Touring Bicycle Reference

Search touring@phred.org for [Bianchi Volpe]

The Nitty Gritty

• Price $850.00
  
• Wheel size 700cm
  
• Frame type steel
  
• Easily available in North America
  

• The Bianchi Volpe is a great low cost touring steed. At this price point they have to make sacrifices, but I still feel it is a great bike for riding on a long tour in any first world country. The STI and suspension seatpost are a bit hokey, though.
  
• I have the 2001 so cannot comment on the suspension seatpost, but don\'t underestimate Tiagra STI. Mine has taken a beating and still works. It involves a little more throw than 105-Ultegra-DA but maybe in this application the lowered specs are a virtue. Don\'t mistake me for a Shimano apologist though, my fast bike has Ergo. Bottom line is the Volpe is a good commute bike- leave the knobbies on the heavy rims for fire roads and get something like MA3s and 28c slick for pavement... MUCH FASTER!
  
• I once boned a chick on one of these..it was lame
  
• still got her number?