Buy: yes or no? (Bianchi retro)

[Nicelinice]

Hello fellow cyclists.

I found this retro Bianchi, and I'm not sure to buy it yet. The frame is fine, no rust. But there's some things that has to be done. The back wheel (the seller tells it has to be replaced), the handlebar and other than that overall service. He wants around £80 for this one. What do you say, is it a no brainer, should I buy it?

(Please don't hesitate to give as much input as possible, whatever it is (even information))

 

[raleighnut]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat at that price, it's gorgeous

As for the rear wheel it would be better to have a new rim laced onto the original hub, possibly having the front done as well so they match.

 

[Nicelinice]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat at that price, it's gorgeous

As for the rear wheel it would be better to have a new rim laced onto the original hub, possibly having the front done as well so they match.

Haha great answer! I guess I'll have to buy it then ... Thank you!

 

[AndyRM]

No brainer. Buy it.

Though it does look a massive frame! Will you be able to ride it?

 

[Nicelinice]

No brainer. Buy it.

Though it does look a massive frame! Will you be able to ride it?

That's the last thing stopping me, so I'll check it when I meet the guy.

 

[Nicelinice]

I've heard that to know the right length of the bike, it should be the length of your forearm + ~3cm to the handlebar. What do you think? Is there any other way checking it?

 

[AndyRM]

That's the last thing stopping me, so I'll check it when I meet the guy.

Going off the pics and my own experience it looks at least a 25" frame. I'm 6'1" and struggled at that size.

Ideally you want to be able to reach the hoods without your arms being totally straight/locked. Your leg should be fully extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke too.

Might be worth taking a spanner and some Allen keys to have a tinker when you meet if you're planning a test ride?

 

[raleighnut]

The main thing with older steel frames is 'standover' height, can you stand with both feet flat on the floor without the crossbar (top tube) 'interfering' with your 'bits'.

 

[AndyRM]

The main thing with older steel frames is 'standover' height, can you stand with both feet flat on the floor without the crossbar (top tube) 'interfering' with your 'bits'.

This. So much. I learned the painful way.

 

[S-Express]

Depends why you want to buy it. If you want it as a regular ride, then I'd steer clear as there's a lot of work needed to recommission it. If you are buying it as a resto, then maybe. If you are buying it as a 'future classic' - then it won't be. The spec looks low end and the tubing is nothing special either. It also looks huge, as mentioned. Unless you are at least 6ft3 or above, I wouldn't even consider it.

 

[Nicelinice]

Depends why you want to buy it. If you want it as a regular ride, then I'd steer clear as there's a lot of work needed to recommission it. If you are buying it as a resto, then maybe. If you are buying it as a 'future classic' - then it won't be. The spec looks low end and the tubing is nothing special either. It also looks huge, as mentioned. Unless you are at least 6ft3 or above, I wouldn't even consider it.

Well I was planning to use it as regular. I work at a cycle café so I do think they can fix much....but is it unwisely to buy this one with the intention of having it as my daily bike?

 

[AndyRM]

Well I was planning to use it as regular. I work at a cycle café so I do think they can fix much....but is it unwisely to buy this one with the intention of having it as my daily bike?

Not at all, if it fits and you can get it fixed up for a reasonable price, ride it!

 

[S-Express]

Well I was planning to use it as regular. I work at a cycle café so I do think they can fix much....but is it unwisely to buy this one with the intention of having it as my daily bike?

Your daily bike needs to be one that fits. How tall are you?

 

[Nicelinice]

Your daily bike needs to be one that fits. How tall are you?

I'm 1.80cm (5,95 foot) (:

 

[S-Express]

Walk away. I know it is only cheap, but the money is still wasted if the bike is not right for you.