SuperSlinky <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> There is a 2003 Bianchi Veloce on EBay now that I am bidding on. It is
> new, apparently a closeout. Anyone care to share opinions about this
> bike and/or the 2003 Campy Veloce group? This will be my first road bike
> purchase in about 20 years, so I'm a newbie when it comes to road bikes.
Hi, Hope I can be of help here. I currently see 5 Bianchi Veloce's on
ebay right now. 4 are new. The 2 sellers I see, 13mark, and
bensbikes are both good reputable ebay sellers. I have done business
with both of them in the past, with absolutely no problems, so I think
you have nothing to worry about there. Thier superb feedback reflects
this.
I'll comment some about the Bianchi Veloce, as I have seen quite a few
of these, both older (2001), and new, current 2003-2004 models. (I own
a 2001 Bianchi Campione BTW also, with Veloce grouppo)
Around 2002-2003, Bianchi changed a few of it's mid-high priced models
to the new frame geometry, with sloping top tubes. This is generally
what many pro bikes now are, and it seems the ole conventional diamond
shaped frame geometry is becoming a bit harder to find as time goes
by, unless your looking at custom, or high end retro bikes. Newer
style frames are becoming more compact, and the benefit of this, is a
sturdier/stiffer frame, and the sloping downtube gives a bit better
leg/thigh clearance for pedaling up the hills also.
The Bianchi Veloce is a darn nice bike. And so is the Campy Veloce
group onboard. About the only two things that may suck on these bikes,
is the saddle, and the tires. The Selle Tri-Matic saddle might
castrate you, like mine did, and the Zaffiro Tires are basically
bottom of the line Vittoria.
Both will get you by for awhile, but these might be two things you may
consider upgrading after you hopefully get the bike. Who knows, you
might love the saddle, it's all personal choice, and personal
fit-comfort that count most.
With proper adjustment, and maintainence/lubrication, the Veloce
Calipers, Ergo Levers, and Derailleurs work marvelously. I have
absolutely no complaints with my Veloce group so far.
As far as general looks/cosmetics, there is not really much difference
between Campy Veloce, and Record top of the line. Mostly, weight, some
bearings here, and there,(Ergo levers, and Calipers) vs bushings, and
the cost are the difference.
After a few weeks of riding, and about 70-100 mi., I recommend taking
both Wheels to a reputable bike shop, and have both of them trued,
re-tension all spokes, and both Axles lubed, and properly adjusted.
Cost should be around $25-$35 for both.
The Mavic CXP-21's, or 33's aren't the lightest wheels they make, but
they are a pretty darn good reliable rim.
It's just that factory machine built wheels are not so meticulously
assembled, and checked/tensioned like a hand built wheel. By letting
a shop go over them, they will ride/run true, and hold thier true, and
spoke tension for a considerable longer amount of time than if you did
nothing. Many times too, Factory built axles are dry as a bone, and
awful tight on bearing adjustment.
Get them checked/lubed before any premature damage occurs to
Bearings-Bearing Races.
Best of luck on the auction! This is a great group with so many good,
helpful folks that have helped me considerably. Be sure to let us know
how it turns out. Mark D.