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Submitted by
Karl T
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines, IA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo.com | | Strengths: | Parts package is EXCELLENT! | | Weaknesses: | None that I can find- if you buy it for it's intended purpose. | | Bike Setup: | Kore stem & bar. Otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike- only prob is I bought it from supergo.com and they completely sold me the wrong bike. Not only that, but it's the wrong size! I told Supergo I needed a bike that would be used for XC on weekends and a combo of XC/trail/path during week. Well, this this is made for blasting down some serious terrain. 100mm travel fork, burly frame, etc. And they even sold me the wrong size- I used a 19 in my Specialized, they sold me a 19.5 that because of the fork height nails me in the goods. It is a hxlluva bike, but only if you're going to give it a proper life in the woods. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from SanFran
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadale | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | FreeWheel!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 | | Strengths: | Just About Everything | | Weaknesses: | I heard the pedels sucked but the shop was already aware of the problem and had already swapped them for some nicer wellgos | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Caldera, cindercone, bianchi denali, specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great value. I got it for a great deal because it was an 02 but it still rocks. I only had it a short time but it alraedy shines. The Easton ultralite tubeset it great and the frame design is very comfortable. The fork and the rest of the components are very good overall. Ill review the bike again one it has been put to the test! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Great bike all the way around. Swapped out the handlebars for flat Bontragers and the pedals for Ritchey V2's, and the bike is just about perfect. The fork is awesome, can't tell its there unless you're on rough terrain, and then you can't tell that rough terrain is there. | | Weaknesses: | I guess it'd be nice if it was a bit lighter (but when isn't that the case)? For $500 new, there's not a single thing I would change. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed: GF Tassajara, Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale, Jamis; Last bike: Klein Fervor w/mostly XT, sold a couple of years ago. | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Bontrager Race Modified flat bars, Ritchey Comp V2s, Salsa flip-offs | | Bottom Line: | Bianchi used great stuff where it matters (Easton UltraLite frame, Avid SD 5s, Truvativ cranks, Marzochhi fork), and cheaper stuff where it doesn't (cheap seatpost, Deore front der, generic handlebar). Perfect mix, less the Koski pedals which, of course, just suck. Very capable off-road without seeming bouncy on flat stuff. At the price these are going for (there'a few that pop up for sale on eBay and elsewhere), I don't think its possible to do better. If you happen to find one for sale on eBay by pearse@execpc - he's an excellent seller. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cRock
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 800 | | Strengths: | Great frame.
Good fork.
Bianchi. | | Weaknesses: | The Koshi pedals are a hazard!
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp FS
Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo
Marin Eldridge Grade | | Bike Setup: | stock now (changing pedals shortly) | | Bottom Line: | The frame is what makes this bike special. It uses the same frame as it's more expensive relative, the Super Bee. The rear end and bottom bracket area are VERY stiff. As a result, you can rocket up steep climbs. It absolutely shamed the Specilized I tried going uphill. You pay the price with a fairly harsh ride over the bumps, but the Biachi is all about going fast, not cushy comfort. The other distinct feature is a very steep head angle that results in very quick handling. This bike turns so fast in singletrack it takes some getting used to.
The marzocchi fork is a nice fit. It handles the big stuff nicely, but it's a bit harsh over small bumps.
Taken on the whole, this bike is damned impressive for 800.00. You get a high performance hardtail that was clearly made to feel at home on the race course. The Italian design flare is evident throughout. The only problem is the horrible pedals. They are absolute hell to get in or out of. Adjustment is futile. Mine are getting replaced ASAP.
It would be five chilis all around if the Bee came with decent pedals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Switzerland Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | University Cycles | | Strengths: | Rugged and light weight, very nice components, excellent braking, good overall feel up or down hill, fast or slow. Good looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals stink - I got different ones. | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike and am glad I got it. It is a very comfortable bike to ride. I like to explore all over and this bike will let me go anywhere in relative comfort and style. I don't get big airs or go too fast on the down hills, but this seems like a real well made rugged bike.
Take one out for a spin and see what you think.
Oh - and the fork really does take a few rides to break in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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