Scored another Italian, Bianchi Specialissima
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Scored another Italian, Bianchi Specialissima
i recently picked up my grail bike (red De Rosa with C Record), so when this came up on CL i was debating whether or not to check it out, but the size, the condition and price were right, so it came home with me.
these pics are the seller's but they're quite good (hosted on my Flickr)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjri...7626570346161/
i believe it to be from 1985. Specialissima top of the line? bulgier's site shows a similar bike but not quite the same.
https://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Cat...anchi-85/4.jpg
other than the seat post, i believe it to be all original, full SR.
paint and chrome are in near perfect condition (only surface rust on chain stays which i've already removed 99% of the way), decals are all excellent with the 'specialissima' being the worst. as usual it seems, the dome nuts on the calipers are the worst of the bunch.
i'll probably source a fluted SR seat post, replace cables, replace toe straps, overhaul all bearings and throw on my newly built Mavic Open SUP Ceramic clinchers on low-flange Record hubs and call it a day. the bar tape is super nice and tight, the brake hoods are soft and supple with no tears, cable housings are in great shape. saddle is also in fantastic condition. i'm keeping the GL330's, they show very little brake surface wear and eyelets are pretty clean, maybe i'll go tubular just for fun rides.
i'll post updated pics when i get it all cleaned up, i'm excited.
IMG_6383 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6394 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6393 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6385 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6390 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6392 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6395 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6397 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6396 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6400 by shnibop, on Flickr
these pics are the seller's but they're quite good (hosted on my Flickr)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjri...7626570346161/
i believe it to be from 1985. Specialissima top of the line? bulgier's site shows a similar bike but not quite the same.
https://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Cat...anchi-85/4.jpg
other than the seat post, i believe it to be all original, full SR.
paint and chrome are in near perfect condition (only surface rust on chain stays which i've already removed 99% of the way), decals are all excellent with the 'specialissima' being the worst. as usual it seems, the dome nuts on the calipers are the worst of the bunch.
i'll probably source a fluted SR seat post, replace cables, replace toe straps, overhaul all bearings and throw on my newly built Mavic Open SUP Ceramic clinchers on low-flange Record hubs and call it a day. the bar tape is super nice and tight, the brake hoods are soft and supple with no tears, cable housings are in great shape. saddle is also in fantastic condition. i'm keeping the GL330's, they show very little brake surface wear and eyelets are pretty clean, maybe i'll go tubular just for fun rides.
i'll post updated pics when i get it all cleaned up, i'm excited.
IMG_6383 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6394 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6393 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6385 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6390 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6392 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6395 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6397 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6396 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_6400 by shnibop, on Flickr
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
too funny... i check the CL/Ebay thread but haven't in a few days, never saw those posts or the one linked by BG to the 'valuation' forum.
anyway, the seller was pretty honest with me, said he picked it up recently, fairly described the condition in my opinion. his hi-res pics made the thing look worse that it does in person. he might have gotten a bit more if he was willing to clean it up, but that's fine with me. i feel i got a good deal, i'll clean it up and do all the tuning and overhauling myself, no extra cost to me (other than cables/grease/bearings). i won't be selling it anytime soon, but the way i value a bike i plan on keeping is to estimate what i might get for the thing parted out. i'd be shocked if i couldn't get my $700 out of it.
anyway, the seller was pretty honest with me, said he picked it up recently, fairly described the condition in my opinion. his hi-res pics made the thing look worse that it does in person. he might have gotten a bit more if he was willing to clean it up, but that's fine with me. i feel i got a good deal, i'll clean it up and do all the tuning and overhauling myself, no extra cost to me (other than cables/grease/bearings). i won't be selling it anytime soon, but the way i value a bike i plan on keeping is to estimate what i might get for the thing parted out. i'd be shocked if i couldn't get my $700 out of it.
#5
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nice score! I liked that and made an offer for it after he posted but he was not willing to negociate. it will be a great looking and riding bike once cleaned up. the above linked catalog pic is the '86 catalog but I agree it does look like the Mondial. it may have been release in late '85 hence the Specialissma SL decal.
keep us informed on your rehab progress.
keep us informed on your rehab progress.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
good news and bad news...
the good news first, the paint cleaned up very very well, the decals are in excellent condition, the chrome is decent.
the bad news, after overhauling the headset and bottom bracket, i threw on my freshly built Mavic SUPs with new Vittorias, and the bike is too tall ;(
i've never been so disappointed. when i picked up the bike it had totally flat tires, when i stood over it, it felt like there was more than enough room. i was wrong. this frame is so perfect, panto'd shifters, panto'd chain ring, matchie matchie celeste bar tape/cable housing/saddle/toe straps. usually not a fan of the matching color thing but it works for me on this Bianchi. not to mention i've got NOS Bianchi branded celeste cable housing and toe straps (the same ones that came on the bike).
anyone have a 58-60cm they want to trade me? i'd be open to slightly newer or older models, i'd even consider a non-Bianchi
pics of the frame cleaned up: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjri...7626643867101/
IMG_1076 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1081 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1088 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1093 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1090 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1108 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1092 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1112 by shnibop, on Flickr
the good news first, the paint cleaned up very very well, the decals are in excellent condition, the chrome is decent.
the bad news, after overhauling the headset and bottom bracket, i threw on my freshly built Mavic SUPs with new Vittorias, and the bike is too tall ;(
i've never been so disappointed. when i picked up the bike it had totally flat tires, when i stood over it, it felt like there was more than enough room. i was wrong. this frame is so perfect, panto'd shifters, panto'd chain ring, matchie matchie celeste bar tape/cable housing/saddle/toe straps. usually not a fan of the matching color thing but it works for me on this Bianchi. not to mention i've got NOS Bianchi branded celeste cable housing and toe straps (the same ones that came on the bike).
anyone have a 58-60cm they want to trade me? i'd be open to slightly newer or older models, i'd even consider a non-Bianchi
pics of the frame cleaned up: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexjri...7626643867101/
IMG_1076 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1081 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1088 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1093 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1090 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1108 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1092 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1112 by shnibop, on Flickr
#9
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There has been many times that I thought I was sick of celeste since that one love affair I had with one.....(still thinking).....Nope, I'm still not over her.
#13
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My size - I hate you!
A Celeste Bianchi is on my short list.
A Celeste Bianchi is on my short list.
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See my Hyperlite 411 it's the photo model on OutRiderUSA web page
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#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
alrighty, UPDATE!
prior to coming to the conclusion that the frame might be too big for me, i had bought a set of NOS Bianchi branded toe straps and NOS Bianchi branded brake cables. when they arrived i decided to build up the bike anyway. the cranks, pedals/cages, derailleurs and seat post (thanks Puget Pounder) are not the pieces that came on the bike, those bits are all still very dirty sitting in a box, i just wanted to get it built up for pictures and a quick ride.
despite the size, it turns out the thing is *****in'!!! to ride. it feels so light and nimble i can't even explain it. every bit of power i can muster is transferred to the wheels/ground without hesitation, no flex or wobbliness yet comfortable and compliant. my love is renewed. it's a keeper afterall!
on a side note, i recently built up the wheelset, my second, using NOS Mavic Open SUP CD Ceramic rims and Campagnolo Record LF hubs. the brake pads were just replaced with Kool Stop Campagnolo replacements. i also ride a 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 (full carbon, full Shimano Ultegra), i can say without hesitation that this rim/brake pad combo performs equally if not better than that of the Trek, it's really something beautiful. also, the tires, Vittoria Open Corsa EVO SC are phenomenal!
now pics...
IMG_1114 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1122 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1124 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1126 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1127 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1117 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1119 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1118 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1115 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1116 by shnibop, on Flickr
some bits still need a bit of cleaning, like the saddle, brake levers, stem and bar wrap. the bars/wrap are exactly as i got the bike, i believe it to be original and since it is in such nice shape i figured why rip it off just to be replaced by equally uncomfortable fizik tape.
my first choice would not have been to go all celeste on the straps and cable housing, but that's what it came with and i was able to source exact replacements. i wanted to keep it as original looking as possible. everything on it is what it would have originally come equipped with, only difference is in the brake calipers and wheelset. i have a very nice set of correct SR script logo coming from over seas as i type this. when i have more time, i will be cleaning up the Mavic GL330 tubulars and throwing on the tubular version of these Vittorias.
anyone have a catalog scan of this particular model?
anyone know where i can get a replacement 'Specialissima SL' decal?
anyone know if the tubing is SL? no rifling in the seat tube, but there is rifling in the fork steerer.
what do you guys think?
prior to coming to the conclusion that the frame might be too big for me, i had bought a set of NOS Bianchi branded toe straps and NOS Bianchi branded brake cables. when they arrived i decided to build up the bike anyway. the cranks, pedals/cages, derailleurs and seat post (thanks Puget Pounder) are not the pieces that came on the bike, those bits are all still very dirty sitting in a box, i just wanted to get it built up for pictures and a quick ride.
despite the size, it turns out the thing is *****in'!!! to ride. it feels so light and nimble i can't even explain it. every bit of power i can muster is transferred to the wheels/ground without hesitation, no flex or wobbliness yet comfortable and compliant. my love is renewed. it's a keeper afterall!
on a side note, i recently built up the wheelset, my second, using NOS Mavic Open SUP CD Ceramic rims and Campagnolo Record LF hubs. the brake pads were just replaced with Kool Stop Campagnolo replacements. i also ride a 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 (full carbon, full Shimano Ultegra), i can say without hesitation that this rim/brake pad combo performs equally if not better than that of the Trek, it's really something beautiful. also, the tires, Vittoria Open Corsa EVO SC are phenomenal!
now pics...
