Hello,
I am a new poster to this list. I work for a small bicycle shop in Burlington, Vermont that specializes in vintage and antique bicycles.
Recently, we took in a bike that has been repainted and we are having trouble identifying it. We are unsure if we will restore or sell this bike as is, but my suspicion is we will sell it as is.
The trouble is, I am having trouble figuring out what it is. Maybe somebody here has some insight? It has been repainted, and when it was repainted, Bianchi decals were put on the seat tube, but I doubt their authenticity.
Here is a link to some photos of the frame and the hubs
http://s126.photobucket.com/
So, guess one is, this frame is a bianchi. Somebody repainted it and did a shoddy job. The bicycle was built with Bianchi Labeled 1956 Gran Sport hubs (there is a photo of these). The drop outs are 1950s era Campagnolo Sport model. They do not look cast and appear to be a less expensive model. Here is where I run into conflict, I haven't seen bianchis of this age that didn't have the Bianchi integrated headset. Also, the serial number doesn't seem to jive with other bianchi serial numbers. The serial number is 12219, there is a photo of it as well. Another thing, this bike was drilled for a headbadge. I don't remember seeing many bianchis drilled for a badge, and this one is oriented vertically.
So here is what I know. Chrome, long point headtube lugs. Nice cast crown fork with a stiffener. Italian thread BB. Built primarily with Campagnolo parts. 50's era drop outs and assembled with 50's era bianchi labeled hubs. Serial number with 5 characters, all numbers. repainted and labeled bianchi. Headtube drilled for headbadge.
Anybody have an insight?
Thanks so much!
Mike McDonald
Burlington, VT