Hi:
I'm reentering road cycling at the age of 56. I live in a little village on the NC coast.
The inspiration was finding a beautiful (to my eye) steel Bianchi road bike at a gargage sale recently. I'm writing to see if I can find out more about it - particularly the year built.
I bought the Park "Big Bicycle Book", as well as a couple beginner intro's to road biking.
I spent a weekend cleaning it up; its an "Alfana" in celeste (green) and silver; "Tempe Prestige double butted CrMo tubing", "Prestige Superset II".
Gear seems all Shimano 105; 7 at the back; two chain rings. Seat tube is about 60 cm ? center of bottom bracket to center of top tube junction (not sure how to measure). Top tube is about 58.5cm ctc.
Wheels are 700c; tires 25; pedals Shimano clipless (which after taking this to a bike shop 1 1/2 hours away required "Look" cleats and special shoes which cost much more than the bike!)
I replaced the cables (dark looking), and polished the paintwork - the bike looks absolutely new. Don't believe it was ever used much. I have ordered a set of bike tools so that I can disassemble and regrease the various bits.
To me, it rides beautifully. I'd like to keep riding it and learning about road biking.
Any idea about the year and origin?
Thanks,
john griffin
oriental, nc