|
BUILDING THE BIANCHI REKORD 848
 Though I did feel like riding the 848 right away, I resisted the urge.
Riding the bicycle would have meant a full rebuild and I really didn't have the
time for that while on my vacation or whatever one calls such a journey when
retired. The Bianchi was set aside, and later broken down so that I could
fit it and
eleven other vintage road bicycles into my ford pick-up. THAT is a
trick in itself.
 Once back in Thunder Bay, I did not have time to get right at the bicycle and
it sat in The Old Shed for a week or so. When I did have time to look at
the bicycle, I decided to fully rebuild it before going for a spin.
 The
Bianchi 848 needed nothing! Not tires! Not handlebar tape!
Nothing other than a full inspection, lubrication and tuning. There was
very little sign of wear anywhere. The pedals were fresh and pretty much
unmarked. The Modolo Flash brake pads were practically unused judging
from the minimal wear. About all the callipers needed was a bit of
adjusting and tuning to make them all but perfect. Even the original
Modolo hoods were in great shape
  I
was impressed with the bicycle and its presentation. Though it is a silly
consideration, the red cloth handlebar tape was an absolutely perfect choice
 for
this vintage road bike. The red, slightly faded but pretty much unworn
tape, contrasted very well with the Celeste green paint. And the paint
went so well with the all black art and an assortment of pantographs. The
overall effect was very pleasing to the eye and reeked of vintage appeal.
About the only thing missing was the presence of a head badge. I do like
head badges even though their purpose is purely form rather than function.
But that is just me.
  The
Rekord was equipped with a very nice component grouppo. A Campagnolo Nouvo
Record transmission lead the way. The front derailleur sported a common
home made anti-theft protection feature - a previous owner's telephone number
etched into the chrome of the derailleur cage. The cranks set was an
incredibly clean and barely worn Gipeimme unit with a 52/42 ring combination, connected
to a 14/28 six cog freewheel. This combination would later prove to be a
joy to use.
 The control center consisted of a newer style
Cinelli stem supporting a set of Cyclo Starling Italian handlebars, the first
I had run across on any of the other Bianchi bicycles owned. The bars,
coupled with the Modolo levers proved to be a very comfortable fit for me.
I should add that the handlebars were blemish free and still sported an
absolutely lovely lustre. Oxidation had not had a chance to set in,
suggesting that the bicycle had been stored indoors for much of its near quarter
of a century of life.
Once done, I took the 848 out for a ride which
lasted the better part of an afternoon. By the end of the ride, I was
giving very serious consideration to keeping the bicycle. Then again, that
is how I feel about just about every nice vintage road bicycle that I get my
hands on.
NEXT - RIDING THE BIANCHI REKORD 848 |
