NOLAbianchiman

Hi, I'm looking for some information on the fork on my early 80s Bianchi. I can't be sure of the year, but this is the best the seller could come up with and with minimal research it seems to be correct.

Some ******* backed their car into my parked/locked bike when parallel parking the other day, bending my fork. I am looking for something to replace it with. I of course would love to find an exact version of what I have, but I suspect finding a dark grey metallic, early 80s Bianchi fork is not going to be likely.

I'm suspecting this is a 1" threaded fork correct? What else do I need to make sure I know when ordering a new fork? Can I measure the steering tube length without removing the fork for now? Will the calipers I have fit correctly on "modern" forks (the original Ofmegas)?

I have my eye on this

Would this work?

Thanks for the help
Bryan

NOLAbianchiman

Sorry, they are Universal Mod.77 brakes... not Ofmega. Confused them with my headset.

randyjawa 

It would be a big help if you identify the length of the steering tube needed. It would help also if we knew what size wheel (27" or 700c) the forks are made for.

I have several sets of forks, and even a really nice all chrome one (higher end model) in case you are interested.

NOLAbianchiman

700c wheels. Haven't had a chance to measure steering tube length yet...

If I can't find an original Bianchi, then I'm leaning towards getting a new carbon fork like that Nashbar one simply for ride characteristics. Biggest problems is funds are limited and this is my daily ride, so I'm hoping to get this sorted asap.

Bianchigirll 

if you 700c wheels that fork should work with the reach of your current brakes. are your brakes nutted or are they a recessed style that needs an allen wrench to remove?

can you post a few pics of the bike? that will help

mmmdonuts

I think you would be better off finding a vintage steel fork on e-bay of the right steer tube length. The Nashbar fork is not all that.

Turbort88

Too bad this one sold for only $12 on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/330665457874...#ht_500wt_1413

I almost bought it, never know when you need on of these. Keep an eye out because a lot of forks like this sell on eBay.

BnBn123

Hi Randyjawa,

Similarly to the post that started this thread, I am looking to replace my 80's Bianchi fork - Hopefully with an exact replacement fork.

Could you (or anybody else) please help me out with what info I will need to share about the existing fork so that I can get a replacement? - Do i need to know the inside diameter of the fork / steering tube? The length of the threaded steering tube seems to be 7" with a 1" outside diameter tube and for a 700C wheel

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

T-Mar

After determining it is a 1" system, you'll also need to verify the diameter of your crown race seat to ensure compatibility with your headset. It's probably 26.5mm or 27.0mm. If you don't have calipers, it may be stamped on the underside of the crown race.

Most modern forks have a thicker crown and are designed for recessed brake fittings. It's possible that your old brake bolt may not be long enough but this is usually easily resloved with a recessed brake nut of the correct length. The other possibility is that, if your brake bolt uses an exposed nut, you may have to install a cylindrical spacer in the fork's countersunk brake nut hole.

Outside of crown race diametrer, brake mounting and adequate steerer length, there are unlikely to be any other mechanical issues as most 700C replacement forks use 22.2mm stems and have English threading. Italian bicycles use the same 22.2mm stems and Italian threading is close enough to English to be interchangeable with only slight thread damge.

The only other concern may be a difference in the handling due to variations in rake and trail.

I may be able to tell you the year of your Bianchi, via the serial number, if you are interested.