Help me choose between the two of these, 2004 Bianchi EV boron with chorus or a 2004 Giant TCR with chorus, price is not a real issue, but if you had to choose between the two of these bikes, which would you choose and why?

I myself plan on doing the occasional race, 100 miles a week at the most. Weight is not a huge concern to me, I think the Bianchi is a full 2 pounds heavier, but I weigh 185 pounds and the difference between a 17 pound and 19 pound bike is not too big a deal. I feel comfortable on both bikes, not sure which one I feel more comfortable on.

Boron.

Hi Digby,

For what it's worth, I was at our LBS on day, and a couple of tri guys were discussing a race where a fairly big guy cracked the bottom bracket off his Bianchi EV. I don't know if it's an isolated case or if they are are made for Marco Pantani sized riders.

I know magnus rips bottom brackets off regular bianchis until he got his custom one, but I'm a good bit smaller than him and probably put out a great deal less wattage.

Ive done a search and looked at the reviews, I just cant seem to find much information on the bianchi boron. I mainly just wanted some info on it, as I know plenty about the giant already.
thanks.

Boron's used to break a lot. Many frames had to be replaced.

love it
rides great, responds (not flexy--has the horizontally ovalized downtube at the BB which really helps)
i weigh 173 and rarely go to the small ring in the DC area--i do do hills that are here, but tend to just stand and power up

I had to sell/am selling most of my other bikes. i love the bianchi and figured i would not get enough for it for how much i'd miss it, so kept it and sold/selling the rest

jim

A friend lent me his 2001 Boron XL with Campy Chorus for a couple months. I ended up buying a 2004 TCR frame and put Campy Record on it. I like the ride and light weight of the Giant and would make the same choice again.

Help me choose between the two of these, 2004 Bianchi EV boron with chorus or a 2004 Giant TCR with chorus, price is not a real issue, but if you had to choose between the two of these bikes, which would you choose and why?

I myself plan on doing the occasional race, 100 miles a week at the most. Weight is not a huge concern to me, I think the Bianchi is a full 2 pounds heavier, but I weigh 185 pounds and the difference between a 17 pound and 19 pound bike is not too big a deal. I feel comfortable on both bikes, not sure which one I feel more comfortable on.


... just getting to your inquiry now.

I have an '03 EV Boron, which I've ridden approximately 3,000 miles. Overall, I'd say it's a good ride. Pretty responsive and comfy. However, under my weight (225 lbs), it seems to flex quite a bit, especially in sprints and climbs (the latter of which, because I live in southwestern Pennsylvania, I do quite often). I've had absolutely no issue with cracks, etc.

I've not ridden the Giant, so I can offer no comparison. Probably the most I can offer is to say that I doubt you'll be disappointed with the Bianchi, especially with Chorus.

I have been riding a bianchi giro, which is of a lower quality and it's a great bike. 180 pounds, no problems at all. I imagine the boron being much better. If I were you I would pick the bianchi.




Help me choose between the two of these, 2004 Bianchi EV boron with chorus or a 2004 Giant TCR with chorus, price is not a real issue, but if you had to choose between the two of these bikes, which would you choose and why?

I myself plan on doing the occasional race, 100 miles a week at the most. Weight is not a huge concern to me, I think the Bianchi is a full 2 pounds heavier, but I weigh 185 pounds and the difference between a 17 pound and 19 pound bike is not too big a deal. I feel comfortable on both bikes, not sure which one I feel more comfortable on.

and would recommend the Bianchi EV Boron over the Giant TCR.

BUT...

Only if the Bianchi's geometry suits you. Head tube was a bit short for me, and I felt too far forward over the bottom bracket.

I have a long femur and short upper body, so slack angles (72.5) work better for me. I am 6'-0" / 180lbs.

I like the ride of the Bianchi though- the later models are injected with structural foam in the bottom-bracket junction. A similar technique is used in auto racing to make chassis frame-rails stiffer.

Good luck!