Anyone have an opinion of this as an entry level road bike?
Bianchi’s real entry level road bike is the Brava. This is what I just graduated from…and I’m moving up to the Boron Centuar (all decked out with campy compos, yeah baby).
So, how about this–start out with the Brava, and then next year after you’ve learned a ton on it, move up to a Bianchi Reparto Corse bike. The Brava is well under a grand, and the Volce is well over a grand>it’s easier to move up in a year with the Brava because the investment is less. Plus, the Volce really doesn’t have that much advantage over the Brava. Just something to consider–you will only want to ride “entry level” for so long before you get eager to move up to a more sophisticated gearing, lighter/plusher ride, etc.
BTW, my little Brava rode well over a thousand miles and had at least 2 races under her belt. It’s a solid bike and after your first big season, leave it on the trainer 
Heck, or you could ride it all winter on the trainer (unless you’re in the south) and then upgrade before next summer…it’s only gonna cost you about 700.00 or so for the Brava. Just depends on what you want to do I guess.
OK, sorry, my question wasn’t what’s the best Bianchi to buy as a first road bike but how does this compare to others in the same price range (about $1200). It’s for a friend of mine, he’s already an athlete (swimmer) just looking to expand his workout horizons.
well, the volce is a pretty nice bike. for one it’s got campy compos on it (solid), and is higher up on the food chain on the regular bianchi road bike line. honestly, it’s a bike someone could ride for a couple of years (or forever depending on what the person wants to do). you’re not gonna find a serrota near that price range, TREK makes an ok bike at that price range (but does not have campy compos on it). for the money, it’s alot of bike, and IMO it’s the best possible bet. (of course I tell you that as I’m a bianchi loyalist-lol)
In celeste only! Fairly steep seat tube 74 for a road bike. Veloce stuff works pretty good and the steel frame is sweet.
Yep, nice frame. So what do you think the steeper angle will mean for a new cyclist?
“So what do you think the steeper angle will mean for a new cyclist?”
73/73.5/74 is pretty standard on road bikes these days. The older Italian classics may have been around 72, but they are less common nowadays. Realize that your average saddle fore/aft adjustment gives two or three degrees.(about 1 1/2 in either direction)
Your friend is making a good choice by going to a road bike first and he/she will appreciate the nice steel ride. Set him/her up with a proper fit and a nice set of shorty aero bars for tris and then let 'em enjoy.
There are tons to chose from. Comes down to selecting a reputable frame manufacturer and a good basic group.
All the larger manufaturers have entry level road bikes that are somewhat decent.
1200.- might even buy you a complete shimano ultegra equipped bike, if you are lucky.
And yes, the best answer still is: He should buy the one he can get properly fitted on by a reputable dealer in his area.
Bump, any more suggestions?
$1300 or so will get you a carbon Scattante bike from Supergo with Ultegra. I think that frame is made by Martec, right alongside Kestrels (and, as we learned last week, Kuotas, Gurus and Pinarellos). That’s a hard deal to pass up. Unless you want to support your LBS.
RP
I’ve got a 2001 Bianchi Giro that I am very happy with, it is retails around the same price but with Shimano 105 components. I bought mine new on Ebay and have been nothing but pleased. Well, the saddle sucked but other than that I’m happy!
For a $1200 road bike with Ultegra, check out the Specialized Allez or Giant TCR. The Campy Veloce grupo is on par with Shimano 105, maybe a little nicer. My wife has the Bianchi Veloce with a triple, and it suits her well. It’s way heavier than my Cannondale CAAD4, though (and she rides a 54 and I a 58!). But if your friend wants steel instead of aluminum for some reason, go for it.