Bikedued
03-29-07, 05:28 AM
Is this a good one, or one of the cheaper made? I don't know my Bianchi's.,,,,BD
Classic & Vintage - Good or bad Bianchi?
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John E
03-29-07, 08:36 AM
It looks like a 1980s low-to-mid level Japanese Bianchi, but please post a list of components and, if possible, a couple of good closeups of the lugs and the drivetrain. Also, are there any stickers or decals regarding either frame tubing pedigree or country of origin? The serial number can help, as well. Italian Bianchis of that era TEND to have serial numbers at the top of the seat tube, with a N.ANNNN format, where N = number/digit and A = alpha character/letter (mine is 1.M9914, presumably indicated a mid- or late-1981 build).
A quick Japanese - vs. - Italian test is to measure the width of the BB shell very carefully, excluding the lockring and fixed cup flange. Japanese Bianchis have 68mm wide BB shells with English/ISO cup threading 1.375" x 24 TPI, whereas Italian Bianchis of that era have 70mm wide BB shells with Italian cup threading (36mm x 24 TPI, RH threaded on both sides).
A quick Japanese - vs. - Italian test is to measure the width of the BB shell very carefully, excluding the lockring and fixed cup flange. Japanese Bianchis have 68mm wide BB shells with English/ISO cup threading 1.375" x 24 TPI, whereas Italian Bianchis of that era have 70mm wide BB shells with Italian cup threading (36mm x 24 TPI, RH threaded on both sides).
divineAndbright
03-29-07, 09:55 AM
I agree it looks like a japanese built one by the geometry. Bad however? No I dont think so, not comparable to an italian one but tons better then a department store road bike (then again there were a few really bad bianchis too if I remember, but that doesnt look like one). Don't you ride larger frames however (judging by photos of your other road bikes). So yeah, buy it and strip it and send me the frame and fork, I'll put it to good use!
Little Darwin
03-29-07, 10:08 AM
^ +1
Good, maybe not depending on definition. But not necessarily bad just because it may not be Italian.
Be less liberal at calling something bad, that can be seen as saying it is similar in quality to a Walmart bike. :)
Good, maybe not depending on definition. But not necessarily bad just because it may not be Italian.
Be less liberal at calling something bad, that can be seen as saying it is similar in quality to a Walmart bike. :)
Jason Curtiss
03-29-07, 11:18 AM
Looks like it could be a Bianchi Premio, which was made in Japan. The Premio had mid-level Suntour derailleurs with friction shifters. I liked the Premio and thought it made an excellent sport-touring bike.
Jason
Jason
John E
03-29-07, 08:11 PM
Even though I own an Italian Bianchi, I will readily declare that the Japanese Bianchis are quite good. :)
roccobike
03-29-07, 08:51 PM
Other than some of their older, low end mountain bikes, is there such a thing as a "bad" Bianchi? I guess I'm prejudice because I have one of those low end, Japan made Bianchis, a 95 Campione. It rides and handles great.
On second thought, bikedued, those older 80's, low end Bianchis were a problem, better send it to me for proper disposal:D .
Good luck with it.
On second thought, bikedued, those older 80's, low end Bianchis were a problem, better send it to me for proper disposal:D .
Good luck with it.