24by7Article.com | Is The Bianchi Camaleonte Range Of Hybrid Bikes As Good As It Looks?

For anybody considering theBianchi Camaleonte range, the sheer number of versions can be rather baffling. Where to start?The stylishness of these bikes makes them instantly recognisable as Italian.
The components fitted to the various models depends upon the type of cycling they are intended for. The more you have to spend, the better will be the gears, forks and brakes, 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 shaped using hydroforming. They have clearances for mudguards and fittings for pannier racks. The range uses Shimano gears, the type and quality selected depending on model.
As an entry-level bike, the Camaleonte 1 is excellent value. The 24-gear mechs are from Shimano's basic ranges. Alloy V-brakes and 32 mm tyres imply that this bike should be just as at home on road and towpath.
The next two models in the Bianchi Camaleonte range, the Camaleonte 2 & Camaleonte 3 are aimed more at off the street use. Even though these are not pure mountain bikes, they do have that look.
Both the 2 and 3 come with disc brakes - mechanical on the 2 but hydraulic on the 3. Disc brakes have the evident benefit for those who like to venture off-road that they keep the braking surfaces out of the mud and water. Reduced wear and improved braking power are the effect.
The drivetrain components are sourced from the Shimano mountain bike range. However the 3 has the higher-quality LX bits as opposed to the Alivio & Deore components on the 2. As well as SPD-compatible pedals, the 3 comes with rather broader tyres.
The Camaleonte 4 & Camaleonte 5 are without doubt hybrid bikes, but intended more at road riding. They have the feel more of flat-bar road bikes though.
Both have very nice carbon/aluminium forks, which along with narrower 28mm tyres and gear trains from Shimano’s road bike range will give them a great turn of speed. The 5 is supplied with the rather better Tiagra hardware. As there is less need for disc brakes on the road, both revert to V-brakes. Both have bar-ends fitted, which cut down on fatigue by giving you a better choice of hand position. They also help when climbing long hills too. Once again, both look great bikes and the choice will doubtless depend on budget. Either one would suit me.
So any Bianchi Camaleonte evaluation must take account of the fact that within the range there are bikes aimed toward different types of cyclist. The Camaleonte 1 is a superb entry-level bike, the Camaleonte 2 & 3 are aimed at off-road use and the Camaleonte 4 & 5 at those looking for speed on the road.