Looks like it's running a Campagnolo 9 speed Centaur set—11-21 or 11-23. The front ring looks like it's 52 or 53. The wheels are Mavic Cosmos. Can't really speak much on the rest.
This is a bike that should be challenging to push on the higher chainring unless you're using the lower gears. Many people ride their road bikes this way, and even some prefer to ride on the second chainring most of the time, especially for urban commuting.
The hubs are probably dry and will need overhauled with new grease. Even if you get new wheels, they will likely arrive dry. Know that this is a job you're best off doing yourself, because a shop will charge you a small fortune possibly. Get yourself a 15/16 Cone Wrench and a 13/14 Cone Wrench and learn how it's done. I use Lucas Xtra Heavy Duty grease.
If you're looking to update the drivetrain, you're best off sticking with Campagnolo, as the Veloce and Centaur 10 speed components can be had rather affordably compared to Shimano or FSA road components. 10 speed is a great upgrade to start with for the affordability. You might be able to score an FSA road crank for a steal. I see them often. 50T should do you just fine. Make sure you get the exact bottom bracket that's suggested for your crank, but only after you have a bike shop identify what kind of bottom bracket shell your bike has.
Depending on what kind of riding that you do, your cassette will want to be like 11-25t or even 11-28t. It probably wouldn't hurt for you to do a 12-25t or 12-28t either. I'd just expect you need the lower gears to fall back on. Top gear of 11T is too rough to push for most people. They only use it downhill. If you plan on riding in the second chainring a lot though, it might not hurt to go 11T. I always do because I enjoy the challenge.
Even if you want to do a bare bones upgrade, you will still need to do all of:
overhaul the hubs // new bottom bracket for the crank that's on there (for the new bearings) // new cassette // new rear derailleur (at least) // new shifters (a plus―upgrade to 10 speed) // new chain // new bar tape.
Maybe new tires, but the ones on there look okay.
Location: Northern Florida, USA
Is it your size? If not, you may not find it enjoyable because you will not be comfortable on it regardless of "upgrades". You should be able to date it with the serial number. Contact Bianchi with that information and they should be able to provide to you the year of manufacture. If you can contact the individual who gave it to you; I would ask them when the last time the bike was serviced and what was done. It may need nothing at all or it may need a full overhaul; who knows? If it is your size and everything is operating properly, the saddle might be the one thing that provides to you the greatest difference in how you feel while riding it, but you really won't know until you've been "in the saddle" for a while. Cycling is different from running and your butt needs to get used to being on a saddle if you plan on doing much continuous mileage (20+ miles; 1-2hr+). Looks like a decent ride as is if it functions okay and has been properly maintained. I wouldn't worry too much about upgrading it until you get some riding under your belt and determine what type of riding you will be doing as far as distance, time, and terrain are concerned then you can start to tweak it it to your needs. The model appears to be an "SL3" or "SG3" (I can't read it); it is on the top tube. Look it up online and check out the years it was made; you'll more than likely find an exact match to your frame and possibly components if original.
I am ReapThaWimpWind and I view the world from a plexiglass window in my lower abdomen because my head is a sigmoidoscope always shoved up my....
Location: Parañaque, Philippines
get fitted at our local bike shop it'll do wonders for your comfort and performance. You get to know more about your body and your bike at the same time
Since you're just getting started on biking. It would help if you considered comfort to be your top priority.
Road bikes are generally more challenging to get used to for first-timers because the riding position is quite low and aerodynamic. Compare this to something like a hybrid, where the riding position is upright. I recommend you swap the seat with something more cushioned, keeping up with the road bike style. (maybe a Velo Plush seat)
I wouldn't recommend you change the gearing on this, you can ride it a few times through your normal bike track/path and see if you encounter any difficulty when pedaling, especially uphill with these gears. Swap this gearing for 50/34 and 11-28 cassettes. The chain looks worn out in this photo, it's always better to swap out the old chain for a new one when you get an old bike.
That's all I can think of rn.
Just wanted to support what a few other posters have said: correct bike size and positioning of seat/pedals/bars are the two most important parts of getting a bike right for you.
I second (or am I thirding?) the advice to visit a local bike shop with expertise when it comes to bike sizing.
Then, assuming the bike is the right size for you and you get it set up for your body dimensions, age and riding style, the next thing is getting the bike serviced.
The bike doesn't look to be badly in need of any major upgrades but it's hard to be sure from the photos.
If it was me, I would just get it set up for me, give it a service, and ride it for a while, before looking at upgrades or changing out major components.
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