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Submitted by: D Waterman

Yes, there is such a thing called a Bianchi Bike. It has style, grace, and versatility. It s also a favorite among the fixed gear bike community.

A little about Bianchi Bikes

Formed by Edoardo Bianchi in Milan, Italy, Bianchi Bikes was founded in 1885 (damn, that s old!). In the same year, the company pioneered the equi-sized wheel use with pneumatic rubber tires (not to mention the front wheel caliper-operated braking mechanism as well). Known as one of the worlds oldest bicycle companies, Bianchi is known for race bikes, track bikes, leisure bikes, and even fixed gear bikes of the modern age.

Bianchi in the US

In the United States, Bianchi headquarters is located in Hayward, California. Today, Bianchi makes bikes in the following categories: Ducati Corse, Hors Categorie, Born For Performance, Coast 2 Coast, Dama Bianca, D2 Special, Classica, Road Steel, MTB Performance, MTB Leisure, Sport, and Cross-Terrain. Of course within each one of these categories lies a number of sleek, high-performance bikes ranging from multi-terrain to classic road bike styles. Also today, fixed gear fanatics like Bianchi bikes for their history, designs, and prestige (they also look great with Campagnolo parts).

The Taiwan Conspiracy

Known from originating in Italy, Bianchi bikes now split their production in Italy and Taiwan. Although some may say this has degraded the purity of Bianchi and the prestige as one of the truest road bikes, overseas production has undoubted helped keep costs down and allowed many to discover Bianchi for the first time at an affordable price. In the U.S., the majority of Bianchi bikes sold are made in Taiwan. Only the Reparto Corse category is still made in Italy.

Famous Riders

When it comes to champion riders, Bianchi has a few. From Jan Ullrich to Danilo Di Luca, Bianchi has won numerous Tour de France competitions as well as victories at Giro d Italia. This bicycle company has a reputation for winning awards on the track and on the streets, so don t think you re getting a cheap-o bike here.

The Auto Connection

In the mid 1950s, Bianchi teamed up with Pirelli and Fiat to form Autobianchi. This short lived auto manufacturer ceased production of vehicles in 1996. They produced vehicles such as the Bianchina Trasformabile, Stellina, and Primula (not to mention the A111 and A112). But enough about cars back to bikes.

Traditional Bianchi Green

You may have heard of the traditional Bianchi Green. It s a turquoise color referred to as Celeste. The theories and stories surrounding this color range from it being the color of the Milan sky, the color of the Italian Queen s eyes (at the time), and even that it was a mixture of surplus military paint. Regardless of the reason, Bianchi Green is part of the tradition and recognizable by Bianchi fans the world around.

So, Do You Want a Bianchi?

If you re thinking about getting your first road/mountain bike, Bianchi is definitely a brand to check out. It s rich history and lasting brand power make it a bike worth the investment. Prices range and will vary from model to model and the accessories available, so be sure to shop around. For you fixed gear fans, older Bianchis can be picked up online from Craigslist and other online/offline second-hand outlets. If you re lucky, you might just find one at the local neighborhood garage sale.

About the Author: Jim likes bikes. Do you? Learn all about

Bianchi bikes

and other

fixed gear bikes

at

thefixedgeargallery.com

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