jshudson

Hey guys,

I came across this bike through a friend of a friend. He wants $150 for it. I'm attempting to figure out what model and year it is so I can get an idea of if it would be worth my time buying and refurbishing it. It looks like the stem is not original.

Thoughts? Would this be a fair price?

Thanks in advance!

septacycles

Can you give more info on the components and tubing? I see a sticker that should tell you what the tubing material is. Also look for if the bike was made in italy or if it was made in japan as some 80s bianchis were. When you say refurbish... what do you think it needs? With new tires, tubes, and cables, and a chain... I could sell that bike in my area for $250... if it has campagnolo or higher end componenets it would go for a little more.

jshudson

Thanks for the reply. I haven't actually been to see the bike so I can comment on the tubing material. However, I know the brakes are Modolo Start and the components have 'Master' on them. The frame does say 'Made in Italy.' I'm fairly certain it would need new tires, cables, tubes, and a chain.

septacycles

Are you refurbishing to ride or sell... If you go and see the bike and it is in ridable condition as is $150 is a good buy... if it needs lots of work maybe not that much. In a good bike market you could buy that bike as is fix it and probably make $50 to $100 on top of what you put in to it.

Components are likely Ofmega Master... good component... if its made in italy and has columbus tubing... frame is nice as well. I would say worth $150 depending on what you want to do with it.

Figure out the tubing and Bianchi girls or another bianchi expert will be able to ID the model and year.

My best guess... Bianchi Chapion de italia Mid to late 80s

jshudson

Thanks. That really helps. I'm not trying to flip it, just wanted to make sure it was worth something before I dove in. Based on your comments, it does like a Campione d'Italia fully-lugged, Made-in-Italy, Columbus-steel road bike with a full Ofmega/Modolo 6-speed double gruppo.

Bianch badged friction downtube shifters (made by Ofmega)
Ofmega "Master" short-cage rear derailleur
Ofmega "Master" double front derailleur
Bianchi badged double road crankset (made by Ofmega) w/ 170mm arms and 52-42 chainrings, which show very little wear (crank is mated to Ofmega Italian-threaded fully-serviceable bottom bracket, which should last roughly till the apocalypse)
Ofmega front and rear hubs, laced to Ambrosion 19 Elite Made-in-Italy 32-hole eyeletted box-style 700c clincher rims
Ofmega 1-inch threaded headset
Modolo Start brake calipers
Modolo Start non-aero drilled brake-levers
Regina Made in Italy 13-24 6-speed freewheel

I think I'm going grab it, put new silver bar tape on it, new cables (black or silver?), a black Brooks B17 saddle, a new quill stem to replace that ugly one, and new tires/tubes.

septacycles

Cool... sound like a plan it will be a nice riding bike once cleaned up. If you can get it for a little less all the better more money to put into the rehab and upgrades.

If you want a brook b17 in black I have a few I'm selling... on ebay and to bf members... see the following post... for pictures and prices. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/733634-Brooks-Saddles-Brand-NEW!!

I have a brand new b17 narrow for $88 including shipping.

Bianchigirll 

I would certainly get that for $150. at the very least you have a nice Columbus frame




the color is wrong but I think it is one of those early '87 Campione de Italia's htat had Ofmega drivetrains. it is also possible the parts were swapped with a Limited that years. we did that once or twice when the frame was the same between models but someone wanted a different color or a size we could not get.

jshudson

If I wanted to switch out the stem for a more traditional looking quill stem, how would I determine which size to get?

Bianchigirll 

it depends on the bars but I would venture to say you need one with a 26.0 clamp. as far as length, that depends on you. if the bike feels comfortable stay the current length. if it feels short get something slightly longer.