SeattleTriGuy

Hello All,

I've got a vintage Bianchi in the classic Bianchi green, and I'm trying to ID the bike and some details about it's value. The bike was my brothers, and she thought I'd like it because I've got an interest in bikes.

Here are the specs:

Bianchi Nuova Alloro
Looks like a 54cm frame +/- 2cm
All original Gipiemme parts
-cranks
-headset (25,4 x 24" F)
-skewers

3T (3ttt) stem and original Bianchi/Gippiemme handlebars with original tape

Drivetrain is all original and in great workign condition (took it in to local shop for tune-up)
- Campagnolo Nuovo Record (front/rear)

Wheels & Brakes
-Ambrosio 19 Extra Alumnium wheelset
-Specialized 700x26c tires (great condition)
-Flash Modolo Brakes

Seat
-Sella Italia "Turbo" -- green (scuffed on back left corner)

**The only thing I can really see wrong with this is that one of the three cable guides (on the top tube) is broken, and there are a few nicks/dings, but nothing a little Bianchi green touch-up paint can't heal.

Any value to this bike or the parts? I'm debating on whether or not to keep it as secondary ride, or to offer it up to someone that can make use of the bike and/or parts.

Thoughts?

SeaTriGuy

TheOtherGuy

If the bike fits you well enough, and you like the ride... ride it! That model's not a hot item to most collectors.

Ride it!

T-Mar

The Nuovo Alloro was a mid-1980s, mid-range model. Retail was around $600 US, depending on the exact year.

You don't mention the tubeset, which will be a big factor in how much you could sell it for. The bottom bracket is Italian threaded, so it's made in Italy and that will fetch a better price than the Japanese manufactured models. There are two likely tubesets, possibly more. If it has a Columbus SL Tretubi (3 main tubes only are SL) tubeset, that will bring more than the Bianchi Special (by Columbus) tubeset. Unless it has the Columbus SL Tretubi frame, most people would be interested in the bicycle primarily to obtain the derailleurs, which by themselves would fetch a good price.

However, I'm in agreement with The OtherGuy. If it it fits and you like it, then ride it!

I wonder if you could post the serial number, which is likely in two sections on the seat lug (both sides) or bottom bracket (both sides). Also the patent date on the rear derailleur next to the cable housing recess. John E and myself are collecting serial numbers from Italian manufactured, 1980s Bianchi, in an attempt to decypher the code. Thank-you in advance.

SeattleTriGuy

--------------------

As far as I can see, the entire bike is Italian made, frame, components, etc. The serial number on the bottom bracket is: 1969 (on one side) and L - 6 on the other side. The only thing it says on the derailleur is Pat. 11.

Not sure what I could fetch for the bike, and I probably won't be riding it much.

T-Mar

Everything jives. It's a 1986 model.

SeattleTriGuy

Is it worth anything, or should I throw some pedals on it and call it a street rider.

pjbaz

That Bianchi green is called "Celeste" and it's awesome.

John E

T-Mar, I think we're converging on making sense of Italian Bianchi S/Ns of the 1980s. (My S/N is M1.9916, the rear derailleur says Pat. 80, and my friend bought it new in 1982 as a "leftover," so 1981 has long been my best guess on mine.)

stumpjumper

Is there something your not telling us about your brother? *grin*
j/k

As far as value, it seems almost any Bianchi in decent shape gets bought up on ebay simply because many people just see the name and the nice celeste color. Unless it dosnt fit, or you need the room or cash, I'd say keep it. You might be able to get 150-200 out of it, depending.

nolageek

anyone want to decypher my bianchi serial number?

Bianchi Selvio, serial S4504D5

T-Mar

The serial number scheme that John E. and myself have been working on pertains to 1980s, Italian manufactured Bianchi. We have yet to determine exactly how far back or forward the scheme goes, but it seems to fit all 1980s Bianchi, provided the frames were manufactured in Italy.

In your particular case, the serial number format does not match. This would indicate it is either outside the time range or the frame was not manufactured in Italy. However, the Stelvio model does ring a bell. Let me check some of my literature and see what I can find.

Also check your frame. Usually the Italian manufactured frames have a Made in Italy decal and the tubing decal, for mid range or higher, is usually Columbus or least references it was made by Columbus for Bianchi.

nolageek

Mine has both Bianchi Special Tubing (columbus) and Made in Italy labels.

T-Mar

Hmm. I can't say why it does not fit the serial number format, given the labels. It certainly does look like the right timeframe, based on the picture. The 1980s Italian Bianchi that we have studied all had the same, two section format. The first section consists of a letter and number and is usually located on one side of the seat lug or bottom bracket. The second section, located on the opposite side, consists only of numbers. We have seen bicycles from 1981 though 1989 with this format.

Your serial number is an anomaly in that it is not in two parts. Also, having a letter in the second to last position does not fit the format. However, if we assume that it is a variation using the same basic code as the usual system, then your frame would be a 1984 or 1985 model. I did happen to find specs for a 1985 Stelvio, so the era would seem to be correct. However, given that you have converted this into a fixed gear and have swapped out all(?) of the parts, it is not possible corroborate the era using components, unless you still have or remember what was original.

nolageek

Correct. When I got it, it was just the frame, the cranks, and the bars. That was it.

DoJe

I'm not sure if anyone would repost from this very old thread... but I have the Made in Italy label on my tube and the serial on my Green Bianchi is 1837/3M. Any idea as to the year and/or specs on it?

yosemitesamiam

Hey, I'll bring this up to. I have a Rosa Red Bianchi Trofeo...down tube shifters, etc. 16 speed...2 on the crank, 8 on the cog. All Campy...brakes, shifters, heck, even the bolts holding it together say Campy on them. Anyway...bottom bracket says:

A401426.

Can't find anything on seat lugs that is legible, or on the back derailer cable guide.

Anyone want to help a fellow out?

Thanks!

Sam

T-Mar

All I can tell you is that the manufacturing year ends in a 3, We need more frame or component details to determine which decade it belongs to. Also, it may be year end manufacturing, so the model year may end in a 4.

Assuming the 8 speed is original, it should be a 1994.

richbell

Hi. Don't know if anybody will read this old thread, but it seems like the place to go. I have two older Bianchis that I haven't been able to ID.

The first one is Celeste, but all the decals/badges have been removed. It has chrome on the fork, but not B/Bianchi stamp on it. The seat stay has a Bianchi stamp. The cranks are Sugino Super Mighty; hubs are Suzue Juno Sky Road; derailleur is Suntour Superbe; brakes are NGC Grand Compe 400; chain ring says Sugino 52 Mighty Competition and headset says Tange Levin Alloy Japan 66S. The serial number on the bottom bracket is ES332784. It's about 52 cm. I think that's all I can find. I bought it used from someone who NEVER rode it, so it's in great condition. I'm pretty sure that most/all the components are original. Any idea what this is or what year and what it might be worth. Someone wants to buy it from me.

The second one is also Celeste. The top of the fork has a B stamp. The top of the seat stay also has a B stamp with a circle around it. This bike has lugs (?) for fenders in front and back. The cranks and derailleur are Shimano 600; hubs say Shimano HB-6207; rims are Mavic; and chain ring says Shimano 52. It says says Mod. Gipiemme on the seat stay. The serial number is A3615 C5. It's 48 cm. I also bought this one used, but it's pretty beat up, and I'm not sure what original.

Any help/ideas/suggestions would be much appreciated! Also, where can I find old Bianchi catalogs?

geraldatwork

As someone who doesn't visit the vintage forum frequently I think unless the bike is pretty valuable it makes more sense to keep it and ride it for fun. At the end of the day getting a few hundred dollars will be gone in a flash. I have a Raleigh Super Course from 1983 I got new. It was a mid level bike at the time at best. I had a lot of the components upgraded to Shimano 600 at the time and keep it tuned up. But when I take it to the lot on club rides I get more favorable comments on the old rig than my new Bianchi Carbon bike that nobody hardly notices. I ride about 3000 miles a year and make sure the old Raleigh gets 200-300 miles of them.

richbell

Thanks for your reply gerald! I agree, but I guess I should've mentioned that the 52cm bike is a bit too big for me. I'm a 5'4" girl, so I just bought the 48cm as a kind of replacement. I get tons of comments on my old Bianchi too. I love it - it's in such good condition, but just a bit too big. I'm hoping to restore the 48cm to a similar condition. The guy that wants to buy the 52cm wants to paint it and covert it to a single speed. I'm kind of loath to see such a beautiful bike tinkered with, but there's no reason to keep it now that I have the smaller one. I think it's going to a good home.

T-Mar

Richbell, what I can tell you is that the fist bicycle is a Japanese manufactured frame. The 2nd is a Italian manufactured frame and is a 1985 model. Are there no model names on the top tubes? What about tubing decals? Pics would also help.

John E

Having owned two bikes which were too tall for me, I think you are making the correct decision. Fortunately, my beloved old Peugeot PKN-10 fits my elder son perfectly, and he has been riding it weekly with a club, so I know it found a good home.

jmavatar

Hello.

To old this post. I know but my question can fit on it.

Any know the model and more or less the year construction of this bike?


And also, any one can explain me wich shimano components from the 80's are better? 105, dura-ace, 600, rsx...


Thanks a lot!!

04jtb

Dura Ace is top of the line

I *think* 105 is the newer version of 600

PBR Streetgang

I think the order is DA (best), then 600 (now called Ultegra), then 105. I don't know where RSX fits in, though.