dcranmer

For the last year and a half, I've been looking for a good 80s candidate to build a low cost Brevet bike and have been continually frustrated by reading about everyone else s success story. But, after New Years my wife and I were out running errands and she forced me to stop at a Pawn shop just to look at their bikes. I wasn't really interested, but stopped anyway and there in the middle of about a dozen bikes, I saw a yellow Bianchi logo at the same time my wife saw the Brooks plate on the back of the saddle. At the time, I wasn't really sure what it was but bargained the guy down some more (it had just come in that day) and loaded it up.

I'm 99% sure it's a Randonneur, but it says Portofino on the top tube where it should say Randonneur. Posts to this forum from about 5 years ago asked about a Portofino model, but I saw no response. Any help would be greatly appreciated. As far as the model year goes, I have no idea, but the fact that it has 700c wheels with Campagnolo Omega rims would indicate that it's around 87, even though I can find no brochure to support that.

It was obviously loved with Nitto bars, Brooks B17 Special, Gatorskins etc.

Anybody, have any ideas. Thanks

Bianchigirll 

Hell Dcranmer, welcome to the forums. Great looking Bianchi! Where is it? Anymore pics? Tell me a bit more about it, parts, frame material, I think I see a tange tube decal.



I am pretty sure it is an '86 and looks in great shape. I believe this replaced the Randonneurer.

The rims, probably hubs too, brakelevers, saddle and racks are all upgrades/addons.

I really have to start checking my local pawnshops and second hand shops.

dcranmer

Thanks Bianchigirll,
I was hoping you'd respond since you appear to be the resident expert here. The bike is in Florida and you're right, it has Tange labels, Sakae SX crank (half step gearing, 7 speed rear), Shimano Z206 FD, Shimano Light Action RD, Shimano 600? hubs (not sure what model, but spin forever), Bianchi headset (style mimics Campy), Ultra wide Nitto noodles, Technomic stem, Shimano M324 pedals, Shimano AT50 cant brakes, factory racks. I think that's it. The reason I estimated 87 was that I believe the Campy rims were introduced in 87. Thanks

Surly LHT
De Rosa Neo Primato
Bianchi Portofino
Xtracycle

RFC

Great find! For comparison, here is my former Bianchi Randonneur. This model was available about 82-84.

Bianchigirll 

Your Welcome Check my post again

"" The rims, probably hubs too, brakelevers, saddle and racks are all upgrades/addons."" So are the pedals.

Does this have index shifting? The catalog doesn't say.

dcranmer

Gorgeous bike RFC,

Sorry, missed your last comments Bianchigirll. I agree that everything from the top tube up is new as well as the pedals. I just wasn't sure about the wheels since they seemed to be period correct. I thought the racks were factory, you don't? Friction shifters as well.

I'm currently upgrading to a Campy Veloce group, replacing the bars and adding bar end shifters (friction).

Thanks for all your comments

simmonsgc

Very nice find. You're really lucky no one made off with the racks. Pawn shop guy must be a newbie; they usually get stripped off and sold separately. Hope it fits you!

dcranmer

As a bonus, it's a perfect fit and you're right, he had no idea what he had!

Bianchigirll 

The Portifino never came with racks. why the Veloce upgrade to go with friction shifters? I would use a XT RD and shimano or suntour barends.

dcranmer

The easy answer is because I already have them sitting in the garage. Thanks for the rack clarification

shoota 

NO!!!! Which shop did you find this in? I NEVER see bikes like this in pawn shops around here, great find!

dcranmer

Thanks, but I'll never tell.....he might have another find one day!

Bianchigirll 

When you get done tinkering with that don't forget to do a whole centerfold photo spread for us.

balindamood

FWIW- Bianchigirl recommended upgrading the derailleurs, which is normally a good call. However, the 1986 vintage Shimano Z series derailleurs were a bit of an oddity as they are actually very good items that have no respect (the matching thumb shifters are also bery good). This was the first year Shimano started to tier their Mountain bike offerings, before the Deore/Deore XT split in 1987. The same period XT unit will shift no better, but cost $$$. I would replace it after you have done all of your other upgrades, if at all.

dcranmer

Will do.

dcranmer

Interesting balindamood,

It shifted extremely well as purchased, but of course I'm in the middle of the swap to Veloce so it will be interesting to compare. Based on your comments, I may have to swap back. Thanks for the history lesson.

balindamood

They are generally un-loved, although somewhat short lived. If you find one, you ought to be able to get them relatively painlessly.

T-Mar

Serial number?

Bianchigirll 

I think your confused. The bike came witht he shipmano Z Rd and the OP is swapping/upgradeing just because he had the parts on hand.

balindamood

Yup. I am confused. Sorry.