Bianchi’s Volpe is part of the firm's Classic range, launched to celebrate its 130th anniversary. It successfully mixes, erm, classic Bianchi livery and subtle metallic sliver paint scheme with that most modern of features on a road bike, disc brakes.
The frame is both nicely finished and well appointed, with both rack and mudguard/fender eyes both front and rear and even an under-the-top tube pump peg, so you can carry a full-length pump too. It's constructed using Bianchi’s own spec steel tubing and the double-butting of the tubes gives it plenty of spring and plenty of life.
The bike's geometry owes something to a traditional tourer and a little to a cyclocross bike. The front end uses a 72.5-degree head angle combined with a fork with plenty of forward rake. That makes the steering stable on the road but it quickens through its arc and becomes nice and quick when you’re trying to traverse gravel and dirt.
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The effective top tube length of 56cm makes for a Goldilocks ride position: just about right, neither too short nor too long. This makes the Volpe a seriously pleasant place to spend your riding time.
The general spec level is decent, albeit somewhat below the brilliant value GT Grade AL 105. The Tiagra drivetrain works very well, with smooth shifting and a good range from the 50/34 chainset paired with an 11-32 cassette. The wheels are well put together, based around Formula disc hubs and Alex rims and shod with treaded Kenda Kwik rubber in a fat 35c size.
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