Classic & Vintage - odd Bianchi frame geometry

OK BianchGiirl, wake up and chime in.

I have this Bianchi in Columbus SL but which seems unusual to me so I hope I can get some background.

the basic triangle is 58cm ST x 57cm TT.
but they have added this odd 6cm extension on the ST and Steering Tube.
So for what size rider this was intended - a normal 58cm rider or a
really tall 62-64 cm rider who wants a smaller more rigid triangle?

can anyone shed light here? was this a fad at some point that faded?

Seems odd to me. Then again, it's newer than what I normally mess with.

very interesting. is there any Bianchi embellishments on the frame?

I am not certain of the ST but I knew a Gent who had a Spectrum built with an extra 4 or so inches of HT. he bad a bad back and this let him sit up a bit without a funky stem.

as for the ST tube that is odd. I'll peek through the catalogs tomorrow and see is I see anything like it.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=203481&d=1306379209

here's a photo gallery:

https://picasaweb.google.com/TOcycles/0111BIANCHIWithCampyRecord58cmSTCC58cmTTFrame350#

It is in lamentable condition. some pinhead left it out side in the elements for 6months. Needs a repaint.

where did you get this? was there any Canadain teams sponsored by Bianchi? I missed the number tab lastnight. I wonder if this is some pro or semi pro frame that was built like that to provide a stiffer frame for a taller tider. if it had 650 wheels I would say for sure that yes the extended tubes are for a stiffer TT frame. the team theory may also explain the lack of tubing decals on the frame

I think need more photos.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CPiLqIpsDtI/TXK0vLdthLI/AAAAAAAAE0c/Sce-DvncUow/BIANCHI%252520008.jpg

Do I see this correctly: down tube has lugs at both ends, top tube is fillet brazed at both ends? That strikes me as... uh... odd.

I agree the paint is in lamentable condition. Lament all you want, but do not repaint. Take a look at Mkeller's thread on his Mercian, which was in similar condition, and he did an admirable job saving the paint.

I think need more photos.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CPiLqIpsDtI/TXK0vLdthLI/AAAAAAAAE0c/Sce-DvncUow/BIANCHI%252520008.jpg

Do I see this correctly: down tube has lugs at both ends, top tube is fillet brazed at both ends? That strikes me as... uh... odd.

I agree the paint is in lamentable condition. Lament all you want, but do not repaint. Take a look at Mkeller's thread on his Mercian, which was in similar condition, and he did an admirable job saving the paint.

Not to be picky or anything, but that looks more like a TIG weld than a fillet. And is that a crack on the head tube (on the tt weld bead)? Also, the number hanger under the tt makes me think it was custom made for a (very) tall team rider.

SP
Bend, OR

where did you get this?

this came from France.
I am checking with the former owner about its provenance.

AH the plot thickens....

the colors look like the lats'90s every early '00s when Mercatone Uno team was riding Bianchis

The top tube is joined to the head tube with TIG. Someone chopped the top off of a lugged bike and made it taller. I would bet the head tube has been spliced. Look at the way the wheel relates to the rear brake also.

I would look very closely at this one before purchasing.

I own it already.
But I appreciate you good eye and advice and I will have it checked carefully before I or anyone else dares to ride it.

It was cheap (no big surprise there) and I figured the Record gear, in as sad shape as it is, was worth the purchase price. And if the frame proved interesting or salvagable, all the better.

Turns out it was "Prepared" (I am not sure if that means modified or custom built for the seller's brother in law, an ex-basketball player who measures 1m92 (6'6").

The forks have "Bianchi" stamped dropouts. I don't see anything though on rear dropouts. Once I clean off the BB Shell bottom, I'll see if there is any SN.

Peter

(oopps duplicate post.)

Why though would anyone bother to chop the top off a good 58cm Bianchi, graft on extensions and then presumably repaint the whole thing in Bianchi colours?
Over here at least all that work would have cost between $500 and $1000
it would have been far far cheaper to just search around for a good 62 cm steel frame.
A mod job makes no sense. Does it?