I'm just starting out in road biking and looking for a decent steel frame bike. I like the Bianchis and I think I've found a pretty good deal on a couple of '03 closeouts. One is the Bianchi Veloce with Campy Veloces and the other is the Bianchi Imola with Shimano 105s. The Veloce bike can be had for $100 more than the Imola. Which is the better deal? Other than the gruppo, are there any significant differences between the two bikes? Thanks.
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Both sound like good deals. I'm partial to Campy, but I will say that 105 is a solid, excellent value for a group. I have a Volpe with full 105 on it for commuting and potentially some touring next year. I love it.
I haven't tried Veloce or Centaur equipped bikes, but I would imagine they're well built too. I've got Record on my Look, and well, what can I say. Either bike will be a good entry roadie. Go with whichever you like the most and/or costs less.
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I have a Bianchi san remo with veolce(sp) brifters and mirage everything else. Shifts flawlessly. I have no real preference between it and my DA 9sp road bike in terms of shifting performance. I got the san remo over a volpe because I didn't like the 105's inability to trim the front derailler. So if it were me, I'd go with the campy bike for $100. I'd go the campy bike for $200. Get up to $300 and I'd have to think about it.
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I like the Imola,almost got one but got a fuji instead.
Either bike will be a good entry roadie. Go with whichever you like the most and/or costs less.
