ricbi

Hello,

Can someone help me identify this frame. I am very new to this world, but am excited to start with a good frame that maybe I can upgrade later. Any ideas on material, construction, year? Is it a decent price?

Thanks

ricbi

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/3334691079.html

That's the link.
Sorry

jet sanchEz

I have no idea what that frame is but it appears to have Ritchey drops so that would lead me to believe that it is not a Bianchi, but I could be wrong. For sure, I know that it is NOT constructed of "Carbon Fiber tubes and steel lugs". I think the seller is one of two things, dishonest or clueless. The price isn't too bad though, assuming you can talk him down to $200 or $225-ish.

Bianchigirll 

can you get a few better pics? I agree on the dropouts I don't recall any with Ritchey drops but the catalog doesn't always say what the drops are. Also no way that is carbon. I would like to see a better pic of the luggs at the Headttube and bottom bracket.

T-Mar

The main frame appears to have square cut lugs and a riveted on front derailleur hanger, so it could be carbon tubes. The stays appear to be steel and and attched to the seat lug via normal brazing, so that infers steel for at least the seat lug. The step betwen the other lugs and tubes themselves are quite small, inplying them may also be steel. The seller may be telling the truth, at least with regads to the construction. Take a magnet if you go to see it.

jyl

Do you want a single speed or a geared road bike? I'm only asking because you said something about starting with a good frame and upgrading, which made me wonder about your ultimate end.

If the latter, just buy a roadbike. To turn this bike back into a geared bike you'll need crank, chainrings, front and rear derailleurs, shifters, new chain, housing, cables, cassette or freewheel, and new or rebuilt rear wheel possibly with new rear hub. Hopefully the derailleur hanger hasn't been messed up. Plus labor, or know-how and tools. It will cost enough that you are much better off buying a geared bike.

If the former, then the price seems in the ballpark. Assuming it is not a fake. Did Bianchi make a frame with steel lugs and triangle but carbon tubes? That would be an unusual construction.

Bianchigirll 

I was thinking SuperLugs which is why I asked about more pics. I did look at Bikepedia and the '95 Carbon Virata which has a Prestige rear triangle. the color is wrong and I can't seem to find another Carbon Virata on bikepedia.

T-Mar

Bikepedia also lists a 1994 Carbon Virata, though the color isn't listed. Regardless, it wouldn't be the first time we've seen color variations in Bianchi being marketed in different countries. This could be a foreign market model.

ricbi

Hello, thanks for taking the time to respond.
I am looking for a single speed. I just want to get a good frame that will be light and that will make it worth upgrading any of the components in it in the future. In case something breaks or I find worth investing in better crank...
I am getting a lot of info from all of you. Really appreciate the feedback.

ricbi

Hey guys,

I found this picture following your descriptions and it seems like Carbon Virata is the one.

https://velospace.org/node/25298

Would you all agree? Is it a good buy at that price?

Thanks a lot for your help.

muzpuf

to me 260 is way too much money for a stripped out bike

ricbi

Cool! Good to know. I will work with him.

jet sanchEz

Welp, I am wrong, it looks like T-Mar nailed it (as usual). I wonder if the Ritchey drops means it was made in North America?

ricbi

I think I am starting to get glimpses of your sense of humor! I am still waiting to hear from the buyer. Thanks and safe riding.