MY take? Just a grumbler's idea. "Top end" Bianchis (if there were any painted as such in the pelotonin the 60's or 70's) were crafted for the riders by goodness knows who...and the livery (like LeJeune) was the only thing signifying the marque...a mere marketing ploy ... practical but cynical all at the same time
Bikes for the masses? bah we'll give 'em "bikes"
t'other Dale Longmont CO
"P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net> wrote:
> Seller posted no pictures of this 1969 BIANCHI TEAM ISSUE and the
> winner scored big .........is CHARLES a listmember?
> pictures arrived after end of
> auction...............................................
> BOB
FREITAS
>
Wow.... I guess this answers my question about how desirable Bianchis are, even rare top-end ones! $600. Amazing. Of course, she's tiny at 51 cm and thus saves me from agonising. And I trust that had a lot to do with mitigating the bidding as much as no pix posted. It's remarkable what effect "presentation" has on eBay bidding. Less is definately not more.
So, the question remains: why did Bianchi, rather unique among the big makers, seem to completely eschew the American market during this time (1960s-70s) during the height of the Bike Boom?? Here's a make with a real name in professional cycling, big company with a broad-based range (like Raleigh and Peugeot) and their machines are scarce as hens teeth, at least the top-end ones.
Peter Kohler Washington DC USA _______________________________________________
Dale B. Phelps, 303 939 6967 303 208 8664 pager
"Never be afraid to try something new. The Ark
was designed by amateurs. The Titanic was
designed by professionals." - R. Buckminister Fuller
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