 |
| In nearly fully restored state (doesn't have the classic pedals on) |
Classic, steel-frame, Campagnolo gruppo Bianchi Nuovo Racing
This is the keeper in my garage. I bought it back in 1982 to replace another 'racing' bike of mine that had been stolen from the house breezeway. At the time, I wasn't fully 'sold' on the Celeste color. I'd wanted the other colorway which was some sort of steel grey. But in hindsight, I am so very glad I did get this one. As my Mom used to joke: "The color grows on you... like mold".
Celeste was and is Bianchi's brand color. But it's not as simple as that. First off, in the early 80's they were reportedly about to abandon the color. It wasn't selling well. Probably why this was the only one I could find in the Bay Area at the end of the year. But shortly thereafter, somebody at Bianchi got the idea to make a bit of a joke on themselves and promote the 'funny color' specifically. It took off. Everybody learned that this was the color of a Bianchi.
Secondly, 'Celeste' has not been quite the same color all the time. It's not just imprecise color batches in the paint or the fade of time. They actually changed it over time. Sometimes even on two different models in the same year. (Somebody needs to talk to their branding police). So on some bikes it is more green and on others more blue (finding for 'celeste' aka 'sky blue'). But aficionados recognize it in all its forms.
This was also a real, proper Italian bike with Italian parts.
- Cro-Mo steel frame. In the 1982 catalog they didn't specify further. In other years and models they mostly used and label Columbus tubing so I assume it was not that. But it passed my then-critical ride test of being stiff enough that the bottom bracket flex when stomping on it didn't make the front derailleur constantly srape. Most bikes failed. A consequence is that the whole bike is on the heavier side for its class. The slightly later Trek 700 Tri Series and Guerciotti GLX were also able to be at least this stiff and yet a bit lighter.
- Campagnolo Nuovo Record (a classic for many years) drivetrain in a 2x6 configuration that was called '12-speed' back then. Front and rear derailleurs. Down tube friction shifters. But, as was also typical of the time, the rest of the gruppo was mixed
- Universal 77 brakes
- Ofmega Competition 52/42 crankset
- Regina 14-24 freewheel (who needs more range?)
- Ofmega Competition pedals with toe clips and straps
- 25mm clincher tires (wide by the 80s racing standards and not tubular/sewups)
- Matching Silca pump and Bianchi bottle in the single cage (sadly lost during moves)
The passage of time
 |
| In its original configuration in the 80s |
The picture to the left shows it in the early 00s in my office (remember those?). I used to keep it there to take lunch rides in the Baylands and Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View. Among the updates you can see are the modernized 'aero' brake hoods with cables running under the tape. This seemed like (and was) a big improvement on the aesthetics of road bikes. And, for those of us who have scars to prove it, a safety feature to keep your hands from being trapped in a 'get off' event. But not correct for the vintage. You can also see SPD 'clipless' pedals (you know, no toe clips but you 'clip in' instead. Ugh, confuses newbies). I also loved the Michelin tires with the Celeste stripe. Sad you can't find those anymore.
|
Vintage Restoration
A couple of years ago, as I got back into playing with bikes, I realized that I have modern bikes and should really return this one to its original, vintage condition. I was hoping to ride it at the Eroica near San Simeon that year, but it got canceled.
In order to do that, I had to go hunting for parts, starting with the brake levers. I'd long since lost the original Universals so needed replacements. Searching Craigslist and eBay I only found a few and mostly in bad condition or very expensive. The Universals were good at the time but far more plebian than Campagnolo so apparently I wasn't the only one who lost them over the years. They were rare. Eventually I found a cool looking set of age-appropriate Campagnolo Super Record levers with the 'drillium' treatment. They looked fantastic, could have been installed back then and didn't cost as much as the bike.
I did find some Ofmega pedals just like the originals in great shape. And also managed to track down new classic toe clips in XL (which I never had originally) completed with traditional leather Christophe straps. Very authentic. I eventually even found some retro Vittoria "1976 classic" shoes complete with the terror cleat of a straight bar you slid over the pedal cage and strapped your foot down. No float there.
I also couldn't resist tracking down a Celeste Silca frame pump to replace the lost one. It is a little faded with time but close enough. The finishing touch was a vintage, and still made, Brooks B15. saddle. I know this is a) British and b) not what was on it originally. But it fits the era and aesthetic. Some riders surely put one on back in the '80s. The original wasn't really that special. Plastic shell, thin padding with suede leather top.
The future
This bike followed me around the planet from Los Altos to Los Angeles to Davis to Salzburg to Munich to Virginia to Wisconsin to Ohio to San Francisco to Menlo Park. I don't ride it very often anymore because I have bikes that fit better. But it's still a real classic and a joy to ride.
What I really get a kick out of is that both of my kids have taken a liking to it and want to ride it when they join me on adventures. They love the vintage aesthetic.
 |
| Katharine riding it at Foxy's Fall Century in 2023. Nicolas rode it two years earlier. |
Comments
Post a Comment