CAAD10 or a Bianchi Impulso?

RAGTAGCYCLIST

Hello All,

Need help folks!

After months of researching, I have come down to two bikes - CAAD10 and Bianchi Impulso. I have tried to research more on these but have not been able to come across anyone who have ridden both of these bikes and can provide a comparison.

My use: Mainly riding for leisure and long rides but with an occasional road race thrown in. Hence, will want a bike that is responsive, handles well yet comfortable. And only in aluminum for the moment. I am 181 cms with 34 inch inseam if that is of any use.

I have heard great things about the CAAD10. But I read that the Bianchi Impulso was actually used in the Paris Roubaix last year and came in 6th! Surely, it will not be a slouch either? Both are also raved on comfort.

I live in a country where test drives are not possible. So cannot take that option. Strange yes, but I have to work with what I have. I would appreciate any one who has actually ridden both of them to tell me:

1) Views on handling compared to each other
2) Views on efficiency and response compared to each other
3) Overall comparison and views on the two bikes

I would also appreciate if you can keep the views only to these two bikes because many other brands are not available here.

Thanks a ton

RagTagCyclist

Calpol

Essentially you`are asking only people who have ridden those bikes to comment. Perhaps that is why you have no replies so far.

I have not ridden either. Caad10 has the best reputation of any aluminium road bike frame. I am yet to read of anyone who is disappointed by one. Its design is now quite old though and the paint schemes are a bit "meh" to me.

Bianchi on the other hand looks very nice in celeste and comes with Campagnolo. If prices are similar I'd be going Bianchi. So my advice is buy the Bianchi and ride the wheels off it.

RAGTAGCYCLIST

Thanks for the reply Calpol. Indeed the Bianchi looks really nice.

I also agree with you on the reason for the low replies. But I think that is vital. The CAAD10 seems to be considered the best alu bike so far. But I want to know if people who ride the CAAD10, like other similarly priced alu bikes as well. In this case the Impulso. Other bike manufacturers have come up with new Alu designs and it is important to know that the CAAD is not merely the best by its historic reputation alone.

I think the Bianchi Impulso is about US$100 less in price to the CAAD10.

Thanks

ragtagcyclist

freefall_junkie

Bike buying is as much about the heart as the head. To me Bianchis somehow have more soul than the equivalent Specialized, Trek or Cannondale. I have an Infinito CV on the way though so I am totally biased

StillGoing

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

jordan_217

I have a CAAD10 (2012, Ultegra) and use it for my harder/interval sessions and racing. It's a cracking bike. I bought it because I didn't want the cost of replacing a more expensive frame/bike in the event of a crash and other bikes at that price point didn't really interest me. Thanks to a good deal from Westbrook Cycles and the C2W scheme, it was a bit of a bargain.

The only issue I've had with the bike is BB30 - two sets of bearings have been literally chewed up in less than 500 miles, they were all the in dry too. A third set were almost there. I've recently converted the BB to BS 68mm and also replaced the compact FSA chainset to my preferred 53/39. I'm now really happy with the setup and I'm not sure if it's the chainset or bb but the bike feels much more stiffer through the pedals. I would surmise that it's due to the extra chunk of metal in the BB shell (FSA adapter sleeve).

In terms of long ride comfort - I think my longest ride on it has been around 3 hours and it was fine TBH. The frame is less forgiving than my Ti Enigma but they have different geometries, different finishing kit and made from different materials so It's not really a fair comparison. I actually look forward to riding it though, being a bit lighter and responsive than my Enigma and fitted with carbon tubs it feels much more focussed and I always want to push on when I'm riding it. Exactly what I want for my go fast(er), race bike.

As a do-it-all, only bike I don't think you'd be disappointed with it. If you have a one of the frames that doesn't get effected by the design flaws of BB30 then you'll probably be happy with it. For long training rides and club runs I'll always go for my Enigma because it's absolutely perfect for eating up the miles but I'd probably be just as happy doing the same rides on the CAAD too, I've just been spoiled by the Enigma.

The bike seems well finished and there's been no obvious cost/corner cutting on the finishing kit.

Would I buy one again? Yes. Would I be happy with just this bike? Yes.

freefall_junkie

philthy3 wrote:

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

Strange. The finish on every Bianchi I have ever looked at up close has been immaculate and I have never heard of any complaints about Bianchi paintwork or build quality, except for the occasional creaking press-fit bottom bracket which is a problem common to many manufacturers. A quick Google around reveals nothing either :? Did your LBS say what exactly the complaints were about?

t4tomo

I've ridden neither but would go with the Bianchi, it has more soul.

