Raleighgirl89

Hey all,

So I'm kinda a noob to buying used but have really had my sights set on finding an 80s-90s Bianchi. I came across the following bike recently and since my knowledge level isn't the best I'm having a hard time deciding if the bike is worth the listed price of $700 CAD. Any input you could provide/knowledge you're willing to impart would be greatly appreciated!!!

Here are the details below and photos can be seen from the original ad here:
1980's Bianchi, 48cm frame For Sale

Bianchi Special Columbus Road Bike in Excellent Condition --

Tubing is Special Columbus, made in Italy. Campagnolo brakes, gearing, derailleur. 48cm frame - small adult.

Hasn't been ridden since the early 90s, but well stored inside.

Selly Italia seat
3T stem and handle bars
Full Campagnolo group set with exception of shifters and rear de-railer.
Dura Ace Shimano shifter levers and rear de-railer
Campognolo brakes
Campognolo toe clips
Shimano hubs
Araya rims


Thanks!

randyjawa 

I picked one of those Bianchi bicycles a few weeks ago. I believe the model is the Vittoria, or something close to that. Full matched Campy GS and some nice chrome accents on the frame and fork, make for a very nice bicycle. A Vintage Bicycle's Value is impossible to determine unless we know where it is being offered for sale. Some markets are much stronger than others. To demonstrate, I paid $200.00 for the one that I just bought and it was in excellent condition. Sorry, I don't have pictures of it just now.

TugaDude

Looks like at the current exchange that is $633 American. Too high in my opinion. Gorgeous bike though. Love the color and it looks to be in good shape. Remember, however, any bike that has not been ridden in over 20 years will need a complete overhaul, probably new rubber, etc. That has to factor in. Even ready to ride, I think the asking price is too high.

Randy paid $200 but that was probably a bargain. I'm thinking maybe $300 or less for yours.

zukahn1 

I would say very nice bike also. Considering it hasn't been riden in 20 years and likely needs a full overhaul and has some mismatched none original parts I would say $300-350 the small size and color give it slight premium.

AbsurdChalk

I agree that its value is around 300-350$ american. Depending on your market, you should be able to find a nice bike for very cheap with compulsive craigslist refreshes. I bought my Bianchi Road bike for 150$ dura ace and shimano 600 components, Columbus tubing, and a really beautiful Celeste frame color.

Thumpic

It's a small bike too......does it fit you?

Raleighgirl89

Thanks for the responses all! I'm 5'2" and unfortunately need a 48cm, darn my short legs. I suspected it was overpriced but also being as I'm in the pacific northwest the demand for these gems is pretty high and hence enter jacked up prices, yay, part of the reason I have a hard time figuring out what I should (or usually should not be paying). I'm going to keep looking and yes, I agree, never underestimate the power of the compulsive Craigslist refresh. So if anyone hears of a vintage 48cm Bianchi seeking a short legged girl you know where to send 'em...

zukahn1 

Unfortentaly small women friendly vintage road bikes of better quality usually sell for a siginificant premium in hotter markets and figure another $50-100 if they have nice cosmetics and a pinky purple or pink frame with nice orginal paint.

jyl

In Portland, and I imagine elsewhere in the PNW, Craigslist bike prices drop during the winter. Significantly. So I'd be patient.

armstrong101

Hi

I'm in Toronto, which is ridiculous $$$ market too.

I ride small-sized frames too. That bike is not a 48. It's a 49 c-c or a 50 c-t. I know because I have 2 Bianchis of that era in the exact same size, as well as a 48 cm non-Bianchi (a Colnago), and a 50 cm Bianchi. A 48 cm frame will generally have the headtube lugs cut down and will appear "squished" together. The headtube lugs on that frame are distinct, so it's a 49 cm at the smallest. You may actually want to continue looking for a 48 cm frame as that frame might still be a bit big for you. My wife is 5'2 as well and my 49 cm frames are too big for her (hence the 48 cm Colnago).

My initial reaction upon seeing the price and laundry list of components is that it is too expensive. But upon closer inspection, that frame really IS quite nice. If you want it, badly, and you have lots of disposable income, you could go $500 (Canadian). In Toronto, that wouldn't be a crazy number. It has some chrome accents, so it's slightly mid-higher end. Although you like the colour, in general, anything celeste goes for a premium. Hence, purple isn't sought after, but it might have a niche market since it would be female-friendly. You could dispense of the parts on the bike and do a rebuild with a matching groupset, and could recoup some money. If my wife liked that bike and it fit her, I would be willing to pony up 500 but that's just me and I'm OK with spending that type of disposable money (although it would stink if the seller really insisted on 500). But that doesn't mean you could get your money back if you were to resell. For 700 though, you would basically want a near-mint showroom condition bike with an original Campagnolo groupset in absolute mint condition.

oddjob2

Sales solicitations here are against house rules. There is a for sale section, which only costs you a tiny membership fee.

oddjob2

Ad for Bianchi is from 4/13, so either a zombie ad or a seller in LaLa land. IMHO FMV is up to $425 CA.