Official "Show off your Bianchi" thread
11-18-20, 02:02 AM
#1251
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I just picked up this Bianchi yesterday. The guy I bought it from said he thought it was a 1980 bike but didn’t sound confident. I couldn’t find a serial number. The back of the crank arms are 1976. The front sticker brings up the CX when I google it but not much info. I’m kind of curious about the 2 numbers. The 170 is for the Strada but 2.8 or 28? Hmm... thoughts?
The Columbus decal is from around 1977-79. What's the shop sticker above the Columbus sticker say? You may be able to track the year to the shop if it's still around and kept good records.
Nice find!
DD
11-18-20, 09:48 AM
#1252
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I just picked up this Bianchi yesterday. The guy I bought it from said he thought it was a 1980 bike but didn’t sound confident. I couldn’t find a serial number. The back of the crank arms are 1976. The front sticker brings up the CX when I google it but not much info. I’m kind of curious about the 2 numbers. The 170 is for the Strada but 2.8 or 28? Hmm... thoughts?
The curious aspect is the tubing decal. It is a pre-1978 decal used for Record, SL and SP. Normally, I would suggest that Bianchi was simply using up some old stock. However, the 1978 Campione del Mondo CX was spec'd with Columbus' new, midrange, plain gauge, Aelle tubeset which had it's own dedicated decal. Application of the subject decal would be incorrect and misleading, as it indicates a butted tubeset.
Consequently, it appears that bicycle may be at least partially decaled incorrectly, by either the factory or a previous owner, As a result, it may not be an actual Camapione del Mondo CX. The seat post diameter will tell us if it is actually Aelle and a Campione del Mondo CX.
11-18-20, 04:14 PM
#1253
Newbie
It's the 170th frame, built during February 1978. The combination of brazed-on shift lever and water bottle bosses but top tube cable clamps is consistent with the era. The long Camapgnolo dropouts are also correct.
The curious aspect is the tubing decal. It is a pre-1978 decal used for Record, SL and SP. Normally, I would suggest that Bianchi was simply using up some old stock. However, the 1978 Campione del Mondo CX was spec'd with Columbus' new, midrange, plain gauge, Aelle tubeset which had it's own dedicated decal. Application of the subject decal would be incorrect and misleading, as it indicates a butted tubeset.
Consequently, it appears that bicycle may be at least partially decaled incorrectly, by either the factory or a previous owner, As a result, it may not be an actual Camapione del Mondo CX. The seat post diameter will tell us if it is actually Aelle and a Campione del Mondo CX.
The curious aspect is the tubing decal. It is a pre-1978 decal used for Record, SL and SP. Normally, I would suggest that Bianchi was simply using up some old stock. However, the 1978 Campione del Mondo CX was spec'd with Columbus' new, midrange, plain gauge, Aelle tubeset which had it's own dedicated decal. Application of the subject decal would be incorrect and misleading, as it indicates a butted tubeset.
Consequently, it appears that bicycle may be at least partially decaled incorrectly, by either the factory or a previous owner, As a result, it may not be an actual Camapione del Mondo CX. The seat post diameter will tell us if it is actually Aelle and a Campione del Mondo CX.
11-19-20, 06:44 AM
#1254
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An Aelle tubeset typically takes a 26.8mmm seat post. So, unless a previous owner reamed out the seat tube, it's not a Campione del Mondo CX. Given the era, a 27.2mm post would be indicative of Columbus SL. In which case, the tubing decal could be correct and just left over stock from the previous model year. However, the model decal on the head tube would be wrong and the correct model would be the Super Leggera, model number 00.4.30. To increase your confidence, remove the front wheel and inspect the inside of the bottom of the fork's steering tube. An SL steerer tube has five helical ridges (see photo), while an Aelle steerer does not. These ridges can be quite hard to detect on older bicycles which may have corrosion or foreign material in the steerer tube.
Last edited by T-Mar; 11-19-20 at 06:49 AM.
11-19-20, 08:06 AM
#1255
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Just tossing this up here again because it's been such a great build for the past 15 months.
One of the 'fastest' bikes in the stable.
One of the 'fastest' bikes in the stable.
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11-19-20, 08:42 AM
#1256
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11-19-20, 02:15 PM
#1257
Newbie
An Aelle tubeset typically takes a 26.8mmm seat post. So, unless a previous owner reamed out the seat tube, it's not a Campione del Mondo CX. Given the era, a 27.2mm post would be indicative of Columbus SL. In which case, the tubing decal could be correct and just left over stock from the previous model year. However, the model decal on the head tube would be wrong and the correct model would be the Super Leggera, model number 00.4.30. To increase your confidence, remove the front wheel and inspect the inside of the bottom of the fork's steering tube. An SL steerer tube has five helical ridges (see photo), while an Aelle steerer does not. These ridges can be quite hard to detect on older bicycles which may have corrosion or foreign material in the steerer tube.