IMG_1114 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1122 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1124 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1126 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1127 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1117 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1119 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1118 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1115 by shnibop, on Flickr
IMG_1116 by shnibop, on Flickr
some bits still need a bit of cleaning, like the saddle, brake levers, stem and bar wrap. the bars/wrap are exactly as i got the bike, i believe it to be original and since it is in such nice shape i figured why rip it off just to be replaced by equally uncomfortable fizik tape.
my first choice would not have been to go all celeste on the straps and cable housing, but that's what it came with and i was able to source exact replacements. i wanted to keep it as original looking as possible. everything on it is what it would have originally come equipped with, only difference is in the brake calipers and wheelset. i have a very nice set of correct SR script logo coming from over seas as i type this. when i have more time, i will be cleaning up the Mavic GL330 tubulars and throwing on the tubular version of these Vittorias.
anyone have a catalog scan of this particular model?
anyone know where i can get a replacement 'Specialissima SL' decal?
anyone know if the tubing is SL? no rifling in the seat tube, but there is rifling in the fork steerer.
what do you guys think?
Last edited by shnibop; 05-22-11 at 06:20 PM.
#16
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Thread Starter
while riding, i notice little difference between this and my 59cm C-C DeRosa, and i plan on doing more riding that standing LOL
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good for you! i talked to the seller and was going to meet him in auburn to get that bike. i guess he didnt like my
"lowball" offer. i never heard back from him. so you got it eh? very nice. best of luck with that.
"lowball" offer. i never heard back from him. so you got it eh? very nice. best of luck with that.
#19
No one cares
Nice Alex. Looks great! My size range should you ever decide to ditch it :**
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I prefer emails to private messages - holiday76@gmail.com
Jack Taylor Super Tourer Tandem (FOR SALE), Jack Taylor Tour of Britain, Px-10, Carlton Flyer, Fuji The Finest, Salsa Fargo, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Carver All-Road .
#22
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Looks amazing! How's the post insertion though? from what I can remember it looks like you are really close if not past. I think the bike deserves a nice shiny silver stem to match.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
not sure where the catalogs are suppose to be on the bianchiusa site, i'd be surprised if they even had them.
also, the first thing i did was check ebay and velocals for the decal and neither place has it. google sucks.
my next option is to PM jrrestore
#25
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it looks FABULOUS!! that is a great bike. you re going to clean the rest of the original bits and add them?
for a decal try that guy down under, you would never get that from Bianchi USA.
where did you get the Bianchi brake cables?
I can't find his post but I thought sure I told the guy you bought it from it was bigger than a 59. still a beautiful Bianchi and one I am jealous of
OH the tubing and great ride. the '84 catalogue shows the Super Leggera as being SL,SP throughout but I never got an answer from Bianchi about whether this measn a mix or one tube used throughout the whole frame. the '85 Mondaile (top model that year aside from the Centenario) just shows the Columbus "Bianchi Special" tubeset.
I woud suspect on a frame that size it is SP but as always with Bianchis in the famous 'SuperSet' frame the DT and chainstays are a heavier guage to get that great feel. all the power you put in the pedals goes to the rear wheel but you still get a great soft ride.
for a decal try that guy down under, you would never get that from Bianchi USA.
where did you get the Bianchi brake cables?
I can't find his post but I thought sure I told the guy you bought it from it was bigger than a 59. still a beautiful Bianchi and one I am jealous of
OH the tubing and great ride. the '84 catalogue shows the Super Leggera as being SL,SP throughout but I never got an answer from Bianchi about whether this measn a mix or one tube used throughout the whole frame. the '85 Mondaile (top model that year aside from the Centenario) just shows the Columbus "Bianchi Special" tubeset.
I woud suspect on a frame that size it is SP but as always with Bianchis in the famous 'SuperSet' frame the DT and chainstays are a heavier guage to get that great feel. all the power you put in the pedals goes to the rear wheel but you still get a great soft ride.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
Last edited by Bianchigirll; 05-23-11 at 07:08 AM.