Bicycles

On test: Bianchi Jab 7700

Details

Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Bianchi

Published on Monday, 10 January 2011 06:00

Written by Luca Salvatelli

A rigid and responsive frame; good overall performance and competitive price

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After the first impressions of the new frame Jab, now the full test of the assembled bike with Shimano XT group, the model is named Bianchi Jab 7700. The new frame has been completely revised, compared to its predecessor and is now made of aluminum hydroformed tubes triple-butted. The headset has bearings to 1 inch and 1/8. The bike has a very short head tube and a curved top tube profile, with a section generation is characterized by a series of strengthening ribs. The tube is dimensioned and with a section characterized by different edges that increase its rigidity. The vertical tube houses the seatpost diameter of 31.6 mm. The rearstay has the pipes from the variable profile, well-designed. The tubes are joined at the top tube as to form one continuous curved line. The bike is assembled with the Shimano XT 10v, with the introduction of Magura Louise brakes, with discs of 160 mm. The crank is FSA Comet MegaExo 42/32/24, chain and sprocket 11-34Shimano SLX. The wheels are assembled on Shimano Deore hubs and Mavic XM317. The Hutchinson Cobra tires are 26x2.10. Also standard pedals (Shimano PDM 505) and the bottle cage (not present, however, in the sample under test). The saddle is a San Marco Ponza. The seatpost is FSA SL-280, the stem FSA OS-190LX and the handlebar is FSA XC-180, all aluminum. The fork is a Rock Shox Recon Gold, with 100 mm of travel and lockout on the handlebar. So assembled, without pedals and bottle cage, bike has a weight of 11.4 kg, as measured with our instrumentation. Four sizes available (38-43-48-53). While there are three colors available within the range, the model 7700 is available in only red you see in the picture, on a blue and “Celeste Bianchi” the other two graphics combinations.

