Originally Posted by
DropBarFan
I'd think about just adding in a touring/MTB triple crankset to get over hills easier. Other stuff on list seems like too much hassle/expense vs scanning for online bargains for complete bike. With your focus on off-road perhaps a used steel hardtail MTB would be cheap & functional. Some of 'em have double front/rear eyelets for racks/fenders.
Good thinking.
Change the gearing and maybe the tires and see how it feels (might need a longer BB, but otherwise everything else should work.) Then try a couple all-day rides, see what you think.
Lots of good rigid MTBs to be had via Craigslist/classified which might need less mods/less investment and offer more returns (longer wheelbase, more tire clearance, better geometry (a little more upright and a little less twitchy steering.))
Question is, would building the Bianchi be a labor of love worth it just to do it, or is the goal to do the tours/cyclocross and the bike is irrelevant?
The Bianchi could definitely be rebuilt, but might be better of sold and replaced with a starter bike more bent towards offroad/touring, or a new bike specific you your needs.
Fits in with Tourist in MSN's advice---
Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
After your first couple trips ... you will know what you really want for touring. And get a different bike that meets that criteria. Then put your racks and fenders on that new bike. You will only be out the cost of the crank on this older bike. And, with a new crank you might decide that you like having it as a road bike.