Mega-Pro Bianchi

[RWL2222]

Seems like a celeste Velocio jersey would be in order, from racycles.com

[AngryScientist]

With apologies to Dave Kirk, here's my take on the Montana Road Bike - with 650B tires fitted to smooth out the dirt roads out west. Got to get a few miles on it to make sure everything gels OK, but all indications are this is a good mode to be in for off pavement.

[Pegoready]

Dang, that looks excellent!

[Nick12]

Wow! How did you manage to fit 650B on a bike originally designed for 700C?


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[rccardr]

Originally Posted by Nick12

Wow! How did you manage to fit 650B on a bike originally designed for 700C?


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It's not that hard or unusual, especially on a small frame that originally used tight calipers. Guessing those are Tektro 559's and note that there is plenty of space for the pads to drop farther. Biggest fit issue is chainstay spacing. Given the rear rack mounts and fender mounts front and rear, this one was originally made to take wide-ish tires anyway.

Another example of an Italian frame that takes both 700c and 650b wheelsets (side note- it's also been to Cino):
IMG_2845 by Doc Mertes, on Flickr
...and here set up with 700C X 25mm wheelset
Pel 4 2018 SOTR setup by Doc Mertes, on Flickr

[dcama5]

Nick, that's a great build staying with Italian components and, by the way, I like the bar-end shifters. I have them on all 3 of my road bikes which will be 4 this fall with the incoming Zukas. It looks like yours here are friction. I like the 650B build better because it seems the tires are wider and I prefer the silver hubs on this celeste bike over the pink ones.

Rccardr, If I am spelling it correctly (because I have never heard of this brand) that Pelizzoli is also great - another treat to look at from your collection, but also, it's only my opinion, but again, I prefer the 650B version.

[AngryScientist]

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Bianchi. The celeste and Italian heritage has forever tugged at my heart strings.

Bianchi is also more of the people's italian bike; more common and attainable than the more flashy Pinarello and Colnagos of the world. My first "real" road bike was a Bianchi, but I always knew I wanted a steel celeste model in the stable.

First real ride on this tonight. It is an excellent bike. The geometry is just right for me and it's a very competent rider. The megapro tubes make it stiff in all the right places and it really puts the power to the road when climbing. Descending is very "point and shoot", and overall it was a pleasure to take out over some of my local small climbs and put through the paces. Instantly comfortable on this one.

[jpritchet74]

I love this so much!

[sblackmacken]

Bellissima!

[AngryScientist]

As much as I enjoy retro goodies and prefer many cycling standards of yesteryear, I absolutely appreciate and greatly prefer the comfort, ease of use and efficiency of clipless pedals.

For vintage rides though, clip pedals are required to meet the theme.

These old campag units have been treated to a complete tear-down overhaul, new clips and straps and are ready for the road. Tomorrow is expected to be a rainy day, so I'll get them on the Bianchi for a test ride sometime next week before this old girl gets packed up and ready to fly.

[ElvisMerckx]

No twist?

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by ElvisMerckx

No twist?

Whoa. I’m no OG here. Educate me. What’s the reason for the twist???

[ElvisMerckx]

Keeps the strap from slipping.

[donevwil]

Do you have the requisite shoes and cleats, or are you "cheating"? I remember the one time, after many years, I again tried cleats and straps, not pleasant at all at stoplights (although not likely many of those at your destination).

[charliedid]

Yes to the twist and you need these

Great looking bike.