My new Vintage Bianchi Grizzly, unknown year?
09-25-23, 01:31 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
My new Vintage Bianchi Grizzly, unknown year?
Hello all!
I have just purchased my first not-Walmart bike, a vintage Bianchi Grizzly. The seller thought it was an '83, but I'm doubtful due to the color (The '83 was celeste, and mine is more ... deep sea green, vice mint toothpaste green). If anyone can help me ID the year, I'd be grateful.
I'm hoping to build a decent commuter bike for my short urban trips to the salt mine. I've installed the Blackburn rear rack the seller included, which will allow me to carry my coffee thermos to work. Eventually I'll hope for full fenders and a front rack to carry my laptop.
I'm really looking forward to joining the cycling community!
The color is... deep sea green?
I like the look of the roller cams, but I think it will throw a spanner in the idea of a rack/fenders. That problem will get kicked down the road for after I get a feel for the bike in general
I have just purchased my first not-Walmart bike, a vintage Bianchi Grizzly. The seller thought it was an '83, but I'm doubtful due to the color (The '83 was celeste, and mine is more ... deep sea green, vice mint toothpaste green). If anyone can help me ID the year, I'd be grateful.
I'm hoping to build a decent commuter bike for my short urban trips to the salt mine. I've installed the Blackburn rear rack the seller included, which will allow me to carry my coffee thermos to work. Eventually I'll hope for full fenders and a front rack to carry my laptop.
I'm really looking forward to joining the cycling community!
The color is... deep sea green?
I like the look of the roller cams, but I think it will throw a spanner in the idea of a rack/fenders. That problem will get kicked down the road for after I get a feel for the bike in general
09-26-23, 07:41 AM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
I found this resource on the site. Misc pages from Bianchi catalouges: '81, '83, '84, '85, '88 -- but I don't see my Grizzly.
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/
09-26-23, 09:44 AM
#6
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,799
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,329 Times
in
837 Posts
RollerCam brakes and under-chainstay brakes were indeed a 1987-88 thing, in particular. (See my posts regarding my Schwinn Project KOM-10.
The under-chainstay rear brake will not interfere with a rack in any way, and you should be able to find a rear mudguard that either accommodates it directly or can be easily modified to do so. Likewise in front. (I don't think it would help, but simply note that a Shimano U-brake and a SunTour RollerCam use the same brake mounts.
The under-chainstay rear brake will not interfere with a rack in any way, and you should be able to find a rear mudguard that either accommodates it directly or can be easily modified to do so. Likewise in front. (I don't think it would help, but simply note that a Shimano U-brake and a SunTour RollerCam use the same brake mounts.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
Likes For John E:
09-26-23, 10:44 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Rupert's Land
Posts: 1,243
Bikes: 1981 Raleigh GP, 1985 Norco Bush Pilot, . . .
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 241 Post(s)
Liked 187 Times
in
136 Posts
The frame was made by Oji Bicycle Factory in Japan. The date of frame manufacture can be determined from the serial number which is stamped on the lower seat tube.
I can partially see the serial in your pictures and it looks like it starts with "KS5". The K is for month 11 or November and the 5 is for the year 1985.
From the decal layout this looks like a 1986 model year.
I can partially see the serial in your pictures and it looks like it starts with "KS5". The K is for month 11 or November and the 5 is for the year 1985.
From the decal layout this looks like a 1986 model year.
Last edited by Hummer; 09-26-23 at 10:48 AM. Reason: spelling
09-26-23, 11:14 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
Fantastic bike. Suntour Roller Cams are really great brakes that have a very defined and smooth braking feel. Some new Kool Stop pads and a squirt of lube on the pivots will keep them going. I also have a scan of the original setup instructions if you ever need it.
09-26-23, 08:54 PM
#10
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,648
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,703 Times
in
937 Posts
Sweet bike!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations!!!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Likes For The Golden Boy:
09-28-23, 07:40 AM
#12
Newbie
Thread Starter
Helpful info, I appreciate it.
I've only been able to take it out for a few rips around my neighborhood, but am hoping to get out and explore this weekend.
I've only been able to take it out for a few rips around my neighborhood, but am hoping to get out and explore this weekend.
09-28-23, 11:15 AM
#13
Newbie
Gringineer has a few catalogs (can't post links yet). It seems the '87 had the same decals but was only available in Celeste, and by '88 the decals changed and it was the wrong color as well. Based on that, I'd say 1986 is the latest it could be.
Likes For poinciana:
