emil2702

Hello all,
Quick introduction: few months back I decided to get a vintage steel frame, I am now on number 2 ...the Bianchi in question. I generally ride a much newer bikes and would like to learn as much as possible about steel frames and any other info on this specific bike.
Questions that come to mind:
1) Is this a Bianchi (cable on bottom of the top tube might be a concern), any ideas on the model or year? Any other helpful info that one can share?
2) Should i get the frame refinished (any recommendations)?

What I know:
According to the person I got the bike from, he purchased it in the UK last year and didn't use it since then. It has Columbus SL stickers on frame and fork (main reason i got it). Hubs have campy stickers also - one of the hubs is Miche but with campy marking (again not sure how accurate that is), front and back derailleurs are campy. Breaks and break levers are of no known name (cheap after market), saddle post seems to be correct for the era no markings. Marking on the frame read 59 on one side and WJE 0127L on the other. Frame does fit well, and i have changed so far are skewers, bar tape, saddle, pedals, and tires.

T-Mar

The serial number is not consistent with that used by Bianchi but it does match the Danish format and, if so, indicates a bicycle imported by Jupiter. A quick internet search indicates that Jupiter is (currently) a chain of about twelve retail stores and they are a Bianchi dealer. However, the serial number also indicates a build date of 1974 or 1995. Neither seems to fits the frame's characteristics.

Had it been a 1974 Bianchi, I would not have expected bottle and shifter bosses, recessed brake fittings or fastback stays. Had it been a 1995 Bianchi, I would have expected dual bottle bosses, a pump peg, a unicrown fork and lugless construction.

The general impression is that of a mid-1980s model. Certainly, the decal style fits the era. However even barring market differences, I would have expected some Bianchi embossing on the fork crown, head lugs or stay caps, had it been mid-1980s.

The other disconcerting item is the Colmbus decal, whose style does match the era for the Bianchi decals. The first thing I would be doing is checking the seat post size (27.2mm for SL) and inspecting the inside of the bottom of the steerer tube for Columbus' five patented spiral ridges (see picture). I would also be checking to see if the bottom bracket is Italian threaded.

The paint is heavy enough in the pictures to suggest a repaint and redecal, in which case the frame itself could be somewhat modified. Quite frankly, I'm not sure what to make of it, but I strongly suspect that it is not a Bianchi.

Bianchigirll 

The decal placement seems all wrong to me, the seat tube decal should be much higher. As TMar points out there should be markings on an 80s era frame. The West stay attachment us wrong for an 80s frame and I would have to look but I think they are even low for a 90s frame. Even on a 90s frame I would left to see Bianchi embossed on the top of the BB shell.

emil2702

thank you both for the feedback so the seat post is 27.2 mm (however there are no 5 ridges on the fork) - how can i verify is the BB is Italian vs English? thank you again

EDIT: it is 70mm so Italian!

T-Mar

If this ridges aren't in the fork, then it's not a Columbus SL frame, as indicated by the decal. At best, it is a tretubi SL frame, with SL only in the three main tubes. At worst, it is something totally different, but a 27.2mm post at least indicates a butted seat tube of high grade alloy. At this point, I'd be removing the fork and checking for a manufacturer's logo and date code of the steerer tube.

The bottom bracket cups should have the thread standard stamped on them. Italian cups will be marked 36 x 24T or 36 x 24F.