Bianchi & Campy Info
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Bianchi & Campy Info
Impulse purchased what I think is a nice mid to late 80's Bianchi Vittoria. Made in italy, very clean and looks well taken care of.
Been popping around the web looking for more info and I'm pretty sure it's an 85 or 86. Though I'm having trouble being certain and struggling to find out more about the drive train.
Figured I'd check and see if anyone had more info on it here since I found some good threads on ID's in the archives.
It's fully campy, including the wheels, 7 speed double with downtube shifters seat post etc and has a nice set of what I believe are nitto "noodle" bars.
Couple of close ups of the campy drivetrain here: https://imgur.com/a/qzxvG
And here's the bike:
Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm annoyed by the campy two bolts under the saddle seat post, but love it otherwise.
Many thanks for any info you have, particularly on the drive train.
Been popping around the web looking for more info and I'm pretty sure it's an 85 or 86. Though I'm having trouble being certain and struggling to find out more about the drive train.
Figured I'd check and see if anyone had more info on it here since I found some good threads on ID's in the archives.
It's fully campy, including the wheels, 7 speed double with downtube shifters seat post etc and has a nice set of what I believe are nitto "noodle" bars.
Couple of close ups of the campy drivetrain here: https://imgur.com/a/qzxvG
And here's the bike:

Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm annoyed by the campy two bolts under the saddle seat post, but love it otherwise.
Many thanks for any info you have, particularly on the drive train.
#3
The rear derailleur is 1990s. The upgrade would have made a lot of sense as the replacement is vastly superior in performance compared to the original, though not as collectible.
Edit:
Monoplanar brakes are chorus and came out in 1987 I believe, ditto levers I think. Front derailleur actually looks like victory or triomphe. Yes C-record crank. Shifter look like classic Nuovo/super record. Either it is a later model than '86 or was built from a frame only with a mish-mash of campy. The rear derailleur is not record but some other model.
Edit:
Monoplanar brakes are chorus and came out in 1987 I believe, ditto levers I think. Front derailleur actually looks like victory or triomphe. Yes C-record crank. Shifter look like classic Nuovo/super record. Either it is a later model than '86 or was built from a frame only with a mish-mash of campy. The rear derailleur is not record but some other model.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
Last edited by cyclotoine; 09-28-13 at 01:58 PM.
#4
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Thank you both! I'm not too worried about collectability - I bought it to ride and lord knows what it will go through in my hands! That said always good to know what I'm working with and be able to talk intelligently about what's on there. And now I can research those components a bit more directly. I've been riding a while now but still getting my head around all the tech. Really appreciate the insight. Off to fit a new saddle with that absurd campy two bolts under the saddle post and some pedals and cages.
#5
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,421
Likes: 22
From: Aurora, IL
Bikes: '73 Raleigh RRA, 1986 Trek 500 commuter
The Campy 2 bolt posts are a pita to set up, but once set, they don't move. I can get a 1/4" ratchet on mine (with a Brooks Pro on it), just barely. Makes it a bit more tolerable.
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Yeah, it turned out that old San Marco I had in the garage was a piece of cake, can get the bolts with a simple 10mm wrench from the side, unlike the saddle that was on it which was a finger wrenching nightmare and only accessible from behind.
I'll replace that at some point soonish but looking at the fizik on my other bike scares me, don't think that would be an easy switch, I know have another criteria to factor into saddle selection.
The good news is I think I've got it dialed in enough for a quick 8-10 mile ride before I start drinking beer
I'll replace that at some point soonish but looking at the fizik on my other bike scares me, don't think that would be an easy switch, I know have another criteria to factor into saddle selection.
The good news is I think I've got it dialed in enough for a quick 8-10 mile ride before I start drinking beer
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 12
From: Chicago
Bikes: 2012 Moots VaMoots-74 Peugeot Mixtie U018-73 Peugeot U018
The C record cranks look good, worth some money, so don't do a machine polish. Have to keep the Campy logo pristine if ever you decide to sale. The rear derailleur is Chorus along with the brakes. It's a nice find to keep!
__________________
Moots VaMoots 2012-Peugeot Mixte 1974-Peugeot Mixte 1973
Moots VaMoots 2012-Peugeot Mixte 1974-Peugeot Mixte 1973
#8
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,411
Likes: 5,350
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
#9
Bianchi Goddess



Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,976
Likes: 4,249
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
If the tubing is Bianchi Special the frame is from '85. I would not be too worried about collectability a Vittoria model would have come festooned with a Victory group. SO someone scored this frame and built it from parts on hand or collected.
Nice looking Bianchi though how does it ride?
Nice looking Bianchi though how does it ride?
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Thanks for the all the feedback. Just got done with a quick 10 miles on it, and definitely will be doing some more adjusting so it's good I can work with that seat post now, way too much weight on my hands.
Rode nicely Bianchigirll, minus said adjustments. Definitely going to take some getting used to the downtube shifting, but very smooth. And it does say the tubing is is Bianchi Special, so I think we've got an ID (thank you all!)
I'm in ASU land and they are playing football tonight so it was a madhouse but pulled up for a shot of the machine in the wild before getting back home from the crazyness.
Rode nicely Bianchigirll, minus said adjustments. Definitely going to take some getting used to the downtube shifting, but very smooth. And it does say the tubing is is Bianchi Special, so I think we've got an ID (thank you all!)
I'm in ASU land and they are playing football tonight so it was a madhouse but pulled up for a shot of the machine in the wild before getting back home from the crazyness.
#11
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,421
Likes: 22
From: Aurora, IL
Bikes: '73 Raleigh RRA, 1986 Trek 500 commuter
Nice score! Ride the crap out of it!
I would probably do a full overhaul on it if it was mine; clean and repack all bearings and replace as necessary with Grade 25. Order bearings online, usually bottles of 100, and dirt cheap.
I would probably do a full overhaul on it if it was mine; clean and repack all bearings and replace as necessary with Grade 25. Order bearings online, usually bottles of 100, and dirt cheap.
#12
Bianchi Goddess



Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,976
Likes: 4,249
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
ASU? Arizona? Alabama? Alaska? Arkansas? Albany?
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#13
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Thanks Pars! I plan to (ride the crap out of it). Full overhaul is beyond my skill set I'm afraid. I can make computers do anything, but I'm not shall we say mechanically inclined
I can do the regular maintenance - clean/lube the chain, adjust the brakes, and well put air in the tires. Beyond that I trust my LBS for anything requiring legit skill. I should spend time at the co-op and learn more but time is a precious resource.
Bianchigirll Arizona State University. I'm from your state originally (New Hope PA) but live in Tempe AZ now a few miles from campus. I don't go there or anything, I just sent my kid to his first year of college in fact (though not ASU, he's in upstate NY where it's already too cold for me to ride!).
I can do the regular maintenance - clean/lube the chain, adjust the brakes, and well put air in the tires. Beyond that I trust my LBS for anything requiring legit skill. I should spend time at the co-op and learn more but time is a precious resource.
Bianchigirll Arizona State University. I'm from your state originally (New Hope PA) but live in Tempe AZ now a few miles from campus. I don't go there or anything, I just sent my kid to his first year of college in fact (though not ASU, he's in upstate NY where it's already too cold for me to ride!).
#14
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
If anyone is still paying attention to this thread - any ideas on how far I can raise that stem? I brought it up a tiny bit but got a bit nervous about taking it too far. After another ride this morning I think I could use a solid inch higher than what's in the pictures above.
I might play with the saddle a tiny bit more, but it's really close to right I think so I'm probably going to have to deal with the stem to really get the right fit.
EDIT: Nevermind... https://sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html to the rescue. I'm at the min insertion mark with no room to go
(bonus question: Is there a secret to getting the stem re-alligned? I did all sort of trial and error to make sure it was plumb with the front wheel, there must be a trick...)
I might play with the saddle a tiny bit more, but it's really close to right I think so I'm probably going to have to deal with the stem to really get the right fit.
EDIT: Nevermind... https://sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html to the rescue. I'm at the min insertion mark with no room to go

(bonus question: Is there a secret to getting the stem re-alligned? I did all sort of trial and error to make sure it was plumb with the front wheel, there must be a trick...)
Last edited by dmphx; 09-29-13 at 01:08 PM. Reason: found my answer.
#15
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,411
Likes: 5,350
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
If anyone is still paying attention to this thread - any ideas on how far I can raise that stem? I brought it up a tiny bit but got a bit nervous about taking it too far.[. . .]
EDIT: Nevermind... https://sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html to the rescue. I'm at the min insertion mark with no room to go
EDIT: Nevermind... https://sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html to the rescue. I'm at the min insertion mark with no room to go

#16
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,876
Likes: 3,757
Thanks for the all the feedback. Just got done with a quick 10 miles on it, and definitely will be doing some more adjusting so it's good I can work with that seat post now, way too much weight on my hands.
Rode nicely Bianchigirll, minus said adjustments. Definitely going to take some getting used to the downtube shifting, but very smooth. And it does say the tubing is is Bianchi Special, so I think we've got an ID (thank you all!)
I'm in ASU land and they are playing football tonight so it was a madhouse but pulled up for a shot of the machine in the wild before getting back home from the crazyness.

