Time to brag about my baby, a Bianchi Volpe

August 12th, 2010 Posted by Rachel. Published under Gear + Product Review. 4 Comments.

Since Jessica has shown off her proud parenting already, it’s time I brag a bit about my baby…a pretty little 2005 Bianchi Volpe.

My baby Bianchi Volpe

This past spring, I took an old clunker that my parents had kindly gifted to me into the shop. I adored that bike and called it my “wicked witch” bike. However, after hearing from the shop owner that they had been unable to tighten the spokes on the rear wheel, making it dangerous to ride, and being a non-risk taker when it comes to bike safety, I sold them the bike and proceeded to search for a new bike.

Jessica is a bike gazer. She outright stares at them when we’re out and about. Thus, my needing a bike was a great and fun challenge to her. She immediately hopped on craigslist and found a few postings, but the one that really caught both of our eyes was for the Bianchi Volpe. We did some quick googling and discovered that the seller was asking for significantly less than they were going for on the internet. As you can see here on BikePedia, the suggested retail is $849.99.

My Brooks Saddle

And that’s without the Brooks Saddle (can easily top $290 retail) and the clipless pedals (~$80 retail).

So it wasn’t hard to make the decision to spend a bit more than I originally had planned in order to make sure this deal didn’t slip through my fingers. And I don’t regret it yet.

The seller was a bit taller than I am, so I lowered the seat and replaced the long stem with a shorter one. I’ve since raised the seat a bit again, but overall it fits me well now.

One of the clipless pedals

I’ve added Cane Creek Crosstop brakes, a rear rack and milk crate, and a water bottle cage. In addition, I’ve had to replace the chain (it was 75% stretched) and get my rear derailleur adjusted (it was jumping gears when downshifting). All in all I’ve added close to $110 to this bike, but that’s still less than what I’d pay at a bike shop for the same bike.

She’s quite light as well, but still sturdy, so I’d say it’s love. I went into this knowing less about the bike than I know now, but the more I learn the more I see how much of a steal it was.

The troublesome cantilever brake

If I had one complaint, however, it would be about the cantilever brakes. They are supremely difficult to disengage. The REI bike guy at my last tune up did show me a new trick which I’m excited to try out – turn the housing a bit to give myself some extra cabling.

If I were to recommend any parts to anyone looking to upgrade their bike, it would be the Brooks Saddle. I have yet to have a sore bum yet from any ride. It creaks a bit when I’m pedaling vigorously, but it’s worth the noise.

I am also very fond of the Shimano Tiagara Shifters/Brakes. They click once, and loudly so I know they are engaging. They work like a charm too now that my derailleur is fixed.

Dual Brake and Shifter

Just remember ladies and gentlemen, there are steals out there! You may not realize it at first if you’re like me and learning as you go, but it’s worth listening to your gut. My precious baby and I will see many miles together because I trusted that I knew a deal when I saw one.