Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Bianchi Campione d'Italia

So I've come across an Italian made Bianchi Campione d'Italia, in Celeste, with the following components:

Ofmega derailleurs
Ofmega shifters
Modolo brakes and levers
FIR rims
ITM bars and stem
Selle Italia saddle
Ofmega headset
Bianchi cranks
Regina freewheel, 6 speed

While it is not "mint", it is very clean, with new (not original) tires. Seller is looking to get $500 canadian for it. I thought it as a tad high. Your opinions?

I'm not an expert in the nicer Italian Bianchis. I tend to own the lower end, Asian Bianchis. Celeste always brings a premium. $500 Canadian sounds a bit high, but those things tend to bring over $300 US on ebay, plus shipping, so maybe high, but not crazy high.
I have a 93, Taiwan built Celeste Campione, upgraded with RSX brifters (still origninal 14 speed) and if I sold it, I would not accept anything under $300 US and that probably a good price.

Thanks for that feedback!

If you are in Toronto, that is about he right price, it is a pretty competitive market. The seller could probably get even more in the spring.

If it is your size and it is rust-free (hard to find in this city) and you like how it rides, see if he/she will go down to $450.

edit: A really nice one just came up on Kijiji for $400, it looks to be in great shape: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=108951171&img=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.classistatic.com%2Fcps%2Fl%2Fkj%2F09%2F2%2F22%2F577%2Fr4%2F9687c7m_18.jpeg

+ Rust free (inspect it closely!!) and it is probably worth it. I would say that price is full market.

To inspect, pull the seat post and with a flashlight, look down inside the seat tube towards the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket area is a common area for rust. The external condition of the bike has little/no bearing on the internal condition. The two bikes I have bought (thrift store pricing) that had internal rust, showed no rust externally (in fact, the paint was excellent). I have had other bikes with noticable external rust with no internal rust.

If you are really concerned, pull the bottom bracket to inspect (but I doubt the seller would go for that).


This test not only checks for rust, but ensures the seat post is not stuck as well (another critical check).

Thanks again - this is great advice for a newbie vintage buyer! :)

I think they are both the same size but, were it me, I would rather have the purple one with the STI shifters (plus it is $400).

http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/3040/pbpic3040235.jpg

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/l/kj/09/2/22/577/r4/9687c7m_20.jpeg