Help identifying a classic Bianchi model
 

Hi
Can anyone help identify this Bianchi?
It has a blue and chrome color scheme as per photo but no bosses for canti brakes so maybe a version of a Randonneur?
It also has only one shifter boss on the drive side.
Measuring the BB it is 68mm so possibly a made in Japan frame?
Its got a Piaggio logo above some of the Bianchi logos so +1981?
The serial number is AS316559
Any information on model, year, frame material etc or possible leads would be greatly appreciated.
I know its not in showroom condition and I'm hoping that with some tlc that it will be brought back to life
Photo link here
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/picture/35930277
Thanks

Hi there - Welcome to C & V :)

The folks here will probably be able to help , but will need more info .
Start with adding some more pictures to your album of the frame and forks .
A full shot of the frame and forks can help also
Dropouts , fork crown , seat cluster etc .
Also seatpost diam may be of help ?

Cheers

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​​​​​​https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...908ff5fc59.jpg
​​​​​​https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9deac2b0b5.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b2ff66b6a1.jpg

frame appears to exhibit large rust hole on underside of drive side chain stay


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Hi when I can upload images I will. I can confirm there is no hole, just some rust and paint flaking

Japanese-built frame, according to the serial number structure and the BB shell width. (Italian standard is 70mm; your shell itself is <68mm wide.)
(Clincher will be whether the BB shell is tapped for 36mm x 24tip, RH thread on both sides (Italian) vs 1.375" x 24tpi, LH thread on the drive side (ISO, including Japan).

I will upload some more images soon I have them saved in an album on my profile page.

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​​​​​​https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...88c0d77ae4.jpghttps://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...18700df81c.jpghttps://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8dd730cc75.jpg
​​​​​​https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2d3c580783.jpghttps://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8e9563e2ea.jpg
​​​​​​https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8471aa573b.jpg
​​​​​​https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4a2221dbac.jpg
​​​​​​https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...133795e67f.jpg

​​​​​​https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/35925027


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Single shift lever mount is curious. Peugeot did this so that 5-speeds, 10-speeds with direct front shift, and 10-speeds with cable front shift could all share the same frame. I had not seen this on a Bianchi previously.

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both Juy and Freres Huret offered this shift lever arrangement

cable guides tell us it was at least a two plateau drive train so gear ensemble was likely from one of those two makers

here is the parts drawing for the Huret:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cc8aa6b466.jpg

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cycle appears to be about a notch and one half above the base so there would have been one or two dropbar models below it in the day and about four or so above it...

yes, the Piaggio transfer is a helpful date bracketing clue

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I believe you are correct. That's not a bad thing, as the Japanese models were superior in workmanship to the similarly slotted Italian models, though I prefer the ride quality of the Italian ones, in spite of their warts and warps..

Thank you for the info

Thank you. I have seen those before, but I had not considered that possibility here. Yes, your note about the shape of the under-BB cable guides does strongly suggest this.

From the serial number the frame was made at the Oji Bicycle Factory in Japan. The date of manufacture in January 1983.

Possibly the model is the Bici II.

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:thumb: Thank you!

One question answered...another created.

checked two online Bianchi '83 catalogues without seeing this model

if frame of Japan origin then one would expect either a MAEDA or Shimano gear ensemble

have never seen a dual shift lever set from either maker designed to operate with a braze-on boss on one side

has anyone else? maybe have missed it...

alternately, were bare frames sent to Italy (or ENZED ;)) for assembly with european components, certainly sounds unlikely

perchance we need a visit from our Bianchigirll


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Bianchi was an international brand name, just like Raleigh and Peugeot.

I assume that the brand name had different distributors and suppliers for different markets, just like Raleigh and Peugeot.

A Bianchi catalogue from one country may not be a good indicator of what models were sold in another country.

This particular Bianchi may be from the Canadian market.

In many instances the frames were shipped to the country where it would be assembled and sold to reduce the tariff. The components on the assembled bicycle could been specified to come from any or many component manufacturers.