First post, bear with me.

I am working near Milan, Italy and happened by the Bianchi factory and outlet in Treviglio last winter. Bought an aluminum frame mountain bike from the factory, my first bike since I was 13, and have become hooked. I went to the factory again this weekend to look at road bikes in the outlet. They are less than retail prices here, but the Euro exchange rate is killing me. Anyway, I am in pretty good biking shape, but this road bike would be my first. I jotted down the models and prices that they had in my frame size and was looking for some insight from people who know more than me.

ML3 wih Veloce 10V 960Euro (looks to have carbon forks, michelin tires, can't offer more info)
SL3 with Veloce 10V 1340Euro

ML3 with Centaur 10V 1248Euro

Do these seem like a good value and or appropriate for a first time road cyclist?

I was hoping someone would comment, but maybe it is a lack of information. I am going to try to get back to the factory this weekend and take better notes on the bikes' configurations. I think some of the bikes available are items that were ordered with specific components maybe and then for some reason were never delivered. I would still welcome anyone's input on these bikes as I have not ridden a road bike before.

Price sounds pretty close to what they'd cost in the US, maybe a tad less. So not necessarily a great deal or anything, but buying a Bianchi direct from the factory is kind of cool. And if you want a road bike now, what are your alternatives?

And if you want a road bike now, what are your alternatives?

He's in Italy, fer chrissakes. He has alternatives out the wazoo. :D

He's in Italy, fer chrissakes. He has alternatives out the wazoo. :D

True. The LBS here in Lodi has Trek, Pinarello and Bianchi. I am still trying to locate a bigger shop. The factory doesn't allow you to test ride the bike, you have to buy it to ride it. And the LBS has no prices on any bike, you must ask, which makes me wary that they would take advantage of this 'straniero'. I'm researching as much as I can.

I'm looking to spend @ 1000 Euro ($1200). I'm going to hit up some local colleagues for information about a good place to get a bike. This is such a fanstastic area for road cycling that I want to take advantage of it while I'm here. I want to get a mid-level bike, something that I can be content with for years to come. Not looking to race, mostly touring.

Well, I just looked at a website from Italy from a store that carries Bianchi.

Their prices:

ML3 with Veloce 10V: 1199 Euro
SL3 with Veloce 10V: 1570 Euro
ML3 with Centaur: 1560 Euro

So it looks like you're saving about 250-300 Euro from the outlet.

I'm a recent MTB to road bike convert, and I happened to buy a Bianchi Eros with a Mirage/Veloce component mix. I certainly think that this bike will last me many years, and don't plan on upgrading any time soon unless I happen to win the lottery. Every one of the bikes you've mentioned are certainly a step up from my bike. So I would go for it, especially since you are able to save at least 250 Euros.

Just make sure that you get one in Celeste. :D

Oh, and here's the website I was looking at:

http://www.cv2.it/default.asp

Well, I just looked at a website from Italy from a store that carries Bianchi.

Thanks for the heads up. Work has been killer, but I am going to check the LBS and factory again this weekend. Oh, the LBS has a L'Una in the window. 4,650 Euro ($5670) and there is a sign that says 'financing is available' (obviously in Italian). I should hope so!

I'm about to buy 2 Bianchi (one for my wife) and was wondering whether I should wait till the next time we're in Italy. Not just because it would be cheaper, but I love the idea of buying (and riding) it in Italy.

Sounds as if it's not worth it (for me), having to ship it and getting it set up here. Of course, if I were in Italy already, then I wouldn't hesitate.

Curious what you'll end up with.

Tanti auguri!

I saw one last week...beautiful paint scheme with 120th anniv badges; the new style logo with the old red block letter BIANCHI superimposed...very striking. 120th anniv editions schemes available on two (or more?) models.

I'm about to buy 2 Bianchi (one for my wife) and was wondering whether I should wait till the next time we're in Italy.

Sorry it took me so long to post, my computer died.

1) They may not necessarily be cheaper. With the Euro killing the dollar it is most likely a wash or more expensive in Europe (everything in Italy is expensive)
2) Shipping could push the cost over the 'cool' factor
3) The pianura Padana (Po river drainage area), which Treviglio is in, is the most bike friendly area I have ever seen. Tons of trails, cognizant drivers, peaceful country roads etc so riding here is a nice way to see the old towns.

Oh, and the new models are in the local store. I'll try to grab a couple of photos.