7ofbc13

Hello, just have a few questions. My uncle (who recently passed away) had this bike in his garage for the longest time. It is now mine, and the questions I have is how do I tell if it's Italian or Japanese made? Also I would like to find out what year it is, what model it is, and how much it may be worth? It's in pretty good shape other than the tears on the seat and a couple minor scratches here and there. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. I can post more pictures if needed..

Thank you

alcjphil

There is a model name written on the top tube, difficult to read because you took the photo from an angle instead of straight on from the side. You also need a photo taken from the drive side of the bike so people can see the drive components.
Here is what I think it is: 2007 Bianchi Axis - BikePedia
Looks to me as if the handlebars were changed from the original
With modifications, it's anybody's guess what it is worth, certainly much less than it would be in its original configuration

7ofbc13

Thanks for the response. Hopefully this picture helps. Also, i found these handle bars in a box he had with some other bike parts. Could these be the original?

alcjphil

Those are the original handlebars,
So the bike is definitely a 2007 Bianchi Axis cyclocross bike
However, it appears to have better wheels than the original specification
Do you also have a pair of spare wheels?

7ofbc13

No, that I do not have. With the original handle bars and upgraded wheels how much do you think this bike may be worth? I'm considering selling it cause it's a little too tall for me. It looks and rides great tho. It's one of the lightest bikes I've ever encountered..

alcjphil

The upgraded wheels, unfortunately, don't add much value, if any. The bike was originally about $1400 and is 7 years old. It is worth less than half its original price, less again with the handlebar modification. No way to tell from a picture what sort of mechanical shape it is in. How tall are you and how much too big is it?

7ofbc13

I'm 5'8. I don't have a ruler handy so I'm not sure how tall the bike is. When I'm sitting on the seat tho the tips of my feet barely touch the ground. Is that normal with this type of bike? I was always a BMX guy growing up so I'm not quite sure..

alcjphil

You have to be able to straddle the top tube of the bike flat footed with a bit of clearance for safety. On a properly adjusted saddle, you would not be able to touch the ground with anything but the tips of your toes. Road and cyclocross bikes do not fit anything like a BMX. That bike may well be a good fit for you. Is there any size marked on the frame of the bike? This information is usually written somewhere on the seat tube

knobster

I don't think the Axis was built in Italy, but rather Taiwan. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I had a Bianchi that was Italian built and I was less than impressed with the welds. Even had gaps below the tubes. My Taiwan built Soma has much better quality workmanship than the high dollar Bianchi I had.

7ofbc13

It does have a sticker behind the middle tube that says "55 cm center to top", I'm assuming that's the height? If that's how it's suppose to fit than I might just go ahead and keep it. Like I said it's a really nice bike and I love the fact that it's so light. Probably get the original handlebars put back on also. Thank you for all your help..

VegasTriker

You can look at the competition on CL using adhuntr. Only one 2007 in the SF area shows up. The owner started out at $1100 (wacky!) and brought it down to $850 after 3 weeks of no-sale. There are a few that show up with different years with asking prices between $500 and $800. See: all | Ad Hunt'r - Search ALL of Craigslist? and more!

It is a 55 cm (21.6") frame. That refers to the distance between the center of the crank and the top of the seat tube. It is the way frames are measured on traditional frame bikes. If you list the frame size in the ad, seasoned riders will know if it fits them and not waste your time.

Don't forget to set the seat height so your leg is just a tad bent when the crank is at the same angle (parallel to) as the seat tube. That gives you the most efficient pedaling

7ofbc13

I have another quick question. I have my bike on Craigslist at the moment and someone just asked me what the gear ratio was. I have no clue.. Based off the photos I posted can anyone tell me what it may be???

alcjphil

That information is available on this link:2007 Bianchi Axis - BikePedia
Basically, gear ratios are the tooth counts of the large and small chainrings and the smallest and largest cogs of the cassette

ThermionicScott 

Count the teeth on your chainrings and biggest/smallest cogs in the back. Just at a glance, it appears that you have a "compact crank" but the potential buyer should be able to see at least that much himself.

fietsbob

Bianchi has been out sourced to Asian contract builders long ago .. so its only an Italian Brand name ..
Bianchi USA is near the container Port of Entry , on the west coast..

Aluminum? probably a Taiwan company made it .. Japan is too expensive now, for profitability and reasonable cost..