Bianchi Sprint 2021: Why Not?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
Bianchi Sprint 2021: Why Not?
The girlfriend wants to upgrade - significantly - from her 2016 Specialized Dolce w/8-speed Claris. It's a pretty decent little bike, but she wants a level above that (at least). She does 6K kms a year and is no pushover, so it wouldn't get dusty.
She's got her eyes full of a new Bianchi Sprint with 105.
Since I'm a huge Bianchi fan, I'm a bit biased. I think it's a gorgeous machine, I've looked at the geometry of her old bike vs this one, the Bianchi seems a little more racy, with a lower stack and ever-so-slightly shorter reach. But it's really similar and shouldn't be anything she can't adapt to. The upgrade in components should put a massive smile on her face.
Is there any reason she shouldn't treat herself?
She's got her eyes full of a new Bianchi Sprint with 105.
Since I'm a huge Bianchi fan, I'm a bit biased. I think it's a gorgeous machine, I've looked at the geometry of her old bike vs this one, the Bianchi seems a little more racy, with a lower stack and ever-so-slightly shorter reach. But it's really similar and shouldn't be anything she can't adapt to. The upgrade in components should put a massive smile on her face.
Is there any reason she shouldn't treat herself?
#2
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,810
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times
in
3,262 Posts
Probably quite a bit more aggressive fit on the Bianchi as opposed to her current Dolce. Although if the Dolce is a smaller size than what she would normally be recommended, then maybe not.
I wouldn't expect to easily get the bars back to the Saddle to bar drop height her Dolce probably is at currently. So if a more aero position isn't desired, I'd look for some other Bianchi or another brand.
I wouldn't expect to easily get the bars back to the Saddle to bar drop height her Dolce probably is at currently. So if a more aero position isn't desired, I'd look for some other Bianchi or another brand.
Likes For Iride01:
#3
Senior Member
Myself, I'd get an Infiniti instead. Heck, I just might!
Likes For Reflector Guy:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
She might need to play with stem and spacers ... or whatever. it looks like an awesome bike ... but she probably needs to look at a couple more, and sit on a couple, and think it over.
Likes For Maelochs:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,174
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4273 Post(s)
Liked 4,711 Times
in
2,911 Posts
It looks very nice. The 105 groupset is excellent. I like Bianchi, I love the colour. Might want to think about disc vs rim brakes. Might also want to consider the Infinito, depending on the sort of riding she does. Race vs Endurance.
Likes For PeteHski:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: San Clemente
Posts: 668
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, Gold plated Columbus AIR Guerciotti, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 52 Bianchi Paris Roubaix.
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 259 Post(s)
Liked 532 Times
in
165 Posts
How old is she and how's her flexability?
Likes For mackgoo:
#7
The Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Española, NM
Posts: 995
Bikes: 1976 Fredo Speciale, Jamis Citizen 1, Ellis-Briggs FAVORI, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 393 Post(s)
Liked 856 Times
in
422 Posts
I would think there are enough different stems in the world that one of them would solve any position difficulties.
I don't see why she shouldn't treat herself, but the flexibility question above could be a pertinent one.
I don't see why she shouldn't treat herself, but the flexibility question above could be a pertinent one.
Likes For Fredo76:
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
As much as I like that Bianchi Sprint (she loves it too, just based on looks), this isn't a bike for me, so I'm going to take what seems to be a sound general consensus advice to pop into every bike shop she passes and try out a load of different bikes.
Also, "endurance" seems to be the geometry buzzword that would likely be best for her. That's what concerns me about the Sprint, it may be a bit too race-oriented, being a full 1 inch shorter (stack height) than the Specialized Dolce is a big change. It's just too bad Bianchi doesn't seem to have a mid-range price point (around 2K) for an endurance frame (the Infinito XE is the guts of 3 grand!). Then again, she might love it, she's very competitive.
I'm now looking at the Canyon Endurace CF7. A more relaxed geometry, nice carbon frame, Shimano 105, less expensive, killer looks (in the Movistar blue)... but not currently available and not in shops (online only). I'm now on their mailing list, and we'll see what happens in the meantime.
Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback!
Also, "endurance" seems to be the geometry buzzword that would likely be best for her. That's what concerns me about the Sprint, it may be a bit too race-oriented, being a full 1 inch shorter (stack height) than the Specialized Dolce is a big change. It's just too bad Bianchi doesn't seem to have a mid-range price point (around 2K) for an endurance frame (the Infinito XE is the guts of 3 grand!). Then again, she might love it, she's very competitive.
I'm now looking at the Canyon Endurace CF7. A more relaxed geometry, nice carbon frame, Shimano 105, less expensive, killer looks (in the Movistar blue)... but not currently available and not in shops (online only). I'm now on their mailing list, and we'll see what happens in the meantime.
Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback!
Last edited by ridelikeaturtle; 10-28-21 at 07:33 AM.
Likes For ridelikeaturtle:
#9
Banned
Usually a "sprint" bike has a steeper headtube angle a shorter fork rake / offset and this is great for criterium racing but less so for general road riding. Worth checking out with a test ride of a similar frame before making the purchase.
Likes For Calsun:
#10
Shawn of the Dead
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 578
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 448 Times
in
216 Posts
I'm not sure what bike she should get because that's a very personal thing. I will say I love the geometry on my Domane. The Endurance or Gravel set up is pretty comfortable for a beat up old guy like me.
The really pertinent question ......should she treat herself....Absolutely !!
If she finds one that's a bit out of her price range maybe you could kick in a few bucks !!
The really pertinent question ......should she treat herself....Absolutely !!
