Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Bianchi Reparto Corse

Found a Reparto Corse that probably isnt vintage (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574735911&toolid=10001&campid=5336500245&customid=&icep_item=140369482660&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg), but made with Chromo Lite tubing. Would this be a mid 1990's frame?

$335 seems a little steep, but maybe $285?

Hello OK I am certain this will set off a flurry of disagreement but here is MHO. I saw this a few days ago I do not think it is an actual "Reparto Corse" frame. the main reason is the presence of the Veloce model decal on the top tube. Reparto Corse frames generally do not have model names. I got into a disagreement with another poster here about this over the summer. for a peroid of time starting in the mid to late '90s the head of Bianchi USA and his "brain trust" starting to apply the Reparto Corse name to almost every road bike. I received this information via a longtime Bianchi Salesman and will post his reply if you like.

this frame does look like a nice frame I think a '00. I do not have an '00 catalog but I see bikes in the '01/02 with the Chromlite decal on the TT. the paint/decals on this look more like the '99 Patini bikes though. personally I might pay 200 for it but I think the percieved value of it being a RC frame makes the seller think it is more valuable

I'm having lots of trouble posting so I'll do this in pieces.
First Bianchigirl is right. The price is too high. While $200 would be a great price, I think your offer of $285 is still too high unless he throws in the headset and shipping is cheap. A total of $300 for that frame, with the head set and shipping is tops, IMHO, and that's only if you REALLY want it.
OK, Edit part 2.
Bianchigirl has seen way more Reparto Course bikes than I have so I defer to her on the majority of them, but not all. I now own one, very similiar to the OPS pic, but in red and it has the Chromolite/Reparto Course decal with the model "Campione" both on the top tube.
Part 3, Add pics

as I said I knew there would be disagreement. as I stated in my earlier post there was a period of time where Bianchi put RC decals on almost all road bikes and others. simply because these bikes were given that decal does not mean they are true low production Reparto Corse made frames. a true Reparto Corse frame comes from a special shop and generally will not carry a model name (especially a frameset). I just looked for the email where I had discussed this with my contact at Bianchi but I can't seem to find it. I'll see if I can uncover the post from early last summer.



--- On Fri, 7/10/09, DRBIANCHI@aol.com <DRBIANCHI@aol.com> wrote:



From: DRBIANCHI@aol.com <DRBIANCHI@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Reparto Corse bikes?
To: bianchigirll@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, July 10, 2009, 2:13 PM

Hi Trina,
Yes...in a way...yes, you were correct. There was a change in management at that time and they used the RC insignia for almost everything. But, since then it has been changed again. Now, the RC is going back to the way it is supposed to be. So, for a period of 2 - 3 years the Reparto Corse was a bit diluted. Now it is going back to high end in each categories. I have been with Bianchi for quite a few years and have seen many changes, but that was not such a great change and I am happy it did not continue.
Best to you.
David Reed

In a message dated 7/9/2009 2:03:02 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, bianchigirll@yahoo.com writes:

Hello

I just learned something very interesting. apparently the 2002 Veloce was produced in the Reparto Corse area. are all Bianchis made in this department now or are all Bianchis just coming through with that sticker?

in either case this is very disappointing news in that I was very proud of my three fabulous Reparto Corse bikes. now I am not so sure

Trina Brady

Lets face it, the frame is nothing special, sure its made in Italy, yes it's Celeste, but its TIG welded and uses generic Bianchi labled tubing which isnt anything special. Reparto Corse? Semantics I guess....I mean its wasn't made in Taiwann, China or Japan. Regardless, a Bianchi made in Italy, even its its low end, is more desireable then a high end Asian built piece.

If you look at it from a 'parted out' perspective this is what I come up with:

Carbon fork 1" threaded steerer: $75
Seatpost: $20
BB: $20
Frame: $100?

Thats $215 plus shipping. I think, as a whole, the frameset as pictured (I wont start in about the headset) is worth in $250-300 range and here's my rationale:

Lets say its purchased for $325 w/ shipping. Whats it going to cost to build it up with mid level Campy 9s or Shimano Ultegra? With savy purchases you could probably acquire either group w/ STI/Ergo levers and wheels for $250-300. Now your at $600 +/- for a complete bike. Is $600 a good price? Thats for someone else to decide but I doubt you can buy a complete Made In Italy, Celeste, Reaprto Course*, 9s Ergo equipted Bianchi for less. (stumblig across a garage sale find for $50 doesnt count).

Bianchigirl,

I have a chance to pry this Bianchi frame away from a friend of mine. I believe to be a real RC. Do you concur?

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n319/cb400bill/BianchiXLEV2Frame002.jpg

I think so. I don't have an '00 or '02 catalog. according to the 2001 pamphlet I have the closest frame to this (black w/yellow) it is in the RC section but with the other frames. the colors on this look more like the Pantini bike in 2000. even if it wasn't a RC frame it is a real good looking one. did he buy the whole bike or just the frame? make sure you get the FD from him.

did he buy the whole bike or just the frame? make sure you get the FD from him.

IIRC it is a 2000. He just has the frame and fork. What's the story on the FD?

OH there is no brazeon and I can't tell from the pic if the seattube is oversize or not.

OH there is no brazeon and I can't tell from the pic if the seattube is oversize or not.

Yes, it's definitely oversize when you compare it relative to the BB shell (36mm inner diameter). Also, the size of the welds indicate an aluminum frame. So, it's at least 31.8mm seat tube and appears it may be even be a 35mm.