I am buying my first road bike- Lemond, Trek, or Bianchi?

Question

I am in the market for my first road bike, and overwhelmed with the vast array of bikes out there. Im thinking about either a Lemond, Trek, or Bianchi. Anybody have any suggestions? I am in the $1000-1500 range.

Lemond Tourmalet?

Trek Pilot 2.1?

Bianchi Eros?

Dont give me the "the bike that fits you is the best" line. I know that. I want the facts. Which bike is made better...ect.

Thanks.

Thanks!

Answer 1

get an x- rated

Answer 2

Being that Lemond is owned by Trek, you're getting the same quality frame. I know that you don't want to hear "the one that fits you best" line but all of three of these are of the good quality. With the Trek and Lemond, you'll be getting Trek's killer warranty. While I'm not a fan of Bontrager components, I'd rather have the Trek/Lemond's Bontrager wheels than the Bianchi's Alex wheels. The Alex 320s aren't  bad, but the Bontragers are better. Still the Bianchi has a steel frame and there's something nostalgic about steel framed Bianchi- in a cool way. Have you considered looking at a Lemond Sarthe? It's a little more but it has a steel frame and Ultegra components. My buddy actually picked one up on sale for $1450 at a bike shop. Anyway,  between these three, I would pick the Lemond. It's the best value and it offers the most for the dough. The Pilot would be my second choice with the Ultegra rear deraileur and partial carbon seatstays. Still it's almost at $1500. The Bianchi is a great name but it is running 9 speed in the rear whereas the other two are running 10 speed rears. 9 speed is becoming obsolete on mid level bikes meaning this group is on par with the Shimano Tiagra group (which is more of what the Trek 1.5 is running for $200 less than the Bianchi).

Answer 3

Trek owns the Lemond corporation, so basically your buying the can be the same bike if the price range is the same.

Both Trek and Bianchi are very nice bikes.

I would go with Bianchi because some of their bikes are made in italy.

Answer 4

Bianchi Eros.

This is a lightish steel framed bike and will provide you with a comfy ride, the 30sp Campag Groupo will be great for a beginner too.

The Bianchi will get more admiring glances to boot and It's a company with a proven track record (please dont mention Lance Armstrong and his Trek!!)

If it was down to these three bikes - The Bianchi would already be on my driveway!!

EDIT: Further to a poster below - The Bianchi IS NOT running a 9 speed! - All of Campagnolo's groupsets are now 10speed!! (apart from the new Super Record which is 11 speed!)

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Answer 5

I don't really like Trek. Go with Lemond out of those 3. Specilalized has some nice road bikes, same with Cannondale. Check them out

Answer 6

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest...

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest...

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/2003-b...

The Bianchi is very nice though. Although I do have a thing for all things Italian and steel...Plus you don't often see many roadies on Bianchi's these days it seems. Everyone is on a Trek or something...