Disraeli_Gears

Hi fellas, new guy here. I have no idea how much road bikes cost so that's why I'm posting here. I'm looking for a Bianchi because my Dad had one when I was young, I remember it being really nice and I've always wanted one whenever I got older. I just want one to ride from my apartment to school which is about a 7 miles. I'm looking for something from the 70's or 80's and have a max budget of $300 and I'm 5'11" tall.

Here are some that I found on craigslist, let me know what you think.

I would have to replace the seat and pedals on this one
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/5016118342.html
Bianchi sport

1986 bianchi strata lx

oddjob2

The white Strata if it fits. Looks to be a 57cm, which should fit ok. Better components than the blue Bianchi. Red is way too small. Negotiate your best deal, but asking prices are in the ballpark of FMV.

PaintItCeleste

Well first of all, great choice for a bicycle brand. I mean, some of us may be biased....a bit. In terms of which to buy, if any, I would pose the question of what type of riding you're looking to do with this bicycle. That randonneuring bike is set up with cantilever brakes and triple chain rings. It's more akin to a commuter or traveling bicycle. Great for a daily rider, especially if you intend on carrying anything with you regularly and it's generally set up to accommodate fenders, racks, etc. The gearing has more room to make it up those tough hills. The other two are you classic road bike. More aggressive frame geometry and built for speed.

Personally, as I too am relatively new to much of this. For me, at the newer lever, much of the choice comes down to which one fits best, how well kept the bike is (does the frame have signs of abuse, rust, etc.), and how well the bike functions (are the gears shifting properly, etc.). Because people can probably get into more and more detail for you, the virtues of which you may not even realize at this time.

I really like the offerings of that 1986 Bianchi strata lx. I am a sucker for pearl paint. Looks like an old Campagnolo Super Record rear derailleur which, in good condition is a valuable component in itself. It looks like it's got newer cable housing which may indicate it's been overhauled. This can be a good or bad thing (depending on who did the overhauling). I have a bicycle with that same set of steel tubing (different model) and it rides quite well. That bike would fetch $250 all day long here in St. Louis, so to me, that's a great asking price. Again, provided everything is in good shape, no frame damage, broken parts, etc.

wrk101

Just the opposite on brand here. Bianchi made a full line of bikes, some bottom end Asian models, some nice Asian models, some nice Italian models, and some great Italian models. The Bianchi name is meaningless by itself. Add made in Italy, Campagnolo components, nicer frame material, etc., and you have something there.

Most brands from that era made everything from bottom of the barrel to extremely nice. So targeting an individual brand you could end up passing on some great stuff from other brands, and maybe getting a low end Bianchi.

I have sold quite a few Bianchis, they enjoy a name recognition premium that IMHO is unjustified. They are not alone in this regard.

The Strada is the one winner in this group, and priced the same as the others! Can you say DEAL? Go get it if it is the right size.

Missing lever hoods can be a PITA, be prepared to do some searching for replacements. Worst comes to worse, you can get new levers for not much $$, so its not a deal breaker.

Although I have been collecting, buying, rehabbing, etc., bikes for 40 years off and on, the best deals I have gotten were on brand names I did not recognize (and I recognize most of them). I have learned to focus on quality instead: the quality of the frame, components, and parts, and the condition. This has lead to some sweet deals.

PaintItCeleste

Blasphemy! I kid. I agree whole-heartedly with your assessment. Just because it brandishes the Bianchi name doesn't mean it's a great bike. And the name does command higher than average prices (without performance-based merit) if I were completely honest. Nevertheless, I love the Bianchis I have ridden (though they haven't been the lower tier). For the money, Bianchis aren't typically the most bang for your buck in my experience. I still love them, albeit inexplicably. Perhaps I am just a casualty of the celeste.

oddjob2

Understatement of the millennium, given post No. 15 in this thread. More like an addiction than a casualty.

Disraeli_Gears

Thanks for the advice guys! Sadly the white Strata has been sold, seemed like a good deal. I called the guy who owns the Randonneur and he's willing to let it go for $225. You guys thinks it's a good deal?

PaintItCeleste

It's not really a "deal" and depending on what it needs service-wise, it's probably still too high. As others have said, for that money, you can get more bike under a different name. Personally, if you have your heart set on getting a bianchi, I'd keep looking.

wrk101

To get a good deal on a desirable brand you have to recognize the deals FAST and POUNCE. Do not be surprised if that Strata reappears at a price $150 to $200 higher.