Hello Bianchi fans:
I have two original Bianchi Competizione's, both are the same year ('59 or '60), sold by the same shop, and the man who originally sold them said the higher numbered one is a '59, so both are probably the same year. Serial numbers are 161113 (red) and 161130 (blue), close enough to be sisters. Oddly though, with the exception of their colors, sizes and one missing saddle (using a Brooks Pro as a substitute for a Swallow), the only other difference is the head badges (one is almost round and brass, the other is a combo of oval and square with white emameled background). Incidentally, these bikes are made of Faulk (spelling?) tubing. Did Faulk tubing come in SL & SP designations?
I would compare the numbers you already have a little bit closer. You have one with 7 digits, and two with 6 digits like mine, which might indicate that the longer number could be a newer or different series of bike. My guess is that yours, #160320, is older than mine, and Duane's is much newer as he suggests '64 or '65. I'm not sure about #1614929.
Like you, I am just beginning to learn about Bianchi dating and I have three others that I am not sure about either. One, called a Gran Sport, with it's serial number under the BB shell (J2249 with an 8 near the lock ring), appears to be late-50's or early-60's like the two Competizione's. It is also the same blue, with the same style decals and head badge as the blue Competizione. The other two are probably early 80's, judging by their stickers (rather than decals) and components (one is a "Nuova Racing", celeste, w/'81 Campy NR rear derail.). The other will be more difficult to identify due to missing graphics and possibly converted componentry.
"Bicycle Mark" Perkins Fresno Cycling Club - Historian Fresno, California, U.S.A. - 50+ miles today in 70+ degree sunny weather
On Wed, 27 Feb 2002 00:36:31 -0800 Mark Bulgier <mark@bulgier.net>
writes:
>
> Stevan Thomas wrote:
>
> > Does anyone know of a serial number list, or other means,
> > that can be used to date an older Bianchi frame?
>
> Duane Kennard said about his Specialissima, "I'm guessing it was made
around
> '64-'65. Serial # is: 164124"
>
> One I saw on eBay said "I was told this bike was built between 1961 and
1963
> based on the graphics, but I can't say for sure. [snip] Serial
#1614929"
>
> I figger mine also is probably from the same range of years, seller
said it
> was a '63 and he was the original owner, but I think it may be a bit
older
> than that. Serial # is 160320. Mine has the hole in the dropout for
the
> "Sport" derailleur.
>
> Pictures of these three, and a few other Bianchis, can be seen at
> http://bulgier.net/
>
> What is your serial number?
>
> Mark Bulgier
> Seattle, Wa
> USA
> _______________________________________________
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