Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
|
Reviews 1 - 15 (15 Reviews Total)
| |
User Reviews
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
tyson
a All Mountain RiderDate Reviewed: March 28, 2013
Strengths: Lieghtweight, Good components, Fast, strong geometryWeaknesses: wheels are heavy-ish, brakes haven't been the greatestBottom Line: This bike has been one of my favorite of all time. To start off you wont find a lighter bike. You just won't! People are always picking my bike up and saying "wtf, why is this so light?" And that kind of dictates the rest of the bike. Its performance/speed is really top notch. It does a great job getting after it and I can keep up with most people running 36/15t. It climbs really good, descends amazing when you drop the seat some and as most 29ers go rolls every root and rock you can ever hit. I think its more of a symptom of a 29er than anything else but the bike doesn't jump that great. It kinda feels a little lunky but that means its very steady in the air. idk i just want something more like my bmx sometimes. The only real downsides have been the front brake locking up on me some so I just took it off. I also had a terrible creak noise for a while, that turned out that it was just wheel alignment. making sure the rear wheel is square in the frame clears that up. overall this is a great bike. if you get a chance to buy one (they don't make them anymore) go for it. you'll love the classic style with modern performance. also its big for its size. i'm 6'2" and i have a medium and it honestly feels big.
Favorite Trail: ridgeline
Duration Product Used: 2-3 years
Price Paid:
$975.00
Purchased At: ebay
Similar Products Used: surly karate monkey
Bike Setup: stock with atomic trail king pedals. also took off the front brake and run 36/15t gearing.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
chesterdawg
a Cross Country RiderDate Reviewed: July 22, 2012
Strengths: light, stiff, solid stock componentsWeaknesses: none for the priceBottom Line: the stock components and geometry of this bike, for the price, is unmatched. if there is any ding it'd be the wheel set. wouldn't mind a little nicer hub option. the rear engagement can be a little sloppy. overall it's a fast, fun and responsive handling bike.
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
iamarealscientist
a Cross Country Rider
from odessa, florida, usaDate Reviewed: February 20, 2012
Strengths: this bike is load with strengths.. super light, 29er smooth, single speed simplicity, excellent stock for RS reba with motion control and dual air chambers.. really like that.excelent tires (wtb exifwolf).Weaknesses: the rear cassetteBottom Line: This bike was probably the best single speed 29er on the marcket when it came out in '09. Now you have a few other options in this category but even today its phenomenal. I cant believe how light and fast this thing is. It climbs so well that I was able to put a 17t cog on to get a little more speed on the flats without sacrificing to much on the uphills. I enjoy the fork lock-out a lot. Helps tremendously on climbs.. mine for some reason leaked some oil out of that lockout are at first.. not sure why, but it has since stopped. I was thinking it may have been me riding a local pump track too hard that pushed oil past the o-rings. But the fork is awesome. The rear cassette is one of those "clone" types and has shown to be less than perfect. For starters i snapped the non drive side allen axel stud while riding a rougher downhill section. This was pretty easy to fix by replacing it with 6mm by 40mm allen bolt bought from homedepot. It also seems to collect dirt and sand pretty easily. I have resolved to cleaning it every ride because if I don't the bearing will start to squeek. I repack everything with plenty of grease after a good degreasing.. The Avid juicy brakes are good but not great. I have a set of hayes nine on another bike that are much better. These work well just not a smooth or strong as the hayes..
Overall this bike is well worth the money to pick up a used one (Bianchi stopped this line). This bike's value is all in the frame and fork.. the cranks are great, stem and bars are decent but dont really stand out. the wheels are where I plan on upgrading. they are pretty basic. id like to lace up some profile hubs as a replacement. But the tires are excellent. Really really love the Exiwolf's.
This bike should be ranked high in the SS 29er category and worth looking at if you want to pick up a bike with these stats
Favorite Trail: balm boyette ridgeline
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$975.00
Purchased At: used on ebay
Similar Products Used: Giant Rincon XL, Kona Lisa
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ral83178
a Cross Country Rider
from NCDate Reviewed: January 9, 2011
Strengths: Light, Stiff, Climbs like a goatWeaknesses: none yetBottom Line: Bought this bike in Feb 2010 and immediately thought this thing flies. IT just rolls over everything. The bike climbs awesome and with the Easton Ultra-lite tubing it is really light and stiff.
