Raleigh Passage/Bianchi Boardwalk

[laughlaugh18]

I'm off on my new bike hunt . . . again. This time I'm trying to find a reasonably low priced hybrid, rather than dither over something more expensive (I know the argument for buying up, even as a beginner, but it's not the right thing for me right now). I'm currently riding a hand-me-down 17" Trek 820 mountain bike, which is admittedly too big for me (I'm 5'2").

So, long story short, I rode a 16" Raleigh Passage that seemed pretty good, and have been recommended to a Bianchi Boardwalk, which I haven't had a chance to try yet (the LBS didn't have it in stock in my size, but will be getting some soon).

Any opinions on either of these bikes?

Cathy

[Geonz]

See which one has the geometry that suits you. I really like the longer stem of teh Bianchi (my bike shop put a Bianchi stem on my Giant 'cause I couldn't afford the Bianchi).
Ain't nothing at *all* wrong with hybrids... tho' if you're basically on raods you may want to upgrade the tires to thinner ones. THey are *much* faster. On road tires, I can keep up in most pacelines (the aerodynamic advantage is moot when I'm tucked behind somebody and I can go reasonably aero for short spurts).

[GreyJ.J.]

I just got the Bianchi Milano and love it-I ride it for work and around town with my Hubby..the bike shop I got it at also has Raleigh which is what my husband rides-both are great bikes..the guy at the shop told me that for the money he feels Raleigh is the better value if money is tight..he feels the components are a great value for the money..hope that helps

[HipGnosis6]

So, long story short, I rode a 16" Raleigh Passage that seemed pretty good, and have been recommended to a Bianchi Boardwalk, which I haven't had a chance to try yet (the LBS didn't have it in stock in my size, but will be getting some soon).

Any opinions on either of these bikes?

Cathy

I rode the Boardwalk when I was searching for a bike. It was a top contender for my purchase - but I wound up buying a Specialized Sirrus. There was also a similarly priced Gary Fischer bike that I didn't actually ride. Just remember that there are a number of choices in that price range and you should try out as many as you can before you make a final decision.

My bike was purchased with the intent to be used as a commuter bike, so my biggest criteria was 700mm wheels. And, having never ridden a road bike, I wanted a flat bar. If I ride the bike for two years, I will have paid about $20 a month for it - that's less than my friends spend a week on gas!