gumption

Hi all,

I would appreciate any help in pinning down the year/model of this bianchi. For what it's worth, I bought the bike in Toronto for $250. Sounds like a fair price to me, but hopefully you guys can tell me how I did.

The frame tubing is Bianchi Formula Two with Gipiemme dropouts. The fork is Bianchi Formula, all by Columbus. I've read conflicting descriptions of Formula Two tubing and would really like to know the final word on it.

The bike says "Squadra" on the top tube and I'm assuming that's the name of the model. It has:

- Universal brakes
- Shimano 105 front derailleur
- Ofmega Premier rear derailleur
- Ofmega hubs
- Ofmega bottom bracket
- Bianchi pantogramed shifters
- Ambrosio Extra 19 Durex rims
- Unmarked seatpost and stem
- ITM drops
- Plastic brake levers, that I'm guessing did not come with the bike originally,
- Serfas anatomic relief saddle that I've since replaced with a Bianchi pantogramed Selle Italia, bought secondhand for $25

What year is this bike from? What model? Did I pay too much? And what's that crankset? Judging by the components on it, I'm assuming it wasn't a higher-end model. Either way, I have no complaints about the ride!

Thanks!

Bianchigirll 

Hello Gumption Welcome to the forums. That is a big one does it fit? I am not 100%, since it is from Canada, but I think it is a '86 judging by the Formula Two tubing and decal style.

Is this mostly a Ofmega / Modolo mix component setup?

T-Mar

That's a good price for T.O. The crankset appear to be New 600EX. There should be a Shimano part number stamped on the back. Serial number indicates 1986, so I believe OEM was Shimano New 600EX. Given the era and level, I suspect Forumla Two is based around Columbus Matrix. Bianchi liked mixing tubesets to incorporate heavier gauges in the forks, downtube and chainstays. Matrix already had the heavier gauge downtube.

gumption

Thanks for the responses!

bianchigirll, I don't believe there are any Modolo components on the bike. How does the ofmega stuff compare with the campy stuff found on most of the bianchis I see, and where would this bike fit in the pecking order? As for the fit, I've lowered the stem and adjusted the seat height (basically showing a fistful of seat post) and it fits me pretty well. My two other bikes that I've been riding for the past couple of years are definitely too small for me so this size is a nice change!

T-mar, thanks, the crankset is indeed Shimano New 600EX. Is there a catalog or anything similar that would have a definite answer to the make-up of the frame set?

Thanks again!

Bianchigirll 

I'll dig the catalog out tonight and see just where but the Squadra was a bike or two above the Alloro or Campione de italia level. What kind of brakes are on it?

I never had the pleasure of actually trying Ofmega derailleurs but I believe the quality is on par but not exactly equal to Campi.

T-Mar I discussed this and the Bianchi Special tubing a year or so ago and the above answer was the conclusion. All the catalog say is that the tube set is specially made for Bianchi for their SuperSet frame design which uses a heavier for guage downtube and chainstays to make the BB area stiffer for accelrating, climbing, and sprinting but still allows the frame to flex up and down for a comfy ride.

T-Mar

I just checked the (USA) catalog. The Squadra was 8th in a lineup of 14 lighweight models, not including track and grand touring bicycles. It was Ofmega equipped and was the least expensive Italian equipped model. It was lalso the lowest model with a full Formula II frameset.

Ofmega (and Gipiemme) produced a full range of components. Generally, they were considered the poor 2nd cousins to Campagnolo, but they were often better value in their price ranges. They just lacked the prestige of Campagnolo. For instance, that Premier rear derailleur will outshift any Campagnolo product from the era.

gumption

Thanks again for the replies, they're very informative!

Bianchigirll, the brakes say Universal Squadra. The brake levers are some cheapo plastic levers that can't be original to the bike. Do you know what levers would've come originally on the bike? Also, is it possible to find any of these catalogs online?

Thanks again!

T-Mar

Another Squadra with that Universal brakeset, but otherwise New600EX equipped, turned up on the forums recently. It had the same levers, so they appear to be OEM. My catalog doesn't have an image of the Squadra.

Bianchigirll 

The Squadra seems to be a short run model in '86 and 87. Those brake levers do appear to be OEM but I think the hoods are missing. They don't say Universal on them?

Those cranks are really 600s? The Ofmega BB from that era had an odd taper so it seems odd that they would have 600 cranks from the factory and good shop should have changed just because the 600 spindle length would be different too.

gumption

I looked again and I'm not positive the crankset is the Shimano 600. I can see that the drive-side crank was pantogrammed "Bianchi" but it's mostly rubbed off. The dust cover is engraved Bianchi. The chainring bolts are engraved Ofmega. I'm not sure what to make of this..

The brake lever adjust hex bolts do say Universal which matches the calipers, so I think you're right on the fact that they're original to the bike but missing the hoods.

Thanks again!

Bianchigirll 

Yep that is the infamous Ofmega crankset. Becareful taking them off, put some penetrating oil of some type on the taper for a few hours before trying to remove them. make sure the tool is set int he threads as deep as it can and will go.

I can't wait to see this all spruced up. Persoanlly I would ditch those cranks (but I like 172.5s anyway) and the brake levers and leave it as is otherwise. Well that saddle has to go.

gumption

Thanks for the bottom bracket tip!

That saddle is already gone. I was able to source a saddle that originally belonged to a campione d'italia, it's a Selle Italia saddle that says Bianchi, so I'm pretty happy about that! I repacked the hubs last night and did a bit of tuning.



To be honest, I'm thinking of throwing a fixed-gear drivetrain on this bike and putting those wheels to good use on my other bike (the back wheel on the other bike has flat spots at the rim, pitted cones, and a bent axle, and is in desperate need of replacing!) Would that be blasphemous? lol. Needless to say, I wouldn't butcher the frame and would keep all shifter and cable bosses intact. I can always restore the bike to its original conditions should I wish to do that. Any thoughts?

Bianchigirll 

I don't really see any problem. Most of us here don't get too upset about FG/SS builds until you start cutting stuff off.

gumption

Haha ya, fair enough! I don't have the heart to do that to a frame.

gumption

I finally finished working on this, almost. In case you're interested in seeing what I did with it; I threw a set of Cerchio Fiamme rims laced to Maillard/Le Tour track hubs on it. Got rid of whatever wasn't necessary + replaced the universal brake levers with one I took off an old CCM cruiser. I also swapped the pedals, I had a set of MKS track pedals laying around that were perfect for this build. It's my first time riding tubulars, it was a pain in the ass to do the gluing but also well worth it--the bike rides like a dream!

Of course I kept all braze-ons intact and I plan on keeping all the components that came off in storage.

Now I just need me some bar tape!

Thanks for all your help identifying this bike.

Bianchigirll 

It looks nice. I would just opt for black tape unles you want to try and get a red to match the decals.

Stevie Blue

Owne