Classic & Vintage - Scored another Italian, Bianchi Specialissima

i recently picked up my grail bike (red De Rosa with C Record), so when this came up on CL i was debating whether or not to check it out, but the size, the condition and price were right, so it came home with me.

these pics are the seller's but they're quite good (hosted on my Flickr)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/sets/72157626570346161/

i believe it to be from 1985. Specialissima top of the line? bulgier's site shows a similar bike but not quite the same.

http://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Bianchi-85/4.jpg


other than the seat post, i believe it to be all original, full SR.

paint and chrome are in near perfect condition (only surface rust on chain stays which i've already removed 99% of the way), decals are all excellent with the 'specialissima' being the worst. as usual it seems, the dome nuts on the calipers are the worst of the bunch.

i'll probably source a fluted SR seat post, replace cables, replace toe straps, overhaul all bearings and throw on my newly built Mavic Open SUP Ceramic clinchers on low-flange Record hubs and call it a day. the bar tape is super nice and tight, the brake hoods are soft and supple with no tears, cable housings are in great shape. saddle is also in fantastic condition. i'm keeping the GL330's, they show very little brake surface wear and eyelets are pretty clean, maybe i'll go tubular just for fun rides.

i'll post updated pics when i get it all cleaned up, i'm excited.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/5709343412_a1635d0923_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709343412/)
IMG_6383 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709343412/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/5709345756_8a999c6009_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709345756/)
IMG_6394 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709345756/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/5709346202_ac8a8a7b66_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709346202/)
IMG_6393 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709346202/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/5709349900_fbf0f97e29_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709349900/)
IMG_6385 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709349900/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/5708782327_b79c40cf10_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708782327/)
IMG_6390 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708782327/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/5708781471_f176ab0f0b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708781471/)
IMG_6392 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708781471/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/5708780131_320527eca0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708780131/)
IMG_6395 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708780131/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/5708779257_3596baf15c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708779257/)
IMG_6397 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5708779257/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/5709344934_40d4e5f234_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709344934/)
IMG_6396 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709344934/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/5709343756_fc6ea0aaa8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709343756/)
IMG_6400 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5709343756/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

What a small world. This bike has been a hot opic of discussion tonight. Both about the owner's thread nd in the cl/ebay finds thread.

Nice bianchi. Clean it up good in honor of the Giro!

too funny... i check the CL/Ebay thread but haven't in a few days, never saw those posts or the one linked by BG to the 'valuation' forum.

anyway, the seller was pretty honest with me, said he picked it up recently, fairly described the condition in my opinion. his hi-res pics made the thing look worse that it does in person. he might have gotten a bit more if he was willing to clean it up, but that's fine with me. i feel i got a good deal, i'll clean it up and do all the tuning and overhauling myself, no extra cost to me (other than cables/grease/bearings). i won't be selling it anytime soon, but the way i value a bike i plan on keeping is to estimate what i might get for the thing parted out. i'd be shocked if i couldn't get my $700 out of it.

nice score! I liked that and made an offer for it after he posted but he was not willing to negociate. it will be a great looking and riding bike once cleaned up. the above linked catalog pic is the '86 catalog but I agree it does look like the Mondial. it may have been release in late '85 hence the Specialissma SL decal.

keep us informed on your rehab progress.

Based on how happy you sound, I'd say good deal.

Great looking bike. It will clean up nicely, I love the Turbo saddle on it.

good news and bad news...

the good news first, the paint cleaned up very very well, the decals are in excellent condition, the chrome is decent.


the bad news, after overhauling the headset and bottom bracket, i threw on my freshly built Mavic SUPs with new Vittorias, and the bike is too tall ;(

i've never been so disappointed. when i picked up the bike it had totally flat tires, when i stood over it, it felt like there was more than enough room. i was wrong. this frame is so perfect, panto'd shifters, panto'd chain ring, matchie matchie celeste bar tape/cable housing/saddle/toe straps. usually not a fan of the matching color thing but it works for me on this Bianchi. not to mention i've got NOS Bianchi branded celeste cable housing and toe straps (the same ones that came on the bike).


anyone have a 58-60cm they want to trade me? i'd be open to slightly newer or older models, i'd even consider a non-Bianchi


pics of the frame cleaned up: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/sets/72157626643867101/


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5741355250_43f38c3f5f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741355250/)
IMG_1076 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741355250/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/5740802775_801d09f28b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5740802775/)
IMG_1081 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5740802775/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/5741356866_dd95d0ab39_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741356866/)
IMG_1088 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741356866/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/5741357712_e24f7c045e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741357712/)
IMG_1093 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741357712/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/5740804081_6b5afcefa4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5740804081/)
IMG_1090 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5740804081/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/5741359862_c9e5295371_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741359862/)
IMG_1108 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741359862/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/5741357528_d48d1cc9a1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741357528/)
IMG_1092 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741357528/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/5741360468_21413a1084_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741360468/)
IMG_1112 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5741360468/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr

There has been many times that I thought I was sick of celeste since that one love affair I had with one.....(still thinking).....Nope, I'm still not over her.:cry:

So that is a 61 or 62?

So that is a 61 or 62?


61cm C-T

BTW, you can still get touch up paint for that color on the Bianchi website. I got two bottles a couple weeks ago for $5 IIRC.

My size - I hate you!

A Celeste Bianchi is on my short list.

alrighty, UPDATE!

prior to coming to the conclusion that the frame might be too big for me, i had bought a set of NOS Bianchi branded toe straps and NOS Bianchi branded brake cables. when they arrived i decided to build up the bike anyway. the cranks, pedals/cages, derailleurs and seat post (thanks Puget Pounder) are not the pieces that came on the bike, those bits are all still very dirty sitting in a box, i just wanted to get it built up for pictures and a quick ride.

despite the size, it turns out the thing is *****in'!!! to ride. it feels so light and nimble i can't even explain it. every bit of power i can muster is transferred to the wheels/ground without hesitation, no flex or wobbliness yet comfortable and compliant. my love is renewed. it's a keeper afterall!

on a side note, i recently built up the wheelset, my second, using NOS Mavic Open SUP CD Ceramic rims and Campagnolo Record LF hubs. the brake pads were just replaced with Kool Stop Campagnolo replacements. i also ride a 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 (full carbon, full Shimano Ultegra), i can say without hesitation that this rim/brake pad combo performs equally if not better than that of the Trek, it's really something beautiful. also, the tires, Vittoria Open Corsa EVO SC are phenomenal!

now pics...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/5748221829_4b79d13602_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748221829/)
IMG_1114 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748221829/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/5748225103_014af8f6a2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748225103/)
IMG_1122 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748225103/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2157/5748775756_850d781979_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748775756/)
IMG_1124 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748775756/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5748227635_7d50fdf03c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748227635/)
IMG_1126 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748227635/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5748777400_768e5e85e1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748777400/)
IMG_1127 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748777400/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/5748270773_1b0c12e020_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748270773/)
IMG_1117 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748270773/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/5748271067_c3d0c650c6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748271067/)
IMG_1119 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748271067/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/5748772606_3370a25bea_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748772606/)
IMG_1118 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748772606/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/5748771510_7af3922dc9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748771510/)
IMG_1115 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748771510/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5748771786_019d108030_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748771786/)
IMG_1116 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjries/5748771786/) by shnibop (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexjries/), on Flickr


some bits still need a bit of cleaning, like the saddle, brake levers, stem and bar wrap. the bars/wrap are exactly as i got the bike, i believe it to be original and since it is in such nice shape i figured why rip it off just to be replaced by equally uncomfortable fizik tape.

my first choice would not have been to go all celeste on the straps and cable housing, but that's what it came with and i was able to source exact replacements. i wanted to keep it as original looking as possible. everything on it is what it would have originally come equipped with, only difference is in the brake calipers and wheelset. i have a very nice set of correct SR script logo coming from over seas as i type this. when i have more time, i will be cleaning up the Mavic GL330 tubulars and throwing on the tubular version of these Vittorias.

anyone have a catalog scan of this particular model?

anyone know where i can get a replacement 'Specialissima SL' decal?

anyone know if the tubing is SL? no rifling in the seat tube, but there is rifling in the fork steerer.

what do you guys think?

