52cm Bianchi/ Celeste- what year and model
10-15-21, 08:53 PM
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52cm Bianchi/ Celeste- what year and model
hey all trying to get info about the make and model of my 52cm Bianchi/ Celeste - has really nice parts. No idea what it is worth. I'm in seattle and trying to resell it. I'm new so for some reason I can't post photos- but message here and maybe I can attach the photos in a response? I paid $500. And wondering what it is worth.
10-15-21, 09:03 PM
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You can create an album on your profile page and upload pics there. Someone can help with a "pic asst."
10-15-21, 11:07 PM
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10-16-21, 09:20 AM
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This one? https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/22796259 I don’t see anything particularly Bianchi looking aside from the Celestesque paint. Most notable there is no cartouche on the seatstay cap, so if it is a Bianchi it is a very lowend model or a post ‘88 mid level model. Is there anything stamped on the dropouts? Anywhere on the frame? Any idea on bottom bracket threading?
No stamping here?
Nice brakes but they need the Campi block holders.
No stamping here?
Nice brakes but they need the Campi block holders.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-16-21, 01:44 PM
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Chainstay cable stop pushes Asian built…
the seat stay caps are unimpressive.
it is in the Bianchi color range…
the seat stay caps are unimpressive.
it is in the Bianchi color range…
10-16-21, 02:11 PM
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Please post a photo of the serial number.
10-18-21, 06:30 AM
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hey all trying to get info about the make and model of my 52cm Bianchi/ Celeste - has really nice parts. No idea what it is worth. I'm in seattle and trying to resell it. I'm new so for some reason I can't post photos- but message here and maybe I can attach the photos in a response? I paid $500. And wondering what it is worth.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-19-21, 12:19 PM
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it wont save yet to my profile but it's where the original photos got saved under general albums. also i can't send private messages yet but if you message me i can reply maybe with a photo that can be posted? thanks again for all the help! any other photos helpful?
Last edited by tcaruso; 10-19-21 at 12:29 PM.
10-20-21, 10:18 AM
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In the world of vintage bikes, $500 is a high price. Odd mix of parts like the Sachs RD and 105 brake levers. Carbon fork does not appear to be original either. No decals. Not sure what it is. or what brand either. Did you buy it at a shop?
At that price level, I'd expect to see original paint and decals, original parts, and excellent condition.
Financial return on this bike will come from using it, rather than reselling.
Check the serial number versus T-Mar's excellent Asian serial # thread.
In my market, I would be hard pressed to get half of what you paid for it. Hopefully your market is better! Generally, shops here tend to get DOUBLE what I can sell a bike for, in fact, I have sold several on consignment through shops, paying them 1/3 and still ending up ahead.
At that price level, I'd expect to see original paint and decals, original parts, and excellent condition.
Financial return on this bike will come from using it, rather than reselling.
Check the serial number versus T-Mar's excellent Asian serial # thread.
In my market, I would be hard pressed to get half of what you paid for it. Hopefully your market is better! Generally, shops here tend to get DOUBLE what I can sell a bike for, in fact, I have sold several on consignment through shops, paying them 1/3 and still ending up ahead.
Last edited by wrk101; 10-21-21 at 06:55 AM.
10-20-21, 01:32 PM
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what is T-Mar's excellent Asian serial # thread? thank you for the help! I did buy it at a shop. Recycle a bike sort of thing but they said the parts on it were worth the price- it rode well and was the right fit but i'm moving back to a place where riding to work isn't feasible and wanting to resell it. What would a fair price be?
10-21-21, 11:16 AM
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Based on the serial number and frame features, it should be a 1989 model. However, I'd still need to know what, if anything, may be hiding under the cable before the "9". If there's an "H", then it's from Hodaka of Taiwan and would be an entry level to lower mid-range model. If not, then it's likely not a Bianchi.
10-22-21, 06:20 PM
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Based on the serial number and frame features, it should be a 1989 model. However, I'd still need to know what, if anything, may be hiding under the cable before the "9". If there's an "H", then it's from Hodaka of Taiwan and would be an entry level to lower mid-range model. If not, then it's likely not a Bianchi.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-23-21, 06:45 AM
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Given the crankset, that is almost certainly a lower level, Campagnolo cartridge bottom bracket. They used that cup style on groups like Stratos, Veloce, Mirage, etc.
The BB threading is almost certainly ISO/English.
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10-23-21, 07:52 AM
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I just couldn’t remember. I was under the impression those BBS were outsourced to thun or is that not correct?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-23-21, 06:27 PM
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I don't know who manufactured them. To murky the waters further, I've also seen Fitchel & Sachs cartridge bottom brackets that use the same tool notches for installation and removal.
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10-25-21, 07:42 AM
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I thought that might be the case! So, that confirms your frameset was manufactured by Hodaka of Taiwan in January 1989. Hodaka was a known Bianchi source during this era and the frame fittings typically weren't embossed, as part of cost reduction measures. Consequently, a Bianchi is a definite possibility.
Unfortunately, the fact that it appears to have been totally rebuilt complicates identification. During this period Hodaka would have built the bottom three Bianchi models, the Strada LX, Premio and Sport SX. However, I am surprised to see an investment cast rear brake bridge at that level. This style was typically used on the higher Asian built models, the Brava and Limited, but 1989 samples in my database have serial numbers used by Bianchi's Japanese source. In a effort to try to narrow things down, what diameter of seat post is fitted?
Unfortunately, the fact that it appears to have been totally rebuilt complicates identification. During this period Hodaka would have built the bottom three Bianchi models, the Strada LX, Premio and Sport SX. However, I am surprised to see an investment cast rear brake bridge at that level. This style was typically used on the higher Asian built models, the Brava and Limited, but 1989 samples in my database have serial numbers used by Bianchi's Japanese source. In a effort to try to narrow things down, what diameter of seat post is fitted?