11-19-20, 03:53 PM
#1258
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It took a little cleaning but I did find out that it does have 5 ridges. So would it be safe to say I have a 1978 Super Leggera based on everything I’ve told you? Is the Super Leggera better or worse than a 1977 CX? BTW thanks again for everyone’s help. I’ve learned a lot!!
11-19-20, 05:07 PM
#1259
Newbie
The frame has both indicators that differentiate it from the lower grade Columbus Aelle frame. It's definitely Columbus SL, which means it higher than a Campione del Mondo CX. In 1978, the Columbus SL frame was used on the Barcelona, Super Legerra and Professionale. Based on another closer look, your bicycle appears to have the full Campagnolo (Nuovo) Record group, which would make it a Professionale and third in the hierarchy, immediately above the 4th place Campione del Mondo CX.
11-20-20, 06:36 AM
#1260
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It shouldn't be a leftover 1977 frame, as it has a 1978 serial number. The brake calipers have the domed quick release lever added in 1978 to comply with CPSC regulations. It's hard to tell in the picture if the front derailleur has the CPSC lip or not. It look like it could have one, just not struck as deeply as most. It looks like the hub quick release are the 1978 CPSC complaint versions, as I can see the domed end added to the adjuster nut but I can't tell if the lever is the curved CPSC version. However, the shift levers are the pre-1978, non-CPSC version. It's possible that Bianchi was using up some old stock but it's just as possible that the bicycle has had some revisions over the years. If you want to delve deeper, there will be date codes on the back of the crankarms, rear derailleur (by the cable housing recess) and on the back of the hubs' locknuts.
11-21-20, 10:15 AM
#1261
Haleakalacraterlove
Looking good!
was gonna get celeste tires for my ‘88 Trofeo Argentin but I might go with white walls after seeing yours 😍
Thanks to several people for kind comments on my favorite bike. The tires are Continental Grand Prix 4000's with a white reflective stripe. I thought the reflective stripe would be a good for commuting, and I think mix of black and white in the wheels plays well with the black bars and white hoods of the Campy brake levers. When I bought the bike it had a mix of Armadillo and Gatorskin tires. Switching the tires, changing the stem, and keeping everything else black, white or silver was all it took to bring out the classic beauty of the Celeste frame and gleaming alloy components.
Attachment 191500Attachment 191501
Some people like to have the bottom of their bars nearly level with the ground, which typically produces downwards sloping tops. Others like to have the tops of the bars nearly level with the ground all the way to the hoods, and the bottom of the bars angled so that they point towards the rear hub. I find the second set up much more comfortable for riding in either the tops, the ramps, the hoods, or the drops; probably because I no longer have the flexibility to lean as far forward as I used to!
Attachment 191500Attachment 191501
Some people like to have the bottom of their bars nearly level with the ground, which typically produces downwards sloping tops. Others like to have the tops of the bars nearly level with the ground all the way to the hoods, and the bottom of the bars angled so that they point towards the rear hub. I find the second set up much more comfortable for riding in either the tops, the ramps, the hoods, or the drops; probably because I no longer have the flexibility to lean as far forward as I used to!
11-21-20, 10:25 AM
#1262
Haleakalacraterlove
Love me a red Bianchi
There is just something about red and Italian... red sauce, red bike, etc 😏
11-21-20, 10:35 AM
#1264
Haleakalacraterlove
I should call and check on that.
11-21-20, 10:37 AM
#1265
Haleakalacraterlove
Loving the classic all black look 😍
I want a 9-speed campy gruppo so bad... I personally would go with quill stem
I want a 9-speed campy gruppo so bad... I personally would go with quill stem
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11-23-20, 11:53 PM
#1267
Haleakalacraterlove
Finally able to post pics of my baby on Bike Forums 🙌🏽
1988 red Bianchi Giro... Formula Two frame so it’s not top of the line or collectable but I think the bike rides great! Almost fully original and in excellent condition... equipped with full Campagnolo Victory/C-Record era groupset, 3ttt handlebar and seat post with original white Stella Italia Bianchi saddle. Ambrosio 19 Extra Super Elite Wheels. I found the red 120mm 3ttt Panto Bianchi stem on eBay and currently looking for Campy Victory pedals and cage w/leather straps (red/black/white?) and got some 2020 limited edition cream sidewall Continental Grand Prix 5000 to finish the vintage look after these Ultra Sports wear out!
Last edited by oceanhaitang; 11-24-20 at 11:21 AM.
