>
> If the serial number begins with a "D" or "E", everything else falls into
> place. Oval headbadge, the total absence of chrome,
When I was becoming aware of cool racing bikes, one of the significant barometers of coolest vs. cool was chromed forks, chain and backstay ends. Essential. Looked elegant and was practical too. Then, all of a sudden mid 1980s or so, all that lovely chrome went missing. Just paint. Boring.
Any reasons (practical or aesthetic) for the change? Of course I blame a certain Mediterreanean peninsular nation for this; French and British bikes of course all had lovely chromed bits but not the bikes eminating from Bianchi-land.
All-chromed forks have much to recommend them.. the Raleigh Professionals with these looked lovely. And surely there was no smarter looking lightweight than the pre-war Raleigh Record Aces with all chrome forks, glorious British Bike Black enamel finish, cream celluloid mudguards and Dunlop brick red racing tyres and grips. Yum.
I remember seeing "Breaking Away" when it came out and think the hero's all-orange Masi was the most boring looking thing on two wheels. Chrome-challenged.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA