Hill Cycle

[QUOTE=I4YM;19921456]The first true high-end racing bicycle I owned was a Bianchi that I bought used in 1976. It was all Nuovo Record and either the Specialissima Professionale or Campione de Mondo. I raced that bike in the US, Belgium and Canada as a member of the US Junior National Team. I wish I had more photos of that bike, but I only have one or two. I have owned a lot of bikes over the years but something has always been pulling me back to Italian steel lugged bikes of the late 70's and early to mid 80's. Those frames were made by craftsmen and artists of their trade. They had a soul.


I bought the same or similar 2.B 344 black Bianchi Campione del Mondo frame a few months ago for $99.00. I was looking for a project and I was interested in restoring a bike from that era. The frame's paint was in awful condition. There was some light rust in a few places. I started stripping it and the I saw the Celeste underneath. I think it was a primer coat. I decided to have the pike powder coated a Celsete or close to Celeste color. The Bike Forum threads have been very helpful about the different Celeste colors Bianchi used and so many other details of this restoration. Thank you!

graystones11

I believe I have a very similar bike. I'll post a photo when I get up to 10 posts and the forum allows me to post links/photos.
I've been told it is a 1981 Bianchi Nuovo Racing bike. It's a brown color that looks like the one in those catalogue photos up above.

Are you aware of where new Universal Mod 77 brake lever hoods can be obtained? Or at least something that fits and looks similar to the original?

Bianchigirll 

Welcome to the forums. Try ebay for your hoods. You might even try contacting Yellow Jersey in Madison Wi, they sometimes have some unusual stuff.

These? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Bla...0AAOSw9x5cvrOw

graystones11

Thanks. Those do appear to be the right style. I'm looking for this color, and have only found those black ones so far.

Bianchigirll 

I think the black are more durable than the gum

MykGrant

1982 in Black stored inside with no scatches, dirt or dust. All original 60cm.
I know that it's not celeste but I couldn't resist. It had me at the Campy/Bianchi toe clips, original tire pump, TTT stem, Campy/Bianchi seat post, etc. Purchasing from a collector that doesn't ride tomorrow am. Super excited. Seller has some celeste bar tape but I think that it had black suede tape orignally.

graystones11

That's great to hear. Hopefully, it serves you well. I'm about to sell mine. Like the guy you're buying from, I don't find the time to ride mine anymore, and there are some maintenance things on mine that require someone to give it the attention it deserves.

MykGrant

Transaction complete. Bella is now mine!! Too much rain to try her out yet. Paint is not 100% perfect. I noticed a couple of chips but original and in amazing shape for a 42 year old bike. I agree with other posters. Not really black but more root beer. Not sure I like the red bar tape. I have some celeste bar tape to replace it with unless I can find some of the suede black that was originally on it. I"m going to need some hoods as well and the gummies on the sidewalls look pretty old and weak. Original tires maybe?

MykGrant

OK, now for the details. I've been reading posts and I hope you can help me I.D. my new purchase.

RHS seat post says 1.L
LHS seat post says 9578
No sticker on the LHS that says Campione del Mondo.
Seller said it was a 1982 Campione del Mondo. Now I"m thinking that it's a 1981 Campione D'Italia?
Modolo brakes (not sure about the "speedy" part) , Ofmega CX cranks and Bianchi Stepimi (?) hubs.
Piaggio stickers on both sides of seat tube
Made in Italy sticker down next to the bottom bracket
TreTube Columbus sticker on downtube between campy shifters
One last thing..It's a 10 speed, not a 12 speed


And other dumb question... the seller gave me a tube of pneumatic cement? That's the only part I can read, the rest is in italian. What the heck is that for? Do you glue on the tires to the rims?

Mr. 66

I take that Fort Point is your favored 🍺? Is that your garage with the wall of cheer?

MykGrant

Funny, I wish...
I purchased this bike last Saturday and met the seller at the ferry buildging in SF. After the purchase I stopped by the Fort Point store for a dog and a beer. There was nobody there since it was cold, windy and raining, even though they had a farmers market going on all around us. The kitchen is enclosed but the seating area is outside under the building overhang. I decided to take it as a photo op for my new toy and thought that the colors blended pretty well. First time having Fort Point and it was really good. Won't be my last.