If she finds one that's a bit out of her price range maybe you could kick in a few bucks !!
Likes For Rdmonster69:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,174
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4273 Post(s)
Liked 4,711 Times
in
2,911 Posts
I'm now looking at the Canyon Endurace CF7. A more relaxed geometry, nice carbon frame, Shimano 105, less expensive, killer looks (in the Movistar blue)... but not currently available and not in shops (online only). I'm now on their mailing list, and we'll see what happens in the meantime.
Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback!
Likes For PeteHski:
#12
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Personally, I'd take the stairs two at a time. Scrape together another grand, get the Infinito, and she'll be happy for years to come. But I'm a "buy once/cry once" kind of guy.
Likes For Rolla:
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
Canyon make nice bikes for sure. The only thing to consider with the Endurace is that it's been around in its present form for a number of years, so probably due an update. That's not a criticism of the bike, just something to bear in mind. If you bought one and then a new version came out within a year, would you be bothered?
Yeah, that could be annoying, especially if the price is pretty much the same for a nicer bike. In the current market, I don't see bike prices coming down anytime soon, with the shortages, the run up to Christmas, then warmer weather in the Spring, they're always seem to be in "high demand".
That's all motivation to wait. If there's any of last year's bikes left over in her size, she might be able to grab something at a discount to make room for new models.
One that's really caught my eye is the ORRO Gold Evo 105. There's a local dealer, we'll go have a look and see.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,174
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4273 Post(s)
Liked 4,711 Times
in
2,911 Posts
I wonder if that's why Canyon are sold out, they've shifted production to the next model?
Yeah, that could be annoying, especially if the price is pretty much the same for a nicer bike. In the current market, I don't see bike prices coming down anytime soon, with the shortages, the run up to Christmas, then warmer weather in the Spring, they're always seem to be in "high demand".
That's all motivation to wait. If there's any of last year's bikes left over in her size, she might be able to grab something at a discount to make room for new models.
One that's really caught my eye is the ORRO Gold Evo 105. There's a local dealer, we'll go have a look and see.
Yeah, that could be annoying, especially if the price is pretty much the same for a nicer bike. In the current market, I don't see bike prices coming down anytime soon, with the shortages, the run up to Christmas, then warmer weather in the Spring, they're always seem to be in "high demand".
That's all motivation to wait. If there's any of last year's bikes left over in her size, she might be able to grab something at a discount to make room for new models.
One that's really caught my eye is the ORRO Gold Evo 105. There's a local dealer, we'll go have a look and see.
Likes For PeteHski:
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
2021 LIV Langma Advanced 3 Disc
After checking out the ORRO Gold 105, this is what we - or more accurately, SHE - decided on: the 2021 LIV Langma Advanced 3 Disc. It ticked every box, as the ORRO Gold didn't come in a size small enough for a 5-foot-3 woman. Much better standover height and better reach, and the Tiagra 10-speed components are surprisingly nice, more like old-school Ultegra (from just a few years ago). Full hydraulic disc brakes, sweet frame, decent wheels & tyres.
Can't wait to get it out on the road, supply is a big issue for Ireland at the moment so having anything available at the moment is a treat.
#16
OM boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,340
Bikes: a bunch
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 502 Post(s)
Liked 623 Times
in
425 Posts
... ignore... I just saw you're last post... happy cadence for many miles to come !
oh, and, nice bike!
Ride On
Yuri
oh, and, nice bike!
Ride On
Yuri
Last edited by cyclezen; 12-04-21 at 08:34 PM.
Likes For cyclezen:
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
As suggested above, the testride removed all doubts, her body language said everything. It was the "little things" that made a big difference, such as the throw of the brake levers being shorter was a big deal as she's often finding her forearms tired from braking on descents (I think she's experiencing that MotoGP phenomenon of "arm pump"), the narrow width of the handlebars, the shorter reach. Tubeless tyres is a nice bonus, it'll probably encourage me to switch.
I did not want to like this LIV bike as I'm not a big fan of GIANT - just for me, the big manufacturers are a bit "soulless" - but there's no denying the "bang for the buck" value, and most importantly all the women-specific features, which she immediately noticed on the testride, that make this such a comfortable option.
I did not want to like this LIV bike as I'm not a big fan of GIANT - just for me, the big manufacturers are a bit "soulless" - but there's no denying the "bang for the buck" value, and most importantly all the women-specific features, which she immediately noticed on the testride, that make this such a comfortable option.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,174
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4273 Post(s)
Liked 4,711 Times
in
2,911 Posts
I think she made a solid choice there. I know it's very superficial, but I do think the "Liv" branding actually helps quite a bit to move away from the generic "Giant" label. Giant make excellent carbon frames at competitive prices, but the "Giant" brand image is very mundane. To be honest that's the only issue I have with my Defy. As a functional, efficient and reliable bike it is pretty faultless. But because cycling is one of my few passions in life it does slightly bother me. It is perfect as an everyday workhorse bike, but I can't help looking at other more exotic options. But Liv seems like a more focused sub-brand and therefore scores higher on the "cool wall" if that makes any sense.
Likes For PeteHski:
#19
Senior Member
Very happy to read post #17.
Although there was a lot of good input from people obviously very knowledgeable about the bike, they were not her.
She is the real expert on what she likes. You said the test ride sold her. A good investment in domestic tranquility.
Enjoy, both of you.
Although there was a lot of good input from people obviously very knowledgeable about the bike, they were not her.
She is the real expert on what she likes. You said the test ride sold her. A good investment in domestic tranquility.
Enjoy, both of you.
Likes For Pratt: