Specialized versus Bianchi

wesleyjones

HI ALL
second post and i am after your thoughts and experiences regarding these two bikes below.
14 years off a bike so really out of touch by the way!!
I am having to wait till Mid june to get my £600 Voucher - it has to be used at Evans and i have no issues with that. What im not happy with is the short supply that seems to have effected Specialized and the fact that i could be paying more or waiting longer than i want too.
I dont want to heap all my hopes on one bike or brand but i also dont want to buy an overpriced bike.
I have noticed on these forums that Biachi is a good bike and seems to be a great bike for a fair price.
the one i am interested in is:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bia ... e-ec016954
Is this comparable to the Allez or do i wait for this 2010 Allez model that will probably be around the same price as the Bianchi http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec016019

Can anyone recommend any others in the £500 - £600 arena to throw into the mixing pot?
Thanks

ohlala!

I would go for Bianchi. But maybe consider Trek 1.5 as well.

tom3668

Is the Trek 1.5 available in anything other than white/lime?

STEFANOS4784

I'd go for the Bianchi but it would have to be in Celeste. Bikes at similar price points tend to have similar components put onto them so the main things to consider are that it's the bike you like the look of best(personal choice) asnd that the bike fits properly

Mister W

Agreed, get the one that fits properly and feels best to you. Bianchi and Specialized are both good makes so you won't get a dud.

sheepworryingbhoy

Had a very similar dilemma between Allez sport & Bianchi VN7 mirage, tried out both bikes but not much to choose from for size & feel. Each bike had it's good points, & I just couldn't decide between them. Eventually I chose a Allez white paint job over a black VN7 one it was that close. Like Mster W said above, I cannot see you making the wrong choice. If you can see the bikes close up something might just catch your eye.

zoglug

I never tried the Bianchi, but that was because once i sat on the Allez i knew it was the right bike for me! I tried the Trek and Giant and just didnt like them as much as the Allez, and ive got to say now im riding round the roads on it i absolutely love it! Best £540 ive spent!

whydoesitalwaysrainonme

ill admit to being a sucker to the bigger brands, especially trek i love trek.

disgruntledgoat

You need to bear in mind that Italian ones go faster and make you more attractive to the ladies.

daveclow

i just got this

isnt she lovely! so yes id say the allez, its fantastic, but the bianchi is nice. ride um both...

ant.rocket

I have a Via Nirone with Mirage. It's a stunning bike. The finish on Bianchi's is excellent. Some of the components are worth upgrading over time, particularly the Ambrosio wheels. They are heavy and slow on climbs but you can't expect light wheels on an entry level bike. Replaced mine with Campag Sciroccos and Pro Race 3 tyres. What a difference! But all in all an excellent bike that I would recomend.

gavintc

I am a sucker for Bianchi, I just love the colour and the name. I think it is part of the heritage. So for me. I would buy the Bianchi. That is the heart talking. However, I have had a couple of problems with Bianchi frames, Bianchi have honoured the warranty and on each occasion given me an upgrade at no cost. For me, the Specialized is just too corporate a name - nothing wrong with them and I have friends who have the Spec Allez and are very happy with it.

GavH

Debated the same question myself a few months ago - I opted for Bianchi and haven't looked back.