Vintage Bianchi: possible to move shift levers?

[Artista]

I've been thinking more about the final cost of my updated bike. I distinctly remember that the whole project was $2,200. That included $350 to purchase the original bike and have it shipped. It also included the entire new drive train, brakes, frame work to accommodate the new hub, rear wheel, tires, tubes, saddle, pedals, professional fit, drop bars, and a new quill (old fashioned handlebar stem). The drop bars and quill didn't have to be replaced as part of the update. They were replaced to get the bike to fit me better.

I'm not sure that I would have gone through with the project had I known in advance how much it was going to cost. But again, I'm very happy with the end product and would do it again. In fact, I would have sprung for Ultrega had I known how much I was going to enjoy the updated bike. I'm happy enough with the 105, though.

[merlin]

Most helpful discussion! Thanks!
I am not in a position to invest tons. A few years ago I rode a Bianchi and loved it, but ultimately chose to buy a Cannondale. Still have Bianchi lust, so have kept an eye out for one locally that I could test ride. Then this one appeared on CL.

I have owned a 1978 Motobecane and a 1971 Astra (anyone remember Astras?) that had down tube shifters. At the time, they were just fine. Wish I had kept the Motobecane.

I want to put wider tires on either my Cannondale road bike or the Bianchi so I can ride on trails. I am guessing the Bianchi has had some upgrades that may be good enough for me. The CL listing describes them.
Have to see how it feels.
Any thoughts on the asking price?

Here's the link:
http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/3329256698.html


Beautiful day here in Maine. Crisp!

beth

[dianne_1234]

Here's the link:
http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/3329256698.html

Hi beth,

The photos make it clear. To get brifters you'l be replacing nearly everything: levers (of course, this is the point ;-), front and rear derailleurs, chain, rear wheel (including new cassette), crank (including bottom bracket).

Plus a few small thins, like handlebar tape. And strictly speaking, the brake calipers are not really compatible with modern brifters (different cable pull; they'll work but you'll have to pull hard on the levers).

It would be worth it if you love the frame. It's beautiful, and lugged, but not top of the line or even high-middle of the line (the rear derailleur mounting plate gives it away). But if the size and fit are right and the looks tug at your heart, it could be worth it!

[Artista]

It seems that the brakes were some of the optional components that I had replaced. They didn't add much to the cost and now I have much better stopping power than if I had kept the old brakes. Stopping power is even more important to me than pedaling power

[Hi Ho Silver]

If you simply want to move the shifters to a more accessible position, you could try bar end shifters. A quick look on ebay shows a couple sets of bar end shifters for Shimano 7-speed ( http://tinyurl.com/9qyjrcn ) - a few the original Shimano style, and one set is the Grip-Shift style. There might be gizmos available that allow you to position bar end shifters on the top of the bar, near the stem. If the bike has 6-speed shifting, you may be out of luck.