vno311

Hello Fellow Riders,
I was wondering if you can help me out.
I've attached a photo of a 70's Bianchi. Would any of you be able to tell what year it was manufactured? Also, What brake hoods would fit? I'm looking for tan colour brake hoods. Any ideas where I can get them from? Any other info on this bike would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.


https://s14.postimg.org/3ugy12b9t/Bianchi.jpg

repechage

later 70's I think, others might know more.
Levers and brakes are Universal Brand. You need Universal hoods. Most of the time they will be found in "gum" color, there was also off white and black.
There are reproductions around, they are not especially cheap nor the most expensive, just not as plentiful as others.
$40 to $60 a pair would be what I would expect to pay.

vno311

Thank you Repechage. Are the reproductions universal brand or a different brand?

Bianchigirll 

Nice looking Bianchi but a little older than I am familiar with. I agree later '70s, is there a model name on it? There isn't a sticker at the bottom of the seat tube with date of manufacture? Some '70s models had one.

vno311

Hi Bianchigirl,
I don't see a sticker with date of manufacture.
Do you know of any helpful websites?Also, do you have any cleaning tips? Metal polishing and frame cleaning? I would like to get the brown spots out of the frame and polish the metal components, especially the brakes.
I find it so difficult to get info on this bike, I've been searching for days on the web.
Here are some more pics.

https://postimg.org/gallery/3vn2y5yk/

Thanks for your help.
Vince

aggst1

My guess would be mid 70s based on the color of the decals. My 1978 Superleggera has the two color decals, deep royal blue with gold shadowing. I believe the solid dark navy blue decals predate 1978. Very nice bike, it should cleanup very well as mine did. For the frame I suggest washing it with mild soap (I use car shampoo) and WD40 to remove any scuff marks and grease if any before using soap. Then a good car polish and a coat of wax will bring it back to life. I did mine a few times until I noticed there was no more improvement. For metal parts I use Mothers Mag and alum polish. Have fun.

vno311

aggst1, by the navy blue decals, do you mean the 2 "Bianchi" decals on the frame? If so, those are definitely black in colour. I'm not sure if the decals being black will help determine the year. I'll try cleaning with your suggestions. Thanks for your help.

Stevensb 

I like your Bianchi VNO. The world champion decal on the seat tube is probably '73-74 so your bike would be later '70's. Search the catalog archives and you will be able to narrow down the model and year. What does it say on the top tube near the head tube? Also, is there any date on the RD? Can you post some more photos for us?

Brad

aggst1

Yes, I was under the impression they were dark navy blue but they are black as you state. Maybe someone can chime in with more info.

vno311

Hi Brad,
I'm not sure if you saw these pics. https://postimg.org/gallery/3vn2y5yk/
There is not a date on the RD. Where can I search the catalogue archives?
Thanks for your help.
Vince

Stevensb 

Vince: your bike is a model 00.4.23 as per the sticker on the head tube and you can search on that model number to get more info. I see your s/n is also on the head tube but I don't know how to decifer it. There was a thread addressing this model at https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...elp-neded.html.

Good luck. Brad

vno311

Thanks Brad. I checked out that thread. I asked someone in it to send me the 1978 catalogue. I'll do a search with the model #. Hopefully, I'll have success.
Thanks again.

vno311

Thanks to retrofit from another thread and Stevensb for directing me there.
Here is a link to the 1978 Bianchi Catalogue.
Postimage.org / gallery - Page 1 Bianchi Catalog 1978, Page 2 Bianchi Catalog 1978, Page 3 Bianchi Catalog 1978
aggst1, your bike is in this catalogue "superleggera" nice.
So happy to see my Rekord 746 in the original catalogue. Now, to find prices for the period.