spost

Trying to get more info about the vintage, specs, and a general idea of the value of this bike. (See pics.)
- steel frame, rod brakes, motion-activated light, and froo froo like a skirt guard, bell, and leather tool satchel
- original parts, to the best of my knowledge

The numbers on the head tube read 2119203. Not sure if this is the serial number?

I live in Ottawa, ON Canada, but an internet search revealed a vintage seller in Europe who has the same or similar bike for 699 Euros... (This is the link where I found the similar bike: https://www.steel-vintage.com/bianch...e-1950s-detail) Anyone have a sense of value in North America or better yet locally to me?

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Bianchigirll 

Sorry I can't help but that is a beautiful bike.

zukahn1 

Great looking bike based on a few details deacals lights and wheels I would say it is 70's not 50's. Bianchi like Raliegh made this style of utility communter bike nearly unchanged from the late 40's to early 80's.

spost

Yes, I wondered that... The only thing that made me wonder if it was a fifties bike was that the handle bars and pedals match exactly the pictures in the 1950s vintage for sale in Europe that I link to in the original post. The same seller had a 1970s bike that had a similar reflector and bell so it made me feel unsure!

spost

Thank you, Biachigirl! It is a beaut.

T-Mar

I concur that this appears to be a later version or reproduction. I'm used to seeing Bianchi from the 1950s and well into the 1960s having an integrated headed, whereby the top and bottom head lugs are bulged to allow the the pressed races to set entirely within the frame. This bicycle utilizes a conventional headset. I'm not sure exactly when they changed the headset design and the seat post cinch bolt position on the Lusso but I know it had changed by the mid-1970s, So, if this is OEM, I'd say it is very late 1960s to very early 1970s but I also wouldn't rule out a relatively modern reproduction.

spost

Thanks! This is helpful. Any idea where I can get it appraised?

bikemig 

I'd list it on the local CL alternative (Kijiji?) for $300 and adjust the price down as needed. Used bikes tend to go higher in Canada than the States. This is a good one. The bike is beautiful and will make a fine townie bike for someone.

spost

Thanks, @bikemig

CliffordK

Looks very Italian. There used to be these by the hundreds around Parma, Italy when I was there in the 80's. So, this could easily be an 80's bike too. Or even newer.

The seat and taillight definitely have a 70's/80's look. Even the fender skirt material has a newish look.

I don't remember what type of brakes the bikes used.

zukahn1 

These have Bianchi type rod brakes wear a rod assembly pulls the pads against the inside of the rim no cables just ok stopping power but very durable.