Is There A Significant Difference?

[gavintc]

I would say that the 1885 is a race frame with very good Campag components - certainly equivalent of 105. The khamsin wheels are ok - nothing special and in time, you could look at upgrading those. But, I would propose that the 1885 would be good purchase and equal to a Spec, Giant of similar price but have that little bit of a celeste difference. I am a little biased, having owned 2 Bianchis

 

[gbb]

I'm more and more interested by this Bianchi 1885 as well. How does the frame compare to the more common Specz Allez and Trek 1.X? I've heard Italian frame are more sporty, are they still suitable for a newbie?

Also, how are the Veloce shifters? I've seen Campa (I think it was Mirage though) at a shop, the shifters were plastic and felt really flimsy and "cheap" compared to Tiagra/105.

One level below Nick, I have the Xenon shifters on one bike and Sora on the other two.
Xenons fine, a bit plasticky to look at compared to Sora, but has operated flawlessly nevertheless..