Hello all, this old timer showed up on marketplace in my area recently, and I like how it looks!
I do not have experience with retro bikes and "modernizing" them, but I am learning to fix my own bikes (more recent ones).
What I like about this frame:
- color (no rust visible on the pictures)
- lugged
- size would fit
- Bianchi is a brand I always wanted to own
If I were to buy this, I'd look to upgrade it with modern components, as well as change that ugly stem, bartape, etc.
What I'm unclear on – and can't find any info online:
- What is the dropout distance in the rear? I see a quick release skewer, so I'm hopeful its 135 OLD, but the 6 speed freewheel is not encouraging
- What is that bottom bracket type? Is there anything modern that could fit in that space?
Whatever other info you might have on this bike I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
by Rorsh14
3 Comments
You can be pretty sure it is not 135 OLD, at most it is 130, but possibly 126.
That’s a low end Bianchi, I wouldn’t throw a lot of money on it.
– Dropouts will not be 135 in any case, the industry adopted 130 in the mid 90’s and this older so most likely it’s 126. No big deal, you can squeeze a 130 wheel there. If it’s less than that you will have to cold set the stays which while not impossible, it’s more of a process.
– Bottom bracket will be either BSA or ITA, 68 or 70 mm respectively, Italian bikes tended to have ITA but some lower end ones like this had BSA so it could be either. Plenty of options there for square taper and external bearing BBs, not a problem.
– You definitely need a seatbolt as it is missing.
Some of these cheaper bikes have weird seatpost diameters so you may have less options there, depending on what it is.
Other than that there should be no problems putting a modern 9-11 speed groupset and modern wheels in this with minimum hassle.
If you like the idea of a pink frame this definitively gets it done; if you think the price is fair for the frame alone I’d say go for it, it would probably look great with upgraded stuff.
The components in the pics are odd, I don’t think that bike would have come with that kind of stem, seat post or rear derailleur, it’s like someone slapped some stuff from a beach cruiser on to this bike, irrelevant if you’re going to upgrade everything though