Classic & Vintage - New Arrival but pushing the C&V envelope

allow me to apologize in advance for posting such a new bike here, but since everyone in Road and General cycling is only concerend with how fast and light there 2011 bike will be this is about the only place to post great used bikes.

I somehow managed to stumble accross a 'grail' bike on ebay. despite my dislike for 'sniping' I decided to give it a go. the results were suprising not only did I actually win *yea for me* it was less than my max bid. OK OK since you already looked at the pic with further adoo my newest arrival.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=156018&d=1276955958

This is a '96-98 Ti Mega Tube with Columbus steel fork. the frame is Columbus Hyperion 3/2.5 Ti with a huge airfoild shaped DT to help stiffen the frame. I have to check the date code (however you decipher that) and check the exact year though.
The group is Campi Record Ti 8spd. mavic Reflex SUP rims. the bike was incredably dirty when it came (it was sold for the owner by an antiques dealer in Louisville) so obviously the owner just rode it and hung it up wet. I didn't think to take pics before I ripped off the hedious mottled celest and black tape. but I did snap a few precleanup pics. it is hard to tell in the pics but the frame was very dirty and dingy looking. after a liberal cleaning with some simple green and a hose it looks much better.

I'll have to make a few changes to "Bianchigirlize" it so I'll try and keep everyone up to date as I go. the stem certainly needs to go and I dislike the 'anotomic' handlebars so they are likely gonners too.

Sweet, I'm still a sucker for a beautiful girl draped in celeste

Sweet, I'm still a sucker for a beautiful girl draped in celeste
Ditto. If one shows up local in my size and wallet range I am going to have to grab it but it has to be a celeste.

Nice catch BG

That might be the first Bianchi that's ever moved me! Beautiful!

I love celeste and have always wanted to try titanium - the perfect bike! I'd guess too that that downtube will really stiffen it up compared to standard titanium tubing.

Yeah I don't think anyone is going to have a problem with this bike getting posted. (At least the top tube is level!)

But seriously, wow. Beautiful bike.

Nice Bianchi BG. How does the Ti ride feel and what is the headset, Chorus?

Oh, BTW, how much does it weigh and how fast does it go? :D

That might be the first Bianchi that's ever moved me! Beautiful!
Yeah, this one is a beauty amongst Celeste beauties.

One Bianchi that I always REALLY liked was the one that had that splash of yellow at the seat lug area... I think Pantani rode one. Gorgeous.

Looks like a fantastic bike.

Anatomic handlebars have ´grown´on me a bit this past year, so you might want to give them a try anyway.... I wouldn´t go back to the older style of drops now.
Best of luck riding the heck out of it!!

That's what I call "Classic Titanium." It's so much better when painted.

-Kurt

thanks for you wonderful compliments gentlemen. it really is a beautiful bike and one I have really wanted for years. I do hope it rides as good as it looks.


anyway I got most of the dirt cleaned off, just got back from picking up some housing but I have to run out. hopefully I can get it back together tomorrow and ride it monday. here it is partially stripped down and almost ready for some turtlewax. OH as I suggested, to another Member, I really wanted to put blue cable housing onhere but ofcourse the shop has none in stock :(

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=156052&d=1276983648

I am still not sold on the stem but unless I order some bars that is all I have for now.

I've got reams of blue housing that will match the lettering But I'm up off exit 3 rt 78. I could send ya some though if ya don't mind waiting

Now that is beautiful Bianchigirll - great catch! If there really is such a thing as a "Modern Classic" then this is it. Looks lightning fast just sitting there, it'll be 'supersonic' with new tape and housing. I think the stem's OK, but you've obviously got better taste than me - maybe one of those silver Deda Elementi A-head stems in your preferred reach would suit - they are quite elegant IMHO.

On the plus side, the forks are curved and the top tube is horizontal. I also see nothing wrong with the stem in the B4 photos (but maybe it's a fit thing?)...
All in all, looks like a very nice score.

Dang....want.

Mind if I ask what you paid?

That's what I call "Classic Titanium." It's so much better when painted.

-Kurt

It definitely looks better, but I see not having to worry about chipped paint as being one of titaniums best attributes.

Gosh, you gotta bless those sellers for laziness! Cleaned and polished, it would have been higher, but thank goodness, you got the gem of a deal B.G. When I put any item up on Ebay, it's detailed to attract interest and a want to own. No matter how used it is, everyone wants it to look almost new, and that's where I accommodate, to make their wish come true. Have lot of fun, Mike (gioscinelli)

Sweet, I'm still a sucker for a beautiful girl draped in celeste

You mean beautiful girl draping celeste.

Sexy.

Things have pretty much gotten to the point where any high end bike devoid of carbon is C&V. Great score, nice bike, and ride the heck out of it.

No shame in sniping to catch a grail bike, Bianchigirl.

I don't know anything about the character of Ti bikes, and I'm probably not alone. . . ( You'll have to give us a blow by blow ride comparison against one of your steelies, someday soon. )

Things have pretty much gotten to the point where any high end bike devoid of carbon is C&V. Great score, nice bike, and ride the heck out of it.

Pretty much. Nice lugged steel is very quickly vanishing.

-Kurt

P.S.: I predict the next great C&V debate/argument will be over folks trying to weasel non-lugged CF frames into this forum.

... the next great C&V debate/argument will be over folks trying to weasel non-lugged CF frames into this forum.

"Weasel"? No weaseling about it! - I boldly, blatantly and unabashedly posted my non-lugged 74 Schwinn Suburban today!

That's what I call "Classic Titanium." It's so much better when painted.

-Kurt

...and I was thinking; "We'd never know it was titanium by just looking at the pictures!"

BG,

Can you tell us more about the Record Ti group? It is an awesome looking ride. I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more.

No shame in sniping to catch a grail bike, Bianchigirl.

I don't know anything about the character of Ti bikes, and I'm probably not alone. . . ( You'll have to give us a blow by blow ride comparison against one of your steelies, someday soon. )


Congrats B.G.! This definitely has a place here, gorgeous, and like some stated, you may have added another bike onto our 'holy grail' lists. If I come across one in my size, I'd die happy. ;) This looks nice and the specs are intriguing. We await a full review!!

[Kurt]
IMHO, molded CF is C&V if it happens to be an original Kestrel w/ full C-Record. I wouldn't kick that out of my bed.

"Weasel"? No weaseling about it! - I boldly, blatantly and unabashedly posted my non-lugged 74 Schwinn Suburban today!

CF, not EF.

EF = death of CF in two-bike collision.

-Kurt

So let me see if I have this straight. In the realm of high end bikes, first, frames were made of steel. Then aluminum, then titanium, and now carbon fiber. If that's the order of appearance, it might be fair to say that aluminum and titanium are welcome in the high end C&V realm.

So let me see if I have this straight. In the realm of high end bikes, first, frames were made of steel. Then aluminum, then titanium, and now carbon fiber. If that's the order of appearance, it might be fair to say that aluminum and titanium are welcome in the high end C&V realm.

Lugged steel, yes. Titanium w/classic geometry or proportions (remember the TI Fuji a month or two ago?), yes + the Teledyne Titan (of which I, personally, refuse to accept). Aluminum seems to be limited to Kleins, Cannondales, and the 3-digit Schwinn aluminum series. As for carbon fiber, only lugged CF appears to be welcome; that is, the Graftek, the Vitus Carbone series, Specialized's lugged carbon frames of the '90s, and a few limited others.

-Kurt

Aluminum seems to be limited to Kleins, Cannondales, and the 3-digit Schwinn aluminum series.
-Kurt

I'd add Vitus 979 alu framesets to that list.

Neal

I'd add Vitus 979 alu framesets to that list.

True, true. Pretty much all lugged aluminum is welcome here, I'd say. Lugged anything.

-Kurt

gentlemen gentlemen I did not intend to start an arguement I just thought you might appreciate this more than the carbon sniffing roadies in the other forums.

thanks again for all the compliments. now I need a piece of information. I suspec the BB may be the wrong size. the right cup is not tight against the shell and it chainwheels are very close to stays already. the current BB is a Chorus, english, with a 102 spindle. does anyone know if that is correct for a 96'ish Record? I have a '95 parts catalog but they do not show the spindle length.

:cry: OY!! the BB is total junk :cry:

svt4cam do you have brake and index housing?

old's'cool yes I need to change the stem for a better fit/comfort


the cleaning and waxing is coming along well. I think the previous owner must have used a combination of 90 wgt oil and molasses to lube the chain. talk about sticky!!

Be glad the BB is junk - I wouldn't want one of those mid-range, aluminum Campagnolo cartridge BB's in a beautiful TI frame. They have a distinct tendency to bond to steel (just like a seatpost), and Bianchi was well known for FAILING to grease them from factory. What's more, if you try to remove them, the teeth break off from the shell like a lockring.

-Kurt

Be glad the BB is junk - I wouldn't want one of those mid-range, aluminum Campagnolo cartridge BB's in a beautiful TI frame. They have a distinct tendency to bond to steel (just like a seatpost), and Bianchi was well known for FAILING to grease them from factory. What's more, if you try to remove them, the teeth break off from the shell like a lockring.

-Kurt

well fortunatly for me this BB seems to been have replaced, there is a Chorus and the group is Record, and these frames were built in the shop.

I still need to ensure the correct size spindle.


OH the date code(s) are 5/2 1/2

BG,

102 is the correct size for a double. I have a circa 2000 Chorus/Record mix on my Gios (Chorus cartridge BB) and thought the clearances were tight too, but it operates without any problems. If the right side cup is not against the shell, perhaps the left cup is in too far, or the cartridge is not seated adequately in the right side cup.

I can't speak to the BB problems Kurt mentions as my BB is new (got it at PBK), and so far so good (knocks on wood).

Lugged steel, yes. Titanium w/classic geometry or proportions (remember the TI Fuji a month or two ago?), yes + the Teledyne Titan (of which I, personally, refuse to accept). Aluminum seems to be limited to Kleins, Cannondales, and the 3-digit Schwinn aluminum series. As for carbon fiber, only lugged CF appears to be welcome; that is, the Graftek, the Vitus Carbone series, Specialized's lugged carbon frames of the '90s, and a few limited others.

-Kurt

Well, there were bikes like the Specialized Sequoia. Perhaps that wasn't high end, but I have two friends with those bikes, and they ride very, very nicely. And didn't Trek make some nice Aluminum road bikes?

well I missed my monday deadline :( .

aside from the BB issue I forgot I need a 'Campi' size shifter cable, or atleast the ones I have are to large anyway, so I can't even finish the shiftin and bartape.

near as I can tell from your wonderful responses and the limited information online a 102 spindle looks to be correct. so since I already have a Phil 102 enroute I'll try that in this bike. if it fits I'll order another for the bike it was intended to go in.

otherwise the frame looks great after a good coat of wax, the Pasela x25 tires are mounted and OH yeah :( something appears off with the DT bottle bosses. they appear to be about 2mm too far apart. I have two different cages but none fit, not even the Minura CO2 holder fits, I guess I need my dremel.

hopefully after a short trip to shop I'll atleast be able to take a spin in the parking lot tonight. thanks again for all your help

...and I was thinking; "We'd never know it was titanium by just looking at the pictures!"

BG,



I certainly thought it was steel at first glance. The DT is pretty much the same shape as the Nemo tubeset on my 2000 Marin (made in italy)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j282/abier622/Marin/IMG_3238.jpg

That's what I call "Classic Titanium." It's so much better when painted.

-Kurt


...and I was thinking; "We'd never know it was titanium by just looking at the pictures!"

BG,
Can you tell us more about the Record Ti group? It is an awesome looking ride. I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more.

Hello I find it difficult to reply to each posting and try and just do a summary reply. I do try and answer questions.

Pastorbob; IIRC the Record Ti group was just the name dujur for that year like Record Carbon a few years later. like all Ti Campi groups it has Ti nuts and bolts here and there. it seems like very nice stuff I just hope the shifters work OK.

as for painted Ti, I quite enjoy the bit snobbishness that come with actually having to to say "OH it's Titanium" *yawn*

retrofit; I am sure it is faster than I am but I have not ridden it just yet. the HS is Record (BTW if anyone knows a source for those rubber seals on the cup please let me know) as for the weight I will weight as soon as i get it done and find a scale, but I think the x25 tires I put on will make it heavy

Pretty incredible :)

OK I know you are all either sick and tied of this thread or dying of anticipation of the finished product. well you get neither with this posting.

here is the MegaTube post waxing and ready for reassembly (no I do not have a chaintool with me)

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=156410&d=1277173631


now she still needs some tweaking and of course that new BB but the test ride through the parkinglot was great. she handles like a dream and (I didn't really sprint) accelerates great. I can't wait to get it on the open road.

here are the parts. the fabulous '96 ish Record Ti group, Mavic Reflex SUP rims w/ a bluish color in the anodizing, Pannaracer Pasela tires (x25), a no name stem with some older Mavic 351 bars, and Ambrosio tape. of course the pedals are Bianchi wellgos, the seat is Selle Italia Xpedia (but subject to change), and blackburn cages.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=156411&d=1277173798

That looks really nice. Enjoy.

Bravissimo!!

Just another confirm, 102mm is the correct BB spindle for your crank. I have the same combo of a 200x Record 10 speed crank and Chorus BB. Only difference between the Record and Chorus BB was the CF shell.

Got an extra chain tool (one of those Park compact things). PM me your address and will be in the mail tomorrow

Got an extra chain tool (one of those Park compact things). PM me your address and will be in the mail tomorrow

thank you for the offer but I have several I just never rember to put one in the car's tool kit.

Beautiful!

thank you again for all the compliments gentlemen.

despite the BB issues I took this Celeste beauty out for a little spin this morning and WOW! now I am no racer but this bike performs wonderfully. great acceleration smooth ride, great in the corners. there are not many hills here in Dover (oh I am out of town) but there is a rather steep RR overpass. now again I am no longer 'thundering up the hills' but out of the saddle in a 39 - 14 or so the climbimg was very smooth and the bike felt very stiff. my MegaProXL Ti always felt whimpy on hills but not this baby it feels more like a MAX frame. but it still rides smoothly over bumps and cracks, although some of this may be the x25 Pasela tires. IMHO this frame is a fabulous tribute to the Reparto Corse frame designers and builders and Edoardo Bianchi himself.

I may have to tweak the stem a bit, and beside the BB, I have a B-17 N in Honey brown coming I may try on it. here is a pic I snapped quickly the other night but I didn't think to roll out the MegaPro before I wrapped the Smaller MegaTube for shiping.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=156832&d=1277390577

NO NO Darling, the DT on your Nemo tubed Marin is similar to the DT on the Bianchi MegaTube *giggle*


I certainly thought it was steel at first glance. The DT is pretty much the same shape as the Nemo tubeset on my 2000 Marin (made in italy)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j282/abier622/Marin/IMG_3238.jpg

I think perhaps the Queen is a Bianchi fan too

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_ten_experts__2/ept_sports_ten_experts-374545151-1277388881.jpg?ymRxPWDDFI8rBdoH

OH I am sorry I forgot there was a difference. I do hope this does not cause an international incident. I should hate to see a Brooks boycott started by my error

I think perhaps the Queen Mum is a Bianchi fan too

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_ten_experts__2/ept_sports_ten_experts-374545151-1277388881.jpg?ymRxPWDDFI8rBdoH

That's HRH The Queen, not the Queen Mum.....

I do hope this does not cause an international incident. I should hate to see a Brooks boycott started by my error

You could always mix a few cocktails to sooth ruffled feathers:
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