Campione Bike
 

I recently had the misfortune of a frame breakage on the rear dropout of my steel commute bike (yes it can happen to steel). It'll take a few weeks (at least) to process a warranty claim so I hunted around for a replacement and I managed to get my hands on a "Campione". I've never heard of them and all Google seems to reveal is a series of bikes built by Bianche - but don't seem to match this one.

Its a 6 speed, with a 127mm rear spacing, Sun Race Index gears and Dia Compe VX brakes - I'm not sure if any of these are original though.

Also crankset is Tracer - 52/42. Not sure yet if Italian or British BB threads

Does anyone know anything about this particular bike and what it was originally equipped with? It rides really well, although making a few noises, I am considering making it a project but would like some advice as to what parts I should use.

Thanks in advance

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You will probably get more responses if you posted in the following section

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...ic-amp-Vintage

This section that you posted in is more about what a bike might be worth. So leave it here if you really need a valuation.

You could repost there or ask a mod to move it.

This is interesting and has seemingly conflicting characteristics. The name and decal style are typical of a chain store brand but there are indcators pointing towards something better. It has decent but not overly agressive geometry. It has recessed brake nuts, bottle and shifter bosses, a pump peg and cable routing under the bottom bracket, yet the forged dropouts still have eyelets. This combined with the spacing points towards a lower mid-range, mid-1980s model, yet it doesn't have the tubing decal you'd expect on this level and era.

Regarding the components, the derailleurs and frewheel are almost certainly a later, indexing upgrade. The component most likely to be original is the headest and it is Shimano unit. That scalloped style was introduced in 1978 and used though 1987 on the various 105, 600 and Dura-Ace groups. Assuming it is OEM and taking the other characteristics into account, a 1983-1986 Shimano 105 headset is the best candidate.

The best indicator to the frame level is the seat post diameter, provided it's not undersized (i.e. the cinch slot is nor noticably pinched). The serial number may provide a clue as to the year and origin. Other clues may be provided by the dropout brand and bottom bracket threading which should be stamped on the cups.

Thanks T-Mar. I've added in a few extra photos and will dismantle the crankset shortly.

Thanks old_dreams - I'll ask the mods to move it.

http://vintagecycleco.files.wordpres...pg?w=490&h=327

Would it be a version of this Bianchi Campione Del Mondo 1973~1974 Touring Cycle? See http://vintagecycleco.wordpress.com/...touring-cycle/

That's a categorical no! That Bianchi is recreational touring bicycle with much longer chainstays. It's also about 10 years older than your bicycle.

If you'll provide the seat post dimeter and serial number, they may provide additional clues as to age, level and origin.

More photos of Campione
 

I agree they have a lot of differences - however the similarity in colour and name cannot be overlooked. The "shot in" rear seat stays would also be unusual. My bike also has mudguard (fender) eyelets (seem original) and a chain stay bridge suitable for a clip on mudguard.

I enclose some more pictures showing the drop-outs (some chrome does appear under the paint I think) and a chain peg is clearly visible. The brake bridge does not have any marking on either side, either does the chain stay bridge. The lugs do not have any defining cut outs or markings either.

The seat post diameter is 26.4mm and I can't find a serial number as of yet.

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This is what looks to me like a well engineered from a value engineering perspective bike frame, it has the indicators that are often looked at for a quality machine, but when you look at them closely, many fall short.
What saves it is the geometry, it is probably no lightweight but probably handles like a more expensive thoroughbred.
I hope there is at least 2" of the handlebar stem in the fork steerer though... it does not look like there is unless it is a Nitto technomic.

I really don't think you can compare the two, especially considering their vast difference in age. Color similarity means nothing. If you look at the seat stays closely you'll see that they are not the same. The Bianchi's are simply capped and brazed on the lug in conventional mthod. As for the names, Campione del Mondo 1973-1974 is not even the model. It's a commenmorative sticker that was applied to all Bianchi when the team of the 1973 World Champion, Felice Gimondi, switched to Bianchi for 1974. This sticker was used for several years.

The seat post size is indicative a of a lighweight hi-tensile steel. The detail pictures reveal further, nice, non-entry level features such as cast bridges and an integral fork crown. However, the workmanship is very basic, with little evidence of finishing on the joints, and is decidely entry level.

The new evidence supports my previuous assessment of a mid-1980s, club racer. Level is around the cusp between entry level and mid-range. It could have fallen either way, depending on the OEM components. Did you ever determine the bottom bracket threading? Given the era. location and level, it's probably of European origin.

Thanks again T-Mar - I'll check out the BB shortly.

repechage - it is heavy - but as you say it does handle well and I like the proportions of the geometry. It reminds me a bit of the 1983 Guerciotti shown below.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=288758

If only it was.

The stem needs to be lowered also.

Thanks for your comments

Some differences here but could it be a Campione Sportivo - http://glendowiebicycleclub.blogspot...any-clues.html

The frame doesn't have any of the refinements of yours, not even head lugs. This one look bottom of the barrel. It looks older by virtue of the pump pegs but the decal style looks more modern.

Finally got the crank off - the BB is a BSA 1.37 x 24.

English threading. That's interesting and rules out the possibility of it being a Bianchi manufactured frame.

Hi Camaghead,

Curious as to what came of this bike. I think I may have been cycling this very one the last 8 years or so.

Got it from a second hand bike shop in Portlaois in maybe 2014 and have been trying to identify its manufacturer since!

Did find a seriel number only last month under the BB
T0064271

Can't share any images of it yet however as I am yet to reach 10 posts on my account here but you can see my other post where I did the very same as you and put it up here for help in identifying it!