Classic & Vintage - Need info about Bianchi I bought...

I picked up a 12 speed Bianchi at a yard sale last weekend, brought it to a local shop (I'm not a vintage bike guy, yet) for a tune and the tech seemed intrigued. He said it probably dated to 1978-1980 ans was fairly decent. Apparently, it has Campy (?sp) components and was mostly all there.

I guess I was wondering a few things:

1. Where can I get info?
2. How do I find out what parts are original?
3. How much modification detracts from the original "coolness" or value of the bike? Will new tires, brake cables, etc. trash the value?
4. When I get it back I'll post the model and a pic and see what you guys think.
5. What might be the value? I understand this is tough without the model, so I'll wait for this answer when I post more info.

Thanks in advance
PJBAZ

There's a mid 80's Campy equpped Bianchi at my LBS for $800, been there a while, therefore they're asking too much. Best method for checking value is do a "Bianchi bike" search on E-bay, see what they're going for, and also get an idea of what vintage from the pictures.
There's a message board on the Biachi USA website, but it's mostly lots of questions, not too many answers for vintage stuff.

well that would depend on the model.
A Campy Record equipped "Specialissima" or
a Super Record equipped "Super Leggera" it could
very well be worth $800 (CDN?).

PJBAZ what model is your bike? If its all campy
(and original equiptment) its probably a higher end
bike.
what gruppo? Nuovo Record? Super Record? Victory?
let us know maybe we can help.

Marty

Ok, I got the bike back and poked around to find out what it had for components and such...

-It's a 54 or 55 cm Bianchi, depending on how Bianchi measures. There is a sticker on the top tube "Squadra." On the down tube (below the seat post) there is a sticker: "Tubi Rinnorzati Formula Two Bianchi Cromo Pro-(letters rubbed off)-zione Columbus. Another sticker says it's "Made in Italy"

The headset is Compagnolo as is the front deraileur and the rear deraileur. On the rear deraileur it says "Compagnolo Nueve Gran Sport"

The rims are "Ambrosio 19 Extra" "Durex" and the hubs have the clips (apparently for lubrication) which I'm told are Compagnolo as well. The brakes are also Compagnolo.

The bottom of the frame has N.9 stamped on it as well as the serial # 6575.

I'll try to post a pic later tonight.

Thanks again,
PJBAZ

pjbaz,

Ok, that helps a bit.
Columbus tubing, Bianchi specific, good frame.
Somewhere on the derailleurs should be a marking
PAT and a number (or BREV. if not PAT). this number is
the year of manufacture of the part. It should also be
on the brakes. This will help date the bike.
Sounds like a upper mid level bike (ambiguous isn't it?)
the components are good but not the best at the time.
You definately got your money's worth if you asked me.
Oil ports on the hubs were record level IIRC.
Ambrosia make nice rims. Sounds like you've found yourself
a nice bike...
I've always like old Bianchis.

Post pics if you can.

I think your Bianchi is one step above my 1981 Columbus Tretubi Campione d'Italia, which came with Campag. NR derailleurs, Modolo Speedy brakes, Campag. Gran Sport pedals, and Ofmega hubs, headset, bottom bracket, and crankset. Decent specimens have been running $250-300 US on eBay. Having full Columbus frame/forks/stays may make yours worth twice as much as mine, which has a seamless double-butted main triangle and seamed CrMo forks and stays. The distinction is analogous to a Peugeot PR/PKN-10 (Reynolds 531 "3 tubes renforce") versus a PX-10.

Here are a few pics of the "new" bike...hope they come through properly.

PJBAZ

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/260049/Bianchi1.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/260049/Bianchi2.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/260049/Bianchi3.jpg



http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/260049/Bianchi2.jpghttp://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/260049/Bianchi3.jpg http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/260049/Bianchi1.jpg

The Bianchi Squadra shipped with the Ofmega Premier drivetrain, so the Campy was an aftermarket upgrade. The Ofmega hubs have a lubrication hole in them so they're likely original (and *not* Campy).

I know this reply is years past and I don't know if it's of any value, but what the hey? I have a Squada (purchased new) so I'm biased.