Rode nicely Bianchigirll, minus said adjustments. Definitely going to take some getting used to the downtube shifting, but very smooth. And it does say the tubing is is Bianchi Special, so I think we've got an ID (thank you all!)
I'm in ASU land and they are playing football tonight so it was a madhouse but pulled up for a shot of the machine in the wild before getting back home from the crazyness.

#19
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I feel like I'm missing something...
#20
Wood
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 13
From: Beaumont, Tx
Bikes: Raleigh Sports: hers. Vianelli Professional & Bridgestone 300: mine
dmphx,
Sorry, in my haste to compliment repechage on his manners of not just blurting out "fork's bent!" I showed my bad manners and left you out of the loop.
It is good-natured ribbing on the forum to point out a fork that appears to be bent. Your come-back is to deny it, no matter how bent, usually by claiming the photo is taken at an oblique angle.
Sorry, in my haste to compliment repechage on his manners of not just blurting out "fork's bent!" I showed my bad manners and left you out of the loop.
It is good-natured ribbing on the forum to point out a fork that appears to be bent. Your come-back is to deny it, no matter how bent, usually by claiming the photo is taken at an oblique angle.
#21
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
dmphx,
Sorry, in my haste to compliment repechage on his manners of not just blurting out "fork's bent!" I showed my bad manners and left you out of the loop.
It is good-natured ribbing on the forum to point out a fork that appears to be bent. Your come-back is to deny it, no matter how bent, usually by claiming the photo is taken at an oblique angle.
Sorry, in my haste to compliment repechage on his manners of not just blurting out "fork's bent!" I showed my bad manners and left you out of the loop.
It is good-natured ribbing on the forum to point out a fork that appears to be bent. Your come-back is to deny it, no matter how bent, usually by claiming the photo is taken at an oblique angle.
I appreciate the (somewhat depressing) clarification.
As to my comeback it should be blindingly obvious by looking at the framing of the photo that it's absolutely a camera angle issue, that fork is perfect.
#22
Bianchi Goddess



Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,976
Likes: 4,249
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
OH Bummer!! A good candidate for a Soma straight blade chrome for a bit if a Colnago look.
You will likely need to replace your bars (the clamp diameter is different) but I like these Kalloy hybrid style stems to give me a little extra height.
You will likely need to replace your bars (the clamp diameter is different) but I like these Kalloy hybrid style stems to give me a little extra height.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#23
you problem may not be the height but reach, your saddle appears really far back... is that actually your preferred position? Also you should look into the soma hwy 1 (or something like that) compact handle bars for a shorter reach.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#24
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Thanks for the continued tips and advice.
cyclotine: I tried to mirror the fit as close to my other bike as I could, which fits me well so that saddle is set back in line with my LeMond.
Very well could be a few adjustments to the saddle would compensate for the discrepancy and save me having to swap out the stem. Clearly the fork is fine, despite any claims otherwise and in no need of replacement. (At least I can be taught!)
I'm an admitted novice and do a lot of this by trial and error so likely will mess around a bit more before buying a new stem, now that I have the right saddle on there I can adjust it pretty easily.
cyclotine: I tried to mirror the fit as close to my other bike as I could, which fits me well so that saddle is set back in line with my LeMond.
Very well could be a few adjustments to the saddle would compensate for the discrepancy and save me having to swap out the stem. Clearly the fork is fine, despite any claims otherwise and in no need of replacement. (At least I can be taught!)
I'm an admitted novice and do a lot of this by trial and error so likely will mess around a bit more before buying a new stem, now that I have the right saddle on there I can adjust it pretty easily.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
orangeology
Classic & Vintage
38
10-13-15 09:49 AM
vintagerando
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
19
08-17-15 10:23 PM






