So, you have been thinking of cycling to change your sedentary lifestyle? You might find the perfect medium in a Trek or Bianchi bike.
It is not secret that our lives today are not what they used to be a short 60 years or so back. Increasingly, we seem to be sinking into one chair or another. This is true whether we are driving somewhere or working at our office desk.
It makes sense then that I would be considering investing in an alternative mode of transport to get my limbs moving while still getting me to my destination quickly and fairly easily.
A road bike falls right in the middle of this description. Depending on preference, you can have one that is both great to look at and resilient enough to brave any weather.
What is the difference between Trek and Bianchi?
Model |
Trek |
Bianchi |
Brakes |
Shimano Hydraulic |
Shimano DuraAce 9100 |
Shifters |
Shimano Acera M371 |
Shimano DuraAce 9100 |
Saddle |
Bontrager H1 |
Selle San Marco Aspide |
Stem |
SR Suntour NEX |
Countervail Carbon |
Wheels |
Bontrager LT2 Comp |
Fulcrum Zero Lite |
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Trek vs Bianchi: How do they compare?
Frame
Trek has a lightweight carbon frame that provides sufficient cushioning from road vibrations which is inferior to Bianchi’s Countervail (CV) material.
With the weight of the bike under control, riders can get a good handle of their bike in all situations that boost riding confidence.
The lesser weight also serves to make the bike faster though this can only be attested by pro cyclists rather than regular riding to and from home.
Bianchi’s head tube takes on an arrowhead shape matched by the forks integration to increase the bike’s wind cutting capabilities and making for great aerodynamic performance.
An average frame would have a low headtube measuring 145mm with a 72.5-degree angle and 73.5 degrees in the seat post.
Bianchi takes pride in its CV bike frames making for easier handling all the while maintaining stiffness and reducing vibration.
Components
Cranksets featured on Trek are 9-speeds while those on Bianchi go up to 11-speeds for longer range and easier gear shifting abilities.
The superiorAcera shifters with quick gear shifting up to 9-speeds are Trek’s signature and they work efficiently on the 52/36 crank.
Trek is fitted with hydraulic brakes that are resilient and effective in all-weather situations and guarantee superb control on the wheels.
Wheels are Bontrager Tubeless-ready type which makes them super protective of the tires and resistant to punctures.
Mudguards and racks are part of the bike assembly making the bikes a ready option to grab even when the roads are muddy or filled with debris.
Users who like to adjust their tires will appreciate Trek’s larger clearance that can fit up to 35mm. the frame being light also adds to the bike’s ease of transportation and makes it ideal for travel or vacation.
With Bianchi bikes, the carbon shallow Fulcrum Racing Zero or Campagnolo Bora Ultras deep rims provided, and the Dura-Ace Di2 and Super Record mechanical parts are available with an alternative between them.
The tires are all-terrain LT2 Comp Hard-Case which are puncture-resistant and it comes with tubeless rims. Other features are the ergonomic handlebars and the DuoTrap Sapp for wireless ride data monitoring and reporting.
For such a lightweight bike, riding Bianchi feels very fast with no harshness or shaky experiences. The descents on Bianchi are unexpectedly stable and quiet thanks to the Countervail design.
The bikes display only the best performance in cornering with impressive grip and speed gain on the road. You could choose a drivetrain with 52/36 or 52/34 cranks.
Trek vs Bianchi: A Comparison Overview
Trek Review
Trek was founded in 1975 and gives you a range of bike models to choose from with varied standards and features that suit different preferences.
They manufacture quality mountain, triathlon, road bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and kids’ bikes. They also create female-specific bikes and have a custom bike program that encourages you to select your preferred color and component mix for your bike.
Trek bikes are capable of accommodating an individual weighing up to 300 lbs and they come with an AlphaGold Aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and a drivetrain that is fast, reliable, and versatile.
You will find them sporting different geometry between the H1 and H2. The unique trait across the two is the longer and lower riding position they give the cyclist for better endurance over long distances.
The drivetrain is Shimano 2×9 offers 11-speeds and a wide range of gears meaning you don’t have to pedal hard or soft to get over hills. The brakes are hydraulic disc which is reliable in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Hydraulic lockout function
- Ease of accessorizing
- Wide gear range
- Internal cable routing
Cons
- No kickstand
- Paint easily scratches off on a gravel rides
Bianchi Review
It is one of the oldest Italian owned bicycle companies still in existence. It was founded by Edoardo Bianchi in 1885 and is world-renowned for its pale turquoise hue that characterizes their bike frames.
Initially starting as a motorcycle and car production firm, Bianchi is now into mountain and cyclocross bike creations but they are most revered for their road bike models.
Their brand is a supplier of aero race bikes as well as endurance-centered models which are not targeted to cater to the daily commuter.
Women’s bikes feature the same geometry with a few female-specific parts added such as saddles, narrow handlebars, and shortened stems.
Bianchi bikes are made to accommodate a wide range of proportions by creating up to 9 different sizes per bike model ranging from 44 to 61.
Of noteworthy mention is Bianchi’s special Countervail technology which they have incorporated in their Infinitio frames. Patented, tested in NASA aerospace, and used in military helicopters it is designed to minimize vibration by up to 80 percent and simultaneously improve bike’s stiffness and sturdiness.
Pros
- Lightweight frame
- Great power transfer
- Unique detailed aesthetics
Cons
- Heavy bar flex
- Odd gearing
Conclusion
Bianchi bikes are the perfect balance between great-looking aesthetics and a fast, stiff bike frame. They may not be designed with the commuter in mind but they do make the racers stand out from the crowd.
Trek bikes provide a strong, yet lightweight bike frame and offer the rider ultimate control over their bike’s handling. If your concern lies more on stability, pick on the Trek bikes.
Verdict: So, which is better – Trek or Bianchi?
Trek bikes are better than Bianchi bikes. This is because of the attention to detail that Trek puts into their bike frames which results in ergonomic frames that are ideal for city cruising and to an extent some tarmac racing.
If you want a bike that will take you from the office to the picnic in the park, the Trek bike is it.
FAQ
Are Trek bikes good for climbing?
Yes, they are. Even as this is an aero bike, it performs marvelously in climbs because of its Shimano Hydraulic Di2 mechanical system.
What is Countervail technology?
This is a process whereby viscoelastic resin is blended with a carbon frame to create a dampening effect to quell vibration and boost strength.