Bianchi Specialissima

[camelopardalis]

Can somebody school me on Bianchi Specialissima? It seems that prices and quality of these bikes are all over the place. Some models are exquisite with prices to match and some look like Walmart bikes. It will be very beneficial if somebody with knowledge about this model can write a historical perspective.

[oliver1850]

The model name has been around for 60 years or more, so obviously has changed a lot. There are a couple of books on Bianchi history but I don't know how well they address the progression of various models. I have a friend who collects Bianchis from about 1980 to present. If you have specific questions I can ask him.

[fiamme red]

Bianchi Specialissima Super Leggera 1976 vs. Bianchi Specialissima 1986:

https://www.steel-vintage.com/blog/2014/11/bianchi-specialissima-two-generations-are-reunited/

[camelopardalis]

At this point, I do not have a specific question. I've been looking around for that model for a while and still am confused. I would like to understand why some of them are high quality and expensive while some look like run of the mill bikes with prices to match. I was able to buy a Super Leggera a few months back and that model is a lot more straight forward.

The model name has been around for 60 years or more, so obviously has changed a lot. There are a couple of books on Bianchi history but I don't know how well they address the progression of various models. I have a friend who collects Bianchis from about 1980 to present. If you have specific questions I can ask him.

[witcombusa]

I'm rather found of the earlier ones... this is my '64

[ultraman6970]

talking about the speciallissima, this ones showed up at the bay and this can give you an idea how picky people is regarding these frames, thing i do agree with....

IN this one in particular the dude wont see a dime out of his asking price even if he put a headset made of f... gold.

- the fork... he said it was lost??
- the paint job, from looking at it you can tell was powder coated and the black section looks like is rattle can... 2 bad ideas right there IMO.




https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bianchi-Specialissima-X4-57-cm-Chris-King/282892700018?_trkparms=aid%3D777003%26algo%3DDISCL .MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D49917%26meid%3D3dc0dc51f37d4 bc1bbe716d9354e0616%26pid%3D100012%26rk%3D5%26rkt% 3D12%26sd%3D273119093775%26itm%3D282892700018&_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985

[witcombusa]

Bianchi Specialissima Super Leggera 1976 vs. Bianchi Specialissima 1986:

https://www.steel-vintage.com/blog/2014/11/bianchi-specialissima-two-generations-are-reunited/


I'm so tired of bike pictures without pedals! Why not no seat or bars instead? :fight:

Show a complete bike and if for sale note what is NOT included. It shows better that way!

[Michael Maddox]

I'm so tired of bike pictures without pedals! Why not no seat or bars instead? :fight:

Show a complete bike and if for sale note what is NOT included. It shows better that way!

Because people don't read.

</Voice of experience>

[camelopardalis]

I'm rather found of the earlier ones... this is my '64

That's gorgeous. And appears to be my size.

[camelopardalis]

Here's one that's not as attractive and lower in price. Are there less desirable years for the Specialissima? In the past, I've seend really tacky ones at lowe prices.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/I7EAAOSwKQ9aLs4l/s-l1600.jpg
https://www.ebay.com/itm/bianchi-specialissima-reparto-corse-columbus-TSX-campagnolo-chorus-DISCOUNT-/273023594781?hash=item3f9179711d%3Ag%3AI7EAAOSwKQ9 aLs4l&nma=true&si=UT18vU5ulSVWfyl6YpA3O7TYzUE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[ultraman6970]

That one IMO is not a specialisima but a tsx. Totally different bikes.

Veloclasique had one like that one for sale last year, mint, not all busted like that one in the picture. The price of the frame was like 400 bucks.

[camelopardalis]

Well, here's a couple more from Craigslist. Are these just cases of mistaken identities? Just like every other old Peugeot is a PX-10?



https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/d/bianchi-specialissima/6495951597.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00m0m_4Pc7w855nBU_1200x900.jpg



https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bik/d/1983-bianchi-specialissima-56/6530507463.html
https://images.craigslist.org/00404_6ENxaI0umII_1200x900.jpg

[ultraman6970]

That blue bianchi looks like the usual made in japan bianchi... the second one could be but with that super big picture.... :D

Same happens with the word campagnolo... If it has something campagnolo then is high end or super valuable :) NOT!!!!

[gone]

Because people don't read.

</Voice of experience>This. I sold a bike on the Bay. Listing clearly stated frame, fork and headset only. I included one picture of the complete bike and said in huge bold capital letters that the picture of the complete bike was for illustration purposes only.

Buyer opened a dispute saying the item shipped wasn't as described i.e., not a complete bike. Despite my pointing out the bold text in the ad, the idiots at eBay ruled in their favor and I ended up taking the bike back on my nickel.

Only post pictures of what you're selling. If it's not included in the sale, don't include it in the pictures.