what do people think of this bike....

[E21_Ross]

Looking for a road bike which will last me years (a good 7-8 i guess) which is not just quick, but comfortable over long distances. a mate of mine has the 2008 model C2C and says on rides for 70+ miles they are superb as they are just so comfortable. it's not cheap, and you can probably get a "better" spec bike for the money, but i love the idea of a bike which doesn't shake your spine.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/37059/Bi...

though i'm not buying it from there, the place i'm looking to get it from don't call it a compact...but looks the same bike. looking to buy around xmas time and budget is about that really.

Ross

[Jimbo.]

Comfort and how good it really is all depends upon fit: if the bike doesn't fit, it's useless, no matter what the spec, the price etc. Try it, and try everything else you can within your price range.

FWIW £2K+ for something with 105, Racing 7s etc? Paying for the name and the carbon, IMO.

[AyBee]

'Compact' relates to the front chain rings giving you a big one and a smaller than usual smaller one to make the hills easier.

[shalmaneser]

I understand plenty of people like the Bianchi name but I would never buy a bike from them - overpriced by and large.

If you want comfort I'd recommend the Cannondale Synapse Carbon -

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/syn...

Much cheaper and almost identical spec - you could spend the £350 you'll have saved on some really nice wheels if you wanted to. Cannondale produce superior frames to Bianchi any day of the week. The SuperSix for example is really, really nice indeed.

[E21_Ross]

thanks guys. any other recommendations? i'm looking to buy it from hargroves cycles because i know their customer care is very goodf and i've bought bikes there before, and very happy with how they go about setting the bike up for you etc. any on this site that you'd suggest over the bianchi?

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?cate...

what are the cube agree or the scott cr1 pro like?

thanks again chaps

[itsnotarace]

The first one is overpriced by about £700. Buy it when the sales start in October and it's reduced to around £1299

[itsnotarace]

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?cate...

Easily the best buy within your budget there

[jodypress]

Scott CR1 Pro is a fantastic bike, well specced and comfortable. If you're looking for keeping 7-8 years how about a titanium frame?

I've recently sold my CR1 and replaced it with a Litespeed, full Dura Ace 7800 for about £1500.

[WeirdNeville]

Personally If I had £2k to drop on a bike and wanted it to last 5-7 years (or more!) I'd be going to Condor cycles on Grays Inn Road and getting them to fit me to a bike properly, build it for me to my spec. You'll get something lovely, in Steel or Alu, and it'll fit and last a lifetime.

[RRS_Staffs]

If youre feeling brave enough to go mail order try Wiggle or Canyon

Both offer pretty good bikes, some versions of which are used by pro teams, at great prices with a no quibble return to sender for refund - even to Germany

[anonymous-user]

RRS_Staffs said:

If youre feeling brave enough to go mail order try Wiggle or Canyon

Both offer pretty good bikes, some versions of which are used by pro teams, at great prices with a no quibble return to sender for refund - even to Germany

wiggle do a 30 day trial.

the Moda Stretto was last years bargain and if there are any around that what i would go for.

go for the lesser brands, like Pantani, Basso or Bottechini, thats where the better value bikes around £2K are.

have a look at the Ribble Stealth. it became infamous a few weeks ago when it became known it was the same frame as a De Rosa and cost half the price... their gran fondo and sportive bikes are really nice looking and have got great reviews...

If i had £2K, i would find the best local shop i could, the one that sponsors your local roadie/tri club is a good bet, buy a nice frame, wheelset, gruppo and the rest and get them to build it.
you can pick up some stunning frames for around £750, fulcrum 5s for £250, 105 grouppo for £300 from merlin and £700 is more than enough for the rest of the build even budgeting for some pimp bits like a fizik seat.

[E21_Ross]

thanks all. food for though at least

[Fatman2]

Nah bks, if you like the Bianchi then scratch the itch.

Personally I wasn't really fussed if I could have bought better for less as I always wanted a Bianchi, so I bought one. The Infinito is a beautiful bike and I've read a good few reviews that praise it highly for comfort and speed.