Lightfoot21

My neighbor has a bianchi that his grandfather owned. He thinks it was new in 1969. Campy crankset, derailleurs, pedals, seat post, and a very cool adjustable stem. The chrome lugs are beautiful. the wheels are nothing special. Trouble is, I don't want to insult him again (already offered $300 with a negative reaction) but I really do not know what to offer. There are no dings or dents. I'm posting a few pictures in hopes that someone can give me an idea as to whether or not this is a really special model. The serial number appears on the seat tube, not on the bottom bracket. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I buy and sell a few bikes but this is something I want to keep and ride. Also, note that the headtube lugs are a part of the headset - something I'm not familiar with.

oddjob2

Well the stem alone has a $200ish sold comp.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ambr...item4854dd880a

Look for date codes on the components. I think it older than 1969.

jyl

I believe that is an early 1960s model and potentially a Specialissima. Based on the integrated headset, the serial number and location of same, and the chrome lugs (the entire frame is chromed, the lugs are not painted over). Pictures are bad but it looks in very nice condition. Value closer to $1K, plus the stem's value. Search here and elsewhere for 1960s Specialissima and you can probably pinpoint the year and model. It would be helpful to see better photos, including of seat tube and downtube decals and marking.

big chainring 

Cool bike. I think doubling your offer price might land you a rare classic. Well worth it too. Don't let it slip away.

Poguemahone

Yep. That's a lot for a local sale, but probably worth it. Guy could likely do better on the bay, but packing/fees/hassle may not be worth it to him.

wrk101

+1 $300 is way too low ball. Raise offer to at least double that amount, and be happy to get a deal on a really nice bike.

At least around here, high end bikes tend to bring about half of ebay prices. Everyone is looking for the $100 bike, but the high end ones are the best deals (if the budget allows),

oddjob2

+1 Like my UO-8 deal, eh?

Beware Lightfoot21, your neighbor may be reading this site too. Whenever you google a vintage bike, bikeforums always comes up near the top of the list. I've bought bikes from sellers who can quote verbatim what advice/comments were listed here.

I detest bidding against myself so here is what I suggest. It's actually your neighbor's turn to counter you. He may have a threshold amount in mind. If it's outrageous IYHO, let him try his luck elsewhere. If it's within striking distance of the amount you're comfortable with, congratulations! YMMV

Frame only comp, stripped to chrome at $300
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Bianchi...p2047675.l2557

Poguemahone

Yeah, just ask him what he wants. If it's way too high, you can just walk away. I always ask a seller what they want to sell for, and make offers only as a counter or when they say "make an offer." I generally tell them what they could get elsewhere, too, at least if it is higher.

BlueDevil63 

I think it may be older than some are suggesting. The brakes appear to be 50s model Universal Extras. 60s Specialissima had an actual headbadge not a decal, 50s models had decals. Need more pictures and info. What size is that seat post? Picture of seat tube would be good. 60s Specialissima had chrome bands on seat tube.

oddjob2

When is Bianchigirll weighing in?

Rest_assured

Out of interest, why are stems like that uncommon? Seems more useful (to me at least) than the one-piece quill stems. Is there a safety issue or something?

Phil_gretz

Would a stem like that be more useful in a shop, where its adjustability could help fit customers? The practical use for an individual rider would be lost, once the correct settings are found. Plus, there are penalties of weight, complexity (another bolt to come loose), and aesthetics.

It's a cool stem, and I'd love to have one, though.