bluehaze

I posted this on the road bike forum, but thought I might have more luck here. Does anyone know if there is an internet site where you can figure out when a Bianchi frame was manufactured? It's a Columbus Cromor frame, and the model name is Quattro. It's a metallic green colour - not the typical Bianchi celeste green. I got it without components, so I can't even judge from that. I'd appreciate any suggestions, even just a ballpark guess. I can dig up a pic if necessary.

mcoine

Post a picture!

bluehaze

Here are a few pictures of the frame in question. The stem and headset aren't original. Are we talking 80s? The shop I got it from is owned by an old Italian racer, and he tends to keep things sitting around for quite a while.

Gary Fountain

Dear Bluehaze.
Looking at your frame's bottom bracket I would say that the build date would be 1989. I am only guessing but I suggest the 9.A indicates the build date. The frame appears to be 1980's vintage and the Cromor tubing was being used then. Cromor is a 'lesser' quality tubing being formed out of a flat sheet, rolled and seam welded. The steel quality is the same as SLX or SL; it is just seamed.

I have a Bianchi with 2.A stamped on the seat cluster and I'm pretty certain it was built in 1982. The 'A' could mean anything but my theory is that it indicates the time of year the frame was built. I have seen other 80's Bianchi frames with similar stampings and the 'didget - dot - letter' seems to match the build date.

I'm sure there is someone out there who can give a definitive answer to the Bianchi timeline; but that person has to discover the Bike Forum. I don't know of a helpful website.

bluehaze

Thanks, Gary. I suspected the Cromor tubing wasn't exactly high end stuff, because I've seen pictures of other Bianchis with SL tubing. It doesn't really seem to be built like a high end bike either - not to mention that I wouldn't have gotten it for the price I did if it was. I'm eager to see how it rides though, and it will likely be a little smoother than my aluminum Cannondale.

Thanks for your help! I know people out there have the answers, but it's just a matter of finding them.

Gary Fountain

Dear Bluehaze,
I had a Pinarello with Cromor tubing and it rode beautfully. The frame was a little small for me so I traded it in on a Cinelli.
Recently I have found another Pinarello frame with Cromor tubing and am looking forward to getting it on the road.
The Cromor tubing did put me off the original Pinarello; it was difficult for me to know there was something better available (SLX at the time); it played on my mind. This was about 20 years ago and I have since learnt to appreciate the beauty of the bicycle without needing to have the best available.
Your Bianchi has nice lines, looks well balanced and is an atractive colour. I bet it rides just as nice as a Bianchi with SLX tubing.

bluehaze

It's a commuter bike... I'm not concerned at all about whether it's the best available or not. I was just curious about the history of the model. It's a better frame than I was expecting when I first started this project.

People sometimes get caught up the gadgetry and consumerism of bikes, particularly newer ones, but when it comes right down to it, it's the rider who makes the bike, not vice versa.