28) 1987 Bianchi

SPECS

Status:  Sold
​Size: 47cm/18.5"
Frame & Fork:  There were no tubing decals on the bike but it was probably made with Tange Cro Moly.  I used Bianchi Tange Cro Mo Special Tubing decals because they looked cool and matched the paint.  
Groupset:  Shimano 105 (1050) with Dia-Compe 630 brake calipers
Stem & Bars: Kusuki Win
Wheelset:  Matrix ISO C rims and hubs with Michelin Dynamic Classic 700x23c tires

BEFORE

When I saw this sad bike for sale, I couldn't help but feel like a Bianchi deserved better.  Right away I started seeing it with an appropriate groupset and celeste green.  I knew I would have to replace everything except the frame and fork but I also knew that I had to take on the challenge.

AFTER

I had no idea what the model was of this Bianchi but I liked the look of the 1987 Bianchi Brava so I decided to model this rebuild on the Brava.  All the decals on this one, except for the MBW decal, came from www.velocals.com.  The removal of the poor, white paint and all the decals was very satisfying and the paint turned out really nice.  The rebuild went well with only one glitch.  I found a 1987 Trek 1200 with a broken frame and a complete 1050 Shimano 105 groupset so I bought that for the groupset.  The components polished up nicely and I was pleased with the appearance and the way they worked.  Everything from the Trek fit perfectly until I put the rims on.  That's when I discovered that the calipers wouldn't reach the rims.  I guess it had originally had 27" wheels.  Lucky for me, the local used bike shop had a really nice Dia-Compe long reach brake set and they polished up nicely and fit perfectly.  This build has new paint (PPG Shopline primer/base/clear), new cables and housing, new brake pads, seatpost, saddle, chain, bar tape and tires.  I am super happy with the result and know that somewhere there is a person much shorter than me who is going to love this bike!