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-   -   Bianchi Serial Number Identification (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/70572-bianchi-serial-number-identification.html)

tsep 03-29-22 02:49 AM


Originally Posted by tsep (Post 22451916)
Hi all, this is one amazing thread!
I just acquired a touring bike from a keen older cyclist who raced and toured in europe back in the day.
He didn't say much about it other than the places it took him..many.
I was intrigued when he told me it was a Bianchi with Columbus tubing, but it does have Campagnolo dropouts and fork ends, and I recognised the seat stays.

Without doing too much research I think its possibly 1960's? It has had a few transformations by the look of it.
Any help much appreciated.
Serial number on the seat collarreads: #083150 and it has a #12 on the bottom bracket.
Scraping paint reveals chrome lugwork and fork crown.
sorry can't post photos yet (-10)

Extra information probably useful without photos:
The frame is made to take an integrated headset and has a 70mm bottom bracket, and a 27.2 seatpost. any help?

T-Mar 03-29-22 06:24 AM


Originally Posted by tsep (Post 22451916)
Hi all, this is one amazing thread!
I just acquired a touring bike from a keen older cyclist who raced and toured in europe back in the day.
He didn't say much about it other than the places it took him..many.
I was intrigued when he told me it was a Bianchi with Columbus tubing, but it does have Campagnolo dropouts and fork ends, and I recognised the seat stays.

Without doing too much research I think its possibly 1960's? It has had a few transformations by the look of it.
Any help much appreciated.
Serial number on the seat collarreads: #083150 and it has a #12 on the bottom bracket.
Scraping paint reveals chrome lugwork and fork crown.
sorry can't post photos yet (-10)

Based on the S/N and desscription, I suspect that is a circa 1960 Bianchi Specialissima hidng under under all those modifcations and the repaint. I suspect that Bianchigirll will shed a few tears when she sees this one.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0d8eb32e52.jpg

tsep 03-29-22 08:45 PM


Originally Posted by T-Mar (Post 22454530)
Based on the S/N and desscription, I suspect that is a circa 1960 Bianchi Specialissima hidng under under all those modifcations and the repaint. I suspect that Bianchigirll will shed a few tears when she sees this one.

Thanks [MENTION=198974]tma[/MENTION]r.
I am guessing they won't be tears of joy?

Bianchigirll 04-10-22 11:05 AM

1999 Veloce

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...30b1a36a16.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bce69d16dc.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...34282ac701.jpg

buddiiee 04-10-22 11:12 AM

I have what I think is a '99 Veloce Reparto Corse, serial number WBK25261. Anything? :)

Bianchigirll 04-10-22 12:00 PM


Originally Posted by buddiiee (Post 22467727)
I have what I think is a '99 Veloce Reparto Corse, serial number WBK25261. Anything? :)

here

buddiiee 04-10-22 12:09 PM

Ahh yes, good stuff here. Though while searching, I find a lot more Veloces than Reparto Corse Veloces. How rare is mine? The Veloce here seems to have a zero offset silver seatpost whereas my reparto corse has a slight offset black version. This one has the fork decals on the sides, mine has them on the front of the forks. And this one has the (to me) more desirable short cage derailleur where mine has what I call a touring model with the long cage. And lastly, mine is a 47cm, and the smallest size listed in that catalog's 48. Is there no mention of Reparto Corse in the 99 catalog?

Darme 04-12-22 06:54 AM

1981 Bianchi superleggera
 
For identification reference I am the original owner of a black Bianchi Superleggera. The only parts changed were pedals. I am posting a couple of pics.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3a2f82671.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4b6e3efe2.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f2feb814c.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...06cebef2d.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...091cd3243.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bf14b0e8f.jpeg

T-Mar 04-12-22 07:31 AM


Originally Posted by buddiiee (Post 22467727)
I have what I think is a '99 Veloce Reparto Corse, serial number WBK25261. Anything? :)

With the exception of a missing letter suffix, that looks like the serial number format used for Danish market bicycles. I don't put any value in a Reparto Corse decal on a circa 2000 Veloce. By this point, at that level, it was primarily a marketing tool, used to indicate some form of Reparto Corse involvement, usually at the preliminary design stage. You should post photos of your bicycle.

buddiiee 04-13-22 03:55 PM


Originally Posted by T-Mar (Post 22469787)
With the exception of a missing letter suffix, that looks like the serial number format used for Danish market bicycles. I don't put any value in a Reparto Corse decal on a circa 2000 Veloce. By this point, at that level, it was primarily a marketing tool, used to indicate some form of Reparto Corse involvement, usually at the preliminary design stage. You should post photos of your bicycle.

Here's mine. And yea, I know about what Bianchi did to the Reparto Corse name, though, if a bike is made by a reputable builder, and has the standard good stuff (dura-ace/campy sr) then it's all the same; it would be pretty worthless and just a marketing ploy anyhow in my opinion, to make a separate, more 'exclusive' building area for bikes, unless of course they were getting all the super fancy lug work that was chromed, and had say differentially butted tubing, whereas the other frames did not. Just my opinion. I never ever put any stock in the Reparto Corse badges. (most of us couldn't put any of that to use anyhow as most of us aren't professional racers anyhow)

The reason I say is mine some rare model, is because when I look it up, I usually find whats in that catalog, rather than mine. Here's one example of that: https://www.ebay.com/itm/38452236263...SABEgLn7_D_BwEhttps://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1e3fa4f67d.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...76b8b4286a.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3eb0dfc758.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a42aa347f8.jpg

T-Mar 04-14-22 12:26 PM


Originally Posted by buddiiee (Post 22471472)
Here's mine. And yea, I know about what Bianchi did to the Reparto Corse name, though, if a bike is made by a reputable builder, and has the standard good stuff (dura-ace/campy sr) then it's all the same; it would be pretty worthless and just a marketing ploy anyhow in my opinion, to make a separate, more 'exclusive' building area for bikes, unless of course they were getting all the super fancy lug work that was chromed, and had say differentially butted tubing, whereas the other frames did not. Just my opinion. I never ever put any stock in the Reparto Corse badges. (most of us couldn't put any of that to use anyhow as most of us aren't professional racers anyhow)....


Race departments provide instant status for full range manufacturers. Besides Reparto Corse, other examples include Raleigh's Special Products Division and Peugeot's Prestige workshop. Most full range manufacturers who sponsored pro teams, have something similar, involving select, highly skilled individuals to build, assemble and maintain the team bicycles and often the very high end consumer product. It elevates these models to the stature of the small volume, high end, prestige brands. such as a Cinelli, Colnago or Masi.


Granted, the further up the hierachy you go, in a full range brand, the smaller the return on your investment. Everybody has their own point, at which they can no longer justify the extra cost. However, there are a lot of consumers who can justify a high end machine. Though the difference may be small, there are some that can detect and appreciate the difference. Then there are those that buy them, just to satisfy their ego. One way or the other, there is a significant market for pro grade bicycles.

buddiiee 04-14-22 12:37 PM

There may have been, but from what I'm seeing around me, road biking is dying. Walked into my local Trek store and out of that HUGE shop, there were exactly 3 road bikes in there. They told me no one wants road bikes any more lol.

merrman 04-14-22 08:30 PM

Looking for some info on my friends bianchi. Made in Italy. Curious about year and model. Serial number is N9 7160. Nuovo record shifters/derailleurs , Modolo flash brakes Gipiemne crank, pedals and hubs.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e5518bf499.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9f29880e0.jpg

Darme 04-14-22 08:55 PM

Nice bike … looks like may be from around 1985 or so ..

Bianchigirll 04-15-22 05:42 AM


Originally Posted by merrman (Post 22472792)
Looking for some info on my friends bianchi. Made in Italy. Curious about year and model. Serial number is N9 7160. Nuovo record shifters/derailleurs , Modolo flash brakes Gipiemne crank, pedals and hubs.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e5518bf499.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9f29880e0.jpg

What does it say on the TT? Record 848? It is probably very close to our ‘84 Nuovo Racing
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7e0553907.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...245874613.jpeg



Originally Posted by Darme (Post 22472810)
Nice bike … looks like may be from around 1985 or so ..

An ‘85 would likely have the Bianchi Special tubing

Darme 04-15-22 07:14 AM

Head tube
 
Guess my eyes fail me once again … I thought in 85 Bianchi used a square like head badge/decal on the 848…

Bianchigirll 04-15-22 07:59 AM


Originally Posted by Darme (Post 22473030)
Guess my eyes fail me once again … I thought in 85 Bianchi used a square like head badge/decal on the 848…

I think it depended on country/market. It could even be something Bianchi did for a short time and switched back to the regular decal.

It's one of the many cycling mysteries that will never be solved
https://groovyhistory.com/content/18...786ebcfae8.jpg

T-Mar 04-15-22 08:12 AM


Originally Posted by merrman (Post 22472792)
Looking for some info on my friends bianchi. Made in Italy. Curious about year and model. Serial number is N9 7160. Nuovo record shifters/derailleurs , Modolo flash brakes Gipiemne crank, pedals and hubs.

Agreed, it's a Rekord 848. The frame is from 1986 and quite late in the year. Normally, I'd say it was a 1987 model but I'm not seeing the 1986-1987 Campione Del Mondo decal that was typically used on the 1987 models. I can't quite make out the Columbus decal but I've seen a lot of Rekord 848 from slightly earlier that were Tretubi SL/SP. Ultimately, the tubeset will be a big factor in the level of the bicycle.

As noted, the rear derailleur is a Campagnolo 980, which was bottom of the line. The Campagnolo/Gipemme/Modolo (and mayber some Ofmega) mix was common on the mid-1980s, mid-range models, though typicall not with Camapgnolo 980. The 980 could drag the bicycle down into upper entry level. It all depends on the tubeset.