I have done everything with this bike and it can take a beating and keeps on ticking.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Bike Setup: Thomson stem and seatpost, Salsa clamp, Surly cog, 2010 XT 180 Cranks, Blackspire Ring,Charge Spoon saddle, Juicy 7 brakes, Sunline flat bars, Ergon GC2 grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Portland, ORDate Reviewed: July 27, 2010
Weaknesses: Customer support!Bottom Line: I rode and raced this bike for a season and a half, and on a nice easy spin with friends the frame broke in half. First the down-tube pulled apart (not at a join) followed by the top-tube folding in half and breaking. I then had to carry it about 6 miles back to base.
Bianchi will not stand behind their 5 year warranty, because I painted the frame. This is the second Bianchi frame I have owned that failed catastrophically (both under slow and easy riding conditions). I did race both frames quite extensively, but that is no excuse for a down tube to just rip apart like a soda can. I am a light rider (around 140 lbs) and there is no excuse for this poor frame construction. I would not recommend this frame (or any Bianchi product)to anyone.
Favorite Trail: BLACKROCK
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Portland, ORDate Reviewed: July 27, 2010
Weaknesses: Customer support!Bottom Line: I rode and raced this bike for a season and a half, and on a nice easy spin with friends the frame broke in half. First the down-tube pulled apart (not at a join) followed by the top-tube folding in half and breaking. I then had to carry it about 6 miles back to base.
Bianchi will not stand behind their 5 year warranty, because I painted the frame. This is the second Bianchi frame I have owned that failed catastrophically (both under slow and easy riding conditions). I did race both frames quite extensively, but that is no excuse for a down tube to just rip apart like a soda can. I am a light rider (around 140 lbs) and there is no excuse for this poor frame construction. I would not recommend this frame (or any Bianchi product)to anyone.
Favorite Trail: BLACKROCK
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Forest72
a Weekend Warrior
from heath, TX USADate Reviewed: January 9, 2010
Strengths: This bike just feels great! Nice geometry and rides like a feather under you. I had a GF Rig and this bikes geometry just fits me so much better. Front fork with lockout is excellent. Thought I was going to need a suspension post since I am used to my 6 inch AM bike but this thing feels fine with the 29 wheels. Tires hook up as well.Weaknesses: NoneBottom Line: Just a great SS 29er!
Favorite Trail: Monkey, Ruston, Tyler State Park, OCNP
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At: RBM
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Rig, Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC which I still have and love
Bike Setup: Stock with a Specialized Milano saddle(womens but so cush)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
joey1
a Racer
from PA, USADate Reviewed: November 25, 2009
Strengths: Great Value, Reba SL with emote poploc, Horizontal dropoutsWeaknesses: so so wheelset, discontinued... WTF?Bottom Line: This is an amazing bike for the price. You can't find a new 29er with the pedigree of Bianchi along with the killer fork for this price. They adjusted the geometry for 2009 and made the frame with horizontal dropouts. The bike handles like a dream. I have taken it on some tough single track and the bike has responded to my every demand. Really enjoying the remote poploc when you suddenly come into some nice fast sections that you want to carve through or long fire roads that you want to climb.
The only thing that I don't like about the bike is the mediocre wheelset but what do you expect forthis price. There is nothign wronog with them I just like having nice wheels under me. Personal preference.
Favorite Trail: Blue Marsh
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: O2Gear.com
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Blur LT
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
afi823
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CADate Reviewed: April 17, 2009
Strengths: light, responsive, solid, comfortable geometry, great stock componentsWeaknesses: its climbs so fast that i have to wait for the rest of the group and i get cold waiting!!! :)
--the cable routing on the top tube is in an akward position becuase the zip ties are facing outwards and i keep hitting them with my inner knee/thigh and cutting myself when i make fast maneuvers! solution - turn zipties other way ;)Bottom Line: I LOVE THIS BIKE! i cant praise it enough!!!!! everyone that asks me how i like it i tell them how much i LOVE IT and cant get enough...i used to hate climbing, but this actually makes climbing fun...i can enjoy my rides now becuase the climbs used to piss me off but now its cool!!
if you are thinking about buying a SS 29er, DO IT ALREADY, you will not regret it! i didnt, and i was skepitcal at first.
I have a 6/7 inch bike that i used to ride for everything, but since i got this thing i hung up the other bike...literally.
i love how fast it climbs, it flys over sketchy climbing sections. awesome feeling with the hardtail and lock out on grinding uphill.
i can finally keep up with and beat the faster climbers in my group.
the SS part of it makes you want to be the best and most efficient climber, it really teaches you and improves your pedal strokes.
the 29er part of it is great becuase coming from a 26er i feel that i can roll over anything climbing and descending.
going downhill is not that bad at all, the bike corners well and feels solid over hairy sections. you can literally throw it with your body weight to make sharp turns and avoid obstacles.
