I frequently find answers via the search engines on BF. However, I am stumped on this one. I enjoy restoring old Bianchis and passing them along to people that will enjoy them. I recently purchased what I thought was a 1984 Bianchi Nuovo Racing model. However, once I started inspecting and disassembling the bike, I wonder if the information that I was given is correct.

First, here are the specifics on the bike:

Spacing is 126 mm, 27.2 seatpost.

Drop outs are stamped Bianchi

Serial Number off the bottom bracket is S103 1.4 on the seat post lub is S52.

Decals say Made in Italy and Tre Tubi Rinforzati Bianchi Special Produzione Columbus (Grey/silver in color)

The paint is red, but the scratches show some hint of celeste.

The Bianchi decals are silver.

The seat stays are B that have a circle around them.

The fork has no number stamped on it, but the fork lug has a B stamped on each side of it. The Columbus decal says "Foderi Forcella Bianchi Special Columbus" Gray in color

The components are as follows:

Ofmega headset, crank, and bottom bracket


Modolo Speedy Brakes (Black) with Modolo Black drilled Brake levers.

Campy Novou Record front and rear mechanical. The rear mechanical has a Pat. 84 stamped on it.

Campy Shifters.

The hubs are ofmega and the rims are supposedly Wolber Gentlemen 81 Super Champions They are (after cleaning) a bright chrome.

The bottom cable guides are located on top of the bottom bracket. Somewhat reminding one of the braze on Campy cable guides, but these are fixed to the bottom bracket.

The rear brake cable guides are eyelets that are attached to the top tube.

Quill stem and handlebars are Cinelli.

Interestingly enough, the cable housing to the rear mechanical is a steel spring type housing, not the rubber housing that you would expect by 1984.

Here are the issues that I have that make me question the year and the model.

The paint - This is the first non celeste that I have ever thought about repainting. There are several scratches/scrapes and there is a hint of celste underneath? Did they paint all frames with celeste and then use the celeste as a primer? Has the frame been repainted. One of the down tube decals has a little crinkle in it. I realize this could be from years of washing, heat or some other reason, but it just makes me wonder.

After reading all of the post, it seems as if any model with a "S" in the serial number came from Japan. If it is from 1984 should it have a Paiggo decal?

The mix of components is what made me believe that it was an Italian made Novou racing model. I know that the Japenese actually made a superior product, but it would bother me that someone sold me something that was not what it represented to be.

I would appreciate any help that you all could give me. It will impact how I handle this project. Again, thanks!