Hi all...long time reader, first time post (outside of my welcome). I've been trying to teach myself bike repair, rebuilding, and this forum has been great (along with youtube of course). The C&V section in particular.

I'm wondering if anyone would be able to help identify a Bianchi frame recently purchased for a few bucks (kijiji). I'm hoping to build it up as a commuter hopefully with some bigger tires to handle the potholes. From what I've been able to guess using the forum it's a Japanese built frame based on serial number format, possibly a touring or randonneur because of the cantilever brakes, although this might mean a Grizzly MTB but from looking a photos the crown I'm thinking it isn't. (Also if it is a randonneur then I have read about the fork recall as well, there isn't a B on the crown so if I'm in the right year I'll need to replace I'm assuming).

Here's the rest of what I know:

Serial #: ES432742 (located beneath bottom bracket)
Rear derailleur: Suntour honor
Downtube shifters are shimano (think they are index)

Any help identifying year and model would be appreciated. I'm attaching some photos as well. If there is anything else I can look at that might help please let me know. Thanks to anyone able to lend a hand in advance! Cheers