New Arrival but pushing the C&V envelope **Rider Report**
 

allow me to apologize in advance for posting such a new bike here, but since everyone in Road and General cycling is only concerend with how fast and light there 2011 bike will be this is about the only place to post great used bikes.

I somehow managed to stumble accross a 'grail' bike on ebay. despite my dislike for 'sniping' I decided to give it a go. the results were suprising not only did I actually win *yea for me* it was less than my max bid. OK OK since you already looked at the pic with further adoo my newest arrival.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...8&d=1276955958

This is a '96-98 Ti Mega Tube with Columbus steel fork. the frame is Columbus Hyperion 3/2.5 Ti with a huge airfoild shaped DT to help stiffen the frame. I have to check the date code (however you decipher that) and check the exact year though.
The group is Campi Record Ti 8spd. mavic Reflex SUP rims. the bike was incredably dirty when it came (it was sold for the owner by an antiques dealer in Louisville) so obviously the owner just rode it and hung it up wet. I didn't think to take pics before I ripped off the hedious mottled celest and black tape. but I did snap a few precleanup pics. it is hard to tell in the pics but the frame was very dirty and dingy looking. after a liberal cleaning with some simple green and a hose it looks much better.

I'll have to make a few changes to "Bianchigirlize" it so I'll try and keep everyone up to date as I go. the stem certainly needs to go and I dislike the 'anotomic' handlebars so they are likely gonners too.

Sweet, I'm still a sucker for a beautiful girl draped in celeste

Ditto. If one shows up local in my size and wallet range I am going to have to grab it but it has to be a celeste.

Nice catch BG

That might be the first Bianchi that's ever moved me! Beautiful!

I love celeste and have always wanted to try titanium - the perfect bike! I'd guess too that that downtube will really stiffen it up compared to standard titanium tubing.

Yeah I don't think anyone is going to have a problem with this bike getting posted. (At least the top tube is level!)

But seriously, wow. Beautiful bike.

Nice Bianchi BG. How does the Ti ride feel and what is the headset, Chorus?

Oh, BTW, how much does it weigh and how fast does it go? :D

Yeah, this one is a beauty amongst Celeste beauties.

One Bianchi that I always REALLY liked was the one that had that splash of yellow at the seat lug area... I think Pantani rode one. Gorgeous.

Looks like a fantastic bike.

Anatomic handlebars have ´grown´on me a bit this past year, so you might want to give them a try anyway.... I wouldn´t go back to the older style of drops now.
Best of luck riding the heck out of it!!

That's what I call "Classic Titanium." It's so much better when painted.

-Kurt

thanks for you wonderful compliments gentlemen. it really is a beautiful bike and one I have really wanted for years. I do hope it rides as good as it looks.


anyway I got most of the dirt cleaned off, just got back from picking up some housing but I have to run out. hopefully I can get it back together tomorrow and ride it monday. here it is partially stripped down and almost ready for some turtlewax. OH as I suggested, to another Member, I really wanted to put blue cable housing onhere but ofcourse the shop has none in stock :(

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...2&d=1276983648

I am still not sold on the stem but unless I order some bars that is all I have for now.

I've got reams of blue housing that will match the lettering But I'm up off exit 3 rt 78. I could send ya some though if ya don't mind waiting

Now that is beautiful Bianchigirll - great catch! If there really is such a thing as a "Modern Classic" then this is it. Looks lightning fast just sitting there, it'll be 'supersonic' with new tape and housing. I think the stem's OK, but you've obviously got better taste than me - maybe one of those silver Deda Elementi A-head stems in your preferred reach would suit - they are quite elegant IMHO.

On the plus side, the forks are curved and the top tube is horizontal. I also see nothing wrong with the stem in the B4 photos (but maybe it's a fit thing?)...
All in all, looks like a very nice score.

Dang....want.

Mind if I ask what you paid?

It definitely looks better, but I see not having to worry about chipped paint as being one of titaniums best attributes.

Gosh, you gotta bless those sellers for laziness! Cleaned and polished, it would have been higher, but thank goodness, you got the gem of a deal B.G. When I put any item up on Ebay, it's detailed to attract interest and a want to own. No matter how used it is, everyone wants it to look almost new, and that's where I accommodate, to make their wish come true. Have lot of fun, Mike (gioscinelli)

You mean beautiful girl draping celeste.

Sexy.

Things have pretty much gotten to the point where any high end bike devoid of carbon is C&V. Great score, nice bike, and ride the heck out of it.

No shame in sniping to catch a grail bike, Bianchigirl.

I don't know anything about the character of Ti bikes, and I'm probably not alone. . . ( You'll have to give us a blow by blow ride comparison against one of your steelies, someday soon. )

Pretty much. Nice lugged steel is very quickly vanishing.

-Kurt

P.S.: I predict the next great C&V debate/argument will be over folks trying to weasel non-lugged CF frames into this forum.

"Weasel"? No weaseling about it! - I boldly, blatantly and unabashedly posted my non-lugged 74 Schwinn Suburban today!

...and I was thinking; "We'd never know it was titanium by just looking at the pictures!"

BG,

Can you tell us more about the Record Ti group? It is an awesome looking ride. I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more.

Congrats B.G.! This definitely has a place here, gorgeous, and like some stated, you may have added another bike onto our 'holy grail' lists. If I come across one in my size, I'd die happy. ;) This looks nice and the specs are intriguing. We await a full review!!

[Kurt]
IMHO, molded CF is C&V if it happens to be an original Kestrel w/ full C-Record. I wouldn't kick that out of my bed.