More helpfully ring these guys

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/bikes.htm

They sell both, you can test ride both back to back and get an independentish view from them on the merits of both, and then chose the Bianchi.

RAGTAGCYCLIST

philthy3 wrote:

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

Ok thats alarming. What kind of complaints if you know the details?

RAGTAGCYCLIST

jordan_217 wrote:

I have a CAAD10 (2012, Ultegra) and use it for my harder/interval sessions and racing. It's a cracking bike. I bought it because I didn't want the cost of replacing a more expensive frame/bike in the event of a crash and other bikes at that price point didn't really interest me. Thanks to a good deal from Westbrook Cycles and the C2W scheme, it was a bit of a bargain.

The only issue I've had with the bike is BB30 - two sets of bearings have been literally chewed up in less than 500 miles, they were all the in dry too. A third set were almost there. I've recently converted the BB to BS 68mm and also replaced the compact FSA chainset to my preferred 53/39. I'm now really happy with the setup and I'm not sure if it's the chainset or bb but the bike feels much more stiffer through the pedals. I would surmise that it's due to the extra chunk of metal in the BB shell (FSA adapter sleeve).

In terms of long ride comfort - I think my longest ride on it has been around 3 hours and it was fine TBH. The frame is less forgiving than my Ti Enigma but they have different geometries, different finishing kit and made from different materials so It's not really a fair comparison. I actually look forward to riding it though, being a bit lighter and responsive than my Enigma and fitted with carbon tubs it feels much more focussed and I always want to push on when I'm riding it. Exactly what I want for my go fast(er), race bike.

As a do-it-all, only bike I don't think you'd be disappointed with it. If you have a one of the frames that doesn't get effected by the design flaws of BB30 then you'll probably be happy with it. For long training rides and club runs I'll always go for my Enigma because it's absolutely perfect for eating up the miles but I'd probably be just as happy doing the same rides on the CAAD too, I've just been spoiled by the Enigma.

The bike seems well finished and there's been no obvious cost/corner cutting on the finishing kit.

Would I buy one again? Yes. Would I be happy with just this bike? Yes.

The bearings issue is concerning. I have seen a few youtube videos on the issue. But I suspect that was restricted to a particular year's make only? - think 2012....

RAGTAGCYCLIST

t4tomo wrote:

I've ridden neither but would go with the Bianchi, it has more soul.

More helpfully ring these guys

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/bikes.htm

They sell both, you can test ride both back to back and get an independentish view from them on the merits of both, and then chose the Bianchi.

Yeah they do look a lot sexier the Bianchis.... I am slightly sad looking at the CAAD10 paint schemes. The CAAD8 105 looks pretty though...

I will surely test drive them both when I am in the UK next....

napoleond

Stop dithering and buy the one you like the look of. You're over thinking this!

RAGTAGCYCLIST

NapoleonD wrote:

Stop dithering and buy the one you like the look of. You're over thinking this!

Agree - thats me. I like to over analyse things But I really enjoy the process....

napoleond

I'd go for the Cannondale. It looks better, it probably performs better (bianchi openly state the design was style first function second, which given as I prefer the look of the Cannondale is not best ever) and is well worthy if upgrading components over time...

buzzwold

Bianchi - you will feel like someone really special. Women will want to have your babies and men will envy you. Cannondale - I'd argue a much better bike, but try getting clothing that goes. Unless you buy team clothing.

For reference sake, I own a Bianchi - the slightly humbler via Nirone. Love it. Never been tempted by the Impulso though.

Good luck on the decision. Whatever route you'll be good as they're both good bikes. Word of warning, Bike Radar rate the Cannondale, which usually means it's on the racier side of things

RAGTAGCYCLIST

buzzwold wrote:

Bianchi - you will feel like someone really special. Women will want to have your babies and men will envy you.

I think my wife will make the decision on this then!

noodleman

Had two Bianchis, via nirone and infinito and the finish and overall quality is superb. My 2010 infinito still looks brand new. Never heard of anyone complaining of this issue either.

vespario

Have a CAAD 10 105 as my winter bike. A great ride. Had no issues with it whatsoever! Great bike. Use it on club runs all of the time. Usually between 65 and 80 miles. Also good to TT on. Wheels need upgrading but fine for training!

stickboybike

I'd have to go with the comment above regarding the Impulso's showing at Paris-Roubaix.

The Cdale is a lighter frame at around 1.2k and the Impulso is 1.5k. Think of the 300gr extra weight on the Impulso as an insurance policy. Seriously. The Impulso frame is triple hydroformed which means the top tube and the head tube are hydroformed, welded together, then put back into another mold and hydroformed, again. This creates a junction on the frame which passes the CE testing standards for front collision, 6 times the minimum standard. The frame is really, really strong. From the best of my knowledge, not bike manufacturer has an aluminum frame that is worthy of being raced in the pro-tour except for the Impulso.

