I purchased a used Bianchi Brava this past fall and am trying to figure out the model year. The seller was not the original owner and didn't know. He changed and upgraded almost all of the componets which seems to add to the difficulty of identification. I tried a couple of local shops that stock Bianchi's and one told me it was a 70's frame, the other said mid 90's.?! I also emailed Bianchi and got no response. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Here's what I can tell you for sure:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...IMG_0506-1.jpg
Serial number on the BB is: 69 18 10
Upper tube frame decal says "Tre tubi Rinforzati" Formula Two Produzione Columbus.
The fork decals say "Foderi Forcella Bianchi Formula Columbus"
The wheelset is original "Ambrosio 19 Extra Elite Durex", made in Italy. The hubs have the the little flip up lube port.
10spd cassette.
It's got a Superbe stem, but I was told that was NOT original.
The downtube friction shifters have been changed to indexed Shimano, not much help there.
I think the only other original part is the brake cable housing (no joke) which says Bianchi on it. Previous owner said he specifically got Shimano SLR replacement brake levers and hoods to accomodate the free brake cables which he thought gave it that "classic look"
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0507.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0515.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0513.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...t/IMG_0518.jpg
Any ideas out there?