Making upgrades to my Bianchi Limited (ie better wheels / tires, bottom bracket, pedals) or looking for a better (perhaps newer / lighter) road bike?

Currently it is running Araya 27 x 1 rims with with some ultra light tires (can't know of the name). Needs a new BB. And the pedals are hand me down Wellgo magnesiums. Right now it is around 23lbs and is comfortable.

The reason I am thinking is I am starting to get more into it and am going to have about $500 available if I want it.

Just thinking out loud...and wondered what input you all would have.

What year limited? If it was a Columbus tubed model I would have a hard time not upgrading but depending how light you want to get you might be better off using the $500 to start looking for a used CF machine

23 lbs is quite good for a C&V bicycle, especially one with 27" rims. You'll spend a lot of money to make a noticeable reduction in weight and there's much to be said for a bicycle which you have dialed in, are comfortable on and presumibly like the geometry/ride characteristics. I've bought a lot of used bicycles based on an initial, favourable test rides, but have departed with most of these and typically go back to a handful of old standbys. I'd probably make the necessary repairs.

Outside of the necessary repairs, I'd consider 700c, provided your calipers have the necessary reach. It's not necessary but I prefer the much wider tire selection. While I'm at it, I'd probably go to a HyperGlide freehub for the added axle reliability and shifting improvement. My only other necessity would be dual-pivot brakes, as I like my stopping power.

Of course, it would probably be cheaper to buy a newer bicycle with these features but there's a very good chance that you'll be suffering form rose colored memory when the infatuation with the newer bicycle starts to wear off. You might get lucky with a new bicycle and you might not. Are you a risk taker or do you like to play things conservatively? I think personal nature is as much a factor in the choice and your ultimate staisfaction as the bicycle related merits of the two options.

Why is newer and lighter better off?

Certainly won't make you faster.

Won't necessarily make the bike more durable.

Chicks or dudes won't desire you more.

It will most definitely will make you $500 lighter.

THANK YOU to all 3 of you. Apparently I had begun to taste the kool aide.

BG - I believe it is an '81 (SN is DS 17613), but do not know what tubing it is. However, I think you are right about upgrading it.

TMar - I do love the way it fits, and was just thinking... And apparently looking to spend money in a foolish way.

iab - I don't want to go faster (well...), I don't want any desire (except from my wife)...I was just kicking around the idea of getting another bike for the road and maybe going IGH with this one. I think I will just keep my eyes open for a nice 3 speed in my size.

I will be the dissenter...

You don't need to spend the money and you don't need new stuff...but new parts/bikes are fun!

You're on the right track. If you like the frame and and it is comfortable, don't worry too much about the weight and spend a few bucks making it better. I would start with the necessary repairs then invest in new wheels and improving your contact points. Good tires, saddle, and pedals...etc.

Then Campy 10 speed

you are right about new stuff being fun...but that can lead to trouble with me.

The more I think about my bike, the more I realize I like it. The saddle is super comfy to me ('70s Brooks Pro). The tires (Avocet) are in great condition (and super light), but when they need replacing...the wheels will get upgraded also. What I am gonna focus on right now is pedals / shoes / seat bag (and tools) and a new bottom bracket.

everything but the cranks are Shimano 600 Arabesque (cranks are Specialized).

When I find a bike that I like & it fits me well & I'm comfortable on it, I would have no problems upgrading it if I have the funds to do so. By the time I am ready to do so I always have a plan of attack on what I want too do & how I want to do it. With me I don't mind used components as long as they are clean & not worn too bad, you can save a ton of money to be used elsewhere in the build.

If it were mine some of the things I would do first would be to replace the wheels, I don't mind 27" wheels or freewheels but I am a big guy & I bend axles & sometimes rims, so I would either replace them with a set of 700c's & a cassette hub ( good used if I could find them ) in the rear. If I stayed with the 27's I would build a good set of double walled rims with double butted spokes laced to a cassette hub in the rear.
I agree with T-Mar on replacing the brakes with dual pivots for the stopping power. The rest would be spent on good cables & housings , cogs, chain & chainrings if needed & going through all the bearings plus any other maintenance that the bike might need.

Glenn

I had an '84 Limited w/ Ishiwata tubing and it was a nice rider.
my vote is to upgrade it.

Works for me. Buy what floats your boat. Happy = better off.

It's definitely a 1981.

You rock! I thought you had told me that before, but wasn't positive.