Hi, I attend L'Eroica every year and alway admire the early Bianchi road bikes. Last year I drove out to it with a friend and covered 2160 miles in a week, taking in such stops as the Vigorelli Velodrome and the Madonna del Ghisallo near to Lake Como. A truely memorable trip. As we had a car, an original Bianchi road bike from the 50's was in my sights to bring home. A few were on offer and while they were nice, my wallet could not stretch to the prices being asked. So I thought it would be fun to try and find all the parts to put one together while there. And to be honest, I had better time hunting for the parts and talking to all the dealers, than just buying a bicycle, that would have needed work anyway.
I ended up geting 85% of the correct parts for a 1954 Campione Del Mondo. The frame is 1954, but has been stripped of all paintwork. Chrome has a nice pattina which I would like to preserve.
So my questions are, 1.. Can anyone point me in the right direction of someone who can paint the frame with the correct Bianchi colour? The lugs have a nice pattina to the chrome and I would like to leave this (just paint the frame and fork). 2.. Does anyone have details of where to buy the correct Bianchi (Campione del Mondo) transfer decal set. I have found a set available on ebay in Australia, but I would like a specific Milano Italian set (rather than the made in Italy decal set which implys it was an export bicycle.) 3.. Does anyone know of or have a correct "Bianchi" engraved double cottered chain set suitable. If anyone can help with any of the above, I would really appreciate it.
Kind Regards, Tim
Tim Gunn, (Proprietor) The Old Bicycle Company, Cut Elms Farm, Aythorpe Roding, Near Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1PQ, England.
Purveyor of Fine Bicycles to Nobility & Gentry. ( http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk ) Our Office hours are from 10am - 5pm, Monday - Tuesday - (closed Wednesday) - Thursday - Friday & Saturday. Please note: If you wish to visit us, please make an appointment first either by email or by calling us on 01279 876193