Hello listfriends,
Isn't buying through the list a more satisfying experience than the more thoroughly mediated experience of buying through eBay? Ken Sanford, thanks again for the Ephgrave last year. Nice not to have to be there at the final second of an auction.
Please entertain my offer to the list of an early '80s Bianchi "Randonneur" model complete bicycle in excellent condition. Believe the model was made between '81 & '83 with around 1200 produced in all sizes. I suppose that makes it a bit rare for a production bike. Here's some pertinent information in list form about this one:
58 cm c-t-t; 57 cm top tube Made of Ishiwata MAGNY double-butted tubing long point lugs Dia Compe cantilevers & levers SR triple crankset / six-speed rear Suntour ARX derailleurs SR bars and stem with spare (Maes-bend) bars & brake levers included SR seatpost
"Flam" off-white finish--more "flam" than "pearl", I'd say.
Bike is all original with the exception of a bar swap from SR Maes-type to SR Randonneur-bend, shorter stem of original spec, removal of the stripes near the "Bianchi" branding on the downtube, and the recent installation of a NOS black "Gi-Lux" suede saddle. Retains Piaggio sticker on seattube. Looks like someone may have shelled out $49.95 for the saddle back when it was new (tag on underside)--any of you former dealers remember these saddles? There is also a recently NOS Trek bottlecage installed (a graceful design), and a NOS dark blue (matches the downtube logo) "Bianchi Piaggio"-branded water bottle is included.
I believe the CPSC had a beef with the front fork on these--but then again a lot of us have had a beef or two with the CPSC. I doubt this fork will ever fail under reasonable use, but it seems right to say something. Google it and see what comes up. Perhaps our heaviest U.S. citizens should avoid these machines for loaded-touring or off-road descents.
The alignment of the frame is perfect, likewise the toe-in of the attractively subtle Dia-Compe cantilever brakes; they work beautifully. The bike seems to have very few miles of use behind it. The brake shoes appear original and barely worn, and I would not be surprised to find out the Continental Super Sport tires are, too.
I would like $325 for the bike. Jpegs are available on request. Shipping is additional at cost by UPS Ground or what the buyer advises. I can pack it well, and prefer to put the wheels in a second box, if the buyer will agree. Thanks for reading this far; I hope the bike finds a good home through the list. If no one expresses an interest tomorrow, it will go to eBay, so don't be shy, ask for pictures, think it over. If this bike is your size (the top tube is a little long for me) and to your taste, the condition of the bike will not disappoint! The bike looks very glossy, and not (as it is rapidly becoming) a quarter-century old.
Sincere best regards, and regrets not to be at Le Cirque (both du Cyclisme--and the restaurant) this year,
Tom Ward
New York City, NY