I’m not an expert but that mid 1970s looks right to me. First thing to do in take those reflectors out of the spokes.
Imazagi on
Early 70s makes sense, but could be even earlier. I’m seeing red label Weinmann 999s, high flange hubs and a cottered (Stronglight?) crank, all of this screams 60s to me. Best way to date it are probably the derailleur and the hubs.
Nice bike, I have a Capo with a similar setup from about 1960.
9bikes on
Are you considering buying this bike or are you trying to help a friend sell it?
When new, this was a decent bike but pretty much entry level. It isn’t worth what it would cost to get in into good condition.
tiregroove on
Yes on the cottered crank, it’s a low-end Bianchi. Stamped dropouts, not forged,
And that rear derailler is a Campy Valentino, made from steel. I have one, I polished it up and it corroded within weeks.
It’s a Bianchi though and people are total Europhiles and will pay alot just for the name.
fdtc_skolar on
Reflectors became a thing about 1970 so this bike is likely from the early 70’s given what others have said.
wowdickseverywhere on
Bruh look at that waterbottle
Congratulations on your W
mikefitzvw on
What’s your goal with this bike? It’s super cool, but it would’ve been considered mid-range at best in the late ’60s/early ’70s. That doesn’t mean it’s bad whatsoever – the build quality is probably excellent, and it has Campagnolo components – but a mid-range bike at that time had (quality) chromed-steel components and likely a high-tensile frame, whereas only 10 years later mid-range bikes came with mostly alloy components on a Reynolds 531 or similar frame.
This is a great bike if you want a very classic ’60s-style racer and enjoy the character of the durable components it comes with. It would look amazing after a full tear-down and restoration, and I bet red cable housing and celeste bar tape (or black to match the saddle) would look fantastic. That’s a Brooks Professional saddle, and they’re very nice. This bike might get tiring if you are planning to do a lot of centuries or hill climbs, or need something easier to maintain for a commuter.
You will ALSO need a cotter press and machined cotter pins from bikesmithdesign.com and I will fight anyone who tells you that you can get away with a hammer. You need to be able to maintain that bottom bracket, and do it well, or it will eventually need replacements which don’t exist anymore.
bernie-dub on
If you’re looking for a project go for it.
If you’re looking for a nice bike to ride this is not it. It’s that simple.
Oh and the Campagnolo Valentino is a TERRIBLE derailleur.
10 Comments
I’m not an expert but that mid 1970s looks right to me. First thing to do in take those reflectors out of the spokes.
Early 70s makes sense, but could be even earlier. I’m seeing red label Weinmann 999s, high flange hubs and a cottered (Stronglight?) crank, all of this screams 60s to me. Best way to date it are probably the derailleur and the hubs.
Nice bike, I have a Capo with a similar setup from about 1960.
Are you considering buying this bike or are you trying to help a friend sell it?
When new, this was a decent bike but pretty much entry level. It isn’t worth what it would cost to get in into good condition.
Yes on the cottered crank, it’s a low-end Bianchi. Stamped dropouts, not forged,
And that rear derailler is a Campy Valentino, made from steel. I have one, I polished it up and it corroded within weeks.
It’s a Bianchi though and people are total Europhiles and will pay alot just for the name.
Reflectors became a thing about 1970 so this bike is likely from the early 70’s given what others have said.
Bruh look at that waterbottle
Congratulations on your W
What’s your goal with this bike? It’s super cool, but it would’ve been considered mid-range at best in the late ’60s/early ’70s. That doesn’t mean it’s bad whatsoever – the build quality is probably excellent, and it has Campagnolo components – but a mid-range bike at that time had (quality) chromed-steel components and likely a high-tensile frame, whereas only 10 years later mid-range bikes came with mostly alloy components on a Reynolds 531 or similar frame.
This is a great bike if you want a very classic ’60s-style racer and enjoy the character of the durable components it comes with. It would look amazing after a full tear-down and restoration, and I bet red cable housing and celeste bar tape (or black to match the saddle) would look fantastic. That’s a Brooks Professional saddle, and they’re very nice. This bike might get tiring if you are planning to do a lot of centuries or hill climbs, or need something easier to maintain for a commuter.
You will ALSO need a cotter press and machined cotter pins from bikesmithdesign.com and I will fight anyone who tells you that you can get away with a hammer. You need to be able to maintain that bottom bracket, and do it well, or it will eventually need replacements which don’t exist anymore.
If you’re looking for a project go for it.
If you’re looking for a nice bike to ride this is not it. It’s that simple.
Oh and the Campagnolo Valentino is a TERRIBLE derailleur.
This one is early 70s and yours (if you get it) is older. [eBay link](https://www.ebay.com/itm/275604925821?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pm_WDwdxTIi&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=cXDhNa6fS7W&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
The red decal, cottered crank, etc.
Low end 1970’s