Bianchi Help Please...
 

I facilitated the purchase of this Bianchi for my son. The only numbers it bears, 171, are located on the seat tube lug. The rear derailleur is also stamped as a 71. The bike was purchased as a frame/fork set and then built up by the original owner.

The bike...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fe0227e797.jpg

The numbers...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4c4f250738.jpg

My first question regards the bike's vintage. Is it a 1971 issue?

The next question is what model is it and where in the Bianchi line up does is appear? Bianchi Girl suggested, based in part on the style of head set, that it was not a top of the line model...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d2ebd278a6.jpg

My last concern, for now, is what would the proper art (decals or stickers) look like. My son wants to replace the art which brings up my last concern. These sets are available on Ebay but they are not period correct...
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a681b03ca3.jpg

Does anyone know where I can get the correct color for the bike as it could use either touching up or even a complete paint job?

celeste is not all created equal.....you may fall into a deep hole here see https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ste-again.html

It looks like you have a similar "Through Top Tube" modification as I have on my recently acquired '81 version.

-----

an earlier discussion thread on the machine -

​​​​​​https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...s-bianchi.html


-----

I think 171 is 1971. In RSC's Bianchi registry, the Bianchis from 1971 are stamped 171 XXX. 1973 is 173 XXX. 1974 is 174 XXX. But there is a single example of a 1974 bike with only a 174 stamp, no additional 3 digits.

All of the bikes from 1975 have an entirely different serial number convention, as do the bikes from 1969 and prior.

No pictures of 1971 bikes in the registry. The 1973 bikes have a blue decal and "modern" font. The 1970s bikes have the "old" font but on a foil sticker, red outline, white fill.

I was careless. On the other side of the seat tube lug was/is another number set - 060. Hope that helps a bit.

Sadly, there are two holes drilled in the top tube. That said, I think that I got a really good price on the bike, paying considerably less than the value of the components.

Also, I thought that I had included this decal/sticker choice but apparently I didn't. This is the other set available on Ebay...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4f826b5ca9.jpg

Is it possible the bike never had any decals/stickers? I recently acquired a 1983 which shows no evidence of ever having had any decals and I don't believe it is a repaint. After asking for help here and doing my own research I finally concluded (guessed) that the original owner had purchased a frame and fork and did a custom build. Could no decals have been a thing for bare frame/fork sales?

My guess is that it is, indeed, possible that my bike came with no decals at all. I have looked carefully and see no indication of decals ever being present. Apparently the original owner purchased a frame/fork set and assembled the bike himself (or had a shop do it on his behalf). That said, my son wants decals on the bike and so do I.

To that add that, once again apparently, there were never any rear brake cable clamp guides ever installed. My guess would be that the holes in the top tube were drilled when the frame was brand new. I am, presently, toying with the idea of sealing the holes up before painting the bike (assuming that I paint the bike). I also toy with the idea of keeping it bone stock "as found" thus preserving its history of use.

I found some very pertinent information regarding the Bianchi I recently bought. Turns out it is a 1970-1971 Transition model and not too many were made. This is a picture of someone else's...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9ca08b48ce.jpg

Special decal is one indicator of the bike's unique pedigree(my bike came to me with no decals)...
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...04920b72d6.jpg

The bike was issued with Dura-Ace side pull brakes same as mine. My bike also features the lovely chrome plated integrated head set, something I have always admired. This bike shows TTT bars and stem but the owner stated that the original stem and bars (Cinelli old logo) came as spare parts when he bought the bike from the original owner(my bike features the original cockpit)...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...461c2faeb0.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ec7aa2c95f.jpg

Still not positive about what my bike is but it does seem to be a Transition Special model. Though a bit big for me, I do intend to build it up. Biggest issue, of course, is how to repair the two holes drilled in the top tube - solder a plug into each or use J-B weld to plug each before a repaint(I do not want to damage the chrome head tube lugs)...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9182a3a570.jpg

This 1973 Fiat paint color chart seems to offer a fairly close choice - 2018 62-4???
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d050ffb36a.jpg

I struggled with how to fill the holes in my Bianchi. I debated a lot of ways (Putty, JB-Weld, Solder, etc.) and ended up having the holes brazed (with a plug) by a frame builder. I was afraid any of the other methods would "fall out". I may have been overthinking it, but since I needed other frame work done (adding in cable guides), I chose this route.

That’s a really nice Bianchi. Almost seems a shame to repaint. Wonder when they drilled the top tube and replaced clips. And if you don’t see the marks, should it be assumed to be a good early 80s repaint? Would explain the lack of decals.

The Dura Ace brakes are later additions I assume....? Cannot see Bianchi at that point with anything other than Campy/GPM, maybe Galli at that level.