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11-24-20, 03:11 AM
#1268
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Beautiful. It is actually an ‘88. You can tell by the decal style and lack of any cartouche on the frame/fork but having decals instead on the stay caps and fork crown.
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11-24-20, 06:45 AM
#1269
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Agreed it's a 1988 Giro, based on the decal style in combination with the tretubi Formlua Two tubeset and the infamous Syncro II shift levers.
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11-24-20, 11:44 AM
#1270
Haleakalacraterlove
So, this is wrong?
https://2velo.com/bianchi-bicycle-catalog-80s/
or this one...?
https://saarf.london/2014/03/01/bian...dbike-catalog/
I believe you guys... you seem to have a wealth of Bianchi knowledge. Just wanna confirm?
So technical question... which model brake levers and rear derailleur do you think it is? I think the levers are first gen C-Record and the RD is Victory S3? And why was Victory groupset mixed with the C-Record levers and Syncro 2 shifters? Was that common practice by the manufacturer? I was thinking maybe they had some NOS lying around? Got the bike from the owner of my favorite LBS and he got it from a friend that passed away who bought it brand new. Was tuned and lubed by the owner of the LBS it’s whole lifetime and said those were the original parts
Last edited by oceanhaitang; 11-24-20 at 12:17 PM.
11-24-20, 11:45 AM
#1271
Haleakalacraterlove
This is for both Bianchigirll and T-Mar
So, this is wrong?
https://2velo.com/bianchi-bicycle-catalog-80s/
or this one...?
https://saarf.london/2014/03/01/bian...dbike-catalog/
I believe you guys... you seem to have a wealth of Bianchi knowledge. Just wanna confirm?
So technical question... which model brake levers and rear derailleur do you think it is? I think the levers are first gen C-Record and the RD is Victory S3? And why was Victory groupset mixed with the C-Record levers and Syncro 2 shifters? Was that common practice by the manufacturer? I was thinking maybe they had some NOS lying around? Got the bike from the owner of my favorite LBS and he got it from a friend that passed away who bought it brand new. Was tuned and lubed by the owner of the LBS it’s whole lifetime and said those were the original parts
Last edited by oceanhaitang; 11-24-20 at 12:17 PM.
11-24-20, 12:09 PM
#1272
Haleakalacraterlove
Just picked this one up too!
1988 celeste Bianchi Trofeo Argentin
I believe to be fully original... except for the saddle and bar tape. Full Shimano 600 Groupset. Gonna be my daily racer when spring comes around, gonna Full Monty lube, and tune her this winter ❄️ while I ride my MTB for my commute
I love the cracking patina inside the paint clear coat!
I believe to be fully original... except for the saddle and bar tape. Full Shimano 600 Groupset. Gonna be my daily racer when spring comes around, gonna Full Monty lube, and tune her this winter ❄️ while I ride my MTB for my commute
I love the cracking patina inside the paint clear coat!
Last edited by oceanhaitang; 11-24-20 at 12:13 PM.
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11-24-20, 01:01 PM
#1273
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1988 celeste Bianchi Trofeo Argentin
I believe to be fully original... except for the saddle and bar tape. Full Shimano 600 Groupset. Gonna be my daily racer when spring comes around, gonna Full Monty lube, and tune her this winter ❄️ while I ride my MTB for my commute
I love the cracking patina inside the paint clear coat!
I believe to be fully original... except for the saddle and bar tape. Full Shimano 600 Groupset. Gonna be my daily racer when spring comes around, gonna Full Monty lube, and tune her this winter ❄️ while I ride my MTB for my commute
I love the cracking patina inside the paint clear coat!
This version of the Trofeo is curious, as it appears tobe a 1988 model year sporting a 1986-1987 New 600EX group. We've seen enough of them over the years to know that this is how they came from the factory. There are several possible scenarios, including re-designated leftover 1987 Limited models, leftover 1987 components or a last time buy of leftover Shimano stock. It has also been suggested that they might be late, 1987-1/2 models but given that I've seen a couple with the round, 1988 version of the Campione del Mondo decal, they would appear to be a 1988 model.
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11-24-20, 02:56 PM
#1274
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oceanhaitang What size is the Giro and the Trofeo. They seem to be 2 different sizes...Trofeo (49/50cm) and Giro (52/53cm).
Last edited by malcala622; 11-24-20 at 03:08 PM.
11-24-20, 05:51 PM
#1275
Haleakalacraterlove
oceanhaitang What size is the Giro and the Trofeo. They seem to be 2 different sizes...Trofeo (49/50cm) and Giro (52/53cm).
Trofeo 50cm
Both fit me... the Giro a bit better, need a longer stem on the Trofeo