Originally Posted by
oldtrekguy
Hello Gang,
I recently purchased a 1993 Bianchi Forza from a Seller on CL.
The bike is in good shape (been hanging in his garage for the last 25 years...)
I currently have it at my LBS to have the frame faced, and the BB chased.
Plan A: I have an almost complete Campy Mirage nine-speed drivetrain. I will use either the original Shimano DT shifters, or go with Suntour Accushift, (friction-shift mode) downtube shifters, Cane Creek brake levers. For wheels, I have a 36-spoke wheel built on a Malliard hub for the front wheel, and a rear wheel built around a black Campy Mirage hub (I believe the spoke count on the real wheel is 28 spokes). The rest of the bike will be built up with spares that I have in "inventory".
Plan B: Recycle the original wheels for a more correct "look". The wheels will need truing and an overhaul of the bearings. The drivetrain will then be a mix and match of Campy, with a seven speed Shimano cassette on the rear wheel.
Plan C: I scored a good deal on a pair of Campy Khamsin C17 wheels. Plan C is Plan A with the Campy wheels, and nine-speed Campy brifters (I have the brifters and the brake/shift cable kit on the shelf).
Plan D: Reassemble with the original Shimano Exage drivetrain. The only problem her is that the front chainrings are 52/42 and I am old and fat. The Campy crankset is a 50/34 compact crank so I will end up a with lower (more useful) gearing.
I realize the Forza is a low-end made in Taiwan frame set, but it scratches my itch for an "Italian Road machine"
Any thoughts, suggestions or comments welcomed.
If you want the bike to function correctly with the Italian drivetrain parts you have, you need a Campagnolo rear hub and cassette of the vintage suitable to the number of gears, similar derailleurs, and Campagnolo "brifters" or shifters, known as Ergopowers. In some modern setups, Campy and Shimano have become more compatible, but for the era of Mirage, not so. My wife has a Georgena Terry, built in 1997 with Campagnolo Mirage 3 x 8. It works perfectly, with only chain lube and occasionally taking off the wheels and checking the hub bearings. In my case it really should have a full overhaul, and maybe that's a winter project for me.
There are a lot of folks here with extensive experience in making Shimano systems work, a smaller number whom have made a few Campagnolo systems work, but even fewer with extensive experience in crossover systems between Campagnolo and Shimano. There is a lot negative experience out here, too. And some positive as well.