I have a early 2000's Bianchi XL, full Dura Ace. Thinking of getting a Bianchi Infinito XE to replace it, but it has 105. I have been out of the cycling loop now for some time. No longer racing, just doing fitness rides and exercise, which is why I am not really considering laying out the extra dosh for the CV version. My buddies that are still in the loop state that the current Shimano 105 is as good as Dura Ace was a decade ago. Any thoughts on current 105 or and feedback/reviews on the Bianchi Infinito XE?
Nice bike. 105 is good. Quality improvements basically stop at 105, the rest is just lightness. IMO. Road bike tech has been stagnant, if you're happy w/ your current bike, I'd stay with it. The only "real" changes in the past 15 years have been a shift to wider tires, introduction of disc. and 12 speed cassettes. Wider tires, I can get behind, discs are still not need-to-haves for me, and 12-speed is whatever. Maybe once I blow through the brake track on my carbon rims, I'll feel differently, but a $800 set of wheels is still less than a new bike. 12-speed isn't worth my time (especially since it needs new hubs most of the time), maybe it's lightly easier to find the cadence I need at my pitiful power output, but it doesn't blow my hair back. I rarely touch the smallest 3 cogs in my cassette anyways, adding two more won't change that.
I dislike the long throw feel of shimano mechanical. If you’re a gun guy, it feels like a shitty striker trigger. di2 or sram imo.
I admit that's why I got di2 on both bikes, can't stand road mechanical. There's been some tech improvments but it's such a conservative sport stuck in the past with UCI a significant obstacle to change and innovation. For instance it was news this week that stage 2 was won on clinchers and tubes for the second time in history. Not tubeless, tubes. Fark.
Dang this thread took off huh?!? I added one to the stable and got rid of one. 2019 Sprint Allez disc w/Sram Red Etap, Rotor 2inpower meter, Easton Aero bars, and some Enve 3.4’s. Also added some Hunt Wide Aero wheels to the Pinny. LOVE the Hunts.
One of these days I will do a Etap conversion. I have no reason to, outside of it being so cool. Did some updates to both of my bikes. Short reach, and short drop handle bars. They fit me much better now.
I know what I'm getting for Christmas this year. Last week I connected to my buddy's Varia and instantly wanted one. It works amazingly well and hooked up on my Garmin 810 in a cinch. I ride on the roads a lot and stuff like that comes in very handy, especially when riding with a friend and if you want to chat a bit when there is no incoming vehicle. Good deals on the non-bluetooth RTL510 leftovers right now.
Time Scylon. Time AKTIV Fork Campagnolo SuperRecord EPS Zipp 303 FSA K-Wing carbon bars ITM Carbon Stem Specialized Romin Evo Saddle Time Carbon Cages Finally finished the build. It was challenging. Still working on Sizing. I have always been intrigued by the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) that is unique to Time frame construction. The weave is stronger than a traditional carbon construction and is considerably more labor intensive. Time includes Vectran in the weave to help absorb road vibration. This build includes the AKTIV fork that also helps to reduce road vibration harmonically. The ride is smooth and planted. Its not the lightest but on par with a the weight of a Colnago C64 or Pinarello F12.
I realized I never posted my bike up. Factor O2 disc with some Black Inc. parts and SRAM Red Groupset. Next bike is a gravel bike and hopefully acquire one soon... Both pictures were from the same ride up Kolob in southern Utah.
If you travel with your bicycle at all, you’ll appreciate that long throw and both the levers moving. Instead of the airlines breaking a lever, it’ll just shift the derailleurs if it’s hit on the lever.
Lots of mini events out of Pork Belly Ventures. If it wasn’t such a long haul, we would be in. Planning a family (Cadillac Michigan) visit. We have mapped the Baldwin-Midland part of the trail, and both ends where it is public roads. If the weather cooperates, we will complete a 140 mile lake to lake ride, probably with a couple of days between the legs (so I can talk her into another long ride eventually)
Anyone work with a coach (online or otherwise) or pay for the training programs that almost all the platforms offer now? Part of me wants to think I'm making the best use of my 4-6 hours/week on the bike, but I also am not really training for anything other than for fitness sake. I'm also a little afraid it will turn a hobby into another checklist item and take some of the joy out of riding.