24by7Article.com | How Good Is The Bianchi Camaleonte Range?

At first sight the large Bianchi Camaleonte range can appear somewhat daunting. Where should we start?What is instantly remarkable is the Italian inspiration - these are bikes of great stylishness.
The nature and standard of the components varies, depending on the type of riding they are aimed at. The quality of brakes, front forks and gear components progress as you spend more money, giving you better stopping and driving power, slicker gear changes and a smoother ride.
They all share an identical triple-butted hydroformed frame. They have clearances for mudguards and fittings for pannier racks. Shimano gears and mechs are also general throughout the range, but vary in type and quality.
For sheer value for money, the Camaleonte 1 is difficult to beat. Shimano supplies the entry-level 24-speed derailleurs. This bike should be just as at home on the road and the trail due to the fatter 32mm tyres and V-brakes.
The next two designs in the Bianchi Camaleonte, the Camaleonte 2 & 3, will appeal more to individuals who like to use their bikes off-road. There's no denying that these bikes have a mountain bike appearance about them.
Both incorporate disc brakes, mechanical on the 2 and hydraulic on the 3. Disc brakes have the evident advantage for those who like to venture off-road that they keep the braking surfaces out of the mud and water. This increases braking power as well as reducing expensive wear and tear.
The derailleurs come from Shimano’s MTB range, but the 3 has the better LX rather than the Alivio/Deore combination on the 2. The 3 also has broader tyres and spd-compatible pedals.
The Camaleonte 4 & Camaleonte 5 are without doubt hybrid bikes, but intended more at road riding. They do have the look of road bikes about them - only with flat handlebars.
Both have very nice carbon/aluminium forks, which together with narrower 28mm tyres and gear trains from Shimano’s road bike range will give them a superb turn of speed. The 5 features the better Tiagra components. 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 fatigue. they are often said to help with hill climbing as well. Again, both look great bikes and the choice will doubtless depend on finances. Either bike would suit me down to the ground.
Any Bianchi Camaleonte review therefore must make it clear that the range is not aimed at just one type of rider - different models are going to suit different styles of riding. The versatile entry-level Camaleonte 1 is great value, the rather more specialised 2 & 3 suited more to off-road riding, while the 4 & 5 are going to be capable of remarkable speed on the road.