Need some more info on this Bianchi
 

I'm wanting to buy a lugged steel road bike, saw this Bianchi for sale but need some more info.

Seller says it's Made in Italy, serial #158562. I can see what looks to be a Columbus tubing sticker on the seat tube and the fork. Shimano 600 components.

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/4071/bianchi1.jpg
http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/3992/bianchi2.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4616/bianchi3.jpg
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8908/bianchi4.jpg
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6104/binachi5.jpg

I'm sure others here will be along to correct me, but it looks like a Bianchi Limited from the mid 80's, possibly 84, 85 before the frame transition to JP manufacture. I believe the Shimano 600 group is correct. I don't think the wheelset is. I can't tell the tubing other than its' Columbus, I would guess it's 'Special' Columbus which was a lower end for Columbus but no-the-less nice riding. the 85 Limited I had was a very smooth riding bike and I wish I had it back.

Looks like you're correct, it is a Bianchi Limited. Just found this in another thread.

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/z...ack/Side_1.jpg

Well, since I won the prize, that means I get to post a pic of mine, right? I think they are a very under-rated bike.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/P1020020.jpg

While it is Limited, it's definitely not a 1984, as these were produced in Japan and equipped with a SunTour/Sugino Dia-Compe mix. Contrary to popular belief, the Limited was actually produced originally in Japan, with production being moved to Italy after the Yen revaluation made Italian production less expensive. It also does not appear to be a 1985 model, as literature indicates these as having only one set of bottle bosses. It's also would not appear to be a 1987 model, as it does not not have the Colorado Springs decal. Since that New 600EX group was produced for 1984-1987 inclusive, that would leave 1986 as the most probable model year.

I'd appreciate it if the OP would reinspect the serial number, as it is not consistent with the Italian serial number format. Typically the serial is stamped in two sections. The first is a two character, alpha-numeric code. The second, is usually stamped on the opposite side of the BB and/or at right angle to the first code and consists of three or four numerals. Also, check the first two characters in 158562 closedly to ensure the 1 is not the letter I and the 5 is not the letter S.

Hello guys. I know this thread is old, but it's still relevant since I'm about to purchase what looks to be the same model.

First, here's the bike that I'm looking at: http://medford.craigslist.org/bik/3223782359.html

Second, it looks almost identical to the bike in this thread, so I'm assuming an '86 or '87 Bianchi limited. (The owner doesn't know any information except that there's a "B" printed on the handlebar.)

Third, I found this: http://velobase.com/Resource_Tools/CatalogScans.aspx
It's a scan of an '87 catalog, and the limited looks just like it...

Any help? I've been searching the forums, and it looks like $400 might be a little on the high side. I'm going to take a look at it today...what should I look for?