Bianchi CAAL 8400 XC TB XT/LX Disc

Advantages: Great sturdy all round XC mountain bike. Sheer exhilarating fun.
Disadvantages: Tyres.

...I bought the 2007 model at the end of 2007 - paid £730. I love this bike. It is so flexible. The frame is excellent, very strong and has great geometry. I'm 5'10" and I bought the medium frame. It is great for down hills and XC as the name suggests. It's well built, well balanced and comfortable to ride. The gears are well chosen, I have not found that I needed a wider range. Changing gear could be better, replace the LX with the Shimano XT and renew the cables when you smash the old deraillers. I would also change the tires. Traction is lacking on the ones provided and they clog with mud quite quickly. Watch the wheel bearings, they are individual bearings with cones, but are fine when kept clean and well greased. Brakes, steering and suspension are all good with no niggles at all. The 100mm travel is more than adequate. I have come... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Fork with lockout, hydraulic disc brakes and rigid FSA crankset
Disadvantages: No travel adjustment on fork, lighter options for the money

...dearer Kona Caldera. The entire Kona range is famous for their long-lasting and sturdy frames; however at times this does sometimes come at a cost as they are often under-specced for the money in comparison to competitor's offerings in this price bracket. The paint job is a sort of burnished orange which is very unique. The Marzocchi MZ fork is an integral part of this bike's success. Kona finally treats us to an XC bike with the lockout feature at this price. The quick flick of the lever cancels out the threat of pedal bob when cycling uphill while retaining the ability to turn it back again into a fairly stiff suspension fork. The bike is kitted out with a complete Shimano drive train including Deore rapid-fire shifters as well as 27 gears and even an LX mech for the pimp factor! The Hayes Hydraulic Sole hydraulic disc brakes are fairly... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Fork with lockout, hydraulic disc brakes and rigid FSA crankset
Disadvantages: No travel adjustment on fork, lighter options for the money

...dearer Kona Caldera. The entire Kona range is famous for their long-lasting and sturdy frames; however at times this does sometimes come at a cost as they are often under-specced for the money in comparison to competitor's offerings in this price bracket. The paint job is a sort of burnished orange which is very unique. The Marzocchi MZ fork is an integral part of this bike's success. Kona finally treats us to an XC bike with the lockout feature at this price. The quick flick of the lever cancels out the threat of pedal bob when cycling uphill while retaining the ability to turn it back again into a fairly stiff suspension fork. The bike is kitted out with a complete Shimano drive train including Deore rapid-fire shifters as well as 27 gears and even an LX mech for the pimp factor! The Hayes Hydraulic Sole hydraulic disc brakes are fairly... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful