"Esclusivista" 83 Bianchi specialissima?
02-16-17, 07:54 AM
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When you get the bike, check the date codes on the top of the rear derailleur and back of the crank arms, (and hub lock nuts if you want to really dig). Those would a be a clue to the build year.
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02-16-17, 09:19 AM
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Bianchi can be very hard to nail down, due to the amount of variation between markets. Most members are familiar with the American market models, so European models can cause some confusion.
The subject bicycle does appear to be mid-1980s. Market variation seems to be tied mostly to finish and fittings. Things like lugs, crowns and dropouts were more consistent and make better indicators. For instance, the subject frame has the investment cast seat lug which was introduced on the high end models and that I have not seen prior to 1983. It also does not appear to have the Portacatena dropout, which appears in the catalogues through 1983. So, maybe it's later 1983 or 1984.
Despite the fact that some markets did offer fully chromed OEM forks in 1983, the crown style is indicative of a later period and would appear to be a replacement.
The chainring embossing duplicates what it generally considered to be an older logo style but you can still see it in the 1983 catalogue on some models and the 1983 team frames still used this logo. The 1983 team bicycles also used the OP's style of shift lever cut-out.
It was common practice for Bianchi to offer the top models in an alternate colour than celeste.
One curious omission, given the apparent age, is the Piaggio decal, though Bianchi was not necessarily consistent in its application, based on extant catalogues.
The bottom line is that it does appear to be a high end, mid-1980s Bianchi frame, with period correct components. However, the fork does appear to be a replacement. Once the bicycle is rec'd we can perform some further analysis based on the serial number and date codes from the cranks, hubs and rear derailleur.
The subject bicycle does appear to be mid-1980s. Market variation seems to be tied mostly to finish and fittings. Things like lugs, crowns and dropouts were more consistent and make better indicators. For instance, the subject frame has the investment cast seat lug which was introduced on the high end models and that I have not seen prior to 1983. It also does not appear to have the Portacatena dropout, which appears in the catalogues through 1983. So, maybe it's later 1983 or 1984.
Despite the fact that some markets did offer fully chromed OEM forks in 1983, the crown style is indicative of a later period and would appear to be a replacement.
The chainring embossing duplicates what it generally considered to be an older logo style but you can still see it in the 1983 catalogue on some models and the 1983 team frames still used this logo. The 1983 team bicycles also used the OP's style of shift lever cut-out.
It was common practice for Bianchi to offer the top models in an alternate colour than celeste.
One curious omission, given the apparent age, is the Piaggio decal, though Bianchi was not necessarily consistent in its application, based on extant catalogues.
The bottom line is that it does appear to be a high end, mid-1980s Bianchi frame, with period correct components. However, the fork does appear to be a replacement. Once the bicycle is rec'd we can perform some further analysis based on the serial number and date codes from the cranks, hubs and rear derailleur.
02-18-17, 01:54 PM
#28
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Bianchi can be very hard to nail down, due to the amount of variation between markets. Most members are familiar with the American market models, so European models can cause some confusion.
The subject bicycle does appear to be mid-1980s. Market variation seems to be tied mostly to finish and fittings. Things like lugs, crowns and dropouts were more consistent and make better indicators. For instance, the subject frame has the investment cast seat lug which was introduced on the high end models and that I have not seen prior to 1983. It also does not appear to have the Portacatena dropout, which appears in the catalogues through 1983. So, maybe it's later 1983 or 1984.
Despite the fact that some markets did offer fully chromed OEM forks in 1983, the crown style is indicative of a later period and would appear to be a replacement.
The chainring embossing duplicates what it generally considered to be an older logo style but you can still see it in the 1983 catalogue on some models and the 1983 team frames still used this logo. The 1983 team bicycles also used the OP's style of shift lever cut-out.
It was common practice for Bianchi to offer the top models in an alternate colour than celeste.
One curious omission, given the apparent age, is the Piaggio decal, though Bianchi was not necessarily consistent in its application, based on extant catalogues.
The bottom line is that it does appear to be a high end, mid-1980s Bianchi frame, with period correct components. However, the fork does appear to be a replacement. Once the bicycle is rec'd we can perform some further analysis based on the serial number and date codes from the cranks, hubs and rear derailleur.
The subject bicycle does appear to be mid-1980s. Market variation seems to be tied mostly to finish and fittings. Things like lugs, crowns and dropouts were more consistent and make better indicators. For instance, the subject frame has the investment cast seat lug which was introduced on the high end models and that I have not seen prior to 1983. It also does not appear to have the Portacatena dropout, which appears in the catalogues through 1983. So, maybe it's later 1983 or 1984.
Despite the fact that some markets did offer fully chromed OEM forks in 1983, the crown style is indicative of a later period and would appear to be a replacement.
The chainring embossing duplicates what it generally considered to be an older logo style but you can still see it in the 1983 catalogue on some models and the 1983 team frames still used this logo. The 1983 team bicycles also used the OP's style of shift lever cut-out.
It was common practice for Bianchi to offer the top models in an alternate colour than celeste.
One curious omission, given the apparent age, is the Piaggio decal, though Bianchi was not necessarily consistent in its application, based on extant catalogues.
The bottom line is that it does appear to be a high end, mid-1980s Bianchi frame, with period correct components. However, the fork does appear to be a replacement. Once the bicycle is rec'd we can perform some further analysis based on the serial number and date codes from the cranks, hubs and rear derailleur.
02-19-17, 04:40 AM
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I spoke to a friend in Voghera and he says that Inbici is a bike shop that used to be part of a chain of the same name. Apparently the only one of the chain that remains is the original shop in Voghera. It is owned by Giuseppe Bertucci and is located at Via Carducci 13.
02-19-17, 07:19 AM
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02-19-17, 06:11 PM
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I spoke to a friend in Voghera and he says that Inbici is a bike shop that used to be part of a chain of the same name. Apparently the only one of the chain that remains is the original shop in Voghera. It is owned by Giuseppe Bertucci and is located at Via Carducci 13.
02-19-17, 06:12 PM
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02-20-17, 07:52 AM
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Unfortunately, somebody forgot to stamp the year indicator on that seat lug. It should be next to the "A". The crankset is from 1981 but given the high probablity that it was built from a frame, the crankset could have been older stock.
Had it been 1981, I would definitely have expected a Portacatena dropout. They werevclearly in use in the 1981 catalogue on the high end models. Does it have one or two sets of bottle bosses? A pump peg? Pending further evidence, I sticking with circa 1983-1984, based on the non-Portacatena dropout and investment cast seat lug.
Had it been 1981, I would definitely have expected a Portacatena dropout. They werevclearly in use in the 1981 catalogue on the high end models. Does it have one or two sets of bottle bosses? A pump peg? Pending further evidence, I sticking with circa 1983-1984, based on the non-Portacatena dropout and investment cast seat lug.
02-20-17, 04:59 PM
#34
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Unfortunately, somebody forgot to stamp the year indicator on that seat lug. It should be next to the "A". The crankset is from 1981 but given the high probablity that it was built from a frame, the crankset could have been older stock.
Had it been 1981, I would definitely have expected a Portacatena dropout. They werevclearly in use in the 1981 catalogue on the high end models. Does it have one or two sets of bottle bosses? A pump peg? Pending further evidence, I sticking with circa 1983-1984, based on the non-Portacatena dropout and investment cast seat lug.
Had it been 1981, I would definitely have expected a Portacatena dropout. They werevclearly in use in the 1981 catalogue on the high end models. Does it have one or two sets of bottle bosses? A pump peg? Pending further evidence, I sticking with circa 1983-1984, based on the non-Portacatena dropout and investment cast seat lug.
I am sure there is only one set of bottle bosses and no pump peg.
So far my guess is as you said it was a built-up from a frame and parts the shop had. And the the shop put a decal on that said "INBICI", a shop in Voghera, exclusive. But what I am really curious about now is the color paint. After cleaning it a bit I found it has a bit of a metallic shine to it. None of the celeste color bikes from the mid and early 80s had that. It is also not white, but a champagne or very light greenish yellow depending on the lighting. I doubt it was repainted, so it must have been a choice from Bianchi.
03-29-17, 09:15 AM
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It might be specialissima x3.
I,m just building my specialissima x3 from frameset and couple of parts that came with it.
Mine is 1984 or 1985. Similar type of frame number:letter A on right side top tube/seat tube lug and no.77 on left side.
I,m just building my specialissima x3 from frameset and couple of parts that came with it.
Mine is 1984 or 1985. Similar type of frame number:letter A on right side top tube/seat tube lug and no.77 on left side.
Last edited by samisoid; 03-29-17 at 09:24 AM. Reason: typo
03-13-18, 07:11 AM
#37
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Samisoid, I wonder if your frame is a year newer or if mine has different Columbus sticker.
They mystery behind my bike continues. I found it was sold on Germany back in 2015 (i am in the US) and somehow made it to the US and was sold again early last year (apparently for a lot less - luckily for me). There is a site that still has pictures of my bike (Google white 80s specialissima)
I also learned there are others out there like mine which is pretty cool. Here is an example. The first one is not mine and lack the bike store sticker.
They mystery behind my bike continues. I found it was sold on Germany back in 2015 (i am in the US) and somehow made it to the US and was sold again early last year (apparently for a lot less - luckily for me). There is a site that still has pictures of my bike (Google white 80s specialissima)
I also learned there are others out there like mine which is pretty cool. Here is an example. The first one is not mine and lack the bike store sticker.
03-19-18, 05:30 AM
#38
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Specialissima X3's were produced 1982-1985 and were made either Columbus SL or SLX tubing.Special features on X3 frames were: 1.Bianchi engraved in a sloped chromed fork crown.2.Special Bianchi X3 investment cast lug set.
