Hello all, The above bike is up for sale, asking price $2200.00 plus Shipping and insurance. This is the same one seen at VR last year. See descriptions below. Next stop is Ebay, reserve would be a little more to cover ebay fees of course.
This is a lovely restored 1953, Bianchi TdF bike, 57 cm c-t, 57c-c top tube. Came out after Fausto's TdF victory in 1951.
Original parts are the crankset, Bianchi engraved cottered, rechromed, 50/47 rings, Bianchi Bottom Bracket, Bianchi integrated headset, perfectly smooth, seat binder bolts, drop out adjusting screws. Bianchi ' 53 is stamped on the bottom bracket cups and the headset cups.
Other parts : GB randoneur bars, 44 cm, with map of England engraved, French stem, Lyotard platform pedals, smooth.
Wheelset is Campagnolo high flange track 100 front, 120 rear hubs 36, x3 built on MA-2 rims, came from a certain fabled vintage 50's Masi track bike I used to own. Perhaps you could exchange it for a pair of road wheels of the similar era on this list.
Brake calipers optional : Universal Extra (more reach for the rear). as built: Universal 68. Universal calipers ,nos, later model for better reach and feel. Original brake pads will be included.
As shown the bike is built up as a fixie, cuz I prefer to ride it that way, but, for those who feel compelled to continue the restoration project, the front derailleur, shifters, rear derailleur- all original, cable hanger, some NOS bits are included. See attached photos. You need to come up with a 5 sp freewheel on your own.
NOT INCLUDED in this auction are the brooks saddle and the TA water bottle cage and water bottle, they are not period correct anyway. I have a spring loaded REG down tube bottle NOS with a thermos bottle for sale separately to the winner.
This bike was restored by Ed Litton of CA, an authorized Bianchi warranty frame builder/painter. It has period correct celeste paint , and decals. As we all know, there are many variations of celeste over the years. The chrome on the frame was deemed decent enough to keep as is and had been polished up.
Notes: Fausto himself rode with simplex crankset and Brooks saddle at one time or another.
Here's a link to more photos:
http://members4.clubphoto.com/
Off list with questions please. Thanks
Tom Truong
Dublin,CA