High-end Bianchi Caurus frame -this one doesn't make sense.
09-21-10, 05:10 AM
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High-end Bianchi Caurus frame -this one doesn't make sense.
Hello everyone!
My friend obtained a Bianchi sometime ago, and is now in the process of polishing stuff up and rebuilding it. The bike was completely outfitted with c-record components, delta brakes and what not.
What puzzles me though, is the Caurus paint scheme seen on the frame. Most Cauruses I see ranging from 840 to 909 models are equipped with shimano exage-300EX-RX100-105 components indicating that it would be an entry-mid level bike. And then this c-record+MAX Caurus pops out of nowhere and more than anything looks like repainted proto.
Does anyone have info on when(why?) the Caurus range was introduced? Such a wide range of bikes, from hi-ten tubing to MAX truly puzzles me. Is it a reparto corse?
The frame is pretty scuffed in some areas, my friend thinks it looks absolutely hideous, and as such it may receive a repaint. Also the C-record group is in such a bad shape that my friend wants to rebuild it with other components, and have a partial ofmega premier/mistral group ready for it. I'm not sure really what I am asking for here, maybe just general advice on rebuilding, and if anyone has additional information on the Caurus line, that would be much appreciated.
Picture of said frame:
And a picture of a 1991 Proto for reference:
My friend obtained a Bianchi sometime ago, and is now in the process of polishing stuff up and rebuilding it. The bike was completely outfitted with c-record components, delta brakes and what not.
What puzzles me though, is the Caurus paint scheme seen on the frame. Most Cauruses I see ranging from 840 to 909 models are equipped with shimano exage-300EX-RX100-105 components indicating that it would be an entry-mid level bike. And then this c-record+MAX Caurus pops out of nowhere and more than anything looks like repainted proto.
Does anyone have info on when(why?) the Caurus range was introduced? Such a wide range of bikes, from hi-ten tubing to MAX truly puzzles me. Is it a reparto corse?
The frame is pretty scuffed in some areas, my friend thinks it looks absolutely hideous, and as such it may receive a repaint. Also the C-record group is in such a bad shape that my friend wants to rebuild it with other components, and have a partial ofmega premier/mistral group ready for it. I'm not sure really what I am asking for here, maybe just general advice on rebuilding, and if anyone has additional information on the Caurus line, that would be much appreciated.
Picture of said frame:
And a picture of a 1991 Proto for reference:
09-21-10, 07:41 AM
#2
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great looking frame. tht might be the smallest MAX bike I ever saw. where are you and the bike located? Caurus means something like strong wind right? perhaps in some countries Bianchi used that name all the way to the top. I think there was a Caurus on ebay at one time with 600. while a Cromor or SL frame with 600 to a MAX w/ C-Rec is a big jump it is possible. I believe there was only on or two models between the US Virata (Prestige/600) in '90 and the MAX w/C-Record
was thi the original paint? could it, likemy red MAX frame, been repainted for a team?
more pics?
was thi the original paint? could it, likemy red MAX frame, been repainted for a team?
more pics?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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09-22-10, 03:53 AM
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Thank you for your replies!
@Bianchigirll: I suspected you would find this thread!
Me, my friend and the bike are situated in Sweden. I've learned that the Caurus line is a European phenomenon and as such very few made it to the U.S. My friend claims that "Caurus" was just an optional paint scheme and that the bike in fact is a Proto. I really don't think it's a repaint though, just a rare color.
@Force: Yeah, I agree. I am trying to convince him that the rare paint scheme is worth preserving, simply because it's so gnarly in a fun way. Also sometimes going all out retro is not the best idea, considering the quality of the frame and the fact that it should/will be ridden frequently I have recommended him getting a 8speed ergo group to avoid the hassle with early syncro shifting.
@Bianchigirll: I suspected you would find this thread!
Me, my friend and the bike are situated in Sweden. I've learned that the Caurus line is a European phenomenon and as such very few made it to the U.S. My friend claims that "Caurus" was just an optional paint scheme and that the bike in fact is a Proto. I really don't think it's a repaint though, just a rare color.@Force: Yeah, I agree. I am trying to convince him that the rare paint scheme is worth preserving, simply because it's so gnarly in a fun way. Also sometimes going all out retro is not the best idea, considering the quality of the frame and the fact that it should/will be ridden frequently I have recommended him getting a 8speed ergo group to avoid the hassle with early syncro shifting.
10-01-10, 06:40 PM
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I don't believe it! I've finally seen another one. I have one of those frames which needs a bit of restoration - Hi Maanster, can you please tell me what bottom bracket size the frame takes? It would be a huge help as I can't get a english (68mm) or Italian (70mm) shell to fit properly.
many thanks
many thanks
Last edited by cujo101; 10-01-10 at 06:49 PM.
01-26-16, 02:03 PM
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Girardenghista
Hey Maanster... I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to post a link to my scan of a Bicisport review of this model. I love the Proto, and see no reason why they would rename it for the same tubing in a different color way for a European market. Anyway, if of interest, I'd be glad to translate this.
Specifically, from this article: "In the case of Bianchi bicycles, the Caurus refers to an elaboration, especially aesthetically, to the Proto model." Indeed, it seems it was just a graphic option of the Proto.
Speaking of the Proto, anyone ever seen a pearl white one, as it appears in the famous Bicycle Guide (or was it Bicycling?) review of "new steel" frames? Gorgeous!
https://www.ciclimasini.com/images/90...i%20Caurus.pdf
Specifically, from this article: "In the case of Bianchi bicycles, the Caurus refers to an elaboration, especially aesthetically, to the Proto model." Indeed, it seems it was just a graphic option of the Proto.
Speaking of the Proto, anyone ever seen a pearl white one, as it appears in the famous Bicycle Guide (or was it Bicycling?) review of "new steel" frames? Gorgeous!
https://www.ciclimasini.com/images/90...i%20Caurus.pdf
Last edited by mrjav; 01-26-16 at 02:09 PM.
05-04-16, 10:27 AM
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I am sorry to wake up such an old thread but I am so happy I am doing somersaults here... Thank you @mrjav !!!
I have been searching and searching for documentation on my Caurus Proto for a long time. I have written posts about it here in Sweden trying to analyze this model compared to other protos - I guess you guys do not understand Swedish but here you can see my effort (a bit down the page and some on the next):
https://www.fixedgear.se/forum/viewto...4705&start=680
This is a break thru for me and I will get a translation of that article in mrjav:s post. I just joined here and already this site has done me a big favour.
Thanks!
The black and green Caurus at the top of this page is also in Sweden. We have been in contact.
Mine:
It is in very good shape and some minor touch ups is all that is needed. I have thought the paint scheme ugly (and I still do) but now, when documentation is at hand, it will get its parts back and take its place in my collection exactly as it is. The joints on my frame are very smooth - you do not see any welds - looks fillet brazed. When looking at Protos and the other Caurus: es this seem to differ between different frames. I have tried to document Proto serial numbers and found early ones with F030 and F058 - if I remember right mine has F237 (but I will have to check it again).
I have been searching and searching for documentation on my Caurus Proto for a long time. I have written posts about it here in Sweden trying to analyze this model compared to other protos - I guess you guys do not understand Swedish but here you can see my effort (a bit down the page and some on the next):
https://www.fixedgear.se/forum/viewto...4705&start=680
This is a break thru for me and I will get a translation of that article in mrjav:s post. I just joined here and already this site has done me a big favour.
Thanks!
The black and green Caurus at the top of this page is also in Sweden. We have been in contact.
Mine:
It is in very good shape and some minor touch ups is all that is needed. I have thought the paint scheme ugly (and I still do) but now, when documentation is at hand, it will get its parts back and take its place in my collection exactly as it is. The joints on my frame are very smooth - you do not see any welds - looks fillet brazed. When looking at Protos and the other Caurus: es this seem to differ between different frames. I have tried to document Proto serial numbers and found early ones with F030 and F058 - if I remember right mine has F237 (but I will have to check it again).
Last edited by styggno1; 05-04-16 at 11:04 AM.
05-04-16, 10:22 PM
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Those are striking-looking frames. Am I correct that the top tube is ovalized horizontally where it joins the seat tube, and that the seat tube and down tube are similarly ovalized where they join the bottom bracket shell? That must make for a laterally-stiff (but vertically-compliant) frame indeed.
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05-05-16, 05:47 AM
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It does indeed. I have not ridden this frame but I have a lot of experience of Merckx version of it - the MXL. Wonderful.
05-25-16, 12:32 PM
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Sorry if this is a dead thread but I have come across one of these. Does anyone have any idea of a value? Is anyone interested in buying one?
Cheers Simon
Cheers Simon
05-28-16, 12:02 PM
#11
Girardenghista
Am interested, depending on size, color and price! Pm me!
06-01-16, 02:22 PM
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Sorry This website won't allow me to PM you, I haven't posted enough? do you have an email I can write to?
Size as measured from centre of BB to top of seatpost is 550mm
Color is as pictured on this thread, id say in pretty decent nick for its age,
Got a Rolls saddle on but the groups is nothing special.
I'm open to a reasonable offer. Really don't have a clue what its worth
Cheers
Simon
Size as measured from centre of BB to top of seatpost is 550mm
Color is as pictured on this thread, id say in pretty decent nick for its age,
Got a Rolls saddle on but the groups is nothing special.
I'm open to a reasonable offer. Really don't have a clue what its worth
Cheers
Simon
02-04-17, 04:34 PM
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Bianchi Caurus
Hi, just to mix it up a bit, I have a Bianchi Caurus in the same colour scheme, but with chrome forks and rear chainstay, it is built with Columbus TSX and has Bianchi engraved silka bridge, the fork crown has bianchi engraved on the tops and the letter B on the some of the lugs, Can anyone shed some light on this for me please
Last edited by Ghglover; 02-04-17 at 04:56 PM.
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