1988 Bianchi Brava
1988 Bianchi Brava
Frame: Tange Double-Butted ChroMoly Steel
Size: 58cm
Color: Black
The Bianchi brand has a long established reputation in building great bicycles and are in fact, one of the oldest bike companies still in existence today. So when I found this bike on craigslist in nearly original condition, I knew it was going to be a perfect candidate for a full restoration.
In researching this bike I was surprised on just how little information was out there on vintage Bianchi bikes. Lucky, I was able to find a Bianchi brochure from 1987 which helped me authenticate the bike and its parts.
The Frame
In the late 80’s Bianchi had some of their road frames made in Japan and based on my research, the Brava was one of them. So when I looked at the frame to verify tubing badges, they were different from the ones on the Japanese frames. This along with the fact that the Japanese models have a lugged fork not uncrown, this leads me to believe the frame is Italian made.
Model Year & Components
The Brava was near the middle of Bianchi’s road offerings in 1988 and was the entry model in their performance series. [most comparable to the Impulso 105 of Bianchi’s current lineup.] It featured Shimano’s new 105 model 1050 groupset complete with indexed shifting and Bio-pace chainrings. Even though this wasn’t Shimano’s highest-end group set of the day, it’s amazing how well it performs thirty-plus years later.
The Restoration
Because I started with a near original bike, it wasn’t too difficult keeping everything stock. [The only non-original parts on the bike are the saddle and pedals.] I also wanted to ride this bike so I did a full restoration including replacing all wearable items like the chain, cables, and brake pads. I also cleaned and polished the components/frame and repacked bearings. The hardest part of this project was funny enough, sourcing new brake hoods. I have a whole post about this here, but after a bit of research I did end up finding some.
All said and done this bike rides like a dream. Even after riding more modern machines, I’m impressed by just how well this bike holds up today. Sure you might miss a few comforts like greater gear range, brifters, and feather-light components, but who needs that stuff anyway. Just go ride your bike!
Components
Bar Tape- Bianchi Eolo Soft Celeste
Brakes- Shimano N105 -single pull
Brake levers- Shimano N105
Bottom Bracket- Shimano N105
Casette- Shimano N105 14-24t 7spd
Chainrings- Shimano Biopace 52-42t
Crankset- Shimano N105
Front Derailleur- Shimano N105
Handlebars- SR CTD
Headset- Levin CD Tange
Hubs- Shimano N105
Pedals- Shimano PD-A600
Rear Derailleur- Shimano N105
Rims- Araya CT-19
Saddle- Selle Italia Flite Titanium
Seatpost- SR P5-E Laprade
Stem- SR Custom
Tires- Michelin Dynamic Classic 28c