Bianchi differences through the years
 

Anyone here know the specific differences between an early 80's Bianchi (italian made) and a late 80's Bianchi (japanese made)? Both frames are lugged, but what else?

The italian one likely have Italian BB threading and the oriental ones english.All current Bianchis are English BB threading. Oriental ones likely used JIS standard HS, and the italian ones ISO. Oriental components were common on one, and Campy or other european stuff on the other.The Italian ones most likely used Columbus tubing, and the Japanese ones Tange or something else sourced in the orient.

You also have to remember that the Reparto Corse bikes were, and still are, made in Italy.

Comparison photo's.
 

Both are the same exact size to the CM.

Japanese frame

Italian

undershot japanese frame

undershot italian frame (lousy shot isn't it?)

head tube japanese

head tube italian

seat post japanese

seat post italian

japanese brake mount

rear brake italian

Italian rear drop outs

rear drop outs japanese..

Though both are marked "bianchi"

It's pretty interesting to look at them side by side, at least to me. I can't comment on ride because I'm attempting to salvage the red (italian), but if it doesn't hold, I'll be on the japanese one soon. The Japanese one is somewhat of a loaner until I figure out if I need it based upon the red's condition.

The japanese one had Biopace cranks on it when I picked it up (removed by the seller, I didn't need them, couldn't use them).. Not sure if it was stock.

Interesting question, one would think that the
japanese frames would have been built to specifications
coming from Bianchi Italy. For the most part the better
Bianchi's were made in Italy, while the more entry level bikes were made in japan. I'd be very surprized tho if the
rides were significantly different. I wonder if this has been discussed on Classic rendezvous? I might check the
archives and see what I can find out.
marty

If the geometries and lugs are the same, and if both frames are made out of high-grade moly steel (either CrMO or MnMo), they will probably ride, corner, climb, and sprint almost identically. I have been told by a bicycling metallurgist that the Tange Prestige Plus CrMo tubing on my Schwinn is probably better than Columbus tubing of the same vintage (1988).