1997 Bianchi 14 speed road bike

[indigoiis]

I am going to see this bike tomorrow... this is an eleven year old bike... does it seem like a good deal, or no deal?

1997 52" Bianchi 14 Speed Road Bike $260
5000 miles estimated ridden
shimano sante designer component group
some nicks and scrapes
custom wheels with campy rims, straight-laced spokes
clipless pedals not included
front tire worn and needs replacing.

http://www.wholesalegemshop.com/images/ebaytrader/img_0102.jpg

[7rider]

Is that really a '97?
My '95 Bianchi Eros had integrated brake/shifters already ('tho Campy, not Shimano). I would have thought by '97 that most bikes already had them as a pretty standard thing.

[Trek420]

It is purhty tho :cool: Hard to tell from the photo but I think I see a bit of rust on the seatpost. Check that frame out carefully 'case it's inside too. :cool:

[redrhodie]

What a beauty! Love the chrome fork and stays. Classic! Interested to hear what you think of a steel ride.

I think it seems like a great deal.

[boy in a kilt]

I would be more inclined to call it late-80's model.
Sante was introduced around 87 and fell between the 600 (now basically ultegra) and Dura-ace.

Also, apart from the above-mentioned shifters, 8 speeds were standard by about 1990.

Take a close look at the hubs (particularly flanges) for damage from the straight-laced spokes. That wouldn't be a deal killer for me though, just a reason to bargain down on price because you'll need to buy new hubs to rebuild the wheels.

Other than that, it's a gorgeous bike. I've wanted to buy and/or build a bike like it. It'd be cool if I could find an old Gitane or one of the early red specialized Allez.
I'm going to go drool now.

[indigoiis]

I decided against getting this - for the same price I can get new wheels on my Giant. So... if anyone wants the craigslist listing for this bike, let me know and I will put you in touch.