Originally Posted by
Bianchigirll
Are you refering to the catalogs on the BUlgier site? yes the catalog (partial at that) listed as the '86 is actually '88. There are subtle differences between the '88 and '89 one being the frame the 88 being SL and '89 SLX unfortunately someone removed the tubing decals from the frame and fork. Another way is the decal and this one with the redline looks like a '89 to me. Does the shifter for the rear derailleur have a small lever next to the main lever? Or a knurled ring? The 2 levers would make it an '88. Eiter way that is a fabulous bike and I hope you enjoy it for a long time. That origianl Chorus is, IMHO, the most beautiful group Campi ever put out.
Thanks for your reply! Yes, it does have two levers for the rear derailleur shifter... I had been wondering about that design. It seems to shift more accurately if I keep off the smaller lever, so maybe it's a sort of adjustment device. '88 it is, then.
I am totally new to the Bianchi legacy and had no idea what "celeste" was until a couple days ago (or even down tube shifters, honestly). I'm having a blast, and am already very attached! (I've named it "Ferrari.")
I do plan on enjoying it a long time. I'm training up for a local duathlon next March, and the Bianchi is part of the plan to win it (I took 23rd this year with a 39-pound WalMart mountain bike). I'll post a link when I do!
For now, I'm just enjoying the beatiful craftsmanship of this machine. The D/T shifting is honestly addicting (almost like a stick shift), although it took a little adjustment. The day after I got it, I took it out of my shed three times to do loops around the neighborhood. This is an awesome bicycle!
Despite my lack of experience with road bikes, I took it on my 10-mile course and chopped two minutes off my previous best time with my old bike, and felt refreshed at the end instead of spent! Can't stop raving about this bike.
Did you happen to know offhand if you think I got a decent deal for this bike for $150? Thanks for your help again, and I look forward to making happy memories!