam injected seat tube, so water could get into the BB area
-straight rear stays can transfer vibration to the rider
-grease and road grime show up easily on the celeste paint
-no aerodynamic features (like the Soloist or Look 485)

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi XL Boron (2001)

Price Paid:  $899.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
All of them

Bike Setup:
San Lorenzo frame set/fork/integrated HS
Ritchey WCS OS bar,Ritchey WCS OS Stem,Ultegra 10 speed drivetrain/brakes,Dura Ace pedals,Mavic Ksyrium Elites

Summary:
I recently purchased a 2004 frame set from the LBS on a "close out" deal.

After riding carbon fiber frames for the last 2.5 years(Trek 5200 and now 5500)I decided I wanted something stiffer and at the same time needed a back up bike.

I read a few reviews and had a couple of the locals insert their opinion on what they thought about alloy frames.I have to say that this frame in NOT as stiff and uncomfortable as some people have said.

I spent a reasonable amount of time getting properly fitted on the bike and since have put several hard rides in.

I have ridden it back to back with my Trek 5500.Honestly,I can tell a difference.The carbon frame is certainly smoother.However,on fast group rides I don't even notice that theres a different bike beneath me.

Unless I get out of the seat to hammer it.Then I see a huge difference.This bike accelerates noticably better than the composite bikes I have owned/own/ridden.

In all sincerity I do not regret building this bike.With a carbon post and good seat/fit it rides nice,handles well and accelerates like a bat out of hell.

Strengths:
Light
Looks awsome
Stiff
Don't see too many of them on the local rides

Weaknesses:
Shop could have given it to me?
Really can't think of any.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200
Trek 5500