The road test

The new Jab is characterized by the careful graphics research, which makes the bike very personal. Excellent frame construction, with the main tubes that has a complex section, but very original. Excellent finishing junction points of the various tubes and more than a good painting. Too bad it lacks the necessary protections to protect the frame from the shocks of the chain and the contacts with the various cables. Assembly is more than good, for the price, but suffers, in absolute terms, over a mix of components, some of which have a lower level Shimano XT group, such as the crankset, brakes and wheel assemblies . All reliable, functional and good overall quality, but suffer from comparison with the excellent quality Shimano XT 3x10. Once again, however, worth noting is the final price of the bike very competitive and takes well aware of these technical choices. Anyone who wants to build a better bike in terms of the quality of the individual components can contact the frame kit, offered at a price as competitive, to assemble to your liking. Very good, in consideration of the technical equipment not on top, the detected weight of the bike test, easily improved by replacing some components are not very expensive. Good riding position, with the latter allowing for maximum comfort, despite being a mainstream product. Safe and non-fatiguing grip knobs and correct the FSA handlebar profile, which allows more rigid and better control of the bike. The ride comfort is sufficient, in part limited by the high rigidity of the frame and fork, but working on the regulation of the latter and the pressure of the tires you get a good comfort for even the most demanding. Excellent command Shimano smooth action and precision in various stages of rythm, with an effort and always contained high noise levels. The mix of components XT/SLX/FSA, has entirely failed to affect the functionality and performance of the Shimano XT. The crank FSA Comet became an effective stiffness and smoothness, sins, in comparison with the original Shimano XT, only in visual and weighs slightly more. Same goes for Magura brakes, which feature very well replace the brakes Shimano XT. They are equally adaptable and powerful, but less visually appealing. The pressure required on the levers is also slightly higher for the same braking force of the XT, although the difference is minimal. Reliable assembled wheels, very robust, but also sliding. They have a weight content, but many others are equivalent to entry level products that promise better performance, but failing to deliver on the promise. In movement appreciates the excellent frame rigidity, not only higher than the previous Jab, but now the top in the field of aluminum frame. Excellent bottom bracket stiffness, frame and headset. Thus the power transfer is always optimal, and in absolute terms of good and not so far far more expensive high-end frames in carbon fiber. Excellent traction tires guaranteed by Hutchinson Cobra, with a good grip on smooth or slightly wavy, have a good flowability and enter into crisis only with the mud, soil that were not designed. The fork supports well the characteristics of stiffness of the frame. It's hard and "cashing in" good shots harder, but it is difficult to move and copy a little small bumps, a behavior common to all forks aligned its price range. For her best feature, however, needs a good running and good calibration, soft, so let it work the best. Paths in flat and compact is a very competitive bike for the rigidity of the frame, and would be even more so with an appropriate upgrade components. For its price range, however, is very difficult to find the best competitors. Uphill we appreciate the weight, however, content, and good traction on the rear wheel. The geometry of the frame, under these conditions, with slopes greater than 15%, has a very light steering. To find the right direction and support of the front wheel well and then move your weight forward slightly, she finds time to time, the right balance between supporting the front wheel and rear wheel traction. In these situations requires a minimum of experience to get the best performance, which are still very high. In the narrow paths and rapid changes of direction shows a very good handling, with a high speed in the entry of the corners and changes of direction, a global behavior that puts this bike at the top of the class for this. The faster you pay a light and responsive steering, partly because of the fork too stiff, which tends to bounce on the hole rather than to absorb them. In these conditions you can find the right driving safety always moving forward the weight of the body. Again with a good driving experience you can get the best performance, always safe. Newcomers, however, that the limit will not try, we'll find the steering a stable and secure. A bike, maybe challenging to take to the limit due to the rigidity of the frame and its high maneuverability, but for this very competitive. On slow and tortuous paths is almost invincible (not only in comparison to rivals, but in absolute terms), while the fast requires more driving experience, however, for top performance. It's one of those bike is ridden with the body, sudden and rapid advance in the reactions, but that always pays off with excellent performance and at the top. For this is that bitter taste in my mouth, thinking what this could do with a frame assembly at the top. As it is now limited by the weight of the wheels and the fork, as well as on the total weight, because of some components at the top. But the list price of the assembled bike is very difficult to find alternatives equally competitive. A bike fit the novice, who will gradually discover the positive features that the more experienced amateurs, who will exploit the positive characteristics of rigidity and responsiveness. The expert may agonist, with a proper upgrade, build a bike at most competitive price and outstanding. Among the merits rigidity and responsiveness of the chassis, between the defects pointed out the lack of adequate protection for the frame kit and a lightness in the steering and speed in the steepest hills. The behaviour of the fork and the mix of components, criticized, is in line instead with what their competitors are doing in this price range and beyond.

Price

The bike test has a cost of about Euro 1890 and the frame kit is priced at about 590 Euro. The Jab 7400 model is priced at Euro 1450, going down to 1090 for the Jab 7100. The price of the frame kit is very competitive, especially in relation to benefits that have emerged. The bike is priced correctly assembled, commensurate with the quality components adopted in relation to better performance. Always good and competitive prices of other models.

Positive aspects

Build quality of the frame

Personal aesthetic

Rigid frame

And responsiveness

Overall Performance

Negative aspects

Lack of a set of protections for the frame

Lightness in the steering and speed in the steepest hills

The report card

Quality 7.5 (perhaps you could avoid the mix of components, frame only worth 10)

Stiffness 9 (very good for the category and in absolute terms)

Comfort 7.5 (you pay a little 'stiffness of the frame)

Stability 8 (at speed the steering is light but easily controllable)

Manageability 10 (at the very top)

Braking 8 (adaptable and powerful, but less than one plant XT)

Weight 8 (as it is assembled is very competitive)

Price 9 (a fair price as it is assembled and good for performance)

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Bianchi

Website: http://www.bianchi.com