Article Manza - The Articles Directory | How Good Is The Bianchi Camaleonte Range?

For anyone considering theBianchi Camaleonte range, the sheer number of versions can be rather baffling. Where should we start?The Italian design inspiration is unmistakeable - they have great style.
The quality and standard of the components varies, depending on the style of riding they are aimed at. The quality of brakes, front forks and gear components improve as you spend more money, giving you better stopping and driving power, slicker gear changes and a smoother ride.
The triple-butted aluminium frame is universal to all in the range. The tapered tubing is molded using hydroforming. The frame is designed with sufficient clearance for mudguards and pannier racks. The range employs Shimano gears, the type and quality selected depending on model.
For sheer value for money, the Camaleonte 1 is hard to beat. The 24 gear derailleurs are basic Shimano components. This bike should be just as at home on the road and the trail due to the thicker 32mm tyres and V-brakes.
The next two models in the Bianchi Camaleonte range, the Camaleonte 2 & 3, will appeal more to individuals who want to use their bikes off-road. While these are not pure mountain bikes, they do have that appearance.
Both models have disc brakes, those on the 2 being mechanical while the 3 has a hydraulic system. Discs have the great advantage that they help to keep the braking surfaces out of the mud and grit. This boosts braking power as well as keeping down costly wear and tear.
The drivetrain components are sourced from the Shimano mountain bike range. Though the 3 has the higher-quality LX bits rather than the Alivio & Deore components on the 2. The 3 also has wider tyres and spd-compatible pedals.
The Camaleonte 4 & Camaleonte 5 are without doubt hybrid bikes, but aimed more at road riding. They have the feel more of flat-bar road bikes though.
Both have very fine carbon/aluminium forks, which along with narrower 28mm tyres and gear trains from Shimano’s road bike range will give them a superb turn of speed. The 5 comes with higher-quality Tiagra bits. As there is less requirement for disc brakes on the road, both revert to V-brakes. Both models carry bar-ends, the better choice of hand position helping to reduce tiredness. Many people say that they help when climbing long hills too. Once again, resources will in all probability determine the choice between these great-looking bikes. Either one would suit me.
Any Bianchi Camaleonte review therefore must make it clear that the range is not aimed at just one type of cyclist - different models are going to suit different styles of riding. The adaptable entry-level Camaleonte 1 is great value, the rather more specialised 2 & 3 fitted more to off-road riding, while the 4 & 5 are going to be capable of remarkable speed on the road.