While visiting British Columbia, walking around Oak Bay Village east of Victoria, we popped into a local bike shop. Hanging from a mezzanine where the more expensive road bikes seemed to be kept, there was this classic Bianchi. I apologize for the poor phone photos; location and lighting were not ideal. I thought it might date from the early 60s, based on the components (Magistroni cranks, long reach Universal sidepull brakes), but in a cursory look online, I found that it may, in fact, date to the 50s, even the early 50s.

Strangely, as you can see, the bike has a price tag on it. When I inquired of store staff whether it was really for sale (for much less than the new models), or whether this was just a cruel joke, I got an evasive answer like "everything is for sale for a price" and "yeah, it's sort of a cruel joke". There were a few other vintage bikes in the same loft, against one wall (Colnago, Guerciotti, and a beautiful blue mid-80s bike with elegant windowed lugs whose marque I hadn't ever heard of, and have forgotten); none of these had a price tag.

Anyway, if anyone cares to see it, or attempt to negotiate its liberation, it's at Oak Bay Bicycles on Oak Bay Avenue. While it may be captive, at least it's not languishing in a garage or attic.

And some more photos:

-----

thanks for sharing.

looks pre-1960.

one klinker with this date is the presence of the 3TTT Touriste stem. there were no 3TTT badged products prior to 1963. it is likely there because cycle came with a desirable stem someone who found it wanted. something like an Ambrosio regolabile for example.

otherwise it looks all correct and wonderfully unmucked with.

​​​​​​​-----

-----

addendum(b) -

one possible additional klinker:

hubs appear they may be Nuovo Tipo small flange 36 hole wearing Record quick releases.

NT hubs did not launch until 1967. axle locknuts will of course confirm a specific date for them.

perhaps cycle came with some beautiful wood rimmed wheels with FB hubs marked Bianchi which someone back up the line wished to "harvest" for themselves...

​​​​​​​-----

Need better photos to be sure of much. First hub photo it does look like a Tipo. Later photos show 3 piece hubs, which could be correct. Looks like closed C on shift levers which is later. The alloy seat post is later. Looks like 60s Fiamme Reds. I'm thinking this is 1963 or 1964 unless someone did a good bit of re-equipping. Is the paint original? Decals? Where is Bianchi Girl? Even if it is a repaint and rebuild it is still a rare and desirable bike fairly well presented.

$2000? Not for me. Someone might. Would make a great rider if it is not good enough to be museum.

Beautiful

I agree. Love to have it if it were my size.