Hey everyone, im a brand new member of this forum. I started months ago looking for a bike to repair/upgrade and a friend of mine is offering me an alleged 80's rute Bianchi for 121 USD (100.000 CLP). Despite the fact that i trust him, his research on the bike hit a dead eand trying to identify the model, it seems to be that the bike was repainted but it has a serial number (and sorry for my lack of english in bike parts) on the head tube and some original parts. Can anyone help? Is it worth paying 121 USD?. I tried to post this yesterday but had a problem uploading photos, (cus im new) so enlightenment about this is also welcome. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forums. The serial format and location indicates a Bianchi model from 1972. Based on the style of lugs and fork crown, it would appear to one of the higher grade frames. However, I'm not used to seeing the down tube cable stop and top tube cable tunnels on the Bianchi models of this era. It's possible these were added by a previous owner and has been repainted, as those are definitely era incorrect decals. The rear dropouts look like they may be forged, as opposed to stamped. I wish there was a drive photo of the rear dropout and derailleur so I could be sure. Size information on the seat post diameter would also be nice to have.

From a component perspective, I don't see too much that is original, except for possibly the brake calipers. Even the wheels are mismatched. The condition does not look good. Also, I don't have any appreciation for the used bicycle market in Chile, so I can't assess the price. If it weren't for the frame I'd probably pass but there remains the possibility that it's one of the better boom era frames. Still, a proper restoration would be a long, expensive journey that likely wouldn't recoup the investment.

Here's a link to your photos; https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/518039

Selective photo assist;

Well whatever it is I wouldn't go anywhere near it for $120. For closer to $50 it would be an OK bike to learn on since it appears to need a complete overhaul. Unless you can prove the frame is a better quality Columbus model I would't do any upgrading other than replace broken cables and worn tires

Thank you so much for your help!, as i said before, im not used yet to bike parts names in english. Whats a drive photo? If i take that photo and check for the seat post diameter, would you be able to get more info about the bike?, like to conclude if it worth restoring it? Also how can i replay to a specific answer?

a “drive photo” is a photo of the side of the bike that has the components on it (crank, chain, etc). It’s the right side if you’re sitting on the bike.

you can reply to a specific post by hitting the “quote” button.

There are much more knowledgeable people here than me, but I’d say you can probably find a more fun and nicer bike to restore for $120.

good luck!

Thanks to all! guess ill keep serching for a better bike T_T. I will see if i can get a drive photo of it just in case. Anyway, any recommendations about good frames to restore? here in Chile you can see many Bianchi and Trek models, any old one thats worth invest in? How can i asses the quality of frames?