Old Bianchi, 1950s? Looking for some info
 

My very lucky friend picked this bike up at Goodwill. He offered it to me for $200 the day he bought it but I didn't have the money or room for it at the time so I passed. Did I make a mistake? This bike has always been in the back of my mind.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/3042047327.html

Yep, $10 is a scream, and $200 is not far from a good deal either.

It looks like one I have. I think the model is "strada" and it's an entry-level bike. The 105 wheels are worth some money. The Valentino parts are not very good. I think you could do way better hitting a few garage sales on a Saturday.,

If it was original and serviced perhaps $300.

Super rare, but not particularly nice. I just bought and sold the same bike (but with slightly different components). It's either gas pipe or mid level tubing at best. Mine had a 26.6 seat post, but no tubing sticker. I'd say that this was the most basic bike that Bianchi offered in celeste, and I'd say that it was from either the very late 60s, or very early 70s.

I bought mine because it had some 50s Universal Extra brake calipers, and some 60s Bianchi-branded hubs/wheels that I wanted to build up the 50s Bianchi CDM that I'm building. I gave the cranks (very cool) to a friend, and sold the frame set for $175 on the Chicago CL. I had about 5 people that wanted to buy the frame set, and could sell them all day.

Funny thing is, I can't get a single bite for a full Reynolds 531 Urago frame set that I'm selling for $100, but could sell these gas pipe Bianchis all day long for $175. Nuts. Also, a gas pipe Bianchi (like this) sold for more than $1000 a few months ago on Ebay. People get stupid for Bianchis with celeste paint....

Thanks everyone. Maybe I'm not missing out as much as I thought.

What size? If you're willing to ship I may be interested... :innocent: Edit: nevermind, found it on C/L. Just a bit too long in the top tube for me. Cool frame though. I'm surprised it hasn't sold.

Pretty cool bike but no way I'd pay $350 for it. I wouldn't sweat over missing it at $200 either.

btw how does your lucky friend feel about you outing his purchase price on BF? That's info he probably doesn't want potential buyers to have.

Good point, didn't think of that... I've edited the OP.

E-Bay for sure, I know there's at least two guys buying old Bianchis on there.

I could be wrong but I think that's an early 70s Bianchi.

I sold this frame recently exactly as pictured on E-Bay for $205.00 plus shipping. Shocked the hell out of me.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...s/DSC07150.jpg

It's a celeste Bianchi, it's got that very vintage cool, and I imagine it rides well enough for posing and cruising - yeah, I can see why this bike if nice and clean would sell for $200 or even $300, not necessarily to the current crowd though.

Like yours, mine had its original Bianch downtube and seat tube decals, and that counts for a lot. Those old red decals are gorgeous. I should add that my frame was in pretty stunning condition, with decals 99% intact, and certainly helped me sell it quickly. The OP's referenced frame may be a little slower to move, as it's missing decals, paint is a bit rough, and Milwaukee is a smaller market than Chicago.

A BF guy like you could fill an entire garage with decent road bikes for $200, or a bike with Columbus SL and Nuovo Record in nice shape. This one seems to have a hi-ten frame, a mixed bag of low-end parts (Altenburger brake levers?), rough paint, and a cottered steel crank set? Wouldn't fret over it. I still can't believe how much people are asking for Italian bikes, even the low-end stuff.

Celeste Bianchi Road Bike with Campy Components - $350 (Waukesha WI)

[HR][/HR]Date: 2012-05-28, 12:18AM CDT
Reply to: qhzrh-3042047327@sale.craigslist.org [SUP][Errors when replying to ads?][/SUP][HR][/HR]

Late 50s early 60s bianchi road bike
This bike is very rare and classic
Equipped with highly sought after original campy components

FEATURES:
Rear derailleur: Campagnolo Valentino Extra
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo
Shifters: Campagnolo Valentino Extra
Brakes: Universal Extra
Levers: alloy Altenburger
Crankset: Nervar Sport
Cassette: Shimano Hyperglide 6spd
Rims: MAVIC MA2
Hubs: Shimano 105
Tires: Bontrager All Weather Plus
Pedals: Classic Style
Headset: 1in threaded
Tape: Vintage Zebra Pattern
Color: Celeste (only high end bianchi's received this color)
Saddle: VINTAGE LEATHER
Vin number from headtube 1G23669

Geometry:
55cm seat tube (cc)
55cm top tube (cc)

Condition:
The frame has several scratches and paint chips (see pictures)
Good condition for its age
No dents or bends in the frame
Full Professional Mechanical rebuild just done
NEW wheels, tires, headset bearings, cables, housing, cassette, and brake pads
Shifts and brakes beautifully
Super Clean

Price:
$350 cash or best offer
you will have a very hard time finding another on like this

Location:
Waukesha WI
35min west of milwaukee

Contact:
Feel free to ask questions. My name is Nathan
call or text 414 331 5954
or email the link

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...r/DSCF2953.jpg
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...r/DSCF2959.jpg
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...r/DSCF2960.jpg
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...r/DSCF2961.jpg

It's got kind of an odd mix of parts on it. Personally at $100 it could be a fun deal, but I'd already be walking the other way by $150.

Ha. I just stumbled on this. I sold the bike for $300.