Or I’ve ordered one, anyway. Thanks to soggybottomboy for the heads up about the Bianchi Castro Valley. It’s got everything I’ve been looking for in a commuter.
Minor LBS rant: Totally unimpressed with the local Bianchi dealer. There’s only one in town (they have three branches, though) so went in and told them what I was looking for. They don’t have any in stock, but of course they can order one for me. That’s fine, since I’m not desperate to have it yesterday. Can they fit me to see what size I’ll need? No, they don’t really do fittings. At all. They had a 55 cm Volpe, which is the same frame, and they had me do the dreaded standover test. “Looks good!” Um, actually, the top tube is making contact with my crotch. They don’t have the next size down (52) to check out, so I drove over to one of the other branches. They had a 52 cm Volpe, and it seems pretty close, judging by the same standover method of bike fit. So I ordered one. When it shows up, I’ll take it over to my usual lbs for a fitting.
Now, for this purchase, it’s probably not that big a deal. But the shop sells all kinds of high-end bikes, and I don’t know how they manage to sell someone a bike for $4,000 without doing even the most minimalist type of fitting.
Congrats. I’m curious for a report about this bike. Especially interested to hear if you drop the chain alot. A single front chainring with a rear derailleur… Should be fine but I’m curious none the less. Wasn’t that Millar in the Prologue… (I know, you’re just commuting) Cool bike.
Hey - way cool. I just sold one yesterday to another customer. (not you - we’re a single shop location and it was a 55) One of my coworkers put his together and rode it for the first time yesterday and loved it. Te Castro is a very niche bike, so I don’t blame them for not having it in stock… unless they are in a highly urbanized area, in which case it’s a must.
Enjoy! If you do drop the chain once or twice, buy one of thos anti-chainsuck devices and mout it backwards, trapping the chain between the chainring guard and the anti-suck thingy. I’ve seen some cyclocross racers do that and it must work well.
Congrats, I have to thank soggybottomboy too. Since he posted the Bianchi site I have developed a slight case of bike lust for the Bianchi Axis. I t would definetly suit me as an all around cross/commute/tour/road bike. And it is damn sexy.
look on ebay for the Motorex paint scheme (past year). Muy bueno. Bianchi has got a very strong line this year. Interesting fact - designed and spec’ed by a woman (including the castro) - not too many chicks out there doing that. i think she was in charge of Bridgestone before bianchi.
