RIDING THE BIANCHI REKORD 848

The Bianchi offered a very good ride.  Acceleration was crisp and, of course, the Modolo brake set functioned all but perfectly.  The Modolo brake levers are among the most comfortable I have used, exceeding the comfort and stopping power of the Campy side pulls but not coming up to the standard experience in the early Shimano Dura-Ace brakes.  The Dura-Ace brakes, mounted on my 1972 Motobecane Grand Record are unsurpassed when compared to other Old School brake sets.

Shifting the Campagnolo Nouvo Record transmission was a non-issue and the Gipiemme crank and rings smoothly and quietly deliver power to the six speed cog set.  Perhaps I find the Nouvo Record transmission easy to get used since so many of the bicycles I have owned used this shifting system.  At any rate, I do not recall missing a shift with the NR trans and there was also never a tendency for it to loosen off to produce a sudden shift when none was intended.

The control center was quite appropriate for such a fine bicycle.  The Modolo pantographed handlebars, mounted on a lovely Cinelli stem proved to be just the right width and comfortable to use.  The saddle, leather covered and marked with the Bianchi name, was equally comfortable and felt exactly like the gorgeous saddle I use on my Miele LTD.  An indexed alloy seat post held the Bianchi's saddle firmly in place without a hint of wanting to tip or swivel.  The entire bicycle seemed to fit together and work like a charm.

I spent the better part of two weeks riding the 848, with each ride proving to be a just about right.  Had I not been into the retirement and downsizing mode this Bianchi Rekord 848, of the dozen or so that have found their way into the Old Shed, would have been a keeper.  In fact, I often do wish that I had kept the bicycle.  Of course, if I followed that sentiment every time it presents itself to me, my collection would be far too big.  It seems like something always has to go.

Though the Bianchi is an incredibly common vintage bicycle, some of them are truly nice rides.  This 848 being a great example of the what the Bianchi company had to offer at the time.  Though I cannot remember where the Bianchi 848 went, it is my bet that there is at lease one more happy Bianchi owner/rider out there.