I’m buying a new road bike — the Bianchi Intenso 105

It’s been almost 14 years now with my trusty Fuij aluminum road bike by my side, mile after mile, hill after bloody hill. I bought my Fuji Finest-Al back in 2002 from my then local bike shop in Bloomfield, NJ. It was my first all-aluminum bike. I learned a lot about road cycling while riding it. Over 14 years I’ve upgraded and replaced various components. After 14 years, it was time for both a change and an upgrade.

My current local bike shop is a Bianchi dealer, and I was originally interested in the Bianchi Vertigo, but it’s now discontinued. I looked at a lot of other brands, e.g. Trek, Cannondale, and Colnago, and I’m trying to balance the price, features, and how I’ll use the new bike.  I’d love the fanciest road bike there is, but I’ll never use enough to justify the costs. I want an all-carbon frame and fork, and I want at least Shimano 105 groupset bicycle components. I’ve settled on the Bianchi Intenso 105.  It’s part of their “Coast to Coast” line of road bikes that are supposed to have a specific geometry for those of us who like to ride long distances. I don’t need an expensive bike that is super fast for professional racing but also uncomfortable for my unprofessional (and slightly unfit) body. I want a light bike that is good for climbing hills and also keeping up with more talented riders in the occasional group ride. The features that I like are:

  • Monocoque carbon fiber frame and fork (it’s lighter so I can go faster)
  • 28c tire clearance (big tires)
  • Internal cable routing (so nice and neat!)
  • Shimano 105 groupset (good quality bike components for the crank, brakes, gear cassettes, shifters)

The bike is coming from California, so it’ll be few more days until it arrives. Sadly, I’ll be trading in the old Fuji to help defray the cost of the new bike. I’ll be transferring my Selle saddle, the cyclocomputer, and my Shimano 105 SPD-SL pedals to the new bike as well. They work and I’m used to them. I like the color scheme on this one — black with a hint of white. Makes me happy.

Exciting times!
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