Serial number AS571619....black with gold lettering...drop bars and silver fenders...any info appreciated...
thanks
Elvis
hi Elvis!
do you by any chance have a photo of this Bianchi?
Thank you. That is very kind. I plan to post some pix when I wake up tomorrow and have light. The bike has been in a shed for sometime and is pretty raggedy. I am thinking about 1985 but I really am learning as I go.
Probably mid to late 80s Japan or Taiwan built, lower grade components. Tiny frame! date codes on parts will give you approx. year.
Location: Northern Florida, USA
(11-24-2022, 11:58 AM)Elvis Wrote: why Taiwanese?
I am back at the request of another member to help you out. You (or anyone) can message me which sends me an email if you want more info. I am not following the forum.
More likely Japanese of the 80s. Bianchi had lower end bikes made in Japan in the 80s to increase volume and cut costs. Not sure when Taiwan made bikes came out; but I think it was before 2000. Still should be a decent frame quality wise just not high end. If there is a decal showing tubing used it will give an idea as to the market level it made for. Seat post diameter is a general means of figuring out if the frame is butted. A larger diameter post (27.0-27.2mm) would more likely be a butted frame aside from reaming. It won't feel very lightweight with fenders (not OE?) and rack on it so hard to gauge by weight alone; also a very small frame tends to be lighter depending on tubeset used. There are or were a few folks here who should be more knowledgeable about it.
I can guarantee this much, if the bottom bracket is Italian thread (36mm x 24 tpi) and tube is 70mm wide it is made in Italy, but unless previous owner changed out all the Italian parts for Japanese I doubt it. Plus the serial number is more indicative of an Asian manufacture; but again no real knowedge there on my part except you don't find many early Italian bikes with serial numbers. It would still be a Bianchi designed frame regardless of the country contracted to build it.
The recommendation to check component date codes is good if they are original (their patina/wear suggest OE). Another gauge of the year is decal design; try to match it up with a catalog image.
Here is a link that may help you date the Sugino cranks:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.vintage-trek.com/component_dates.htm&ved=2ahUKEwjp3e6x_Mf7AhVvUjABHZZPCqcQFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw07qIt6oxeI-XK4Y_SVn4iF
Take care,
Jesper
"I am become Death, the destroyer of bicycles." NJS
I think you are dead right. My guess is mid-level, japanese made, mid eighties, like 84. I had a japanese fram from that period and the look and feel is similar. It is not a light bike but I hope it will serve me Once I get the seat changed and the bits and bob cleaned up.
thank you all,
Elvis