1992 Bianchi Pholcus

[MudHungry]

So, in this sorry state I bought it - for € 20,00. Don't ask why.

And I came across this thread:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=65904

and had a small chat with Senri (thanks BTW!)

At first glance: not much ridden, the complete group (Exage 300LX, including the hubs) in perfect nick, Ambrosio rims barely broken in, stainless lacing makes a difference for a quick impression.
It just stood there for the last 15 years or so according to the owner. I brushed off some dirt and dust, and it appeared in a very reasonable shape.

It could be built up SS, which is something I was thinking about lately and that got me searching a bike in the first place. It has semi-horizontal drop-outs so it wouldn't need a chain tensioner - of which I don't like the looks.
On the other hand, why not keep it as is (or reasonably close)? Where's the fun in that? It's not that great a relic or a masterpiece is it? So?

Other things came to mind too. Things I have lying around that could fit this frame and look great. Dropbars. With 8-speed STI road-brifters.

Not really a clear picture of the puzzle so far. So I've taken it home to dissasemble and restart laying the pieces. The dropbars would look great, tried that. So one more important decision: SS or geared. Any input will be considered, thank you in advance.
After that, things should get rolling. More will follow, hopefully at reasonable intervals.

Oh, and never mind the colours :mrgreen:

 

[saltyman]

get it cleaned up!

i like that!

 

[Pickle]

Get rid of the stand

Give it a thorough clean over and post some more photos, including driveside please.

Then, hopefully we can give some proper comments

 

[tintin40]

Get rid of the stand

Give it a thorough clean over and post some more photos, including driveside please.

Then, hopefully we can give some proper comments

Most certainly. (will try proper comments to)

 

[MudHungry]

I'll get more and better pics, I promis - this one is just from the ad that I stumbled upon before buying.
Dismantling for a thourough check and clean-up has allready started, the stand got banned to the burrows of below

 

[MudHungry]

Since input varied from 'keep as is' to 'bin it ASAP' It seemed there was nothing to do with it that comes close to 'right' or even 'common sense' (in my opinion).

And I had these few lucky shots at fleabay...

Some WTB-Specialized dropbars are still on it's way.

So yes, it will see some changes...

The frame is dismantled (the pics I made in the basement were not that good, I'll hoist it up and in the sun one of these days), and will get all unnecessary tabs removed before it gets a new coat of paint. Probably in the obligatory celeste, creamy white is still an option.
Retro decals (of the wrong era and off a racer offcourse) will be put on, and then, whatever comes along that is a bit too fancy or over the top will be confiscated to finish it off. It will be a muddle, but it will be MY muddle