85nevets

I recently acquired this Cd'I and am under the impression that everything is original to 1985. The previous owner bought it from a friend who bought it new and he was not an avid cyclist nor was the person I bought it from.
My question to the brain trust here is, do you think it's original? and although I toyed with the idea of flipping it before I went for a ride and now I really like it, a lot!
But for my own curiosity, would it have more value if all parts were original right down to the tape, tires and brake pads as to show that not a lot of miles were put on the bike.

MrCoffee

It looks to me like it's all original. And yes, it will definitely have more value if it is kept that way. Handlebar tape, tires, and the seat are normal wear items. The frame and its decals, plus the original paint are more important, as are the original components. It looks to me like you have a nice fair-weather cruiser. I most definitely wouldn't take it out in the rain or on dirt roads.

As far as value: I think much of that would depend on its original retail price. In that condition, I would figure the original price and adjust for inflation to give an approximate current value. I would think it is worth at least its original price, just to start. If you like it, keep it. Take care of it, and it will last for many generations.

Bianchigirll 

Nice Bianchi, is this in the US or Canada? The Formula Two tubing and script style model name would suggest to me that this is a '87. The '97 catalog does not show black which make me think this may be Canadian. ALso there was something odd about these bikes, the catalog shows them as being equipped like yours with the exception of Suntour Cyclone derailleurs and Accushift (indexing) shifters. I have seen lots of both bikes on the form but we could never determine if it was a Canadian / US model thing or is Bianchi simply had a huge run of these built with the Mistrtal and then switched to the Suntour so they could have index shifting at that price point.

That bike should be a great rider I have an '88 Formula Two frame and I love the way it rides. The set up with the Mistral has a little extra value to some because it isn't something you see every day, but I would not consider this bike something you need to baby and keep stored for good weather rides only. The original retail on this was right around $570 making it Bianchis lowest priced all Italian bike / entry level racer.

***Safety Alert*** Your front brake pads/holders are installed backwards!!! the opening goes toward the rear of the bike. ****




Personally I would highly recommend removing those tired old brake blocks and putting on some fresh new ones from Kool Stop you would be amazed at the difference in performance. When I first starting working on bikes I never like the Modolo brakes but after I got to know them and there idiosyncrasies I decide they worked as good as any other brake once you get them set up. After all anything is better than shipmano LOL

85nevets

Thank you for your replies and info. I will be putting some new pads on as the originals squeak horribly but I'll keep the old ones.
the original owner bought this while living here in South Dakota, I checked in with the local Bianchi dealer but they were not in business in '85-'87 so I am unsure about the USA/Canadian origins.
It rides great, you can feel the high quality and it climbs like crazy.

Bianchigirll 

Are you at Ellsworth by any chance? I just belatedly replied to an email about this very bike and the owner/sell said he bought it in Italy while stationed at Aviano.

These should slide right into your current holders Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977

And these are a good replacement if you want to go that route. Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977 plus they are cheaper.

Be sure the new pads match the same dimension as the old pads and some of the fancy new longer styles may give clearance issues on the fork, I ran into that with my Modolos. These Kool Stop 'cross pads are my got to for rehabbing but while the performed well the Modolos just sit too close to the fork and cause issues getting the inflated tire in/out.

85nevets

I take it you meant Ellsworth AFB?
The seller was from Vermillion, SD and said the original owner was from Canton, SD and I live in Sioux Falls. Might be the same seller with a different story, he said he had an interested buyer from Ontario that was willing to pay shipping.

I turned the original brake pads around as per your suggestion (thank you) for another 22 mile ride and the squeaking was minimal. I'll be getting some Kools shortly. Do you have a tire recommendation?

Bianchigirll 

This is funny as your pics look just like the ones someone emailed me. Oh well

Most anyone here will say for classic tan sidewall look and great performance Panaracer Pasela are a great tire. They go for right around $25-30 depending where you buy them, have a kevelar or similar belt for flat protection and cone in 700x23 up to x32, maybe bigger but I never looked.

I modified some CampI blocks for my Modolos and I got them to where they shudder a little but only squeal if I ream jump on them.

85nevets

If I replace the Michelin 700x20c tires do I need to look for the c designation on say a pair of Panaracer Pasela 700x25? Thanks

Bianchigirll 

No Get the tan sidewall IMHO it will look nicer than all black.

OH that other bike was in Indiana and he sold it for $250.