I was beginning to think the Dura Ace brakes were original issue, however; after checking Dura Ace came into being in 1973 according to a timeline website I just visited. With that in mind and not having a clue as to where I could get a set of Shimano Dura Ace hoods, I might as well go with a Universal Super 68 brake system. I already have a nice set of calipers and levers, identical to the set fitted to my Legnano Gran Premio. I also have a NOS or repo set of Universal hoods (another problem solved)...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a81441a29f.jpg

[MENTION=84826]randyjawa[/MENTION] I just pulled up a picture of the paint job I just did and I think it matches your bike. FWIW it's RAL 6027.

This may have already been mentioned, but the 171 stamp on the seat lug would indicate it’s the top model Bianchi made in 1971.

Thank you for the information. I will give my local Auto Home Paint shop a call to see if they can offer that color. It looks darn near perfect to me.

Based on the 171, I would guess the bike to be of 1971 vintage. I am not sure what the first 1 indicates. Based on the component group fitted, I would like to think it is a top dog in the Bianchi kennel but will work to properly determine its pedigree. I am looking forward to the build which will begin as soon as I get back to my summer home at the Loon Lake...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d61e661f34.jpg

I did some research a while back, I had purchased a Bianchi, which was being sold as a "Team" bike. Had the full Campagnolo Record group. Seat lug had the 173 stamp.

Somewhere, and I don't remember where, now, I read the 1XX stamp on the seat lug indicated it was a top level frame, whether that meant team, pro, or Specialissima, I'm not sure. But it did mean it was their top of the line frame.

Here's mine:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e52d0878be.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ccbc8fd85d.jpg

You have one beautiful Bianchi! Thanks for that information regarding serial numbering and significance. It does help me feel even better about the Bianchi I have now. It would be nice knowing that it is a top of the line model. I have had a couple of Italian top of the line bikes from the same approximate era, including this wonderful 1969 Atala Professional that I restored and sold years ago...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a39e638ac0.jpg

And now, in addition to this Bianchi, I have a sixties something Torpado Professional that will go into the stand this summer and, hopefully, be restored along with the Bianchi(have to ride the Bianchi before deciding if I want to restore it or not). I have already ridden the Torpado Pro and am more than satisfied with the ride quality...

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5c721a18b6.jpg

You guys are amazing!!

I'm a new cyclist (started during the pandemic) and I'm hooked. I have my roadie and my MTB but now thinking of buying a vintage roadie.
I found two that I like:
1. a 2000 Bianchi Eros in graphite. 100% Full campy group set and super clean,
2. a Bianchi Campione del Mondo 1982 Columbus Tretubi frame from the Piaggio era as used by the Belgian Bianchi team. Again, super clean and Italian components, either campy or Bianchi. Even the Bianchi tire pump and campy/Bianchi toe clips. All original with no scratches. Gun Metal gray.

Wish I could post pics but I'm new to the site and don't have my 10 comments in yet.

Both are in the same price range, about $100 apart. Any suggestions? What should I look out for? What would you do?

If you buy a first Bianchi that isn’t celeste in colour then sooner or later you may find yourself not quite completely happy…

Just to close on this thread, I purchased the frame set from Randy,
The frame set was built up as described here, 1971 Bianchi build - Bike Forums. and filling top tube holes Filling top tube holes - Bike Forums
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c85ce914eb.jpg

Words of wisdom for sure.

I can't really see myself riding a bright, flashy color. Both of my bikes (so far) are CF and flat black.

Years ago, someone interviewed Enzo Ferrari and they asked him why he only made cars in 5 colors. He said "it doesnt' matter because they are all red underneath." I feel the same way about Bianchi (and (I'd be perfectly happy driving a non-red Ferrari). I'm leaning more towards the 1982 ride. I may retro-mod it slightly so that shifting is up on the brake levers, then save all of the original parts. But 1st I'm going to ride it and see what it feels like to shift from the downtube.

Keep in mind the rear spacing if you decide to go Ergo or STI.

Sorry for being a Newbie but how does the rear spacing affect the ride quality? (I'm assuming that's what you mean?) I'm currently riding a Specialized Ruby. It's considered an endurance bike so more like the Ergo?

I don't think that I'll be putting on many long rides wth a Vintage bike. Anything more than 30 miles will most likely be on the Ruby.

My first Bianchi was a mustard-colored 1979 Super, all-Japanese but with quite upright geometry.
Too lively in fact with the curiosly-short, factory 8cm stem, so I sold it.

Years later, I came across the identical model in brown, laying in a heap with rusted-solid chain and wheels off the bike with obvious axle issues.
I bought it for $60, wanting to have another crack at this model.

Then along comes an Italian-built Nuovo Racing model in celeste, again in the same 58cm size as the others, but with a long original TTT stem on it.
Despite it having holes drilled into it's butted seat tube, and with it's fork crown rotated a bit to one side (and with fork blade damage crudely corrected using a bench vise), this quickly became my favorite, after installing a 5mm shorter stem and taking ten+ hours tearing through the bike.
I got the bike to ride perfectly straight, and it's proven to be a real crowd-pleaser among the club riders. And it rides fantastic, really supports the rider's effort in all road-riding situations.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...04ab588e9b.jpg