Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Bike question

Hi all,

I'm new to bikes so I would like your opinion on a bike I’m being offered. The bike I’m being offer is a Bianchi Alante for eighty dollars. I’ve tried to do a web search and found very little information. Attached is the only picture of the bike that I have. Thank you for your help.

261916

Scott

Where are the rear brakes mounted?

Yikes, I didn't notice the brakes - good eye

It's using a rear U-Brake mounted under the chainstay. Manufacturers used these on MTB's for a couple years in the early 90's, but virtually nobody liked it...

I think for $80 if it works & is in good shape, it's a deal. Enjoy. :)

Is it in good riding order?
- Wheels true
- Wheel bearings smooth
- brakes work
- Shifters work
- Bottom Bracket (the axel the pedals ride on) smooth
- Headset (Bearing between the front wheel and handlebars) smooth

A quick tune up at a bike store will cost you $35 plus parts.
A comprehensive overhaul is over $100

If the bike is ready to ride, perhaps with only minor adjustments, it is a good deal.
Don't forget bike fit. That is a whole new topic.
-

It's using a rear U-Brake mounted under the chainstay. Manufacturers used these on MTB's for a couple years in the early 90's, but virtually nobody liked it...

Very neat...I wondered that as it almost looked custom. I can see it being a dirty location for brakes.

I agree...if its a bike in ok ride-able condition, under 100 is good.

Sounds like a nice deal if its in good shape, though it's hard to judge condition from that small blurry pic.

That frame looks to be about my size. I am 5"7" with short legs. My 12 year old granddaughter rode my similarly sized Trek 900 yesterday, so it ought to fit a couple of inches shorter to a little taller.

Yo Spiff,

Sounds like we are built about the same as I'm 5'7" and shorter legs. The frame size is 18". Here is a better picture of the bike.

262036

It's using a rear U-Brake mounted under the chainstay. Manufacturers used these on MTB's for a couple years in the early 90's, but virtually nobody liked it...

And Trek has employed something similar on their 2013 Madones, starting with the 5 series and going up to the new 7 series. As someone else said, I can see that being a crap magnet if you get caught out in the rain.

Yo Spiff,

Sounds like we are built about the same as I'm 5'7" and shorter legs. The frame size is 18". Here is a better picture of the bike.

262036
It's just slightly on the large size but since you say you have short legs that means your torso is longer. Seats are easy to adjust.

I picked up a Nishiki Backroads plus a bike chain/lock for 30. It needs a new tube and some lube other then that it's good to ride. The frame is 16.5" so a better fit then the Bianchi.
Here's a picture of the Nishiki that I picked up. The sticker are courtesy of the previous owner.262175

It's just slightly on the large size but since you say you have short legs that means your torso is longer. Seats are easy to adjust.
It will probably work just fine if he is built like I am. On my road bike I ride a taller frame than the rule of thumb for standover height would dictate. Standing over the bike, the top tube is in my crotch. But a bike with an inch or two clearance has such a short reach to the bars that I feel cramped up like I'm on a little kids bike. Reach to the bars and pedals is more important.

Just for further illustration, since we are of similar height, here's my own mountain bike and road bike:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6463841127_40b6d2f51d_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/6463841127/)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5156/7043141421_237e6a10cd_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yospiff/7043141421/)