Bianchi USA Inc. Via Nirone 7

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Sheridan Road north of Chicago

Bike Setup:
Shifters: Tiagra
Derailleurs: Tiagra
Cassette/Chain: Tiagra
Brakes: RC
Stem: RC
Handlebar: Deda
Seatpost: RC carbon
Frame: Hydroformed aluminum w/ Carbon seatstay
Wheelset: Rigida
Saddle: Brooks B17
Pedals: Look Keo

Summary:
I have used this bike for six months now and it has been great. It is fast, super comfortable, and a great all-around ride. It also looks awesome. Hydroformed frame makes it really stand out and it has a great paint job.

My Via Nirone is equipped with Tiagra. The brakes are Bianchi-branded RC and are actually pretty decent. The only weaknesses I have found are the Rigida Wheelset and the ProWheel Ounce crankset. The wheels are garbage and will be replaced as soon as I have money to lace a set of Mavic Open Pros onto some 105 hubs. Also, the ProWheel Ounce crankset is OK but not work keeping on the bike unless you are a beginner.

This is a fast bike but really comfy and feels good in the saddle for hours. I know they were available on Jensonusa.com for awhile and they had some super deals on them.

Strengths:
Comfortable.
Looks.
Handling.

Weaknesses:
Wheelset.
Crankset.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R300

Price Paid:  $975.00 at jensonusa.com

Bike Setup:
Exclusive Reparto Corse Tubing Design
Carbon Super High Modulus Seat Stays
K-VID Kevlar Technology Absorbs Vibration in both Frame and Fork
Via Nirone 7 Alu-Carbon frame
Bianchi FL5 K-Vid Carbon/Alu fork
Shimano 105 front and rear derailleur
Shimano 105 brake/shift levers
FSA Gossamer MegaExo Compact 50/34
Shimano 105 cassette 12/25
Shiamno WH-R500 wheels
RC DA-32 3D forged stem
Deda Elementi GI PIEGA Alloy round handlebar
Selle San Marco Ponza saddle

Summary:
Finally took the plunge and got the bike I've wanted for a long time. I shopped the local shops to see what was around and got sized and ended up buying this online from jensonusa.com. They built it and shipped to me in the biggest box I've ever rec'd anything in. Everything is solid on it, I do a lot of mixed riding on hilly and flat terrain so there is plenty of shifting through the Shimano 105 shifters and gears. Very smooth bike, and a great deal because I bought the 2008 version brand new and saved a ton over the 2009 (which is pretty much the same bike). This is a great entry level race bike for someone serious about the sport but doesn't want to spend into the several thousand dollar range. Great components all around will stand up to plenty of use... just plan on spending another $500+ to get all the rest of the gear if you're just starting out... helmet, shorts, jersey, shoes, etc.

Strengths:
Fast, light-weight, and comfortable over long distances. Great looking bike, I've gotten a ton of compliments on it and as this is my first road bike, I am loving it!

Weaknesses:
None so far, I haven't ridden long enough to know what to look or feel for but so far I am super happy with it. The only upgrade or change will be a Profile Design Carbon Stryke Aero bar in the next couple months.