Akkorn

Hi - Just got this 80's something Bianchi Randonneur. Very good condition & paint. I can't find an exact match so far to decals & components in any online catalogs. Anyone out there seen this configuration before? Made in Japan, Ishiwata Magny DB tubes forks & stays, Takagi Tourney AD cranks, Diacomp Gran Comp brakes, Suntour Mountech FD, Shimano Alivio RD, Bianchi Head set, six speed suntour perfect free wheel, Araya 27 rims with Bianchi branded tires. Curious about original specs. Also, what company made bike for Bianchi in Japan. These photos are as bought minus a few layers of grime. Thanks for any info!

Akkorn

A few more photos

Salamandrine 

I vaguely remember those. Around an '83 I think. I did work for a Bianchi dealer at the time. They were part of the Bianchi USA line. It's basically a high end touring bike. Magny is the Ishiwata version of 531. RD is not original.

IIRC it was priced between say a Univega Gran Turismo and a UV Specialissima/Miyata 1000. Sort of an awkward price point.

T-Mar

Given the remnants of a Piaggio decal in conjunction with a Mountech front derailleur, it would be either a 1983 or 1984 model, though the decals have me leaning to 1983. The serial number will us the exact build date, down to the month.

Akkorn

Thanks! the serial #LS293045

T-Mar

It was manufactured in December 1982, so it's a 1983 model.

Lascauxcaveman 

My '82 MIJ Bianchi Limited (Ishiwata 022 SuperSet) has much the same legwork and a serial number starting in BS45...

I'm guessing a SunTour MounTech rear derailleur would have come originally on that bike to go with the FD, if you want to go original. (Although an aRX-GT would be at least period correct and maybe hold together better). Everything else looks correct, AFICT.

jeirvine 

Those are cool, and seldom seen. Do know that there was a fork recall for certain years: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1990/bi...nneur-bicycles

Yours looks OK, because it has a "B" on the fork crown. "You can identify your model year by inspecting the fork crown to see if it has a "B" on it. Only Randonneur bicycles without a "B" are subject to this recall."

T-Mar

Your Limited is actually a 1984 model. Bianchi didn't introduce their Superest frame design until 1984 and the S/N indicates February 1984.

Yes, the OEM rear derailleur was a SunTour Mountech but they had their issues, so it's not surprising that it's been replaced.

Lascauxcaveman 

Heh. I never asked an expert, on that one. Just trusted the guy I got from knew what's what. I'll have to see if I can remember how to edit my sig line, now.

T-Mar

This issue appears to be related to the Ishiwata crown, as the there have been a number of failures reported on Treks from the same era, using the same crown.

Akkorn

Thanks for all the info! I'll leave Alivio on as long as it shifts well. My fork also has B on the crown.

Salamandrine 

I assume you are going to fix this up a bit. I'd like to see pics when it's done.

Probably don't need to tell you it needs new tires, but just in case, it does... Doesn't look like it needs much besides the usual tube, tires, handlebar tape and brake hoods. Oh, and brake pads.

If that seatpost is where it is when adjusted for you, I'd suggest you acquire a longer modern post. People rode bigger frame sizes then. There's a potential for damaging the seat lug. Also check that stem is not above the max.

kevins08 

Resurrecting an older thread here, but I just picked up one of these Randonneurs as well. Mine is White with blue accents, and some different bits, but our serial numbers are only 5 apart!

Akkorn

Yes, it is interesting. Yours has half chromed forks as well as different components. What year is it? I like the color combination. Mine rides like a dream, fast & comfortable!

lmcneely

I know this thread has been dead for a while, but I am hoping yall can help ID my Bianchi Randonneur as well. Serial BS22273. Components are a mixed bag as I'm sure they are not the original. Guy I bought it from had no clue what it's worth but surely over the $80 I paid for it.

Looking to restore it to it's natural beauty, but want it to be close to the original as I can get it. Any help is appreciated.

jdawginsc 

I have been searching to replace my biggest blunder...selling my 1981/82 blue Bianchi Randonneur in 1989. One of the best riding tourers you could ever imagine.

thook

it's that magny tubing. atleast somewhat if not mostly. i had an '82 trek 614 with 531 main frame and magny fork. the geometry gave it responsiveness, but that tubing took up all the road shock... like butter!!

those bianchi's ya'll have are super nice looking. i have an '89 triple cross i really like, but i'd be super inclined to trade it for one of those

3alarmer 

...you can probably find catalog photos online. AFAIK, this one is all original.

polymorphself 

These are neat. First production italian touring bike I've seen I think...Wild to see a Bianchi with canti's and fender clearance!

3alarmer 

...I don't know if it was all the years, and have never checked the catalogs, but mine was made in Japan.
I think there were a few years where Bianchi took advantage of the favorable exchange rate.

I ride a Bianchi Professional from this early 80's time period that was also made in Japan.

Mogens

I have a MIJ Bianchi from this timeframe and it says that the tubes are Bianchi CrMo Rinforzati, what’s the deal with those?

jdawginsc 

1982 Randonneur was 100% definitely made in Japan. It was the odd thing that struck me about the sport-touring series at the time (in my price range). Magny tubing, SunTour ARx RD/shifters/FD...SR Apex cranks...I think Araya rims and Suzue hubs (long time ago), I am assuming they were Dia Compe brakes, but I definitely did not have Gran Compe levers. Might have been a Vetta fuzzy saddle...? Pedals were MKS or SR quill I think...Most of the components were the standard Japanese touring fare...SR/SunTour/Suzue/Araya.

Sigh....