I've raced an Oltre for the past 2 seasons and had an Impulso as a back up bike. Yes it wasn't the stock 105 bike, I had mine built with SRAM Red and Head Ardennes LT wheels and installed an Easton full carbon fork, the bike came in at just under 17lbs sans accessories. The frame has clearance for a 28c tire as well so winter cycling on gravel littered roads is a no brainer. I realize the bike I've described to you above, is not the stock bike but the thing to realize here is that the frame is the foundation of every purchase and where the bulk of your money should go.

This summer on the Impulso was surprising. The bike sprinted as well as my Oltre. Naturally it didn't have the big bump compliancy of the Infinito but for an aluminum bike, it was less jittery than my older 1885 I raced a few years ago. https://plus.google.com/photos/104545131040016296690/albums/5591759588349353649?banner=pwa

The geometry of the Impulso will be more comfortable over the long miles as well. The Cdale CAAD10 has a shorter chainstay, steeper head tube angle, shorter heatube height, all contributing to a twitcher ride compared to the head tube angle of the Impulso (yes I've ridden the CAAD10) which has about a one degree slacker head tube angle. This will cause less fighting at the handlebars in the cross winds.

Also the Impulso has a bit longer chainstays for stability, taller head tube for a more endurance riding position and lower bottom bracket drop for a lower center of gravity when cornering. The Impulso also has Kevlar woven into the tips of the carbon fiber for which reduce high frequency vibrations when you ride across chip seal roads/ bad pavement- keeps the front wheel connected to the road surface, less chattering.

That's the short and sweet version on my end. Hope this helped a bit.

RAGTAGCYCLIST

stickboybike wrote:

I'd have to go with the comment above regarding the Impulso's showing at Paris-Roubaix.

The Cdale is a lighter frame at around 1.2k and the Impulso is 1.5k. Think of the 300gr extra weight on the Impulso as an insurance policy. Seriously. The Impulso frame is triple hydroformed which means the top tube and the head tube are hydroformed, welded together, then put back into another mold and hydroformed, again. This creates a junction on the frame which passes the CE testing standards for front collision, 6 times the minimum standard. The frame is really, really strong. From the best of my knowledge, not bike manufacturer has an aluminum frame that is worthy of being raced in the pro-tour except for the Impulso.

I've raced an Oltre for the past 2 seasons and had an Impulso as a back up bike. Yes it wasn't the stock 105 bike, I had mine built with SRAM Red and Head Ardennes LT wheels and installed an Easton full carbon fork, the bike came in at just under 17lbs sans accessories. The frame has clearance for a 28c tire as well so winter cycling on gravel littered roads is a no brainer. I realize the bike I've described to you above, is not the stock bike but the thing to realize here is that the frame is the foundation of every purchase and where the bulk of your money should go.

This summer on the Impulso was surprising. The bike sprinted as well as my Oltre. Naturally it didn't have the big bump compliancy of the Infinito but for an aluminum bike, it was less jittery than my older 1885 I raced a few years ago. https://plus.google.com/photos/104545131040016296690/albums/5591759588349353649?banner=pwa

The geometry of the Impulso will be more comfortable over the long miles as well. The Cdale CAAD10 has a shorter chainstay, steeper head tube angle, shorter heatube height, all contributing to a twitcher ride compared to the head tube angle of the Impulso (yes I've ridden the CAAD10) which has about a one degree slacker head tube angle. This will cause less fighting at the handlebars in the cross winds.

Also the Impulso has a bit longer chainstays for stability, taller head tube for a more endurance riding position and lower bottom bracket drop for a lower center of gravity when cornering. The Impulso also has Kevlar woven into the tips of the carbon fiber for which reduce high frequency vibrations when you ride across chip seal roads/ bad pavement- keeps the front wheel connected to the road surface, less chattering.

That's the short and sweet version on my end. Hope this helped a bit.

This is really really useful! Thanks a lot for your answer. Since you have ridden both from your answer I think the impulso might suit me better.

jordan_217

stickboybike wrote:

The Cdale CAAD10 has a shorter chainstay, steeper head tube angle, shorter heatube height, all contributing to a twitcher ride compared to the head tube angle of the Impulso (yes I've ridden the CAAD10) which has about a one degree slacker head tube angle. This will cause less fighting at the handlebars in the cross winds.

