molzq

Hi all, been lurking around these forums for a looong time, finally had a strong reason to register and post!

Came across a bianchi trofeo for sale in very good condition. Both the bike and me are not based in the US, so I'm less concerned about the exact estimated price as I am about trying to gather quality information on its relative value - is it something that's hard to come by and worth keeping, or is it really just mediocre?

The current owner says he bought it for brand new in Canada about 1998, and has not replaced any of the components except for the saddle - I've searched all over the net but can't find any Trofeo of any year with exact specs, only broadly similar.

I'm quite enamored by it, it looks good and little used, but don't want to be paying too much for it. I saw Bianchi's old catalogs here:
https://members.jcom.home.ne.jp/my_bianchi/catalogs.htm and in all cases the Trofeo appears to be among the lower end range. If that's the case I'd make my initial offer lower.

So just seeking opinions from all the knowledgeable experts here

Thanks so much!!!

Specs and pictures below:

Bianchi Trofeo Columbus Formula One Tubing
Campag Daytona Ergo Power 9-speed, front and rear brakes, hubs and cassette.
Shimano 600 chainset & bb
Shimano pedals
Scott saddle
3ttt Bianchi stem with Cinelli 42cm bars
Mavic MA3 red rims 32h
DB spokes
Vittoria Comp Zefir22 tyres
Various decals and B/Bianchi/Eagle pantographs on the seat lug, head lug, forkcrown and chainstays. Unfortunately I can't remember if it had the "Made in Italy" decal.

Thanks again

thirdgenbird

I'm afraid I am too partial to throw a price out. My first road bike was a bianchi in that color...

The crankset had been replaced. it is older than everything else and it is unlikely anyone would spec a Shimano crank on a campagnolo bike. Regardless, some new white fizik tape and veloflex tires would make this a real head turner.

what are try asking?

molzq

Thanks thirdgenbird, good point about the crankset. I live in the UK, owner's asking £775 / $1170ish but has said he's flexible. £775 seems really steep to me for a low/mid-end model about 15 years old when you can get a reasonably good brand new road bike for that price.

Browsing through the threads here I have the impression that prices for steel bikes are higher in the UK in general, so maybe perspective needs to be adjusted somewhat..? not too sure.

thirdgenbird

Goodness. I can't comment on UK prices, but I can say that is way, WAY, more than it would go for here. I would have to be a record equipped reparto corse to make me consider that price.

the good news is that bikes seem cheap in mainland Europe. Shipping makes it prohibitive for most of us, but for you it may be reasonable.

wrk101

I think your analysis is sound. $1200? Wow.....

Here in the US, the bike originally sold for $800. $300, $350 tops for a 15 year old version.

thirdgenbird

If it had new tape, tires, and the components were in very good condition I could see going $400+ but that's because bikes like this are not common in my parts.

(and again, I have an emotional connection to that color bianchi)

molzq

Indeed a big difference in price. I wouldn't need to think twice if the asking price was around the £300-£400 mark (~$450-550). A steel frame alone from a reputable maker in good condition would easily fetch $500.

but again, the difference in price is expected. the reason I'm asking is more to judge the bike on value/roadworthiness of the make itself from people who owns / have owned one- good bike, rides well, or not, etc.

Bianchigirll 

That is not a '98 Trofeo. The frame dates to around '86-88 when Bianchi was using their Special, Formula and Formula Two tubing. That style of decal was last used (with a few exceptions) in '87, most crowned forks had disappeared by the early '90s, and the 600 cranks set looks to be a 600EX SIS model.


The Trofeo was never a low end model but did float around somewhere in the middle of the Italian offerings. When the name reappeared in the later '90s it was not quite as nice a bike as the '80s versions but still a solid midlevel bike.

The frame is pretty nice and my understanding is that it may be a TreTubi SL type of frame w/ alle or even Falck brand stays in the mix. But with the mismatched components I would not pay over $500 or so and it better be in tiptop shape and ready to ride trouble free all summer.

Check bikepedia for the specs on the '98 Trofeo. In '89 or '90 Bianchi USA took over marketing and importing bikes for Canada so your models are basically the same as ours.

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...e#.UVGDODXD-01

molzq

Seeing that he bought the bike in Canada, so he's asking for a price way more than what he originally paid!

molzq

Thanks Bianchigirll, I knew there was a reason I posted here!!

I have a few clarifications if you don't mind. 600 EX SIS cranks - any particular relevance, or just to help identify the bike's age? Columbus steel tubing - Special is "better" than Formula 1 is "better" than Formula 2. Is that correct? Columbus Tretubi w/ alle or falck stays - I know that this helps pinpoint the frame to be late 80s. Any other relevance?

You're right, I have read the Bikepedia's description of '98 trofeo before and the specs just seemed way off, which really confused me. Thanks so much for pointing me in the correct direction.

I like older frames and have a personal preference for lugged frames. The addition of 10 years to its age will revise my offer upwards! As will your generous estimate. Strange that the owner was 10 years off in his description. I can understand if he's not the original owner, but that's what he said. Honest mistake or poor memory?

Bianchigirll 

Who knows perhaps the current owner is less knowledgeable about bikes than you and he took a seller at his word that it was a barely used/NOS '98. If it is ready to ride trouble free for a year I would consider around $500 for it but not much more. Of course I would go over it with a finetooth comb before making an offer.

FWIW these frame/bikes (not with brifters but closer to stock) with the Formula tubing and a range of components, from Suntour Cyclone through a mix of Ofmega/Modolo/Gipeimme/Campi on ebay for anywhere from $200 to whatever a seller can get.

molzq

Well, I guess in buying/selling bicycles, like in many other things, the value is set only by what the buyer is willing to part with.

I doubt I will ride the bike as is for a year - don't think the tires will last more than a few months of heavy use! If I get it I might also swap out the saddle, bar tape and maybe the cranks at a later date.

All that's left is to convert the estimated values given in this thread to the relative UK price (unfortunately significantly higher) , make an offer and see how it goes.

Thanks all.