Classic & Vintage - 1986 (?) Bianchi Squadra - aka Francesca

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mountainlaurel3
07-15-12, 07:47 AM
Last fall I was casually in the market for a "fast bike" to add to the stable. Lo and behold, a friend mentions that he has an old Bianchi he doesn't ride much . . . and in my size. Shimano 600 with indexed rear shifter, "universal squadra" brakes. Bars, stem, saddle, rear wheel are non-original. Pedals also, it appears. She's got a few dings and the paint is rough in places, but boy, does she fly.

After replacing the ugly yellow sidewalled tires and yellow accented saddle, and modern stem and bars for more period correct ones, all I have left is to replace the toe clips with shallower, metal clips and the toe clip straps with leather. Plus, the brake cables/housing are too short, and I think I'll use grey when I replace them. Would they have been grey originally?

For some reason I've convinced myself that it's a 1986. Concur?

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/driveside.jpg

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7561.jpg

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7562.jpg?t=1342357098

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7564.jpg?t=1342357098

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7567.jpg?t=1342357282

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7568.jpg?t=1342357282

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7569.jpg?t=1342357282

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t425/mountainlaurel3/IMG_7570.jpg?t=1342357282

Bianchigirll
07-15-12, 08:03 AM
Nice looking Bianchi. Is the model name Squadra on the TT? I agree '86 is the likely year.
mountainlaurel3
07-15-12, 08:36 AM
Indeed - Squadra on the TT. Would this have been sold originally as a low-level racer? So mid-level+ overall in the Bianchi lineup?