Bianchi Ben

So, as my screenname suggests, I own a Bianchi. Its a Via Nirone Sora, as you know, the bottom end of Shimano. I'm super happy with the frame and I am now in the process of upgrading the rest of the bike. I really like the idea of Campy parts on my Bianchi frame. That being said, I have heard some mixed reviews of Campy equipment. I also started a BB thread where a number of people have recommended Shimano components. I do plan on keeping this frame for a long time to come and don't mind saving my money until I can offord at least the Athena line. Am I crazy for thinking this way? Should I open myself up to consider Shimano or maybe SRAM?

Thanks for the opinions...

tagaproject6

First check where your frame is made and see if you really have an "Italian" frame.

jmccain

Even the lowest price group in the Campagnolo line is excellent. Go for it!

Yo Spiff

They all work well, but my opinion is to get what appeals to you. If you want Campy, then get Campy, if you prefer Shimano, get Shimano. If you don't care, get whatever is the best deal.

When I started seriously riding in the 80's Campy was considered the good stuff. At the time, I rode a bike with Shimano 600EX, which was also good and I loved it, but I always wanted a Campy equipped bike. Finally got mine in 2000:

Celeste by Yo Spiff, on Flickr

Bianchi Ben

hahah, yeah, I was actually thinking of mentioning that. But you know what I mean, Italian designed frame...

Here's mine...

tagaproject6

With that being said, do not let the bike brand determine the components you use (not that there is anything wrong with that). Get the group that you like or that which makes you want to ride more. Nothing is wrong with any groupset that you like and use. If you like Campagnolo, go for it.

RollCNY

In your other thread, you said you bought a wheelset, and are now looking for a crank. If you are spending the cash there along a Shimano/SRAM compatibility plan, you seem to be headed away from Campy. Might want to make a decision before committing additional green.

Adrianinkc

+1

TrojanHorse

I would ride the bike till you're tired of it and then upgrade the whole shebang at once. Besides the factors that RollCNY mentioned, the reality is that buying a complete bike is always cheaper than buying bits and pieces (assuming you're doing it new), you can probably get a reasonable chunk of your initial expense back and how much money do you want to spend upgrading a sub $1,000 bike? If you can find a used, good condition group on craigs list or something then have at it.

pallen

Yeah, you can ask for opinions on here and you will get lots of people telling you Shimano, Campy, SRAM is the best and lots of people telling you it doesn't matter. Its purely personal. I would love Campy on my Italian bike instead of the Shimano that's on it purely for aesthetics, but the current parts are in great shape and I just cant justify a switch like that right now.

Bianchi Ben

Exactly, that's why I'm researching and gathering opinions and getting this squared away now. I 'd rather not buy Shimano or SRAM then decide I want Campagnolo later. Having just started with the wheelset, I can swap the Shimano/SRAM rear hub for a Campy compatible hub and go from there.

UCIMBZ

Compatibility is somewhat of an issue. These are Shimano 10spd wheels with an Ultegra 6700 cassette on an otherwise Campy 10spd equipped "handmade Italian" bike. It works flawlessly. As for Italian bike Italian components mentality goes, although it is noble, but not even Italian bike manufacturers are adhering to it.
[IMG][/IMG]

dtrain

Enjoy the new wheels. What is the current crankset? What are the brake calipers and are you running the stock brake pads?

That's a good looking bike. I'd try to enjoy it as is and slow down with your planned upgrades.

eippo1

There's a whole chart out there somewhere which shows which year and speed groups play well together. Another option would be to buy a 105 Impulso, sell the groupset off of it for decent $$ and then use that money to buy a Campy groupset. This happens fairly frequently.

RollCNY

My new Cinelli build has 105 RD and cassette, and I have Veloce shifters and a Shiftmate for it. So I am familiar, but I figured I'd try to keep it simple.

Bianchi Ben

Thanks, I'm happy with the looks for sure. And honestly all the mechanics of it. But I do know that upgrading will benefit my ride. For the short time I've been at it, some of the more advanced riders I go out with mention that I'm quite strong for my relative innexperience. All this talk of upgrade is purely research right now. The actual purchasing will come in time.

Here's the specs on the bike, 2009 Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Sora Everything is stock. The wheelset I just bought are the Torelli Bormio Ultra Lights

merlinextraligh

And how do you know this?

I think you'll be surprised by how little actual benefit you get with upgrades. Going from Sora to Athena, you might save a very small amount of weight, and the shifting may be a tad more crisp. However, the ride will still be the same, and any change in speed will be infinitesimal.

So upgrade if it makes you happy, but realize, it makes precious little difference.

ryder0182

Do what you want, but if you haven't already, do your rims and safety a favor and upgrade your brake pads. I changed out my stem, tires, upgraded brake pads and plan to ride the Tiagra set into the ground.

Enjoy the ride

dtrain

+1 on the brake pads (that's why I asked above). See if Kool Stops will work with your stock calipers.

I've never heard of that crankset, but I don't know that there's an issue there. Personally, I'd ride that bike for years and 'upgrade' shifters and things only as they wear out. Glad you are excited - but focus that energy on riding not towards blowing money on upgrades.

John_V 

Very true. My new Colnago is a Taiwan made frame, Italian made Deda components and Shimano wheels and groupo.

dtrain

Both my Bianchi's came 105 spec'ed. Frames (I 'm pretty sure) were made in Asia. French wheels.

Trailblazer3

Go with the groupset you want, not where its made. I'm riding a Pinarello with SRAM. Some call it a sacriledge; I call it exactly what I wanted. That being said, if you can ride a groupset from all three brands give it a go, and pick the one you like the most. All three make exceptional groups that all function well. You just need to figure out which one serves your needs the most. Double Tap sealed the deal for me personally. Good luck with your decision.

Bianchi Ben

Thanks for all the helpful insight everyone. I appreciate it. Like mentioned by a few of you, I'll upgrade these parts when my current equipment no longer functions properly, not as something just to spend money on. Hopefully in the meantime I'll be able to find some bikes to test out these different components to get a personal feel on what I like the most. Still leaning towards Campy

GiantDefyGuy

Also, I think that it would help if you stopped thinking of Sora as "low-end" or "crappy." It's just not true. Sora stuff is fine. It's light, it's strong, and it will last you for years and thousands of miles. It's not stamped out of a sheet of scrap metal.....it's nicely machined stuff.

The REAL low end Shimano stuff is on those bikes in Walmart.

It pains me to see a new biker with a new bike already starting to buy into the upgrade hype. What you have is a great bike with great components that will perform great and last.

K.Katso

I ride a Bianchi with SRAM. Just because you have an "Italian" bike doesn't mean you need an "Italian" groupset. My Oltre, which is their highest-end frame, has a sticker on the bottom that says "Made in Taiwan." Does it in any way affect my feelings for the bike? Not one bit. My Ducati has parts made in Asia as well. Also, if I remember correctly, my Fulcrum wheels(a Campy brand) where made somewhere else(box is in my storage so I can't look, Romania maybe?). So my point is, don't get hung up on that and just get what best suits your needs. In a global economy, pretty much everything has parts from everywhere.