New to bikes

Hi
I bought these to bikes and I am trying to figure out what I have. Also to see if I over paid.
First the mixte bike runs flawlessly and has only minimal signs of wear $75.00 they want $150
My wife fell in love with this so I converted it to more of a cruiser/commuter bike

Second the an Azzuro the person told me it was an Italian frame $100 they wanted $200
It has Simplex derailers and a cotter crank needs work but does ride
All/any help will be greatly appreciated

Bianchigirll 

Where are thise bikes? I would put the Mixte maybe mid '80s but I think the crank is much newer. Looks like an upper lower level like a Sport or Special.



This one is likely a lowend model judging by the cotter cranks, and safety levers.

New to bikes

The bikes are in Toronto Canada. The mixte seems to be more of a nimble quicker, lighter bike then the men's. I bought the mixte for the wife she has started to ride to work about 22 kilometres round trip. I first got her a Schwinn Soto( Chinese bike I found out also over priced) and since owning it for a week she hates it. The bike shifts like a tank and clicks from the cranset and it has only been ridden about 100 km.
So the mixte it does not matter either way if I over paid at $75 plus a new tube but would still like to know(seller wanted $150). The most important part is the wife loves it. We went on a 30km bike ride yesterday and she could not believe how this bike(mixte) was a million times better then the $400 Schwinn (I did convert it to a cruiser/commuter bike), that it was actually a pleasure to ride it.

This brings me to the men's Bianchi I paid $100 for it because I thought if she was that happy with hers I would love one as well
The seller wanted $200 I offered a $100 and they took it I thought I would replace my Sekine MR300 with this Bianchi
Is there such thing as a Azzuro? Did Bianchi ever use Simplex derailers or cotter cranks or is this a Frankenbike? Would it be worth putting a Shimano 105 group set on it? Would the bottom bracket be Italian or English thread( see I do read the forum)? The bike does have a sticker just below the seat stating made in Italy. Anyway to figure out the model or serial number? Should I replace any parts or just take my lumps on this bike? Finally did I over pay, market value or by some strange chance under pay?
I am not too sure what you mean by safety levers. My username pretty much sums up my knowledge on bikes. I do feel I did a nice job converting the mixte to a commuter.
Any/all help will be greatly appreciated. Also very glad you answered as I hear you are the resident expert on Bianchi
Cheers
Scott

oddjob2

IMHO, you did great on both purchases. I'd say the Mixte is a steal, even if the paint appears a bit rough.

If both of you are happy with the ride, handling, and mechanicals, why make any changes? Just go out and enjoy.

anixi

The Azzuro looks like it's mid-70's bottom end Italian. Measure the bottom bracket. If it's 70mm wide, you've got Italian threading. That would make it tougher to find a Shimano 105 compatible bottom bracket. I believe that you might find one that's Japanese make, but, they're like hen's teeth...

New to bikes

The mixte rides excellent the Azzuro the bottom bracket seems a little loose and needs to be tuned up. Did Bianchi use Simplex?
I guess being into them for $180 for the pair is not bad. Do you know where the serial number would be on the men's bike?

New to bikes

Is it worth upgrading or the frame a lot different on a low end Bianchi. If I upgrade bottom bracket to something I can find and delailers etc will it become a mid range bike or will it stay a low end with nice parts

anixi

Well, if it's PG tubing (plain gauge, no butting) it will be a low-end frame no matter how you try to dress it up. If it is, you would be best off putting lower end, or mid-grade, components and just enjoy the comfortable, yet unresponsive, ride. I'm sorry that I can't be more optimistic!

bruce19

Is that blue one a Squadra? I had one and sold it a few years ago. Sorry I did. Rode that bike through Puerto Rico once.

New to bikes

Hi
The seller told me it was Azzuro. I have really no way of knowing either way. Very new to Bianchi.
If there is a way to figure out the model let me know and I will gladly post what it is.

New to bikes

I think I would go with the mid grade parts just to replace the cotter crank not a huge fan of them. Do you if I can find a square axle for these. I am 95% sure it is an Italian frame there is a sticker made in Italy and the bottom bracket seems to be 70mm.

anixi

Isn't "azzuro" Italian for "blue"? Interesting name for a bike model...maybe that's a secondary model name?

bruce19

Yes. And, now that I'm thinking about it a "Squadra" should say Squadra somewhere on the frame I believe.

New to bikes

I am just going by what the seller told me. Like my username sum up my experience with bikes. I did measure the bottom bracket and it is 70mm, so I guess it is Italian. If I could figure out the year and model I would be set. I did fine the serial number. It is where the rear wheel attaches on the non drive side. I did not write it down.

New to bikes

The decals are in so so shape the only ones I could find are Bainchi and made in Italy on it.
What I would really like to do is switch the bottom bracket axle to square

New to bikes

I would still really like to find out what bike this is and year. Someone did mention 1970ties would like to know for sure.
The main thing I would like to do is switch the bottom bracket to square axle like this
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/120962141464?...84.m1438.l2649
My bearing caps seem fine no real pitting etc. but would really like to switch axles. So I guess my question is if I get one that was the same measurements between the bearing races will it work? Or do I have to find complete bottom bracket with caps, bearing and axle?
I actually took apart the bottom bracket last night the bearing and caps are fine. When I bought the bike the side without the adjustment(drive side) was loose. So I figured I should look at why. I really do not understand why it came loose. Anyway it went back together nice and seems very smooth with new grease
Any/all help will be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Scott

New to bikes

The Bianchi in question I took better pictures. I was told by the seller it was 1980ties and I was told by someone else early 1970ties about 1973
I was also told it was a touring bike not a road bike
So I know I have asked before but I would really like to figure out the model and year. I was told that the bracket on the back was for a lock. Also it has the generator bracket. Why I am re-asking is the guy who looked the bike said he was not a Bianchi guy He thought it was a Champione Del Mondo Touring and from what I think I have learned is that is not a model but a pro sticker.
It had a cotter crank and Simplex drive 180 I think

New to bikes

After all my searching this is the closest I can find. It has the brackets like mine everything looks the same but I have no fenders
https://vintagecycleco.wordpress.com/...touring-cycle/

ksisler

Generally the word upgrade should be avoided in most cases...it starts you down the slippy path from "you did pretty good" to "how much are you going to p*$$ away trying to make silk out of a sows ear". Make minimal repairs only and only when it is necessary. Then ride them as much as possible...be happy like your wife is.

New to bikes

I decided to let it go, someone offered me $300 for the Bianchi so I took it. I did put Shimano 600 crank and derailers on it that I bought for $45 and a sealed bottom bracket LP 20 $15.00 bike cost me $100
I thinking of restoring the Bottecchia or my old Peugeot