Ever Heard Of Bianchi Bikes?
By · CommentsYes, there is such a thing called a Bianchi Bike. It has style, grace, and versatility. It’s also a favorite among the fixed gear bike community.
A little about Bianchi Bikes
Formed by Edoardo Bianchi in Milan, Italy, Bianchi Bikes was founded in 1885 (damn, that’s old!). In the same year, the company pioneered the equi-sized wheel use with pneumatic rubber tires (not to mention the front wheel caliper-operated braking mechanism as well). Known as one of the worlds oldest bicycle companies, Bianchi is known for race bikes, track bikes, leisure bikes, and even fixed gear bikes of the modern age.
Bianchi in the US
In the United States, Bianchi headquarters is located in Hayward, California. Today, Bianchi makes bikes in the following categories: Ducati Corse, Hors Categorie, Born For Performance, Coast 2 Coast, Dama Bianca, D2 Special, Classica, Road Steel, MTB Performance, MTB Leisure, Sport, and Cross-Terrain. Of course within each one of these categories lies a number of sleek, high-performance bikes ranging from multi-terrain to classic road bike styles. Also today, fixed gear fanatics like Bianchi bikes for their history, designs, and prestige (they also look great with Campagnolo parts).
The Taiwan Conspiracy
Known from originating in Italy, Bianchi bikes now split their production in Italy and Taiwan. Although some may say this has degraded the purity of Bianchi and the prestige as one of the truest road bikes, overseas production has undoubted helped keep costs down and allowed many to discover Bianchi for the first time at an affordable price. In the U.S., the majority of Bianchi bikes sold are made in Taiwan. Only the Reparto Corse category is still made in Italy.
Famous Riders
When it comes to champion riders, Bianchi has a few. From Jan Ullrich to Danilo Di Luca, Bianchi has won numerous Tour de France competitions as well as victories at Giro d’Italia. This bicycle company has a reputation for winning awards on the track and on the streets, so don’t think you’re getting a cheap-o bike here.
The Auto Connection
In the mid 1950s, Bianchi teamed up with Pirelli and Fiat to form Autobianchi. This short -lived auto manufacturer ceased production of vehicles in 1996. They produced vehicles such as the Bianchina Trasformabile, Stellina, and Primula (not to mention the A111 and A112). But enough about cars…back to bikes.
Traditional Bianchi Green
You may have heard of the traditional Bianchi Green. It’s a turquoise color referred to as Celeste. The theories and stories surrounding this color range from it being the color of the Milan sky, the color of the Italian Queen’s eyes (at the time), and even that it was a mixture of surplus military paint. Regardless of the reason, Bianchi Green is part of the tradition and recognizable by Bianchi fans the world around.
So, Do You Want a Bianchi?
If you’re thinking about getting your first road/mountain bike, Bianchi is definitely a brand to check out. It’s rich history and lasting brand power make it a bike worth the investment. Prices range and will vary from model to model and the accessories available, so be sure to shop around. For you fixed gear fans, older Bianchis can be picked up online from Craigslist and other online/offline second-hand outlets. If you’re lucky, you might just find one at the local neighborhood garage sale.
Mountain biking has taken the cycling world by storm. It wasn’t all that long ago when the phrase “mountain bike” would’ve elicited blank stares. Now you see them everywhere. Mountain bikes are made to handle almost every terrain imaginable, and that’s why they’ve become so popular. Just like SUV’s, most people who use them don’t have a need for their full range of functions, but it’s good to no the capability is there “just in case”.
Mountain bikes are nice even for the urban rider because they eliminate the worries one might have when encountering potholes, gravel, and bad road conditions. Mountain bike riders utilize their bikes for a wide range of activities and competitions. A number of races and competitions have sprung up to make use of the mountain bike’s many capabilities.
One such extreme mountain bike competition is known as cross-country (or XC) races. Cross-country mountain bike races usually cover about 30 miles and cover a variety of terrains. These races feature a mass start with all the riders taking off at the same time much like a marathon.
If cross-country races are too short for you, there’s always endurance (or enduro) racing. These races cover in excess of 70 miles and climb to elevations of 8000 feet and more.
For the real maniacs out there, the only way to go is downhill racing. Downhill races typically have staggered starts to try to minimize crashing, but as you can imagine, crashes are a regular part of such events. The racers fly down the hill at breakneck speeds, the key being to have the fastest time down the slope. Many of these races are held on ski slopes during the warmer months. Such competitions demand that the riders have the utmost skill and experience as it can be an extremely dangerous endeavor. These races aren’t for novices.
A competition rapidly growing in popularity is dirt jumping. This will be familiar to BMX enthusiasts as it’s essentially the same sort of competition. Such events aren’t races, of course. They’re judged events wherein riders compete to accomplish the biggest, most amazing jumps involving spinning the bike in the air, doing flips, and even completely letting go of the bike and getting back on before it lands.
Another form of extreme mountain bike competition is bike trials. These events involve navigating unbelievable difficult terrain without touching your feet to the ground. Bike trials require riders to balance their mountain bikes on rails, boulders, posts, tree stumps, and any number of seemingly impossible obstacles. The goal is to finish the course quickly and without having to put your feet down.
If any of these extreme mountain biking competitions appeal to you, start practicing and getting into shape. These events are for skilled and experienced riders only. They’re physically demanding and fairly dangerous. They are not for novices. Remember to wear a helmet and pads when attempting crazy stunts on your bike, and take care of yourself if you’re going to attempt extremely arduous long-distance rides.
Your treasured mountain bike holidays would be ruined if you were not riding the right bike. Bikes meant for mountain holidays are designed to provide a smooth ride over rough and rugged terrains.
Mountain bikes are equipped with flat knobby tires and a capacity of extra traction and shock absorption. Previously, mountain bikes had flat straight handlebars. Now the trend has changed and the recent bikes are fitted with riser handlebars. This provides more grip to the rider as he whistles away on the bike enjoying every moment of his craggy holiday.
A Ride On A Mountain Bike Is The Best Part Of The Holiday
Mountain bikers always love to walk on the wild side. They enjoy going for mountain holidays on their machines and getting the opportunity to try out trails that are quite uncommon to the usual on road bikers. Moreover, the culture, scenery and adventure, a biker comes across during a tour of the mountain are indeed splendid.
For this and more attractive reasons, several touring companies have come forward to offer tempting mountain bike holiday packages with occasions to lose yourself among the wilderness of nature.
Based on this, numerous mountain bike companies are coming up with attractive tour packages. The companies who have not yet started with the package touring process are hoping soon to be in the line to keep up with the increasing demands of mountain bike tours and holidays.
If you are looking for a mountain bike vacation package, you can also link up with travel agents who offer opportunities lesser than several mountain bike companies. These companies are glad to offer tours both guided and self-guided. Self-guided tours are best for those who find life more adventurous and challenging. On the other hand, guided tours are essential when you are on a mountain tour for the first time or in some hostile land.
In matters of self-guided tours, the company makes all arrangements so that you can well reach the spot where you prefer to take your ride. Thus, you move unguided on the trails. Under such circumstances, you should have the experience and the confidence to combat adverse situations like injuries and breakdowns. You should always carry a map with you and should have some basic knowledge of navigation.
Make sure that you have a proper knowledge of the arrangements before you opt for the tour. If you have prior information about the other people accompanying you on the tour, you can completely prepare yourself from all perspectives.
In some mountain bike tours and holidays, the companies provide excellent bikes for you to choose while others may allow you to carry your own bike for your convenience. Foods may or may not be offered to you in the packages. Whatever the situation may be, it is essential that you be well informed before you are ready to set out on the journey.
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