Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Bianchi Limited 80's? How much is it worth?

Hi,
I just purchased a Bianchi Limited for $385, paint job is great, it has cyclone suntour components and the the bike is smart looking, afterwards i discovered it has incompatible shimano shifters, otherwise the bike rides great but shifting is clunky, gorgeous matching tires since I might be moving, I'm thinking I'd like to sell it.

Where are you located? Here in Hooterville I could not get that kind of price for that bike. Location is critical.

Oh, that hurts, but i was impulsive, anyhow, I'm in Oakland, Ca and there is a bike bubble that could rival the housing bubble, but you can still find bargains if you can get to the seller before the flippers, i got a 2010 specialized allez double for $450 a few months ago, but it was too big and I re-sold it for $475. it sounds like you would price the bike at $200 or less?

$250 to $275 around here. Anything over that has to be really special. Shifting would need to be sorted out before selling.

I don't understand why you say the Shimano shifters are incompatible. That appears to be a pre-index Cyclone and the Shimano shifters should have a friction setting. Looks like a Canadian model.

A local bike shop guy said the shifters were incompatible, all I can say is that shifting is a little clunky compared to a cannondale r200 I had. thanks!

+1 Mid 80s was the friction era. Sounds like you have indexed shifters and the rest of the set up is friction. Move the setting to friction and they will work fine. Converting the bike to all index would be more work. You need to make sure cassette/freewheel matches the shifters. Chances are, you have a Suntour freewheel which will not match up spacing wise with indexed Shimano. And Shimano DT shifters come in different speeds, which have different spacing. Switching to friction is quick and free.

I agree with TMar and Work. you need to set the shifter for friction and learn to shift with out indexing. the original shifters were just listed as Suntour Alloy so in friction these may actually work, well 'feel' better than original. if the guy at the shop thinks they incompatible find a shop with some older guys turning wrenches. I personall would be more concerned about the lack of hoods then the shifter.

beautiful Bianchi though, that dark maroon paint seems to have alot of shine to it.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=178664&d=1290008382

HI, thanks again, i'll check the bike shops, but I'm thinking maybe I meant to say friction shifting initially

bianchigirl: what do you mean by "lack of hoods?"

the rubber covers on the brake levers like on these; but get the shifting sorted out and then we'll help you figure out the hoods, are the brake levers Shimano?

:eek: your selling this beautiful Bianchi? I sure wish it was closer that is a nice looking Limited and great color. but I am a typical cheap C&V geekette and I would never give you that much for it *giggle*

hi, oh wow, didn't even notice there weren't any hoods. Yes, shimano levers on there. I am selling it b/c I was bidding on and have since won a 2008 bianchi via nirone 7 , all ultegra on ebay , it's crazy, i purchased my first bike in 13 years this past may and it was a huffy hybrid from walmart for $149, now i'll find out if there is a real difference. anyhow, i don't really have room for several bikes. I won 11/22 but haven't heard from the seller, i'm hoping they don't back out. happy holidays!