Bianchi bike thoughts

daustin
daustin Posts: 17
edited June 2016 in Road general
I don't know much about Bianchi bikes other than some interwebs reviews. I see a few out occasionally but not as much as specialized, trek, felt. I'm wondering what people think about the brand and the Bianchi road bikes. They look pretty nice. Specs seem good. I ask because I'm getting a bike fit done on my current Jamis Road Bike. Originally bought at a shop specializing in mountain bikes and guy really didn't fit it to me. Lesson learned of course. If it ends up at my fitting that fitter says "this bike is not a great fit for you" I'm considering looking at bianchi since his shop carries them and I like this LBS. obviously as long as one is a good fit for me. thoughs on the brand? they suck? they're overpriced? they greatest? just okay?

Comments

  • guy.spartacus
    guy.spartacus Posts: 321
    The blue doesn't go with any of my other stuff...
    Road - '10 Giant Defy 3.5
    MTB - '05 Scott Yecora
    BMX - '04 Haro Nyquist R24 (don't judge me)
  • daustin
    daustin Posts: 17
    guy.spartacus wrote:
    The blue doesn't go with any of my other stuff...

    :D the struggle is real
  • Vslowpace
    Vslowpace Posts: 189
    I like them, others prefer different brands.

    With a Bianchi the money tends to go on the frame at the expense of lower spec components compared to comparable bikes, so they can be viewed as expensive. Their warranty IME is very good and they replaced my frame with no issues whatsoever.

    They are not made in Italy if you are really bothered about that sort of thing.

    My next bike will be another Bianchi
  • debeli
    debeli Posts: 583
    They are highly regarded among cyclists and have been for many decades.

    I do not ride one and the reason is this: I find it at best brazenly mendacious to paint a frame blue and write the word 'white' on it.

    It is the very antithesis of something being (or doing) exactly what is says on the tin.

    For this reason, I will never have a Bianchi.

    I hope I have helped.
  • nbalcombe
    nbalcombe Posts: 87
    I love my Infinito.

    Like you said, you don't see many on the roads (round my way anyway) and I like that feeling of exclusivity. Yes I am a snob :)

    Be warned though, there is such a thing as too much Celeste. And don't be one of those people with matching Bianchi clothing.
  • daustin
    daustin Posts: 17
    nbalcombe wrote:
    I love my Infinito.

    Like you said, you don't see many on the roads (round my way anyway) and I like that feeling of exclusivity. Yes I am a snob :)

    Be warned though, there is such a thing as too much Celeste. And don't be one of those people with matching Bianchi clothing.

    well, I have this helmet which seemingly clashes with everything and then I have multiple orange cycling jerseys. So matching is no issue

    lazer-z1-helmet-p8270-16522_image.jpg
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...
  • daustin
    daustin Posts: 17
    Imposter wrote:
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...

    Is Raleigh brand considered "bad" or just second level brand? This particular LBS carries Jamis, Orbea, and Bianchi so I really could consider any one of those. More than likely they'll be able to make my current Jamis bike fit with some adjustments.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    daustin wrote:
    Imposter wrote:
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...

    Is Raleigh brand considered "bad" or just second level brand? This particular LBS carries Jamis, Orbea, and Bianchi so I really could consider any one of those. More than likely they'll be able to make my current Jamis bike fit with some adjustments.

    No, I don't think Raleigh is considered 'bad' at all - in fact for the last few years, their range has been nothing short of excellent IMO. However, I can't help thinking that the Bianchi name somehow carries a bit more gravitas in the eyes of many. For example, I doubt if many current Bianchi owners considered Raleigh as an alternative when making their buying decisions. No reason why they necessarily should either, execpt that the two companies are very similar in lots of ways.
  • cyclingsheep
    cyclingsheep Posts: 640
    If you don't like the celeste colour (I'm not a huge fan myself) you could ask them if they can get hold of some of the colour schemes that are only usually available in mainland Europe. I have a 90's Bianchi that was available in yellow and I love it.
  • ben@31
    ben@31 Posts: 2,327
    guy.spartacus wrote:
    The blue doesn't go with any of my other stuff...

