Bianchi USA Inc. Boardwalk

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Bicycle Village Auro

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Bianchi

Bike Setup:
Stock.

Summary:
All aluminum with no shocks so it is a rough ride. It is so darn light, though. I compared it with Trek and others in this price range and they were all much, much heavier. This thing is crazy fast for an inexpensive bike. I have 200 miles on it and would definitely say it is a good bike for the price.

Strengths:
Lightweight, extremely inexpensive, fast.

Weaknesses:
Rough ride, some slight shifting problems.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000.

Price Paid:  $499.00 at Roberts Bicycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Bianchi Boardwalk

Bike Setup:
21" stock bicycle with pedals upgraded to Shimano SPD, PDA-520.

Summary:
This review is actually for the 2008 Bianchi Boardwalk. This bike is an excellent buy: comfortable, reasonably fast and responsive. The gear shifting was pretty smooth.

Strengths:
Lightweight and responsive.

Weaknesses:
None considering the price paid.

Similar Products Used:
Gios Torino SR racing bike and a Specialized Rockhopper

Price Paid:  $499.00 at Hub Coop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Cannon Valley Trail

Summary:
The boardwalk is an abominable ride. The shifting is terrible, the feel is sluggish and it's a chore to ride. Bianchi should discontinue this model. The Milano is the exact opposite, a lightweight, crisp and efficient design.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Terrible, sluggish ride. Go back to the drawing board Bianchi and stay away from entry-level bikes. You will discourage the novice rider from advancing in our sport. The boardwalk will hang from garage rafters unused.

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Flying Wheel Bicycle

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Bianchi Boardwalk

Bike Setup:
It seems that tis bike was really set up for a casual rider who wants some speed but mostly comfort. With tire upgrades and the stem reversed it will certainly turn into a performance bike.

Summary:
This bike turned out to be pretty fast for a hybrid. Everything that was advertised in the Bianchi Line up catalog was for real. It is comfortable yet zippy. The frame is very light and responsive. I did however upgrade to a thinner set of tires and reverse the stem to a ninety degree angle. The Boardwalk now performs like a high speed road bike. I now am able to acheive speeds up to 35 Mph.

Strengths:
7005 Double Butted frame is very responsive. Bike has great lightweight feeling. The gears shift with no hesitation. The saddle is very comfortable.

Weaknesses:
All terrain tires compromise road speed. Angle of stem puts rider in an upright postion to receive more resistance and slower speed.

Similar Products Used:
First time migrating from a typical department store low end bike.