Unknown Cyclist

I've started restoring this, but have been informed I've got too many projects and too many bikes.

I was planning on using this as a winter trainer, but I've also got a part built vintage fixie so have to choose between them.......

Anyway, here it is:

auchencrow

I think our members here are slow to respond to your post because the "Caurus" model is virtually unknown on this side or the pond.
I am no expert on Bianchis but I did a search, and found a reference telling that the near-equivalent US model would have been the Bianchi Premio, which was an Asian-made Bianchi equipped with Shimano.

As such, I would guess its value would be in the 200-250 ballpark.

Now that I've thrown out an dollar estimate, someone here will slap me down if I'm wrong, but I base my estimate in part on my Italian-made Cd'I, which I am pretty sure would get about 350.

It would help if you could confirm a few things:
Firstly, it looks like it has a Shimano Biopace crank and Light Action DRs (?) - They look like Diacompe stoppers and I don't see a trace of a Columbus label, so I assume that it's Tange. If so, that would tend to confirm its origins, and market value.


PS- In reading owner's comments about their Premios, it seems that they are well liked as riders. (That does not surprise me - any Bianchi is a nice ride.)

T-Mar

Given the OP is located in the UK, I don't a clue as to local market conditions and therefore any valuation would be a wild guess. The brakes appear to be dual pivot and I'm wondering if this isn't early 1990s Shimano 105 SC, in which case the corresponding USA model would be the Alfana.

Edit: Just noticed the open derailleur cage, so it's not 105SC. Probably something marginally lower, maybe RX100 or 500EX.

Bianchigirll 

I won't speculate on a dollar amount but from the little I have learned on here and ebay about Euro Bianchis is, it seems that like trek Bianchi uses a name and number system the aboce being a Caurus 403(?) the same name beinused but a different number for higer models

I have a Vento 603 (I won't bore you ith a pic) and I have seen Ventos with othe number designations. interesting looking Bianchi. how about some close ups and betterinfor on the parts?

Unknown Cyclist

Hi,

Here's some pics - what info do you want ?

Bianchigirll 

I tink this more like a Sport SX/ Campione de italia equivelant form about '92ish? personally I think it is kinds a sexxy looking with the Flamingo pink color. too bad it is all the way in England shipping would be a much as the bike.

here really clean i would say that is worth about $250 or

T-Mar

+1, that's A550 RX100 which places it 1990-1993 and would make it equivalent ot the North American Campione. Again, with it being in England, I wouldn't a clue as to it's value.

Unknown Cyclist

Hubs have cleaned up ok....

Hubs..jpg

Unknown Cyclist

Wheels are back together, new bearings & fresh grease, new cassette.

Unknown Cyclist

Had a set back to my fixie project, one of the frames I was considering isn't as tidy as I thought and the other requires 27" wheels - I thought I had a set of decent 27" rims, but apparently I don't......

So, should I attempt to turn the Bianchi into a fixie or would that be a criminal act ?

If I should do it, the OLD is 130mm - what impact does that have on chainline and rear hub selection ?

Cheers.....

auchencrow

If this bike is the equivalent to a Campione d' Italia as Binachigirl points out, then you would be well advised to leave it alone and let it do what it does best.
You should consider all the new fixed gear offerings from the major manufacturers which are, not so surprisingly, better at being fixed gears.

Unknown Cyclist

Hi,

Thanks for that advice, I can't see anything on Sheldon that suggests this wouldn't make a good fixie.

Why wouldn't it ?

Unknown Cyclist

Ok, the fixie scare is officially over, I've decided to convert one of my other cycles to fixed instead.

Both wheels are overhauled and ready to go, unfortunately pretty much all of the drivetrain needs replacing so I've been looking though the giant spares box (ebay).

So far I've bought a 7spd cassette, 107mm bottom bracket, Tiagra chainset, 105 gear levers (left lever broke when I removed it), BBB Stem, weinmann brake levers, ahead adapter, bars, michelin lithion tyres & tube, brake cables, front mech, gear cables etc....

As well as fitted parts I already have.

It won't be original and the purists might not like it, but it should at least be functional...