    I thought it was green :lol:

    My thoughts... A genius in marketing! using a unique colour that stands out and pretending to be Italian ( I think the factory is in Taiwan).
    "The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby
  • daustin
    daustin Posts: 17
    cyclingsheep wrote:
    If you don't like the celeste colour (I'm not a huge fan myself) you could ask them if they can get hold of some of the colour schemes that are only usually available in mainland Europe. I have a 90's Bianchi that was available in yellow and I love it.

    as of this moment I am not getting a new bike. :( had a bike fitting and I'm hoping that it will solve my issues on current bike. But in the future will consider a Bianchi. Bike fitter let me take his Bianchi for a spin. But he has tubeless 28s on it, some special seatpost, and gel bar tape. That bike felt really smooth.
  • skell300
    skell300 Posts: 5
    I have one in white. I wasn't brand conscious when looking, I needed a new road bike, the specs suited, and got it for a song - a previous years model on stock clearance sale.

    Stock wheels were OK, not the best, but as with every other bike, unless you're spending 000's, the wheels will always be the worst component.

    The best thing about it - it looks stunning, and when out with my friends, I tend to be the one who gets comments from other riders on my bike (come one, we all care about looks more than we would probably want to admit).

    Would there be any difference to my riding if I was on a Specialized, Trek or Giant? Definitely not.

    Am I still staring at it with a massive grin on my face several years later, thinking "that's my bloody bike that is!" Of course I am.
  • webboo
    webboo Posts: 6,087
    I currently have two. My winter bike which is red and white, I can't remember off hand model it is but it aluminium with rear carbon stays and has served me well. I also have a 928l which lives on my turbo trainer due to a loose bottom bracket shell ( crash damage ) really liked this till it got damaged.
    I also had that frame set Marco P used I didn't get with it and sold it.
  • chippyk
    chippyk Posts: 529
    I have one and to be honest although I love it, they charge a premium for the name IMO.

    The Impulso Veloce is £1100, has 10spd Veloce with an FSA chainset, in house brakes and, if mine was anything to go by, cheap wheels. Look at other brands and see what you get for the same price on an aluminium frame. Ok so the brand is different, but Decathlon do an Ultra 720 with full Ultegra and Mavic Cosmic wheels for less.
  • nbalcombe
    nbalcombe Posts: 87
    ChippyK wrote:
    I have one and to be honest although I love it, they charge a premium for the name IMO.

    The Impulso Veloce is £1100, has 10spd Veloce with an FSA chainset, in house brakes and, if mine was anything to go by, cheap wheels. Look at other brands and see what you get for the same price on an aluminium frame. Ok so the brand is different, but Decathlon do an Ultra 720 with full Ultegra and Mavic Cosmic wheels for less.

    Yes, yes. But can you get it in celeste? :wink:
  • daustin
    daustin Posts: 17
    nbalcombe wrote:
    ChippyK wrote:
    I have one and to be honest although I love it, they charge a premium for the name IMO.

    The Impulso Veloce is £1100, has 10spd Veloce with an FSA chainset, in house brakes and, if mine was anything to go by, cheap wheels. Look at other brands and see what you get for the same price on an aluminium frame. Ok so the brand is different, but Decathlon do an Ultra 720 with full Ultegra and Mavic Cosmic wheels for less.

    Yes, yes. But can you get it in celeste? :wink:

    That's the main reason I have a Jamis Road bike. Pretty good bang for your buck.
  • Dizeee
    Dizeee Posts: 337
    I've had my impulso since 2012. It's done 28k miles of all year round abuse. It's also flown off the back of my car at speed.

    Im using it tonight as usual to get to work... frame perfect still going strong and still on original chains at the front.
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    I have one - a celeste coloured Impulso with Campagnolo Veloce. I will openly admit I bought it on looks because I remember lusting after one some thirty odd years ago as a teenager and decided a couple of years ago that I deserved to treat myself. Although there are undoubtedly better bikes out there for the money it looks, in my opinion and several of my riding companions' opinion, absolutely stunning. That said, it is also a very capable bike and lovely to ride, so not all form over function by any means. As far as being made in Taiwan goes, that probably applies to the majority of bikes on the market today regardless of what nationality the brand might market itself as.
    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    ChippyK wrote:
    I have one and to be honest although I love it, they charge a premium for the name IMO.

    The Impulso Veloce is £1100, has 10spd Veloce with an FSA chainset, in house brakes and, if mine was anything to go by, cheap wheels. Look at other brands and see what you get for the same price on an aluminium frame. Ok so the brand is different, but Decathlon do an Ultra 720 with full Ultegra and Mavic Cosmic wheels for less.

