The knock-off non-Bianchi Celeste thread
10-20-22, 01:20 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,865 Times
in
1,439 Posts
The knock-off non-Bianchi Celeste thread
I developed a reputation a while ago, mostly deserved, for being obsessed with Celeste (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ste-again.html), and so it's no surprise that whenever The Official Bianchi Celeste Thread pops up I look to see what's new. But what about non-Bianchi celeste bikes? Other manufacturers may shy away from calling them celeste. It may be "robin's egg blue" or "sea foam green" or something, but I think it's well established that celeste is one of those "I know it when I see it" things, and some bikes are clearly celeste, even if they didn't call it that.
I'll start it off with my latest acquisition. It's not C&V and it's not a Bianchi, but it's definitely celeste.
Show me what you've got!
I'll start it off with my latest acquisition. It's not C&V and it's not a Bianchi, but it's definitely celeste.
Show me what you've got!
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
Likes For Andy_K:
10-20-22, 02:24 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,048
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3011 Post(s)
Liked 3,788 Times
in
1,405 Posts
Not my bikes but so cool I must share. 
1955 Cinelli Model B
1940s Galmozzi
1955 Cinelli Model B
1940s Galmozzi
Likes For iab:
10-20-22, 03:11 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Germany
Posts: 1,090
Bikes: 80s Alan Super Record, 79' Somec Special, 90s Rossin(?) Columbus Ego Triathlon, previously: Bianchi SBX Reparto Corse (stolen) and so on...
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 391 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
602 Posts
10-20-22, 03:52 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,365
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2480 Post(s)
Liked 2,948 Times
in
1,674 Posts
Great thread idea.
Wish I still had the Helyett Speciale model Tour de France track bike I got in 1964. Definitely celeste, with a cream panel on the seat tube, featuring the same black-and-white photo of Jacques Anquetil as that which appeared on the head tube. (I think---I sold the bike in 1968, so my memory of its cosmetic details is fuzzy.)
Wish I still had the Helyett Speciale model Tour de France track bike I got in 1964. Definitely celeste, with a cream panel on the seat tube, featuring the same black-and-white photo of Jacques Anquetil as that which appeared on the head tube. (I think---I sold the bike in 1968, so my memory of its cosmetic details is fuzzy.)
Likes For philbob57:
10-20-22, 04:28 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,244
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3803 Post(s)
Liked 3,325 Times
in
2,170 Posts
-----
during 2015 chanced upon an oddity during the course of a search for something else
it was an Arregui frame constructed with Arregui bits and kitted with all Arregui fittings
nothing too odd there...
...however it was finished in Celeste and bore Edoardo transfers
discussed it via pm with Bianchigirll and we agreed it was a real klinker
still have the URL and tried it just now but the browser says it cannot be reached
-----
during 2015 chanced upon an oddity during the course of a search for something else
it was an Arregui frame constructed with Arregui bits and kitted with all Arregui fittings
nothing too odd there...
...however it was finished in Celeste and bore Edoardo transfers
discussed it via pm with Bianchigirll and we agreed it was a real klinker
still have the URL and tried it just now but the browser says it cannot be reached
-----
10-20-22, 07:58 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Humboldt County, CA
Posts: 832
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 405 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 430 Times
in
286 Posts
The "Soviet submarine interior green" that Rivendell uses on their Atlantis frames would qualify, I think.
--Shannon
--Shannon
10-20-22, 08:35 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wurundjeri Country
Posts: 2,468
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1078 Post(s)
Liked 1,896 Times
in
930 Posts
But what about non-Bianchi celeste bikes? Other manufacturers may shy away from calling them celeste. It may be "robin's egg blue" or "sea foam green" or something, but I think it's well established that celeste is one of those "I know it when I see it" things, and some bikes are clearly celeste, even if they didn't call it that.
Likes For P!N20:
10-20-22, 09:13 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,244
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3803 Post(s)
Liked 3,325 Times
in
2,170 Posts
10-20-22, 10:06 PM
#11
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,402
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
There will be a few mid-'80s Treks showing up. I'll send along my '88 560. Very nice color.
Likes For RiddleOfSteel:
10-20-22, 10:41 PM
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,865 Times
in
1,439 Posts
If it's not a Bianchi it shouldn't be Celeste. I'd also say a Bianchi is allowed more tolerance in variation from the norm, but sometimes you can't deny the obvious.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
Likes For Andy_K:
10-20-22, 10:57 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,467
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 957 Post(s)
Liked 1,619 Times
in
1,039 Posts
70s PR10 (Frankenized)
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
10-21-22, 12:06 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 905
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 310 Post(s)
Liked 677 Times
in
329 Posts
Worked on this Mercier for the co-op about 18 months ago. I think it qualifies as pale Celeste. Unfortunately the full bike foto is washed out and doesn't show the color.
10-21-22, 05:20 AM
#15
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,630
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4677 Post(s)
Liked 5,790 Times
in
2,279 Posts
I never thought of it as celeste, but given the wide variation of colors reported, my Grander Sportier might qualify.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie:
10-21-22, 06:41 AM
#16
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,636
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3085 Post(s)
Liked 6,570 Times
in
3,767 Posts
I think that the mid 80’s Schwinn Traveler in Winter Mint qualifies. Not my picture or my bike.
