Need help before purchasing first Bianchi
05-30-19, 11:07 AM
#26
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OP As has been said above if you budget is $200 you can probably find a very nice bike if you aren't fixated on a particular brand. With some patience and looking on CL and FB Market place, local bike co-op etc on the regular you might be surprised what comes up and if you are willing to do your own work in refurbishing the bike that $200 can stretch pretty far. If you list the size frame you are looking for and your general location in NJ you might even have some members send you listings with suggestions. There is also a Craiglist thread on here that gets updated pretty regularly that might be worth checking out. I am no expert but I think with Bianchi you are paying for the mystique of the name and the fact they did make some very nice frames with good kit back in the day ratchets up the price even for the more entry level stuff. And or course they can boast their share of Tour and Giro winners on their frames.
Lots of great stuff out there from Trek, Nishiki, Univega, Raleigh, Peugeot, Schwinn. Motobecane. Specialized to name a few of the prolific manufacturers and I am sure I missed some. I consider first second and third FIT, a great deal on any bike is worth little as a rider if it don't fit, then I would worry about the condition of the frame and paint and then I would look at the components. Take it slow there are tons of great vintage bikes out there. Good luck.
Lots of great stuff out there from Trek, Nishiki, Univega, Raleigh, Peugeot, Schwinn. Motobecane. Specialized to name a few of the prolific manufacturers and I am sure I missed some. I consider first second and third FIT, a great deal on any bike is worth little as a rider if it don't fit, then I would worry about the condition of the frame and paint and then I would look at the components. Take it slow there are tons of great vintage bikes out there. Good luck.
05-30-19, 11:59 AM
#27
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Did you buy it ? I picked up this one from a LBS , they had it advertised for $200. I traded a bike I had $400. into . This thing was a wreck not even rideable , I didn't notice at the time but it had a dent in the DT at the BB . I have it fixed up now , still more to go . If you would like see progress look here . https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...lp-please.html
This is how I got it .
IMG_0252 by mark westi, on Flickr
This is how I got it .
IMG_0252 by mark westi, on Flickr
05-30-19, 12:09 PM
#28
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OP You can find the Craigslist/Ebay thread here also take sizing claims on ads with a grain of salt I constantly see wrong info on frame size, wheel size, brake type etc. in CL listings. So plan to measure/test ride to be sure its the right fit.
05-30-19, 06:53 PM
#29
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If that's a Forza, its similar to one I had, until a car killed it. Mine had Exage 7 speed Biopace, downtube shifters, indexed on the rear. It was a nice ride, as I recall. I paid $150 back in about 2000 or so, complete original running gear, near perfect paint and decals. Its a great little bike, but don't overpay. Looks like pretty rough appearance. If that's OK, go for it. If you are looking for pristine, cost must be factored in. Can be much more on top of asking price to restore it.
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