    That sounds like mine although I managed to get it for £800 a couple of years ago despite the RRP being about £1200. There are usually deals to be had at various Bianchi outlets.
    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 27,346
    Imposter wrote:
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...
    Purely due to the palmares of their riders decades ago.
    Good enough a reason in some eyes.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • StillGoing
    StillGoing Posts: 5,211
    They aren't as big a manufacturer as Specialized, Trek or Giant so more than likely why you don't see many. If your local dealer is a Bianchi stockist, surely you'd see plenty of them if they were so good? My LBS is both a Bianchi and Wilier dealer as well as Giant and the area is flooded with the things. Personally, I don't like them. For what they are they are over priced. There are better alternatives for similar money. As for exclusivity; there are more exotic and exclusive models out there than Bianchi. But, is exclusivity worth paying for over the best bike you can buy for your money?
    I ride a bike. Doesn't make me green or a tree hugger. I drive a car too.
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    PBlakeney wrote:
    Imposter wrote:
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...
    Purely due to the palmares of their riders decades ago.
    Good enough a reason in some eyes.

    Naaah, nothing to do with that. We just find foreign things inherently exotic - especially Italian ones. "Ferrari" sounds a lot more exotic than it's English translation "Smith", "Squadra Corse" sounds more exciting than "Racing Team". Even the branding on my old "Salvarani" jersey sounds really cool until you realise that it is a kitchen manufacturer.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    My take on Bianchi is that unless you are one of those people that really, really want one, then don't get one.

    I like the fact that the people who like the brand/colour seem to genuinely like it (rather than like it because someone else told them to like it as with Specialized bikes), but I just prefer not to get involved in the whole Bianchi thing.
  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 27,346
    Rolf F wrote:
    PBlakeney wrote:
    Imposter wrote:
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...
    Purely due to the palmares of their riders decades ago.
    Good enough a reason in some eyes.

    Naaah, nothing to do with that. We just find foreign things inherently exotic - especially Italian ones. "Ferrari" sounds a lot more exotic than it's English translation "Smith", "Squadra Corse" sounds more exciting than "Racing Team". Even the branding on my old "Salvarani" jersey sounds really cool until you realise that it is a kitchen manufacturer.
    That too.
    But then, Raleigh would be exotic in Italy. But it isn't. :wink:
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    PBlakeney wrote:
    Rolf F wrote:
    PBlakeney wrote:
    Imposter wrote:
    Bianchi = the Italian equivalent of Raleigh. But because Bianchi is Italian, it somehow has more kudos. No, I can't explain it either...
    Purely due to the palmares of their riders decades ago.
    Good enough a reason in some eyes.

    Naaah, nothing to do with that. We just find foreign things inherently exotic - especially Italian ones. "Ferrari" sounds a lot more exotic than it's English translation "Smith", "Squadra Corse" sounds more exciting than "Racing Team". Even the branding on my old "Salvarani" jersey sounds really cool until you realise that it is a kitchen manufacturer.
    That too.
    But then, Raleigh would be exotic in Italy. But it isn't. :wink:

    Ahh, but German isn't that exotic in English. Just because it works one way, doesn't mean it works the other way. Do the Italians find that anything foreign sounds exotic?!
    Faster than a tent.......
  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 27,346
    Rolf F wrote:
    Ahh, but German isn't that exotic in English. Just because it works one way, doesn't mean it works the other way. Do the Italians find that anything foreign sounds exotic?!
    Niente!
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    I have two currently and have had 6 in all down the years. One thing that gets overlooked in all the celeste / Italian version of Raleigh blah blah is if you buy an Oltre or an Infinito CV or even a Specialissima if you can afford it, you are getting a pro quality frame. You don't get that with Trek or Specialized or many other brands unless you pay the premium. These brands all have their cut down budget lesser frames and then the top top quality ie S-Works or Project One etc. A Bianchi frame in the shops is the same ridden in the pro peloton. Even the Sempre Pro was a pro raced frame until a few years ago. Point is that Bianchi bikes are excellent frames coupled with maybe not so great kit in the more affordable guises. But you know that with some better wheels and a top end groupset its almost a world tour quality bike.

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