I posted this thread over at MTBR Forums too, but maybe you BF C&V-ers can shed some light on this too:


I recently purchased a Bianchi Kalahari mtb frame/fork + misc parts for pretty cheap off the local CL. It looks like it was a pretty low end bike in its day, but I can't find any info on this old bike. Does anyone know anything about years these were made, how old this one is (see photos below), etc? I've already built it up SS with parts from the bin and I've been riding the wheels off it; it's a really fun bike, and I'm really just curious for more info on this odd bike. Thanks!

Sorry in advance for the camera-phone pics; my real digi-cam has recently met an untimely end.

As purchased, sans Celeste Bianchi-labeled "Made in Italy" Turbo saddle (not sure if what on this bike is original):





Looks like Bianchi "B" Hi-Ten steel? Sounds pretty low-end:





The remnants of the fork decal:





"Custom" cranks. Not sure if these were original, but they are certainly low-end:





Headtube decal. I'm a sucker for that Bianchi logo:





Its current form. Bontrager Corvair wheels from my '99 GF Kaitai, Surly SS conversion kit, Control Tech stem (got this from the LBS for $18). From my parts bin: Odyssey bmx grips, old Avid Arch Rival 50 brakes with Avid FR-5 levers, Sugino cranks/bb from an '89 Miyata Alumicross, geared 38:18. Saddle and post (25.8mm) came with the frame.

Real low end with that high ten steel frame, stamped drop outs, no frame derailleur hanger. A lot of steering tubes have dates on them. Ditto the brake calipers and the bottom bracket. Looks like late 1980s to me.

Good ob putting it back on the road!

FKMTB07 are you in the states? the style of the decals (tubing/Bianchi) make want to think early to mid nineties but I do not recall the model name nor any bike not having a RD hanger I page through my catalogs but it look foreign to me (no pun intended)

I am in the states, but I forgot to mention; the frame has a decal from a shop in Canada (Ontario maybe? I can't remember). Would Canada have gotten a different lineup from Bianchi? No "made in" decals on the frame.

Hi yes the Bianchis in Canada are different. sometime in the mid '80s a gentleman made a deal with Bianchi Vespa to be the sole importer of Bianchi bikes and goods to the US which became Bianchi USA. since that time most all of the bikes, asscesories and clothing is designed to sell in the US market. as I have noticed after visiting this site some times bikes from other countries seem to have things a few years before or after us. the model name may be the same the 'kit' is totally different. also as I have been told in some countries Bianchi is consider to be like a Hundyi or Fiat of bikes.

FKMTB07, Sorry, I can't help with your Bianchi MTB - Bianchigirll (not surprisingly!) is the real expert here. The crank is a Sakae Ringyo (SR) Custom and I'm guessing yours has steel chain rings. I had one just like that from a very old GT Triple Triangle frame and found it a bit heavy. It is pretty low-end but IMHO quite attractive with that built in trouser guard. I put mine onto a city bike and it suits it very well. Love how you've built the bike up.

Is that a timber two-tier bike rack? If so, how tall is the whole structure? Any hints on construction? I'm running out of floor space for my collection and don't want to get rid of many!

This model was offered in the Canadian market for 1990 and 1991. It was not catalogued in 1992. However, it may have been offered prior to 1990, as I do not have Canadian listings for the very late 1980s. The serial number may provide further evidence as to the exact year. As previously suggested, it is an entry level model with a hi-tensile steel frame.