Bianchi via nirone sora

I got a 2007 bianchi c2c nirone sora - 8 speed in aug 07. I paid £550 & got Keo pedals, a cateye wireless computer, and Shamino shoes included! (will a bit of haggling - worth considering in this current economic climate?).
I could have got a entry level Giant or similar about 50 - 75 pounds cheaper with roughly the same spec, but it was pointed out by one or two of my mates (& the LBS) the frame on my bike is believed to be a bit better than bikes in the same price range, making it more upgradable?
I have used it regularly come rain or shine, and have done about 3000miles in the past 18 months or so, with no problems whatsoever to report.
Although I have upgraded the wheels for mavic's, as I found the Ambrosio w23's a bit heavy.
In summary I say go for it!
Zedders.

In addition to what zedders mentions about the slighlty higher cost of a Bianchi over a similar specced bike, I've read somewhere that certain names such as Bianchi tend to hold their value a bit better. Hence you might find it easier to sell on if you decide at the end of summer that this isn't for you. I've recently upgraded from a Carrera Virtuoso Aluminium bike with Sora/Tiagra combo to a new Bianchi 928 C2C and love it. Well worth the money.

Sora shifters are annoying, but it seems you have to spend a fair bit to avoid them these days.

Probbaly not a lot of weight. But when every ounce and gram count (for some) it can make a big difference, no?
In my own newbie scientific way, I was slower when 'rolling' along than my mates, and ground to a holt quicker. Also when climbing and out of the saddle I felt the weight of the front wheel through the bars.
When I changed the basic ambriso w23 wheels that came with the bike for aksiums (although still entry level) I immediately noticed the difference. They are stiffer, roll better and just 'feel' lighter. They are 'sharper' when cornering aswell. I assume the better tyres made some difference the ride also.

About sora shifters, yes they have a thumb lever, but as I haven't tried other shifters before, I have nothing to compare them too. So you get use to them and IMO there really not that bad. They only time you get annoyed so to speak is when tucked in on the drops and your looking to up the gears quickly. But I found this happens rarely for my style of riding.

Oh although I liked the look of the Trek 1.5, but why is it in Lime?! It looks nasty (in my opinion)... eeeek.