Re: [CR] Bianchi Campione del Mundo headset question

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Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 14:48:01 -0800
From: "Mark Bulgier" <bulgiest@gmail.com>
To: Bradley Woehl <bradleywoehl@gmail.com>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Bianchi Campione del Mundo headset question


Bradley Woehl wrote:
>
> > Can anyone in this group help me with the headset parts for an early 60's
> > Bianchi Campione del Mundo? I am in need of the top half of the headset.
> > The adjustable cup, top nut and spacer. I have the press in bearing
> races
> > and all the bottom parts. I am after function so if there is anything I
> > use or any advice you have for a suitable substitute, it would be
> > appreciated.
>

Some info to add to my last post. I have a little web page that shows the difference between the V-race type and the Campy-type Bianchi integrated headsets, and a way to improvise the needed pin wrench: http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Forks_Headsets/BianchiHeadsets/

Campy made an adjustable pin-spanner with the pins facing in like this, in the 50s I believe, but they are way rare.

VAR made an adjustable pin spanner (#13) with two sets of threaded holes for the removable pins, facing in both orientations. You could use it for a BB adjustable cup, then take the pins out and put them in the other holes in the spanner to use on a Bianchi headset. It's more versatile and less rare than the Campy (but not as cool!) See it here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/var/pages/var0017.html

Also, there's an industrial standard type of wrench that'll work, called DIN 1810B, so you can easily purchase a new one with a little help from Google. They come in different sizes for different nut diameters, and also the pin diameter, so be careful to order the right one.

The V-race integrated headsets were made for Bianchi (and other bike brands with the same style of integrated headsets) by several makers over the years; two I know of being FB (Fratelli Brivio) and Emilio Bozzi (Legnano et al.) because I have one of each, new in original boxes. (I suppose the "EB" box could be Edoardo Bianchi, but I think the logo is Bozzi's.) Both boxes say "Tipo Bianchi". Magistroni made 'em, Way Assauto, probably others too. They vary from a child's sidewalk bike quality up to Folgorissimo, pro-level quality. Hardness and precision of the races, polish and thickness of chrome plating, all over the map. Some critical dimensions seem to vary a bit too, so they aren't all interchangeable.

Mark Bulgier
Seattle, WA
USA