qcpmsame 

I think I am going to be sick

https://www.gucci.com/us/styles/284332JA3108730#

For those that said the "modern" Bianchi didn't do anything for them, here is probably why.

Bill

Esteban58

14000? I think I'm gonna be sick.

jdon

If is was chained to a post I would walk right by without a second look.

eja_ bottecchia

Agreed! Not a good move for a company trying to re-establish its bona fides.

eja_ bottecchia

I just want my garage to look like your garage.

Louis

Sure, anytime you get up this way.

wobblyoldgeezer

I wrote something, then it went away - apologies if this is a re-post

One of the best affirmations of Bianchi's brand values I read dates from 1944. Wonderful travel writer called Eric Newby escaped from a prison camp in occupied Italy. (Story, 'Love and War in the Appennines')

An Italian family harboured him. The daughter of the family (whom he later married) had her bike empounded. She demanded its return, confronting the soldiers --'It's not a bike, it's my Bianchi'. To her, worth getting shot for

Sorry for potential thread theft, but that characterises the brand value to me

Cleave

Hi, I guess I am somewhat of a Bianchi-file. I bought my first one in 1976, it's a 1975 Bianchi Specialissima. Today it looks like this:




Conservatively, I've ridden this bike over 40K miles, but I've hardly ridden it since I restored it in 1985. At the time that I restored it, celeste Bianchis were very popular in SoCal so I came up with this paint scheme. The only original parts on the bike are the hubs.

I ride my 2005 Bianchi Pista Concept track bike in two different configurations:


I've changed most of the components on the bike since taking these photos, but you get the idea. I'll be riding it in the drop-bar configuration tonight at the Velo Sports Center velodrome tonight.

A very fun bike to ride around town is my 2005 Bianchi Milano:

It's the special, Bianchi 120th anniversary edition of the Milano. I get a lot of positive comments when I ride it. I've made a couple of changes on this bike too, most notably flipping the bars.

Next is my 2007 Bianchi D2 Crono Carbon:

Sadly, this frame is for sale. I've been lured by the aerodynamics of the Specialized Shiv TT. BTW, the wheels on my TT bike are the same wheels I use on the track for TTs.

Last on the list is the only Bianchi that I've ever bought used, a 2007 Bianchi Roger:

Bianchi originally marketed the bike as a single-speed cyclocross bike. That same year, the UCI outlawed disc brakes on cyclocross bikes so Bianchi only made the Roger for one year. (Of course, they reinstated disc brakes on cyclocross bikes last year.) I've re-purposed the bike as my rain bike and single-speed training bike.

That's it. I have a few other bikes for other riding purposes.

Why do I like Bianchi? It's partly because it was my first "real" race bike. At the same time there is something about Italian bikes in general and Bianchi has such a long and storied history. I guess it's similar to why some people love Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Personally, I don't like them but people get Harley logo tattoos. I don't have any Bianchi tattoos.

Note that while most of Bianchi's line is made somewhere in Asia, the Reparto Corse bikes are supposed to be made in Italy.

billydonn

Yes, of course, I'm just a humble hayseed out here in the remote outback. But I do read and get around a bit and I still maintain that modern Bianchi is not near the top of the list of most coveted bikes. Not saying they aren't good bikes. They just don't turn heads and drop jaws as much as others. We have a local Bianchi dealer but I don't think they do much in the serious road bike market around here. But word of the mystical coolness of Bianchi may be delayed in getting to us out here.

Classics are obviously a different story and I've been tempted to suggest a private room for classic Bianchi owners to show their love. (Smiley face goes here)

No offense taken or meant by any of this. Just my opinion. I do think I might like to own a Battaglin bike someday (both Italian and esoteric). I'm going to check them out while in Italy next summer.

Timtruro

That is a beautiful machine. I have always loved that color, it's the only color I would ever have if I ever had a Bianchi.

jdon

Stunning collection Cleave. Wow!

Louis

Thanks, Timtruro. Yup, when I was frame shopping I knew it had to be celeste or nothing.

eja_ bottecchia

It is OK, we still need humble hayseeds.

But seriously, you ought to take a look at the newer offerings from Bianchi. They are turning out some very nice road machines. Of course, when it was time for me to buy my own top end bike I chose a Colnago C59 over a Bianchi Oltre--so I guess that even for me Colnago still tops Bianchi at the top end ot the range.

I plan to visit Italy in May. I want to bring my C59 and ride it in its birth country.

jbman100

I bought my 2010 Via Narone #7 because it was the one bike in my price range that fit properly. When all was said and done, after many fitting of other brands this was the one that fit. I've changed the seat to a Brooks and changed the cassette to different gears that better suit my riding style.

My thoughts on brand loyalty. It is different for everyone. I learned photography using a Nikon F2 back in the early 70's. It belonged to the class teacher and he let several of us use it once he felt comfortable with us doing so. It never felt quite right in my hand though. In 1979 I bought my first Canon and have not owned any other brand since. I still have everyone of those Canons, most being worn out due to use and the traveling I did while in the Army. I actually have that F2 as well. The teacher presented it to me during my 20th High School Class Reunion. It still takes great pictures being as old as it is, but still just doesn't feel right like a Canon does.

Shamrock

When I retire in a couple of years I think I'll buy myself one of those celeste bikes in mint condition.I just have to pay off 100,000 in college loans and 60,000 in weddings.nice bikes guys.

revchuck 

I've got a celeste '97 Trofeo with lower-end Campy eight speed and a lugged frame. It's gotten more compliments than my gorgeous carbon Look 585. I rode it yesterday in a 75 mile charity ride and had little problem keeping up with the younger folks on carbon bikes. They thought it was cool. A good steel frame, 32 spoke wheels and 700x25 tires take almost all the pain out of bad roads.

Shamrock

Picture??,BTW I have to stop looking at craigs list these bikes are driving me crazy.

Hermes

Cleave, I knew you would show up for this thread. Brilliant photography!