rekon

I want to buy an older steel bike. I came across these Bianchi bikes and they fit my size. What are they worth?

Bianchi Vintage road bike (49 cm)

Vintage Bianchi Eros Made in Italy

Danbianchi881

I would take the eros over the first one. try offering $375 for the eros

oddjob2

+1 on the Eros, for mid $300s. Bear in mind the shifter repair could be a $5 cable or require a new shifter, which can run significantly higher.

Bianchigirll 

I agree the Eros is the better deal. Despite the brake upgrade I think the other bike is still overpriced by $200

PaintItCeleste

Definitely the Eros. I mean, it obviously depends on what you're going for with this older steel bike. But, to me, the Eros offers the more modern ergo shifting (albeit entry level) and a triple group, which depending your local geography and terrain on which you plan to ride, will prove very versatile. And overall, it looks like a well maintained bicycle. I agree with the others that the listed price is too high. I could agree shooting for somewhere between $350-400 is realistic. Anything less and you'd be getting a good deal (provided there aren't any serious issues we can't see in the images).

zukahn1 

I would agree that both bikes are overpriced by $100 or so the Eros does seem to be a much better bike and is definetly worth spending an extra dollars on. If there are no major issues with the shifters just cabling and adjustment $400 would seem fair if there are siginificant issues need replacement or repair $300. Myself I would likely pass if the shifters problems because you would be looking at spending $100-150 to find parts that may be hard to source or changing out most of the drivetrain because of compatibility issues.

rekon

Thanks everyone! I just talked to the Eros seller and he said the rear derailleur most likely has to be replaced. I’m thinking of offering $260 for the bike. Thoughts?

Blue Belly

What's wrong with the rear D? It doesn't look damaged, from the outside. If the gage is deformed it shouldn't be s major job to straighten

rekon

I asked the same thing. He's clueless - he just said the bike shop mentioned it has to be replaced...

zukahn1 

I think there's a good chance the seller has the rear DR confused with the shifter right side STI which is usually the issue when these have shifting problems.

FastJake

Clueless seller = go look at the bike for yourself. Because everything they say is likely to be wrong.

If nothing big needs to be replaced I think $400 is a fair price. Be careful though because old Campy can be hard to find parts for.

PaintItCeleste

Yes. While at first glance, it appears there are plenty 8-speed parts up for sale on eBay, actually finding the specific component you need for a reasonable price is the challenge. In your case, if the problem is the RD, an 8-speed Mirage (or similar line) med or long cage RD recently sold for between $60-80. You don't absolutely have to use that, but if you're trying to keep it consistent, it's something to be considered.

rekon

Thanks this helps!!

rekon

Does anyone know approx. what year this bike is?

Also, will it be a decent commuter? I just want to use it for my daily commute.

zukahn1 

Based on the mirage components early 2000's.

rekon

So, I came across this one today and i'm thinking of offering $400: Bianchi Brava roadbike

FastJake

Bike is way overpriced. MSRP was $750 new, 13 years ago. Probably sold new in the $650-700 range. Seller is leaning hard on the Bianchi name or is just clueless. I'd be happy at $300-350 but I doubt the seller will go that low.

2002 Bianchi Brava - BikePedia

Also, you said you were looking for a commuter? All the bikes you posted are for fair weather only, and none would classify as commuters to me. None will take fenders and you may have difficulty mounting a rack. You'll be forced to run narrow tires. These are racing bikes.