Bianchi Celeste advice.

[Swisstony247]

Hi brand new newbie here has anybody heard of or used corno marrone? I'm thinking of buying a bianchi Celeste 'custom' road bike from them. Any thoughts/experience?

www.cornonmarrone.com

http://cornomarrone.com/wp-content/uplo ... nchi-2.jpg

What do the more experienced amongst you make of the bike?

Thanks in advance
Tony

 

[twosheds]

Hi Tony, welcome to the forum, careful you don't get sucked in, its very addictive.

I don't claim to be one of the more experienced on here, but I have had a look at the cornomarrone website and I have a few comments to make. I am not a prolific bike restorer, but like a lot of members on here I am quite fussy about detail and finish.

I looked at some of the detailed pictures for both Bianchis they have for sale. I think they could have paid a bit more attention to detail. There are quite a few marks and scratches on components that could have easily been polished out, on brake levers, cranks and calipers. Also I spotted some small rust spots on the caliper bolts/springs that could easily have been dealt with.

I don't know Bianchi values but they seem a bit pricey to me. They maybe might have been worth near the money with the original paint, in which case the patinated components would have been fine, but the frames have been powder coated, not stove enamelled.

If you really like the Celeste bike, can you go and have a look at it? Knock them down on price because of the cheaper paint job and because it needs work on the components to make it 100%. If you are not comfortable walk away.

With that kind of budget, I am sure you could get a very desirable, mint condition machine from one of the forum members. Some members always have something for sale.

Bruce

 

[Swisstony247]

Re:

Thank you Bruce for the detailed reply, I have decided to leave the bike there are to many variables I'm uncomfortable with least of all the bike is located in Poland.

I am very new to this world of bikes and still find even the frame sizing a little confusing as there is so much contradiction on the interne.t

I am 5'8 is it just a case of go and sit on a bike and see?

Thanks again I appreciate you taking the time to respond and look at my dilemma.

 

[Robbied196]

Re:

5'8" should be around a 21/22" frame. Although it depends more on your inside leg measurement than your height. Some people have long backs and shorts legs, some short backs and long legs Bianchi will be metric so something around 54/55cm. You can then make various adjustments so the bike fits you. If you google 'bike fit' you'll find plenty of information.

Bianchi had a wide range of models over the years from entry level to top end, the asking price needs to suit the model and condition. Good original condition is preferable to restored.