OK...here it goes...

[smilingcat]

Bianchi used to be made in Italy but no longer. Like many manufacturer, they are mostly made in Taiwan. It's not a bad thing. Still a very good bike. Giant is also a very good bike. Giant size tend to run big. Rides well. Tarmac is probably the highest end on this group of three bikes.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the bikes you've listed. If you have the strength and not doing a prolonged steep climb, go with regular chainring instead of compact double.

Most importantly, go for the fit and comfort. If you want to be a roadie, try all three bikes on a rough pavement and feel the vibration. See which one you like the best. Some prefer the softer ride, others prefer a stiffer frame for better power transfer. There is no right or wrong so go with how you feel on the bike. At 5' 5-1/2" you're pretty close to the dividing line between a small and medium size bike. Probably a 52cm-54cm frame will do. And probably get away using 172.5mm crank.

go to the bike shops and go for a spin 20minutes or more if you can.

Enjoy your test ride!!

[Ritamarie]

Bonny, You sound a lot like me. Being as competitive and athletic as you are, you will outgrow a low or even mid-range bike quickly. Buy quality and you will never regret it. I was where you are 18 months ago. I bought a 2008 Cannondale Synapse Fem 1 Dura-Ace bike on an end of the year clearance. The bike shop talked me up from the Ultegra bike by making me an offer I couldn't refuse. I was breaking out in a cold sweat when I wrote the check, but I'm so glad I went for it. 18 months and almost 9000 miles later, I still love my bike "Lucille". She ROCKS and can keep up with the men on "A" rides. Occasionally, she makes them cry. ;-)

[Ritamarie]

Also, I'm 5'6" and Lucille is a 50cm WSD. Work with a good bike fitter. Be careful not to fall into the trap of buying a too small or two big bike because it's what's on the shop floor and they are giving you a good deal. An ill-fitting bike is never a bargain.

[WindingRoad]

"Probably a 52cm-54cm frame will do. And probably get away using 172.5mm crank."

Smiling why get away from the 172.5 mm crank? Just curious.

[Steph_in_TX]

I lOVE San Angelo! I'm an ASU alum. I wasn't riding then, but I can imagine it would be a great place to ride. I've just gotten a '11 Bianchi Infinito and so far, it's awesome. I'm 5'5" and ride a 50 in this frame. It was a warrantly replacement (my previous frame cracked) so I can tell you they were a great company to work with on the warranty. Don't think they aren't good frames though, it's possible the crack was caused by putting the front derailleur on too tightly and they could have easily said they wouldn't replace it.

Happy shopping!

[bonnypriest]

Hey, my husband has an aunt and uncle who live in San Angelo. Totally off topic.

Given your background, you want something that is going to rock. Bike sizing is truly an individual thing. I'm just under 5'5' and have 3 road bikes - a 51, a 53 and a 54. When I bought the 54 in 2003 I thought it was perfect and I rode several centuries and 3 double centuries on it. Now I've decided it's too big and I'm getting ready to sell it. My riding style has changed over the years. Yours will too probably.

Small world Veronica! I wonder if I know them. And yes...I definitely want something that ROCKS! What do you ride now?

Veronica

I lOVE San Angelo! I'm an ASU alum. I wasn't riding then, but I can imagine it would be a great place to ride. I've just gotten a '11 Bianchi Infinito and so far, it's awesome. I'm 5'5" and ride a 50 in this frame. It was a warrantly replacement (my previous frame cracked) so I can tell you they were a great company to work with on the warranty. Don't think they aren't good frames though, it's possible the crack was caused by putting the front derailleur on too tightly and they could have easily said they wouldn't replace it.

Happy shopping!

Again...small world! That's one of the bikes on my favorites' list. Lucky girl! I'm definitely going to have to test ride one. Thanks for the info!

[Dogmama]

I agree - buy quality. If you're competitive, you'll be wasting your money on something that will "just do for now." Resale on bikes is very low & how many "go to the store beaters" does a person need?

I ride a custom, so I cannot comment on current bikes EXCEPT that a friend rides a Cannondale Synapse and loves it. It seems very quick & responsive.

This is a perfect time of the year to be bike shopping. With the 2011's coming out, you should get a smoking deal on a 2010.

As for losing weight/muscle - I lift regularly & find it very hard to add muscle. After riding XX number of miles, it's difficult to find the energy to push those heavy weights. Once you start riding, you may find the same is true for you.

[bonnypriest]

I agree - buy quality. If you're competitive, you'll be wasting your money on something that will "just do for now." Resale on bikes is very low & how many "go to the store beaters" does a person need?

I ride a custom, so I cannot comment on current bikes EXCEPT that a friend rides a Cannondale Synapse and loves it. It seems very quick & responsive.

This is a perfect time of the year to be bike shopping. With the 2011's coming out, you should get a smoking deal on a 2010.

As for losing weight/muscle - I lift regularly & find it very hard to add muscle. After riding XX number of miles, it's difficult to find the energy to push those heavy weights. Once you start riding, you may find the same is true for you.

Thanks for the advice. That's exactly how I feel. Get a good bike now & it'll last me for years to come. There's another vote for the Synapse. I just love the look of it for sure.

I hope you're right about the losing muscle. I really need to take off quite a bit, but I have notice that the weights are getting harder & harder to push. Definitely not the same energy or strength anymore. I'm ok with that though.