seahog

Hello there! First time poster here looking for my first bike!

Found this on craigslist listed for $300, I don't know much about bikes and wondering if this is a good bike and if it is at a good price? The owner didn't list anything about the bike and just posted the picture.

I tried searching on the forum, and I think this might be the 1984 Bianchi Special??

Thanks!

John E

Above all else -- that is a small frame. Is it the correct size for you?

The price feels a bit high to me, but I am not sure about this.

seahog

I think so, the frame is 50cm and I am about 5'3. It's been hard trying to find a small frame size so being able to find this one is good! Just need to know more about the bike.

How much do you think the bike should go for?

Thanks for your input!

T-Mar

If you're having trouble finding bicycles in your size, then you just may have to bite the bullet and pay a premium price. I can't tell much from the poor, non-drive side picture other than that it is an entry level model and poorly set up.

seahog

Yeah I totally agree with paying premium price for my frame size.. I have asked him about providing me more pictures of the bike, probably going to get it later tonight. Thanks for the heads about it being an entry level model, and about the set up

1987

Here is my fav size chart for classic bike fit



And I agree with the replies above.
The classic Bianchi that you want to have a lookout for is Specialissima

malcala622 

If its a bianchi in Celeste that's tje only way I'm paying the premium price. Other than that for me I wouldn't pay more than $200 for the bike. Alot of sellers use the name as a reason to jack up the price.

1987

That's very blunt criterium, to only go by the color. There are several cheap models in celeste.

eithr

I paid $500 for a 1986 Bianchi Trofeo, 10 years ago. I suffer a similar size affliction -- my Bianchi is a 49 or 50 cm frame. I felt lucky to nab it and haven't regretted it once in all these years.

If the frame is in good shape, you can always upgrade parts as you grow into the bike. $300 for a solid steel frame is a nice price compared to spending $900+ for a new steel frame. If this Bianchi is made of Columbus steel, definitely nab it.

malcala622 

The market I'm in for bicycles which is the Los Angeles area there is no such thing as cheap celeste model unless its a mountain bike. Of course we all agree Celeste brings in more bucks but I also factor in condition of the frames paint and overall appearance and size...many more factors...hence the premium price.

I don't want to derail the thread my point is OPs bike in question already shows its not worth paying 300.

Id rather get a Sport SX in Celeste over any color, so yes color is top in my criteria for a bicycle.

malcala622 

That sounds about right...if I remember correctly I paid $450 for my Trofeo Celeste about 6 years ago. Color does factor in price.

Just last week I paid less than 200 for a navy blue trofeo.

1987

Interesting, this might be a business case. Fill a container with low end old celeste Bianchis from Europe and sell them in LA.

malcala622 

Nah...shipping alone will cost more than what's paid for the bicycles to begin with..the idea puts me in debt just thinking about it lol.

Anywho @seahog if the bike looks to be a good fit and in great condition I say go for it. If the seller is motivated to sell offer slightly less than your price you don't mind paying and hope the seller will meet you at your price.

corrado33

The special wasn't available in red in 1984 according to the catalog. (Only in celeste)

I think it's very overpriced unless you live in a particularly overpriced bike market.

I've paid $300 for a top of the line japanese bike of similar vintage with NOTHING wrong with it and new rubber. $350 for a custom built (not for me) USA made bike with full Dura ace.

For that bike... $150-$225.

I paid $50 for my '87 Bianchi limited in all original condition. (But that was an extreme case and I was VERY lucky.)
@bianchigirl may know more.

If it were me, I would not pay $300 for that unless it turned out to be a high end bianchi.

Also, how is it that you joined in 2015 but only have 3 posts? All three of which are in this thread?

seahog

Ahh. Good to know, I will definitely keep that in consideration

I live in Vancouver, so I assume its a bigger market..I'll try and negotiate a lower price, and if not, I think I might have to pass on the bike

Thanks i'm going to try and get the price lower, if not then I might have to pass!
And 2 years ago, I was looking for a bike but never ended up getting one, and I have been searching the forums to get an idea of reliable bikes to get Hopefully this time I can actually get a bike!

seahog

Looks like I will fit 50-52

ryansu 

@1987 great chart! I've never seen one that accounts for the fact I am 5' 11" and have a 30" inseam, yeah I'm all torso. French bikes seem to get me but everyone else thinks my legs are too short for my height lol

Stevensb 

If @seahog lives in Van his 300 may be loonies, not dollars. 300 loonies is about $210 which puts the price near to what some of you are suggesting.

Brad

Hardrock23

I ride that size bike, at around 5'4 with 29.5 inseam (PBH). I could go up to a 51cm probably, maybe... It took me quite a while to find a nice, vintage, diamond frame bike in such a small size that was also within my budget - I've noticed the smaller the frame, the higher the price, in my area.

If it fits, is in good condition, a price you can pay, and you like it and it will get you out riding, then I say grab it.

seahog

Here are some more photos I just received! Don't know if its going to help much, can't get the photos to be larger..Let me know what you guys think - are your opinions the same as before??

T-Mar

Based on the slightly better pictures, it does appear to be a 1984, Japanese manufactured model. The tubing decal appears to be the CrMo decal, though it may have CMn or hi-tensile forks and stays. While it's entry level,it should be upper, entry level based on the down tube, shift levers. It also appears to have 700C wheels based on the Presta valves. The rear derailleur does appear to be a slant parallelogram model and if OEM, would be SunTour, though I can't identify the model.

corrado33

Looks like a nice enough bike.

Still not worth $300 american dollars, in my opinion.

Looks like a bike flipper is selling it (new housing, likely cables, correctly mounted housing behind the handlebars).

eithr

Mine's the exotic Electric Rose color.

It was practically mint when I acquired it, with Super Record components, Modolo brakes and Mavic wheels, so the price seemed right.