steel--wanna play?

[TxDoc]

What about a VOlpe? He's an Ital-o-phile in regards to many other things....art, food, landscape, movies...
There's a new one I can get for 800.

I totally recommend Bianchi, but the volpe is the low-end cyclocross/touring model. For just a little bit more $ you could get the Eros that is also steel but a nicer road frame, and it comes with campy!
You can probably find most 2007 models discounted now, if you look for closeouts. Maybe you could even find a virata or a vigorelli at a good price.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_road.html
If he wants a cross bike instead, the nicer cyclocross Bianchi are aluminum, but they are light and nice.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_cross.html
Has he tried to test ride anything so far?

[elk]

nope..no test rides...i think if i get him something...he'll ride it.

i actually really like the green volpe...I rode one and almost bought that instead of my jamis....
it's hard to find a new green one as it's an 07...and the reason I got the Jamis was becasue I hated the new gold volpe and a green one was not to be had...
it also has a triple and nice low gearing....

[TxDoc]

Have you tried calling Glory? They often have older Bianchi models on closeout, and the price can be really good. Do you know what sizes he needs?

[elk]

I'd say a 58

I just looked it up...same bike for 100 more

[mimitabby]

I did a test ride on the Volpe and thought it to be an awesome little bike (well, in his case, big bike)
I think that's an excellent suggestion if it's still steel (because you want steel)

[TxDoc]

Yes, they are - but different steel:
all of the the 07 road steel models are Reynolds 631 (Eros, Vigorelli, Imola, etc).
the Volpe is 520 CrMo I think, if my memory doesn't play tricks on me... That, added to campy mirage or veloce compaed to shimano tiagra is the main reason I was suggesting Eros over Volpe
Of course it also depends on what kind of geometry he likes better...
In any case, all Bianchi are wonderful

[elk]

gosh...now i'm all confused

i know that a more upright posture is what he wants/needs....in fact I'm wondering if even the Volpe is too roady....maybe I could put different bars on it.

i just think its a good price for what I found to be a hard to find model that I personally thought was awesome.

[TxDoc]

Is that Volpe at a shop nearby? Can you just take your husband to the shop so he can test-ride it? That way you can see if the bike is a good fit, and also if he likes it... or were you trying to make this sort of a surprise gift?

[elk]

no...ebay....it's a gamble!!!

[elk]

yipes!! I bought the new Volpe. I think it will fit him well and he will LOVE it. He would never buy it for himself....

I remembered test riding it and absolutely ZIPPING up a very steep hill...

say Yay!!! what a GREAT idea

So now it's time to sell my Globe....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'd say a 58

I'd still recommend a 60cm for a 6'1" guy. My husband is 6'0" and takes a 60cm, and he almost got the 62 because that was comfy too.

[KnottedYet]

So now it's time to sell my Globe....

But, but, but, your Globe is so *cute*! You can't sell her! She's beautiful! She has personality!

(and don't tell me what size she is and what you're gonna ask, cuz I have 5 bikes now and I'm flirting with danger already! )

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sell the Globe. Own bikes that will be ridden a lot.

[elk]

I know she's adorable....but I could never really get comfy on her...I was always squirming around...and I don't think I realized what "fit" meant until I got on my 47cm Aurora and didn't have to move a thing (until I started mokeying around with the bars...monkey bars....)

She's a 53cm step through.....

Lisa...I carefully studied the numbers and talked to other Volpe men who all recommended the 58...he wouldn't feel comfortable on a bigger rather than smaller bike...the next size in a Volpe is a 61... He didn't learn to ride until he was in college (!!!!!) and is still building his confidence...Your cool DH looks much more relaxed physically. He's probably more stretchy....

When I test rode, the 49 was too big for me...and often I can at least ride 49.
Anyway I hope you're wrong cause it's already on the way...!!!

It's a crazy caper I just ran...I'm not impulsive... I just think it's the right thing...

[TxDoc]

yipes!! I bought the new Volpe. I think it will fit him well and he will LOVE it.

Remember to post pictures when it comes in!!!