Looking at a Bianchi Veloce

[thebionicman]

I am thinking of jumping on the bandwagon. I stopped in one of the local bike shops the other day and found a 2003 model Bianche Veloce, he is looking for $750 for it, it lists for $1500. I am assuming its a good deal.

Couple of questions:

Any problems with Bianchi?

The shop really doesn't know anything about road bikes so I am not sure if it will fit me correctly. I am about 5'8" and the bike is a 53 cm frame. I know there area a couple of rules for fitting a road bike but I can't seem to find them anywhere.

[PWAXON]

Bianchi makes good bikes but I am betting the frame is a little small for ya. I am 5, 8’’ and my 54 cm is a little small for me.

Some time back in one of the forums here before we had the Road Riding option there was a really good discussion on sizing. Help me out if any one remembers where it is. I thought it was in General Discussion but I could not find it.

[GearDaddy]

sorry about this screwed up post...

[GearDaddy]

... another screwed up post, please ignore ...

[GearDaddy]

The fit really does vary for different bike manufacturers. Italian made frames a usually measured from center of bottom bracket along the seat tube to the top of top tube, or CT. Many others are measured from center of bottom bracket along seat tube to the center of the top tube, or CC. I'm 5'9" with about a 30" inseam, and a 55 cm Bianchi seems to fit me well. My current ride is a Colnago, and a 54 cm fits me best. For something like a Lemond, a 52 or 53 cm would fit me best.

It doesn't sound like you've done much road riding. This makes it tougher to get the right fit, because the right fit is really a matter of personal preference through experience. But generally speaking a good fit would be where the bike is set up with the seat only a cm or two above the height of the handlebars, you feel comfortable with hands on the hoods, and maybe a little stretched out when in the drops. There's also the old adage where the front hub is blocked from view by the handlebars when positioned with the hands on the hoods, but that is only a simple "rule of thumb".

Nothing wrong with Bianchi, but I'm partial to the Italian made bikes and campagnolo components. The veloce is a solid bike. It's a steel frame and the veloce components are not top of the line, but the only real difference is that it's not as lightweight as the higher end bikes. It would be perfect for someone who doesn't necessarily want to race, but wants a smooth ride.

[homebrewbiker]

I am thinking of jumping on the bandwagon. I stopped in one of the local bike shops the other day and found a 2003 model Bianche Veloce, he is looking for $750 for it, it lists for $1500. I am assuming its a good deal.

Couple of questions:

Any problems with Bianchi?

The shop really doesn't know anything about road bikes so I am not sure if it will fit me correctly. I am about 5'8" and the bike is a 53 cm frame. I know there area a couple of rules for fitting a road bike but I can't seem to find them anywhere.
I guess I would be hesitant to get a road bike from shop that can't do a custom fit for you. Maybe you could find a shop selling Bianchi with more knowledge about road bikes and at least get sized up to see if this one will fit you properly. Maybe ask the guys at Kenwood next time you do the group ride?

[Daddy X]

I'm 5'-8" or so and when I was looking at Bianchi road bikes last summer the 53 cm was a perfect fit for me.

[soupboy]

...a $750 Veloce is not a "deal" if it doesn't fit. It will be a $750 piece of (garage) wall art.

The folks at Eriks in SLP fitted me gratis - probably because they finally wanted me to "close" a sale vs. me endlessly looking around and debating option. Regardless, I appreciated it and they know what they're doing.

If you have a shop that's given you good service - tell them your situation and ask if they'd fit you up. They may not get the immediate sale on the road bike, but likely your follow up service and purchases.

Bianchi makes solid steel frames. They tend to be more square or "boxy" vs. the Speshy and Giant "compact geometry" frames that have sloping TTs. Never go off the recommendation that if you're X tall you should buy Y frame size. Two guys the same height can have meaningfully different dimensions in terms of inseam, reach, flexibility, shoulder width, etc.

This may sound too detailed, but you'll appreciate proper fit when you're spinning in the same position for 3+ hours.

Sean

[el gueche]

i had the same issue today with a bianchi sport sx 54 - riding my crotch like a hotdog in a bun, came home, searched, found this - couple of good links at the bottom and it's way more complicated than what i remember - stand over the bike and a couple of inches free play under your nasty bits - not anymore - read on http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html - el

[thebionicman]

I rode it around and it felt a little small to me. Like was posted if it doesn't fit its not a deal. I think I may have to wait a year. I think I am going to use the funds for a new seat, new crankset and LIGHTS!:D

Thanks for the help, sure is nice being able to pull on a lot of resources.