[CR]Question/Advice on Vintage Kids Bianchi

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 19:03:10 -0800
From: "Harrison Magun" <harrisonm@gmail.com>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Question/Advice on Vintage Kids Bianchi

Hi, I just purchased a vintage kids bianchi for my 5 1/2 year old. It reminded me of the fuji Junior I had as a kid, except this has campy, 20" wheels, and is probably older. I just fell in love with it, and bought it without a lot of concern about the state of components.

Ebay listing 7229360821

I haven't received it yet - it is being shipped from the UK. I was wonderin g if anyone on the list knows anything about these bikes. I am particularly interested in my options to upgrade any components of some of them are unservicable. The bike - as it is- looks gorgeous with its old components, but if it doesn't work i'll take the utility of upgrades over the aesthetic s of orignal.

I'd like any general thoughts anyone might have, but here are specific questions: - can I replace the cottered crank with a modern short square taper single-speed/BMX crank (and of course the bb as well). If so, what size/length BB should i get? - I have no idea of the condition of the hubs/rims/spokes. Could I have a wheel built (alas, the only thing I don't do in a bike is build wheels) wit h one of the shimano internal gear hubs and ditch the derailleur. Or fit a modern 8/9 speed casette. - Value. I paid $200 US. It seems worth it to me, but I have no objective form of measurement, other than my bikes cost more (and are not nearly as cool) and his little brother;s Burley was the same price... - Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance. This is my first post on this listserv, so pls advise/ direct me elsewhere if needed.

harrison