On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 17:43:28 -0600, Ron Linz <
[email protected]>
wrote:
>I am wondering how the older Bianchi road bikes (1998) compare to the newer models. Are the frames
>and components comparable to what you can buy now? I have the chance to buy a 1998 Bianchi Velope
>double crank with low miles and wonder if it would be a worthwhile investment. I would be using it
>for club rides and fitness.
Velope? Never heard of it. Volpe is a cyclocross-style bike that is still made. Bianchi also makes a
Veloce, but I do not know when they started that model; maybe someone else will know if there is a
1988 Veloce. The Volpe I had came with a triple crank, but some cross bikes are set up with doubles.
I have had two Bianchis from the mid/late 80s- a Brava and a Volpe. Both on the lower end of the
product line, but both very nice bikes in their ways.
One thing to watch for is having to replace/upgrade parts. This can get to be expensive. Unless you
really know how to judge these things, plan on having to replace the chainwheels, chain, and
cassette, and probably the brake pads, cables, and housing. Oh, bottom bracket, hub bearings and
probably a cone or two or three. The headset.... Tires... how are the rims?
If the parts are low miles and have been maintained, and the price is good- you would get a
perfectly fine bike. If it is a Volpe, the one I had was on the heavy side.
Component-wise, today's bikes are probably better. And finding parts will be much easier. Getting 6
or 7 speed parts is becoming harder and harder. You will probably be better off throwing out the
existing system and upgrading to a present 9 or 10 when the existing parts wear out.
If you can be certain that the bike is in good shape and won't need a lot of money, you can get
some very nice bikes from that time, including Bianchis. As a labor of love, it can be fun to
rebuild such bikes. I've done four of them in the last five years- two Bianchis, a Nishiki, and a
Falcon- and enjoyed it. Financially, all of them were stupid wastes. Aesthetically and personally,
no regrets.
But hey- the real thing that matters is how the bike fits you and how you like the ride. My $50
garage sale Falcon with the 531 tubing is out for alignment, fender and rack braze-ons, and new
paint and I can't wait to get it back on the road. Anything less than a great ride on the 'Velope,'
I'd say don't do it.