How does Castro Valley compare to Cross Check?

Gooserider said:

I posted last weekend about my experiences with my LBS and a Cross-Check.
Well, the Bianchi Castro Valley is a bit cheaper, and I've noticed that I
usually just stick in the middle chainring and shift my RD when in town. The
Castro Valley comes with fenders and a gen light, and is rackable. Anybody
own one?

I don't own either, but I'm much more impressed with the Bianchi. That
thing seems nice! I'm the same way: if I'm on the geared bike in the
city, I never shift up front - so that's one less thing to worry about.
Also, but the time you get the Surly and put fenders and such a nice
light, I bet you would have spent the same on the Bianchi + plenty of
upgrades of some sort.

I vote for the Bianchi.

\\paul

On Wed, 29 Mar 2006 01:34:32 GMT, "Gooserider" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I posted last weekend about my experiences with my LBS and a Cross-Check.
Well, the Bianchi Castro Valley is a bit cheaper, and I've noticed that I
usually just stick in the middle chainring and shift my RD when in town. The
Castro Valley comes with fenders and a gen light, and is rackable. Anybody
own one?

No, but if you want a bike with that stuff on it, and I can see why you might,
that looks like a better deal than adding it to a 'cross bike or Surly.

I'm running a single ring on my 'cross bike that I use for everything from the
occasional commute to single track and actual racing. I think the whole gearing
business is very much overdone. If some is good, then some is good. Doesn't mean
more is better.

Ron

"RonSonic" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 29 Mar 2006 01:34:32 GMT, "Gooserider"
<[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I posted last weekend about my experiences with my LBS and a Cross-Check.
Well, the Bianchi Castro Valley is a bit cheaper, and I've noticed that I
usually just stick in the middle chainring and shift my RD when in town.
The
Castro Valley comes with fenders and a gen light, and is rackable. Anybody
own one?

No, but if you want a bike with that stuff on it, and I can see why you
might,
that looks like a better deal than adding it to a 'cross bike or Surly.

I'm running a single ring on my 'cross bike that I use for everything from
the
occasional commute to single track and actual racing. I think the whole
gearing
business is very much overdone. If some is good, then some is good.
Doesn't mean
more is better.

Ron

I would likely replace the handlebar and saddle right off the bat, and
supplement the gen light with a more substantial unit. Still seems like a
heck of a deal. Shame my local Bianchi dealer is sub par. Something about a
Bianchi dealer with no Bianchis makes me worry.

RonSonic said:

I'm running a single ring on my 'cross bike that I use for everything from the
occasional commute to single track and actual racing. I think the whole gearing
business is very much overdone. If some is good, then some is good. Doesn't mean
more is better.

I'm pretty happy with a double on my CrossCheck, but then I live
somewhere considerably more hilly than you do I believe.

--
Dane Buson - [email hidden]
Show respect for age. Drink good Scotch for a change.