Bianchi Strada Frame - $80 .... worth it?
 

Someone is selling this frameset for $80. However the frame looks 'not that great' in shape according to his picture. I don't know the year of this frame. What you all think about this?

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7625/frame001.jpg

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I saw this one on CL as well. I decided not to bother just because it looks really rusty i.e the front cable guide, headset etc. It is also a very large frame. The other thing is building up a frame from scratch can be much more expensive than just buying a complete bike

Yes that's the one I see on our CL. According to the picture, it's in a pretty bad shape and I agree that building up a frame from scartch can be expensive. I'll go ahead and grab it if the frame is in celeste.

I'd pass on it.

I would not consider it. The number 1 thing I look for out of a frame is the condition of the paint (other than obvious flaws like frame damage). Repainting frames is rarely worth the expense unless it is something really special.

I can find donor bikes to supply wheels, components, etc., but I cannot find a donor bike to supply a paint job.

When I see bikes that have everything pretty much stripped off except for the stem, you can bet that someone is going to post on here asking how to get it out.

vjp

looks to be a '88 or '89 Strada LX and for $80 I agree pass on it. the frame is listed a Tange chromoly and Hi Ten fork. IMHO unless you already have all the parts this is not worth building.