Bianchi Volpe Vs. Windsor Dover?

Question

Tell me why I should spend twice as much for the Bianchi please. What do I get for my money with the Bianchi?

http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_volpe.html

http://www.windsorbicycles.com/dover.html

(the Windsor can be had at a substantial "discount")

Answer 1

Go for the Volpe.
You get what you pay for, its more versatile and durable because its set up as a cyclocross bike meaning it can handle light off road riding. It also comes with better parts than Windsor. With the Volpe, you get Shimano Tiagra STI and Deore rear derailleur. With the Windsor, you only get Sora, which is one notch lower than Tiagra. Sora is second to the cheapest gruppo.

Answer 2

Depends on how / where you want to ride. The Volpe is designed to be very versatile - it allows larger tires for off roading, it includes mounting points for touring racks and fenders, and the frame is made of steel which has a few minor advantages over aluminium.

The Windsor is a decent bike for the price I suppose, though with a bit of shopping you may do better. It's got no real distinctive features, being a standard road bike with triple chainrings and aluminium frame. It's perfectly fine for regular riding on good roads.

So really, they are different bikes. Whether the difference is important is up to you.

Scott

Answer 3

I vote for the Bianchi. I feel that your getting a bicycle that can do just about anything. That Volpe is built on a cyclocross racing theme. You could call a two wheeled Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). I am thinking about one of those for myself, one bike to do just about anything.