Bianchi fans - bike build

[pll]

I have a beginner's question... I will be visiting my brother abroad in early July and some days ago he sent the picture below (my nephew), where his bike appears. I have no idea of the model but was thinking of taking some components for him. I have never built a bike, so I'm looking for advice. Ideally, I'd help him upgrade everything, but where do I start? E.g, can I take a wheel set with me or do I have to change something else at the same time? I was thinking of starting by taking a nicer saddle and bar tape when I go in July, looking at the bike, and taking components with me in December. Thoughts? Recommendations?

[mimitabby]

cute kid. I like your idea, but i'm not sure anyone can tell you what componentry the bike has from that picture (Except it looks like a double)

I like the bar tape and saddle idea; but wow, buying someone a saddle? Maybe guys aren't as picky as us girls are?

[pll]

Hi mimitabby,

I know it is a tough one. I have just asked him for details on the number of gear, sizing, and more pictures, etc. I was hoping some Bianchi fan would go "that's a 198x whatever Bianchi". But I am hoping more for a link to a site or a list of recommendations of how to proceed... what to do first?

Thanks!
-pll

[Popoki_Nui]

Looks like possibly a 1980's -1990's Japanese-built Bianchi (more pics would definitely help pin down the model). Many of these were as good (and some think better) than their Italian-built cousins. You many find a frame material sticker on the seat tube saying "Ishiwata", "Tange", or "Bianchi Superset". If it's an Italian-made Bianchi, you may find a sticker saying "Columbus". Any of these would be worth upgrading, if indeed it needs upgrading at all.
You could likely upgrade derailleurs, hubs and rims, possibly brake calipers, saddle. Most modern derailleurs, although made for index systems, will work just fine if this bike has downtube friction shifters.
Hope you can post some pics of the whole bike from the drive side!

~Sherry.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

How about just some new tires and tubes and maybe a flat-fixing kit- looks like it could maybe use some new tires! :)

[pll]

Thank you so much Sherry and Lisa,

I will go to Lima again in December, so this time I am taking: a saddle, some handlebar tape (with padding... "Aztec wrap"), pedals and some cycling clothing.

I will then get as much information as I can about the bike. If my brother follows up with more pictures of the bike, I will post them here.

How interesting that the bike could be Japanese built.

Patricia