+1, I was just about to post something similar. The only other color that _may_ be immediately recognizable is GIOS blue... just maybe.

When you're passed by someone on a celeste Bianchi, you know that was a Bianchi.

Bianchi was exceptionally well-branded before "branding" was a verb.

My Mom can recognize a Bianchi at 100 yards and will point them out to me based on the color alone. And she doesn't even pay attention to biking except that one of her kids does it.

They made a brilliant play years ago and came up with this very distinctive color, and most importantly, they delivered the goods. They made (and probably still make) some really good bikes that saw a lot of pro races. Because they are bright green, they stand out like sore thumbs on every race photo and everyone that cares (or would buy a bike like that at some point) knows that it is a Bianchi.

Coke, Pepsi, Avis Car Rental, and Specialized and Trek for that matter, should all take a page from Bianchi's play book. And I don't even ride one.

Sure it does. That's partially why I bought mine.

However, the more important issue at hand is the mistaken opinion of certain people about celeste, viz. it's not green, it's closer to blue.

Welcome to the road!

I have a (Celeste) ML3 - all Campag. It's a great bike! I still have my (red) Cannondale CAAD5 and still love it too.
The 'Dale goes fast because it's red, built in the US, and at the top of technology. The Bianchi goes fast because it's celeste, built in Italy and at the top of technology.

There's a lot of great bikes out there, I'm glad that you found yours.

Not to be a total friggin' geek, but I think it's closer to green. Bianchi's "celeste" is Pantone 333, which is R-94 G-221 B-193, so more green than blue.

Best. BF. Quote. Ever.

seriously...

yep, totally agree that it's history and not as much quality.

If I wanted an aluminum frame, I'd go cannondale.
If I wanted titanium, I'd go moots or something.
CF, hands in the air

Vintage rides... Bianchi with celeste. Or quality italian or japanese classics. :D

RC as in Peoples Republic of Italy? Seriously, what's wrong with a Taiwan bike?

BTW, I have an Italian made steel Bianchi. It's a low end one with straight guage tubes. I bought it because it fit me and the price was right (used). Mine is dark green, but I might paint it Celeste some day.

There is a certain appeal to Bianchi. I don't think it's anything tangible. The name has a nice sound to it. It's an old brand from a country with a rich cycling tradition. Not the sort of thing that you base decisions on, but sort of fun if you happen to have one.

Nothing wrong with a taiwan bike in my opinion, just as long as I get the taiwan savings. I think some companies do, like Fuji and salsa, though I think fuji's look better and are offered in a variety. I remember some guys on bianchi's ragging on a guy riding a fuji, after he got rid of his bianchi. What's funny is that the bianchi's they were on are all taiwan made. I guess just some greenish/blueish paint and a Italian name is all that matters nowadays. Hell colango's and pinarello's are making bikes in asia now.

The shop I go to agrees with my (countrysidecycling.com), I myself liked having a U.S. made frame. Had a specialized made in U.S., before moving to Taiwan, then went to Trek, then Cannondale, and now Fuji. Plus I really like my Taiwan made Sram shifters. Though I'll admit, Since they are made in taiwan they would be much, much, cheaper, $500 for a set, WTF! Record are under $300, Dura ace are around $400. What is up with that, not the right forum, but Sram Rival is the way to go. Save $200 but add 35 grams.

I've always had a huge crush on Bianchis. Throughout school, I used to drool over catalogues, and dreamed of getting a Celeste bike with Campy. I very recently returned to biking, and will be buying a new bike this week. While I have a Bianchi catalogue sitting on my front seat, it was never a consideration. I have strong ties to an LBS, and wouldn't dream of buying elsewhere. That aside, I can't imagine liking a bike better than the Cannondale Supersix Team Replica hanging in my garage now (testing for the past week). However, buying that bike this week won't stop me from checking out the Bianchis on ebay now and then.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_d2_crono_frameset.html#
oh yes...

I bought my Bianchi cuz it felt better than everything else I rode at my price point.

+1. It's not about the color, it's about the ride.

Welcome to the forum! :) I like Bianchis, but not all my bike are Bianchis. I like Celeste, but not all of my Bianchis are Celeste. I like "Made in Italy," but one of my Bianchis has a Taiwanese frame. I like lugged steel frames, but not all of my bikes are lugged, though all are steel. By chance or circumstance, more than half of my bikes are Bianchis: Alloro, Trofeo, Veloce, 2 San Remos, and a Pista. :)

I ride a 06 Bianchi Eros with Reynolds steel frame. Coming from a 05 Allez, this bike is more comfortable for me on long rides. The aluminum frame on the Allez made my arms/wrists hurt due to road "buzz" ...I hate chip seal roads! It has the lower end Campy shifters/derailers (Marage), of which I prefer over the Tiagra/105 combo that was on the Allez. Yeah, I got the Celeste color too. Really happy with the bike. FWIW, I don't race the bike, more into riding 15-35 miles about 4 times a weeks and some charity rides. Oh, and it's made in Taiwan and fit and finish is pretty much flawless.

We see them all over the Italian hillsides every summer. Maybe made in Taiwan, "Pero... l'Italiani" love them!


http://www.bicitreregioni.com

CAMPY & CELESTE...........NEED I SAY MORE :love:

good necromancy because bianchis Own.

The new ones chew.

The pre-2006 Reparto Corse frames are freaking badass.

Yes.

is Bianchi the only major company still making steel bikes?

"STEEL IS REAL":thumb:i believe there is "steel" a few,MOOTS,MARIN,SYCUP...not sure if people would say these are major,,but they give the big boys a run for the $$$$$

I recently got an Eros, and can't love the thing more, I really like the look of the '09 steel bikes, though, but a full celeste Bianchi is just... right.

1986 Campione d'Italia. Modern componentry. Bliss.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...23_03small.jpg

Been less than a year since I have purchased my 2008 Via Nirone in Celeste, and I absolute love it.