Yet another "help me identify this Bianchi" thread..
 

Hello guys!

I just scored a deal on a Bianchi, from the local Swedish CL equivalent site. The seller claims it to be from the 90's, but I would rather say mid 80's. I think the fact that it was in such a wonderful condition is what made him think that. It has Campy components, although the seller didn't know what group(he didn't seem to know much about bikes at all, lucky me I hope). All I know is that it's a Campagnolo gruppo, Modolo America brakes, drilled levers, ITM Mondial handlebars, and that the frame was made by Columbus. The cranks didnt look like Victory/Triomphe but rather some Record version because of the flutes, and that's what got me hooked. Also the black pedals could be some kind of Record although I've never seen one with black dustcaps. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow, paying ~$180.

Is this a good deal? Can any Bianchi expert enlighten me on this model in particular?

I'll paste the image that was in the ad(non driveside, of course..) :

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3944/bianchii.jpg

I'll post more pics when I get it home! I would be really happy for all information I could get.

Regards

/Maans

Not sure of the model but without question thats a great deal, congrats! What does the columbus decal say?

Hi, and thanks! Really looking forward to seeing it, will get the S/N and more info by then. The seller said it was Formula tubing as I remember, not sure if F1 or F2 though. I just happen to know very little about Bianchis so any help is very appreciated!

Right now I'm suspecting a mid-level bike, the gruppo might be 990 or so and the levers could be Victory as those are the only ones except SR that have drillings. I'll make a thorough update tomorrow, if I am lucky the components are more high-end but I'm not hoping too much. Until then, keep it comin'!

M

Update:

After doing some detective work on my own I have come to the conclusion that this is most likely a late 80's Campione d'Italia. The pedals(black dustcaps and all) are probably Ofmega Super Competizione which suggests the RD would be an Ofmega Master, as seen on other CdI's. I can't say much about the tubing until I see it for myself, but what should I hope for? I heard the formula one tubing is preferred over the two version, did Bianchi make CdI's in both one and two?

The blue tag seen on the rims suggest they are Ambrosio Extra 19 elites, are they any good?

I'm actually going to buy this bike for my brother so we can go on trips together this summer and I hope I won't disappoint him with this bike. Considering the $180 I'll pay, did I make a decent deal? Would the bike keep its value in the future?

great looking Bianchi and certainly worht $180, if your brother does not like it let me know *giggle*.

I think your estimate of a '85ish Campione de Italia is pretty close. the drilled levers (assuming you mean brakelevers) are likely Modolo to go with the calipers.

can't wait to see more pics, and more detail on the frame materiel. great score IMHO.

$180 is a very good deal for this bike. Great score. Post '84 (does not look like there is a Piaggio decal on the ST.) Wonder why the pump is on the ST, when there is a pump peg on the HT to be mounted underneath the TT. Speaking of the pump, that itself in that color is worth about a quarter of what you paid for the whole bike.

I have not ridden formula one tubing but formula two is not too shabby, a very smooth ride.

because that pump was too short for the TT and it looks better there

Hello guys, an update here but alas without pictures.. :(

It's a Brava in Formula Two tretubi. Shifters+derailers are Campy Triomphe, headset, hubs, pedals and crankset are Ofmega Strada, Campy SR clone with black chainrings. Handlebars+stem is ITM, brakes+brake handles Modolo. The Silca Impero pump is indeed very nice! :)

So there we go, a nice mid level bike from the mid 80's. Not a Reparto Corse, but I can live with that given the price I paid. Unfortunately I was so busy polishing that I didn't even think of writing the serial number down, but I did recall it being situated on the bottom bracket shell, beneath the cable guides.

Since the bar tape was bust I went to a LBS and picked an original Bianchi celeste cork tape, which really lit up the overall appearance of the bike. It's also a lot more comfy than the stock benotto-style tape that was on it.

I promise to give you pictures, but I won't get a shot at it until the weekend. Updating then. Also, thanks a lot for your replies, they are much appreciated!


Maans