Hi Amy,

The first "real" road bike that I bought is a 1984 Bianchi Limited. 18" frame. Back in those days, they didn't have WSD bikes, and this was one of the few bikes that fit me.

Anyway, in the mid-90's, I tried a Trek non-WSD. I believe it was a 47cm, so the seat tube was about the same size as my Bianchi. I didn't like it because I felt really stretched out. OTOH, my Trek WSD in 47cm fits me really well.

When I bought the Trek WSD, I mentioned how I'd tried the non-WSD Trek and it didn't fit me so well, but my Bianchi fit me fine. The person at the store said that Bianchi's tended to have a more compact racing geometry, with shorter top tubes. This seems to directly contradict what you heard.

I guess the best way to find out would be to look up the frame geometries for the Bianchi you might be renting. Compare the seat tube/top tube lengths in the size(s) you're interested in. If you can't find the geometry for the model you'll be renting, look at seat tube/top tube lengths for the other Bianchi road bikes and see if there's a trend.

How does the length of the top tube relative to the seat tube compare to your Serotta's measurements? Just for fun, check out the geometries for other manufacturers -- does it prove the point that Bianchis have longer top tubes relative to the seat tube? Or all they all about the same?

Also, can you ask for a road bike on your tour and switch if you can't get it to fit you?

Good luck, and have fun on your tour! Take lots of pics!!

-- Melissa

PS I can't wait to see your beautiful new Serotta in the flesh (er, can you say that about bikes?!)