FirstDahon

I searched this forum and didn't find a specific guide.

I'm looking for a commuter/inter-modal Bianchi.

What models would work?

Are there any unusual features and/or problems to be looking for when buying a vintage Binachi?

merziac

Hi and welcome aboard, glad you found us and good on ya for indentifying as a newb.

So, your ?'s are very open ended and broad for any succinct recommendation's.

Bianchi is a very historic, iconic, storied marque, we love them and can go on for 1000's of post on just one bike or frame and do so often.

They can be some of the most sought after bike's that there are, and expensive.

That being said, there are many models, levels and pricepoints to consider.

Google is your friend, go there, drill down and find some that interest you then tell us which ones you like so we can help.

We have some members that will likely chime in before then but they will still want a direction.

FirstDahon

Thank you for your reply.
I don't know much about bikes, hence the general questions.
I googled Bianchi bikes in general, but couldn't find any buying/collectors' guide so far.

merziac

That's why you have to drill down and figure out what you want.

Go to the image page and follow through on some that you like, look through ebay and try to get a sense of what you want to spend, that will help dictate what you can get.

You have to put in the work to get there, really go down the rabbit hole to get a good feel for this. I don't know of any guides for this but the info on here will help you once you give us an actual starting point.

Most of us focus on drop bar racing and touring models, so we're a bit selective but cover all types at the end of the day.

Dfrost 

Could you tell us why you asked about just Bianchi?

Your first post says “commuter/inter-modal”. If that is the type of cycling you intend, there are many, many brands of bikes that fill that need well.

FirstDahon

The Bianchi look nice. I'm actually open to the brand as long as I can find a durable bike with parts available without much difficulty and not at higher-than-usual prices.

Which brands/models would you recommend?

wrk101

Many Bianchis were made by others in Asia. I’ve had several Asian Bianchis.

pretty much any of the bike shop brands were decent. Most of them made a wide range of products from so so low end stuff to top of the line. Too many models and brands to list. I recommend you look for something with higher end parts and better frame tubing. In the Shimano part world, Deore LX, DX, and XT were on the better models. Riveted chain rings are another sign of low end.

In the older used market, I will see bikes that originally sold for $250 at the $100 price point and I will see bikes that originally sold for $900 at the $125 price point. For $25 everything is MUCH better: frame, wheels, components, you name it. Impossible to teach someone the ins and outs of vintage bike values in one posting.

FirstDahon

Thank you.

How can I identify better frame tubing?

I'm so new to the forum that I can't post photos or links. I found a Bianchi, model unknown to seller and unclear from photos, for $100, but it has lots of rust spots all over on the frame, as shown by the photos. If that's a bike that I can easily remove surface rust, is that something to consider and at what price?

merziac

You're at 10 posts now so you should be able to post them, if not then tomorrow.

On the right track now, dig em up and show them here, we are glad to help but you have to help, it's an interactive process that you must embrace to get much more value from.

Better tubing may/will usually have a Reynolds, Columbus, Tange, Ishiwata sticker on the seatube, many wear off and aren't readable but leave a shadow or remnants that can be used.

John E

For a given seat tube outer diameter, the larger the seatpost diameter, the thinner the tubing gauge and, usually, the better the tubing. Look for a 27.2mm seatpost in a standards 28.6mm (1-1/8") OD seat tube.