Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - CL Bianchi Premio

Alright.. I just couldn't help myself when I saw this. Only problem is that I'll be driving about 3 hours to pick it up this weekend.

http://asheville.craigslist.org/bik/2801221556.html

Bike looks like it's in incredible shape. I'll attach some more pictures that the seller sent me.

So what do you guys think. Any guesses on year? Is this worth $400? Even considering the drive?

Definitely entry level and the parts looks to be from different eras. The brakes look to be mid-80's. Tires look el cheapo and heavy.

I personally would not drive 3 hours for a mid-range overpriced bike like this one here. Is it 6 hours round trip? Maybe if it were $200 and it were a perfect fit. It is a weird hodge-podge of parts as well, those shifters are really low end, I find them rather unreliable.

Since you committed to buy it, you probably should. Depends on what was said during the conversation.

I personally would not drive 3 hours for a mid-range overpriced bike like this one here. Is it 6 hours round trip? Maybe if it were $200 and it were a perfect fit. It is a weird hodge-podge of parts as well, those shifters are really low end, I find them rather unreliable.

It would be about 5 - 6 round trip depending on traffic. Though I get excellent gas mileage and I could, in theory, make a day of it and visit a friend who lives there... so I'm trying not to let the drive make or break my decision. Though it is certainly something to take into consideration.

The hodge-podge of parts does concern me. I have those same dia compe brakes on my 88 peugeot. I'm also assuming it was converted to triple after stock. Or did Bianchi ever make the premio with a triple?

As far as the shifters go, are they SIS?

Since you committed to buy it, you probably should. Depends on what was said during the conversation.

No commitment has been made. I have yet to make an actual offer so I imagine (perhaps wistfully so) that there's a fair bit of wiggle room/flexibility. I caught your post right before edit and I agree with you about it not really being a touring bike. Assuming I can talk him down some, how much stock should I put in the frame.

The shifters look to be Shimano 2200 which are very very low end, all plastic and are found on Wal-Mart bikes. I don't even know if they will work properly with the derailleurs that are on the bike. I really don't think this Bianchi is worth 6 hours of your time.

I did a quick search on your local CL and found 3 great deals that are the same size as the Bianchi---I personally would buy that GT, it is a SCREAMING deal.

Centurion-touring bike - $180 (Asheville)

http://asheville.craigslist.org/bik/2764679401.html

http://images.craigslist.org/5Ga5Ff5H43G33K53I1bcl6e7b7f1139791794.jpg

http://asheville.craigslist.org/bik/2794117728.html

GT Road Bike 58cm - $400 (Asheville)

http://images.craigslist.org/5Nf5F75H53G73Fd3Hdc1bf50cfc123faf14f3.jpg

http://asheville.craigslist.org/bik/2760097619.html

Cannondale 3.0 Criterium - $300 (Woodfin)

http://images.craigslist.org/5Q35Z35W33k43m13F3bci72cc4dd30c551c58.jpg

No commitment has been made. I have yet to make an actual offer so I imagine (perhaps wistfully so) that there's a fair bit of wiggle room/flexibility. I caught your post right before edit and I agree with you about it not really being a touring bike. Assuming I can talk him down some, how much stock should I put in the frame.

OK, yes I had several comments, but did not think they were appropriate if you had already fully committed to the bike. Assuming you have not, these are some of my concerns.

1. It is not a touring bike. If it was a touring bike, my interest would be higher. Nice touring bikes tend to go pretty high, compared to road bikes (50% to 75% premium). At the price of this bike, it really should be a touring bike, with cantis, etc.

2. Components are dirty to me. Crank looks well oxidized. A $400 bike should be spotless and sparkling.

3. I would need to know what the frame tubing is, and whether the bike is Italian or Asian. Lots of Asian Bianchis out there, and they usually have lower value. Based on components, I am guessing it's Asian.

4. I am not too thrilled with the mix of RSX components (particularly when they are in so so condition, both the crank and RD look tired.)


As to the bikes above, I am pretty familiar with the Asheville market. A Centurion Accordo in that condition for $180 is not a deal. That GT looks interesting, if you are looking for a modern drivetrain, it is a nice mix of DA and Ultegra. $400 is not too bad, and negotiate from there, and the deal gets better and better (assuming the bike is good in person). $300 for a DT shifter Cannondale is at the high end this time of year. At that price, I would expect to see a lower end Cannondale STI bike.

I did a quick search on your local CL and found 3 great deals that are the same size as the Bianchi---I personally would buy that GT, it is a SCREAMING deal.


Looks amazing. Especially the GT. Only problem is, these are also in Asheville, same location as the Bianchi, about the same distance drive, except for the criterium, which is a little futher.

Here, in Columbia, SC. There's not a lot in the second-hand market worth looking twice at.

However, the consensus seems to be unanimous on this premio, that's exactly what I was wondering.

Thanks to everyone who's replied so far

Really, I would ideally need something closer to 60 - 62 depending on the frame and geometry (i've ridden that gamut comfortably). I'm 6'5 and seller is 6'3 so I assumed the frame was probably a 60. Though that seat post does look a little high.

FWIW: Since you are OK with driving, I see the most deals in Charlotte and Atlanta, then places like Athens, GA, and even Macon. Seems to be a lot of DKO flippers in Charlotte. I recently picked up a bike in Hilton Head (the other direction for you). It sat on their C/L for over two weeks. I thought it was a deal, and I am pretty thrifty.

There was a really good deal in Charlotte a couple of days ago, a 2001 Lemonds Zurich, 9 speed Ultegra STI, etc. Gone now, but it was up for a few days.

Here's a tall Tempo in Atlanta. $195.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/2801753329.html

I would like see better pics. were the brakes upgraded? the frame is an '88 and may only be HiTen fork. I don't I would drive 3+ hours for that

GT may be a bit small for you, but man, that is a pretty sweet ride!
high end steel and high end 9spd shimano. hard to go wrong with that one

+100

Overpriced. RSX, cheap brakes, cheap looking tires, etc. The only value adder is the STI shifters but again as mentioned they're very low end and this bike just does not add up to $400.


Since you committed to buy it, you probably should. Depends on what was said during the conversation.

I'm surprised to hear this from you. In the land of Random Craigslist People I don't consider a bike sold until I have cash in hand.

+100


http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by wrk101 http://www.bikeforums.net/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=13745783#post13745783)
Since you committed to buy it, you probably should. Depends on what was said during the conversation.



I'm surprised to hear this from you. In the land of Random Craigslist People I don't consider a bike sold until I have cash in hand.

If I tell a seller I will be there and I am buying the bike, then I stick with my word. Its important to me, even if I end up finding out later I overpaid. But now the land of C/L is full of people that don't keep their word. I'm just not one of them.

I certainly do not consider a bike sold until I have the cash in hand.

If I were in the area, that GT would be mine. Nice frame, my size and the components a nice upgrade. If the drive isn't too far for you, you might check out the Tempo that Bill posted a link for. Looks clean to me. I've had a Tempo and it was a beautiful bike and an awesome ride. Very light, 23" frame was around 22 lbs. The taller bike will be heavier.