Bianchi tune up...
02-26-21, 09:05 PM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
Bianchi tune up...
Purchased this on CL...
I'm not a Bianchi geek so I went into this purchase doing some research first. This is an 89 Campione d'Italia, so middle of the road. Columbus Cromor tubing, a mix of Ufmega, Modolo and Suntour components, oh and a Gipiemme seat post. Most of the components are labelled Quattro. From what I could find Suntour was ending the Cyclone level of their line but Bianchi convinced them to do one more run and label it Quattro. The seller said the bike was mostly original except the brake levers, bar tape, and brake cable housing. The stem was installed when he bought it.
He was selling it for $400 and I just sold an Electra beach cruiser for $450 so I felt it was a good deal.
It was in really great shape! Not a lot had to be done. I cleaned it and waxed the frame adjusted the hubs, replaced the derailleur cables and housing on the rear D and switched the tires from 23s to 28s. Also replaced the saddle, pedals, bottom bracket and water bottle cages...
Took it for my first ride.
I have to say I'm not impressed with the stem, I think its too long.
I'm not a Bianchi geek so I went into this purchase doing some research first. This is an 89 Campione d'Italia, so middle of the road. Columbus Cromor tubing, a mix of Ufmega, Modolo and Suntour components, oh and a Gipiemme seat post. Most of the components are labelled Quattro. From what I could find Suntour was ending the Cyclone level of their line but Bianchi convinced them to do one more run and label it Quattro. The seller said the bike was mostly original except the brake levers, bar tape, and brake cable housing. The stem was installed when he bought it.
He was selling it for $400 and I just sold an Electra beach cruiser for $450 so I felt it was a good deal.
It was in really great shape! Not a lot had to be done. I cleaned it and waxed the frame adjusted the hubs, replaced the derailleur cables and housing on the rear D and switched the tires from 23s to 28s. Also replaced the saddle, pedals, bottom bracket and water bottle cages...
Took it for my first ride.
I have to say I'm not impressed with the stem, I think its too long.
Likes For Jmpierce:
02-26-21, 10:08 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Reno nevada
Posts: 780
Bikes: a few that I can't recall
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 342 Post(s)
Liked 299 Times
in
146 Posts
Its Italian.
A tune up consists of wringing it out up and down every hill and curve for half an hour.
Thats how you tune up anything that's Italian.
A tune up consists of wringing it out up and down every hill and curve for half an hour.
Thats how you tune up anything that's Italian.
Likes For Reynolds 531:
02-26-21, 10:20 PM
#3
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 485
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
Looks to be in great shape. Enjoy. Raced one just like it for a couple of years till I snapped the DS chainstay. My guess is that’s a 59 with a 130 stem and you may prefer a 120. ITM and 3TTT made some nice quils and bars.
02-27-21, 12:26 AM
#4
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
Yeah its a 59 w/130 stem. I normally ride a 60 w/110 stem. I'm probably going to use a 90 and see what I think.
02-27-21, 12:54 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,031
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4509 Post(s)
Liked 6,374 Times
in
3,666 Posts
Likes For merziac:
02-27-21, 08:04 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,036 Times
in
1,874 Posts
That Tioga T-Bone is a road stem and non-OEM. T-Bone were popular aftermarket items, though they were also spec'd as OEM by some bicycle brands. They came in both road and ATB versions. Had this been an ATB version, it would almost certainly have had some noticeable rise to it, rather than being horizontal. The ATB versions also typically had a built in guide for cantilever brake cables.
Regarding Quattro, the more plausible story, at least in my mind, is that Bianchi wanted a homogenous group (at least in name), as that had become the market trend at the time. Shimano had successfully trickled the group concept down to entry level range with the introduction of their Exage groups in 1988, convincing the consumer that components designed to function together, did work better.
Bianchi's prior approach to the Cd'I was a mix of 2nd tier of European components (Modolo, Gipiemme, Ofmega, Stronglight) with SunTour derailleurs but the average consumer thought it looked too much like it was thrown together from a backyard mechanic's parts bin. All these component manufacturers were hurting from Shimano groups taking big chunks out of their market share, so I don't think it took too much pressure from Bianchi too convince them to market them under a single Quattro name, to try to give the impression of a single sourced, harmonious group, like Shimano was offering.
