Hey all, I recently grabbed a nice RED/chrome Bianchi SBX (not six, damn auto correct) frame, and want to build it up as a fair weather ride.

Without going nuts,$$-wise what group/ components and wheels do you think would work best for this?

I'm thinking DA7400, but finding those parts gets expensive, and then I've got all the little things to consider too.... I could probably find a complete bike to strip the parts from for cheaper!

Your thoughts?

Thanks

-Steve

Something with lots of shiny alloy from Campagnolo

I'm not against Campy in any way, just dont know much about it and what would have been out there in 93 or 94..

Im also wondering about 7, 8, or 9 speed, what was the norm at the time? (8 speed I think..)

Would you use downtube shifters? I had an old Peugeot w those and have no problem with the concept.. I'm not going to be racing the bike or anything



Anything In particular you would avoid for this build?

thanks for any thoughts!!

~Steve

8spd was in fashion but the big 'everything in black' wave had not swept in just yet. Personally I usually avoid black components and those ugly 'deep dish' rims.

I think most anything would look great on this. I would love to try one out some day.

9s Chorus or Record can still be had at a reasonable price, 8s can be an outright bargain. If it were mine, I'd just take it to 10 and not look back. Centaur 10s Ultrashift was the sweet spot, pricewise. It all depends on your budget and the intended use.

With that much chrome, keep it shiny not black.

Definitely am going to keep it silver / polished.. Aesthetics matter with this bike for sure.(and for me in general) I'm going to wait on the build until I can assess the current cranks/BB that are on there. I like the look of them and rings are available so it could save me some $$ to keep them on there if they're solid and safe.

I'm glad to hear that 9 and even 10 speed will work, my current rides all have 9 speed and I would like to keep at that level, so thats nice.

It's tough because I went with a used frame to save $$ and looking at the newer groups the $$ really starts to climb!!

Any recommendations for mid 90's wheels to look for / avoid?

thanks
~Steve

Allright, a little update here. The frame should be here by Wednesday, and today I did a bit of shopping....

Wanting to run with the aesthetics of the lugged frame, I decided on polished silver box profile TB14 wheels, (105 hubs) and a 13-25 9 speed cassette. Reminiscing of my old peugeot days, I ordered downtube shifters -Dura-Ace 9 speed. DA 7403 brakes. I like the cranks that are on the frame at this point, but if they're not really solid, then some DA74xx cranks will be sourced.

I want a traditional quill stem, so whatever adaptor and stem that are on there now are out the door asap.

Thats about it for now -pics will follow as the build begins!

~Steve

How do you not like shamals!!!!,

Bumping this from the grave with an update, the bike's all built up and rides like dream. Overall Im vey happy with all the choices I made, everything seems to fit me well.. We'll see as the miles rack up. (Indoors for the next few months I guess)

Wanted to update with a pic -Another classic steel Bianchi frame saved from fixie hell!
~Steve

awesome.
so it's built w mixed group?

Thanks Orange..

DA shifters, derailleurs brakes and chain, Older 105 aero brake levers, redid the hoods, they came out great) OFmega cranks 42/52. Polished TB14 rims, 105 hubs. Nitto stem. An old saddle that I find real comfortable. So yeah a mixed bag of parts, not a weight weenie build by any measure..


~Steve