Bianchi C2C - Can it's epic comfort be matched?

[FrankUnderwood]

Hi all,

I bought a C2C 928 in 2008 and I've taken it all over Europe, sometimes riding it for 8 hours at a time.

I've also done 100 mile Wiggle events against the clock.

Throughout all of it, I can understand why Bianchi command a premium - It's so damn comfortable, keeping you in the best body position and absorbing bumps quite well. The frame is really, really well designed.

I'm thinking of replacing it next year but I have no idea what for, whether carbon or aluminium (2.5k price max) I'm looking for something that works on long events.

My only criticisms with the 928 are the absence of Ultegra and the fact that the geometry is a tiny bit too relaxed for outright speed. However given the continent crossing ability I can live with that.

Does anyone have any suggestions?


Many thanks,


Matt

[Mr Will]

Any particular reason you're switching? If you love the bike that much I'd say an Ultegra groupset, some flash wheels and a cycling holiday would be the best way to spend the money!

[FrankUnderwood]

Haven't decided for sure since I may well keep it going as you suggest! Although I do wonder how long the carbon frame has left, I've been told that they have a finite life, typically 7 years, due to fatigue cracks.

[anonymous-user]

Its all about angles and the carbon lay, how and where they make the bike flex to absorb the shocks. I'd guess that any bike with endurance spec geo, a 73 deg head tube angle, a fork rake around 45mm and wheelbase around 995-1005mm (for a 55/56cm frame) will be comfy. Look for something with bowed or pencil thin seat stays, something like the Cannondale Synapse, or the Specialsied Roubaix are good fast endurance carbon bikes.

Personally I'd look at the Enigma Echo or the Lynskey Sportive, both lovely relaxed geo tiatmium frames.

[Mr Will]

FrankUnderwood said:

Haven't decided for sure since I may well keep it going as you suggest! Although I do wonder how long the carbon frame has left, I've been told that they have a finite life, typically 7 years, due to fatigue cracks.

True that, especially if you take them out in the rain. I've heard that even one rainy ride can be enough to shorten the lifespan of a carbon frame by up to 6 months...

[TKF]

They melt, I heard

[FrankUnderwood]

The fatigue crack argument is possible, however there have been no engineering tests on carbon bike frames to prove it.

I guess the only way to tell is to xray the frame.

[Raven Flyer]

My GF has an Infinito. It is everything you are looking for.

[Mr Will]

FrankUnderwood said:

The fatigue crack argument is possible, however there have been no engineering tests on carbon bike frames to prove it.

I guess the only way to tell is to xray the frame.

Being serious for a moment, carbon fibre has a better fatigue life than aluminium, titanium or steel. Age of the frame alone should not be a reason to worry about it.

[CoolC]

Mr Will said:

Being serious for a moment, carbon fibre has a better fatigue life than aluminium, titanium or steel. Age of the frame alone should not be a reason to worry about it.

Listen to yourself man! Frank is on the verge of justifying a nice new bike and you're talking him out of it......shame on you.

[TwistingMyMelon]

If you are happy with it keep it, I'm always keen on new kit, but some of you on here sound like women shopping for handbags, all this giggling and N+1 bullst


If it was me I would upgrade specific parts (maybe) or buy another bike to accompany it with more focused racier geo if thats a shortfall the Bianchi

If I had a bike that was comfortable for hours on end, I would definitely keep it, you take it for granted too quickly . There is nothing worse than being 4 hours into a long ride with a sore ass and aching arms!

[Disco You]

Of course it can.

The trek Domane and Specialized Rouabix are both supposed to be very comfortable. As is the Cervelo R3.

Or, if you're really serious about comfort, £2.5k can get you on a nice titanium frame with Ultegra and decent wheels.

[FrankUnderwood]

Thanks for the replies guys

The other temptation to buy a new one is because I get a good deal through work for a commuting bike each year.

I bought a cheap hardtail for the commute this year but I've already put a load of miles on it and to be honest, it sucks to ride compared to the Bianchi. I'm the best part of 30% quicker on the road bike and it's more comfortable.

Interesting RE the fatigue I had a big accident on it 2 years ago and 12,000 miles later all seems well which kinda backs up the long fatigue life theory

The Specialised Rubiaux seems like a good bike, the fact it has Ultegra and costs less than the equivalent Bianchi is tempting, all the reviews seem to back it up too.

My other option is to replace my full suspension Scott Genius which needs new frame bearings, new drive train, rebuilt brakes and hoses and a suspension rebuild. No idea what to replace that with either though, it has been a mega, mega, mega bike.

Many thanks,

Matt

[Kell]

A friend of mine says the SH Bianchi he bought as a 'winter bike' is harsh and uncomfortable compared to his Condor.

I don't know that much about them other than they measuer you up properly properly before building the bike to suit you. And they're not ridiculous money either. I mean it's all relative, but for a bespoke service, £2,000 is not stupid money when you can buy off the shelf bikes for much more.