Disagree with this, even fitted with 50mm tubs and riding around the windy Fens and flats of East Anglia I have never experienced any twitchiness and certainly never had a fight with the handlebars in a cross wind. The CAAD tracks smooth and responsively whatever you're doing on it. It's as direct as a straight line.

smidsy

The fighting you suggest is not always as a result of frame geometry. It may well be down to a shorter stem and/or narrower bars.

If these are the same as a less flightly machine then it may simply be the conditions on that given day.

StillGoing

RAGTAGCYCLIST wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

Ok thats alarming. What kind of complaints if you know the details?

All they mentioned was problems with the finish flaking and a couple of cracked chain stays. Bearing in mind how few units of Bianchis they sell compared to their other franchised makes, it makes sense to them to get rid of Bianchi. Bianchi are supposedly one of those company's sourcing their frames from abroad rather than building them in house. Maybe they just purchased a duff batch of frames?

freefall_junkie

philthy3 wrote:

RAGTAGCYCLIST wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

Ok thats alarming. What kind of complaints if you know the details?

All they mentioned was problems with the finish flaking and a couple of cracked chain stays. Bearing in mind how few units of Bianchis they sell compared to their other franchised makes, it makes sense to them to get rid of Bianchi. Bianchi are supposedly one of those company's sourcing their frames from abroad rather than building them in house. Maybe they just purchased a duff batch of frames?

Nearly all the big name brands outsource frame manufacture. Bianchis bikes are assembled in Italy, but the frames will be built in some vast Asian factory just like Specialized, Trek, Giant etc. Cracked chainstays ain't good though!

Bar Shaker

philthy3 wrote:

RAGTAGCYCLIST wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

Ok thats alarming. What kind of complaints if you know the details?

All they mentioned was problems with the finish flaking and a couple of cracked chain stays. Bearing in mind how few units of Bianchis they sell compared to their other franchised makes, it makes sense to them to get rid of Bianchi. Bianchi are supposedly one of those company's sourcing their frames from abroad rather than building them in house. Maybe they just purchased a duff batch of frames?

This smacks of being alarmist rubbish that you have just made up. But to give you the benefit of the doubt perhaps we can verify what you are saying with the LBS concerned.

Who are they?

adamfo

Before buying my Supersix a year ago I had a close look at the finishing of a Bianchi Infinito. The paint layup was more sophisticated with neat detailing like exposed kevlar. Both had good paint but the Infinito definitely had the better hand finishing of the carbon and this more time consuming prep paid off handsomely in the looks department.

Last time I checked Bianchi carbon frames are made by Pedal Force, A Taiwanese company also supplying Colnago, Pinarello and Mercyx.
My Cannondale frame is made by someone else in Taiwan and the forks have a made in China label on them.

StillGoing

Bar Shaker wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

RAGTAGCYCLIST wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

I know my LBS is looking to ditch Bianchi and move to Cannondale. They've had enough of customer complaints with poor finish on the Bianchis. Groupset preference is a personal thing, so unless you particularly want Campag, the Cannondale would get my vote.

Ok thats alarming. What kind of complaints if you know the details?

All they mentioned was problems with the finish flaking and a couple of cracked chain stays. Bearing in mind how few units of Bianchis they sell compared to their other franchised makes, it makes sense to them to get rid of Bianchi. Bianchi are supposedly one of those company's sourcing their frames from abroad rather than building them in house. Maybe they just purchased a duff batch of frames?

This smacks of being alarmist rubbish that you have just made up. But to give you the benefit of the doubt perhaps we can verify what you are saying with the LBS concerned.

Who are they?

Yes of course I'm going to publicly out the dealership when they're in the middle of such a decision. :roll: As for alarmist rubbish; I have nothing against Bianchi and am merely reporting to the OP what was said to me in a conversation with my preferred LBS. I ride Basso (who make their frames in house) and was asking if they were going to take on any of the obscure brands. This is when they mentioned they were thinking of ditching Bianchi and gave the reasons why. The OP is still happy with Bianchi despite my "alarmist" post as there are plenty of other posts balancing out the various views.

stickboybike

You're quite welcome.

Enjoy the miles!

sloppyschleckonds

t4tomo wrote:

I've ridden neither but would go with the Bianchi, it has more soul.

Brilliant, Italy's equivalent of Raleigh.

Bar Shaker

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

t4tomo wrote:

I've ridden neither but would go with the Bianchi, it has more soul.

Brilliant, Italy's equivalent of Raleigh.

Last time I checked Bianchi carbon frames are made by Pedal Force, A Taiwanese company also supplying Colnago, Pinarello and Mercyx.

Who would have put Rayleigh up there with bikes like that???

Every day is a school day.

t4tomo

Indeed my via Nirone seems to be a good step up from my Raleigh Commando