jerman

Hello, I just bought this bike.
I was told this was a 1999 frame and fork that was purchased and built up with Record and Chorus.
It is labelled reparto corso, but my guess is it was made in Taiwan.
Anyone be able to weigh in with any info please? TIA...
jerry

Lascauxcaveman 

Everything you say seems to match the pics pretty well. Looks like a really nice bike. Go ride it!

Chombi1 

Don't know anything about the Bianchi, but I do know, you got a very very nice version (looks to be the original non-reissued, perforated) of the Rolls saddle on it!

AngryFrankie

Did you see any writing on the fork steerer? Maybe the Columbus Dove in an oval? I had a 96 that was English threads but a very nice columbus tubing model made in Italy, and a very similar Columbus fork.

jerman

Thank you! It is in incredible shape. The fellow at the shop said this guy made it his personal project and by the items used to assemble and the looks of the finished product, I believe it.
It is virtually immaculate, in incredible shape. And what a test ride, went for 5 minutes and 30 minutes later came back as it was so butter smooth and had such fun shifting Campy (first time for me).. I just had to keep riding.

The stem says 3T and 'status' on it, you can see it on the first pic. The bar is a 3T also. That's all I remember as it is still at the bike shop.

Bianchigirll 

Good Morning, sorry I missed your email yesterday. Where are you and the bike located?

I am pretty sure that beautiful Thron frame was made in Italy. For some reason Bianchi switched to English BB in the early '90s. I'd have to double check but I think my '90 Proto is english thread. Anyway I think this frame dates to around '94, or at least that is where I see Thron frames in any Bianchi USA catalog. However I don't see frames only listed just a Veloce, Veloce group, and Giro, Stratos group, model with the name proudly displayed on the TT. Your bike lacking the model name and having a Bianchi decal there would mean it was likely a frame only offering.

Regardless of it's actual age it looks like a phenomenal bike and as you've a fantastic ride.

Giacomo 1 

Isn't that a "Made in Italy" sticker at the bottom of the seat tube? Besides, I can't imagine a Taiwanese made bike using Columbus tubing, although I could be wrong on that.

She's a real beauty. Looks fast standing still. Enjoy the ride.

T-Mar

Thron was Columbus' economical, butted tubeset, introduced for the 1994 model year. Basically, it took over from Cromor and both used Columbus' lowest grade CrMo alloy. As such, it was intended for mass produced, mid-range frames targeted at amateur racers. However, unlike Cromor it was available in several gauges, both standard and oversize diameters (including Megatube) and designed for both lugged and TIG construction. Consequently, manufacturers could produce a wide configuration of Thron frames.

The subject frame is almost certainly Italian manufactured, though probably not by Reparto Corse. By this time the Reparto Corse decal was basically a marketing tool. The frame may have been designed by Reparto Corse but the higher volume, mid-range frames with Thron would have taxed the department's capacity.

I agree that the frame is likely 1994, though it may have been purchased in 1999. 1994 is the only year for Thron frames in my Bianchi literature. The post 1994 mid-range models, for which I have information, are spec'd with Dedalo or Dedacciai tubesets. The serial number may provide a further evidence of the year.

jerman

Thank you all for the friendly replies! I do appreciate it!
It is so cool it's a '94 and was made it Italy! I could not have asked for a more perfect bike that I was hoping to get.
Yes, the saddle is very nice. I may change it when I ride in order to preserve it.
I am about 45 minutes south of Dallas in Milford, TX.
The bike shop is in Waxahachie, and that's where the bike was, but the guy who owned it lives in Italy, TX, about 5 minutes up the road from me.
The serial number is four digits but is preceded by what looks like two small "c's", and then has a small backwards "c" at the end of it.
It is: cc 17XX > (except the '>' is a small backwards 'c')
Needless to say I am very excited, especially after being able to get some good info and history.
Thank you for being such a wonderful resource!
jerry

jerman

With a serial number of cc 17XX then a backwards 'c', does that give anymore info on the bike?
Do those small 'c's' have any meaning or designation?

Any links or suggestions how to obtain that Bianchi tape for the handlebar?
Thanks!

Bianchigirll 

Do you mean Celeste colored tape? I personally wouldn't use Celeste on that bike, unless I was changing the cables, bottle cages and maybe toe straps. I think Celeste bar tape would look really out of place. The blue looks nice but if you really want to change I'd go with white or a silver color.

If you don't mind post some pics and the info about your bike on these threads for other to reference.

T-Mars serial number thread https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...cation-43.html

And the 'show off your Bianchi' thread, https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...thread-39.html

OH I forgot, Celeste handlebar tape is all over the internet. I like the Cinelli tape https://www.amazon.com/Cinelli-Cork-...ghydr-20&psc=1

Insidious C. 

I've been seeing a blue Bianchi with Celeste tape and saddle in my area. I think it looks good. I will try to get a pic.

Wildwood 

Thron tubing was still being used at the end of the 90s.
Marin had Billato building Thron frames in '98&'99.
And it was regularly used in mixed tubesets as chainstays, for it's vibration damping qualities.