Zebrakenko or bianchi
 

I'm mulling over two recent craigslist finds, and old zebrakenko that's been totally gone thru, or an (from what I can tell) equally old bianchi classica 12 speed. The zebrakenko has barcons, a triple up front and looks pretty clean. The bianchi looks good, has zephal pump mounted on seat tube, new bar wrap, and a new mismatched tire. I'm not necessarily after one that's marginally more valuable than the other, more so looking for a decent rider. Price is close enough on both. I'm considering building it into a single speed, and the zebra's parts seem more appealing to me in my box of parts. Any suggestions?

Pics...

Bianchi

The Zebrakenko. Aside from being huge the Bianchi has a bent fork.

http://images.craigslist.org/00D0D_g...yV_600x450.jpg


Zebrakenko

http://images.craigslist.org/00m0m_9...Aw_600x450.jpg

Single speed? Please dont do such a thing to a Bianchi.

huge is relative, i guess. They are saying 63cm, which is jsut fine for me. I'm 6'3, and I rode my old 63cm panasonic very comfortably. If hes wrong and its a little bigger than that I'll be fine

That Bianchi fork is seriously bent. That isn't safe to ride unless repaired.

Out of those two, pick the Zebrakenko. But if you're looking for cheap, humongoid Bianchis, why not consider 64cm bianchi sakae custom road champion for $120?

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=424509

The chrome fork legs, downtube shifters, and mention of 3ttt stem means this is a much better bike than the blue one you posted.

i appreciate the feedback, I often forget to check the obvious. And Im not looking specifically for a bianchi, just something that fits that isnt crap but is for sale at crap prices:p

The Bianchi will be perfect than go for it.

Bianchis with bent forks and possible frame dameage make great single speeds?

The Zebrakenko looks like a Record Tour. I bought one in 1978. I toured down the East Coast on it one summer, and then used it as a utility, or casual bike for a few years, then stored it. I recently got it out and am going to build some 650B wheels for it. It has a good cro-mo frame, although the finish isn't as good as some other Japanese bikes.

The Bianchi has a bent fork, and I wouldn't be surprised if there is some buckling around the head tube lugs.

Avoid the Bianchi for the same reason you avoid buying a used car with salvage title.