Favorite Trail: The Luge
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Similar Products Used: test ride - specialized SS 29er (crappy components) redline monocog (no disc brakes, crappy components)
Bike Setup: candy C pedals, oury grips, can creek bar ends (awesome, a must on a SS 29er), chain tensioner, shimano oval plate chain
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrei
a Cross Country Rider
from FolsomDate Reviewed: April 2, 2009
Strengths: Geometry, handles like a dream.Weaknesses: No Celeste!Bottom Line: Handles and performs on it'own. Reba fork beats the Bomber. Lightweight, excellent feel! If you haven't ridden a single speed, much less a 29er, you should give this ride a ride!!
Favorite Trail: almon Falls
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At: Bicycle Planet (high
Similar Products Used: Previous Bianchi Super Bee, Stolen.
Bike Setup: Stock, No frame add ons, Crank Bro's Candy SL, TI Bar ends, Chain tensioner.Stans Tubeless!!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
William Kruse
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa Ca.Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Strengths: light good components good climbing geomitryWeaknesses: the frame is total crap. bent the top tube lie it was a noodle
I have never seen a bike crumble so easily.
Bianchi response is that it is not made for hard turns or fast drops.Bottom Line: if you want to ride this bike for more than a coupe of weeks stay on the side walk.
Favorite Trail: Marsh trail Annadel
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At: Cambria
Similar Products Used: Specialized rock hopper, motobecan
Bike Setup: stock single speed
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
justonegear
a Racer
from Las VegasDate Reviewed: November 16, 2008
Strengths: Quality Constructon, excellent SS bike.Weaknesses: Rear wheel removal is a bit tricky due to disc caliper position. Problem solved in 09 as it was mounted different. 25 lbs is a bit fat.Bottom Line: In its stock form the bike is a great SS. the Reba fork is as good a fork as there is out there. The BB is stiff and the bike handles great. Up or Down it's all good. With a new wheel set it's race time. With a White Brothers carbon fork and the Jenny Craig weight loss plan the bike will go sub 20 lbs. Happy trails.
Favorite Trail: Any Single Track!
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: Been on MTBike for 16 years. Had several SS befor this one
Bike Setup: Was stock.. Now the only origional part is the frame, and the bike has a rigid front fork. 20 lbs, Full XC Race
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
remgeo
a Weekend Warrior
from Vista, CADate Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Strengths: Handles well even with the al frame. Good starter parts. I got it brand new off craigslist so the price was a real strength.Weaknesses: The stock components are kind of heavy.Bottom Line: I love this bike. It handles well and takes the bumps like a champ. I wanted a steel frame but I've been very happy with the al frame. I have only had it for a month but I've taken it out 15 times on different terrain with no issues. I've upgraded a few parts to make it lighter but it's still a good bike stock.
Favorite Trail: Tunnels
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At: craigslist
Similar Products Used: Redline Monocog 29er
Bike Setup: Stock with: sette racing saddle, Thomson stem and seatpost, Race Face Dues XC bars, Crank Bros Eggbeater C pedals and a 20t cog to replace the stock 18t.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
booksy
a Racer
from Nashville, TNDate Reviewed: September 9, 2008
Strengths: Solid stock components, quick, economical, good lookingWeaknesses: wheels are a little soggy (tacoed the front wheel), crankset is not prepared for big quadsBottom Line: Great bike. Frame will withstand a lifetime of upgrades. Race-able out of the box. WTB components are fantastic. This was my first 29 ss and it may be my last as durable as the frame seems to be. I'll keep replacing parts and riding this thing as long as I can.
Favorite Trail: Montgomery Bell
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At: Online from CA
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: stock, Bontrager front wheel
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
TKISS65
a Weekend Warrior
from MinnesotaDate Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Strengths: Weight, handling, climbing ability, solid geometry -a lot of fun riding this bike.Weaknesses: Pedals -can't quite put it into words, but there could be an updrade there.Bottom Line: No serious complaints. A comfortable bike that handles what I do wonderfully and is a blast to ride. I found myself in mid-range and never shifting my old Osprey -so I thought I would go single speed and it rocks!
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Similar Products Used: Been a Bianchi guy since early 90's in college when the Osprey was the choice.
Bike Setup: No mods -just as the shop where I purchased it put it together.
|
Reviews 1 - 15 (15 Reviews Total)
| |
Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |