Classic & Vintage - How are older, vintage steel Bianchis measured??

Doe anyone have a geometry table for the older lugged steel frames? Like the Campione d'Italia or Mondiale or TSX? Did they change from one year to another? I am trying to find a late model (early 90's preferably) lugged steel frame. I typically ride a 55cm ETT so should I be looking for a 55 or 56 or 54 Bianchi? Did they measure C-t-C or C-t-T?? Thanks!!

I gave up even referring to frame sizing, just ask people to measure the top tube.

+1 Really doesn't matter as few if any sellers can even use a tape measure. When I do get sizing information from a seller, it is usually way off (two most common sizes I am given: 27 inch and 26 inch. Sellers read the "size" off the tires. The last "27 inch" bike I bought had a 19 inch frame.)

typically all Bianchis are measure C 2 T for the ST and C 2 C on the TT. what do you mean by "ETT"?

in general it appears that most Bianchi of 55cm frames have a 73' HT. depening on the model and year the TTs range from about 54.5 to 56 wich gives a ST of between 73' and 74'.

the CdI being in the performance class has the more relaxed ST while a Mondaile or TSX would be more aggresive being in the Professional class.

if you are comfortable standing over a 55cm with a horizontal TT I suggest getting that and using the stem to adjust your reach.

also not all models come in all three sizes, most will only be 55cm. normally only some Reparto Corse models come in 1cm incriments.

what do you mean by "ETT"?

Effective Top Tube? For those evil sloped top tube bikes :)

thanks bianchigirl! I figured u would have some good gouge. What is the typical HT length on 55s? How does TSX compare to EL OS, SLX, and SL? Ciao!


typically all Bianchis are measure C 2 T for the ST and C 2 C on the TT. what do you mean by "ETT"?

in general it appears that most Bianchi of 55cm frames have a 73' HT. depening on the model and year the TTs range from about 54.5 to 56 wich gives a ST of between 73' and 74'.

the CdI being in the performance class has the more relaxed ST while a Mondaile or TSX would be more aggresive being in the Professional class.

if you are comfortable standing over a 55cm with a horizontal TT I suggest getting that and using the stem to adjust your reach.

also not all models come in all three sizes, most will only be 55cm. normally only some Reparto Corse models come in 1cm incriments.

none of the catalogs list a HT lenght. having only rode a SL I can tell you they ride nice. going by what I have read and been told I would think the EL OS frame would be the best riding and lightest although a strong climber/sprinter may feel the SLX or TSX to be a bit stiffer.

here is a link to an older columbus chart with some weights and tubing demensions. do not forget though that Bianchi frames are built with a "SuperSet" frame so the DT and chainstays are a heiver guage tubing than the rest of the tube set.

http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/columbus/columbuschart.htm