Re: [CR]Re: was Fat, pampered..., now Bianchi tubing choice

(Example: Bike Shops)

From: <NortonMarg@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:53:51 EST
Subject: Re: [CR]Re: was Fat, pampered..., now Bianchi tubing choice
To: tullio@theramp.net, steve@sburl.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 12/22/03 8:32:57 PM Pacific Standard Time, tullio@theramp.net writes:
> I once spoke to a product manager at Bianchi about a Reparto Corse frame
> that one of our customers owned. It was a 59 cm frame made from Columbus EL
> (not EL-OS). The customer complained that the frame was too flexy. The
> product manager agreed. Unfortunately, the company had decided to use the
> same lightweight tubeset for all frame sizes, but anyone large enough for a
> 59 cm (or larger) frame would be too heavy for it.
>

In the old days (50s-60s) you had a choice with Bianchi. The Specialissima was always made of SL gauge (.9 x .6) tubing and the Competizione was always made of SP gauge (1.0 x .7) tubing. This was throughout the size range, so you always had a choice of a lighter vs. a slightly heavier and stiffer bike. All the "Team Issue" frames I've had the pleasure to inspect, were made of SP gauge tubes.

Had I any input with the current Bianchi product manager I would suggest making the larger frames in both gauges. There are certainly taller guys who can ride a light frame (Lance?) and I have to believe that if both gauges of frame are available to a customer, and it is explained to him what the relative advantages and disadvantages are, I would be surprised if the majority of 180lb.+ riders would opt for the lighter frame.

Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA