Bianchi
One could write a book about Bianchi. This company defines the notion of racing heritage. There are lots of Bianchi models, many are dazzling, many are dogs. Remember that Bianchi makes bicycles for both racers and those cycling for basic transportation. Early top-end Bianchi bikes using the satanic but nonetheless fabled Campy Cambio Corsa shifter (move the lever, slide the wheel, shift, etc) system should be worth close to $3000. Somewhat later top-end models such as the one recently shown in Bicycling Magazine similar to the bike Coppi rode are also worth close to $3000. Details are everything, so a bike lacking the right bits and not original might only be worth a small fraction of this amount. The bike with original paint, correct saddle and rims, and in a saleable size will fetch the top dollars. Similar bikes without the right stuff might be hard to sell for $1000. Top-end Bianchi models from the early 60's through early 70's should be worth close to $2000.
With Bianchi bikes, I sense that originality is more important than with other bikes - that might only be a guess. Size is also important. Early Bianchi bikes are so well known that foreign buyers should have interest in them. That means that smaller sizes could tend to be worth more. This is more true when dealing with very early examples. Late 70's Specialissima models no longer featured the integral headset. Such bikes seem less distinctive - Super Record models by then perhaps worth $1,200. Early 80's models seemed to become more generic. Figure $850 for Super Record and $700 for N.R.. There was a Competizione model in the mid 60' `s that featured 27" wheels and was a tourer. Such models, which also have the integral headset, are worth about $600. Note that there were many lesser models of Bianchi bikes that look the part but are really pretenders. The notable feature is they have seamed tubing which implies a less then noble purpose. Such bikes are fun to play with but are only worth a few hundred at most. Bianchi produced a Centenario bike in the early 80's using early C-Record components. They even had (at least some did) large flange C-Record hubs. These bikes should become collectors pieces soon if not already. To pay $1,500 -$2000 for one would probably be reasonable. In 1987 an Argentin 'commemorative' bike was available on a limited basis.
It was the top of the line Bianchi for 1987-88. It is also sometimes called a Specialissima X-4 and was equipped with early Campy C-record and Campy Cobalto brakes. Columbus SLX tubing. Lots of custom engraving included the head tube emblem, fork crown, seat stays, lugs had a "B" cutout; the rear brake-bridge was engraved with an "X-4". Black chromed (or painted) head tube, fork, rear stays - Celeste everywhere else. They were not found in any US Bianchi Catalogues, and they retailed at about $2075. Since few people know of these frames, bargains can be had!
Japanische Modelle
Bianchi ist eigentlich als italienischer Hersteller bekannt. Sie ließen ab ende der 1980er Jahre jedoch mehrere Jahre lang auch Fahrräder in Japan nach ihren Vorgaben bauen. Diese waren besonders schöne Fahrräder, die besser verarbeitet waren als ihre italienischen Schwestern.
Siehe auch
Quellen
Dieser Artikel basiert auf dem Glossar von der Website Sheldon Browns. Der Originalautor des Artikels ist Sheldon Brown. Teile dieses Artikels basieren auf dem Artikel Japanese Bicycles in the U.S. Market von der Website Sheldon Browns. Originalautor des Artikels ist Sheldon Brown. Ergänzungen stammen aus der Feder von bikegeissel
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