I've been offered a Bianchi Stelvio via e-mail, asking price $600.

It's a 3 hr round trip to check it out. All the seller has sent me so far is one lo-res picture. I've requested that he take about a dozen more - full view of the drive side of the bike and various components.

I can't find much info about the bike. I gather it was Bianchi's "entry-level" racer in the mid-80s.

I'd like a specs list to verify just how original the bike is and any specific items that I should check.

Unless it is NIB (I mean in the box unbuilt) $600 is way too much esp with a 6+ hour drive.

Your right the Stelvio seems to be (atleast in US catalogs) to be a one year model '85 and entry level Italian. The catalog shows a Alle R Double Butt frame/fork, Modolo Corsa brakes, ITM bar/stem, Ofmega Barilliante crank, Triomphe shift/Der, Ofmega Mundial hubs, Mavic Mod 2 rims.

It is a good looking basic bike but I think closer to $350 depending on condition may be a better price.

I suspected that he was way too high on the price. He's been pretty persistant with multiple e-mails and offers to negotiate the price. So I think that I may be the only interested party.

Depending on general condition and how original the bike is, I was thinking more in the $200-$250 range.

If I get the requested pics, I'll post them here...

Insane price unless there's several $100 bills stuffed in the frame.

Seller sound like a flake. Asking that price, but failing to provide pix would make me keep the car in Park.

Well, he did send me a single crappy iPhone picture of the left side of the bike. I'm on my cell phone right now and I can't post it. But I'll put it up when I get home...

I wouldn't bother. Considering the asking price, it is highly doubtful that the seller will drop his price anywhere below $500.

By making a long drive to see the bike you are already committing time and money towards buying it. You run a greater risk of overpaying, since you'd have to walk away empty handed.

I wouldn't budge until I had nailed down a "negotiated" price.

I agree.

I'd be little more generous than some of the other members, considering this bicycle to be lower midrange. However, I do agree that it appears to be drastically overpriced for the market. FYI, so you have a little more bargaining power, the MSRP was $420 US.

Sold one in August 2010 for $350 in SoCal. It was 9/10. 56cm. Original specs are Campagnolo front and rear derailleur and shifters. 12 speed, (2x6). Bianchi branded Ofmega cranks and hubs. Mavic Module E 700c rims. Modolo Corsa brakes. 3TTT stem. Lyotard pedals with cages and straps. Columbus tre tubi. It's a nice rider. Brakes are so-so but it's Italian with some Campy.

You would need great photos and the price locked down before getting in the car.