Help with Bianchi ID
 

I recently purchased this late 70's early 80's-ish Bianchi frame, but have no idea as to the exact model. It is painted the original Celeste green (obviously it needs to be repainted), there is a 'made in italy' sticker on the seat tube right above the BB, there is a circled capital 'B' a the top of each chainstay along with a capital 'B' on the top of the fork crown, the number 3 and 'M' are on the driveside of the top of the seat tube and the number 886 is on the non-drive side, there is no serial number to be found nor does it look like the frame or fork was ever stamped with a serial number (I thought it may have been ground off due to theft at some point, but now I don't think so), and it has Gipiemme dropouts on the frame and the fork; those are the only distinguishing marks. Also, I was told that frameset originally had canti' bosses, but were removed by another owner; there is some scuffing on the seat stays and the fork, but nothing that looks like canti bosses were removed or ever present for that matter so I can't confirm it either way. I don't really care about the value as I'm building it for myself, but would like to get an idea for what it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Mike

Hello Mike. unfortunatly we may never know just what this Bianchi was. there is just too much missing tubing decal, the "Bianchi" decals, and of course the components. Bianchi often used the same frame for different models so even if frame was in almost pristine condition, without the parts there is no way to know.

it does look alot like a frame I just picked up and near as I can tell it is an '83ish Nouvo Record frame. I came to this conclusion by comparing the frame to the catalogs using, tubing type decal and location, type of Bianchi decal, BB cable quides, placement of RD housing stop and nonrecessed brake bridge.

Yeah, I kind of figured IDing the frame may be a lost cause. It does look very similar to your Nouvo Record frame, especially wen you look at the cable tabs and the 'ball' style cable tab on the drive side chain stay. Thanks for the help.

Mike

Interesting bike and definitely worth restoring. The cable guides over the BB make it almost certainly pre 1979. After that they went underneath. Interesting that the frame numbers are at the top of the seat tube. High end models of that period were numbered in this way but the rear chainstays were chromed and yours aren't. Mid and High end seat stays had "B" panto until 1978 when they switched to the full "Bianchi" name, then in 1979 the name was chromed. The fork is very like my 78 Specialissima which has a chromed crown but yours doesn't show any chrome. Entry level frames were not pantoed in this manner. I would say it is mid-range 1978 but couldn't say which model. I think Otis had a 1978 Catalogue which might be available as a web photo. Worth a look . As a matter of interest, what does it weigh?

I forgot to ask if the drop-outs are Campagnolo?

WHAT? the '81,'82'83'84 catalog clearly shows over the BB cable routing as well as a "B" on the stay caps of the mid level bikes. I would venture to say the dropouts are Gipiemme

The dropouts are Gipiemme.

Ouch, Ooops and various other embarrassed sounds as the egg on my face takes hold. I stand very much corrected. Apologies Bianchi Girl and thank you for your usual insight. Back to the catalogues for more study