'Restoring' a Bianchi road bike, questions.

[TVR Dummy]

Need a bit of advice from the roadies on here.

I've just picked up a Bianchi bike which is missing a few bits to make it work. First off, This is my first 'racer' since my teens, I mainly ride MTBs. But once I get it working I'm looking forward to getting a few road rides in.

Second, I don't want to spend too much, second hand bits will be fine!

The frame is in good condition, just needs a clean and polish, It has drop bars with Compagnolo Avanti brakes/shifters. Rim brakes are Avanti and just need a clean and new pads. Crankset is Avanti, looks like a 53T/39T. I have a front wheel which looks a bog standard ally rim.

So I need to get....

Rear wheel, or maybe a pair. But what?

Rear cassette. What type? What 'speed'. Chain will depend on the crankset correct?

Rear dérailleur is missing, what will replace it? 8/9 or 10speed? Also need a hanger.

Front derailleur. Again what speed. Both will need to match the shifters, yes?

Will need tyres and tubes. Good wear rate with puncture protection is a must.

Edited by TVR Dummy on Monday 8th July 10:37

[itsnotarace]

The rear der hanger is broken so you will need a replacement one of those too. Might be a challenge finding one for that frame

[jamiebae]

It looks like your rear mech hanger is broken so that will need replacing too. I suspect the easiest way to do it is sourcing a new groupset, and a pair of wheels, that way everything is compatible.

[SkinnyBoy]

http://www.derailleurhanger.com/bianchi.htm

Should find your hanger on there mate

[TVR Dummy]

Thanks, yes needs a hanger, just need to identify the frame/model, I reckon it's a late 90's bike. I have clicked the right shifter and think it's an 8 speed.

[outnumbered]

By the time you've bought all the bits you need, it might not be too far off the price of a new bike, or higher quality used bike, anyway

I'm not sure how obtainable Campag 8 speed equipment is now, if you're trying to reuse the levers you have. For example, the cassette spacing expected by your levers isn't the same as the current 11 speed cassettes, and the latest rear mechs may not be compatible either. A set of new levers + rear mech is quite spendy.

The frame doesn't look anything special to me.It's also got a quill stem and presumably 26mm bars, both systems are more or less obsolete now, so if you need to change either (for reach or bar width), you're looking mostly at eBay.

So I think you might end up spending quite a lot to end up with something that's not all that great. If you don't mind trawling eBay for used kit and waiting to find stuff that's still serviceable, I'm sure it's doable as a project though.

[tigger1]

Don't forget cables (though these are the least of your worries) - old cables are definitely worth replacing.

What will you be using the bike for? Components won't be easy to come by - and even if they are now, in a years time, some will need replacing again...and so on. Maybe make a good frame for a winter singlespeed though?

[TVR Dummy]

I will only be buying used bits, It will be used for a few weekend rides, just to get some miles in, really want to see if I enjoy road riding. Just a shame not to get it back on the road.

Singlespeed...Hmmmmm. The guy I got it off was going to do this, worth thinking about however I have another bike which would suit better as it has adjustable rear wheel slots.