Regarding Quattro, the more plausible story, at least in my mind, is that Bianchi wanted a homogenous group (at least in name), as that had become the market trend at the time. Shimano had successfully trickled the group concept down to entry level range with the introduction of their Exage groups in 1988, convincing the consumer that components designed to function together, did work better.
Bianchi's prior approach to the Cd'I was a mix of 2nd tier of European components (Modolo, Gipiemme, Ofmega, Stronglight) with SunTour derailleurs but the average consumer thought it looked too much like it was thrown together from a backyard mechanic's parts bin. All these component manufacturers were hurting from Shimano groups taking big chunks out of their market share, so I don't think it took too much pressure from Bianchi too convince them to market them under a single Quattro name, to try to give the impression of a single sourced, harmonious group, like Shimano was offering.
Likes For T-Mar:
02-27-21, 09:21 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1363 Post(s)
Liked 2,178 Times
in
1,182 Posts
Hi Joe,
Very nice looking ride, I wish that you would have posted some closeups of the details.
I am sure that you will be pleased, those frames are great riders and Celeste is a nice color for Bianchi!
Best, Ben
Very nice looking ride, I wish that you would have posted some closeups of the details.
I am sure that you will be pleased, those frames are great riders and Celeste is a nice color for Bianchi!
Best, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
Last edited by xiaoman1; 02-27-21 at 09:26 AM.
02-27-21, 11:17 AM
#8
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 485
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
My CDI came with a wheelset of Ofmega Hubs and Ambrosio rims. The rims were 36H and bombproof. The hubs were cup and cone loose ball and very serviceable.
Likes For gkamieneski:
02-27-21, 12:45 PM
#9
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
gkamieneski, It has the Ofmega Hubs and Ambrosio rims too. They are in great shape just a little truing needed to be done but the roll well.
Some detail picts...
These were all before I cleaned it!
Some detail picts...
These were all before I cleaned it!
02-27-21, 12:47 PM
#10
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
More...
Likes For Jmpierce:
02-27-21, 02:13 PM
#11
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
That Tioga T-Bone is a road stem and non-OEM. T-Bone were popular aftermarket items, though they were also spec'd as OEM by some bicycle brands. They came in both road and ATB versions. Had this been an ATB version, it would almost certainly have had some noticeable rise to it, rather than being horizontal. The ATB versions also typically had a built in guide for cantilever brake cables.
Regarding Quattro, the more plausible story, at least in my mind, is that Bianchi wanted a homogenous group (at least in name), as that had become the market trend at the time. Shimano had successfully trickled the group concept down to entry level range with the introduction of their Exage groups in 1988, convincing the consumer that components designed to function together, did work better.
Bianchi's prior approach to the Cd'I was a mix of 2nd tier of European components (Modolo, Gipiemme, Ofmega, Stronglight) with SunTour derailleurs but the average consumer thought it looked too much like it was thrown together from a backyard mechanic's parts bin. All these component manufacturers were hurting from Shimano groups taking big chunks out of their market share, so I don't think it took too much pressure from Bianchi too convince them to market them under a single Quattro name, to try to give the impression of a single sourced, harmonious group, like Shimano was offering.
Regarding Quattro, the more plausible story, at least in my mind, is that Bianchi wanted a homogenous group (at least in name), as that had become the market trend at the time. Shimano had successfully trickled the group concept down to entry level range with the introduction of their Exage groups in 1988, convincing the consumer that components designed to function together, did work better.
Bianchi's prior approach to the Cd'I was a mix of 2nd tier of European components (Modolo, Gipiemme, Ofmega, Stronglight) with SunTour derailleurs but the average consumer thought it looked too much like it was thrown together from a backyard mechanic's parts bin. All these component manufacturers were hurting from Shimano groups taking big chunks out of their market share, so I don't think it took too much pressure from Bianchi too convince them to market them under a single Quattro name, to try to give the impression of a single sourced, harmonious group, like Shimano was offering.
