Bianchi Infinito Coast to Coast

So here it is!! This is one of the newest bike builds at Laguna Cyclery. This is the Bianchi Infinito, which belongs to the Coast to Coast line from Bianchi. The Coast to Coast line from Bianchi is built for optimal riding position, maximum performance and minimal fatigue. After closer review of its fit and finish, then a test ride along Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, I was considering one for my stable.

Just looking at the bike, you can see that Bianchi spent a considerable amount of time on the presentation. The lines of the bike are fluid and the monocoque design allows Bianchi to add some nice detail around the head tube and through the chain stays. Beyond the smooth lines and fluid design, Bianchi kept the frame incredibly clean by internally routing all the brake and derailleur cables. The internal routing keeps the bike clean and allows the viewer to focus on the frame design rather than exposed cables. This frame exemplifies the attention to beauty that this italian frame maker has always been famous for.

After drooling over the fit and finish of this frame I decided that it needed a little exercise up and down Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Riding this bike is where it really came alive! Since this frame was born, bred and MANUFACTURED in Italy, I could really feel the attention to responsive ride dynamics that Bianchi builds into all its frames. While putting this bike through its paces I noticed that it had a nice long wheel base and it was impressively steady at high speed descents. Also, since it has a fairly tall head tube, the riding position was comfortable and it would be the perfect bike for those century rides through the mountains. Another aspect of the frame I enjoyed was that the torsional stiffness of the monocoque design. This stiffness added to the ease of getting the bike to speed and staying there!

As much as I enjoyed riding this bike today, I was happy to see it found a new home. Yes, it was sold today, but hopefully, it will not be the last time I run into this bike. Luckily, I can look forward to the next build at Laguna Cyclery. On that note, the next review will be focusing on a new Ibis Mojo. I will post the pictures and reviews the second I get my hands on that ride.

SRAM Red goes black!! Newest color option!!

Here is the latest from SRAM:

As of this morning (2/22/2011), SRAM announced from Mallorca, Spain a new color option for the industry leading SRAM Red groupset....BLACK!! In an effort to answer market requests for a more customizable line, SRAM has introduced SRAM Red in a black color combination. The black groupset will bring black front/rear derailleurs, black brakes and a crankset with black anodized chain rings. However, the shifters with the silver/red graphics go unchanged.

Thanks to our close friends at SRAM, Laguna Cyclery was one of the first bike shops to partake in an early viewing of the new SRAM Red groupset in black. It was an exciting opportunity to view SRAM's newest addition and find out that the new SRAM Red groupset will be commercially available March 2011!!

From our close evaluation of the groupset the finishes are still the best in the industry and the workmanship is still top notch. This groupset will be a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their current bike or a build

kit for your new dream bike. Contact Laguna Cyclery and get your order in ASAP!!

Mullholland Recon

Yesterday, I went to Calabasas to recon some of the climbs on the upcoming Mulholland Challenge. It was a teriffic day with very little traffic, almost no wind and no incidents. I went with a couple of other guys who have done the Challenge before, so I knew they'd be able to give me good advice on the tempo to ride the climbs and what to watch for on the descents. If you follow the map carefully, you'll see where I overshot a turn while dropping down to PCH! Luckily I escaped with only having to put my foot down, but boy was it scary there for a few seconds! Check out my ride data here: Garmin Connect - Details. The Garmin Tour is a great way to see the route in action! Below is my first test at getting video from my Flip camera up onto this blog.....let me know if you like it!