Re: [CR]Question/Advice on Vintage Kids Bianchi

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 09:21:47 -0500
To: "Harrison Magun" <harrisonm@gmail.com>
From: "Mark Stonich" <mark@bikesmithdesign.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Question/Advice on Vintage Kids Bianchi
In-Reply-To: <9073dfdc0604022003u725ca626u5693a31345c02dda@mail.gmail.com>
References: <9073dfdc0604022003u725ca626u5693a31345c02dda@mail.gmail.com>
cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

At 4/2/2006 07:03 PM -0800, Harrison Magun wrote:
>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.
>Ebay listing 7229360821
>
>I'd like any general thoughts anyone might have, but here are specific
>questions:

We had a 38cm Gitane that our kids, and the kids of several friends, went through. Years later I sold it to a guy who had me build it up with light 451 wheels and a 5 speed freewheel.
>- can I replace the cottered crank with a modern short square taper
>single-speed/BMX crank (and of course the bb as well).

Yes but they might be too long, I don't know of any under 135mm. I do shorten cranks, so if he needs something shorter let me know. I have some 140mm Bulletproofs.
> If so, what size/length BB should i get?

Correct BB length varies from crank to crank and with desired chainline. Till you decide on what rear setup you will be using and which crank, it's impossible to advise
>- I have no idea of the condition of the hubs/rims/spokes.

Looks like alloy rims. If someone upgraded the rims they may have also done the hubs. Due to the age, I'd wager it originally came with 500A steel rims (440-37) I'd guess the Stelvios are 451.

If the front hub is OK just use it, even if it's steel. The fork is/was probably narrower than normal.
> 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

Chain line will be awfully short for an 8/9 speed cassette.

You will probably have to spread the rear triangle to even get a 5 speed freewheel into it.
>- Value. I paid $200 US. It seems worth it to me, but I have no objective
>form of measurement,

If this bike helps your son develop a taste for physical activity and adventure, you can't pay to much. In the '70s we rode with the Lake Country Cyclists, a group of about 50 families. We would do 3 day camping tours, staying in regional parks and doing about 35 miles a day, with kids as young as 6 riding their own bikes. AFAIK all of those kids turned out OK. On a nice day my son will still take a day off, to go riding with the old man.
>- Anything else I should know?

Kids are usually in the wrong gear. If you can find a Nexus Auto-D 4 speed hub, it would be perfect.

I don't think really young kids do well with dropped bars. I'd suggest cut down MTB bars, 5 speed grip shift and bar end handlebar extensions. If you disagree, I still have a set of 32cm GB bars with much less drop than those on the bike, and a set of NOS Weinnman "Junior" brake levers.

Mark Stonich;
Minneapolis Minnesota
http://mnhpva.org
http://bikesmithdesign.com