Bicycle Mechanics - Help Restoring a Bianchi

Hi all,

I was given a Bianchi Eros bike by a friend who moved cross country and couldn't take it. The bike needs some work, and I'd like to get an idea of what needs to be done so I can price out componants and decide what to do next.

The major problem is the bent hanger..a pic is attached. This will definately need to be fixed...how hard is this to do on a cro-mol frame? Is it something I can do in a vice at home, or should I bring it to a shop? (hard question...any advice is appreciated). I'll also need to replace the rear derailleur, a campangnolo mirage. I think the front (a campangnolo veloce) is OK. My next concern is the casette. the rear has 8 cogs on it, and the front 3. As far as I know, they are good to ride...they were running fine until my friend took a dive and bent the hanger. Looking around, it seems like most derailleurs are for 9 or 10 sp. Should I replace the rear casette too? What about the front? Like I said, they appear ok if I can get a compatible rear derailleur.

FYI, the brakes, shifters, and crank are all campangnolo mirage as well. I will definately need new tires, seat, possibly pedals and chain as well. I know it's hard to know what needs to be done without seeing the bike, any suggestions are welcome. The main questions are what to do about the bent hanger and rear derailleur. I'll post more pics if it'll help.

Thanks a lot,

John

P.S....been a mt biker, but am really excited to get into road riding if I can do it for a few hundred bucks.

For the hanger, definately take it to a shop. There is a special tool used to align hangers, and it must be done slowly and evenly to prevent breaking off the hanger from stressing the metal too much. With the tool I have in mind, it helps to have the rear wheel on the bike to as it sort of aligns the hanger to the rim as a guide to gauge the straightness... so bring the rear wheel when they do it...

For the derailleur just get a cheap 8spd model, unless you plan to upgrade the shifters, cassette, etc. Campy stuff is redicuously expensive IMHO so that can cost some serious $$$. However, if by chance the shifters are 9spd compatible which I am 99% sure they are not, upgrade to 9spd while you are at it. I think any shop can still get a limited selection of 8spd compatible derailleurs. If the gears are in good condition, don't bother replacing them. However if they aren't you'll know when you put a new chain on there and it jumps and slips gear.

For tires, I like the $14.99 Michelins we stock at work. I go through tires fast enough and don't race so I can't justify a $50 Pro Carbon tire. 23c is the width I prefer to run, but thats me.

I generally concur with seely, although if you are very patient and very handy mechanically, you may be able to pull the hanger into passable alignment. Since you already have 24 gears, I see no urgency whatsoever to update to 9- or 10-speed cogset, particularly since the latter would require you to spread the rear triangle.

Regarding tyres, I ride 23mm Continentals for sporty fun and 28mm Specialized Armadillos for practical transportation.

The hanger is definitely a shop repair item. Stick with the 8 speed stuff. 9 speed derailleurs will work with 8 speed cassettes. Since the front der is a Veloce, it would appear that it is a replacement for the original. The cassette only needs to be replaced if it is worn. The shop can tell you if the cogs show a lot of wear. I got over 15K miles on my original Campy 8spd cassette, so they can last a long time if the bike is well maintained. Good luck.