ckeel

Hi, I bought this bicycle a few years back at a flea market in west Georgia for $40. I have searched and searched and I cannot find any information on the bike. The Sturmey-Archer 3 speed hub says it's a 57 but I'm not 100% sure. If anyone has any information on it, feedback would be much appreciated. Trying to figure out a model and a ballpark estimate of what it could be worth. Thank you.

RacerX1

It looks lovely but Biancihigirll is the omnipotent master of all things Bianchi and most other things. She will be here in short order to answer the questions you have.

ckeel

i hope someone can.

ckeel

I guess no one knows.

Bellet

Have patience young Padawan.

zukahn1 

Realy nice example of a loop frame 50's step through complete with Bianchi cache. Yet the condition is rough but basically origanal I would say $150-200 to the right buyer as is it but expect it to be a tuff sale may take some time. Understand they will have to spend a couple off hundred or more to restore what is basically lesser 3speed.

Bianchigirll 

That is likely a bit old for most of us here. I am sure it was a beautiful machine in its day and has some wonderful stories to tell. I kind of agree with Zukahn1 someone may give you $150 or so if they can ride it away but to someone like me, a novice collector, I wouldn't give more than $50-60 because of all the work it needs. It could be a beautiful machine again but it would take quite a few dollars.

You should clean it up a little and post it on craigslist. Depending on how far you are from Atlanta or Savannah some young hipster chick might scoop it up. Also I am sure there are dozens of Bianchi enthusiast like me who get an email every time a Bianchi goes is posted on craigslist.

usarnie1

I think that the lady's thread starter Bianchi would be a good parts bike. However, a good set of tires, tubes, brake cables, chain and bearing grease would make it a rider again! You are correct that your bike is newer than 1957, as your serrial number is later than the one on my 1958 Bianchi Sport. If you look closer at the Sturmey Archer rear hub, you may be surprised to see it has the early SW hub. Bianchi used this not too popular hub on their 1957 and 1958 Sport models. I have 2 Bianchi Sport 3 speeds and both have the SW hub. I have a men's bike that is similar to yours. However, the color of my bike is Burgandy.

I found my 1958 burgandy Bianchi Sport bicycle on Craigslist for $30, as it was completely disassembled for over 30 years and missing both hand brake controls! Including the initial cost of the bike, I have spent a total of slightly over $340 to get this bike into its' current condition. The parts I purchased were: a new Brooks B190 black leather saddle $142, New brooks black leather tool pouch $100, Two new Schwalbe creme color tires $37, new kick stand $13 (not the one in the photo), new cottered pins $9.00, new steel inner brake cables $2.00, 4 new brake shoes $1.00, 8 new M4 x .7 mm stainless steel fender stay cap nuts $5.00 and a 6 volt 5 LED E10 headlight bulb $2.00.

The stem, crank arms and front axel housing are all stamped with Bianchi! I was able to remove the majority of the rust from the chrome. However, after removing the rust there was some slight pitting visiable on the chrome if you look closer than 2 feet. The burgandy color paint is in near pristine condition! The bike definately does not show its' 59 year old age! And it rides like a new bike!

usarnie1

Attached to this thread are some photos of my 1960 Bianchi Sport 3 speed red bicycle, which I found on Craigslist for $50. I replaced both tires, tubes, chrome rims, rim liners, spokes, left side crank arm, pedals, new cottered pins, seat, hand grips, kick stand, fender stay cap nuts, brake shoes and I added the Aprilia generator/light kit that i purchased on e-bay. I am presuming that this bicycle was Bianchi's economy entry level 3 speed model, as the parts and construction are not what I would call top quality! In any event, the bike came with the Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub, which I changed to an SW hub. The SW hub provides quicker shifting, no ratching noise and a better gear ratio. Unlike my 1958 Bianchi Sport model, this bike does not have Bianchi stamped on the stem, crank arms or front axel housing. However, it does sport a nice gold plated winged Bianchi head badge! The bike shows that it is 57 years old, as the red paint is somewhat faded and there are some rust spots showing through the paint on the fenders, chain guard and bottom bracket. The bike was originally sold by Jones bicycles in Long Beach, CA and they are still in business! The bike is a good survivor and is still fun to ride!

juvela

-----

stem/bar set Ambrosio.

-----

usarnie1

The original rusted rims, that came with my 1960 Bianchi Sport, were both Ambrosio! However, both the stem and handlebars on my 1960 Bianchi are unmarked and do not show the name or logo of who made them! I am holding onto both the Ambrosio rims in case I find someone who can chrome plate them for a reasonable price!

merziac

Very old, very cool and very vintage Bianchi. It may be cost prohibitive, but I would get it rideable, that way it rides and the next owner can decide if they want to go down the restoration rabbithole while they ride it around with a huge grin.

juvela

-----

Do not recognise your set. Other possible suspects are ITM, Schierano & Varese. Is there a marking on the bicycle's pedal ends? Was thinking they might be Way-Assauto.

This image shows the manufacturer's logo - they produced several different models of white rubber pedals through the years:



Finding the Aprilia lighting set is an excellent piece of fortune. Very age and nation appropriate.

-----

usarnie1

The pedals on my 1958 Bianchi 3 speed are made by JRC. The pedals on my 1960 Bianchi 3 speed are made by Way-Assauto. I found the Aprilia generator/headlight set on e-bay and acquired it with the "Buy it now" option. Both of my Bianchi 3 speed bicycles are ridable!

juvela

-----

Thank you for the response.

Made a post on your thread covering these over at The CABE.

Fine job!

-----