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Old 01-16-22, 08:57 AM
  #5  
T-Mar
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It's a 1972 model. Back in the day, entry level bicycles with dropped handlebars and wired-on wheelsets were generally called recreational-touring, often abbreviated R/T. The only boom era Bianchi R/T model I'm famliar with is the Strada. They were virtually identical to the subject bicycle, though they typically came with a Simplex Prestige derailleur ensemble. Typically, Italian manufacturers used Prestige on their bottom of the line R/T model and Valentino Extra on the next model up. So, it might be a different model (Strada Deluxe?). However, 1972 was also the worst year for component shortages, so I wouldn't rule out a Strada with factory derailleur substitutions, especially when you consider that the closest extant Bianchi catalogue (1974) shows the Strada as the only R/T model.

Some memebers might suggest Bianchi's club racer Rekord 71 with a wheelset change/rebuild from the OEM tubulars, as this was quite common after owner's became frustrated the with tubular tyres. However, there are some differences in frame characteristics that rule out a Rekord 71 club racer, notably the use of top tube cable stops, as opposed to clips.
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