2003 Bianchi Vigorelli, Questions about brakes and more....

Originally Posted by Dr.Hairybiker

Hello All. I just got a great deal on a 2003 Bianchi Vigorelli(new), and am trying to get everything adjusted. Any help would be appreciated.


1. Ultegra brakes. It seems like the brake pads are not very parellel to the rims. When I hit the brakes, you can see where the front or back of the pad hits first and tweaks the rim a little, which I don't want. Most pad holders I've ever seen have a ball and socket thingee where you can adjust this, but these brakes don't seem to have anything like that. You just tighten down the holder screw and that's it. Is there something I'm missing? This is my first set of Ultegra brakes. (the wheels/rims are very true, so it's not that)

The brakes just need to be tuned. The front of the pad should touch first and the two pads should touch at the same time. First center the caliper so both pads will make contact together. Then if you can adjust the pad so the front touches slightly before the rear of the pad. I use a small paper clip as my "feeler" gauge to make the proper angle.

2. The seatpost is horrible. When I try to tighten the bolt for the tilt/fore/aft/saddle rail holder, it doesn't want to stay where I put it. It keeps trying to go back where it was originally, as you tighten it. It's a Bianchi housebrand seatpost. I'm thinking of just replacing it with something better. Anyone with a Bianchi had this problem? What seatpost would you recommend? (the current seatpost is a Bianchi Alloy, 27.2mm)

Go beyond where you want the saddle then try tightening the bolt. The saddle might end up where you want it. I have both the single and double bolt type and that is what I do. May take a few adjustments to be perfect, but don't get frustrated because once you find the sweet spot that is one adjustment you may not ever do again unless you disassemble the seat and seat post.

3. The stock stem is a Deda Elementi Linx, 120mm. I need a shorter stem. The stock steerer tube is 1", chromoly. Almost all stems nowadays seem to be for 1 1/8" steerer tubes, but come with a shim for the 1" tubes. I'm wondering if the shim might make it difficult to get the stem tight on the steerer. Almost seems like it might slip around on it. Anyone with experience with this?

I also have a 1 1/8" stem that I use on a 1" steerer tube. Just don't grease it especially on a carbon steerer tube, And use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts. You shouldn't have any problems.


Thanks in advance.