I am looking at these 3 bikes, one has 650 wheels, a plus in my book, one is more versatile than the others, a plus, the last represents a decent bike at a decent price. I am looking because i am considering a “road” bike purchase next year. As far as i know all these bikes could “fit” me.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/557.html
http://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f70.html
http://www.bianchiusa.com/571.html
Opinions?
Two links are the same…
Doh!, sorry beer related goof.
Even though I bleed Celeste, The eros is kind of a dog. I am not impressed with it. I’m sure you know that the felt is completely different than the bianchi. Aluminum/carbon vs steel. No question that the Felt is going to be the faster bike, and probably decently comfortable because of the cf stays. The eros is super comfy and your posture on the bike will be more relaxed. You’re also dealing with Campy vs. shimano. And even though I love campy, at this price range, shimano perfoms better… plus the felt is waaay over spec’ed for the price (that’s a good thing).
Well i lose the carbon stays in my size. But i don’t think that is a deal killer. I am of the opinion that the Felt is a better deal. Btw I lust after the Axis something fierce, that doesn’t make it the right choice.
Two links are the same…
Look again…all three are different.
That’s because he edited them… Notice the “oops” post immediately following mine…
I have an eros from 98, and it is heaaavy. Otherwise, if it’s celeste, what’s not to like?
Speak to Tom D first about the best geometry for you. If all 3 suit it comes down purely to whether you want some italian chic or the aggressive looks of a Felt. Being in Toms shop the other day was the first chance I’d had to really look at the Felts and I was impressed with what I saw. Go for an aero build if you can but nonetheless get Tom to fit you…
Hi Jim,
It was my pleasure to meet you at our Club’s PATT this past weekend. Besides meeting Julian and Bryce, I hope you enjoyed the time trial and that you will find the time and a way to return in the future. The next one is July 16th.
As for the bikes you are considering, I can offer my experience. The Eros was my first real road bike. It was a little heavy, but a great bike that I learned to enjoy centuries on. I also learned to love steel and the ride quality on a steel frame. This was a great bike for me for about 5+ years until my riding progressed to a point beyond which the Eros was designed for. Then it was time for a new bike.
What are you riding now as far as a road bike goes?
The Felt appears to be another good choice. I know that as far a tri/time trial type bikes go, Felt offers some unbelievable values.
In the price range you have chosen, these two bikes seem to be solid choices from respected and experienced bike manufacturers. Tom Demerly sells both Bianchis and Felts. He would be a great resource to question about the potential differences in frame geometries, if there are any, between these two bikes and how they would ride and perform. And which bike might support your riding progression longer if one is more suited for a more advanced rider.
Tom would also be an excellent choice for getting the “right” size frame to fit you to maximize your riding experience. When the bike fits you properly, it “disappears” underneath you and becomes an extension of your body rather than something separate from you. You become one with your bicycle. This is truly an experience you should try and obtain.
Tom would also be great to help you match your riding style or the kind of riding you desire to participate in to a frame/bike that is designed exactly for that. I mention this because your last choice is a cyclocross bike that is not at all like either of your first two choices. For a strong experienced rider, it could be ridden on fast group road rides, but it is engineered for and more suited for an entirely different kind of riding and terrain. This points out the importance of identifying just what kind of riding you wish to do with your bike and choosing a bike that was designed for that kind of riding. Catalogs and websites can help but there is nothing that can compare with a retailer who has experience with all your choices and who is an experienced rider himself.
I encourage you to contact Tom, you met him at the PATT, and pick his brain. Hey, he’d love to sell you a bike, but he also would want you to get the right bike to maximize your riding experience and goals.
Then consider joining a bike Club near where you work or live so you can participate in and enjoy some group rides. This will help you learn and practice bike handling and group riding skills that will increase your riding enjoyment and confidence. Besides, you will undoubtedly meet some nice people that you will enjoy spending time with.
Good luck.
can you ride either of them? that axis does look nice. i’d be leaning towards that myself…but duh, our house has 3 bianchis bought within the last 2 years. so i’m biased.
if you’re not doing anything till next year, then try to ride them.
hey, now that i think about it, aren’t you coming to cincinnati? my guys at campus cyclery might have these bikes for you to try out. plus, they’ve got killer killer killer deals on bianchis right now. could be a good opportunity for you on several levels. PM me for the location of their shop, etc.
duh, just saw you’re from michigan. nevermind.