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05-14-09, 08:32 PM
I put this in this subsection since this is more of a valuation type of question instead of a look what I got posting, but it works as a look what I got post too :D
I recently picked up a Bianchi Sport SX 12 speed. Per another valuation thread I assume it is a 1988 model since it has the 1986-1987 decal between the shifter levers. And I sure wish this bike fit me because it sure does ride nice, but even with the seat raised and slid as far back on the rails it is just too short, and I don't want to go with a setback seatpost and long stem just to get it to sort of fit.
So with that said I've got a few questions, especially for you Bianchi experts out there.
I was going to keep it untouched and in original condition since I'm fairly sure I got it from the original owner who just parked it in his garage for several years when raising a family became a higher priority. But earlier today one of the tires decided to blow out while it was just sitting in the garage, sounded like a pistol going off. I had pumped them up fairly firm yesterday when I took it out for a lap around the block. So there went the original condition idea and off came the tires.
Issues with the bike are as follows:
Tires are aged and shot.
There is a plastic bearing cap on the headtube that looks cracked from age/ozone.
Some areas of the celeste colored cable housings are cracking and worn in places and also has a couple of bent areas where it should really be trimmed back some.
Rim sidewalls are brake worn with the dark ozidation or coloring is worn through (at least the previous owner put some good miles on the bike before parking it).
Handlebar tape looks like the previous owner replaced it at least once and appears to have gone with a race styled short wrap.
Looking for recommendations on the following items:
Tires, should I spring for a nice set of tires, or go budget, or leave it with bare rims for now. What I'm thinking of doing is slipping on a set of Serfas or Conti tires just to keep it ridable. Normally I'd stick an inexpensive pair of Kenda's on it, but for this bike I don't think those will do. Help.
Headset bearing cap/cup: should I just leave it as is since it is the original equipment, or should I swap it out with something else which would make the bike non-original. I know in some other hobbies (like certain old cars) anything not correct or original is considered a sin. Help.
Cable housings: I have no idea if celeste colored cable housing is available. I'm not sure about using black housing on this bike. Nor am I sure about just leaving the weathered and aged housing on it. I can probably just install new cables with a generous amount of oil. Help.
Rims: I'm just going to clean them some and see how well they clean up.
Handlebar tape: wondering if I should just leave it as is, or just wrap some blue or black or white tape on the bars, or unwrap and clean the handlebars and let the new owner pick their own.
Anything I've missed feel free to give your comments.
Measurements are as follows:
Seat tube is about 52cm ctc, or 54cm ctt;
Top tube is about 53cm;
Standover clearance is about 31";
Rear dropout spacing is 126mm.
Oh, and the Shimano Exage brake levers have those neat little push buttons on the inner upper corners to open up the brakes for tire removal.
I'll try to keep up with any replies on this one.
I recently picked up a Bianchi Sport SX 12 speed. Per another valuation thread I assume it is a 1988 model since it has the 1986-1987 decal between the shifter levers. And I sure wish this bike fit me because it sure does ride nice, but even with the seat raised and slid as far back on the rails it is just too short, and I don't want to go with a setback seatpost and long stem just to get it to sort of fit.
So with that said I've got a few questions, especially for you Bianchi experts out there.
I was going to keep it untouched and in original condition since I'm fairly sure I got it from the original owner who just parked it in his garage for several years when raising a family became a higher priority. But earlier today one of the tires decided to blow out while it was just sitting in the garage, sounded like a pistol going off. I had pumped them up fairly firm yesterday when I took it out for a lap around the block. So there went the original condition idea and off came the tires.
Issues with the bike are as follows:
Tires are aged and shot.
There is a plastic bearing cap on the headtube that looks cracked from age/ozone.
Some areas of the celeste colored cable housings are cracking and worn in places and also has a couple of bent areas where it should really be trimmed back some.
Rim sidewalls are brake worn with the dark ozidation or coloring is worn through (at least the previous owner put some good miles on the bike before parking it).
Handlebar tape looks like the previous owner replaced it at least once and appears to have gone with a race styled short wrap.
Looking for recommendations on the following items:
Tires, should I spring for a nice set of tires, or go budget, or leave it with bare rims for now. What I'm thinking of doing is slipping on a set of Serfas or Conti tires just to keep it ridable. Normally I'd stick an inexpensive pair of Kenda's on it, but for this bike I don't think those will do. Help.
Headset bearing cap/cup: should I just leave it as is since it is the original equipment, or should I swap it out with something else which would make the bike non-original. I know in some other hobbies (like certain old cars) anything not correct or original is considered a sin. Help.
Cable housings: I have no idea if celeste colored cable housing is available. I'm not sure about using black housing on this bike. Nor am I sure about just leaving the weathered and aged housing on it. I can probably just install new cables with a generous amount of oil. Help.
Rims: I'm just going to clean them some and see how well they clean up.
Handlebar tape: wondering if I should just leave it as is, or just wrap some blue or black or white tape on the bars, or unwrap and clean the handlebars and let the new owner pick their own.
Anything I've missed feel free to give your comments.
Measurements are as follows:
Seat tube is about 52cm ctc, or 54cm ctt;
Top tube is about 53cm;
Standover clearance is about 31";
Rear dropout spacing is 126mm.
Oh, and the Shimano Exage brake levers have those neat little push buttons on the inner upper corners to open up the brakes for tire removal.
I'll try to keep up with any replies on this one.