Hello all,

I am an avid mountain bike rider (current ride: Santa Cruz Blur for those in the know). THis is going to be my first road bike purchase, I am looking to use the bike for fast 20-40 mile rides, with the occasional century ride thrown in for good measure.

I am 6'4 with a 34 inch inseam, and from some fit calculators believe I will be riding a 61 cm frame.

I went to my LBS yesterday and fell in love with the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (with the Ultegra/105 mix in the Celeste), I am going back to test ride this weekend. I will not get a chance to test ride the 928 as they do not have any in stock.

Will the fit on the Via Nirone be the same as the fit on the 928? (measurements between the two bikes look similar), also how will the rides compare between the two?

Can either bike be used for the longer rides and racing? Does one lend itself more to a dual purpose than the other? (ie. the 928 is better for racing than the Via Nirone). Also will the 928 be able to grow with my experience in the sport more than the Nirone (ie. as I get better will I start to wish I had purchased the 928 instead?)

The big issue is this, I can get the 928 for the same price from JensonUSA as I can get the Via Nirone from my local bike shop (both with the Ultegra/105 mix). So would it be horribly wrong to purcahse the bike on-line after test riding locally? (I am all about supporting my LBS, but for a savings of $500/upgrade to a better bike - it is a tough call)

Thanks in advance