ionikos

Hi to all, I have been looking for the last two weeks for an Italian steel classic, and Columbus SL or SLX. Living in the Amsterdam at the moment made it easier. Having a placed bids for a Colnago Super frame 78 set pulled the pin on that deal as it kept creeping up, a Colnago that had been made into a single speed painted in mat military green (a crime) and sawed off the shifter arms. I have always liked Bianchi and made last search on a Dutch classifieds i make a bid on this master piece.
Wake up an get on line searching just from the pics that i placed a bid on, looking for bike of around the late 80s that i could tell. Coming up with Bianchi x4 specialissima 1987, i made an offer of what the seller wanted 295 euros. There were other bids 80 then 90, 105. The night before i sent an email to the seller saying i can pay 295 and will pick it up on Sunday. Saturday i msg the guy as he had emailed me 295 is what he wants and its mine, that i will be there to pick up the bike at around 12:00.



I get up early as i had a 3 hour train ride to Doezum, Groningen. As i arrived in Groningen i call Fernando the seller and there was no answer, ok, its only 10:00. By the way before i left home i see the bidding is on 420 euros, i have this anxiety attack that i might loose this. I just wanted to see this bike after reading about and hoping Fernando wont change his mind after see the bidding just keep rising.
Well i grab a coffee and walk a bit around the area waiting to make another call, its now 11:00, I make the call, no answer. I call again, NO ANSWER. Anxiety attack. I now go to a coffee shop and waited.
Now relaxed i msg Fernando saying i should be there as this place by 13:00, Doezum is 30km from Groningen and the buses to get there were every 2 hours. Well after the msg Fernando call and apologies for sleeping and not hearing the phone. Well it was Sunday.
I ask the bus driver in english as i do not know any Dutch as yet, to let me know when we are close to this address that i showed him. He said he will let me know when we are near, about 35min later the driver asked what number i was looking for and dropped me off at the front of the house. great hospitality.
Fernando opened the door and straight to the back of the house where she was waiting. He mentioned that there was quite a few interested parties, but i was the first to offer what he wanted. 295
Well Fernando was a rider that gave up wanting the good life. He is happy and was talking about the boys on the tours pro and am. I handed over 300 and he was a gentleman and gave me 5 change, and said this is for the bus trip.

howsteepisit

Nice story and very nice bike at a great price!

jyl

Yes, really good deal!