Novice needs expert advice on 80s Bianchi frame in celeste
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Novice needs expert advice on 80s Bianchi frame in celeste
I ride a vintage bianchi frame that has been converted to a fixed gear by the previous owner. I believe its a mid-80s frame, its slightly beat up, doesnt shine anymore, but is structurally sound and very enjoyable to ride. It measures roughly 54cm center-to-center, which I now realize is a bit small for me. I am trying to place the frame in the hierarchy of Bianchi's offered back in the mid 80s as i look to trade/buy a larger size celeste frame.
Hopefully from some of the pictures you guys can opine. I appreciate your help, I've gleaned a lot just from reading old posts, but given the variation in bianchi frames and decals in the mid 80s i thought it might be more effective to throw my actual pictures up.
if you could venture a guess as to the value of the frame only, id appreciate it.
Some things ive noticed:
'Bianchi Special' decal on seat post. It does reference Columbus.
Non-celeste fork, could be added on at a later date from previous owner
Non-celeste piece of the triangle on the back wheel, not sure about this at all
It's got the 'made in italy' decal
Thanks again for your help!
Hopefully from some of the pictures you guys can opine. I appreciate your help, I've gleaned a lot just from reading old posts, but given the variation in bianchi frames and decals in the mid 80s i thought it might be more effective to throw my actual pictures up.
if you could venture a guess as to the value of the frame only, id appreciate it.
Some things ive noticed:
'Bianchi Special' decal on seat post. It does reference Columbus.
Non-celeste fork, could be added on at a later date from previous owner
Non-celeste piece of the triangle on the back wheel, not sure about this at all
It's got the 'made in italy' decal
Thanks again for your help!
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bianchigirll, please help! maybe its an 85 vittoria? based on some of your postings to others looking for info on old frames, its got the Special Columbus decal, and chrome detailing...
#3
incazzare.
Someone will be along to help, don't get impatient.
I don't know much about Bianchis, but it looks like a mid-quality frame to me. It has forged drops and the Columbus sticker. I don't know about the fork, but the chrome on the chainstay is normal. The chain often slaps there so the framemaker left that part chrome so as not to get chipped up paint. None of the braze-ons seem to have been hacked off in the fixie conversion process, so that's good. You might want to list the asking price so people can let you know if it is reasonable or not.
I don't know much about Bianchis, but it looks like a mid-quality frame to me. It has forged drops and the Columbus sticker. I don't know about the fork, but the chrome on the chainstay is normal. The chain often slaps there so the framemaker left that part chrome so as not to get chipped up paint. None of the braze-ons seem to have been hacked off in the fixie conversion process, so that's good. You might want to list the asking price so people can let you know if it is reasonable or not.
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Is that a Lambert death fork, or did they make steel forks that look like that too?
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I was going to guess mid 80's. Based upon seatpost it is definitely too small for you. You probably could bump up to a 57 or 58. Decent frame, nothing special or rare. Frame only might bring $125 in my market, more in others. If you find someone with celeste fever you might get over $150.00.
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thanks for the input guys. I dont have an asking price yet, i own it and am trying to settle on a reasonable price point. I also have a trade offer that is hard for me to analyze because its my old celeste for another old celeste (plus i would have to throw in some money as his frame is in better shape)
heres the link to the potential trade bike:
57CM MADE IN ITALY, BIANCHI CHAMPION DE ITALY
heres the link to the potential trade bike:
57CM MADE IN ITALY, BIANCHI CHAMPION DE ITALY
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looks to be another midliner. would represent a sideways trade.
#8
incazzare.
That would probably be a fair trade.
I can tell you that if you somehow get $300 for the frame you should take the money and run. Also it is not a "track" frame, it is a road frame.
I can tell you that if you somehow get $300 for the frame you should take the money and run. Also it is not a "track" frame, it is a road frame.
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1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter