I'm looking to get back into road biking and I'm down to 2 choices. A bike shop here has a number of vintage but brand new never been ridden Bianchis in that cool celesti green. The one I'm interested in is a late 1980's, early 90's model called Vittoria. It has a Tange steel frame and anodized clincher rims. The components are all Shimano 600. Down tube friction shifters, (No problem I'm used to these.) 14 speed. Asking price is $1200.00. My other choice is a 2012 Jamis steel Satellite Comp with the 9 speed cassette and modern shifters. Price $1000.00
The Bianchi fits well or they could order the Jamis in my size. I'm staying up at night trying to decide.

Well, yes, you should buy that bike.

welcome to the forum, bongo.

bianchi and shimano 600 is hard to beat. but $1200? you can buy and build a lot of bikes for that. you could probably build up two incredibly beautiful vintage sport touring bikes for sround $600/ea. but if this one is in the cards for you, just make sure it fits like a glove and it doesn't need anything like a saddle, tires, etc... good luck, and let's see some pics!

Thanks for your input. I am not a collector. I just want to ride. Maybe I'll consider the Jamis

To make things more complicated I recommend checking Charge Juicer Hi, very nice bike for the price.

Personally, I buy the Jamis (Not a fan of their bikes). You have already had an old bike like that Bianchi at one time, why not try something new. I like shifters at the hood. I grew up riding and racing with down tube friction shifters. The 600s are well build like a pick-up truck. THey work fine and do not break. the modern stuffs are a little smoother, faster, more accurate, and lighter too. What's not to like? This is the wrong place to be asking this question but why buy new furniture only to have them just like the ones in your mother's house you grew up in?

Hey Bongo,

I recommend you take that $1200 to craigslist and buy yourself a nice used $3000 bike for $1200.

Plenty of really amazing high end bikes for that price.

+1,487,678 Great budget ($1200), now head to C/L and get yourself a top of the line bike.

I've never gotten close to my self imposed limit of nothing over what a new entry road bike sells for at the LBS (~$800). And I have what I would consider some very nice bikes. $500 buys some really top notch stuff in the vintage market, $750 to $1000 buys some really nice modern bikes used.

That NOS Bianchi becomes just another $350 used bike after your first 30 mile ride.

I agree with the others. If you want a new bike, buy the Jamis. If you want a older bike, skip the Bianchi and head to CL or ebay and get a used bike. You can get a better Bianchi for the money.