__________________
Likes For cb400bill:
10-21-22, 09:15 AM
#17
Senior Member
If it's not a Bianchi it shouldn't be Celeste.
It took me 6 or 7 years to decide on the color, so if I have to repaint, I'll probably need another 6 or 7 years to choose a non-celeste-like color. I promise that I don't call my bike 'celeste', though I do note significant similarities between some of the celestes and my bike's color.
Both my wife and I think my bike is really pretty, so I'd hate to have to re-coat the frame.
I really want to follow the rules here.
Likes For philbob57:
10-21-22, 12:18 PM
#18
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,602
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3870 Post(s)
Liked 6,461 Times
in
3,194 Posts
Likes For SurferRosa:
10-21-22, 01:28 PM
#19
Partially Sane.
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sunny Sacramento.
Posts: 3,559
Bikes: Soma Saga, pre-disc
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 643 Times
in
468 Posts
Just a couple/few years ago, I had a Cannondale Silk Trail that was clearly a custom/factory paint job, in Celeste, or whatever that color is called, when not on a proper Bianchi. 🤔 😉
10-21-22, 01:35 PM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,865 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Yeah, I'm mostly joking but saying that Celeste is a sacred color and only Bianchi should use it. I'm not above a little heresy now and then.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
Likes For Andy_K:
10-21-22, 01:41 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 1,929
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1079 Post(s)
Liked 1,804 Times
in
656 Posts
two stories. My dad wanted a bike for touring. He had his Colnagos but those had such tight geometry and no braze-ons for racks, room for fenders, etc.
My uncle owned a bike shop. He carried Schwinn but also Bianchi. My mom worked with my uncle to build him a touring bike. I had just gotten my drivers license and was always looking for a reason to roadtrip in the car I was allowed to drive, the 1974 FORD LTD wagon.
It was half peeking out of the box when I picked it up and really didn't look at it. But, it was CELESTE, and that could only be one thing.
Mom asked me to help wrap it. That's when I un boxed it and realized it was a lowly SCHWINN traveler. Boo.
2nd story, went to Lakeside Bikes in Lake Oswego, OR yesterday to have my WEYLESS hubs worked on. Saw the newest BIANCHIs being pulled from boxes. That color!! Extreme!! Like the design team was jacked up on Sour Patch Kids while drinking Jolt Cola with a Mt Dew floater and yelled YESSSS, THIS IS WHAT THE KIDZ WANT. EXTREME CELESTE!!!!!!!!!
My uncle owned a bike shop. He carried Schwinn but also Bianchi. My mom worked with my uncle to build him a touring bike. I had just gotten my drivers license and was always looking for a reason to roadtrip in the car I was allowed to drive, the 1974 FORD LTD wagon.
It was half peeking out of the box when I picked it up and really didn't look at it. But, it was CELESTE, and that could only be one thing.
Mom asked me to help wrap it. That's when I un boxed it and realized it was a lowly SCHWINN traveler. Boo.
2nd story, went to Lakeside Bikes in Lake Oswego, OR yesterday to have my WEYLESS hubs worked on. Saw the newest BIANCHIs being pulled from boxes. That color!! Extreme!! Like the design team was jacked up on Sour Patch Kids while drinking Jolt Cola with a Mt Dew floater and yelled YESSSS, THIS IS WHAT THE KIDZ WANT. EXTREME CELESTE!!!!!!!!!
10-21-22, 02:01 PM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,865 Times
in
1,439 Posts
2nd story, went to Lakeside Bikes in Lake Oswego, OR yesterday to have my WEYLESS hubs worked on. Saw the newest BIANCHIs being pulled from boxes. That color!! Extreme!! Like the design team was jacked up on Sour Patch Kids while drinking Jolt Cola with a Mt Dew floater and yelled YESSSS, THIS IS WHAT THE KIDZ WANT. EXTREME CELESTE!!!!!!!!!
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
10-21-22, 02:17 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 1,929
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1079 Post(s)
Liked 1,804 Times
in
656 Posts
No. That is not it. In fact, this is even more subtle that the newest celeste
10-21-22, 02:19 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 1,929
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1079 Post(s)
Liked 1,804 Times
in
656 Posts
it was this....
https://www.bianchi.com/bikes/e-bike...e/aria-e-road/
https://www.bianchi.com/bikes/e-bike...e/aria-e-road/
10-21-22, 02:31 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Germany
Posts: 1,090
Bikes: 80s Alan Super Record, 79' Somec Special, 90s Rossin(?) Columbus Ego Triathlon, previously: Bianchi SBX Reparto Corse (stolen) and so on...
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 391 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
602 Posts
a few I encountered lately
1930s Maino to honor Mussolini
image courtesy of Vintage Speed Vicycles
2 Special C N.Cs although the greener one I dont consider celeste even if Bianchi used that as well
Alcyon
1930s Maino to honor Mussolini
image courtesy of Vintage Speed Vicycles
2 Special C N.Cs although the greener one I dont consider celeste even if Bianchi used that as well
Alcyon