While the USA didn't get the Rekord variants in the mid-1980s, some were still being imported into Canada. It's interesting that dropout transitioning is different on the forks and stays, as if they are mismatched. It looks as if there may have been some cost concessions to hit a target price.

merrman 04-15-22 09:12 AM


Originally Posted by T-Mar (Post 22473089)
Agreed, it's a Rekord 848. The frame is from 1986 and quite late in the year. Normally, I'd say it was a 1987 model but I'm not seeing the 1986-1987 Campione Del Mondo decal that was typically used on the 1987 models. I can't quite make out the Columbus decal but I've seen a lot of Rekord 848 from slightly earlier that were Tretubi SL/SP. Ultimately, the tubeset will be a big factor in the level of the bicycle.

As noted, the rear derailleur is a Campagnolo 980, which was bottom of the line. The Campagnolo/Gipemme/Modolo (and mayber some Ofmega) mix was common on the mid-1980s, mid-range models, though typicall not with Camapgnolo 980. The 980 could drag the bicycle down into upper entry level. It all depends on the tubeset.

While the USA didn't get the Rekord variants in the mid-1980s, some were still being imported into Canada. It's interesting that dropout transitioning is different on the forks and stays, as if they are mismatched. It looks as if there may have been some cost concessions to hit a target price.

Here are a few more pics of the stickers. It's in Vancouver B.C. but looks to come from California.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8828dad1db.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...23cade8da2.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5e13e80b94.jpg

Bianchigirll 04-15-22 09:36 AM


Originally Posted by merrman (Post 22473147)

These are two completely different bikes. The first one posted has a "standard" Columbus decal and would like be an '84 Model judging by the frame markings and components. The bike in this post is either an '86 or "87 based on the frame markings and the Formula Two Columbus decal. So which bike does your friend have?

Original bike posted
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9f29880e0.jpg

merrman 04-15-22 10:13 AM


Originally Posted by Bianchigirll (Post 22473176)
These are two completely different bikes. The first one posted has a "standard" Columbus decal and would like be an '84 Model judging by the frame markings and components. The bike in this post is either an '86 or "87 based on the frame markings and the Formula Two Columbus decal. So which bike does your friend have?

Original bike posted
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9f29880e0.jpg

Sorry. Your right. That was first pic he sent me. I believe he was using that as comparison to try to determine model but didn't explain that to me. Here is another pic of actual bike. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the help in identifying. No sticker on top tube of his bike.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...20825819ee.jpg

Bianchigirll 04-15-22 10:20 AM


Originally Posted by merrman (Post 22473213)
Sorry. Your right. That was first pic he sent me. I believe he was using that as comparison to try to determine model but didn't explain that to me. Here is another pic of actual bike. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the help in identifying. No sticker on top tube of his bike.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...20825819ee.jpg

This is very likely an '86 Nuovo Alloro, assuming it has the aforementioned FLash brakes and Gipimme cranks

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...rQ&oe=62811B1E

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...MQ&oe=627F9B83

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...nw&oe=627EEC6E

merrman 04-15-22 11:17 AM


Originally Posted by Bianchigirll (Post 22473224)
This is very likely an '86 Nuovo Alloro, assuming it has the aforementioned FLash brakes and Gipimme cranks

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...rQ&oe=62811B1E

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...MQ&oe=627F9B83

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...nw&oe=627EEC6E

Thanks for the help here and all the help the good folks at bike forums provide for us . That does look like the right one. Sorry again for confusion.

T-Mar 04-15-22 11:49 AM


Originally Posted by Bianchigirll (Post 22473176)
These are two completely different bikes. The first one posted has a "standard" Columbus decal and would like be an '84 Model judging by the frame markings and components. The bike in this post is either an '86 or "87 based on the frame markings and the Formula Two Columbus decal. So which bike does your friend have?....


Originally Posted by Bianchigirll;22473176...
This is very likely an '86 Nuovo Alloro, assuming it has the aforementioned FLash brakes and Gipimme cranks....


Agreed, those were different bicycles. However, the tubeset decal on the seat tube is not Formula Two but Formula One, as it has the red lettering. Yet, the fork decal is Formula Two. So, it's tretubi Formula One. While the component mix may be closest to the Nuovo Alloro, the tubeset is incorrect. This explained by it being a Canadian market model. It may not correspond to an American market model. We still had some Rekord 84x variants in Canada, after the Piaggio era. Unless further evidence surfaces, all you can say is that it is a 1986, mid-range, Canadian market Bianchi.

ezdrill 04-26-22 10:52 PM

Canadian Bike
 
First time poster. What a great thread.
I've had a this Bianchi for about 15 years. A friend bought it at a garage sale in Edmonton, AB, Canada. It was too big for him and I've been riding it since!
Serial is 9.G (NDS) and 1089 (DS)
Shimano 105 rear derailleur
Shimano Biopace crank
FIR rims
Made in Italy sticker
Columbus stickers

I think the 9.G means July 1989. Could you help me learn anything else about it?
Thanks!
(sorry - won't let me post the photo to thread but I put it in my album)


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