Bianchi Super Grizzly vs. Trek 970
05-25-23, 09:02 AM
#1
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Bianchi Super Grizzly vs. Trek 970
I have the opportunity to get a Bianchi Super Grizzly ('88) for $525 or a Trek 970 (early 90's) for $250. My thought is to trick out the frameset with new kit either way and to keep the original components fresh and safe. Both framesets are in awesome shape. Which one would you go with, esp. considering that the Super Grizzly is twice the price of the 970?
05-25-23, 09:41 AM
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I have the opportunity to get a Bianchi Super Grizzly ('88) for $525 or a Trek 970 (early 90's) for $250. My thought is to trick out the frameset with new kit either way and to keep the original components fresh and safe. Both framesets are in awesome shape. Which one would you go with, esp. considering that the Super Grizzly is twice the price of the 970?
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05-25-23, 10:12 AM
#3
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Haha, that may really be the question! However, it's my understanding is that the Tange Prestige really rides better than the Trek True Temper tubing. Do you think one would notice the difference in feel? If it's a bike I end up riding around a lot (all-season street shredder in Chicago), then it might actually be worth the price difference... but only if it's a difference that you could actually feel.
05-25-23, 10:15 AM
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The Bianchi tax is too high on that. I have the bianchi selling at about $350ish. The price on the 970 is right where I think it should be.
Performance wise I would take a hardnose 970 everyday over the Griz.
Performance wise I would take a hardnose 970 everyday over the Griz.
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05-25-23, 10:28 AM
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Ride both, and then make a decision based on which one you think will be a better fit and/or has a better ride.
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05-25-23, 10:36 AM
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I'm starting to think that this is too good a point -- especially since I'm planning to put $$ into the parts, paying that much for just the frame (and keeping all the vintage Deore XT in a box) is just pushing it. I've never ridden either, tbh, and I'm just jumping in. The Grizzly is an hour drive away, so I'm not really trying to just go and have a test ride. But I appreciate your thoughts on the ride quality differences! Can you say a bit more?
05-25-23, 10:58 AM
#7
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I think both prices are a little too high, unless they're both in great shape.
A '94 970 is about 3 pounds lighter than that Grizz, but by '94 the 970s weren't lugged anymore (if lugged steel is what you're after), a '93 is lugged, but about 1 pound lighter than the Grizz.
The Grizz has more relaxed frame angles so it's gonna have a sweet cruiser feel to it, whereas the Trek is going to feel sportier.
How much new kit are you thinking of fitting on, and how "new" are you looking to go?
If you're going with midrange or up new components, you can't really go "brand new". You'll have to stick with HyperGlide hubs. 11-speed SLX works pretty well, not sure of availability at the moment. Might be easier to source Microshift 11-speed stuff?
A '94 970 is about 3 pounds lighter than that Grizz, but by '94 the 970s weren't lugged anymore (if lugged steel is what you're after), a '93 is lugged, but about 1 pound lighter than the Grizz.
The Grizz has more relaxed frame angles so it's gonna have a sweet cruiser feel to it, whereas the Trek is going to feel sportier.
How much new kit are you thinking of fitting on, and how "new" are you looking to go?
If you're going with midrange or up new components, you can't really go "brand new". You'll have to stick with HyperGlide hubs. 11-speed SLX works pretty well, not sure of availability at the moment. Might be easier to source Microshift 11-speed stuff?
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 05-25-23 at 11:02 AM.
05-25-23, 11:09 AM
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At one time, I had a 199 (3?) Trek 970 and a 1989 Super Grizzly.
Guess which I still have. The Bianchi. It rides better as another poster stated.
I love the celeste logo....
Guess which I still have. The Bianchi. It rides better as another poster stated.
I love the celeste logo....
Last edited by Schweinhund; 05-25-23 at 11:18 AM.
05-25-23, 05:47 PM
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I had the chance to buy a Grizzly frame in mint condition that a guy bought back in the 90's and never touched it but it was too small for me. I really liked the idea of having that classic look but on a mountain bike that I could turn into a nice gravel ride. It was also very expensive for just a frame so probably a good thing it wasn't the right size 
You can always take the chance and wait for another opportunity?
You can always take the chance and wait for another opportunity?
05-25-23, 10:48 PM
#11
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Haha, that may really be the question! However, it's my understanding is that the Tange Prestige really rides better than the Trek True Temper tubing. Do you think one would notice the difference in feel? If it's a bike I end up riding around a lot (all-season street shredder in Chicago), then it might actually be worth the price difference... but only if it's a difference that you could actually feel.
I've owned a '90 Grizzly (Prestige) and a 92' 970. The Grizzly had the edge with ride feel, but the 970 had more versatility as it could fit 2.35" tires (Grizzly barely fit 2.1"). In the end, I did sell off the 970 first, but at the price difference in front of you, I'd get the 970 as long as it is a rigid fork.
My wife still has an '89 970 which she loves.
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05-26-23, 01:01 AM
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A friend of mine with wom I used to ride in the occasional local trail and MTB races, had one 970 that he restored and upgraded. He went with full XTR M970 transmission, mavic crossmax mk1, specialized tires and flite saddle, his bike was light nimble and fast ,the frame of bike was made of true temper tubing. I never seen a Bianchi Grizzly in my country, but I did see some Bianchi with the Dedacciai Dr Zero and Genius frames.
05-26-23, 04:52 AM
#13
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My preference is for the Grizzly. I have a 1984 Miyata Ridge Runner that uses similar frame angles to the Grizzly. It is my favorite bike in my stable, even like it better than the titanium bike I have. Have told my wife that as long as I can ride the Ridge Runner is the one bike I will always keep. It really is a great riding bike and a lifetime keeper!
05-26-23, 04:55 AM
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This is C&V, right? That means the "right "answer to the OP's question is to buy both.
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05-26-23, 05:28 AM
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05-26-23, 07:40 PM
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My preference is for the Grizzly. I have a 1984 Miyata Ridge Runner that uses similar frame angles to the Grizzly. It is my favorite bike in my stable, even like it better than the titanium bike I have. Have told my wife that as long as I can ride the Ridge Runner is the one bike I will always keep. It really is a great riding bike and a lifetime keeper!
