sjhiker

So I've been testing riding a half dozen bikes from 5 different LBSs, and I've reducing my choice down to a Trek 1.2 and a Bianchi C2C Aluminum 2300. They're both about the same price and after copious amounts of fine tuning the fitments, I feel quite comfortable in both of them. I believe they both are Sora components sets (although the bianchi website says 2300, it doesn't look like the all black 2300s, but more like the Sora).

This bike is pretty much my replacement for my soon to be sold 3yr old Trek Soho hybrid. I'm a weekend rider and so the price range for these two bikes is appropriate for me. I guess I'm looking for some tips on further ways to evaluate the bikes. Both LBS are quality places, one is a standard Trek dealer, but I bought my Soho from them and haven't had any problems, the other is a road bike specialist owned/operated by one guy who seems like a great guy.

Any help would be appreciated. Though at this price range I'm expecting a few posts that say "Go with whatever feels better."

AngryScientist 

well first off, make sure you're getting equivalent components. other than that, whatever feels better, and looks better.

as i mentioned in another post, the weakest link in a cheap bike is usually the wheels. look into what wheels come with each bike, that might be the decider for me.

sjhiker

AS,

The problem with comparing components 100% is that the Bianchi comes with Shimano 2300s, which oddly is not on the Shimano website.

ptle

Are the components not labeled on the bikes? You could also ask the LBS. The bikes are going to perform pretty similar. I'd probably go with the Bianchi because I'm not a big fan of Treks and I think the Bianchi looks really good.

Tsuru

Honestly, similar bikes, similar bits, similar prices, all feel good... it sounds to me like it's down to aesthetics and LBS preference (they'll be taking care of you, probably, for the next 2 years, right?), so just let your superficial flag fly, buy it, and go ride! WOOT!

Fleabiscuit

Just ride them and buy the one that looks/feels cooler. Those two bikes are pretty similar. If it's a tie, go with the shop you feel will give you the best service (i.e., not make you wait for a minor tune-up, etc.). Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples. I tested a Cannondale CAAD9 that was set up for a much more flexible rider (aggressively low bars) and it had very hard riding tires. I incorrectly attributed the stiffness and lack of comfort to the frame but it was probably the tires and setup. Make sure your shop will help you get properly fitted to the bike and that you have a seat that fits you properly. This is a HUGE factor in cycling enjoyment. The best bike in the world will ride like a torture device if you have a bad fit or the wrong seat.

Once you get the bike, don't drive yourself crazy with upgrades or other BS. Make sure the fit is properly dialed in and take some time to focus on riding . Some shops sponsor group rides with people who are at a similar fitness or experience level. IMO, this will make cycling much more fun. Good luck!

kindablue

The trek 1.2 has complete Sora, whereas the Bianchai has 2300. As far as numbering goes, the current Sora group is 3400, which is a generation above the 2300 (the 2300 is yesteryears Sora). The big difference to you is that Sora is a 9 speed group, meaning that there will be 9 spots on the rear cassette, where as 2300 is an 8 speed group, with 8 spots on the rear cassette. The more spots on the cassette, the more likely you'll find a comfortable gear.

I have a trek 1.2 w/2200 (previous generation of the 2300) shifters and FD (RD is Sora). Imo, the FD for the 2200 group is awful. Even when adjusted, it takes some coaxing and praying to shift. I don't know about the 2300 FD, but it still may be pretty tricky.

I'd go with the Trek based on components alone. Plus, I find my 1.2 quite comfortable for what it is (entry al frame).

p.s. I bought mine used, but the brake pads were still the stock ones and absolutely AWFUL. I'd recommending setting aside the $20 for some dura ace pads. They made a world of a difference in my stopping distance and confidence. The rest of the stock bike is gravy.

sjhiker

So I took a long test ride (5mi) today on the Bianchi, and one thing that I noticed was that when stretched out (hands on the rubber shifter covers), the thumb shifter always seemed to get in the way. My natural grip would be to wrap my thumb around the cover, but with the thumb shifter I had to rest my thumb on the shifter.

I asked the LBS guy if the Sora would be any different than the 2300, and he told me it's the same thumb shifter design. I would have to upgrade to the Tiagra shifters with a Sora component group if all I wanted was the upgraded shifters. He mentioned that the shifters are typically the most expensive component to upgrade. So here is my question:

While i had zero intention of spending more than the entry level bike, the Bianchi C2C Tiagra is a few hundred more, is it worth it to wait a few months to save up for the C2C Tiagra?

kindablue

He is right, but I think he left out a few things... yes both Sora and 2300 are operated by thumb shifters, not paddles. However, 2300 is only 8 speed, while Sora is 9 speed. I wouldn't buy any brand new road bike w/an 8 speed drivetrain these days. Mostly, b/c the tech is so old, you would get a better bang for your buck (9 spd) for just $100 or so more

Also, if you can swing it, I'd save up the few hundred for the Tiagra bike. I have 2200 on my bike, and the thumb shifters are starting to be a problem. I just started racing and Its wicked difficult to shift from the drops out of a turn with the thumb shifters. Plus my FD hates me

So, while Sora and 2300 are aesthetically similar, the Sora tech is a bit newer.
I would personally prefer Tiagra, but if you are into non competitive riding and the feel of Sora hoods doesn't bother you I wouldn't see much of a reason to spring for Tiagra.

shautzy43

Yes worth saving for. The shifting will be much more crisp/less of a hassle then the sora or the 22/2300 or whatever wich I would stay away from... The Bianchi C2C looks pretty sweet... Or go with treks next step up the 1.5 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/15/

Tsuru

Bummer about the Sora thumb buttons, OP. If I can ask... how much can you spend all together?

Bean_YWG

That's weird. My 1.2 came with a Tiagra rear derailleur, purchased brand new from my LBS about 2 weeks ago. It's advertised on my LBS' site as having a Tiagra RD too. The rest of the specs are the same as the ones on Trek's site.

Regardless, I am really liking the 1.2. For a cheaper road bike I'm finding it very fun to ride, and have no issues with handling or comfort. No complaints at all, actually. Every day at work I'm wishing I was out riding it!

As for the thumb shifters, why do people rag on them so much? Maybe my thumbs are odd (I have big palms and comparatively short phalanges,) but I haven't encountered any issues with performance or convenience yet. I do spend most of my time on the hoods though.

ChadRat64

Go Bianchi. Everyone rides a trek. Are you in Oklaholma? That Bianchi shop sounds like the place that sponsors our team. If you are in OKC then Sheridan is a great guy and I would not hesistate to buy from him.

sjhiker

I actually have no problems with the act of shifting via the thumb shifter. I ride a mountain bike and I have a similar click shifter on it as well. It just happens that the thumb shifter is in the exact position that I would like to rest my thumb. So in some respects it's ideal, being it's right where my thumb is, if I was shifting, but I don't spend the majority of my seat time shifting. I didn't ride the trek 1.5 previously, but the Bianchi Tiagra and the 1.5 are about the same component set, but the Trek is a bit cheaper.

However, one thing that concern me if I look at the 1.5 vs Bianchi is the 1.5 has the option of two cranksets (50/34 or 50/39/30 rear cassette is 11-26) while the Bianchi is only 50/36 (rear cassette of 12-25). I've got no experience on a compact crankset, but would wonder if I would be longing for a 'granny gear' on the hills around here. None of the bikeshops are near big hills.

joe_5700

100% absolutely save up and get the Tiagra Bianchi. You will thank yourself down the road if you do.

tadawdy

I have a Via Nirone, which is in Bianchi's C2C line. Nice bike, and I'm glad I got it.

That being said, Trek does have a better warranty, if that matters much to you. Bianchi's is 5 yrs on the frame.

n0vyy

I have a Trek 1.2 that I got last fall. I am happy with it. I did crash and taco the rear wheel. I have since replaced both wheels with some hand built Vuelta's. My Trek came with Sora brifters, FD and RD. The crank is a FSA triple and the cassette and chain are SRAM.

No exposure to the Bianchi. so can't comment on it.

nixternal

Trek 1.5 comes with Tiagra as well. I am a Trek fan, however Bianchi is a favorite of mine as well. I was in the same exact boat you are right now 2 years ago. I ended up going with the 1.2 and haven't looked back. I am back in the market for a newer bike, and I am finding that off the shelf bikes just aren't fitting as nice as I am accustomed to with my 1.2. So with that, I am probably going to go with a Madone 6.x project one bike for 2 reasons. 1) Custom paint job so I don't look exactly like every other Fred out there, I will be the odd Fred out and 2) I can put whatever components I want on it such as groupset and wheelset.

sjhiker

I called up my LBS this afternoon and let him know to let someone else take the Bianchi 2300/Sora and that I'd be saving up for another couple of months for the Tiagra.

Thanks for all your help.