Here we go, usable pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bronwyn...7637281379335/

The tubing decals are definitely Ishiwata 022 CrMo, on both the seat tube and the forks. There is also a code, 0383, on the inside of the Dia-compe brake levers, which Vintage Trek says is a simple date code, so March 1983. I may find a few more when I start taking it completely apart for cleaning. The bottom bracket is Nikyo, with what looks like a measurement after it. (The only other mentions I can find of this company are also on Bianchis.) At least if it needs replacing I'll know what size to get. While on Vintage Trek I poked around, and the brakes look like Dia-compe 960s or GC960s, and the closest match on the Suntour shifters is the Blueline series, which had a touring rear derailleur, so that makes sense.

No luck in finding scans of any Canadian-specific Bianchi catalogs. I suppose I could ask Bianchi Canada or see if they know of any long-established dealers who might know.

Today I tried to check the frame for straightness, and as best I can tell, it is. Measurements that should match either match or are 1mm different at most. I can't feel any dents, and the tubes seem straight when compared to a straightedge. This frame looks like someone left it in a dump, and they set the brake hoods on fire, but the frame is still true, right down to the drop-out spacing.

Trying on the wheels -- my front 27" wheel fit, going by the position of the old brake pads. The fork seems to be straight, and the wheel seems to be out of true. (This front wheel was in an accident that killed my old Nishiki Rally frame, so if it can be trued and reused, I'm doing well.) I also tried to fit the rear wheel, but it wouldn't slide in. I think the diameter is ok (though I will measure again), and that the problem is the stay spacing. The spacing is 125mm on the frame, and my old wheel has a 6-gear cluster. I could either get help cold-setting the frame, or switch to a 5-gear cluster. Maybe I should get my old drivetrain parts evaluated, and see what's in the bike co-op parts bins, before making a decision.

Next I had better clean it and find out if anything is dangerously rusted. If not, I have a ridiculously good $20 frameset plus a story.