Classic & Vintage - Bianchi Nyala -- Vintage Unknown

Hey everyone. So I got back from a trip this evening to discover a nice surprise--a friend has bequeathed us an old Bianchi Nyala. It's lugged Tange cromo, and judging by the dim light, it's got vertical drop outs. I'll have to look at it in better light (been busy unpacking) and snap some pics when I get a chance.

What's the word on the Nyalas? From what I learned following a quick search, they appear to be mid-range Japanese-made MTBs from the late 80s/early 90s. I'm guessing this one is from the farther end of that range.

Anyone here ride one? This frame is within spitting distance of my wife's size, so I'm thinking I'll make a project out of it.

Hello Bianchi started making the Nyala in 1990 and I am missing my '97 catalog but I do not see it in the '98 one. suntour components componenets would indicate a '90/91 bike. shimano 200gs with thumb shifter started in '92 the Nyala ( an african antelope btw) was second from the bottom of the line of Bianchi ATBs from the few prices I have the look to have sold in the $380 to 400 range depending on year.

If it helps, here's a 1993 model that I've converted over to a heavy road tourer.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/sykerocker/Italian%20Bikes/BianchiNyala5.jpg

Crank, wheels, derailleurs are original.

It's a very nice riding bike and I can see where it'd be a real nice ride on the trails, should you want to keep it to it's original intent. From what I've learned, Bianchi had five different mtb models that year, all named after an endangered species. The Nyala was second from the bottom, and very well made as were all the Japanese-made Bianchi's of that era.

^=nice build

Whoops, I told my friend yesterday that I thought all Bianchi MTBs were Canadian-built. Did I have too much crack yesterday?