walnutz

"1999 Bianchi Veloce Road Bike - Steel Frame, Carbon Fork, Campy Components, Color: Celeste, Size 56 cm., Triple Chain Ring. Excellent condition. " - from the craigslist ad.

He sent a pic, it looks decent enough, it was in .doc form though, so I can't attach it.

From the emails we have exchanged, I found out the rear derailleur was replaced last year and one of the shifters was replaced with a Mirage.

He is asking $500; I was thinking more around $400 or even lower.

What should I look for when I see it in person?

Thanks in advance!

wrk101

If the bike is in good shape, no damage and ready to ride, $400 would be a deal, and $500 would be on the high end price wise. Under $400 is unrealistic, depending on condition. But hey, if you can get it cheaper, go for it.

At this type of price level, I would take the bike for a thorough test ride, shift through all of the gears several times, use the brakes fully, adjust the seat up and down, etc. Wheels should be true, bearings should be smooth, and so on. If the bike needs significant work, I would adjust my offer down a lot.

Assuming frame is clean and undamaged, the shifters are your most expensive part. Make sure they are working well, shift crisply, etc.

I've seen bikes that were 15 years old that looked brand new, and I have seen bikes that were five years old that looked ready for the rubish pile.

A Celeste Bianchi will always have a following, assuming it is in great shape, fits, and is what you are looking for, I would negotiate and get it.

walnutz

Wrk101, thanks for the good advice, will definitely test out the shifters.
He says he's been the only owner and has taken care of it, so hopefully there are no big issues.

Thanks for the price range recommendation, I had no idea where to start.

As for the color, it's a pretty sweet bonus.

walnutz

Question: If there is a problem with shifting, how will I know whether it just needs a tuneup or if something needs to be replaced?

Bianchigirll 

you likely won't until it is being serviced.

wrk101

When buying used, the "safe" bet on shifters is assume they will need replacement if they do not work. Shifters cost several hundred dollars, its pretty risky to assume a good service will make them work OK. Depends how lucky you feel that day. At the $500 price point, everything should be working very well.

walnutz

Thanks, gonna check out in the next few days. Will update.

EjustE

+1 for the price advice.

This bike has a 9sp Campy Veloce set up. One thing that you need to know: even if there are issues with the shifters, the Campy ergos (unlike most shimano stis) are repairable. I would be more concerned about the carbon fork, than the drivetrain at this point. If there are any issues with the fork, I'd pass.

roccobike

The asking price of $500 is out of line. Entry level brifter bikes start at $300 around here, occaisionally, less than that. The Veloce is not entry level, so $400 seems reasonable. For what it's worth, I paid $275 for the 01 Campione, basically the same bike but the shifters and derailers are Mirage not Veloce. Mine does not have a carbon fork. Those differences probably add up to another $100.

walnutz

Went by yesterday and picked it up. Beautiful ride, there will be some things that need to be tuned up, but that's to be expected.
Some bonuses: came with the computer, SPD pedals, frame pump, upgraded wheelset, new tires, Celeste color (already mentioned) and of course, made in Italy!

Thanks for all the tips guys!

wrk101

Good move! It cost you half of an entry level new bike, and you got a bike that is a lot better than entry level. Enjoy!