lewdvig

I just bought this bike to add to my collection.










My first bike was a red Bianchi 2 in the '80s so this brand will always have a spot in my heart. So, my question is not so much whether its worth it (too late for that) but rather should I upgrade this bike to a modern Campy groupset? Or should I restore it?

I think a 20 lb build is attainable (it has Bianchi Formula One tubing, all tubes, not Tre Tubi). It's a pig right now, just under 23 lbs with the original almost 400 gram saddle (since replaced with an Aliante).

Despite wearing very light Continental GP 23mm tires the 36 spoke wheels are about 630 grams heavier than Zondas on my scale (including freewheel and cassette). I'd guess that the rest of a Veloce group would be +/- 50 grams versus what's on the bike now. With new parts I think I would ride this bike more regularly.

After a quick ride I was amazed how much shifting and braking has advanced since the old days - I never remembered being so scared riding a bike back then, LOL.

Is it overkill sticking modern Veloce or Athena on modest frame like this? Should I save that for another higher end Bianchi that I may come across in the future? A Veloce silver group and a pair of Zondas run me about $900 CDN shipped. Restoring it would only involve TLC, cables/housing and Victory Brake levers to replace the Shimano 600 levers on the bike now.

T-Mar

Personally, I believe it is acceptable to do whatever makes the cycling experience more enjoyable for you, provided the changes are reversible. After all, the bicycle will eventually be passing on to someone else and they may not share your vision. An OEM bicycle is almost always easier to sell, so keep the old parts, in event you go with modern components.

lewdvig

Yeah, good point. I can box everything up and keep it for someone else down the road if the Specialisima or EL OS I want eventually turn up.