kpug505

Howdy!
This is my first venture into the world of folders. I have been looking for one for quite a while and finally came across one at an antique auto swap meet (of all places) last night.
Before I introduce my folder I’ll give you all an idea about me and my relationship with all things bike. First, I am usually over in the C&V forum and occasionally I’ll stop by the car free, SS&FG forum (for laughs) and the utility cycling section. I love all things bike! And I’ve got just about every niche’ covered as far as types of bikes go. I’m pretty excited to finally get a folder…….
So, I’ll get to the jist of it. I know my folder isn’t the nicest one out there. They have gotten lighter, faster and way more expensive in the 20 or more years since this one came out. I got mine for $40 and I’m happy with it. It’s a Bianchi Nealeco. I’m guessing from the 70’s. I searched the forums and got quite a few hits but they didn’t really answer any questions. So here goes!
1: Bottom bracket. Since the bike is made in Italy am I safe to assume it is Italian threading? I’d like to replace the cranks with some shorter (165mm or less maybe) square taper alloy ones.
2: Pedals. How about these MKS AR-2 EZY’s?



I like clips and straps so these fit the bill and seem appropriate. And for those not familiar with them they have a quick release. So cool....
3: Seat post. The one on there sucks and is very ugly. Its 25mm and I’m guessing that it’s longer then the 350mm length commonly available. Any suggestions? It must be alloy. I don’t really care about clamp style. The seat will be a Brooks B17 BTW.

That’s all I have for questions for now. My plan with this is to swap cranks, upgrade wheels to alloy 20’s with a single speed coaster brake out back. Get rid of the front & rear caliper brakes, handle bars, seat post and any other crappy stuff that can be upgraded. Then I’ll have it powder coated “celeste” green when I get my Bianchi touring rig ready for a color change.
Ya, so that pretty much sums it up! I look forward to spending some time in this forum while this project is under way. Here is a pic of my new to me folder!



Thanks in advance!
Kelly D

P.S. The seat post is so high up ‘cause I took it out and didn’t want to cram it back in for the pic.

jur

Nice-looking folder! Radially spoked wheels?

kpug505

Thanks for the compliment.

Yes the rims are radially spoked. They are junk. Very heavy and wobbly. They will get swapped on Friday for some new 20" alloys with a coaster brake single speed hub out back.

Kelly D

Squeazel

Hey, Kpug, welcome to the wonderful world of the Bianchi Aquiletta. These little gaspipe bikes were reputed to be what every Italian kid learned to ride in the 60's. I have mine in pieces right now- I'm staying fairly true to the original, except changing to a 3-speed hub with alloy rims but retaining the handlebars, etc. I needed a longer seatpost, so I found a chrome 16" 25.4 mm that fit. I would have liked an alloy seatpost better, but I couldn't find one long enough. Anyway, the original seatpost was galvanized gaspipe, so I saved a little weight over that.

The bottom bracket is unthreaded with a 2-piece crank and press-fit (well, really sloppily pressed-fit)cups. I think you would need to thread it to fit a modern crankset, maybe even get an insert machined- I don't know if the inside diameter of the BB is appropriately sized for threading. I'm keeping my original ball and cup bearings- not too worried about BB flex on this little beast- until they wear out completely. They look a little like standard BMX parts, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Mine is day-glo green, now. Used to be metalflake purple under rust. I'll post a few pictures when it gets further along.

-Squeazel

roseskunk

hey that thing is cool! i'm just getting around to doing my raleigh twenty and just a few weeks ago got a moulton am7. what kind of brakes are they? if you're looking to sell them, i need some weinman 1020's for my raleigh, let me know. i'm getting the same pedals for my moulton- i think the quick release is cool too! and brooks? of course!!

kpug505

Moulton eh? Love 'em. I've got a customer with a 20 (non folding) that I have been hounding for years to get. He wont let it go........It just sits there on the porch withering away.
Anyways, the brakes. They are Italian something or others. Side pull alloys. And they suck IMO. Some Weinman centerpulls would be a huge improvement. If you want my crappy brakes they are yours..... Free of charge.
Got pics of your folders? I'd love to see them.

Kelly D

Elad63

Very similair to my Atala, mine is set up as a 5 speed right now.

alicestrong

I'm a little jealous...shoot $40 huh? Good deal...

I want one, too. I would have jumped on it....

dwainedibbly

Please don't show my wife that photo. She'll be scouring fleaBay for weeks looking for a pair....

Really nice bike!

kpug505

Thanks for all the nice words.....I love it to death and have only had it 2 days. I'll keep posting updates as I transform it into something a little more serviceable and my style. I really need another one. I'm thinking a R20. I love the looks and they seem to have quite the following........Got one? PM me!