Bike Choice and Conflicting Comments!

Kevin in Ireland is stuck between two classy bikes. On one hand he has the Bianchi Infinito and the Pinarello FP3. He has been told different things and wants our two pence worth!

Question:
Hi and I hope you can help.

I’m 45 and new to cycling, 18 months give or take; I have a reasonable level of fitness. Mostly into leisure cycle 60 / 70 km on Sunday along with two / three evening rides of 40km.
I’m in the process of upgrading bike (from Giant defy 4.0) and I’m caught between Bianchi Infinito Campagnolo Athena and the drop dead gorgeous Pinarello FP3, Ultegra.
Bianchi sales say the Pinarello is too twitchy for my experience and Pinarello sales are well… almost unhelpful!!!!

Please help!!

Hi Kevin.

You are looking at two very nice bikes, but I would warn you not to listen to the manufacturing companies as they are bound to say their bike is best. Talking to other riders who have these bikes would be the best answer, but not always possible.

Probably the guys from Bianchi are correct that you may find the Pinarello twitchy, but I would rather call it “lively” which is something I would look for in a bike. The Pinarello is as you say is a gorgeous piece of work.

The Bianchi has a longer wheel base and a higher head tube to give a more relaxed ride; this is similar to Trek and Specialized frames with a more easy riding position for leisurely excursions.

Normally I would lean towards the Campagnolo, but Shimano Ultegra is that little bit higher quality than the Athena from the Italian company.

So which would I choose? Well, this depends on what you want from the bike. If you want a top performance from your steed, like the Pro’s demand then you must buy the Pinarello. If comfort at the expense of performance is your want, then it’s the Bianchi.

My personal choice would be the Pinarello for style and class and with those Pro dimensions. Handling is very important and I would go for a lively bike over the more laid back comfort of a longer wheel based bike which will take the roughness from the road surface, but could feel slightly sluggish in its responses when climbing and sprinting, although when descending and cornering the longer bike would be more stable, but in my opinion, dull!

Go for the Pinarello, Kevin. Drop us a line with your decision.