02-27-21, 03:17 PM
#12
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 485
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
Just watch out for those Modolo brakes. In my experience they just didn't have much stopping power. Of course they are both single pivot.
I'll bet I still have some Ofmega and Quattro stuff hanging around as well as some Superbe Pro stuff. Ran a Sachs 7 speed FW on the Ofmega hub with Campy 8 speed RD locked out to 7 speeds.
I'll bet I still have some Ofmega and Quattro stuff hanging around as well as some Superbe Pro stuff. Ran a Sachs 7 speed FW on the Ofmega hub with Campy 8 speed RD locked out to 7 speeds.
Likes For gkamieneski:
02-28-21, 07:20 PM
#13
Full Member
That Ofmega headset is the hotness though. At least as good looking as the Campy Athena headsets of similar vintage. Nice bike/build!
Likes For celesteguy:
03-01-21, 08:03 AM
#14
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
I ordered a set of Kool Stops for these brakes. Hopefully they'll make the brakes work better. I actually didn't notice anything wrong with them when I took it out for a short ride the other day.
03-01-21, 09:55 AM
#15
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Denver Metro, CO
Posts: 392
Bikes: 1972 Fuji The Finest | 1990 Bianchi Giro | 1999 LeMond Buenos Aires
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 303 Times
in
134 Posts
Great looking bike! Very comparable reported weight to the SLX bikes that year. In case you haven't found them on here already, I'll attach the 1989 spec sheet and geometry I got to use for my Bianchi. I think for stuff like the brakes, if you decide to upgrade in the future, that the 90s Campagnolo silver stuff still looks timely for these era frames. Either before or after the series names were added around 1995.
03-01-21, 12:58 PM
#17
Full Member
I have the same 1989 bike that a finished overhauling in January. it is a deeper green/blue colour with white seat and bars. I don't know if the colour was for the Canadian market or was available else ware. The bike is original except for consumables (tape, tires, cables, housings, grease)
Last edited by bikeaddiction1; 03-01-21 at 05:14 PM.
03-01-21, 09:40 PM
#18
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 485
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
It’s interesting that yours has a “Quattro” decal on the top tube. Also noticed that you have the original shift levers from the Quattro group.
Looks to be in great shape.
Looks to be in great shape.
03-01-21, 10:14 PM
#19
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
AJI125, thanks for posting the specs. I was looking for that.
gkamieneski, Yes my work bench is celeste, the PO painted it that color. I didn't think about it until I got this bike home and took a picture of it in the shop.
bikeaddiction1, yours looks like its in better condition than mine! Very nice. I think your tubing is different, mine is Cromor. Not sure what yours is but the decal looks different, otherwise it could be a twin of mine.
gkamieneski, Yes my work bench is celeste, the PO painted it that color. I didn't think about it until I got this bike home and took a picture of it in the shop.
bikeaddiction1, yours looks like its in better condition than mine! Very nice. I think your tubing is different, mine is Cromor. Not sure what yours is but the decal looks different, otherwise it could be a twin of mine.
03-02-21, 09:44 AM
#20
Full Member
03-02-21, 09:56 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,283
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1135 Post(s)
Liked 1,727 Times
in
951 Posts
I think my Formula 2 tubing bike, with Cyclone is a season or two before yours. It has Modolo brakeset, Miche hubs with Ofmega headset. I replaced the cranks and seatpost with Campy.
Likes For Mr. 66:
03-02-21, 10:21 AM
#22
03-02-21, 01:14 PM
#23
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,793
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1390 Post(s)
Liked 1,322 Times
in
835 Posts
@Jmpierce nice bike! I am surprised that 28c tires fit. I had an '89 Specialized Sirrus and the max was 25c. Could you go even larger?
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
Likes For John E:
03-02-21, 09:50 PM
#24
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
Yes, mine are Continentals. I could probably go larger with continentals not sure about Specialized...
03-08-21, 05:12 PM
#25
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
One step closer to finishing this...
I like the looks of these brake levers but others have said they didn't like them. I'm going to try them out and see.
I like the looks of these brake levers but others have said they didn't like them. I'm going to try them out and see.