Is this my new bike?

[Bigtallfatbloke]

I recieved an e mail from the only bike dealer who seems to care enough to try and fit me out with a good bike. This is what he has to say. Ijust wondered what you all think of the comments and in particualr the Orbea range suggested. My guts are telling me that Bianchi may be cool bikes but they seem to have their head up hteir own backsides so far they cant see what their customers need/want...and that is pre sale...I darn't imagine what they'd be like post sale. I like the look of the Orbea bike especially in the blue colour scheme. My finances ate somewhat dwindled by the German and the French tours I have jus tfinished but I saved a lot of money in France so i can just about stretch to £1300 absolute tops.
Wot would U do??

Hi,

After a long, hard chase through Bianchi over their holiday period to find a 61cm frame size, I am afraid the avenues are all exhausted.

The new 928 (redesigned but they will not advise how until release) is due out in September as we already know but the geometry is unknown at this moment.

If you wanted to be kept in touch over this please advise me.

However, the Orbea bikes may be more suitable as your weight does prevent you from riding some bikes within their warranty stipulations (many are at 100kg). Orbea make Onix range of bikes with no weight limit and a lifetime warranty to back it up. Most of the larger riders tend to favour them for their durability along with the comfort. Ranging from £999.99 upwards, they present great value and a good spec full carbon bike is easily attainable within your budget. A new generation Onix is due out soon, to add to the existing Onix Vuelta and it looks great value from £1199.99 upwards with a Shimano 105 equipped bike to start the range.

You would be either a 57cm or a 60cm size. As you are on the cusp on both sizes a visit may be the best option to size you, although we can do this virtually if a visit is out of the question.

We run several demo bikes so that you can try them for yourself, when not in France.

Please let me know if you need any furtehr info or wish to discuss anything further.

Regards,

 

[Globalti]

Looks like a very sensible reply to me! At least the writer has taken time to think about your requirements.

 

[gavintc]

Well, I have had warranty problems with my carbon Bianchi 928L. On the credit side has been their excellent reaction. The damage (a tiny crack in the seat tube) was noted by the shop and we agreed that I would continue riding the bike unless the crack become bigger. I would then bring the bike in once summer was over and I was back onto my winter bike. The shop also advised that I would get a 'next year's' model by sending it back in Sep not Jul. Well, the crack did increase slightly and I lost confidence in it. On the negative side, a carbon frame cracking at the carbon lug is not good and implies a defect in manufacturing.
I did get a new frame and an upgrade in the process to the latest special edition frame. But I was without my carbon bike for about 6 weeks. So, in summary well done to Bianchi for replacing without cost to me on a 2yr old frame, but worrying was the inherent defect.

 

[John the Monkey]

What RR said - they sound like they know what they're talking about, and care about getting you the right bike. Nothing to be lost in having a look at their recommendation, surely?

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

I think I am going to wait for 2 weeks until the new Orbea is in stock then take a trip up to Epic cycles in Worcs...I can ride the bike and get it pro fitted rather than all this BS with Bianchi etc...