In its current state, it is 100% Italian, and 100% Campagnolo; even has the original bar tape, and cables. The paint is pearlescent white - just beautiful in the California sun. The details are stunning, and tell a story from a time when craftsmanship still outweighed mass manufacturing (even though it was mass manufactured). Example: Why don't bicycles come with the chain hanger braze-on anymore? Grant Petersen, why doesn't my Rivendell Rambouillet have one? It's the best idea that is no longer used, except on really expensive "custom" bikes.
Don't cringe, but the idea is to Rivenfry the bike to make it a more comfy steed; we'll put a higher stem on there, a Nitto Noodle handlebar, and a nice Brooks saddle. It's pretty to look at, but that current aggressive stance is not something one can ride very far before things start to ache.
Once we're done tweaking it to Mrs. Zahnd's liking, I'll post the 'After' photos.
What a score! Oh, and Claire's wondering what to name her new girl. "It must be a girl, because no boy could ever be so beautiful," says she.
6 comments:
There’s something about Bianchis, I must say. Nice find.
Not only Bianchi.....but a Campy equipped Bianchi!! Nice!
Looks cool
Love the ride! Beautiful...and Campy. Wow.
It's Campy Victory equipped not Triomphe. I'm guessing it's an '88.
A couple years ago I found a Nuova Allora in red at a garage sale. It had rusted 27" steel wheels on it and no seat or seatpost, and a Icon black bar with no tape. But it had all the original Nuovo Record on it (under the grime). The rear derailleur was a PAT 84 so I assume it was a 1984-85 model. The frame was nicked up and some the nuts and bolts had some rust, but it cleaned and touched up OK. It had the original Modolo "America" brakeset on it. Most of the decals were ok except all that was left of the top tube decal was the last part of Allora. It was a good buy for $5. People who are not into bikes just get rid of bikes like these as "old" beat up bikes. I put a nice old mavic wheelset on it with new tires, a 3ttt bar with new bar tape, a Flite saddle and polished and tuned it up to look very good. It was a 58cm and just a bit small for me so I finally sold it. It wasn't the top line Bianchi, but pretty good with a Columbus "Special" frame. I kinda wish I had kept it but can only allow myself so many bikes. I did manage to replace it with a 1989 59cm Celeste Super Leggera with a SLX/SPX frame and Chorus group. This one even has the original Bianchi celeste saddle. There was a guy on a new ($4000) Cevello who pulled along side me this weekend and commented that it was a very "distinguished" bike. Yeah I said, old like me!
There are lots of great old bikes still hanging in old garages and once in a while they get taken down and put out on the driveway for sale, old flat tires and all..Keep looking!!!
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