compare 3 bikes - hybrid touring

[warrenginn]

I was wondering if you could look at these three bikes and give me your opinion. I will be riding this on what I call "rugged tours" - tours (65mi +) on crappy roads in Long Island, NY. I intend to switch the handle bar to a trial-type bar that will give me more grip variety (I don't like drop bars).

I have looked at the Motobecane Cafe Noir (http://www.motobecane.com/MBUSAcfn.html)
which looks like a pretty good deal since in my area there isn't a local dealer and thus I would need to buy from their website which reduces the price from $1299 to $799 with free shipping and no tax. I'm just not sure because I can't ride it before I buy it. Plus, I would be kinda on my own for support...

I was also looking at the Bianchi Strada (http://www.bianchiusa.com/strada.html)
and I really like it because it has the widest gear range with a 11-32 SRAM cassette. However, other than the few generic components (Sugino crank, Kalloy handlebars and stem, VP headset), I can't figure out how they can sell it for such a low price ($750 retail, $680 at my LBS). I like the steel frame with the carbon fork, the gears (SRAM cassette and rear deraillieur). Is there something I'm missing or is this a really good deal? I have heard a few very positive reviews on this bike, but I still don't know much about Bianchi.

I also really like the Lemond Wayzata. (http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/wayzata.shtml)
Except for the Tiagra derailleurs which I would probably upgrade to Ultegra. Also, this bike can accommodate up to a 36c tire (I would probably want a 28 or 32c instead of the 25's that come on the bike). This bike is about $1000, so it would be the most expensive of these three bikes.

The main thing all three of these bikes have in common is the steel frame and a carbon or steel fork which I think will be good for me. The only problem now is: which do I get?

If you could, can you help me understand the pros and cons of each?

Thanks a lot,

Warren

[daveornee]

Originally posted by warrenginn
I was wondering if you could look at these three bikes and give me your opinion. I will be riding this on what I call "rugged tours" - tours (65mi +) on crappy roads in Long Island, NY. I intend to switch the handle bar to a trial-type bar that will give me more grip variety (I don't like drop bars).

I have looked at the Motobecane Cafe Noir (http://www.motobecane.com/MBUSAcfn.html)
which looks like a pretty good deal since in my area there isn't a local dealer and thus I would need to buy from their website which reduces the price from $1299 to $799 with free shipping and no tax. I'm just not sure because I can't ride it before I buy it. Plus, I would be kinda on my own for support...

I was also looking at the Bianchi Strada (http://www.bianchiusa.com/strada.html)
and I really like it because it has the widest gear range with a 11-32 SRAM cassette. However, other than the few generic components (Sugino crank, Kalloy handlebars and stem, VP headset), I can't figure out how they can sell it for such a low price ($750 retail, $680 at my LBS). I like the steel frame with the carbon fork, the gears (SRAM cassette and rear deraillieur). Is there something I'm missing or is this a really good deal? I have heard a few very positive reviews on this bike, but I still don't know much about Bianchi.

I also really like the Lemond Wayzata. (http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/wayzata.shtml)
Except for the Tiagra derailleurs which I would probably upgrade to Ultegra. Also, this bike can accommodate up to a 36c tire (I would probably want a 28 or 32c instead of the 25's that come on the bike). This bike is about $1000, so it would be the most expensive of these three bikes.

The main thing all three of these bikes have in common is the steel frame and a carbon or steel fork which I think will be good for me. The only problem now is: which do I get?

If you could, can you help me understand the pros and cons of each?

Thanks a lot,

Warren

I see you tossed out the last 2 choices and are starting over.
Bianchi Strata is the only one I would pick for you.
First one is out because there isn't a local shop and no test ride or dealer to help you with the fit and support.
The last one is out due to it's wierd wheels.

[warrenginn]

Originally posted by daveornee
I see you tossed out the last 2 choices and are starting over.
Bianchi Strata is the only one I would pick for you.
First one is out because there isn't a local shop and no test ride or dealer to help you with the fit and support.
The last one is out due to it's wierd wheels.

Do you mean the Bontrager wheels on the Lemond? What's so wierd about them? The spokes?

I am leaning towards the Binachi, even though I will probably upgrade several of the more generic components.

Thanks for your comments.

Warren

[daveornee]

Originally posted by warrenginn
Do you mean the Bontrager wheels on the Lemond? What's so wierd about them? The spokes?

I am leaning towards the Binachi, even though I will probably upgrade several of the more generic components.

Thanks for your comments.

Warren

Yes, I mean the Bontrager Wheels and the goofy minimal spoking pattern. They are not as durable as standard semi-tangential crossed spokes like the ones on the Bianchi.
I wouldn't be too quick to change the generic components. There is nothing wrong with them. I would replace them when they wear out and save the time, effort, and money.
Work with your shop to get the fit adjusted correctly. It's riding season even on Long Island.

[carljohnson]

I've had a Bianchi Strada as my road bike for 2 years and I love it. I don't like drop bars either, and I find that the straight bar with bar ends provides plenty of positions, and I have also added an aerobar that I leave on all the time so that I can get into an aero tuck when one is called for. I've put more than 1200 miles on it, and I'm happy with it (though I'm having a difficult time figuring out how to get the headset apart right this minute.