That looks fantastic!!
From the setup (stem length, saddle height) looks like a be a good fit.

Jake

That looks fantastic!!
From the setup (stem length, saddle height) looks like a be a good fit.

Jake

it would be considered too big from a traditional POV, meaning, my nether region just barely touches the top tube while standing completely flat footed over the bike. my understanding is that it's usually recommended that you have 1in between you and the top tube, although i guess that's something of a generalization.

while riding, i notice little difference between this and my 59cm C-C DeRosa, and i plan on doing more riding that standing LOL

Try the bianchiusa website, and there are a bunch of vintage bianchi decal sets on eBay.. google is your friend.

good for you! i talked to the seller and was going to meet him in auburn to get that bike. i guess he didnt like my
"lowball" offer. i never heard back from him. so you got it eh? very nice. best of luck with that.

Nice Alex. Looks great! My size range should you ever decide to ditch it :**

Gorgeous job on the cleanup!
How would you compare the ride of this bike to your De Rosa and Trek Madone?

Gorgeous job on the cleanup!
How would you compare the ride of this bike to your De Rosa and Trek Madone?

Wow, that question covers a lot of ground.

Looks amazing! How's the post insertion though? from what I can remember it looks like you are really close if not past. I think the bike deserves a nice shiny silver stem to match.

Try the bianchiusa website, and there are a bunch of vintage bianchi decal sets on eBay.. google is your friend.


not sure where the catalogs are suppose to be on the bianchiusa site, i'd be surprised if they even had them.

also, the first thing i did was check ebay and velocals for the decal and neither place has it. google sucks.

my next option is to PM jrrestore

Looks nice! I think that it would be SP at that size.

it looks FABULOUS!! that is a great bike. you re going to clean the rest of the original bits and add them?

for a decal try that guy down under, you would never get that from Bianchi USA.

where did you get the Bianchi brake cables?

I can't find his post but I thought sure I told the guy you bought it from it was bigger than a 59. still a beautiful Bianchi and one I am jealous of

OH the tubing and great ride. the '84 catalogue shows the Super Leggera as being SL,SP throughout but I never got an answer from Bianchi about whether this measn a mix or one tube used throughout the whole frame. the '85 Mondaile (top model that year aside from the Centenario) just shows the Columbus "Bianchi Special" tubeset.

I woud suspect on a frame that size it is SP but as always with Bianchis in the famous 'SuperSet' frame the DT and chainstays are a heavier guage to get that great feel. all the power you put in the pedals goes to the rear wheel but you still get a great soft ride.

BG- thanks! To answer your question, yes, I will be cleaning up the bits that came on the bike and replacing what is currently on there. When I built it up I was just doing so to see what it would look like, grabbing my clean parts from the stash was quicker/easier than cleaning up the originals. Only thing that won't be original will be the calipers, the originals are simply too far gone to put back on this otherwise perfect build.

I got the cable housings and toe straps from a guy in Canada (eBay).

BG- thanks! To answer your question, yes, I will be cleaning up the bits that came on the bike and replacing what is currently on there. When I built it up I was just doing so to see what it would look like, grabbing my clean parts from the stash was quicker/easier than cleaning up the originals. Only thing that won't be original will be the calipers, the originals are simply too far gone to put back on this otherwise perfect build.

I got the cable housings and toe straps from a guy in Canada (eBay).

I almost asked this again in the show your Bianchi thread. you must have beaten me to that seller all I could ever find is Jagwire.

I was seconds from ordering a set of Jagwire Racers in celeste when I came across these :)

Oh my. That is a great bike. I want one like that for my husband (and this one would have fit, too!). Love celeste.

The bike looks fantastic, but I can't seem to wrap my head around the fit. If you can just barely stand over it, how come the saddle is set so high? Does the frame have an unusually high BB? Short cranks? Maybe you just like a high saddle, I don't know. As long as you're happy with it I guess it's all good.