Bianchi 2009 Volpe

[TexTechCoug]

I found a bike shop trying to unload a never ridden 2009 Volpe for $649. I am not a cyclist, used to be a runner, now I am out of shape.

In an effort to stave off an early heart attack I thought I would start making my daily 12 mile round-trip commute (completely flat) by bicycle. I've been looking for a hybrid/commuting bike, and the Volpe seems to be a great choice.

For those of you in the know, is this a good deal? Is the round-trip to work going to kill me? What additions to this bike would I need to make?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[creekster]

I found a bike shop trying to unload a never ridden 2009 Volpe for $649. I am not a cyclist, used to be a runner, now I am out of shape.

In an effort to stave off an early heart attack I thought I would start making my daily 6 mile commute (completely flat) by bicycle. I've been looking for a hybrid/commuting bike, and the Volpe seems to be a great choice.

For those of you in the know, is this a good deal? Is the round-trip to work going to kill me? What additions to this bike would I need to make?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Just off the top it sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

[RC Vikings]

Is it green? It just seems wrong for a Bianchi not to be painted Bianchi green. Looks like a nice bike.

[TexTechCoug]

I was still mulling it over after work today, not exactly rolling in cash while in residency. My wife was saying we couldn't afford it. Went into the bedroom and surprise, new bike.

Yes, it is green, and very nice. Now I need either shoes or non-clip pedals, the world's best bike lock, reflective gear, and some way to carry stuff on the commute. I am pretty excited to see if I can manage the commute. Any recommendations for finding gear/accessories online?

[TexTechCoug]

I have been riding every day, and need some help

The Bianchi is a great bike, not that I have much experience, but I really enjoy riding. My commute is ~6 miles each way, and with stoplights and traffic takes ~30 minutes, I realize the pace isn't scorching, but I try to ride as hard as I can. The hour of exercise a day has been much needed, and I am actually trying to use it to help me get off an SSRI I've been on for a decade.

The issue I have just started to encounter is hemorrhoids. I realize this isn't a popular topic, but I was wondering if anyone who cycles regularly has had this issue and what they may have done to resolve or ameliorate it.

[mtnbiker]

The Bianchi is a great bike, not that I have much experience, but I really enjoy riding. My commute is ~6 miles each way, and with stoplights and traffic takes ~30 minutes, I realize the pace isn't scorching, but I try to ride as hard as I can. The hour of exercise a day has been much needed, and I am actually trying to use it to help me get off an SSRI I've been on for a decade.

The issue I have just started to encounter is hemorrhoids. I realize this isn't a popular topic, but I was wondering if anyone who cycles regularly has had this issue and what they may have done to resolve or ameliorate it.

Glad you're enjoying the bike. That's great! Lots of side benefits, too. 'Roids isn't one of them, though. I've never had a problem with that, but if you're having issues, I'd suggest getting fitted for a saddle (try the Specialized Body Geometry system for starters) and using good quality bike shorts (or bibs). To me, the better quality shorts (with a good chamois) start at around $100 or so. Also make sure the bike is fitted to you. Your hips shouldn't rock while you're riding, and you should not quite be straightening your legs as you pedal. If your saddle is too high, you rock back and forth and rub yourself raw.

[TexTechCoug]

Glad you're enjoying the bike. That's great! Lots of side benefits, too. 'Roids isn't one of them, though. I've never had a problem with that, but if you're having issues, I'd suggest getting fitted for a saddle (try the Specialized Body Geometry system for starters) and using good quality bike shorts (or bibs). To me, the better quality shorts (with a good chamois) start at around $100 or so. Also make sure the bike is fitted to you. Your hips shouldn't rock while you're riding, and you should not quite be straightening your legs as you pedal. If your saddle is too high, you rock back and forth and rub yourself raw.

I did some reading and looks like if you already have 'roids that you can exacerbate the problem by riding. If you are free of them you likely won't have an issue. Apparently, the engorged veins are subject to more breakdown due to the pressure and possible wear and tear from riding. Best answer appears to be treat the 'roids like normal and, like you said, get a good pair of shorts/bibs and a comfortable seat.

I certainly am enjoying riding, and as a novice I am just trying to figure out the right fit on the bike and how to go about my commute. It probably only adds an extra 15 minutes to my commute, taking into consideration not needing to park a long way from the hospital. I also take an extra 15 minutes getting showered and changed, so in the AM I get going 45 minutes earlier, on the way home it only adds about 15 minutes max, because I shower when I get home either way.

I really think that the benefits long-term are going to be pretty important, and in the short term I already feel better, except for the aforementioned issue.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Let me be the first to give you a pat on the back and a "Way to go!" I am proud of anybody who increases activity levels.

As for the 'roids, are they exacerbated by the bike riding? Do you wear bike shorts? Have you tried a gel seat? You may also be in a bad position, and would benefit from having the bike fitted.

If they are really bad you might need to swallow your pride and go see the 'Dr Jellyfinger' resident and stock up on Prep H.

[TexTechCoug]

Had my first bike crash since I was a kid today. Certainly avoidable, slipped off the sidewalk onto the grass and had the bike go out from under me. Little road rash on the palm, hip, and knee, but nothing serious. Reminded me of when I was always in some stage of healing from wrecking on my 20 inch bike as a kid.

[old_gregg]

Had my first bike crash since I was a kid today. Certainly avoidable, slipped off the sidewalk onto the grass and had the bike go out from under me. Little road rash on the palm, hip, and knee, but nothing serious. Reminded me of when I was always in some stage of healing from wrecking on my 20 inch bike as a kid.

you were riding on the sidewalk??

[TexTechCoug]

you were riding on the sidewalk??

The commute back and forth from my house to the hospital is 6 miles along the busiest road in town. The road is either 2 or 3 lanes in either direction. From my house to the interstate there is a reasonable bike lane, but the last 3 miles from the interstate to work there is no shoulder at all. Aside from the lack of bike lane I also typically make the morning commute at 5 AM and I just don't want to get run over in the dark.

The sidewalk poses its own risks, but I'll take the bumps (or even a bicycle vs. pedestrian accident) over the motor vehicle vs bicycle accident.

[TexTechCoug]

Took the Volpe into the shop and had it cleaned and tuned. New job, new city, the ride is exactly five miles each way.

Rode it back and forth to work twice this week. With traffic it is a 18-19 minute ride for me right now.

I feel so much better when I ride to work, and the extra 10-15 minutes to my commute is a small price to pay.

My new cheesy Schwinn helmet has built in LED lights and I am planning to buy some additional lights so that I don't get run over during my 5:30 AM ride to work.