3.Squared brake bridge with pantograph “Bianchi” on both sides.
4.Aero-shaped seat stays.
Your specialissma has some of the features of X3 models like the squared shape brake bridge and lug set.The seat stays appear to be round not aero(oval) shape if i could see it right from your pics.
3.Squared brake bridge with pantograph “Bianchi” on both sides.
4.Aero-shaped seat stays.
Your specialissma has some of the features of X3 models like the squared shape brake bridge and lug set.The seat stays appear to be round not aero(oval) shape if i could see it right from your pics.
03-19-18, 07:19 AM
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Specialissima X3's were produced 1982-1985 and were made either Columbus SL or SLX tubing.Special features on X3 frames were: 1.Bianchi engraved in a sloped chromed fork crown.2.Special Bianchi X3 investment cast lug set.
3.Squared brake bridge with pantograph “Bianchi” on both sides.
4.Aero-shaped seat stays.
Your specialissma has some of the features of X3 models like the squared shape brake bridge and lug set.The seat stays appear to be round not aero(oval) shape if i could see it right from your pics.
3.Squared brake bridge with pantograph “Bianchi” on both sides.
4.Aero-shaped seat stays.
Your specialissma has some of the features of X3 models like the squared shape brake bridge and lug set.The seat stays appear to be round not aero(oval) shape if i could see it right from your pics.
As I understand it, during this time frame, the "specialissima" was a frame only option (or so I was told). The full bike option (the top model) was the Super Leggera which used the same frame. I don't see the X3 in the catalogs until 85, the year (or 2) after my frame. Also, there is no year stamped on my frame and couple other people I have talked to noticed the same thing. Maybe because these are only frames to be built up later?
Someone above also speculated my frame was a team bike ordered with the special color.
And one thing I keep getting conflicting information on is the tubing. Some say it is the same as SLX while others say SLX is different. What I do know is there was a lot of variation between all the different markets (US, Europe, etc.) and it appears my bike was originally sold in Voghera Italy.
Here are the Super Leggeras from two Bianchi catalogs in 1983 and 1984.
Last edited by Casual Rider; 03-19-18 at 07:35 AM.
03-19-18, 11:43 AM
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I have also Specialissima (superleggera) 1982 assembled originally from frameset.Mixed Campagnolo and Gipiemme parts.It is clearly different frame.Look at third pic on my post of X3.It clearly shows the ovaliness of seatstays.Does yours look the same ?
Last edited by samisoid; 03-20-18 at 11:41 AM.
03-19-18, 11:49 AM
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Do you have numbers stamped just above where those seatstays meet the post?
I found this pic a few days ago. It is my bike when it was sold in Germany.
03-19-18, 12:23 PM
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Quote:And one thing I keep getting conflicting information on is the tubing. Some say it is the same as SLX while others say SLX is different.
SL and SLX are different tubing.SLX have the rifling reinforcements inside down and seat tube ends.
SL and SLX are different tubing.SLX have the rifling reinforcements inside down and seat tube ends.
03-19-18, 12:28 PM
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03-19-18, 01:28 PM
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03-20-18, 11:56 AM
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Specialissima X3 models were officially presented to general sale 1984. I found that from local(Finland) importer of Bianchi in the 1980's.They were available both as complete bike with super record groupset and as bare frameset.X3 were sold for about +1 year and followed by the Centenario in 1985 and X4 model in 1986.
The pre 1984 X3:s were possibly available for pro teams etc.
The pre 1984 X3:s were possibly available for pro teams etc.
Last edited by samisoid; 03-20-18 at 03:02 PM.
03-20-18, 01:16 PM
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Your mystery Specialissima's fork crown also looks the same as my X3's crown.Underneath the celeste paint,my fork is chromed too.
I think that cathering the evidence so far, the bike you have is very likely a Specialissima X3 frame and fork, assembled from frameset in local bikeshop Inbici Voghera Italy.It just does not have the small decal on right side top tube that says specialissima ''x3''.That decal was possibly only on full super record equipped bikes from factory and not on frame sets.
I think that cathering the evidence so far, the bike you have is very likely a Specialissima X3 frame and fork, assembled from frameset in local bikeshop Inbici Voghera Italy.It just does not have the small decal on right side top tube that says specialissima ''x3''.That decal was possibly only on full super record equipped bikes from factory and not on frame sets.
Last edited by samisoid; 03-20-18 at 01:20 PM.
02-26-24, 06:35 PM
#48
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Specialissima X3 models were officially presented to general sale 1984. I found that from local(Finland) importer of Bianchi in the 1980's.They were available both as complete bike with super record groupset and as bare frameset.X3 were sold for about +1 year and followed by the Centenario in 1985 and X4 model in 1986.
The pre 1984 X3:s were possibly available for pro teams etc.
The pre 1984 X3:s were possibly available for pro teams etc.
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