Bianchi Volpe as commuting bike?

I'm starting my second year commuting (year-round) on a 2002 Volpe and am loving it. As with most cyclocross bikes, it's got plenty of frame and brake clearance for fatter tires, and it has attachment points for full fenders and a rear rack (although it has only one braze-on at the derailleur hanger...no biggie). I happen to run 28 mm tires (Panaracer Pasela TGs), but I'd bet it could accommodate any fatter tire you'd want for commuting over pavement, and even one that could handle gravel and mud, if that's what your route is like! (BTW, I have to recommend full fenders over the partial ones the Portland appears to come with...you'll keep yourself, your bike, and folks riding behind you from getting muddy.)

The frame and fork for 2002 are both steel, so don't expect it to be feather light, but it was lighter than I expected, and it feels nimble starting, stopping, and climbing when I ride it unloaded.

Besides plenty of clearance, the Avid Shorty 6 cantilever brakes have decent stopping power, even when wet (at least w/ the Kool Stop salmon pads I'm using), although I do have some squeal problems I'm still working on. Now, the Trek you're looking at has disc brakes, which are supposed to be the best type for rainy conditions. I'll just say that these cantis have been quite sufficient for me in rainy Seattle except on the really steep grades, where I would go slow regardless of brake type.

Front fork doesn't have a mid-fork attachment point for a front rack, if you ever get the point of consider that, but I understand you can just mount those with hose clamps.

I've had no trouble with the wheels so far. 36 spokes should hold up fine under you and whatever you can load onto the bike.

The chainstays on the 2002 model are long enough that I've never had heel strike issues, but your mileage will vary with your choice of rack, pannier, and, of course, your foot and pedal position. I believe later models shortened the chainstay a bit, but I don't think by much, and don't take my word for it.

The stock gearing (28/38/48, 11-32) was a little wide for my particular riding (and load) habits, so I got a road cassette that works great for me (12-26). I still get a pretty wide range, given it's a triple, and it's hilly in Seattle, too.

I lucked out and found my bike used for $400, so if you can bear being patient and are bike-savvy enough to inspect a prospective purchase (or have a friend who could appraise for you), keep your eyes peeled. Though this post is about my experience w/ the Volpe, I'm hoping I covered lots of the basic things you'll want to pay attention to when shopping for a commuter. Good luck, and have fun!

FYI I considered a few other similar bikes when I was shopping around: Jamis Aurora (also steel, great value), Fuji Touring (also steel and Deore/Tiagra mix, last time I checked), Trek 520 (steel; pricier, and I shied away from bar-end shifters...new 520s have 105 STI), Cannondale T800 (pricier, aluminum frame)

Ooo, one last thing: The Volpe has near-horizontal dropouts, in case you ever consider going single-speed or fixie!

amacks said:

I'm thinking about replacing my crappy MTB(heavy, too small and gear ratios are off) with a better bike for my commute(working up to 15mi, roads but hilly and parts are bumpy). I've got about 10lbs of stuff, so I want the ability to mount a rack, and I'd like fenders.

The Bianchi Volpe looks promising, any other similar bikes I should consider? I like the look of the Trek Portland, but its pricey and not really out yet
Aaron

amacks said:

I'm thinking about replacing my crappy MTB(heavy, too small and gear ratios are off) with a better bike for my commute(working up to 15mi, roads but hilly and parts are bumpy). I've got about 10lbs of stuff, so I want the ability to mount a rack, and I'd like fenders.

The Bianchi Volpe looks promising, any other similar bikes I should consider? I like the look of the Trek Portland, but its pricey and not really out yet
Aaron

I also have a Bianchi Volpe that I use for commuting. I totaly agree with SEAcarlessTTL vbmenu_register("postmenu_2415898", true); 's comments on this bike. It is a great all around bike and has treated me well on my 23mi commute (with a rolling hill section).

I recently transformed this bike into a packed dirt touring machine by putting on some 38mm tires, a heavier rack, and a set of large panniers. I was planning on taking this bike on the C&O canal this past fall for a 3 day camping/touring trip but my riding buddy bailed at the last minute. I have done 50+ mile days on the C&O with this bike while training for the big ride and had no issues whatsoever. 38mm tires for commuting on asphalt roads and trails is total overkill but they were nice for the dirt and gravel on the C&O. It kinda drives like a truck with this setup but I suppose that is what loaded touring is all about.

I also bought this bike used from another riding buddy for the same $400 price as SEAcarlessTTL.

Overall, a great bike for a decent price.

MisterC

I bought a new volpe this past March and use it for riding to work. Before I settled on the volpe, I rode the specialized allez, the bianchi eros and a couple of others, mostly aluminum frames. For speed and handling, the eros won me over, hands down. However, I needed to be more practical. Mounting fenders and a rack for panniers on the volpe, as well as having bigger tires for rainy Portland weather was a much better option. I ride about 14 miles round trip, a couple of times each week. It handles terrfic, but does squeal a bit when braking from time to time. I'm new to biking and commuting and I couldn't be happier with my volpe. If I decide to start racing, I still may go back for the eros...it was a dream to ride.

amacks said:

I'm thinking about replacing my crappy MTB(heavy, too small and gear ratios are off) with a better bike for my commute(working up to 15mi, roads but hilly and parts are bumpy). I've got about 10lbs of stuff, so I want the ability to mount a rack, and I'd like fenders.

The Bianchi Volpe looks promising, any other similar bikes I should consider? I like the look of the Trek Portland, but its pricey and not really out yet
Aaron

aleson said:

I bought a new volpe this past March and use it for riding to work. Before I settled on the volpe, I rode the specialized allez, the bianchi eros and a couple of others, mostly aluminum frames. For speed and handling, the eros won me over, hands down. However, I needed to be more practical. Mounting fenders and a rack for panniers on the volpe, as well as having bigger tires for rainy Portland weather was a much better option. I ride about 14 miles round trip, a couple of times each week. It handles terrfic, but does squeal a bit when braking from time to time. I'm new to biking and commuting and I couldn't be happier with my volpe. If I decide to start racing, I still may go back for the eros...it was a dream to ride.

ALESON-
I ride a Bianchi Eros and am interested in the Volpe for just the reasons you mention: the ability to mount full fenders and ride really wide tires.

How does the ride compare between the Eros and the Volpe?

I take it from your comments that the Volpe doesn't handle as well at high speeds.

thanks!

strummer_fan said:

ALESON-

I take it from your comments that the Volpe doesn't handle as well at high speeds.

thanks!

My Volpe handles fine at high speeds. I had it up to 45mph on some 32mm tires this past summer. The Volpe felt nice and stable...no issues.

I think the volpe handles great, but the eros is much more responsive. It's lighter and just feels smoother. Don't get me wrong; I really like my volpe. For commuting, I wouldn't trade it for anything else. It's also pretty good on longer weekend rides. In my limited experience, it just seems like comparing the volpe to an eros is similar to comparing an old reliable datsun to a newer sports car.

strummer_fan said:

ALESON-
I ride a Bianchi Eros and am interested in the Volpe for just the reasons you mention: the ability to mount full fenders and ride really wide tires.

How does the ride compare between the Eros and the Volpe?

I take it from your comments that the Volpe doesn't handle as well at high speeds.

thanks!

I rode my bianchi racing bike down the Oregon Coast 3 times. I really don't know what model it is, got it second hand in 1994. I never ride my mountain bike except on dirt roads, so now very rarely. I've lived in places that had many more dirt road than where I'm currently located.

I think you'll be fine. Just put a rear rack on it. I carried a very light sleeping bag, solo tent, and similar stuff sack full of clothes and tools. 385 miles in 6 days with 52-39 and around 15-20 lbs of gear. I usually run a 700x28 back tire.

The bianchi frame broke a couple years ago and I bought another road bike. I just had the thing welded (also broke a Giant Nutra cross bike in the same place; chain stay by the gears) and welded it back together at a local machine shop too. It worked so well I saw no reason not to fix the bianchi. For nostalgia if nothing else.