Bianchi Nirone 7 C2C, or Giant Defy 2?! Thoughts?

chill93101

Hi all,

I have just been to look at the Bianchi Nirone 7, and the Giant Defy 2. Both in XL (im 6' 3"ish and 15). These two bikes are very different in almost all ways, but what are the general oppinions on the bikes, the campy/shimano 'debate' which ever roars (remember this is for a newbie..), and just any other things I should know about?!

Unfortunately im yet to test ride these bikes as I have yet to convince my parents to let me buy one, only a matter of time I hope!!! Any advice/positives I should mention in my quest?

Thanks in advance,
-Rob W

chill93101

just to elaborate - looking at either the campag xenon or mirage for the bianchi.... how do these two groupsets rack up?!

zedders

Rob,
Welcome. Am no expert so don't below as written. I'm talking from my own experiences. Am guessing if you need your 'parents permission' I hope your a young lad. If not am worried! Then my thoughts are:

1) Don't worry to much about what its got on it? Go on price and looks. Your ride has got to look good to you, to make you want to ride it. No point in picking one you don't like the look of? If after a year or two, if you get into this riding thing - you'll want a new bike anyways. Don't get to eat up on the campag / sham thing! It will just do your head in. The honest answer is if it's entry level bike the kit won't be great anyway. But it should do a good job if you look after it, if you just starting out.

2) Stick to your budget and don't forget other equipment you'll need, which when you start out can rack up the price alot. (basic's such as a helemt, gloves, bib shorts - all a must), saddle bag with spares, chain lube, etc).

3) Try to visit more than one bike shop. My experience is LBS can be very different. If staff don't want to talk or help you, go somewhere else that will, and try and get some advice of someone you 'think' you can trust. i.e not some 17yr old spotty boy who works sat mornings only, but a more mature person who appears to know what there on about? But take it for what it is - Advice, so you may not agree with them anyway.

4) I brought a C2C 18months ago as my first road bike with a Sora groupset. It's been a brill bike, and hasn't let me down once. Bianchi have a rep for making good frames, and the Giant? I don't really know, but it will still a good bike. Both my riding buds have Giants, and again they have had little probs.

5) I could go on and on as there's millions of things you could discuss. Just bite the bullet and go for it. Don't take NO for an answer off your folkes. Get out on the road asap, and enjoy it!

ZEDDERS.

chill93101

Thanks for the reply Zedders, loads of useful information!!

I'll try and get down to the shop again and test ride them...

-Rob W