Bianchi via Nirone 7 2300 Good for Beginner?

kjland
kjland Posts: 6
edited May 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi,

I'm planning on buying a bike through the Cycle to Work Scheme and have a maximum budget of £650. I've been to Alpine Bikes and seen a Bianchi Via Nirone 2300 which I'm keen on.
I've not had a road bike for years so am a complete beginner and pretty ignorant about what I should get.
Just wanted your advice as to whether this would be suitable and if not, why not, and possibly some other possible suggestions in my price range.
Appreciate the advice.

Here's the spec:
Frame: Via Nirone 7 Aluminium PG
Fork: Bianchi FN11 Kvid Alu/carbon B4P - 11/8"
Headset: VP-A51AE
Shifters: Shimano 2300 8sp
Rear derailleur: Shimano 2300 8sp
Front derailleur: Shimano 2300 8sp
Crankset: Fsa Tempo compact 8sp 50/34T
Chain: KMC Z72 8sp
Sprocket: Shimano CS-HG50-8sp 12/25
Brakes: Leechi RC-452 + RC-459 front dual pivot
Brake levers: Integrated in the shifter
Rear hub: Joytech F192DSE Alloy 28H
Front hub: Joytech A171DSE Alloy 28H
Spokes: Stainless
Rims: Jalco DRX 4000 with logo Reparto Corse
Tire: Vittoria Zaffiro Slick 700 x 25
Stem: Reparto Corse DA-32 3D forged alloy Super Over
Handlebar: Reparto Corse JD-RA37A Compact alloy 6061
Grips: Velo VLT-001
Seatpost: Reparto Corse SP-222 alloy 27.2mm
Saddle: Active - FM5257 - steel rail
Pedals: VP399T + VP-710M Clip & VP-702NL Strap
Water bottle hanger: Alloy cage black colour

Comments

  • cogidubnus
    cogidubnus Posts: 860
    They are great entry level bikes, look stylish and very comfortable

    But.....

    I Bianchi should have a Campag groupset ;)
  • lostboysaint
    lostboysaint Posts: 4,250
    How much do you weigh? I looked at them when I first started cycling and was 115kg and it was like riding a collection of noodles.
    Trail fun - Transition Bandit
    Road - Wilier Izoard Centaur/Cube Agree C62 Disc
    Allround - Cotic Solaris
  • elpatcho
    elpatcho Posts: 12
    Hi,

    If you are with a scheme where you can buy from halfords, I would buy the Boardman Road Race at 650. If not i would get the Cube Peloton which is 680. Both these bikes have much better spec and give better value for money. Boardmans particularly are superb. I wanted one myself but my ride to work schem is with cyclescheme who won't let me buy from Halfords :(

    CHeers
  • kjland
    kjland Posts: 6
    How much do you weigh? I looked at them when I first started cycling and was 115kg and it was like riding a collection of noodles.

    about 90kgs
  • As previously stated they are a decent entry level bike, you get bikes with a better spec at that price range though such as the Cube Peloton previously mentioned but Bianchi's always tend to look good and be a bit of a head turner. Its worthy of a better groupset than Shimano 2300 though, preferably a Campagnolo one!

    I was just over 100kg probably when I got back into cycling and got a Via Nirone, I didn't find it like riding a pot noodle!
  • pdsalmon
    pdsalmon Posts: 55
    I have the Via Nirone 2011 Xenon Campagnolo, its a great bike, but got nothing to compare it to as it was my first.

    Yes, others have a better spec, sometimes much better actually, but for me personally, a bike that looks good is more important that the difference between a veloce/105 etc groupset and a xenon/sora groupset etc - I enjoy riding my bike more than I "think" I would because I think it looks great......if that makes sense at all!?!